As part of efforts to ensure safe and secure Nigerian cyberspace, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has alerted Nigerians on the existence of fraudulent websites trying to take advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

The Agency’s Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (CERRT) identified a number of websites using various phishing tricks to attract Internet users.

According to a statement issued Mrs Hadiza Umar, Head, Corporate Affairs & External Relations of NITDA, “one of such tricks is misinforming the public that Federal Government has ordered weekly payment of allowances to all citizens above the age of 18 for observing the ‘Stay At Home’ directive. It then requires the user to complete an online form with the personal information including bank details for the payment to be effected”.

READ ALSO BREAKING: OSUN RECORDS FIRST CASE OF CORONAVIRUS

“While NITDA is doing everything possible to shut down the websites identified as well as sanction those behind them, we call on the general public to disregard and report any such websites to the Agency for necessary action”, the statement added.

As a general precautionary measure, NITDA advised the public and internet users “not to give out their personal information to anyone online, avoid clicking unknown links, disregard offers requesting for their bank details, and know what to do when they become victims of cybercrime”.

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“The Agency calls on all well-meaning Nigerians to support the Federal Government in its efforts at containing the spread of Covid-19 in the country. We are all encouraged to strictly adhere to recommendations given by health experts, and follow updates from relevant agencies handling this outbreak.”

DISREGARD WEBSITES PROMISING FG CORONAVIRUS GRANTS- NITDA TO NIGERIANS

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has announced two new cases of the novel coronavirus, increasing the confirmed cases in the country to 46. One of the two new cases was confirmed in Lagos State while the other case was in Osun State – its index case.

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The Centre made this announcement on its Twitter page. The tweet read; " Two new cases of #COVID19 have been confirmed in Nigeria: 1 in Lagos and 1 in Osun. Both cases are returning travellers to Nigeria in the last 7 days. As at 07:00 am 25th March, there are 46 confirmed cases of #COVID19 in Nigeria. 2 have been discharged with 1 death."

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BREAKING: OSUN RECORDS FIRST CASE OF CORONAVIRUS 

Abba Kyari, chief of staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, has tested positive for coronavirus days after returning from an official trip to Germany, TheCable has learnt. Kyari had visisted Germany on Saturday, March 7th to meet with officials of Siemens in Munich on the Nigerian electricity expansion programme.

READ ALSO, FG ORDERS TOTAL SHUTDOWN OF LAND BORDERS OVER CORONAVIRUS

Kyari reportedly ran the test on Saturday based on medical advice, although he was not exhibiting any symptoms. It was reported that  result came back positive on Monday  and he has gone into self-isolation as the symptoms are yet to manifest. Following his result, Buhari was also advised to run a test but he tested negative. 

Reports of Kyari’s status of COVID-19 was disclosed after the federal executive council meeting was suspended indefinitely.

CHIEF OF STAFF, ABBA KYARI TESTS POSITIVE FOR CORONAVIRUS 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has ordered a total shutdown the nation’s land borders indefinitely as the deadly Coronavirus pandemic bites harder. The decision to close the borders which have been partially shut since last year August was as a result of the rise in coronavirus cases.

At a news conference on Monday, the Presidential Task Force for the Control of Covid-19 said the move was an additional one to curb the spread of the disease.

Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said all land borders that had been hitherto under partial closure shall now be closed for human traffic for four weeks effective, 23rd March, 2020.

READ ALSO,  FG ORDERS LEVEL 1-12 WORKERS TO STAY HOME

He said in order to protect Federal Civil and Public Servants, a circular would be issued by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation to direct actions to be taken immediately.

“All Abuja and Lagos residents are strongly advised to stay at home, avoid mass congregation of any kind as well as non-essential outings until further advice is given,” he said.

His statement read, "In furtherance of our ongoing engagement with the public and stakeholders through the Presidential Task Force (PTF) and the Honourable Minister of Health (HMoH), I have found it necessary to update you on recent developments regarding the management of matters arising from COVID-19 Pandemic.

