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JUST IN: Oyo Poultry Farmers lose N50m in single day over insensitive security agents

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By YSO Olaniyi

Poultry farmers in Ibadan on Tuesday alleged some police officers at Podo area in Oluyole local government, forcefully turned back 20 buses conveying day old chicks to the Southeastern part of the country.

The Farmers Ambassador, Azeez Maboreje who alerted the media about the unwholesome development, also called the attention of the Oyo State Police Commissioner, Shina Olukolu to the alleged high handedness of his men.

An SOS by Maboreje to the police commissioner stated thus: “good morning sir kudos to you for great works being done in Oyo State.

 “It is important to draw your attention to our plight. As at this morning, 20 of our buses carrying day old chicks were returned at podo opposite Top One.

“All effort to engage police officer were abortive as they claimed order from the governor.

“The present situation is serious as the worth of the birds to farmers is in excess of 50million. Our farmers are bleeding already due to negative impact of Covid 19. To add today’s loses to our present suffering is serious and unbearable,” Maboreje stated.

Maboreje said the Police Boss in his reply said they were exempted from the curfew. He said the CP sent another SMS, asking them to proceed on their journey.

But as at this morning when they exchanged messages, Maboreje said the deed had been done as hundreds of the chicks died in the process.

The worst hit farmer; an Ibadan-based hatchery, The Best Line Hatchery corroborated Maboreje, claiming they lost over N50 million naira resulting from death of several day-old chicks supposedly to be transported to other parts of the country.

Rev. Tunde Owolabi, the Managing Director of the company made the disclosure on Tuesday during a news conference held at the company’s premises in Ibadan.

Owolabi said that some police officers had on Monday evening allegedly stopped no fewer than 20 buses conveying the day old chicks to other parts of the country from Ibadan.

He said that the policemen had stopped their vehicles at Podo area of Ibadan and returned them on the claim of a new directive from the federal government.

“We trust God that with all effort that is on ground, COVID-19 should be a thing of the past very soon. But by the time this problem is over, there is a looming danger of scarcity of goods.

“Hunger problem is far far greater in dimension compared to the danger COVID-19 poses. The number of birds that is involved today is alarming.

“We have about 20 buses that are affected today and in each of these we have about 8,000 to 10,000 birds.The monetary value is huge. We are talking about over N50million worth of birds,” he said.

Owolabi wondered when the Federal Government ordered policemen not to allow movement of agriculture produce to other parts of the country as essential products.

“It is rather unfortunate that these our birds were returned last night. Birds that are meant to travel at the cool hours of the day and that is the reason you see us travel in the night.

“Our drivers have the passes. As you can see with me here, we have all the documents from Poultry Association of Nigeria and from Ministry of Agriculture. Each of the drivers carry the papers”.

“We are appealing to the Federal Government, we are appealing to the state government to continuously give us free passage for all our drivers,” he said.

Alhaji Asimiyu Oyetunde, the Chairman, Day Old Chicks Merchant Association of Nigeria, expressed sadness over the attitude of the security agencies inspire of the several directives.

Oyetunde said that their drivers who were moving the day old chicks from Ibadan to other states have several documents backing the movement of agricultural produce.

He said that a larger portion of the day old chicks died as a result of the hindrance, saying the loss was over N50 million naira.

“All our effort to make sure they move yesterday proved abortive because none of them even answered us. They said that was the new order which we are not informed.

“We have many papers from the federal ministry of Agriculture, Governor’s Forum, Oyo State Government and the Inspector General of Police to prove that agricultural produce have free passage in any part of the country,” he said.

Also, Mr Gbemisoye Agboola, the Oyo State Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria(PAN), expressed sadness over the huge loss caused by the security personnel who acted contrary to the directives.

However, Mr Gbenga Fadeyi, the State Police Public Relations Officer, told newsmen that he was yet to be briefed on the matter.

Fadeyi assured that the issue would be investigated as soon as they get the details.

Let us Take Solace in Ayoola’s Excellent Legacy – Lanlehin

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By YSO Olaniyi 

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2019 general elections, Senator Olufemi Lanleyin, has described the demise of Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Rt. Hon. Kehinde Olatunji Ayoola, as tragic and very painful occurrence.

