By Folasade Akpan

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), says inflation rate reduced by 0.05 per cent in April compared to what obtained in March.

It said while inflation rate stood at 18.17 per cent in March, it reduced to 18.12 per cent in April.

The rate is contained in the NBSs Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for April 2021 released on Monday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CPI measures the average change over time in prices of goods and services for day-to-day living.

The report also said increases were recorded in all Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose (COICOP) divisions that yielded the headline index.

On month-on-month basis, the headline index increased by 0.97 per cent in April. This is 0.59 percentage points higher than the rate recorded in March (1.56 per cent), the report said.

The NBS said that the percentage change in the average composite of CPI for the 12 months period ending in April over the average of CPI for the previous 12 months period was 15.04 per cent.

This, it said, represented a 0.48 per cent increase over 14.55 per cent recorded in March.

It, however, said that the rural index also rose by 0.95 per cent in April, down by 0.57 per cent, compared to the 1.52 per cent rate recorded in March.

The corresponding twelve-month year-on-year average percentage change for the urban index is 15.63 per cent in April.

This is higher than 15.15 per cent reported in March, while the corresponding rural inflation rate in April is 14.48 per cent compared to 13 per cent recorded in March, it stated.

The NBS said that composite food index rose by 22.72 per cent in April compared to 22.95 per cent in March.

It added that on month-on-month basis, the food sub-index increased by 0.99 per cent in April, down by 0.91 per cent from 1.90 per cent recorded in March.

It said that the rise in the food index was caused by increases in prices of coffee, tea and cocoa, bread and cereals, soft drinks, milk, cheese and eggs, vegetables, meat, oil and fats, fish and potatoes, yam and other tubers.

The data bureau said that All items less farm produce or Core inflation, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produce stood at 12.74 per cent in April, up by 0.07 per cent when compared with 12.67 per cent recorded in March.

It added that on month-on-month basis, the core sub-index increased by 0.99 per cent in April, down by 0.07 per cent when compared with 1.06 per cent recorded in March.

It said that the highest increases were recorded in the prices of pharmaceutical products, vehicle spare parts, hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishments.

Other areas are garments, furniture and furnishing, medical services, shoes and other footwear.

Others are motor cars, major household appliances whether electric or not, dental services, hospital services, non-durable household goods and fuel and lubricants for personal transport equipment.

For state profile, the NBS said that in April, all-items inflation on year-on-year basis was highest in Kogi at 24.33 per cent, Bauchi State at 22.93 per cent and Sokoto State at 20.96 per cent.

Abia at 15.94 per cent, Kwara at 15.70 per cent and Katsina State at 15.58 per cent recorded the slowest rise in headline year-on-year inflation.

On month-on-month basis, however, in April all-items inflation was highest in Kebbi at 2.24 per cent, Cross River at 1.99 per cent and Jigawa at 1.78 per cent.

Ebonyi at 0.12 per cent recorded the slowest rise in headline inflation month-on- month with Rivers and Ogun recording price deflation or negative inflation.

For food inflation on a year-on-year basis, in April, it was highest in Kogi at 30.52 per cent, Ebonyi 28.07 per cent and Sokoto State at 26.90 per cent.

Abuja at 18.63 per cent, Akwa Ibom at 18.51 per cent and Bauchi State at 17.64 per cent recorded the slowest rise in year-on-year inflation.

On month-on-month basis, however, April food inflation was highest in Kebbi at 2.46 per cent, Ekiti State at 2.42 per cent and Kano State 2.17 per cent.

Meanwhile Abuja at 0.05 per cent recorded the slowest rise in month-on-month food inflation with Rivers and Ogun recording price deflation or negative inflation. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Philomina Attah

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the immediate past governor of Kwara, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, for questioning.

The spokesperson for the commission, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) via an SMS on Monday.

Uwujaren gave no further information on reasons for the invitation.

Ahmed had governed the state between 2011 and 2019

But in December 2020, the EFCC invited him to clarify specific transactions and decisions he took while in office.

This is the second time the former governor will be invited by the commission since he left office in 2019 .(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Monday Ijeh

Acting Inspector General of Police (I-G), Mr Usman Baba has ordered the deployment of additional operatives and crime prevention assets to ensure public safety on the Kaduna-Abuja expressway.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Frank Mba, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Baba said that the deployment followed the disruption of other means of transportation in the state, occasioned by the strike embarked upon by the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

According to him, the directive is a proactive measure to protect communities and travellers in anticipation of increased traffic on Kaduna Abuja expressway.

