South Africa’s Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshega disclosed that almost 1,500 teachers died of the novel coronavirus.
An estimate of 1,493 teachers succumbed to the virus this year.
The minister said the 2020 academic year was most challenging due to the disruption caused by the pandemic.
“At this point, I also want to acknowledge the fact that during those difficult times, we lost almost 1,493 teachers. We lost a number of our workers. We lost a number of district officials, circuit officials,” she told a news briefing.
”In spite of this, the 2021 academic year would start on Jan. 25 with teachers and pupils returning to the classroom on Jan. 27.
She said a three-year recovery plan would be implemented to deal with 2020’s disruptions.
“The unintended learning losses occurred due to extended closure of schools. Remember some of the learners only came in September,” Motshega said.
Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, has apologised for saying only 10 students were abducted from Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State.
Shehu had told the BBC Hausa Service that only 10 boys were with the bandits while the Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, said 333 students were abducted when gunmen on motorcycles attacked the school last Friday.
The abduction of the students took place some hours after the President arrived in Daura, Katsina for a week-long private visit.
Masari, however, announced on Thursday that 344 schoolboys were released by the bandits in Zamfara State, a number slightly higher than his initial statistic.
While Nigerians delight in the news of the released schoolboys, the presidential aide has, however, come under fire for allegedly trivialising the number of abducted students.
But Shehu, who said he was misled by persons who should know better, apologised to all Nigerians over his comment.
He tweeted, “I apologise for the incorrect communication citing that only 10 students were kidnapped at the science school, Kankara.
“This communication of numbers was provided by persons that should ideally know. These numbers were seen to conflict with what was available at that time.
“Please understand that this communication was in no way done to downplay the seriousness of the situation.
“Please accept my sincere apologies on this matter as we continue to move our great Nation Nigeria forward. Thank you.”
A first-class traditional ruler in Kogi State, Alhaji Shaibu Usman has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Ankpa.
Usman, who is the current acting Eje of Ankpa and Director of Local Government was kidnapped on Friday morning at about 5:30 am while entering a mosque in Ankpa.
His abductors are yet to make any contact with the family.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the kidnap of the traditional ruler.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Ayuba Edeh said the command is not resting on its oars until the abductors of the Acting Eje of Ankpa are fished out.
Schoolboys abducted at the Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State have lamented the sufferings they went through in their kidnappers’ den.
According to them, they were kept in the cold and ate once in 48 hours.
In a video that surfaced online, one of the abducted schoolboys, Abubakar Salisu, said a majority of the students are not willing to return to the school where they were kidnapped.
He regretted that the location of the school made it difficult for security operatives to rescue them.
Salisu said they felt the efforts of security operatives attempting to rescue them in one of the locations that they were kept.
He said, “I was very happy (to be rescued). At the time we were there (kidnappers’ den), we were kept in the cold. They gave us only cassava to eat.
“At night, we defecate and urinate on the same spot that we sleep. If we request to use the toilet, we are beaten.”
When asked if they are willing to return to school, Salisu replied, “None of us is willing to go back there. But some will go if the government increases the number of security operatives guarding us, without that we are not going back.
When asked why, the schoolboy replied that “In terms of security, the school is too far from town. When they came to kidnap us, the army and police arrived late. They already gathered us parked us inside the forest before the army and police came.”
Another schoolboy complained about his poor state of health.
He said, “They kidnapped us from December 11 and freed us on December 17. We really suffered in the bush. We were hungry in the bush and we had no mattress. Sometimes, it takes two days before we eat. They give us only cassava.
“I feel hungry. I am not feeling fine. I am sick.”
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has returned the order restricting the operations of churches and mosques in the state.
He asked the worship centres not to hold services for more than two hours, adding that no gathering must exceed 50 per cent of the maximum capacity of the Venue.
Sanwo-Olu also banned carnivals and street parties in the state, in a statement on Friday.
He said, “Concerts, carnivals and street parties are banned in Lagos State until further notice.