Lanleyin in a condolence message he personally signed and made available to the Pacesetter News said late Ayoola was a unique and precious “wet tree, in the forest of Oyo State, indeed Nigerian politics”.

According to him, “he was a man of unimpeachable integrity, matchless character, profound depth and great wisdom, whose eloquence and mastery of the written words, gave him off as an intellectual, whose foray into politics, underscored the need for the incursion of more professionals, and pragmatic thinkers into Nigerian politics”.

“Kehinde was a decent man, a man of sincerity and of his word. He was a quintessential Yoruba Omoluabi”.

“One attribute of the deceased whom l had the privilege of interacting with, was his ability to relate across age-groups and party divides, as well as his broadmindedness, a tendency which advertised his humanism”.

The former Senator therefore condoled with Hon. Kehinde Ayoola’s family, especially his wife, Prof. Olukemi, and the children, the Oyo State Government, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, all friends, associates and loyalists.

“We can only take solace in the fact that he left behind an excellent legacy. I pray that God Grants repose to his great soul, as well as grant us all, the fortitude to bear this extremely irreparable loss” the message concluded.

Oyo Assembly Approves Makinde’s N22.5b Loan Requests

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By YSO Olaniyi 

The Oyo State House of Assembly has again approved the State Government’s request to access credit facilities of N22.5billion to enhance health sector and priority projects that would boost the economy of the state.

The breakdown of the request made by Governor Seyi Makinde, according to the lawmakers are credit facility of N20 billion from First Bank Plc and another N2.5billion from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin, read Makinde’s request letters at the plenary on Tuesday.

Makinde in the letters said N20bn loan facility from the First Bank became inevitable as a result of fast diminishing monthly federal allocations and sharp drop in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Majority Leader, Hon Sanjo Adedoyin (PDP,  Ogbomoso South State Constituency) and the Minority Leader, Rt. Hon. Asimiyu Alarape (APC, Atiba State Constituency) respectively moved and seconded the motions for approvals of the loan requests. The duo said the house is backing the governor because the loan requests focus on infrastructural development projects and relieve in economic hardships brought by the novel coronavirus.

The Speaker in his remarks said the 32-member Assembly approved the Executive’s loan requests because they are meant to fund road constructions and rehabilitations, upgrading of health facilities and other social amenities.

Just In: Makinde Nominates Justice Aderonke As Oyo Customary Appeal Court President

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By YSO Olaniyi

The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday, nominated Justice Aderonke Aderemi as the substantive President of the state Customary Court of Appeal.

The Pacesetter News reports that the letter, seeking the confirmation of Aderonke’s appointment by the state House of Assembly, was read on the floor of the Assembly by the Speaker, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin.

Ogundoyin, while reading the letter entitled ‘Confirmation of Appointment’, said it was forwarded to the Assembly by the governor and that the Aderonke was expected to appear before the Assembly for screening on 28th May, 2020.

The Speaker directed that the judge to submit copies of her credentials to the Assembly.

Honourable Justice Aderonke is to replace retired first female President of state’s customary Court Appeal, Justice Eni Esan.

BREAKING: Makinde Nominates Aderibigbe, Kolajo, others as Civil Service commissioners

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By YSO Olaniyi

The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has sent four nominees to Oyo State House Assembly for confirmation as chairman and full-time commissioners of the state civil service commission.

A letter seeking the confirmation of the nominees was read out by the Speaker of the house, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, at the plenary on Tuesday.

The nominnes are Alhaji Kamarudeen Aderibigbe (Chairman), Alhaji Isiaq Kolajo (Full-time commissioner), Mr. Toyin Akanmu (full-time commissioner), Chief Solomon Ogunjimi (Part-time commissioner) and Pastor Taiwo Oluwagbemiro (Part-time commissioner).

The House requested the nominees to submit their resumes to the Clerk of the house on or before 21st May, 2020 for consideration.

The Pacesetter News understands the nominees will appear before the house on May 26th, 2020.

COVID-19 Palliatives: Fish Farmers Donate Smoked Fish to Oyo Govt

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By YSO Olaniyi 

In a bid to support government’s efforts to cushion the economic hardships occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Catfish and Allied Fish Farmers Association of Nigeria (CAFFAN), has donated smoked catfish to Oyo State Government to be included in the food palliative of the state.