The acting I-G said that the idea was to enhance police visibility, prevent and neutralise possible criminal activities targeted at citizens plying the road.

He also directed the Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs) in zonal and state commands with jurisdictions straddling Kaduna Abuja Highway to rise up to the task.

The AIGs and CPs are to ensure that no new threat to lives and property thrive within your Area of Responsibility as a result of the industrial action, he said.

Baba said that the AIGs in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau had been directed to immediately, deploy covert operatives from the Intelligence Response Team and the Special Tactical Squad.

He said that the deployment was to prevent any untoward situation along the expressway.

The police boss pledged the commitment of the force to continue to do all within its powers to promote public safety.

He urged citizens, particularly, communities, transporters and commuters on the Kaduna Abuja expressway to cooperate with security operatives deployed to their areas.

He said that citizens were also enjoined to be vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movement or criminal activities in their localities to the Police. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Oladapo Udom

The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Jason Gbassa, on Monday said that reliable hydrographic data and information from the Nigerian Navy (NN) would further guide maritime activities.

Gbassa made the assertion at a reception of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) LANA, which held at NNS BEECROFT Jetty/Parade Ground, Apapa, Lagos.

He said that the Hydrographic ship, NNS LANA, would help provide the data and information needed to help make the sea more better and safe place for maritime activities.

NNs capacity to conduct hydrographic survey that will assure safety of naval and merchant traffic over the sea is significantly impaired with the absence of a hydrographic ship in NN fleet.

With NNS LANA joining the fleet, the maritime industry can be assured of getting improved and reliable hydrographic data and information from the NN to guide maritime activities, he said.

According to the FOC, in seafaring, safety is key and can mean life. All the potentials and prospects man stands to benefit from the sea and by traversing it amounts to nothing without safety.

Anything that will keep one away from danger in an unfriendly environment such as the sea is welcome.

Therefore, NNS LANA is one such asset hence our joy at receiving the ship, Gbassa said.

He said that the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambos leadership reflected in his vision to re-energise the NN and motivate its personnel.

Indeed, the Command is grateful for this rare privilege to receive the brand new NNS LANA.

I have no doubt that the ship will contribute to safety in the maritime industry as well as to Nigerias national security, Gbassa said.

Also speaking, the Commanding Officer (CO), NNS LANA, Captain Abdullateef Mahmud said that the ship spent 30 days at sea from France on her voyage to Lagos, Nigeria.

Based on the average speed of 10 knots, the ship covered a total distance of 4,005 nautical miles and approximately spent 30 days on the voyage.

The ship stopped over at four countries which were Portugal, Spain, Gambia and Ghana.

The ship performed satisfactorily well during the voyage except for one oil operation unit that developed a problem which was rectified in Portugal, Mahmud said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the construction of NNS LANA commenced in France in Dec. 2018 and was completed in July 2020.

The ship was launched on September 2020 in France and was handed over to the Nigerian Navy on Jan. 15, 2021. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Lucy Ogalue

The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said on Monday that President Muhammadu Buhari would inaugurate the Maritime Security Project in Lagos in June.

Amaechi made the disclosure when he received the Belgium Ambassador to Nigeria who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.

He saidthat insecurity in the maritime sector which was now more complex than the world knew had become a concern to government.

The Federal Government has come up with a solution and it is ready to take off. The Navy, Police, Army and State Security Service are involved.

Between 65 and 75 per cent of crimes come from our water and if we are able to eliminate them we will be making a lot of progress, he said.

Amechi said the move wasin line with the efforts of government to curb increasing criminal activities in the maritime sector.

He listed the crimes as piracy, sea robbery, kidnapping, oil theft, illegal bunkering, smuggling and illegal trafficking in drugs and persons within the Gulf of Guinea, especially Nigeria.

He, however, said that if the project was successful there would be improvement in maritime security in the near future and other countries in the Gulf of Guinea could adopt it.

Amaechi further said that the ministry would be glad to partner and share information with anyone who wanted it for the purpose of securing the gulf.

Earlier, the Belgium Ambassador to Nigeria, Daniel Bertrand, presented a letter to the minister, requesting Nigerias support to the Belgium candidate for a position at in the International Maritime Organisation.

Bertrand also said that Belgium had keenlyobserved what was happening in the Gulf of Guinea and would like to be of assistance.

He said the country was ready to give support to the implementation of the maritime security in the gulf. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Segun Giwa

Oodua Youth Coalition (OYC) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently address Nigerians on the security challenges currently confronting the country.

