Peaceful Protest

This evening, on Admiralty Way, I encountered a group of protesters demanding that the Federal Government puts an end to SARS NOW! #EndSARS

The protesters ensured there was no movement by "blocking" the road. They threatened that the protest will continue until the Government #EndSARSNow

To show how serious the movement is, notable Nigerian celebrities have joined their voices to demand the end of SARS! The movement has gained international attention and the whole world is focused on Nigeria.

In a recent development, the President, Mohammedu Buhari has ordered the "IGP to conclusively address the concerns of Nigerians regarding these excesses, & ensure erring personnel are brought to justice.” Act now and ensure the police cease to harass citizens.

I pray that the Government representatives do what is right and make sure this protest does not escalate and cause more problems for the Country. Otherwise, we will start clamouring for other things to end as well.

Adieu Majek Fashek

As I got ready to step out of the house for work yesterday, I noticed "the sky looked misty and cloudy." I decided to dash out immediately before the rain starts pouring. Of course, I imagined what the traffic would be like, especially with such a weather. So I had to rush out even with the misty and cloudy weather. About 20 minutes later, the rain started...

During the drive to work, I tuned the radio to listen to various news items and some analytical reviews of the news items. That has been a tradition. When I heard the OAP on radio say "rest in peace Majek. . ." I was shocked. . . What?! O my God!

What came to my mind immediately was the fact that the news of his passing came at a time it was raining HEAVILY (at least in Lagos). What a rare coincidence, to hear the demise of the legendary rain maker on a rainy day! WOW!

Adieu Majek! May the soul of Majek Fashek rest in peace! Amen.

COVID-19 is Real. Stay Safe

And so, the lockdown was eased in Lagos State and people were allowed to resume moving around within the State. Offices and businesses have reopened. Everyone is out again. Most businesses rendered skeletal services.

All the precautionary measures were discarded as people were seen clustered at various bus stops and banks. I was amazed that most people threw caution to the wind and moved around without the least protective gear, a face mask! I was equally amazed at the crowd seen within the premises of various banks not observing "physical distancing" otherwise known as social distance. What a pity!

I was informed that customers without face masks are denied entry into most banks, and as a result some customers without face masks "borrow" face masks from others in order to gain entrance into the bank. Pathetic! How can any sane human being share face mask?

Some people still go about saying that the whole virus saga is a scam. I have also heard people say "coronavirus is a hoax". And these are from the mouth of so called "educated" people! Can you beat that?!

The sooner we all understand that this virus is real and that is causes health challenges which may lead to death, the better for all of us.

I am tired of reading about the increased numbers of confirmed cases. I want to start reading about a decrease in confirmed cases. I want to start reading of increased recoveries. no more covid-19 related deaths. Enough is enough!

These can only be achieved if we all join our hands and fight this common enemy by following the guidelines given by the appropriate authorities.

#WashYourHands #Sanitize #StaySafe

LOCKDOWN EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER 14 DAYS

And so the speculations came true. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari in his broadcast today has extended "the current restriction of movement in Lagos and Ogun States as well as the FCT for another 14 days effective from 11:59 pm on Monday, 13th of April, 2020." 

He acknowledged that this was "a difficult decision to take, but I am convinced that this is the right decision. The evidence is clear."

• Though he acknowledged the difficulties and hardship the lockdown has caused us, he however pleaded that such sacrifice was needed to limit the spread of the coronavirus in Nigeria and save lives.

• He acknowledged the support from various traditional rulers, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) during this pandemic.

• He acknowledged the support and contributions received from public spirited individuals, the business community and our international partners and friends.

• He noted that over 7,000 Healthcare workers had been trained on infection prevention and control and NCDC teams had been deployed to 19 States of the Federation.

• In the last fourteen days alone, over 70,000 people have died worldwide due to this disease.

• Here in Nigeria, we had 131 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 12 States on 30th March 2020. We had two fatalities then.

• This morning, Nigeria had 323 confirmed cases in twenty States. Unfortunately we now have ten fatalities. Lagos State remains the center and accounts for 54% of the confirmed cases in Nigeria. When combined with the FCT, the two locations represent over 71% of the confirmed cases in Nigeria.

• Majority of the confirmed cases in Lagos and the FCT are individuals with recent international travel history or those that came into contact with returnees from international trips.

• By closing our airports and land borders and putting strict conditions for seaport activities, we have reduced the impact of external factors on our country. However, the increase in the number of States with positive cases is alarming.

• Having signed the Quarantine Order and additional regulations for the COVID-19 pandemic, it will be released soon.

• He stated that he has directed that the current social register be expanded from 2.6 million households to 3.6 million households in the next two weeks.

• Today, the cessation of movement, physical distancing measures and the prohibition of mass gatherings remain the most efficient and effective way of reducing the transmission of the virus. By sustaining these measures, combined with extensive testing and contact tracing, we can take control and limit the spread of the disease.

After his address to the Nation, the total number of COVID-19 in Nigeria had risen to 343. 91 of these had been discharged and 10 dead.

O Lord, heal the Earth of this raging pandemic in Jesus Name! Amen.