The donation was made at State Secretariat by the National President of CAFFAN, Mr. Oloye Rotimi. He said the gesture was to support the state government in the provision of palliatives to the citizens.

Oloye while delivering the packages said: “we are here today to answer President  Muhammadu Buhari’s clarion call on organisations and individuals to support the government in provision of palliatives that can be used to alleviate the sufferings of the less privileged in this period of COVID-19 pandemic.”

He said, “catfish is very important at this crucial time. It is one of the veritable sources of animal protein with complete profile of essential amino acids necessary for the development of the body’s immune system.

Oloye therefore called on the Federal and State Governments to include catfish produced and processed locally as part of items for distribution to all vulnerable and less-privileged Nigerians. “Our local fish species helps in building immune systems that fight against the ravaging effects of diseases” he maintained.

AKEUGBAGOLD TWINS: Mastermind of the Kidnapping is a Serial Betrayer- Oriyomi

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By YSO Olaniyi 

Popular Ibadan-born on-air-personality, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, has described the mastermind of Akeugbagold twins kidnapping as a serial betrayer. The ace radio presenter said the 25-year-old Opeyemi Oyeleye Agbehuso Odo had once betrayed him.

Oriyomi in reaction to the arrest of the Ibrahim Oyeleye-led kidnapping team by the Oyo State Command of Nigeria Police, narrated how the criminal betrayed him in the past.

Alhaji Oriyomi on his official Facebook page wrote:

“OPEYEMI OYELEYE 

NATURAL JUSTICE 

I picked you up from JSS3, I wasted a lot of money to sponsor you abroad but it was not successful, Ope, remember I later resulted in picking the option of tertiary institutions here and successfully you find yourself at the university of Ibadan.You know how much I love you.

You are in charge of so many things that belong to Oriyomi Hamzat, you are the closest person to me,you eat whatever I eat and you drink from the same cup with me, you have my password with you and I keep telling you to calm down,remember I always preach patience,perseverance and tolerance have you forgot I always tell you not to chase money but work hard to give your family enviable good name,Ope why? Why? Why?

I sent you to Akeugbagold at fresh fm to assist him on social media,it was not long when I had issue with the state then,you perfected your own way with Akeugbagold and you leave me and some boys with my predicament,you change from Oriyomi boy to Akeugbagold boy,you stabbed me at back then, but I never wish you bad.

Today you dragged the name of your family in the mud,you gave your gentle father another name.

Ope when that woman,the twins mother was crying and you are doing the video,how do you feel?And you know about it,when you piloted me to Akeugbagold private room I was surprised of the closeness. Do you still have conscience at all? I doubt it.

I wonder how you will get out of psychological trauma you put yourself.

Haa! O ma see ooo.

MY NIGERIA, MY COUNTRY, MY VIEW |Rotimi Fadoju

By
Peter Ayoade
-

I believe that our dear country has been under the illusion of wealth and riches because of oil. This illusion cuts across all boards, irrespective of our political, ethnicity and religious backgrounds.

I keep wondering, how can citizens (excluding students and disabled), that refuses or hardly pay TAX to the government but prefer to pay tithe in full to religious organisations be expecting palliative from the government? How come our president, vice president, senators and other political office holders in Nigeria are earning humongous salaries and other emoluments?

The truth of the matter to me is that, all this outrageous spending on political emoluments are either from crude oil or from borrowings.

Unfortunately, I’ve come to realise that these two are no longer sustainable. We are known to be a spending and importing nation, we even import our toothpicks from China despite the fact that we are blessed with palm trees and bamboo trees. Our spending habits cuts through government to individuals.

Most of us live above our earnings, believing that all is well, or it shall be well. Nigerians bribe TAX COLLECTORS, to either evade payment or heavily underpay their TAXES. Bills and other government levies are not left behind. Custom officials in collaboration with importers underpays government of all duties. My country has no developmental road map for the next five years either in infrastructure, education or health.

No savings for rainy day either. Government officials spend money as if there’s no tomorrow. How can my president, vice president, Senate president, speaker of house of representatives and governors justify their motorcade and aides? How can Nigeria justify the millions of dollars wasted annually on both Christians and Muslims pilgrimages? “Afęfę ti fę, a ti ridi adię”. Nigeria is a poor country economically based on mismanagement and courtesy of coronavirus.

