Seun Adeyeye

<h3>If there’s one thing you want to protect more than anything else, it’s your penis. </h3>

The mere thought of a sharp object down there probably makes you cringe. Another popular request&nbsp;is a frenulum piercing, or a piercing of the little strand of tissue between the head and the shaft.

Which is why it may surprise you to learn that there are plenty of guys who get not just one piercing in their penis, but multiple.

There are a variety of penis piercings, with one of the most popular being the&nbsp;Prince Albert(a piercing toward the head of the penis). Another popular request&nbsp;is a frenulum piercing, or a piercing of the little strand of tissue between the head and the shaft. Some guys may also request a Jacob's Ladder, a series of piercings up the underside of the shaft that creates a ladder-like appearance. (Here's a very, very&nbsp;NSFW link.) Jacob's Ladder piercings are fairly extreme, even among body modification enthusiasts. But some guys swear they can&nbsp;improve sex&nbsp;for them and their partners.

Needless to say, there are a few risks involved, including&nbsp;infection and pain during intercourse. “When it comes to piercings, tattoos or any form of body manipulation it is a personal choice and decision. From a medical standpoint, when taking into account piercings on your penis you have to make sure its not putting you or your partner at risk,”&nbsp;Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD, urologist at Orlando Health and Assistant Professor at UCF College of Medicine, tells&nbsp;MensHealth.com.

Still have questions? We talked to&nbsp;Club Tattoo Tempe&nbsp;piercers and Association of Professional Piercing (APP) members Plaid Weyer and Nicolas Moses about what it's really like to get a Jacob's Ladder piercing.

What is the procedure for getting a Jacob's Ladder piercing?

PW: A Jacob's Ladder is a collection of frenum piercings, each frenum being a rung of the ladder. So first we'll discuss how many piercings you're looking to get. Some people prefer to start with one to get their feet wet, while others will sit for as many as they can. I will typically do two to three in a sitting. If you're looking to do more, we can schedule another set a month or two out. The more piercings you do at once, the longer the healing time required.

Once we figure out how many piercings you want, I'll check your anatomy and make sure there's enough room on there. Then pick out your jewelry (typically, a 12 or 10-gauge titanium barbell with a little extra length to accommodate swelling). I'll sterilize your jewelry while you're filling out your paperwork. Once you enter the room, you'll have a seat on the exam table and pull out your penis. I'll clean the area with a surgical scrub and then make some marks with&nbsp;gentian violet&nbsp;[a topical antiseptic] on a disposable toothpick. Once I'm comfortable with the marks, I'll have you look. When we're both happy with the placement, I'll pierce you.

Does a person's anatomy - penis size, for example - impact how the piercing is done?

PW: While anatomy doesn't affect how the piercing is done, it will affect jewelry length and the number of frenum piercings one can achieve. A thicker penis will require longer jewelry. Length will dictate how many frenum piercings, or ‘rungs’ of the ladder, [the piercer can do]. Some men may only be able to get two or three, while others can accommodate upwards of 10.

&nbsp;How often do people come in requesting a Jacob's Ladder piercing?

NM: Recently, there’s been a pretty noticeable uptick in people who are at least interested in it, and about half to two-thirds of people will follow through with it. It seems to be becoming more mainstream and acceptable to have one or multiple...whereas in the late 70s and early 80s it was very taboo.

How long does it take to heal?

PW: Everyone’s healing time is going to vary, but on average, four to six weeks. The initial jewelry is going to be long, to give room for swelling and healing. It's recommended to downsize around 8-12 weeks. It's generally recommended to take a few months off of sexual contact. When you decide you feel comfortable enough to get back into it, start slowly, and if you feel any discomfort, stop immediately. Also, if you're engaging in sexual activity during the heal period, make sure to wear protection. A healing piercing is an open wound for all intents and purposes. Any blood-to-blood contact rules should apply.

How does a Jacob's Ladder compare to other piercings in terms of pain?

NM: A Jacob's Ladder is [one] of the easier ones to perform in terms of complexity and placement, and [it is viewed] as an easier one to deal with on the pain scale. However, your mileage may vary, as pain is wildly subjective. Some men find this to be a very pleasurable piercing to have, and for their partners it can also be very rewarding. But again, that's very subjective and your mileage may vary.