Night Clubs have not been allowed to open yet. All Night Clubs in Lagos must immediately shut down, until further notice.
“The midnight to 4a.m curfew imposed by the Federal Government remains in place.
“The protocol of ‘No Mask No Entry’ must be enforced by all public places: Offices, Businesses, Markets, Shops, and so on.
“All Places of Worship (Churches, Mosques, etc.) must ensure that no gathering exceeds two hours, and also that no gathering exceeds 50% of the maximum capacity of the Venue.
“A minimum of 2 meters’ distance should be maintained between seated or standing guests.
“All guests and service providers at events MUST wear nose masks/coverings before entry.”
Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra has withdrawn the certificates of appointment of three traditional rulers in the state and also reinstated five others.
Chief Greg Obi, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs announced this on Friday in Awka.
Obi in a statement dated Dec. 17 and entitled: “Update on Suspension of Igwes in Anambra’’ said the governor acted according to the powers vested on him by the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law, 2007.
He gave the names of the traditional rulers who had their certificates withdrawn as, Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo of Nawfia Town, Igwe Anthony Onyekwere of Owelle and Igwe G. B. C. Mbakwe of Abacha.
The governor announced the lifting of suspension on five traditional rulers including , Igwe Simon Chidibem of Umumbo, Igwe A. N. Onwuneme of Ikenga, Igwe Mark Anthony Okonkwo of Alor, Igwe Chukwuma Orji of Ezinifite and Igwe S.O. Obiora of Ezira.
Obi said the withdrawal and reinstatement of the certificates were with immediate effect.
According to the statement, the government is also reviewing the suspension slammed on Igwe Kelly Nkeli of Igbariam, Igwe Dr Emeka Iluno of Ifitedunu and Igwe Peter Uyanwa of Ukwulu.
Obi said all the affected traditional rulers have one month to submit the certificates of recognition to the Secretary of the Local Government of their communities from the day of the announcement.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Anambra government on Aug. 11, 2020 suspended 12 traditional rulers for alleged gross misconduct.
According to Obi who announced the suspension, during the sanction period, the suspended traditional rulers are required to stop holding court as traditional rulers and to desist from discharging traditional rulers’ functions in their communities or anywhere in the state and beyond.
“This sanction may be lifted at the end of one year or renewed or upgraded in the intervening period depending on government’s review of your conduct.
“By this sanction, membership of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council is hereby revoked, also, any appointment in other government committee is hereby rescinded,” he said.
Pa Israel Akojede and his wife, Mama Esther, who were married for 72 years and died few hours apart were buried on Friday at the Apostolic Faith Church Cemetery, Ijeja in Abeokuta, Ogun.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the couple died on Friday, Oct. 30, 2020 at Gbonagun in Obantoko area of Abeokuta.
NAN also reports that Pa Israel was 103 years at the time of his death, while Mama Esther who died shortly after receiving the news of her husband’s passing was aged 98.
Rev. Folorunsho Ajayi, delivering a sermon at the funeral service for the couple at Apostolic Faith Church, Ogun Regional Headquarters, Abeokuta, admonished couples to always pray together and believe in one another.
Ajayi, Regional Overseer of the church, who cited different bible chapters, noted that salvation was precious and that one must work hard and follow God’s rule to obtain it.
He called on women to be virtuous, truthful and always have respect for their husbands, saying that was one of the major ways to make heaven.
Speaking to NAN after their interment, the oldest child of the late couple, Mr Joseph Akojede, described his parent as loving, caring and prayer warriors.
“They were both great in life and in death. They were parents to all and not only the biological ones. They both exhibited parental care and were friends to all,” he said.
Also, the First Grandson, Olanrewaju Akojede, said he was grateful for the love and support he received from his “grandma and grandpa “.
He explained that their love and prayers were the driving force behind everything he did.
“They were so great parents who lived a pleasant and worthy life that is worth emulating.
“I am happy knowing that they are finally resting peacefully in heaven,” he said.
