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Actress Funke Akindele says she will practice what she preaches , according to reports .

The actress said Naira Marley had been at her residence before the lockdown was announced .

She also pledged to support the Nigerian government in creating more awareness in eradicating the coronavirus pandemic .

Akindele, also known as Jenifa, stated this in a video released on her Social Media platforms a few hours before her arrest .

She was taken from her residence in Amen Estate off the Lekki – Epe Expressway to the State Criminal Investigation Department , Panti , Yaba .

In the video , Akindele apologised to her fans for not leading by example amid the COVID- 19 stay – at – home order of the government .

She said , “ I have seen all the messages on Social Media . I will not intentionally mislead people.

“ It was my husband ’ s birthday (on Saturday) . Both of us run a studio which is located in Amen Estate where we live .

“ When the pandemic started , we stopped all productions including our new projects .

“ But before the lockdown was announced by our President , some youths have been in the boot camp here in Amen Estate – majority of the youths were those you saw in the video .

“ Naira Marley came in here before the lockdown . And when the lockdown was announced , he said he would love to stay back , saying he loves this environment .

“ I said okay fine . Then my husband ’ s birthday came up . And we all came together as a family .

“ Everybody in that video had been in Amen Estate some months before , weeks before and days before the lockdown . Nobody came from their houses to party with us .

“ I am sorry if I have misled you . I appreciate your concerns and I promise to always practice what I preach .

“ I promise to always support the government in creating more awareness to eradicate this pandemic . ”

> Funke Akindele not our brand ambassador – NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control , said actress Funke Akindele also known as Jenifa , was not its brand ambassador.

This is coming shortly after the Lagos State Police Command arrested the actress for hosting a house party that contravened the lockdown order of the government .

More news👉 https://latestnewsupdates.news.blog/2020/04/05/updated-lockdown-police-arrest-funke-akindele-over-house-party/

The actress had appeared in adverts for the NCDC and Dettol , calling on Nigerians to observe social distancing and hygiene as part of measures to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country.

She was arrested at her residence in Amen Estate off the Lekki – Epe Expressway and had been taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department , Panti , Yaba .

The Police said a manhunt has begun for Akindele’ s husband , Abdulrasheed Bello aka JJC Skillz ; and singer Azeez Fashola aka Naira Marley, said to have been at the party .

Reacting via its Twitter handle , the centre said , “As an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria , NCDC has not engaged brand ambassadors as part of our response to COVID- 19 . We continue to emphasise that all Nigerians maintain social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID- 19 . ”

Similarly, Dettol Nigeria , said , “ We have been made aware through social media that Funke Akindele recently , acting in her personal capacity , had a celebration which is against the caution to the public on social distancing during the COVID- 19 pandemic .

“ The NCDC partnered with Dettol on a public service message to educate our communities about preventive measures against COVID- 19 . Funke is not a brand ambassador of the NCDC.

“ As a responsible organization and brand , Dettol does not condone any breach of the guidelines on COVID- 19 .

“ As an organisation , we are concerned at the turn of events.

“ We will continue to support NCDC and the Nigerian government to fight COVID- 19 . ”

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested Funke Akindele for hosting a party in contravention of the lockdown order in Lagos State .

The Lagos State Public Relations Officer , Bala Elkana , told newsmen
that the actress had been taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department , Panti , Yaba .

He told newsmen, “ Yes , we have ( arrested ) Funke Akindele and we are looking for the others. She has been taken to SCID . ”

Akindele, popularly known as Jenifa , who is married to singer , Abdulrasheed Bello aka JJC Skillz , held a party in his honour on Saturday .

Singer , Azeez Fashola aka Naira Marley , also graced the party , which had over 20 others in attendance .

Thousands of Nigerians on social media called for the arrest Akindele, popularly called ‘ Jenifa ’ .

The actress , who is said to be an ambassador for the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Dettol , has appeared in adverts calling on Nigerians to observe social distancing and hygiene .

She later apologised over the incident , saying most of those who attended the party were colleagues, who were living temporarily within the estate and could not return to their home states because of the lockdown caused by the COVID- 19 pandemic .

The Lagos Infection Diseases Regulations 2020 (the Regulations ) prescribes a jail term of one month or N100 , 000 fine or both for persons found guilty of hosting gatherings or flouting the lockdown order .

It reads in part, “ Where there is a violation of a close – down or stay at home order, security Agencies shall have power to arrest without warrant and may detain any person who violates the closedown or stay at home order for at least forty – eight ( 48 ) hours.

“ Where the arrested person is found guilty , the person is liable to a fine of one Hundred Thousand Nara fine ( N100 , 000 . 00 ) or one (1 ) month imprisonment or three (3 ) months Community service . ”

A crying nurse is pleading with Britons to stay home and support the NHS as the pressure of the coronavirus pandemic leaves staff on their knees.

