By Zainab Oyekan

His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan and Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau State were at the Al-habibiyya Islamic Centre in Guzape, Abuja, to make donations to the Centre.

The donations were part of the annual reachout of the Cardinal to the Muslim community.

This is contained in a press statement issued in Jos by Makut Macham, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the governor.

Lalong commended the Cardinal for demonstrating the love of God to Muslims and people of other faiths.

The governor, who accompanied the Cardinal to the centre on Friday for breaking of fast, described the gesture as exemplary, capable of eliminating intolerance and suspicion that exists between Christians and Muslims.

He explained that such interactions and solidarity will foster peaceful coexistence among Nigerians and remove the negative narratives of religious differences that have become a major threat to the progress of Nigeria.

Lalong said Onaiyekans passion for peace would continue to motivate him towards reaching out to people of different ethno religious backgrounds to ensure that humanity is respected and defended.

He described the gesture as a good step towards building bridges and demystifying the so-called differences said to exist among Nigerians.

Onaiyekan later appreciated the Al-habibiyya Islamic Centre for always inviting him.

He said in spite of the terror unleashed on Nigerians by few criminal elements, Nigerians are peaceful people, who love one another and tolerate one anothers religious, political and ethnic persuasions.

He cautioned against the propagation of the notion that Nigerians are at war with one another which is incorrect.

The Imam, Al-habibiyya Islamic Centre, Fuad Adayemi, said the visit of the governor and the Cardinal was significant and showed their antecedents as peacemakers and leaders who should be emulated.

Fuad, who is the presenter of Abrahamic Mission on NTA Network, appreciated the governor for appearing on the programme to entrench peace and progress in Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.

NDLEA Chairman, retired Gen. Buba Marwa, also attended the breaking of fast, where the Cardinal and governor Lalong participated in the sharing of food donated to the ummah.

Prayers were offered for the peace of Nigeria. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

The Kano State Fire Service says two persons from same family died on Friday night fire incident at Zoo Road, Opposite Kano Zoological Garden, in Sheka Municipal.

Alhaji Saminu Abdullahi, its Public Relations Officer, confirmed this in a statement issued to newsmen on Saturday in Kano.

It said the incident occurred at about 10.10 p.m, an upper floor with two compartment of about 50 X 50 feet used as a dwelling house.

Four rooms, two palour, two toilets and two kitchens were razed down.

We received a distress call from Sabo Wada at about 10.10 p.m that fire has gutted a dwelling house in his area and three persons were trapped including a four year old girl.

On receiving the information, we quickly sent out our rescue team to the scene at about 10.15 p.m.

Two out of the victims were rescued unconscious and conveyed to Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital where the doctor on duty confirmed them dead.

The bodies were handed over to C.S.P Awaisu Suleiman of Sheka Police Division, it said.

The statement said the victims rescued alive were Fatima Salisu, 4, and Salisu Sani, 45, while the two dead victims were Maryam Sani, 19 (sister), and Nafisa Abdulkarim, 28 (wife).

It said all the victims were of same family and that the cause of the incident was being investigated. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By EricJames Ochigbo

The House of Representatives ad hoc Committee on pay-per-view tariff has assured Nigerians of its commitment to abolish indiscriminate charges by satellite service providers.

The Chairman of the committee, Rep. Unyime Idem (PDP-Akwa Ibom) gave the assurance on Friday while addressing newsmen at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.

Idem said that a bill to compel service providers to implement pay-per-view has passed second reading in the house.

He said that the bill, when passed into law, would expand the powers of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to ensure the implementation of pay-per-view tariff.

Idem, who represents Ukanafun/Orukanam Federal Constituency of Akwa-Ibom, said that the process to implement pay-per-view tariff started in June 2020 and would not be swept under the carpet.

I want to assure Nigerians that after the passage of the bill, the issue of indiscriminate price increase even when Nigerians do not expect and service not consumed will be a thing of the past.

I want to appeal to Nigerians to be patient and hopeful as the bill will soon come up for third reading, he said.

Idem, also the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Communication, assured that the bill would break the monopoly currently witnessed in the sector.

According to him, it will open up the space for more local and foreign operators to come in and there will be more options for Nigerians.