President of the coalition, Mr Tayo Oluyi, stated this at a news conference on Monday in Akure.

According to Oluyi, to return peace and stability to the country, it is imperative for the president to address fellow countrymen on ways out of the pervading insecurity.

He also urged the president to organise a national conference, place ban on open grazing and make necessary legislations to ensure restructuring of the country.

Oluyi expressed the coalitions support the Southern Governors Forum on their resolutions during their meeting held in Asaba, Delta recently.

He said that the group would continue to defend and promote the interest of Yorubaland as an entity of the Nigerian state.

We are here today to openly and formally declare our support for the Southern governors, who met recently in Asaba, Delta.

We are also here to reel out possible and practicable solutions to the myriads of challenges confronting some states, particularly the 17 states that make up the Southern part of the country.

Chapter two of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) states that the primary responsibility of a government shall be to see to the welfare and safety of lives and property of her citizens.

This was why, on May 11, 13 governors and two deputy governors, representing their states, converged on Asaba, with the sole aim of finding lasting solutions to the problems facing the Southern part of the country.

Governors of Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos, Oyo and Ogun were presented at the meeting, at the end of which Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, who chaired it, read out the 12-point communiqu issued by the governors.

The most important of their resolutions were the outright ban on open grazing, the call on President Muhammadu Buhari to address Nigerians on the state of the nation, convocation of a national dialogue by the federal government and restructuring of the country.

The coalition is, therefore, using this medium to formally support the positions of the governors and ask that the federal government takes action as soon as possible, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Dianabasi Effiong

The Rivers Government has redeemed its pledge of N280 million to families of 14 security personnel murdered during a recent attack on security formations in parts of the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, on behalf of the state governor, presented cheques to 11 widows of Police officers at the State Police Command on Monday in Port Harcourt.

Cheques were also presented to family members of two bereaved personnel of the Nigerian Airforce, respectively, at the Nigerian Airforce Base.

A widow of a deceased Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp (NCDC) personnel also received the cheque.

Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers had announced the donation of N20 million to each family of the slain officers during a condolence visit to the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Friday Eboka.

Danagogo said the gesture was in fulfillment of the governors earlier promise to alleviate the plight of the widows of affected personnel and their children.

He said: His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Wike deeply sympathises with you. We know there is nothing else he can do to bring your husbands, fathers and brothers back to you.

But he has asked me to tell you that in situations like this, we look unto God and pray that God will continue to support you and show his grace to you.

He wants you to know that your husbands and fathers did not die in vain but died for their fatherland and God will certainly take care of all that concerns them.

Men may not be able to do much to assuage your feelings but be rest assured that God Almighty will take care of you.

The Governor has asked us to bring this token of N20 million each to the widows and children of the deceased security personnel.

Our role as a Government is to always identify with people who make sacrifices for the good of humanity, the good of Nigeria and the State.

No doubt your husbands are some of those who made such sacrifices along with several officers who are doing same.

He also assured the security personnel in Rivers of governments continuous commitment and support as they discharged their duties.

I encourage all the officers who are toiling day and night to ensure the security of the state that Rivers State Government will always stand with you and identify with you no matter the situation.

The Governor appreciates your sacrifices and will always support you to eradicate this recent trend of criminality and terrorism ravaging different parts of the country, he said.

Speaking, the Commissioner of Police thanked Wike and assured of continuous service of his men to the security of the state.

We are happy that the Governor has extended his hand of friendship to us. We have been sad all these while, but today, the Governor in his magnanimity has come to wipe out our tears.

We appreciate the Governor and pray that God will continue to help him the way he is helping us.

We know that money cannot bring back life but invest the money properly so your children will not drop out of school and use it wisely, he said.

Similarly, Group Capt. G. E. Laha, the Commander 115 Special Operations Group, Nigeria Airforce, Port Harcourt, commended the governor for the gesture and promised to continue in the good service of security of the state.

Responding on behalf of the recipients, Mrs Grace Bassey, the widow of Insp. Paulinus Bassey, expressed gratitude to the governor for empowering the widows and family members of the deceased. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar, on his appointment as the new Dean of the University College, London (UCL) Faculty of Population Health Sciences.

Abubakar is a world-leading scholar in the field of infectious disease epidemiology.

Buhari, in a statement by his Spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Monday, expressed delight for the unflinching support Abubakar had provided to public health institutions in Nigeria.

He noted that Abubakars contributions had helped in achieving tangible results in the area of control and prevention of communicable diseases in the country.

Abubakar holds a Master of Science degree from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, a DPH from the University of Cambridge and a PhD from the University of East Anglia.