How does having this piercing affect someone's sex life?

PW: During sexual intercourse, you'll feel extra sensitivity to the underside of the shaft. For your partner, it’s comparable to a more extreme version of a "ribbed" condom.

What should you do before getting your penis pierced?

NM: Your first thought when choosing a studio should be how clean it is. Are all employees up to date on blood-borne pathogens and CPR training? Do they have an&nbsp;autoclave&nbsp;[a machine used for sterilization] and how often do they monitor it? What’s the piercer's antiseptic technique like? What types of jewelry and jewelry materials do they carry. These all are things that should be asked. The piercer should also check your anatomy and refuse to do any piercing that won’t fit you or your lifestyle, or poses a serious complication to your health. The&nbsp;Association of Professional Piercers&nbsp;is a resource that can help you find a reputable location near you that meets all of this criteria.<a href="">MH.com:&nbsp;</a>

Is there anything else you think guys should know about penis piercings?

NM: Well, in short, it’s not for everybody. But in my experience, breaking out of the norm and trying something new can bring on a boost in confidence... As far as piercings go, no matter what, there are always risks involved, so do your due diligence and seek only reputable piercing for the best possible outcome.

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If there’s one thing you want to protect more than anything else, it’s your penis.

What is a Jacob's ladder piercing? It's pretty extreme

<h3>Think of ovarian cysts as the pimples of the reproductive system: mostly benign, sometimes painful, and annoying AF.</h3>

Usually,&nbsp;your ovaries&nbsp;(those reproductive organs where eggs are produced) chug along according to schedule. But sometimes, they can develop ovarian cysts-tiny fluid- or tissue-filled sacs that are typically NBD...until, well,&nbsp;they're a&nbsp;really&nbsp;big deal.

<h3>Hold on, tell me a little more about ovarian cysts</h3>

“The vast majority of ovarian cysts are benign, follicular cysts that come and go with your cycle and need no further management,” says&nbsp;Taraneh Shirazian, M.D., a gynecologist at NYU Langone Health, specializing in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. You likely don't even notice them-according to the&nbsp;Office on Women's Health (OWH), most women make at least one cyst each month, due to their regular periods.

But sometimes, the cysts are too large, there are too many, or they just don't go away on their own, says Shirazian. In those cases, surgery could be required so they don't become cancerous or cause too many hellish symptoms.

And "hellish" isn't an understatement-if a cyst (or cysts) start causing issues, you'll feel it; and, left untreated, problematic cysts could rupture or even grow large enough to make your ovary twist around the fallopian tube, according to the&nbsp;American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists&nbsp;(ACOG). That's known as ovarian torsion, which can cause sudden, severe pain and the possible loss of your ovary.

Luckily, those little cysts show signs once they start to go rogue-here's what to look out for, so you can call your doctor ASAP and get things taken care of.

<h3>1. You have some pretty awful pelvic pain.</h3>

The most common ovarian cyst symptom is pain in the lower right or left side of the pelvis, right where the ovaries are, says Shirazian-and it doesn't go away. “You might feel it when you exercise, you might feel it when you’re sexually active, but it will be a pain in that specific place that is constant and stays even after your menstrual cycle goes away.”

If the pain becomes severe or even unbearable, it's a sign that you might have an ovarian torsion, says Shirazian. When that happens, it cuts off the ovary's blood supply, which causes really bad pain, says Shirazian-the type that will send you straight to the emergency room (hopefully).

Swelling is obviously a vague symptom, but it can be related to ovarian cysts depending on their size. “Most women experience cysts under 10 centimeters. But some cysts can grow to be very big, like the size of a watermelon,” says Eloise Chapman-Davis, M.D., a gynecological oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian.

“Many women will write that off as weight gain, but abdominal pain and bloating could be the result of a mass growing in the stomach. So if the weight is only in your stomach, or you can't figure out any reason you'd be gaining weight in the first place, that's a red flag.

Like with uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts can cause a feeling a heaviness in the abdomen. “A cyst is a mass, and it’s occupying space, which can give you that feeling of pressure,” says Shirazian.

Sure, you can get a somewhat similar feeling with constipation, but unless you have cysts in both ovaries, this sensation will only strike one side of your pelvis. If your bathroom habits are fine, but you've been feeling this way for two to three weeks, it's worth finding out if an ovarian cyst might be to blame, Chapman-Davis says.