The lawmaker said that it would create a lot of employment opportunities, noting that the number of companies coming in will help grow the economy. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Projects

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The World Bank-funded Community and Social Development Project (CSDP) has inspire rural transformation through provision of basic infrastructural facilities and other development programmes to some communities in Zamfara.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Bank assisted project built a Primary HealthCare Clinic (PHC) in Gurbi Community in Talatan Mafara Local Government, Zamfara

NAN reports that other CSDP projects include building of schools, drilling of boreholes, renovation of Computer Based Centre for the use of the youth among others.

Gurbi Community located at Talatan Mafara Local Government Area (LGA) has a population of over 3000 inhabitants who are mainly farmers and petty traders

The Vice Chairman, Gurbi Community Project Management Committee, Malam Abdullahi Bello at assessment of the impact of project in Gurbi community on Friday, commended CSDP expressed delight at the various projects.

Bello explained that prior to the provision of the health facility by CSDP, the people of the community used to travel a distance of five kilometers to get medical treatment in Talatan Mafara LGA headquarters.

He also revealed that based on huge demand for portable drinking water in the community CSDP drilled hand pump borehole to improve the living condition of the people.

We largely depended on well water which dry up during season and makes life difficult for us. So, we decided to approach CSDP office in the state capital and seek their intervention to support us with two micro projects.

The officials of CSDP came and conducted feasibility studies and directed us to mobilise our 10 per cent of the total sum of the project and to be glory of God the projected was completed and impacting positively on our lives.

Ms Talatu Adamu, Senior Community Health Extension Worker at the PHC, said that centre was used as COVID-19 vaccination centre

She revealed that no fewer than 127 persons took their first jam of COVID-19 vaccine at the centre, adding that more people are showing interest to take the jam in the facility.

She also disclosed that the clinic attended to over 25 patients from the community daily from Monday to Sunday, saying sometimes I received calls in the midnight to attend to pregnant women who are due for delivery.

Similarly, the CSDP renovated the Talatan Mafara Develoment Trust Fund Computer Based Centre, furnished with seats and desk as well as provided electrification, motorised water scheme, CCTB Cameras and toilet for the centre.

Alhaji Yusuf Mafara, Manager of the Centre and Chairman Community Project Management Committee (CPMC), said that the centre was dilapidated and inactive before the intervention of CSDP.

Whenever our children wants to write a computer based test they have to go to the state capital which a distance of about 80km.

That was why the community approached CSDP to help renovated the centre for the usage of Gumi, Anka, Maradun, Bakura, Bukyu, Talatan Mafara Local Governments areas of the state.

Marafa, who expressed optimism that the centre would prepare children of the community for higher education, also said that the center would be use for seminars, Higher School Examinations and and Pre Senior Secondary School Examinations.

We are also going to use the centre to run daily computer training and National Examination Council.

He said that as part of efforts to ensure sustainability of the centre through partnership, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had donated 300 laptops with all networking equipment to the center.

We are also planning to upgrade the centre to Digital Village with a view to boost its revenue profile, he said.

NAN also reports that the CSDP build a two block of hostels and equipped it with 122 double bunk, mattress and two toilets at Command Science Secondary School, Talatan Mafara LG.

Chairman of CPMC of the school, Malam Abubakar Dogo, said if not for the intervention of CSDP the school doesnt have available hostel to admit new students.

Dogo commended the efforts of Zamfara State and national officials of the CSDP for the provision of social infrastructure facilities in communities, adding that their community driven development approached was a good model for development.

Source: NAN News

By Patience Omoha

The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has submitted a draft National Biosecurity policy to the Federal Executive Council (FEC), for consideration and approval.

Dr Rufus Ebegba, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the agency, disclosed this, on Friday, in Abuja, in a statement signed by Gloria Ogbaki, NBMA Head of Press and Protocol Unit.

Ebegba noted that the agency was also carrying out expert reviews of other regulatory instruments and possible validation of guidelines on Genetically Modified (GM) Fish, tree, birds, animals and mosquitoes.

The NBMA will continue to ensure that her mandate is delivered and process Biosafety applications, nationwide survey and tracking of GMOs and inspection of GMO farms, companies and Research Institutes.

As well as risk management plan and strategy development for protecting human and animal health, and the environment.