According to the president, the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) trained medical doctor, will bring his extensive wealth of experience and skills in public health to his new role.

Abubakars professional records span from his outstanding leadership at the Institute for Global Health in the last five years to extensive research in infectious disease epidemiology, migration and health.

This, led to his election to the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences in 2020.

President Buhari extended his best wishes to the unassuming achiever, widely admired by his peers, as he settles down to his new role from Aug. 1. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Rotimi Ijikanmi

The Federal Government says it has uncover about 476 online publication sites dedicated to daily churning out of fake news to fight the government.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed disclosed this on Monday in Abuja when he received officials of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations on a courtesy visit

Mohammed said the latest of the hatchet jobs by the traducers was the fake publication on President Muhammadu Buharis mental status.

It will amaze you that recently we unveiled almost 476 online publication sites that are dedicated to daily engaging in churning out fake news to fight the government.

The latest which I found ridiculous is the one that said days ago, that they had information that when Mr President was in the UK the last time, he was advised to step down because he could not even recognise members of his immediate family.

I begin to wonder how they can go this far, simply because they know that people are gullible and they will make the fake news to go viral, he said.

The minister noted that fake news is taking a new dimension and threatening the existence of the country.

He said the debilitating effects of the menace was not only on the government but on every Nigerian.

Mohammed noted that many marriages had been wrecked as a result of fake news, particularly through the social media while people had lost their lives and many others committed suicide.

To buttress his position, the minister recalled a recent report where fake news almost led to killing of 600 applicants by scammers.

A young man sent out letters to 600 people to enlist into Nigerian Army and collected N10,000 from each of them.

He asked them to report at the Okitipupa Army Barracks in Ondo state on a particular day to collect their letters of appointment.

At the same time, he alerted the Commandant of the Barrack that Boko Haram insurgents were coming to invade the barrack on the same day, he said.

Mohammed said his ministry had spearheaded the campaign against fake news years back before the menace got so bad.

He said the NIPR had critical role to play in ensuring the fight against fake news.

This is where your body comes in because you have a powerful platform to ensure that the menace of fake news is confronted squarely.

Regrettably, however, members of this institute have been found wanting, they have most times place pecuniary interest and motives above patriotism and nationalism

You will recall the sad incidence of the P

By Ibrahim Ahmad

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Zamfara Command on Monday commenced the commemoration of sixth UN Global Road Safety Week in all parts of the state.

The FRSC Sector Commander, Mr Iro Danladi, said at a news conference in Gusau, that the essence of the week was to carry out the global campaign.

According to him, the global campaign was hosted by the WorldHealth Organisation through the UN General Assembly Resolution first held in 2007.

He said that the aim of the week was to bring together individuals, governments at all levels, Non-Governmental Organisations and corporate entities from around the world to raise awareness on road safety.

The awareness will help to make changes that will reduce the rate of deaths and injuries from road traffic crashes, Danladi said.

He further said the theme of this years edition was Street for Life and called for 30km per hour in built up areas such as cities, towns and villages.

It is against this background that FRSC as a leading agency in the traffic management in the country will join hands with all stakeholders to champion the cause of observing reduction in menace, he said.

Danladi said that activities to commemorate the week in the state include; public enlightenment; hospital visitation to sympathise with victims of road crash; special Jumat prayer and church services on Friday and Sunday respectively.

He said that all hands must be on deck to support the noble initiative. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Oladapo Udom

Nestl Nigeria PLC says no fewer than 100,000 consumers benefited from Maggi at Ramadan, with 1,250 homes visited to share healthy food items, and donations made to 160 charitable organisations and mosques during the season.

The Corporate Communication Manager, Nestl Nigeria, Victoria Uwadoka, said this on Monday in a statement.

Uwadoka said that it had been in the tradition in the past 10 years for Maggi to given free food items to support individuals in households across Nigeria during the Ramadan season.

Food items such as rice, vegetable oil, spaghetti and Maggi Seasoning, where distributed to over 100,000 consumers.

From the start to the end of the season, the Maggi team was fully involved in providing healthy and nutritious food products for families at Sahur and Iftar.

Working with nutritionists and food enthusiasts, the brand also provided nutrition education to help them make healthy nutrition choices, she said.

The manager said that Maggi also gave out to shoppers one million gift items through the Ramadan Shopper Promo which started two weeks before Ramadan until the end of the season.

Uwadoka said that Maggi also launched the Maggi Ramadan Diaries, a TV and radio programme which aired everyday during the fast across multiple television stations, radio stations and online platforms.