Let me remind you that as at the time the Honourable Minister of Health (HMoH), briefed you earlier today, the numbers from the World Health Organisation (WHO), confirmed that the virus has covered 192 countries, reporting over 329,000 cases. In Africa, 42 out of 54 countries have reported cases while 48 deaths have been recorded.

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In Nigeria, the first responders, particularly the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), continues to attend to reports received through telephone calls and other medium.

We commend Nigerians for stepping out to report and/or make enquires through the dedicated hotlines. Records show that on Sunday, 22nd March, 2020, over 4500 calls were received. This shows the high level of awareness amongst Nigerians.

The strategy of government is to focus on testing, detection and containment through contact tracking in order to minimize hugely, the possibility of community spread. We urge anyone experiencing the symptoms of the virus or has been in contact with anyone who has been suspected or tested positive to please report at the nearest medical facility or the designated center.

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) continues to monitor the global and domestic developments and has isolated Lagos and Abuja for particular attention in view of their population, mobility and number of cases already reported.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE, CORONAVIRUS IS DUE TO THE SIN AND DISOBEDIENCE OF HUMANS- CAN PRESIDENT

As you are all aware, a number of advisories have been issued and measures taken. Part of the measures being taken presently include the following:

*escalating the nation’s capacity for testing and detection through the acquisition of more testing kits and establishment of additional test centres;

*acquisition of personnel protection equipment (PPE) for different categories of frontline personnel;

*mobilization of experts and trained personnel whether in service or retired;

* introduction of social distancing policies and banning mass gathering of over fifty (50) persons

* closure of schools and tertiary institutions;

*The total ban on international travels shall commence at 12.00 midnight tonight at all our airports; and

* leaders of different faiths have been encouraged to restrict services and activities that involve mass gathering of more than fifty of their adherents. State governments are also enforcing this policy at different levels.

Ladies and gentlemen, after a further review, Mr. President on the recommendation of Presidential Task Force (PTF) has approved the following additional measures:

*Suspension of the weekly FEC meetings until further notice;

*Postponement of the meeting of the Council of State scheduled for Thursday 26th March, 2020;

* All land borders that have been hitherto under partial closure shall now be closed for human traffic for four weeks effective, 23rd March, 2020;

*In order to protect Federal Civil and Public Servants, a circular to be issued by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) shall direct on actions to be taken immediately;

*If and when the need arises, any national assets required for use in the response to COVID-19 shall be mobilized and deployed;

*Federal Government, is at the highest level, engaging with State Governors in order to ensure a collaborative and effective response to COVID-19 Pandemic; and

*All Abuja and Lagos residents are strongly advised to stay at home, avoid mass congregation of any kind as well as non- essential outings, until further advice is given.

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Finally, the PTF assures all Nigerians of the concerns of Mr. President and his determination to mobilize all resources to backup this national response. However, this commitment should be reciprocated by all citizens by respecting the advisory and obeying measures put in place to curtail the spread of COVID-19. The Presidential Task Force (PTF) shall be updating Nigerians from time to time when the need arise.

FG ORDERS TOTAL SHUTDOWN OF LAND BORDERS OVER CORONAVIRUS

Officers Who Traveled Recently to Isolate

As part of measures to curtail the coronavirus pandemic, the Federal Government on Monday issued stay at home order for non-essential federal civil servants at grade levels one to twelve. This came on the heels of the NCDC's announcement that the number of confirmed cases had risen to 40.

This was disclosed in a circular signed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, and copied to the Chief of Staff to the President, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Vice-President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, all ministers/ministers of state, all permanent secretaries, Accountant-General of the Federation, Auditor General of the Federation and other principal officers in government.

READ ALSO, BREAKING: NIGERIA RECORDS FIRST CORONAVIRUS DEATH, AS CASES HIT 36

It stated, “As you are no doubt aware, the Federal Government has taken a number of measures to manage the identified cases of COVID -19 and curtail its spread.

