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Buhari Son’s Wedding, Other Large Gatherings Can Fuel COVID-19 Infections – JOHESU
The Nigerian Medical Association and Joint Health Sector Union on Sunday expressed concern over the disregard for COVID-19 guidelines at the wedding of Yusuf, son of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).
Buhari’s son had on Friday wedded Zahra, the daughter of Emir of Bichi, Nasiru Ado Bayero, in a ceremony attended by top politicians from the ruling All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, among others, JomogNews Nigeria gathered .
However, the guests were observed to have shunned COVID-19 social distancing rules while many other did not wear facemasks.
At the event were Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Senate President, Ahmad Lawan; state governors, ministers and federal lawmakers.
But the Joint Health Sector Union said the disregard for COVID-19 protocols at the wedding of the President’s son was lamentable.
JOHESU’s spokesman, Mr Olumide Akintayo, in an interview with one of our correspondents on Sunday said it was unfortunate that Buhari, who signed the COVID-19 guidelines into law, could not enforce strict compliance to safety protocols at his son’s wedding.
He said, “Ours is a society where those who lead us never set the right examples, it is always the case of ‘do what I say and not necessarily do what I do,’ and that is why value migration has become the major fallout of years of social decadence.
“At a time health experts keep warning the people that the reality of Delta variant of COVID-19 is here with us, it is sad that it is such a time that you have major public gathering without regard for COVID-19 protocols. It was President Buhari who signed the law that made it punishable for anybody not to obey COVID-19 protocols, yet it is the cream of his officials who are not making use of facemasks and are not observing social distancing.”
NMA worries over large gatherings
Also, the Nigerian Medical Association expressed worry on Sunday over such large gatherings with participants shunning public health protocols.
The association’s General Secretary, Philips Ekpe, in an interview with The PUNCH on Sunday, said, “We are very worried; one thing we must make clear is that COVID-19 is still with us. We are also worried about the Delta variant. We have been studying to know whether it thrives in the midst of fully vaccinated people.
“We are watching as people are gathering and we are urging the people to obey the COVID-19 protocols. Our people should not let the excitement of the occasion make them to ignore public health protocols.”
Ekiti, Rivers bemoan increasing COVID-19 cases
Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Government has said it is making concerted efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus in the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani, said the state had ordered strict enforcement of COVID-19 protocols in mosques, churches, market places and business outfits as well adherence to proper management of cases in private hospitals.
The enforcement team of the state government on Friday closed two eateries and a new generation bank in Ado Ekiti, for allegedly violating the COVID-19 protocols.
Filani, in a letter dated August 20 addressed to the state chairman, National Association of General Medical Practice of Nigeria, titled, ‘Adherence to COVID-19 protocols and management of cases,’ sought support of doctors in private hospitals in the fight against spread of the virus.
Likewise, the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Princewill Chike, said on Sunday that the government was worry over the rising cases of COVID-19 infections in the state, urging residents to take ongoing vaccinations seriously.
“We advise that if you notice you have symptoms that look like malaria, you should be able to go to a certified health facility so that you can be tested,” the commissioner added.
Prof. Chike therefore urged people and residents of the state to take the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination seriously, saying the vaccines were available at all health institutions in the state.
PUNCH
News
Oyo 2027: Adelabu Quits As Power Minister To Focus On Guber Race
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has formally resigned from his position in the Federal Government to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to the President, Adelabu stated that his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026, to enable him to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”
He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”
Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.
He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.
“It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”
The former minister said his resignation was to enable him focus fully on his governorship ambition in Oyo State, citing provisions of the amended electoral law.
He added, “My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State. This aspiration, which dates back to 2016 during my service as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, ultimately led to my voluntary resignation from the Central Bank in 2018 in order to pursue the same goal.”
“In line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which preclude political office holders from contesting elections, I consider it both appropriate and necessary to resign at this time.”
Adelabu’s exit marks a major political development ahead of the next electoral cycle, particularly in Oyo State, where he is expected to contest the governorship election.
News
Wale Edun, Musa Dangiwa Resigned Voluntarily, Not Sacked – Presidency
The Presidency has clarified that Wale Edun (former Finance Minister) and Ahmed Musa Dangiwa (former Housing Minister) voluntarily resigned from their positions and were not sacked by President Tinubu.
In a statement released this evening April 22, presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said that contrary to public opinions, Wale Edun resigned on health grounds while Dangiwa also tendered his resignation and thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve in the Federal Executive Council.
Onanuga stated that Edun, who clocked 70 on Monday and has battled recent ill health, fittingly submitted his resignation letter on his birthday, thanking the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.
“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected. I wish you and the administration every success in the future” he wrote
Onanuga stated that on Tuesday, before the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation announced his departure from the Cabinet, Edun paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Villa and held an hour-long discussion with the president and then left to focus on his private businesses.
The presidential aide stated that President Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to Edun and Dangiwa for their dedicated service and significant contributions to the administration’s economic reform programme and wished them continued success in their future endeavours.
‘’In the same vein, the President has urged the new Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and advance the administration’s fiscal and economic objectives with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.
President Tinubu will shortly send the ministerial nominee for housing, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina, like Dangiwa, to the Senate for confirmation” the statement concluded
News
Unity Bank, Experts Advocate Green Investment, Climate Innovation To Drive Economic Resilience
Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, alongside leading climate innovation experts, has called for increased investment in the green economy and the adoption of frontier technologies as critical pathways to driving economic resilience and reducing the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations across Africa.
The call was made during a thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Bank to commemorate this year’s Earth Day, themed “The True Cost of Climate Change and Who Pays?”. Climate experts and stakeholders convened to examine the human, economic, and institutional costs of climate change, while spotlighting practical solutions to address its growing impact.
In his opening remarks, Unity Bank’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Ibukun Coker, emphasised the urgency of addressing climate risks from both a societal and business perspective.
He said: “Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract challenge. It is an existential threat with direct consequences for individuals, businesses, and economies. At Unity Bank, we recognise the role institutions must play in incorporating sustainability in project financing, supporting businesses and promoting solutions that build resilience in communities where we operate.”
The webinar featured Chinwe Udo-Davis, Founder and CEO of Instollar, and Oluwatosin Ajide, Programme Manager at the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, both of whom provided insights into the drivers of climate change and the pathways to mitigation and adaptation.
Speaking during the session, Udo-Davis highlighted the disproportionate burden which climate change places on underserved communities and the need for inclusive solutions.
“The true cost of climate change is not evenly distributed. Communities with the least resources are often the most affected, whether through energy poverty, environmental degradation, or limited access to sustainable alternatives. Addressing this imbalance requires intentional investment in clean energy solutions that are both accessible and scalable.”
Ajide underscored the importance of coordinated, system-wide approaches in tackling climate challenges, particularly through innovation and policy alignment.
“Climate change is fundamentally a structural problem, and its solution requires a paradigm shift: from innovation and policy to financing and implementation. Stakeholders must work collaboratively to drive solutions that are sustainable and inclusive.”
The session also explored emerging opportunities in climate technology, renewable energy, and ecosystem financing, reinforcing the role of innovation and cross-sector collaboration in building long-term resilience.
By hosting the webinar, Unity Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing sustainability-focused dialogue and supporting initiatives that promote responsible growth and environmental stewardship.
The initiative underscores the Bank’s broader strategic focus on environmental sustainability as well as its commitment to financial inclusion.
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