To support healthy nutrition, the cooking show provide tips on healthy lifestyles, share knowledge about quick and delicious recipes and nutritious tips on Iftar and Sahur, she said.

The manager said that Nestl Nigeria rounded off the Eid celebrations by hosting consumers at a sumptuous dinner themed, Maggi Food and Everything Else.

Participants shared in a delicious Eid experience, with meals showcasing the best of Northern cuisine prepared by foremost chefs and food enthusiasts.

In the statement, Category Manager for Culinary, Nestl Nigeria, Mrs Nwando Ajene, said Ramadan is a special season for renewed dedication to the values of service and sharing goodness.

Looking back on the past year, 2021 brings a fresh appreciation of the joy and privilege of coming together.

We are happy to have been a part of the Ramadan journey, and we will continue to support individuals and families to make healthier and tastier food choices every day, Ajene said.

The statement also disclosed that, Jamilah Lawal, a Social Media Influencer, said that her participation in Maggi Dairies was an opportunity for her to share nutrition tips with countless people during Ramadan.

This year is special as we all recover from the impact of the pandemic. If there is anything we learnt from 2020, it is the importance of healthy nutrition every day.

Over the past years, I have seen the impact of improved nutrition on many families, and many more food enthusiasts have joined the campaign to promote healthier nutrition.

I cannot thank Maggi enough for this platform which I will always support, Lawal said.

NAN reports that Nestl Nigeria is one of the largest food companies in Africa with the purpose of unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life.

The company produces and markets several iconic brands including Nestl Purelife, Golden Morn, Milo, Maggi and Nescaf. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to exercise calm and restraint in its engagement with the Kaduna State Government.

The forum made the call in a statement signed by its Chairman and Governor of Ekiti, Dr Kayode Fayemi, on Monday in Abuja.

Fayemi called for cautious introspection on the part of labour, saying no meaningful progress had ever been achieved in an atmosphere of conflict and chaos.

The NGF also wishes to remind the NLC that its actions can become counter-productive, especially as the last year 2020 has adversely affected workers socially and economically.

He advised the NLC to explore the already open avenue of rapprochement that the Kaduna state government had provided to resolve the matter and join the state to evolve a convivial working environment that would be befitting for all.

The NGF also calls on the NLC to be open-minded toward the altruistic intention of the staff audit that the Kaduna state is embarking upon to sanitise the states workforce and make it more productive.

This should not be seen as a witch-hunt or an attempt to unnecessarily downsize the civil service.

As we all know, all states are at present going through difficult times and the most feasible option will be for each state to device its own response to its unique challenges without undermining the rights of individuals to seek redress.

Activities in the state have been paralysed as the five-day warning strike directed by the NLC over irregular sacking of civil servants began on Monday.

The NLC National President, Mr Ayuba Wabba, said at the kick off of the action that it would run its full course unless the state government attended to the workers grievances. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

The Indian Government, on Monday, launched the first batch of its indigenous anti-COVID-19 drug, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG).

The drug was developed by the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS).

INMAS, a lab of Indias Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Dr Reddys Laboratories (DRL), in the southern city Hyderabad, is used to treat COVID-19 patients.

The first batch of the drug was handed over by the Federal Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, to the Federal Health Minister, Harsh Vardhan, in the capital New Delhi.

The 2-DG drug was recently given approval for emergency use by the Drugs Controller General of India.

India has been hit by a devastating second wave of COVID-19 infections.

The health ministry earlier said 281,386 new cases and 4,106 related deaths were registered in the past 24 hours across the country. (Xinhua/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare has described former Green Eagles goalkeeper Emmanuel Okala as one of the greatest goalkeepers Africa ever produced.

The minister said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja while congratulating the football legend as he clocked 70.

Dare heaped praises on him and thanked him for his services to his fatherland.

On behalf of the Nigerian football family, let me sincerely congratulate Emmanuel Okala as he turns 70.

On this your special day, I wish you Gods guidance, protection, mercy favour and good health, happy birthday, Dare said.

He described him as an icon whose place in the history of Nigerian and African football would not be forgotten.

You are truly an icon whose place in Nigerian and African football is already assured.

Your role in winning the 1980 Nations Cup and other accomplishments cant be forgotten.

We will continue to celebrate you and pray to God to endow you with good health and long life. God bless you and thanks for all the great memories, he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Okala is the only Nigerian goalkeeper to be decorated as African Footballer of the Year by the African Sports Journalists Union (ASJU).