Unidentified gunmen have attacked the convoy of the Emir of Kaura Namoda in Zamfara State, Alhaji Sanusi Muhammad, killing eight people and injuring others.
The incident, according to an eyewitness who escaped during the attack, said, “The Emir’s convoy was ambushed by the suspected gunmen along Zaria-Funtua highway while returning to Gusau from Abuja.
“The Emir was coming back to Zamfara from Abuja in the midnight in a convoy of his official vehicles.”
According to him, eight occupants of the Toyota Hilux, including the driver, were all shot dead by the gunmen, adding that “the Emir escaped unhurt”.
Among those killed in the attack, according to the source, are three policemen and the driver of the Toyota Hilux, Punch reports.
President Buhari is presently meeting with the students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, in Katsina State.
Recall hundreds of the schoolboys were kidnapped by suspected bandits on Friday, December 11.
They were released on Thursday, December 17 in Zamfara State and taken to Katsina State on Friday morning amidst tight security.
The Personal Assistant on New Media to the President, Bashir Ahmad, had tweeted that Buhari would be meeting with the students.
Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, at a press conference today, said although the President did not visit Kankara, Katsina State where students were abducted, he coordinated rescue efforts from his hometown, Daura.
A security guard took a woman to a car park he was employed to patrol and raped her after she got into his vehicle believing it was her pre-booked taxi.
Nigeria's Sola Austin Warikwah, 39, has been jailed for the attack, which took place after the 25-year-old woman got into his car at Embankment, London early on 22 April 2019.
She mistakenly thought it was cab booked to take her home. Instead, Warikwah drove her to a multi-storey car park in Victoria where he r3ped her.
The building was one of the sites he was patrolling in central London at night as part of his job.
The woman managed to send messages to a friend which said: “I’ve been r3ped. I feel sick. This taxi won’t take me home. I’m scared.”
She managed to escape the vehicle and take pictures of the r3pist, and police used CCTV, phone and vehicle enquiries to identify Warikwah. He was arrested at his home two days after the r3pe.
Warikah, of St John’s, South East London, was jailed for seven years and given three years on top of that to serve on licence at Southwark Crown Court on 17 December.
He was given a s3xual harm prevention order and put on the s3x offenders register for life.
Detective Sergeant John Paton, of Westminster Sapphire Team in the Safeguarding Unit, said: “Sola Austin Warikwah is a predatory sex offender who targeted a vulnerable, unsuspecting woman travelling alone.
“Due to the courage and quick thinking of the victim, assistance from the public and the veracity of the investigation, a dangerous offender has been placed where he is no longer a threat to women.
“I sincerely hope that the sentence handed down today encourages other victims of sexual offences to come forward.”
The Met urged anyone who has been the victim of a s3x crime to report it as soon as possible.
A 27-year old Indian hemp farmer, Owalum Benedict Ochin, has been remanded to prison custody by Akure Magistrate’s Court for beheading his friend and roommate identified as Ekon.
Benedict was said to have committed the act after a brawl over ingredients to put in a soup.
He was also alleged to attack one Blessing Opor with a machete after beheading his friend.
Benedict said he hails from Calabar in but came to Ondo State in search of job and was introduced to Blessing Opor and others who cultivated Indian hemp.
The incident was said to have happened on November 29, 2020, at about 6:30pm at Jungle forest, Ipele, Owo local government area.
Both friends were said to be labourers who engaged to cultivate Indian hemp for drug lords at the forest reserve in Ipele.
They lived together after working in the farm.
Benedict however said he killed his friend during a fracas.
According to him, “I killed my friend, Ekon because he provoked me. We were cooking soup and he went to pluck a leaf he knew would upset my stomach and put it inside the soup.
The defendant reportedly told investigators that he used to have stomach upset anytime he consumed the leaf.
He said the both of them went for their cutlasses and began to fight with it which made them sustain injuries but he had the upper hand and was able to hack his friend all over his body, before he made the last stroke at the head.
