General
Coronavirus: Lagos Closes Schools, Suspends Religious Gatherings
Lagos State government has said from Monday, March 23, 2020, all public and private schools in the state would be shut down as part of the preventive measures against the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic.
A statement issued on Wednesday explained that the move became necessary to prevent children and their teachers from getting more vulnerable to the pandemic.
According to the state government, the closure is not intended to create panic, but to arrest the spread of the disease, which has become a global threat.
“It is important for parents to ensure that their children practise ‘social distancing’ while at home, wash their hands regularly or use hand sanitizers and observe high standards of personal hygiene. Children should be encouraged to remain at home,” the statement said.
Also, the state government announced the suspension of religious gatherings of more than 50 persons due to the recent increase in the number of people testing positive to COVID-19.
It was stated that this directive will remain effective for the next four weeks, advising that all health workers should be more vigilant, especially at the grassroots, while emphasising preventive measures.
Speaking at an event convened for religious leaders, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, reiterated the state government’s decision that all residents must avoid congregating in large numbers to avert an epidemic of the disease, noting that the measure was taken as a proactive step to protect the lives of Lagosians.
He averred that the life of every resident was precious and the government cannot afford a catastrophe in the area of health, considering the fact that the state has over 25 million people.
The Commissioner alluded that the virus is no respecter of person, gender or age, hence the pragmatic decision to act fast and prevent any eventuality, affirming that the state government will not relent in its massive sensitisation campaigns to further enlighten Lagosians to keep the disease at bay.
In his contribution at the event, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State Chapter, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola, commended the state government for creating awareness about the disease and putting measures in place to combat it.
Mr Bamgbola noted that the church community will not relent in praying for God’s intervention in curtailing the scourge.
In the same vein, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos Central Mosque, Sheikh Oluwatoyin Suleiman Abou-Nolla, stated that all hands must be on deck to check the virus as an outbreak cannot be imagined.
At the end of the meeting, a committee was constituted to monitor the situation, review and report developments on a daily basis during the four-week suspension period.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has vowed to permanently shut down all illegal cross-border routes used for smuggling petroleum products, particularly Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), known as petrol, out of Nigeria.
This is as it plans to complement efforts by other security agencies including the Nigerian Army, Navy, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in curbing the illicit trade of energy products.
This was disclosed by the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind (NCS) Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, who made the announcement revealed that in a recent operation, Customs officials seized 849 kegs of PMS, each containing 25 liters, along with two Mazda 626 vehicles used for cross-border transportation.
Mr Ejibunu, during a press briefing at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, Lagos, said the total value of the seized items, based on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited retail price, was estimated at N30.225 million.
According to him, this marked the seventh successful operation in the southwest region under the ongoing crackdown by Operation Whirlwind.
“About five weeks ago, similar PMS products were displayed here at the college parade ground. Our operation has tightened the grip on smugglers, leaving no room for their illegal activities across the country.
“We will ensure all illegal PMS smuggling routes leading to neighbouring countries are permanently blocked,” Mr Ejibunu pledged.
He also expressed gratitude to the National Security Adviser and the Comptroller-General of Customs for their continued support.
He pledged the commitment of the NCS in continuing with the efforts, with the aim of stabilizing fuel prices and preventing artificial shortages caused by illegal smuggling.
“We are grateful to the National Security Adviser and the Comptroller-General of Customs for their continued support,” he added.
Business Post reported recently that the Nigerian Navy halted the cross-border snuggling of 20,000 litres of petrol bound for Cameroon and arrested three suspects.
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By Modupe Gbadeyanka
About 6,000 jobs have been created, with $379 million collectively raised by startups owned by entrepreneurs who have passed through the Black Founders Fund (BBF) of a tech giant, Google.
Google created the BBF initiative to empower startup owners of African origin. This programme has helped to drive innovation, job creation and business expansions because of the grants received from the sponsor of the scheme.
On Tuesday, past participants of the initiative were at iHub in Nairobi, Kenya, for the Black Founders Fund Alumni Summit, where the organisers unveiled the BFF Impact Report to highlight the significant progress and success of Black-led startups across Africa.
This annual event brought together 45-50 alumni from across the continent including Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda to celebrate their achievements and discuss the future of Africa’s digital economy.
The BFF Impact Report offers a comprehensive look at the remarkable impact that targeted support for Black entrepreneurs has had on the African tech ecosystem.
The report revealed that BFF-supported startups have collectively raised $379 million, created more than 6,000 jobs, and experienced 61% faster growth than their peers, underscoring the importance of strategic investment in fostering sustainable innovation.
Through non-dilutive funding, mentorship, and networking, the Black Founders Fund has empowered entrepreneurs to overcome barriers, scale their businesses, and contribute to Africa’s digital transformation. The BFF Impact Report demonstrates the pivotal role of the program in strengthening the continent’s startup ecosystem, enabling businesses to compete globally and attract significant investment.
“The Black Founders Fund is not just about financial support—it’s about creating an ecosystem of innovation, job creation, and opportunity.
“The BFF Impact Report reflects the incredible progress Black entrepreneurs have made, and how the right resources can empower them to lead Africa’s digital future. The impact we are seeing today will set the stage for an even more vibrant African tech landscape tomorrow,” the Country Director for West Africa at Google for Startups, Olumide Balogun, remarked.
“This report is a celebration of the incredible work being done by Black founders across Africa. The BFF Impact Report proves that, when we invest in these entrepreneurs, we’re not only helping individual startups, but we’re driving systemic change within the broader African tech ecosystem,” the Head of Startup Ecosystem for Africa at Google, Mr Folarin Aiyegbusi, also stated.
In addition, the Black Founders Fund Manager Europe at Google for Startups, Mariama Boumanjal, said, “The BFF Impact Report proves that with the right support, Black founders can not only overcome these challenges—they can lead the way in innovation, job creation, and economic development.”
Business Post reports that through non-dilutive funding, mentorship, and an expansive network, the BFF has empowered over 220 startups, enabling them to scale faster and break down these barriers.
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