Shirley Watts, an operating theatre nurse at Basildon University Hospital, Essex, fought back tears as she tells the country how stretched staff are, as they try and stem the tide of coronavirus patients.

Teary Watts said: “We’re desperately short of staff. Things are really difficult and we’re all struggling.

“If you stay in and you don’t spread it and you don’t catch it, that takes the pressure off of us because we’re all on our knees at the moment.”

She continues: “We’re trying to save lives. We’re all just doing what we can to save people’s loved ones and I want you to see me like this because I want people to realise how serious it is.

“If you know anyone that’s going out and they don’t need to if you see groups of people, I want you to say something to them. I want you say ‘you need to stay indoors and you need to stop spreading it, you need to stop catching it’.”

Since Britain went into lockdown the public has taken part in two nationwide claps to show its appreciation for the NHS.

But this weekend’s warm weather has seen the public ignoring social distancing rules.

A tearful Shirley adds: “I know people are appreciating what we’re doing, that we’re staying away from our families and putting ourselves in danger to try and save other people’s loved ones.

“It feels like a losing battle, but it’s not because we’ve all got hope and we’re all trying to do what we can.”

Shirley was speaking after finishing a six hour shift. She told viewers she was going home to sleep before returning for another shift tonight.

Nollywood actor , Funke Akindele, has come under intense criticism for hosting a celebrity – studded party at home despite the government – ordered lockdown caused by the COVID- 19 pandemic .

Thousands of Nigerians on social media called for the arrest of Akindele, popularly called ‘ Jenifa ’ .

The actress , who is considered as an ambassador for the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Dettol , has appeared in adverts calling on Nigerians to observe social distancing and hygiene .

However , in a video posted on social media by her husband , Abdulrasheed Bello aka JJC Skillz , many celebrities including singer Naira Marley , are seen having a house party in contravention of the government order.

In the video , which is almost two minutes long , JJC Skillz says it was his birthday and he had to invite friends to celebrate with him at their home located at Amen Estate , Lekki – Epe Expressway .

He said , “ Na here we dey , those of us wey get mind ( sic). This is the best estate to be stuck in during the lockdown . It is my birthday . ”

The guests , which are over 20 , including Naira Marley , are also seen singing ‘ Ma fo ’ , a song released by the musician last year .

The video , however , caused an uproar online with many Nigerians calling on both the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government to take immediate action .

@ Dolusegun tweeted, “ Funke Akindele and her husband should be arrested this morning . ”

@ Klazematics said , “ The government won ’ t succeed with this lockdown if people like Funke Akindele are not punished for their reckless behaviour . A scapegoat needs to be made of them. ”

@ Bshizzle70 wrote on Instagram, “ Everybody at that party should be arrested . This is a criminal offence . Choose who your role model is wisely. ”

@ deeoneayekooto tweeted , @ Funke Akindele, a Dettol ambassador , is leading a campaign against coronavirus and you ’ re on the advert . You ’ re a Lagos State Government ambassador . You held a party in the midst of coronavirus lockdown . Shame on you , you are not a worthy ambassador . ”

The Lagos Infection Diseases Regulations 2020 (the Regulations ) prescribes a jail term of one month or N100 , 000 fine or both for persons found guilty of hosting gatherings or flouting the lockdown order .

It reads in part, “ Where there is a violation of a close down or stay at home order, security agencies shall have power to arrest without warrant and may detain any person who violates the close down or stay at home order for at least forty – eight ( 48 ) hours.

“ Where the arrested person is found guilty , the person is liable to a fine of one Hundred Thousand Nara fine ( N100 , 000 . 00 ) or one (1 ) month imprisonment or three (3 ) months Community service . ”

A man in central Russia shot and killed five people for talking noisily at night under his windows, investigators said .

The shootings took place in the Ryazan region during stay – at – home orders aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus .

A 32 – year – old man from the small town of Yelatma opened fire on a group of four young men and a woman who “ was talking loudly in the street under his windows” at around 10 pm on Saturday, investigators said .

Yelatma is located near the city of Ryazan , which is situated some 200 kilometres ( 120 miles) southeast of the capital Moscow.

The man went to his balcony to complain to the group and a dispute erupted before he reached for his single – barrel hunting rifle , the Investigative Committee said .

“ They all died of their injuries on the spot, ” it said in a statement .

The suspect whose name was not released has been arrested . His apartment has been searched and the weapon seized .

Deputy Ryazan region governor Igor Grekov travelled to the scene of the shootings .

AFP

Some Nigerians have expressed outrage over the invitation of 18 Chinese medical experts to the country to assist in the fight against the coronavirus , a microbe which causes COVID- 19 .