NAN also reports that Okala manned the post for the Green Eagles for about 10 years while also plying his trade with Enugu Rangers Intl FC.

He was born on May 17, 1951 and played for the Green Eagles from 1972 to 1980, culminating in winning the 1980 African Cup of Nations for Nigeria. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Cecilia Ologunagba

The Nigerian community in New York City, United States, on Sunday organised a debate for the mayoral candidates to learn about their views on critical issues impacting on the Nigerian community.

The debate was convened by The Nigerian Forum, a coalition of the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) and the Nigerian-Americans Public Affairs Committee (NAPAC), a political action committee.

The New York City mayoral election is very competitive and strategic due to the citys diverse nature and an annual budget of about US$ 100 billion, the largest municipal budget in the U.S.

No fewer than 13 Democratic and two Republican candidates have qualified for the citys 2021 mayoral election following the Democratic and Republican primaries on June 22, 2021, and a general election on November 2, 2021.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than three Nigerians are contesting in the city councils elections.

They are Prof. Ranti Ogunleye, contesting for Staten Island City 49; Dr George Onuorah, contesting for Queens district 21; and Chris Durosinmi, contesting for Brooklyn District 37.

The Nigerian community is therefore positioning itself as an organised and important voting bloc that has enough weight to pull support for a candidate whose agenda resonates with the community.

Chairman of NAPAC New York, Mr Gbenga Omotayo, said that the debate aimed to discover the agenda of each candidate so as help make an informed choice about whose agenda would best support the Nigerian community.

Omotayo said a lot of issues affects Nigerians in the city, adding the candidate whose agenda best addresses the issues would secure the Nigerian communitys support.

We have a vision to make sure that our children get to wherever and whatever level they deserve and desire.

We are going to use some criteria to determine who we should work with and whoever we go with it, by the grace of God, is going to be the next New York Mayor.

When he is there, we are going to make demands of him; gone are the days when Nigerians were pushed aside. We dont want that to happen any longer, he said.

Omotayo also canvassed support for Nigerians contesting for New York City Council positions, saying, we have our brothers contesting, we will support them.

Similarly, Dr Nelson Aluya, President of NAPAC, canvassed support for Nigerians contesting for elective positions.

Aluya said: New York has a role to play, not only for us as Africans or for us as Nigerians but also for us black people.

We must begin to put our differences aside and come together to achieve result.

Also speaking, Dr Bola Omotosho, who moderated the forum, said the goal was for Nigerians to hear first-hand from the candidates as a voting bloc in New York.

Omotosho, a former Democratic candidate for New York City Council, said New York is a melting point of the world and the city is very important to the Nigerian community.

He added that the forum would afford Nigerians the opportunity to ask questions, noting that New York is a very diverse community and whoever becomes its next mayor will inherit a lot of responsibilities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Eric Adams, a leading mayoral candidate in the polls, pledged to deliver the prosperity of New York to the Nigerian Community in the city.

Adams, current borough president of Brooklyn, said education, security and wealth creation as well as health would be top on his agenda, noting that he had supported the health sector in Nigeria by establishing a clinic in Lagos.

The Democratic candidate also pledged to connect Africa with New York through cultural, educational and youth exchange programmes.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Eric Adams, a leading New York City Mayoral candidate, has assured the Nigerian community of a place in his government if elected the mayor in November.

Adams gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York on the sidelines of a debate convened by The Nigerian Forum.

The forum is a coalition of the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) and the Nigerian-Americans Public Affairs Committee (NAPAC), a political action committee.

You are going to see yourselves in my government. It is time to tear down those barriers and walls that prevent you from being decision makers.

Were going to empower your non-profits so that outsiders wouldnt come in your communities and deliver services.

You know what your communities need. Im going to empower you with resources so that you can provide the services that are needed.

No more are we going to allow others to build up our community. This is our opportunity.

Adams, who is contesting on the platform of the Democratic Party, said he had been to Lagos and other parts of Africa helping the people.

According to him, he knows exactly how it feels to be a Nigerian or an African living in the U.S.

To my brothers and sisters from the Nigerian community, this is an important moment for you.

You have to ask yourselves, people are now coming to you to support them but where were they when it was time to deal with serious issues in this community?

I dont have to introduce myself to you. Im just saying hello to good friends. I know what it is to be in Lagos helping the young people learning the skillsets and opportunities.

I know what it is to be on the continent of Africa.

This is an opportunity for one of your own to become the mayor of the city of New York.

We are going to do real partnership with good and services; 22.5 billion dollars budget for your small businesses to operate.