<h3>4. You dont want to have sex because it hurts.</h3>

Here's the thing: Sex should never hurt, so if it does, it means something is up. If you’re having penetrative sex and you feel pain on one side versus the other, there’s a chance it could be related to an ovarian cyst.

“Some cysts, when they become big, can fall behind the uterus, and in that case are sitting right by your cervix,” says Chapman-Davis. “So you might feel pain with deep penetration.” Endometriomas (ovarian cysts related to endometriosis) can also cause pain during sex, because they’re located closer to the cervix, she adds.

<h3>5. You feel like you have to go pee all the time (but sometimes cant go).</h3>

Another symptom of ovarian cysts that many women mention, according to Chapman-Davis, is feeling the urge to pee all of the time. “If the cyst is pushing against your bladder, you may feel like you have to urinate,” she says. “Or some women feel that they need to go more frequently, but it’s harder for them to go,” because of a blockage by the cyst.

<h3>6. You have constant back or leg pain.</h3>

Of course, back or leg pain could be attributed to a ton of different things, but if your doc has ruled everything else out, it might be worth exploring an ovarian cyst as a reason.

Ovarian cysts can hurt your back or legs when they become too big.“You don’t have&nbsp;thatmuch room in your pelvis, so when a cyst gets too large, depending on where it is in the pelvis, it can lead to back or leg pain,” says Chapman-Davis, explaining that cysts can compress the nerves that run along the back of your pelvis.

<h3>7. Youre experiencing bleeding outside of your normal cycle.</h3>

When ovarian cysts develop, they can mess with your hormones-women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which basically means they develop tons of little cysts on their ovaries, can often experience irregular bleeding, whether due to frequent ovulation or a lack of ovulation.

That's because of an imbalance of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, says Alyssa Dweck, M.D., ob-gyn and author of&nbsp;The Complete A to Z for Your V. If you're experiencing other symptoms commonly associated with PCOS, like weight gain, fertility issues, and acne, it's best to bring it up to your doc.

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Usually,&nbsp;your ovaries&nbsp;(those reproductive organs where eggs are produced) chug along according to schedule.

7 ovarian cyst symptoms you shouldn’t ignore

<h1>Aunt Flo is in the house, and while she brought along PMS and cramping (major buzzkills), she also brought another (much, much more fun) guest to the party:</h1>

But why do you suddenly need to get it on the minute you bust out the tampons? Despite many women reporting the phenomenon, science still isn’t quite sure.

ALSO READ: <a href="http://www.pulse.ng/hotpulse/article8355526.ece">How to make it smell really good down there</a>

Before delving into your off-the-charts sex drive, a little biology lesson: “A female menstrual cycle involves the cyclical rise and fall of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA,” says Adeeti Gupta, M.D., an ob-gyn and founder of&nbsp;Walk In GYN Care.

All of those hormones play an important role in your sex drive. While we know there’s a link, scientists aren’t totally sure how your cycle impacts your sex drive.

In a study published in&nbsp;Hormones and Behavior, researchers explored the connection in a group of undergraduate women. They measured hormone levels over two full menstrual cycles, and compared the results to daily journals where the participants recorded sexual activity and feelings of friskiness.

The researchers found that changing levels of estrogen and progesterone had serious sex drive side effects. Likely because, “estrogen promotes libido and desire,” explains Gupta. “Progesterone is a stabilizing hormone that suppresses libido.”

ALSO READ: <a href="http://www.pulse.ng/hotpulse/3-fabulous-tips-to-turn-a-girl-on-and-make-her-horny-id8349041.html">3 fabulous tips to turn a girl on and make her horny</a>

Before that time of the month, all those hormones reach a heightened state. But right before your period, they crash, says&nbsp;Nan Wise, Ph.D., a cognitive neuroscientist and certified sex therapist. “During week one of your period, when you're bleeding, estrogen starts a steady climb,” she says.

This moment during your cycle can be particularly ripe for gotta-have-it-now desire. “During and right after the period is when progesterone”-the hormone that suppresses your sex drive-"is the lowest,” explains Gupta. Meanwhile, your desire-boosting estrogen levels are building up, making a case for increased horniness.