Benedict said he packed the head inside one bag and hid it inside the bush so that his crime would not be discovered.
On why he attacked Blessing, Benedict said he was angry after killing his friend and remembered that Blessing owed him some money.
He said it was the alarm by Blessing that attracted others to the scene and he was arrested.
Benedict was arraigned on a two count charge of “murder and attempted murder”.
Police prosecutor, Inspector Uloh Goodluck, said the offences were contrary to sections 516, 316 and punishable under section 319(1) and 390(1) of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State 2006.
The plea of the defendant was not taken when the charge was read to him.
Blessing was said to fled from the Federal Medical Centre Owo where he was receiving treatment.
Presiding Magistrate, N.T. Aladejana, ordered that the defendant remanded in Ondo Correctional Centre pending the outcome of advice from the office of the Department of Public Prosecution.
The case was adjourned to January 21, 2021 for hearing.
The Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, on Wednesday said Nigeria should take delivery of Covid-19 vaccine by January 2021.
He said a committee set up for that purpose was already working with a view to deciding the kind of vaccine that would be suitable for Nigeria.
Ehanire disclosed this in an interview with State House correspondents after the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.
He said Nigeria had signed up with the World Health Organisation and the GAVI Alliance for access to vaccines immediately they are available.
Sosoliso plane crash survival, Kechi Okwucho, is feeling like a woman one more time.
Kelchi just revealed she can wear earrings 15 years after she survived the plane crash that killed 108 passengers.
In a post she made on her Instagram page, Kechi narrated how it has been difficult finding an earring that can hook her ear and luckily for her, a gold hoop her mum got for her hooked perfectly.
She disclosed she has missed earrings and wearing braids all these years. Her words;
''Speaking of gratitude, let me tell y’all a story.
Two things I’ve missed since the accident are doing braids and wearing earrings. I don’t talk about it but my mom knows this.
Sometime late last year, mommy came into my room all excited about a package that had finally arrived-little gold hoops that gently hook around the ear. We tried many things with no success cos I don’t have ear lobes so if this worked, it would be a big deal. Bruh. We put them on me and they stayed on like what?! Then we found out we could hook longer earrings unto them too!! I couldn’t believe it. Mommy doesn’t know this but I cried that day after she left my room. She didn’t tell me she was still looking for a way for me to wear earrings. She just knew it’d make me happy.
I just wanna say to my sweet & incredible mom @ijeduruokwuchi (founder of @gateaux.d.ije bakery) for not stopping until she found a way for me to wear earrings again: thank you and I love you so so much?
I AM WEARING EARRINGS GUYS I’ll be posting about this all week so sorry in advance!''
Sokoto State Government has ordered the immediate closure of 16 boarding schools along its borderlines.
A statement on Thursday said the decision was reached at the state’s 17th security council meeting held at the government house.
It said the decision also followed the brief received by the Council from the State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Muhammad Bello Guiwa, on the security situation in the affected areas and the threats this portends.
The affected schools are Government Girls Model Secondary School, Illela, Sultan Muhammadu Tambari Arabic Secondary School, Illela, Gamji Girls College, Rabah, Government Secondary School, Gada, Government Secondary School, Gandi and Government Secondary School, Goronyo.
Others are Government Secondary School, Isa, Government Secondary School Sabon Birnin Gobir, Boarding Primary School, Isa, Boarding Primary School, Balle and Boarding Primary School, Jabo.
The remaining are UBE Junior Secondary School, Sabon Birni, Government Secondary School, Kebbe, Government Secondary School, Tureta, Government Technical College, Binji and Olusegun Obasanjo Technical College, Bafarawa.
Governor Aminu Tambuwal noted that “the schools were to be closed, temporarily for two weeks.”
The governor directed the Ministries of Basic and Secondary Education and that of Science and Technology to temporarily merge the students of the affected schools with those of other schools for the continuation of their studies pending the improvement in the security situation of the affected areas
“Accordingly, Principals of the affected schools are hereby directed to comply with immediate effect,” it stated.