My hope for the greatness of this nation had gone to sleep. How can I explain to my children, that a governor, whose states contribute little or nothing to the GDP of Nigeria earns more monthly from the federation account than those governors whose states contribute? That is the federalism we operate.

My worries are not about myself, my headache is about the children born now or yet unborn. Things will continue to get worse economically as a result of covid 19 and maybe, we will all realise now as Nigerians, that we’ve been living a fake life as a nation.

Like the bride who encourages the groom to borrow money for their wedding, it’s now time for reality!

By Chief Rotimi Williams Fadoju

OYO COVID-19: Panic as same Company Adds Fresh Cases. ‱Total Hits 137

By
Peter Ayoade
-
By YSO Olaniyi

*Oyo Govt to hold meeting with religious leaders. Mentions Foods That Help fight against COVID-19

*We’ll reveal the company with COVID-19 patients today – Makinde

Fear grips Ibadan residents as the yet-to-be named company in the Oyo state capital, Ibadan recorded 19 fresh cases of coronavirus on Monday, this brings the total number of confirmed cases in the company to 57. The state is now 10th on the national COVID-19 log as the total number of confirmed cases hit 137.
Governor Seyi Makinde via his verified Twitter handle wrote “the COVID-19 confirmation tests for nineteen suspected cases came back POSITIVE. All nineteen of these cases are from the same organisation referred to in the updates of May 16 and 17, 2020. So, the total number of confirmed cases in Oyo State is 137”.
Makinde in a press briefing at Agodi Government House yesterday said the identity of the company in the Southwest Local Government Area of the state will be unveiled today (Tuesday). “We have held back from revealing the name of the company so as to allow the Emergency Operations Centre gather intelligence and complete their investigation. So, they will be done by tomorrow (Tuesday) and we will be able to give you that information so that any person who has visited the company recently will be able to present themselves for testing” he said.
He also said that the Oyo State Taskforce would continue to allow all confirmed COVID-19 cases who are able to self-isolate at home to do so, in order not to overwhelm the capacity of the state isolation centres. “This also ensures that the isolation centres are available for those who need hospitalisation. However, we will keep tracking those self-isolating using technology to prevent community spread”.
“We will issue an advisory based on the advice given by Professor E. Olatunde Farombi, a Professor of Biochemistry and Fellow, Nigeria Academy of Science. This is on foods and natural products useful as preventive measures against COVID-19 and other viral illnesses. For instance, we have bitter kola, turmeric, zinc, ginger, garlic, citrus fruits and bitter leaf. Let me emphasise that this advisory is not for the treatment or cure of COVID-19, it is preventive”
“Regarding our directives on social distancing during this pandemic, we have received requests from religious leaders about relaxing the ban on gatherings to allow religious services hold. We are currently in an accelerated phase in the transmission of COVID-19 in Oyo State and the expert advice is that transmission occurs more easily in enclosed spaces. So, we cannot at this time, relax this directive”.
“However, the experts are carrying out a risk situation analysis and will be sending in their report before the end of May and this will determine our next steps. Therefore, we will be meeting with religious leaders before the end of this week to see how and when reopening of religious places will be possible” the Governor concluded.
Meanwhile, the NCDC on Monday confirmed 216 new cases of the novel coronavirus in FCT and 14 states. The total number of confirmed cases is 6175 as at Monday 18th May 2020. Total Discharged cases stand at 1644 while 191 Deaths cases have been recorded so far.
Below is the breakdown of the 216 new cases of COVID19;
74-Lagos          33-Katsina       19-Oyo
17-Kano            13-Edo              10-Zamfara
8-Ogun               8-Gombe          8-Borno
7-Bauchi             7-Kwara           4-FCT
3-Kaduna            3-Enugu           2-Rivers.

Akinjide Mourns Ayoola. ‱He was scheduled to feature on our programme -WellsRadio

By
Peter Ayoade
-
  1. By YSO Olaniyi

The former Minster of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, has described the death of late Kehinde Olatunji Ayoola JP as a tragic shock.

The Minister in a statement which she signed and made available to the press commiserated with the immediate family of the late Commissioner, the people of Oyo town, Governor Engr Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State in general. She noted that the death was painful and irreplaceable and prayed God to have mercy on us and give all concerned the fortitude to bear this great loss.

