Kogi and Cross River States have conducted the least number of coronavirus tests

Kogi State and Cross River State have conducted the least number of coronavirus tests across Nigeria nearly three months after the country recorded its index case.

Nigeria has recorded a total of 6,175 coronavirus cases in 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as of May 18, 2020.

Kogi and Cross River are the only two states in the country yet to record cases, but authorities have expressed fears that it might be because the governments of both states are not taking the outbreak seriously enough.

The latest situation report published by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Tuesday, May 19 has now shown that the two have barely tested enough.

Of the 35,983 tests done across the country, as of May 17, Kogi has only conducted one, while Cross River has conducted seven, the two lowest of any other state.

Yobe, the state which has conducted the third least number of tests, has conducted 50, with 32 of them returning positive results..
Lagos has conducted the highest number of tests with 14,886 which has returned 2,550 positive results, the highest of any state in the country.

The FCT has conducted the second highest number of tests with 4,688 tests (418 positive), followed by Kano with 2653 (825 positive).

"COVID-19 can't stop elections in Edo and Ondo States" - INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will not affect elections scheduled to take place later this year.

The commission had in February 2020 scheduled the Edo governorship election for September 19, and the Ondo governorship election for October 10.

There are also nine other outstanding bye-elections scheduled to take place in different parts of the country.

However, COVID-19 has since infected over 5 million people across the world and crippled social and economic activities around the world.

Even though over 6,000 people have been infected in Nigeria with nearly 200 dead, as of May 18, INEC announced in a statement on Tuesday, May 19, that it is determined to conduct the elections in a safe manner.

"We reassure Nigerians of our resolve and determination to provide the requisite guidance, innovation, and leadership in conducting elections in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic."

Nigerian PTF receives 5 cartons of Madagascar's COVID-19 cure

Nigeria's Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 says it has received five cartons of what has been touted as a cure for the coronavirus disease from the government of Madagascar.

The President of Guinea Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, delivered the consignment to Nigeria when he met President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Saturday, May 16, 2020.

The chairman of the PTF, Boss Mustapha, announced during a daily media briefing on Tuesday, May 19 that the task force has taken charge of the herbal solution.

"Those five cartons were delivered to me yesterday (Monday) evening," he said.

Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said the solution will undergo a process of validation that will be overseen by the Ministry of Health.

Senate moves to avert any form of emergency food crisis

The Bill is sponsored by Sen. Abdullahi Adamu (APC Nasarawa -West). Adamu, while underscoring the need for the diversification of the Nigerian economy, said there was need for enabling laws to address the problem of food insecurity.

According to him, the food reserve agency when established, would be responsible for storing food grains and other food commodities for strategic purposes. He said,

“Agriculture plays a pivotal role in the development and growth of every nation. Any country seeking to diversify its economy, alleviate poverty, create jobs and ensure food security should prioritise agriculture.

Nigeria, recognising the important role Agriculture plays, has made efforts to place the sector at the fore by introducing different intervention programmes and policies backed by enabling laws. A further step to be taken to ensure food security in our country at all times is to formulate enabling laws that will address food insecurity."

He added that the food reserve agency when established would implement the overall National Food Reserve Policy to ensure a reliable supply of designated commodities in the country.

Toyin Abraham has this to say about helping others

Nollywood actress and the recently crowned best actress of the year by the AMVCA 2020 awards, Toyin Abraham has lent her opinion on the issue of helping other people.

She had this to say:

"When you have the opportunity to give someone a shot, don't take it away from them. Remember someone took a chance on you too. Every professional person was once an amateur. Give room for growth."

Taraba State Government announces resumption of religious activities in the state

The Taraba government has announced the resumption of religious activities in the state.

The state Deputy Governor, Haruna Manu, made the announcement on Monday in a statewide broadcast in Jalingo, the state capital. Manu, however, said that observance of social distancing and other safety protocols must be strictly adhered to.

He also announced a slight ease on restriction of movement and other activities in the state. According to him, government has set aside Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays to enable the residents carry out their activities from 8 am. to 6 pm.

The deputy governor added that lockdown would still be observed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, adding that violators would face strict penalties. Manu urged religious leaders and other citizens to comply with the rules.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the government had hitherto declared partial lockdown, allowing free movement on Wednesdays and Saturdays only.

Illbliss releases new album on his 11th wedding anniversary

We brought you news earlier that Illbliss and his wife, Munachiso celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary.

To mark the celebration, Illbliss released his 6th music album. He made this known on his social media page where he wrote,

“Exactly Eleven Years Ago Today, as I was at the altar saying my marital vows , my debut Album “DAT iBO BOY” was released to the Streets. Today, I proudly announce .....My 10th Project, My 6th Album...”iLLY CHAPO X “ 🙏🏾🙏🏾 BRAND NEW ALBUM DROPPING MAY 29th.. PRE-ORDER LiNK in my Bio #illBliss #illyChapoX #OgaBoss #TheGorettiCompany // Photography By @anugo_osadebe // Art Design by @mr_forbes1”

22-year-old COVID-19 positive lady gives birth to twins

A pregnant woman who tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has given birth to twin babies in Lagos State.

The management of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) announced on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 that the mother is a 22-year-old who underwent caesarean delivery.

She birthed a girl and a boy who weighed 3.2kg and 3.25kg respectively.

'The mother and babies are doing well,' LUTH said.

Photo credit : Pulse.ng

Illbliss and wife mark 11th wedding anniversary

Nigerian musician and rapper, Illbliss who is popularly known as Oga Boss celebrated his 11th wedding anniversary recently with his wife, Munachiso. 

The rapper took to his Instagram page to gush over his wife and daughter, Kaima, who he described as great blessings to him over the past 11 years. 

He wrote,

“Happy 11th Year Anniversary My Queen👑 I started with this picture to remind us of how Far we have come together. That was your Youth Service Year in Kwara State. That was pale eyed , black as Coal Young Banking executive Me , trying to sustain a rap career on the Low. FAST forward through these pictures and I can’t ever find enough words of gratitude to God for blessing me with a Queen, my Biggest Fan , My loudest and most passionate Supporter, My unwavering source of support, courage, prayers and positive energy. Some of these Years were tough, at times Uncertain, at times Challenging. My Queen never lost Faith for a second. You crown me KING every morning, noon, Night. I always want to Win just to see the gleam of pride in your eyes and the Chuckles when you repeat.... “You Should Listen to Me More” 😊😊🤗🤗. I Love you so much Munachiso❤️😘😘😘🔥🔥 OUR Journey Should inspire Millions of people across the World..HappyAnniversary Paapa & Maama Kaima”

We wish them many more happy and fruitful years together. See beautiful photos Illbliss posted for the anniversary celebration.

Mike and Perri reveal that they're having a baby boy

At the beginning of the month of May, the first runner up of reality TV show, Big Brother Naija 2019 edition, Mike Edwards and his wife announced that they were expecting a baby together.

Perri Edwards showed off her baby bump in a lovely photo and in her #dudukechallenge video. 

Last week, the couple did a gender reveal on their YouTube channel and announced that they are expecting a baby boy. We wish Perri a safe delivery.

See photos of the couple below.