The Lagos States Government has directed public and private schools in the state to vacate on Friday.
Director-general Lagos State Office of Education Quality Assurance, Ministry of Education, Abiola Seriki-Ayeni announced the directive in a statement.
“The 2020/2021 First (1st) term academic session for public and private schools comes to an end on Friday 18th December, 2020,” Seriki-Ayeni said.
“Therefore, all public and private schools below tertiary level in the state are to close for the Christmas and New Year holiday on that day.
“Schools are to resume back on Monday 4th January, 2021 in compliance with the Lagos State harmonized academic calendar.”
She noted that students in boarding schools are to resume on Sunday, January 3, 2021 while academic activities commences immediately.
Seriki-Ayeni stated that all schools must ensure that they submit their safety plans on the Office of Education Quality Assurance website: www.oeqalagos.com.
The plans, according to her, include operational, academic, health and safety, data and communication plan. She said the plans are to be uploaded on the website to complete the online registration process.
She advised parents to ensure strict adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols at home while all school proprietors and school administrators are enjoined to also ensure compliance to COVID-19 safety protocols when schools resume for 2nd term on Monday, January, 4 2021.
Juliet Ibrahim's only child -- Jayden is 10 today and his mom can;t keep calm.
She took to Instagram to celebrate him while also raining prayers on him.
The actress who is also a business woman wrote;
''It was exactly a decade ago, you were crying in my loving arms. Jayden, now you are growing into a fine lad and I couldn’t be prouder. My prayer for you is that you live happily for many more decades to come and may all our heartfelt wishes and prayers for you come to past in Jesus name. Amen!
Jayden, For the first time in your life, you need 2 numbers to write your age! So that makes your tenth birthday a beginning of a new era in your life, so make sure you get the most out of it. @jaydenksafo
From all the years you’ve lived in the past decade of your life, this one will probably require the most work, I mean, you even need more numbers to write down your age now.
But with great work, comes even greater excitement and responsibility when that work is finished, so never forget that no matter how tough the future of a big man like you may seem, there is always a happier side.
More so, Turning ten means you have become Trustworthy, Effective and Noble in decision making. You’re a big man now, @jaydenksafo
I am here for you forever and just remember you are a special kid, so I want you to always believe in yourself that you can achieve and become anything you want to be.
You are the reason I am the happiest and luckiest parent on earth because you are definitely the most awesome 10 year old I know.
Having a special son like you is a blessing to me; I get to share in each and every moment that means the world to you.
Enjoy your youth as you won’t be young forever. There is a time when everything stops being only games or play and work gets into the picture.
Keep being yourself and working harder to be a better person and you might end up being the next Mr. President.
Happy 10th birthday! You have been planning for this day for as long as I can remember.
For each of the 10 candles on your birthday cake today, I wish for a wish of yours to come true. Because that is what decade old kids deserve!
We have something special planned for you as you are getting old! Just kidding.
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the reopening of four land borders in three of the six geopolitical zones of the country with immediate effect.
These include Seme border in the South- West, Illela and Maigatari borders in the North- West, and Mfun border in the South-South.
However, the ban on importation of rice, poultry, among others remained enforced, the federal government said.
With the latest development, import and export of approved goods would begin in earnest after months of closure, a development that impeded businesses and social activities.
Successful filmmaker Tyler Perry has taking to Instagram to reveal that he's going through midlife crisis.
The father-of-one pointed out that he's 51, single, and unsure what the next chapter in his life will look like. He shared a photo of himself and wrote:
"This is what a midlife crisis looks like. I’m 51, single and wondering what the next chapter in my life will look like.
"Whatever it looks like I’m going to walk with God, be the best father and man I can be, hold my head up high, and try to look my best doing it!! In a world with so much sadness, please try and stay in the good! Merry Christmas and let’s look forward to 2021 bringing us peace!"