“Government is concerned about the welfare and safety of all public servants just as it is about other Nigerians. All public servants are, therefore, strongly advised to follow the measures being put in place by government to curtail the spread of the pandemic.

“As a further step to check the spread of COVID- 19, all non-essential public servants at grade levels 12 and below are to stay and work from home with effect from Tuesday, 24th March, 2020 until further notice. Each Permanent Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of MDAs shall determine the essential staff within grade levels 12 and below who will continue to perform their duties in the office. It is important to stress that this is not a holiday, as any officer can be recalled; therefore, no officer should travel out of station.

“All other categories of officers who will be at work, are strongly advised to limit the number of visitors they receive to the barest minimum. This is to reduce physical contact as much as possible.”

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In addition, the circular called on officers who recently visited countries with incidence of COVID- 19 or, have had contact with persons who recently returned from these countries, to self-isolate at home for two weeks and inform their Permanent Secretaries/Chief Executive Officers of the development.

“In case such officers exhibit any of the COVID-19 symptoms, they are advised to contact the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on 0800970000 — 10.

“For the purpose of emphasis, observance of strict adherence to personal hygiene, including frequent washing of hands with soap and running water, is strongly advised.”

FG ORDERS LEVEL 1-12 WORKERS TO STAY HOME OVER CORONAVIRUS 

Nigeria has recorded its first coronavirus death. The victim was Suleiman Achumugu, former managing director of the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), who reportedly died at 2am on Monday. The deceased, an indigene of Kogi state, was said to have returned from the United Kingdom two weeks ago.

He was reported  to have started exhibiting the symptoms of the virus on Tuesday and the case was reported to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) who took specimens for a test.

He tested positive and was evacuated to the specialist hospital, Gwagwalada in Abuja but died while receiving treatment.

READ ALSO CORONAVIRUS IS DUE TO THE SIN AND DISOBEDIENCE OF HUMANS- CAN PRESIDENT

The NCDC disclosed this via a tweet that read, "The 1st  #COVID19 death in Nigeria has been recorded. The case was a 67 year old male who returned home following medical treatment in UK. He had underlying medical conditions- multiple myeloma & diabetes & was undergoing chemotherapy. Our thoughts are with his family."

His family members have reportedly quarantined themselves in their house.

This news was announced shortly after the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control confirmed additional five cases of Coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases to 35. This was disclosed via the NCDC Twitter handle, @NCDCgov, on Monday. 

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The tweet read, “Five new cases of #COVID19 have been confirmed in Nigeria: two in the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), two in Lagos State and one in Edo State.

“Two cases are returning travellers from the United Kingdom. As of 09:45 am on 23rd of March, there are 35 confirmed cases of #COVID19 in Nigeria. Two have been discharged.”

The tweet was later updated, with one new case, bringing the total number of active cases to 36. The tweet read, "For a breakdown of cases by states in real time, please see http://covid19.ncdc.gov.ng. Currently; Lagos- 25, FCT- 6, Ogun- 2, Ekiti- 1, Oyo- 1, Edo- 1. Total: 36 confirmed cases."

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BREAKING: NIGERIA RECORDS FIRST CORONAVIRUS DEATH, AS CASES HIT 36

Rev Samson Ayokunle, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, on Sunday said the Coronavirus outbreak can be blamed on the arrogance of humans against God and disobedience of constituted authority. 

He said this in a sermon, titled “Looking unto Jesus: I Shall Fear no Evil,” which was delivered on Sunday, March 22, and transmitted on New Frontier TV.

Quoting the Bible verse, Numbers 21: 4-9, Ayokunle said the coronavirus pandemic emphasized the need for mankind to repent from sinfulness. 

READ ALSO BREAKING: ATIKU'S SON TESTS POSITIVE FOR CORONAVIRUS 

He said, “As in the case of the children of Israel in this passage, the arrogance of man against God and lawfully constituted authority led to God’s anger and judgment over the people.

“People say anything today against God and against the word of God. The Holy Scriptures injunctions, which are God’s commands, no longer matter before us. We query the validity of the word of God and equally deliberately act against it. All practices that would make us worship God we reject or abandon under the guise of fundamental human rights.

