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Coronavirus: FAAN Suspends Aviation Conference
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The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria on Tuesday announced that it has suspended its scheduled national conference.
The National Aviation Conference was earlier scheduled to take place between April 1 and 4, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
A statement by the spokesperson of FAAN, Henrietta Yakubu, said that the decision was made in order to adhere to safety precautions in the face of the coronavirus outbreak.
“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria hereby notifies stakeholders and the general public that the National Aviation Conference earlier scheduled for 1st to 4th April 2020, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja has been suspended,” FAAN said Tuesday morning.
“This is due to the need to adhere to safety precautions in the face of the Corona virus presently spreading across nations globally.”
The World Health Organization recently declared COVID 19 a global pandemic and advised that as much as possible, individuals and organizations should avoid clustered gatherings to prevent the spread of the virus.
“A new date for the conference will be announced as soon as possible,” Mrs Yakubu said.
“The Authority regrets any inconvenience this postponement might have caused you.”
Coronavirus, officially named COVID-19, broke out in Wuhan, Hubei province of Central China in December. About 125,000 cases have now been reported to WHO, from 118 countries and territories.
However, world leaders, sports and show biz stars have also been hit by the virus among the tens of thousands infected across the world.
Following the outbreak, activities across the world are gradually being shut down. Companies are beginning to work remotely, schools are closing, quarterly pilgrimage has been halted, overseas travels are being restricted, sporting events as the English Premier League, Spanish LaLiga, European UEFA Champions League, NBA, CAF African qualifiers, and the Olympics games, risks being suspended as part of efforts to curtail the virus.
Nigeria has only confirmed two cases of the coronavirus. The first was in an Italian who arrived in the country and the second in a Nigerian who had contact with the Italian.
The second person later tested negative and recovered from the disease while the Italian is still on isolation and is recovering.
The Nigerian government on Monday insisted it would not limit or suspend travels from countries with high rates of the coronavirus.
Premium Times
Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic extra-time winner as England overcame an unfortunate Norway to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Bellingham slid home the winning goal in the first half of extra time after a second Norway goal was ruled out by the VAR for an Erling Haaland foul.
Andreas Schjelderup had given Norway the lead, but Bellingham equalised with a brilliant finish — although England were fortunate the goal stood after the ball struck the Spidercam during the build-up.
England rode their luck at times but will now face either Switzerland or old rivals Argentina as they seek to reach the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.
New York Times
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed relief and joy over the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
“It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” the governor told Channels Television.
President Bola Tinubu has also expressed delight over the successful rescue of abducted children and teachers, commending the military, the DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force for ending their 56-day captivity.
The President said the security operation led to the arrest of eight suspected abductors while several others were neutralised, describing the outcome as a major relief for the victims, their families and the nation.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the security agencies for what he described as their tireless efforts in securing the victims’ release.
He also sympathised with the children, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured during the prolonged ordeal
The President further commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.
President Tinubu also directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued children and teachers with all necessary medical care and relief support as they recover from the ordeal.
The schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued after about 56 days in captivity.
According to a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were freed through the efforts of security agencies.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga said.
He disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Onanuga said the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers, noting that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.
He added that security agencies would provide a full account of the operation soon.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon,” he added.
In a video shared alongside the statement, a woman believed to be one of the rescued teachers was seen thanking President Bola Tinubu for securing their release. The schoolchildren were also seen eating biscuits and joining the teacher in chanting, “Thank you, sir,” at the end of her remarks.
“Hello sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much,” the teacher said.