The New York City mayoral election is very competitive and strategic due to the citys diverse nature and an annual budget of about 100 billion dollars, the largest municipal budget in the U.S.

No fewer than 13 Democratic and two Republican candidates have qualified for the citys 2021 mayoral election following Democratic and Republican primaries on June 22, 2021, and a general election on Nov. 2, 2021.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than three Nigerians are contesting in the city councils elections.

They are Prof. Ranti Ogunleye, contesting for Staten Island City 49; Dr George Onuorah, contesting for Queens district 21; and Chris Durosinmi, contesting for Brooklyn District 37.

The Nigerian community is therefore positioning itself as an organised and important voting bloc that has enough weight to pull support for a candidate whose agenda resonates with the community. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Cecilia Ologunagba

Amb. Lot Egopija, the new Consul-General of Nigeria in New York says consular activities have picked up at the consulate after some disruptions brought about by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Egopija told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in New York that with the opening up of activities in the U.S. and the countrys vaccination drive, the consulate was also improving on the level of its services.

The Nigerian envoy regretted that the pandemic impacted negatively on activities of the consulate.

However, with the opening up and with host government vaccine drive, the society is opening up and we are also improving on the level of services we render.

We have beginning to have Nigerians who would have come during the lockdown to review their passports, to apply for one document renewal and all that.

They are now coming here so we are making ways to accommodate and to ensure their services within given period so that they dont spend the whole day.

For instance, we have to deal with as many as between 80 and 100 plus people everyday, he said.

The consul-general said that consular activities at the consulate were reduced by about 30 to 40 per cent due to the pandemic.

As part of COVID-19 measures, we are opening up the second floor of Nigeria House so as to reduce the crowd at the reception.

Nigerians will begin to use that place as soon as possible, he said.

Egopija also said Nigeria would continue to abide by the rules of the host country, adding that it would do everything possible to ensure the laws are respected.

He said Nigeria would continue to collaborate with the U.S., especially in the area of trade and investment.

Aside from dealing with consular issues, attending to every Nigerian in real time, we would also be focusing on trade.

He said Pursuing investment into Nigeria and that will help boost and accelerate our economy even as we begin to get out of COVID-19 situation.

NAN reports that Egopija took over on April 30 from Amb. Benaoyagha Okoyen, who is currently Nigerias Ambassador to Cuba. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By EricJames Ochigbo

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila says record has shown that only nine per cent of the total budgetary allocation to the Nigerian Armed Forces is spent on equipment.

Gbajabiamila made this known at public hearing on the Armed Forces Support Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill, organised by the House Committee on Defence on Monday in Abuja.

Gbajabiamila said that appropriation records show that about 91 per cent of the current funding of the Armed Forces is spent on recurrent overhead, salaries and welfare.

This bill seeks to provide an injection of additional capital funding for the Armed Forces of Nigeria at a crucial time in our nation.

I am sure many of you will wonder why the Armed Forces of Nigeria need an additional financial injection at this time.

The fact based on appropriation records is that about 91 per cent of the current funding to the Armed Forces go on recurrent overhead, salaries and welfare, leaving only nine per cent for capital purchases.

This reality has prompted this 9th House of Representatives to seek a way of providing funds that will be focused on the capital needs and training of our Armed Forces, he said.

Gbajabiamila said that the importance of the bill is evidenced by the dwindling resources available to the Armed Forces of Nigeria to prosecute the various security operations it is involved in.

According to him, this requires innovative ideas to raise additional funds without placing any burden on Nigerians, in support of the Nigerian military.

Gbajabiamila said that Nigerias expenditure on military hardware and training in the last five years hovers between a paltry nine to 11 percent of budgetary allocation to the Armed Forces.

He said that it is grossly incapable of empowering the military to face the security challenges in the country especially the insurgency in the North East.

Gbajabiamila said that to succeed in the fight against insecurity, the Armed Forces of Nigeria required more funding for modern weapons and required trainings.

He said that spending on military hardware must definitely increase to support the zeal and commitment already being exhibited by the soldiers.

The speaker said the bill is a time limited endeavour to upgrade the equipment infrastructure of the Armed Forces.

According to him, if Nigeria must develop, we need to get our security estate right by ensuring that our military is adequately equipped and well- trained; this requires funding which cannot be sourced solely through the annual budget provisions.

Gbajabiamila said that during war times, countries do not fund their military through regular appropriation alone as seen in the United States, United Kingdom and all Western powers who engages in extra budgetary funding.