That said, based on hormones alone, your period probably isn’t the peak of your sexual desire. Research shows that your fluctuating hormone levels prime you to be the horniest around ovulation-about half-way through your cycle or two weeks after your period.

That means there could be other factors playing into your friskier-than-normal feelings during your period, says Wise.

“Some women report that if they masturbate or have sex, the sense of the pelvic congestion or the menstrual cramps is relieved,” she explains. Sex and orgasm can decrease stress and help ease any PMS pain-two things you might be subconsciously craving during that time of the month.

Feeling horny during your period may also just come down to individual differences, says Wise. “Women might like sex more or a whole lot less in that period of time depending on their physical comfort,” she says. For some women, when they’re bleeding and crampy, the last thing they want is sex-however, some women want sexual activity for relief.”

The bottom line: If you don’t feel particularly horny during your period, don’t worry-nothing is off. But if you do suddenly feel sex-crazed, the most likely culprit is your naturally shifting hormone levels. Feel free to&nbsp;send your ovaries a thank you card.

For Women: Why you’re so intensely horny on your period

Yep, if your period often ranks as one of your&nbsp;best sex weeks&nbsp;of the month, you are in fine company.

Why you’re so intensely horny on your period

<h1>The actor made the announcement on Monday, March 16, 2020, via a short video on his Twitter page that he's tested positive for COVID-19.</h1>

Idris says he didn't have any symptoms but got tested after finding out he'd been in contact with someone else who tested positive, and since then gone into immediate self-isolation with his wife Sabrina.

"This morning I tested positive for Covid 19. I feel ok, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus.&nbsp;Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I’m doing. No panic." The actor captioned.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This morning I tested positive for Covid 19. I feel ok, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus. Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I’m doing 👊🏾👊🏾 No panic. <a href="https://t.co/Lg7HVMZglZ">pic.twitter.com/Lg7HVMZglZ</a>&mdash; Idris Elba (@idriselba) <a href="https://twitter.com/idriselba/status/1239617034901524481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>

The Thor star explained in the Twitter video - in full transcript below: ‘I got some test results back and it came back positive, and it sucks.

‘I’m doing okay, Sabrina hasn’t been tested and she’s doing okay. I didn’t have any symptoms. ‘I got tested because I realised I was exposed to someone who had also tested positive. I found out last Friday that they were tested positive.

I quarantined myself and got a test immediately and got the results back today. This is serious. Now is the time to think about social distancing, washing your hands.

‘Beyond that there are people out there who aren’t showing symptoms and that can easily spread it. So now is a real time to be really vigilant about washing your hands and keeping your distance, okay.

‘We’ve told our families, they’re very supportive. We’ve told our colleagues. Transparency is probably the best thing for this right now.

If you’re feeling ill and you feel like you should be tested or you’ve been exposed, you do something about it. It’s really important.

‘We live in a divided world right now, we can all feel it. It’s been bulls**t. But now is the time for solidarity. Now is the time for thinking about each other. ‘

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/coronavirus-get-all-the-latest-updates-here/1ej9l9n">Get the latest updates on the Coronavirus in Nigeria</a>

He went on: ‘There’s so many people whose lives have been affected, there’s people who have lost someone that they love, to people that don’t even have it that have lost their livelihoods.

This is real. ‘I just wanted to share my news with you guys and I will keep you updated as to how I’m doing, but so far we’re feeling okay. Alright man, stay positive and don’t freak out.’

This is a developing story; However, Pulse Nigeria would bring you more update later.

Popular English actor, Idris Elba is the latest celebrity to test positive for the coronavirus.

Idris Elba tests positive for coronavirus and self-isolates with wife Sabrina

<h1>The All Progressive Congress (APC) has been restrained from executing the judgement of a federal capital territory high court which ordered the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole as national chairman of the ruling party.</h1>

<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/politics/court-suspends-oshiomhole-as-apc-chairman/3q294vx">In a ruling on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, the judge</a>,&nbsp;Justice Danlami Senchi, ordered Oshiomhole to step down pending the determination of the substantive suit seeking his perpetual removal as the APC chairman by one Oluwale Afolabi.

However, on Monday, March 16, 2020, Abubakar Yahaya, chairman of the three man panel of judges, ordered&nbsp;a stay of execution pending the hearing of an application filed by Oshiomhole.