In the same vein, the management of WellsRadio, an Ibadan-based online radio station, has condoled with the governor over the passing of the Environment Commissioner.

In a letter dated 16th May 2020 and signed by Mr. Abayomi Davies, described the general feeling of sadness and comments that greeted the announcement of Ayoola departure as testament to his popularity, influence and goodwill in the political space of Oyo State.

Part of the letter reads, “we note his closeness and loyalty to Your Excellency coupled with his laudable roles as the Director General of Seyi Makinde Campaign organization and Deputy Director of the Omitutun Campaign Organization that ushered in the present administration in Oyo State. It is painful that he did not live to see the full realization of the Omititun vision to which he was greatly committed. We also note his natural endowments as a good public speaker and orator, a brilliant writer and author, and an outstanding public affairs commentator and social media influencer”

“Rt. Hon. Ayoola was scheduled to be at Wellsradio’s studio on Wednesday May 6 as Special Guest on our flagship programme- MEET-THE-PRESS but had messaged us on May 5 to cancel the appointment on Doctor’s strict order that he should rest assuring that he would inform us as soon as his health held. We were eagerly looking forward to his recovery and a new date when the devastating news of his demise broke”

“We commiserate with Your Excellency and people of Oyo State on the loss of an illustrious son of the State and pray that the Almighty God will comfort and grant everyone the strength to bear the irreparable loss. Our hearts also go to his wife, children, families, friends and associates. May God comfort and strengthen them and rest the gentle soul of the departed. He will be sadly missed”.

Don’t See Covid-19 Lockdown as Lock up – Fitness Expert tells Nigerians

By
Peter Ayoade
-

YSO Olamiyi

A widely travelled fitness expert, Ambassador Romoke Ramat Ayinde has called on Nigerians not see the current lock down, put in place by government to curb the spread of deadly Corona virus, as lock-up and punishment.

Delivering a lecture titled ‘Techniques of Keeping Fit During Ramadan and Covid 19 Lockdown’, at the annual Oyo SWAN Ramadan Lecture held at her office situated at 360 Degree Building, New Garage Ibadan, Ambassador Ayinde stressed that Covid 19 is real and should be prevented.

The multilingual business tycoon advised sports men and other Nigerians to engage in physical exercises and indoor games to keep fit, rather than staying idle and complaining.

While enjoining Muslim faithfuls and other members of the public not to see the Covid 19 pandemic ravaging the world as a divine punishment but an avenue to restructure their life style.

She further charged Nigerians to adhere to health tips published to curb the spread of the deadly Corona virus.

The fitness expert, who advised people to mindful of what they consume during the lock down, urged fasting Muslims to use this holy month of Ramadan which coincides with Covid 19 lockdown, to pray for quick end of the pandemic.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Oyo State Chapter Mr Niyi Alebiosu thanked the lecturer, who is also the Patroness of the Association, Ambassador Ayinde, for making the annual lecture possible in spite of the mood of the country.

Mr Alebiosu urged attendees to make use of lessons of the lecture.

The 2020 edition of the annual Oyo SWAN lecture, held in low key in compliant with the dictates of the Covid 19 lock down, was attended by few sports journalists.

We used to Rely on late Ayoola for Political Decisions, says Gov. Makinde

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By YSO OLANIYI

The Oyo State Executive Council, on Monday, conducted a valedictory session in honour of the erstwhile Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Rt. Honourable Kehinde Ayoola. The council members severally eulogized the late former speaker of the state assembly, declaring that he  would be greatly missed.

Speaking during the meeting held at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, the president of the council and governor of the state, Engineer Seyi Makinde, described the late commissioner as a gem, noting that he has lost a loyal and dedicated friend and colleague.

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that the state would immortalize Ayoola.

The governor also declared that henceforth the task of educating the children of the deceased has become  his responsibility. According to him, he would be ready to bear the cost of their education no matter where they want to go in search of knowledge.

The governor said: “Nothing prepares us for something like this. One week, you are with a friend, colleague, discussing the affairs, dreams, aspirations and, the next moment, he is no more. All the dreams and aspirations are extinguished.