Nigeria is at war against insurgency, terrorism, kidnapping and all manner of insecurity; hence the need to uplift the resources available to our armed services to enable them procure the best tools to help win this war.

So, what we seek to do in this bill is not new or unique to us as a nation; the solution to our security challenges requires asymmetric actions across many policy areas. This is what we have tried to do as the representatives of the people.

The concept of a trust fund already exists for the Nigerian Police; it only makes sense to also bolster our military capability as well through this unique vehicle, he said.

In his remarks, Chairman, House, House Committee on Defence, Rep. Benson Babajimi (APC-Lagos) said that the bill seeks to explore alternative sources of funding for the armed forces.

He said that the need to create additional funding for military has become apparent giving the myriad of security challenges facing the country.

According to him, only approximately nine per cent of the annual budgetary allocation is available for capital expenditure in the military; a large chunk goes for recurrent expenditure.

The rep said that the Nigerian armed forces had continued to expand and there was need to provide adequate weaponry and equipment to sustain the ever-increasing operations.

Babajimi said that efforts in the past to meet the required weapons to adequately combat insecurity had met brick wall due to insufficient funds.

He said that Nigeria ranked very low in terms of defence spending and that develop countries like the U. S. , Russia, United Kingdom, Poland all have alternative sources of funding for defence.

The lawmaker said that Nigeria spends .6 billion rank fourth in Africa after Algeria, Morroco and South Africa which spend .7 billion, .8 billion and .1 billion respectively.

He said given the security challenges facing the country today, the fund seeks to ensure a robust, efficient, well-trained and equipped armed forces.

The chairman said that the house will stop at nothing to ensure that the Nigerians are safe and their properties secured across the country.

Dr Charles Omole, the Special Assistant to the Speaker on National Security and Intelligence, said that bill is not placing extra responsibility on the citizens or taxes on businesses in the country.

He explained that the revenue for the fund will be sourced from statutory deductions as well as voluntary donations for individuals or organisations.

Omole said that the bill expressly states that the funds will only be spent on equipment and special trainings for military personnel.

He said that the bill provides that the fund is expected to last for five years and is subject to renewal if deemed fit by the National Assembly.

Omole said that the bill puts a duty on the fund to ensure, as much as possible, the use of locally manufactured defence equipment and also create room for importation.

He said that the bill provides for proper oversight of the fund by the National Assembly and the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By David Adeoye

Governors of the thirteen Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) controlled states are currently meeting at the International Conference Centre of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 13 governors are;Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto, Gov.Samuel Ortom of Benue state, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu.

Others are Umar Fintiri of Adamawa, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Godwin Obaseki of Edo. the host governor Seyi Makinde and the deputy governor of Zamfara state Aliyu Gusau who represented Gov. Bello Matawalle.

It is expected that Gov. Darius Ishaku of Taraba and Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River would join others as the meeting progresses.

The governors, who arrived the conference Centre at exactly 1:10 p.m. in a coaster bus, went into a closed door session.

Feelers from the venue revealed that the gathering of the governors was centered on the security challenges across the country.

The meeting which is being presided over by the chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state, will also discuss issues relating to the progress of the party.

It is expected that a communique will be issued at the end of the meeting. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Mogbede

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied releasing timetable for its Congresses and National Convention.

Sen. John Akpanudoedehe, National Secretary APC Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Our attention has been drawn to obviously coordinated and syndicated misinformation being circulated in some sections of the media on purported plans and timetable for Congresses and National Convention of the APC.

This is the handiwork of political jobbers parading themselves as media sources.

The media, party members and indeed the general public should be wary and completely disregard the misinformation, antics and schemes of these fifth columnists, Akpanudoedehe said.

He said the APC had never lied about its activities and had no reason to lie.

Akpanudoedehe said that the consultative leadership style instituted by Gov. Mai Mala Buni led CECPC had institutionalised the APC as a party of processes and internal democracy.

He said the committee was focused on delivering itsmandate to recover, rebuild and reposition the APC ahead of 2023 poll.

Akpanudoedehe said the committee was also focused on achieving peace and ensuring true reconciliation within the party to give a sense of belonging to all members.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) at its meeting Dec. 8, 2020 meeting gave the Buni-led CECPC until June 30 to conduct congresses and the National Convention.

The CECPC which was constituted in June 2020, following the dissolution of the Adams Oshiomhole-led Nation Working Committee (NWC) was initially given six months to reconcile various factions of the party.

The committee was also to ensure that aggrieved members of the party in court withdrew all litigations as well as conduct a National Convention for the emergence of a new NWC.(NAN)

Source: NAN News