Oshiomhole, in his appeal, asked the court to set aside the suspension order.

At the resumed session, Wole Olanipekun, counsel to Oshiomhole, prayed the court to grant a motion ex parte staying the order of the lower court.

He said “time is of essence; the matter should not be left until tomorrow because between now and tomorrow is like eternity.”

<a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/politics/buhari-meets-apc-governors-oshiomholes-fate-hang-in-the-balance-as-party-postpones/krmve1n">Recall that Pulse Nigeria earlier reported</a> that, President Muhammadu Buhari had met behind closed doors with APC governors at the State House, Abuja.

The agenda of the meeting according to reports was unknown.

However, Gov.&nbsp;Atiku Bagudu, who led the governors to the meeting with Buhari, <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/politics/oshiomhole-apc-postpones-nec-meeting-indefinitely/tbp5fjz">announced the postponement</a> of the APC National Executive Committee meeting earlier scheduled for Tuesday.

Hon. Hassan Doguwa, APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and other party faithful. [Twitter/@ShuwakiYusuf]

A court of appeal sitting in Abuja has ordered a stay of execution of the order by the FCT High Court suspending Adams Oshiomhole.

Oshiomhole remains APC chairman, appeal court rules

<h1>The Acting Coordinator, Lagos Territorial Office, NEMA,&nbsp;Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, made the clarification in an interview with newsmen.</h1>

Ibrahim&nbsp;revealed that contrary to information earlier put out on the social media, <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/metro/suspected-pipeline-explosion-rocks-amuwo-odofin-in-lagos-twitter-reacts/7vyqpss">the explosion which occurred at about 9a.m.</a> doesn't have anything to do with pipeline vandalism.

“From the information given by officials of the Lagos State Fire Service who are currently on ground, the implosion is not connected to pipeline but might have occurred in a factory located in the Abule Ado area.

“Emergency responders are on ground while others are still on their way to the scene. The situation is under control and we hope to get more information soon to ascertain its cause,” he said.

Farinloye said the NNPC had shutdown the pipeline passing through the area as a precautionary measure after the oil company was notified of the incident.

He also confirmed that several buildings were affected by the explosion which was heard several kilometers away in many parts of the state including Amuwo Odofin, Ijegun and Agege.&nbsp;

Confusion as another pipeline explosion rocks Lagos (saharareporters)

Following reports of explosion at Abule Ado, in Lagos, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), claims the inferno was not caused by a disruption of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) oil pipeline.

Lagos explosion not caused by oil pipeline vandalism — NEMA

<h1>U.S. President, Donald Trump, has tested negative for coronavirus (COVID-19), according to his physician, Sean Conley on Sunday, March 15, 2020.</h1>

He <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/world/trump-says-he-has-taken-coronavirus-test-no-result-yet/7xdwtgh">had initially spurned advice to take the test</a> after he was seen in a photo standing next to the Brazilian official, Fabio Wajngarten, who later tested positive for the virus.

“Last night after an in-depth discussion with the President regarding COVID-19 testing, he elected to proceed.

“This evening I received confirmation that the test is negative,” Conley said in a statement.

“One week after having dinner with the Brazilian delegation in Mar-a-Lago, the president remains symptom-free.

“I have been in daily contact with the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and White House Coronavirus Task Force.

“We are encouraging the implementation of all their best practices for exposure reduction and transmission mitigation,” he added.

According to reports, Wajngarten, a media aide to President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil, was among officials who visited Trump at his private club in Florida last week.

No fewer than 2,443 people have been infected and 50 others dead in 49 states of the U.S., including the capital, Washington, D.C.

As of the time of filing this report on Saturday night, there were 154,000 confirmed cases and 5,800 deaths worldwide.

The announcement came hours after Trump said at a news conference that he had taken the test.

Coronavirus: Trump tests negative, says physician

<h1>The state’s Health Commissioner, Dr. Nimkong Ndam, revealed this to newsmen at the end of the State Executive Council meeting in Jos on Wednesday, March 11, 2020.</h1>

“After the 14 days period given to monitor the 43 quarantined persons, which ended on March 10 and 11, we can confirm that they are not infected,” he said.