Observation by news correspondent showed that the Nigerians distrusted the Chinese government , hence they asked the Federal Government to be wary of bringing in the Chinese medical team, especially as they are coming from where the disease originated from .

The Chairman of the association, Dr Muhammed Adeboye, said in Ilorin that Nigeria has no alarming cases compared to other countries to warrant external help.

”It is bad for us to be expecting experts because people are not dying massively in Nigeria and cases are not increasing astronomically.

”For now, we are not stressed out as far as the crisis is concerned and people are been discharged day-in-day-out.

”So, there is no indication to bring any professional from any part of the world,” Adeboye said.

He cautioned that any external unwarranted assistance could aid the foreigners to manipulate the virus to be more harmful to Nigerians.

”Bringing people in can be an avenue for many terrible things to happen as well, because we don’t have the capacity to manipulate viruses whether confirmed or not.

”It is a novel virus which might be probably man made and to a large extent, the rate of infection here is not as much as what we have in other countries.

”They can still manipulate to want to know what it is that is working for us, then go ahead to manipulate the virus again.

”And then, they will now import the virus with the so called unwarranted assistance, before you know it more people will be dying of it.

”So, we don’t need any foreign assistance, not even from China,” the MDCAN president said.

Meanwhile, The resident doctors, however, say they have distanced themselves from the plan.

“In the interim, NARD wishes to distance herself from the planned importation of Chinese medical experts to Nigeria in whatever guise or hood for the reasons presented in this write-up and many more,” Sokomba stated.

“NARD shall not contemplate further warning to distance herself from the Chinese adventure by way of withdrawing all her members from every public health facility in Nigeria so that the anticipated downturn in the output of Nigeria’s healthcare service delivery can be properly situated and traceable to the Chinese as is the case today in Italy.

“NARD hereby reiterates her position which was canvased earlier in the week for the FG to immediately and massively employ all qualified but unemployed doctors and other healthcare workers. Get them trained, insured, motivated and deployed nationwide”.

More news👉 https://latestnewsupdates.news.blog/2020/04/04/just-in-covid-19-fg-seeks-nass-approval-for-n500bn-intervention-fund/

As the coronavirus pandemic spreads and countries struggle to respond , China has somewhat positioned itself as a global leader and benefactor in public health by donating coronavirus testing kits , ventilators , face masks and medics to African countries and others such as Italy , France , the Philippines , Spain , Iran and Iraq .

Some of the countries have , however , complained that thousands of the Chinese equipment are below standard or defective, while some countries have also turned down the offer by China to send its medics to them.

About a week after Nigeria received some medical equipment from Chinese billionaire Jack Ma , the Minister of Health , Dr Osagie Ehanire , disclosed that 18 Chinese medics would soon arrive in the country to assist in the fight against COVID- 19 .

The minister said this on Friday during a briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID- 19 in Abuja , adding that he had been notified of medical supplies from China courtesy of a group of Chinese companies working in Nigeria .

The Lagos State Governor , Babajide Sanwo- Olu , has said that lockdown order may be extended in the state beyond 14 days .

He said this during a media briefing , according to reports .

He said that the lockdown would be extended depending on the situation of things , adding that
the number of patients discharged in Lagos has risen to 24 .

The governor , however , assured residents that palliatives would be provided.

He said , “If there’ s a need to extend the lockdown , I will. We got one discharged patient today (recovered from the coronavirus ). We are going to sit down with the committee that is working on the community markets and see if we can announce more next week. ”

On alleged assault of residents by enforcement agents, Sanwo- Olu said , “ There ’ s been no backlash on the handling of people by the security operatives so far . I always tell them to ‘ wear a human face’ . ”

Abuja and Lagos had been shut down for at least two weeks to curb the spread of COVID- 19 .

Ogun State Governor has hinted that the state would be on total lockdown until Tuesday morning when it would be reviewed.

The Governor said the total lockdown imposed on the State which had commenced 11 pm of Friday, would be lifted every two days to ameliorate the effects of the lockdown order .

Abiodun said this during a press briefing held at his residence in Iperu -Remo .

He , however , explained that the state would relax the lockdown for seven hours every 48 hours.

The governor also said the period of the lockdown would be used to fumigate the state public places such as markets, motor parks and other essential areas across the state .

According to Abiodun , the lockdown will be lifted by 7 . 00 am and 2 . 00 pm on Tuesday and subsequently every other day to allow operations of essential services.

He said this would give an opportunity for economic activities to strive within the few hours of the relaxation time

He explained that personnel of essential services providers such as security and fire service personnel, petroleum products dealers , food producers, and water distributors would have unlimited access to movement to perform their duties .