“He will definitely be missed by all of us who have worked with him. I have seen pictures that the deceased and some of our colleagues took together. We will all miss him but I will be missing him even more dearly. I first met him in 2002. We were very young then and we were thinking about the ideal situation for our state.

“I remember the first meeting at Fortune Chinese Restaurant at Onireke. He was the only politician amongst us. We were just professionals thinking about how Oyo State can progress and we all decided to support Governor (Rashidi) Ladoja. But because we all knew nothing about politics, every time we got to a point to review the political implications of the decisions we were about to take, we always fell back on him because he will be the one to always tell us the ramification of the decision we’d planned to take.

Crown FC Reads Riot Act to Staff, Mourns Ayoola

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By YSO OLANIYI

The management of Crown Football Club Ogbomoso, has read riot act to the technical crew and players to be professional in the discharge of their duties and eschew partisanship. The Club’s Acting General Manager, Mr. Kunle Oyeleye, issued the warning at a meeting held in its Secretariat, Soun Township Stadium Ogbomoso on Wednesday.

Mr. Kunle while addressing the staff emphasized the need for members of staff to be more professional in their conducts and desist from any act that could set the club backward as any erring member of staff caught in act inimical to the policy of the Club would be sanctioned accordingly.

In his words, “Crown FC is a professional outfit with core values in football activities and not a political group; the sole ownership belongs to the good people and Government of Oyo State. Any staff who is found to be partisan or intends to engage in something else should resign”.

“You cannot mix politics with football and expect a better result. I implore us to be wary of our conducts on social media and other engagements”, the Ajilete Warriors boss maintained.

Oyeleye also told the staff to observe all the COVID-19 preventive measures given the Oyo State Government and other relevant authorities.

Meanwhile, the Acting Manager on behalf of the Club condoled with Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and the people of Oyo State over the demise of Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Rt. Honourable Kehinde Ayoola. The club prayed to God to comfort Governor Makinde and the bereaved families.

BREAKING NEWS: Ayoola, Environment Commissioner for burial next week

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Adam’s Akorede, Bushrah Kaffi, YSO Olaniyi and Rebecca Akinkanju

Few hours after the Oyo State Government held valedictory service in honour of the late Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Kehinde Ayoola, the burial plans of the deceased have commenced in earnest.

Pacesetter News reliably gathered on Monday that the burial of the cerebral politician has been fixed for two days next week; Wednesday and Thursday.

A top government official (names witheld) was said to have visited the family members of the deceased where programmes for the burial were arrived at.

Sources privy to the meeting confided in our Correspondent that, “the two-day programme was arrived at, in conjunction with the family of the deceased which had in attendance his wife and twin sister, Taiwo.

“For the Wednesday, there will be an Online service of songs because of the physical distancing occasioned by the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic otherwise called Covid-19.

“And his remains would be interred on Thursday where short burial service will be held at the cemetery,” he added.

Ayoola died last week during a brief illness.

He was one time Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and served as the Director General of the Seyi Makinde gubernatorial campaign and Deputy Director General in 2015 and 2019 respectively.

BREAKING: EPL Clubs to Resume Training Tomorrow, May 19

By
Peter Ayoade
-

Premier League clubs have unanimously voted in favour of resuming training in small groups from Tuesday, with a return to top-flight football edging closer, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

League officials, medical experts and representatives from all 20 sides held talks on Monday via a video conference call and agreed to stage one of the return to training protocols.

Stage one enables squads to train while maintaining social distancing but contact training is not yet permitted.

In a statement, the Premier League said: “This first stage has been agreed in consultation with players, managers, Premier League club doctors, independent experts and the government.

“Strict medical protocols of the highest standard will ensure everyone returns to training in the safest environment possible.

“The health and wellbeing of all participants is the Premier League’s priority, and the safe return to training is a step-by-step process.

“Full consultation will now continue with players, managers, clubs, the PFA and LMA as protocols for full-contact training are developed.”

Top-flight football was suspended indefinitely on April 3 and the last Premier League fixture was played on March 9.

Players are aware of the strict rules which will be in place for phase one training.

That means no tackling or spitting and maintaining social distancing from everyone else at all times

Many players are believed to be encouraged by what they saw after watching games being played again in the Bundesliga this weekend.

German clubs began training in small groups from April 8 with their first round of league fixtures starting on May 16.

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