According to Ndam, a team from the Federal Ministry of Health, World Health Organisations, Nigeria Immigration Service and security agencies were in the council area to review and examine the quarantined persons.

The 43 persons including four Chinese miners were quarantined by the State Government after the Chinese had contacts with some people.

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/buhari-this-coronavirus-is-not-helping-matters/cv964ky">Buhari: ‘This Coronavirus is not helping matters’</a>

The commissioner said that the measure was taken to forestall the spread of the COVID-19, which had killed more than 2000 persons in China since its outbreak in December 2019.

“The isolation is a medical routine following four Chinese miners who arrived Jos, Nigeria on Feb. 25 and 26 from China. We are happy to inform the world that nobody is infected with the virus in the state, but there is a need for us to focus on the preventive measures,” he said.

Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu visited the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba where the Coronavirus index patient is being managed. [Twitter/@jidesanwoolu]

All the 43 persons quarantined in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau&nbsp;State have been declared free from the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Coronavirus: Plateau Govt. says all 43 quarantined persons are free

<h1>The WHO chief ​Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that every sector and every individual must be involved in the fight against the novel coronavirus.</h1>

“In the past two weeks, the number of cases of COVID19&nbsp;outside China&nbsp;has increased 13-fold &amp; the number of affected countries has tripled. There are now more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries, &amp; 4,291 people have lost their lives,” he said.

“Thousands more are fighting for their lives in hospitals.

“In the days and weeks ahead, we expect to see the number of #COVID19 cases, the number of deaths, and the number of affected countries climb even higher”

“Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly. It is a word that, if misused, can cause unreasonable fear, or unjustified acceptance that the fight is over, leading to unnecessary suffering and death.

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/coronavirus-nigerias-latest-facts-and-figures/m7kp1rx">These are the latest facts and figures of the Coronavirus in Nigeria</a>

“Describing the situation as a pandemic does not change WHO’s assessment of the threat posed by this coronavirus. It doesn’t change what WHO is doing, and it doesn’t change what countries should do.

“I remind all countries that we are calling on you to activate &amp; scale up your emergency response mechanisms, communicate with your people about the risks &amp; how they can protect themselves, find, isolate, test and treat every #COVID19 case &amp; trace every contact.”

According to the WHO, 118,000 cases have been confirmed globally.

FILE PHOTO: Director-General of the WHO Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, attends a news conference on the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Geneva, Switzerland February 11, 2020. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

The World Health Organisation (WHO)&nbsp;on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, announced that the COVID-19 outbreak could be viewed as a pandemic.

WHO declares coronavirus outbreak a Pandemic

<h1>Abbas in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 in Kano, prayed to God to give the embattled monarch the strength to withstand his calamities</h1>

He also said that&nbsp;the emirate and the state were undergoing a trying period and needed abundant prayers, adding that it was wrong for people to question the traditional institution or State Government on the present situation.

According to him, every society has its tradition, culture and beliefs.

“We should not condemn ours to the extent that others will insult us over our own problems.

“Sometimes, our opinions don’t count. So, in situations like this, we need to be submissive to the Almighty for guidance and solace,’’ Abbas said.

He called on all well meaning Nigerians to include Kano in their prayers at this trying period, saying that the situation could happen anywhere else.

“While we pray that the deposition becomes the best interest of the state and Emir Sanusi, we also pray that the new Emir Aminu Bayero, faces the challenges ahead of him.

“Both of them are the sons of the city and we can’t choose one and discard one. People should know that the interest of the land comes first before anything else,’’ he said.

The deposition of Muhammad Sanusu II and the installation of Alhaji Aminu Bayero by the state government in Kano had continued to generate mixed reactions among residents.

Newly appointed Kano Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero. [Twitter/@amiwanada]

A Kano Elder, Alhaji Muhammad Abbas, has advised residents to accept the new Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Bayero.

Kano elder urges residents to accept new Emir, pray for Sanusi

<h1>The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed, newsmen in the state house after closed door meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.</h1>

It would be recalled that President Buhari had in December 2019 <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/2020-budget-buhari-signs-n10594trn-appropriation-bill-into-law/zn8n6qd">signed the 2020 budget</a> of N8.83 trillion into law.

The budget, tagged; “Budget of Sustaining Growth and Job Creation”, which key assumptions and parameters was based include crude oil production of 2.18 mbpd while the benchmark oil price was 57 dollars.