He said “ The lockdown will be total from now till 7 . 00 am on Tuesday . The lockdown will be suspended between 7 . 00 am and 2 . 00 pm to allow for essential business activities.

“ This 7 . 00 am to 2 . 00 pm window will be observed every other day therefrom that is, Tuesday instant , Thursday , and Saturday for the coming week . ”

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Finance has reached out to the National Assembly to intimate it with an Executive Proposal to establish a N500 billion COVID- 19 Crisis Intervention Fund .

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed , led the Federal Government’ s team and met with the Senate President , Ahmad Lawan , and Speaker of the House of Representatives , Femi Gbajabiamila , to work out the modalities.

According to a release from the Office of the Senate President , the finance minister along with senior officials from the ministry held the meeting at the National Assembly.

The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Senate President , Ovie Omo -Agege ; Deputy Speaker , Idris Wase , and some other principal officers from both chambers .

The meeting was a follow- up to one held last week Wednesday between the National Assembly leadership and members of the Presidential Committee which was set up for the management of the COVID – 19 crisis .

The finance minister said , “ What we are proposing is an establishment of a N500 billion COVID- 19 Crisis Intervention Fund .

“ This Fund , that we are proposing , that should be created , will involve mopping up resources from various special accounts that the government , as well as the Federation , have , to be able to pull this N500 billion .

“ Our general view is that this crisis intervention fund is to be utilised to upgrade healthcare facilities as earlier identified .

“ The Federal Government also needs to be in a position to improve health care facilities not only in the states but to provide intervention to the states .

“ We know that there will be a need for the parliament to agree and approve the taking of loans from these special accounts and we will be coming back with a proposed bill in that regard that will define what the fund will be used for . ”

The minister said that in addition to the identified special accounts from where the money would be drawn as loans, the proposed intervention fund is also expected to be sourced from grants being expected and loans from multilateral institutions.

She told the lawmakers that the Fund , if approved , would take care of special Public Work Programmes currently being implemented by the National Directorate of Employment.

In his remarks , the Senate President said the meeting was in fulfilment of an earlier promise to provide support as the need arises in this time of crisis .

More news👉 https://latestnewsupdates.news.blog/2020/04/04/just-in-chinese-medical-team-arrives-in-nigeria-soon-health-minister/

Lawan said , “ Just like we told Nigerians when there is need for us to meet or to take legislative action in support of ensuring that the government responds appropriately to developments issues and challenges in the country, we will do so .

“ I think coming to us for those loans is critical because we are in an emergency and time is of the essence . So , we must work as expeditiously as possible to ensure that we place the request before the National Assembly.

“ I think the time has come for us to redefine the implementation of the Social Intervention Programme , probably going out to communities to give them N20 , 000 per person might not be the best way to go . It is still an effort , but I think we need a better approach that will be more efficient . ”

The Minister of Health , Dr Osagie Ehanire , said that Chinese doctors , nurses and medical experts would arrive in Nigeria in a few days to assist in the fight against COVID- 19 .

The minister said this during a briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID- 19 in Abuja .

Cases in Nigeria have reached 210 as the global figure also surpassed one million mark . He said Nigeria was also exploring the possibility of producing some medical equipment after key stakeholders met in Abuja .

The coming of the Chinese medical experts was announced just as the Director – General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control , Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu , said efforts to contain COVID- 19 in Nigeria were being limited by finance, manpower and other indices despite the support from government and individuals .

Ehanire said , “ The global number has crossed one million mark , barely three months after the first cases were first reported in Wuhan , China . It is an indication that it is a public health challenge that we must not take lightly . ”

He continued, “ We are already seeing what may be the indication of community transmission , in that 30 per cent of the cases have incomplete epidemiological information . 51 per cent are imported cases and 19 per cent are through contacts of known cases.

“ Directors of the Federal Ministry of Health had discussions with the Ministry of Industry , Trade and Investment and Manufacturers Association of Nigeria to explore the potential for local production of medical consumables such as face masks, gloves, sanitisers and even ventilators .

“ This is in view of looming global shortages of medical supplies for the response due to high demands from all countries . Clinical trials and other processes are ongoing to validate various therapeutic for COVID- 19 treatment . ”

After the briefing , Nigeria recorded 20 new cases: 11 in Lagos State , three in FCT, three in Edo State , two in Osun State and one in Ondo State.

Chinese medical supplies coming

Ehanire said he had been notified of medical supplies from China courtesy of a group of Chinese companies working in Nigeria .

“ A special cargo aircraft shall leave Nigeria in a few days to collect the items which include Personal Protective Equipment and ventilators .

“ Of great interest is that an 18 – man team of medical experts from China , including doctors , nurses and medical experts shall come along with the flight to assist us , ” he said .