“In some advanced nations, anything about God must not be mentioned in any public event neither can people worship God nor share the gospel with their neighbours. Doing so is an offence. This pride and arrogance against God came because of advancement in technology. We feel we can do many things without God and thus become ‘god’ to ourselves. Technological advancement should make us to reference God the more because he is the revealer of knowledge.”

The CAN President also pointed out that violence has become a daily occurrence in Nigeria.

He said, “Beginning from the wickedness of armed robbers to religious terrorists, such as Al Qaida, Al Shabab, Boko Haram, ISIS, etc; we equally have the violence of banditry and Fulani herdsmen attacks everywhere in the nation.

“People are slaughtered or kidnapped to be slaughtered or for ransom. Time will not permit me to talk about the wickedness of ritual killing for money making and fraudulent practices all over our world especially in our nation, Nigeria. People, including believers walk about half naked like insane people and even dress like that to houses of worship to pollute many. Promiscuity is everywhere. We have sinned against God and He has sent to our midst a fiery serpent!”

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Ayokunle, using the Israelites of old as a reference, said those who are godly need not fear any pandemic, reminding them of how God used the blood of the lamb to protect His people in Goshen when the angels of destruction were killing the firstborn of the Egyptians.

 CORONAVIRUS IS DUE TO THE SIN AND DISOBEDIENCE OF HUMANS- CAN PRESIDENT 

Former vice president and one time presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has announced that his son tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). He disclosed this via his verified Twitter handle on Sunday, March 22.

“My son has tested positive for coronavirus. @NCDCGov (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control) has been duly informed, and he has been moved to Gwagwalada Specialist Teaching Hospital in Abuja for treatment and management. I will appreciate it if you have him in your prayers. Stay safe, coronavirus is real."

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BREAKING: ATIKU'S SON TESTS POSITIVE FOR CORONAVIRUS 

In the face of slumping crude oil prices due to Coronavirus, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has resumed a weekly rate regulation, with independent money transfer operations ordered to sell to banks at N376/$1 while end-users will get the USDollar at N380. In a communique to all banks and Bureau De Change on Friday, the CBN advised that the BDC to end-user sales of the Dollar should not be more than N380/1USD. This devaluation has come after over three years of push from financial market managers, the World Bank and International Monetary Fund for the local currency to be devalued.

READ ALSO WAEC POSTPONES APRIL/MAY WASSCE INDEFINITELY OVER CORONAVIRUS 

The apex bank took this decision after all interventions in the market, such as imposing sanctions on errant operators and use of moral suasion to curb illegal forex operations did not sustain the exchange rate of N36m. In a circular to the operators in the sector, the CBN merged the rates at both the Bureau De Change rate and Import & Export window at N380. Asides devaluing the naira, the CBN also adopted a unified exchange rate, and pushed the official rate of the naira to N376 to dollar for International Money Transfer Operators rate to banks; N377 to dollar for banks’ dollar sale to CBN and pegged CBN’s dollar sales to banks at N378.

The CBN also pegged the volume of sale for each BDC at $20,000. The regulatory bank has moved the official rate to N360 to the dollar from N307 per dollar previously and now selling dollar to foreign portfolio investors (FPI) at N380 at the Investors’ & Exporters FOREX window from N366 per dollar previously.

The BDC operators are expected to buy dollar from the CBN at N378 per dollar, according to a circular sent to the BDC operators by the apex bank.

With this action, the regulatory bank has effectively unified the foreign exchange rates in the market in line with the recommendations of the World Bank and IMF.

“Please be advised that the applicable exchange rate for the disbursement of proceeds of IMTOs for the period Monday, March 23 to Friday, March 27, is as follows,” the CBN circular signed by the director of Trade and Exchange, O.S Nnaji stated.

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There have been speculations in the market in recent times that the CBN may devalue the currency in view of the impact of the Coronavirus and the sharp drop in global oil prices.