The budget assumed a deficit of 1.52 percent of the estimated gross domestic product – representing around 2.18 trillion naira – to be financed through foreign and domestic borrowing.

However, the minister revealed that the committee, which will revisit the crude oil benchmark and lower the price, is expected to submit its report to the President by March 11.

She said: “We just met with the President to discuss the matter of the impact of the Coronavirus on our economy and Mr President has formed us into a committee, with the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, the Central Bank Governor, the GMD NNPC and myself as members.

“Our mandate is to make a quick assessment of the impact of this Coronavirus on the economy, especially as it affects the crude oil price.

“We will be writing a report and brief Mr President tomorrow or Wednesday morning and after that we’ll also have more substantial information for the press.

“But it is very clear that we will have to revisit the crude oil benchmark price that we have of $57 per barrel, we have to revisit it and lower the price. Where it will be lowered to is the subject of the work of this Committee.&nbsp;

What the impact will be on that is that there will be reduced revenue to the budget and it will mean cutting the size of the budget. The quantum of the cut is what we are supposed to assess as a committee.’’

The Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Mr Timipre Sylva, who also fielded questions from the correspondents, said in the coming days, when all oil producing nations begin to see the effect of the reduction of oil prices, OPEC might meet again and reconsider its position on cutting production.

On the issue of engaging Russia, Sylva said:&nbsp;“We as a member of OPEC are not in a position to take that engagement on our own unilaterally.

“There was a disagreement between OPEC and OPEC+, it’s not just Russia, but the biggest producers within OPEC and OPEC+&nbsp;are Saudi Arabia and Russia.

“We believe that in the coming days when all of us would have begun to see effect of the reduction of prices, OPEC and OPEC+ might need to meet again and reconsider our positions.

“Meanwhile, we expect also that a lot of discussions are going on at the level of Saudi Arabia and Russia, but as Nigeria, we are not in a position to begin to engage members on this matter.’’

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed  [Twitter/@ZShamsuna]

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, March 9, 2020 constituted a committee to evaluate&nbsp;the impact of the Coronavirus outbreak on Nigeria’s economy with a view to cut down the size of the 2020 budget and reduce the 75 dollars oil benchmark.

Coronavirus: FG to cut down 2020 budget as Buhari constitutes committee – Minister

<h1>Ramaphosa is the chairman of the council which comprises local and international economic experts.</h1>

The former Nigeria's Minister of Finance, Okonjo-Iweala is the present Board Chair of GAVI, present Board Chair ARCapacity.

Okonjo-Iweala on Saturday, shared pictures she captioned: “With President Ramaphosa, members of cabinet, and members of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council in Pretoria discussing sources of growth for the South African economy and win-win economic interactions with the continent.”

South African President appoints Okonjo-Iweala member, Economic Advisory Council (dailypost)

The council was established to ensure greater coherence and consistency in the implementation of economic policy.

It is expected to ensure that government and South Africa is better equipped to respond to changing economic circumstances.

The council will advise the president and government more broadly, facilitating the development and implementation of economic policies that spur inclusive growth.

Okonjo-Iweala appointed member NOT head of SA’s economic council (ThisdayLive)

South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed two-time Nigerian minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as a member of the country’s Economic Advisory Council.

South African President appoints Okonjo-Iweala member, Economic Advisory Council

<h1>Osinbajo, who survived a helicopter crash in Kogi on Feb.2, 2019, won re-election on Feb. 23, 2019 for another four year term with President Muhammadu Buhari.</h1>

Nigeria’s 5th&nbsp;Vice President, Osinbajo is the Chairman of the National Economic Council which deliberates on economic planning and programmes of the various tiers of government.

The vice president attended Igbobi College, Lagos, University of Lagos (UNILAG) from 1975 to 1978, and London School of Economics and Political Science.

He is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Professor of Law and until his inauguration as Vice President, a Senior Partner with SimmonsCooper Partners, a commercial law practice.

He was Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State between 1999 and 2007.

He is also a Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Osinbajo is married to Dolapo (née Soyode) Osinbajo, a granddaughter of Obafemi Awolowo.

They have three children - two daughters, Damilola, Kanyinsola and a son, Fiyinfoluwa Osinbajo