Before now, the country had about five different exchange rates; one for offshore investors at I&E window, the other for the official window, another one for the interbank, while the bureau de change operators rate was also different from the rest. The unification of the exchange rate has effectively ended almost three years of multiple exchange rates in the market.

CBN DEVALUES NAIRA, ANNOUNCES UNIFIED EXCHANGE RATE

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in Nigeria has postponed its 2020 April/May West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) earlier scheduled to commence on April 6, 2020. This  is due to the novel coronavirus pandemic and its potential implications on students and teachers, if held. Other four-member countries of WAEC including Ghana, Gambia, Sierra Leone and Liberia have also postponed theirs.

The Head of National Office of WAEC in Nigeria, Mr Patrick Areghan, hinted on this in a statement he released on Friday. 

This decision, he pointed out, is a demonstration of WAEC’s concern and support for the various protocols being put in place by the Federal and various state governments in the country and that of other WAEC member countries to check the spread of the deadly disease.

Areghan noted that by this postponement, the earlier released timetable for the examination has been forthwith suspended until further notice, and assured all concerned persons, especially candidates and schools that the decision would be reviewed once the coronavirus issue eased out in the country.

“So, we enjoin all school principals presenting candidates for the examination to please inform their candidates accordingly as a new date for the examination would be communicated in due course,” he said.

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WAEC POSTPONES APRIL/MAY WASSCE INDEFINITELY OVER CORONAVIRUS 

A former Senator representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District , Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, has lost his wife of 41 years, Mrs Evelyn Murray-Bruce, to cancer. 

The former Senator, who was once the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and the owner of Silverbird Television (STV), announced the death of his wife in the morning of Friday, March 20, through his Twitter handle.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE CAN DECLARES NATIONAL PRAYER DAYS AGAINST CORONAVIRUS 

According to Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, his wife was a blessing  to everyone she met. He added that the entire family would miss her large heart.

He wrote, : “I’m broken. Just lost my beautiful wife to cancer. She was my best friend for 43 years and my wife for 41 years. Cancer is real, but it shouldn’t be a death sentence – awareness, and early detection and treatment are key to survival. I miss her so so much. I’m broken.

READ ALSO FG ORDERS CLOSURE OF SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE OVER CORONAVIRUS

“Our children are devastated, I am too. But I have to be strong for them. Please put our family in your prayers. Like the sun, my wife was a blessing and touched the lives of everyone she met. Though she’s gone, she’d remain alive in our hearts forever.

“I miss you, my sweetheart, and my most beautiful girl, Evelyn Murray-Bruce. Forever yours.”

EX-SENATOR BEN MURRAY-BRUCE LOSES WIFE TO CANCER

Directs Churches to Follow Health Guidelines 

The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has directed churches in Nigeria to observe Sunday 22 and 29 March, 2020 as days of prayers against the coronavirus in Nigeria and globally.

This was announced in a press statement issued by the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Samson Ayokunle. Churches are advised to strictly follow the guidelines for combating COVID-19 in all their gatherings and God for victory over the infection.

READ ALSO FG ORDERS CLOSURE OF SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE OVER CORONAVIRUS 

According to the statement, CAN called on all churches in the country to set aside Sunday 22nd and 29th March 2020 apart to pray that God should stop the spread of coronavirus in Nigeria and all over the world, protect Nigerians from this disease and heal those who have been infected already.”

 As a precautionary measure, CAN advised churches to adopt house cell-based service or online service.

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“Where possible, particularly for churches who do not have an online system, services can be broken into shifts of not more than 50 members in each shift. Each branch/assembly should provide alcohol-based hand rub (sanitiser) for use, regular washing of hands with soap and water; use of the same towel is not allowed.

“Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Drink hot water regularly, practice respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose the used tissue immediately.

“If you have fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, then seek medical care early, do not panic. Always pray with Psalm 91 and have faith in God."

CAN DECLARES NATIONAL PRAYER DAYS AGAINST CORONAVIRUS 

Nigerian newspapers,on one page.