Template development for Risk assessment, Establishment of a NBMA Data Centre and Integrated Monitoring System, participation in UN COP-MOP, among others, he explained.

He highlighted the achievements of the agency in 2020 to include, creation of the department of Biosecurity and organizing, a national stakeholders consultative meeting and drafting of a National Biosecurity Policy.

The director general, however, lamented that in spite of its relative successes, the agency was bedeviled by some challenges that include lack of a befitting office space for the agencys national headquarters, poor funding, among others.

He requested the Senate committee to assist and collaborate with the agency in finding solutions to the challenges.

The Chairman senate committee on Environment, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu commended the NBMA for its efforts in securing the health of Nigerians and the environment, despite the poor funding of the agency.

Ekweremadu promised that the needs of the agency would be adequately met as the committee was prepared to work with the agency to ensure the achievement of its mandate of facilitating the safety of human health and the environment. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Investment experts on Friday urged commercial banks and financial institutions to support investment clubs to curb ponzi schemes in the country.

They gave the advice at The Green Investment Club (TGIC) media parley in Lagos with the theme: The Money Moves of Todays Young Nigerian.

TGIC Founder, Mrs Tomie Balogun, said that investment economic fallout from events such as global market crash, economic recession and the COVID-19 pandemic made young Nigerians to fall for ponzi schemes.

Balogun said that the economic situation and high incidence of these fraudulent schemes showed a dire need for financial education.

According to her, TGIC works to bridge the gap in financial literacy among the youth in Nigeria through its products and services.

She said that the club, from 35 members at inception to over 1,700 members in three years, was targeting 10,000 members in the next five years.

Our five-year vision is to help at least 10,000 individuals be financially educated and provide investment advisory services to them.

We expect this to increase saving deposits in financial institutions. The deposits will be mobilised toward investing in small businesses in the economy.

When these businesses are supported, they will provide employment to more people and reduce unemployment figures by at least 20 percent, Balogun said.

She said that the club had successfully mobilised million for multiple projects that created jobs and contributed to economic growth in Nigeria.

Balogun said the club had sourced direct investment opportunities in the capital market, agro-processing, consumer lending, logistics, FinTech and real estate development sectors in Nigeria, UK and USA.

Speaking on investment challenges, she called on the government to unify the countrys exchange rate to reduce production cost.

Balogun said that multiple exchange rates drive arbitrary charges, cost of production and hike in prices of goods and services.

Government should support SMEs and the manufacturing sector to grow output in order to boost the Gross Domestic Product, she said.

She noted that the COVID-19 pandemic, in spite of the challenges, came with a lot of investment opportunities for smart investors.

Also, Mrs Oladunni Olawuyi, Chief Operating Officer, Apel Asset Ltd., said that financial institutions should support investment clubs to boost investment education.

Olawuyi said that investment clubs help to sanitise the economy of ponzi schemes, promote financial literacy and investment diversification across different economies.

She also stressed the need for an enhanced investment for a better future.

Mr Osazuwa Osayi, co-founder Farmforte Ltd., said that investment remained the key for financial freedom.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the TGIC, at the event, unveiled its three-year report.

The club, in the report, said that macroeconomic environment in Nigeria in the second quarter of 2021 would remain tight.

It said that government earnings from the sale of its major export, crude oil, would be subdued despite the increase in Nigerias production quota at OPECs last meeting.

This, we believe, will bring tighter restrictions on foreign exchange in Q2, thereby pushing up inflation and widening the disparity in the different segments of the foreign exchange market, said the report in part. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ifeanyi Nwoko

Ms World United Nations, Queen Hadassah Allaputa, has launched a new family pageant aimed at improving humanitarian services and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The pageant launched in Abuja on Friday and tagged United Nations Pageants Nigeria will draw participants from the six geo-political zones to jostle for eight titles.

Briefing newsmen at the launch of the pageant, Allaputa said that the pageant was different from the regular ones and would focus more on training and development of participants for the betterment of their communities.

The beauty queen said that in stead of having only one winner who would fade out at the end of her one-year reign, the new pageant would have eight winners who would hold their titles and perform their roles for life.

Today is the official launch of the United Nations Pageants Nigeria, the biggest family pageants, the biggest ever in Nigeria because of its size and the number of pageants under it.

We would be having eight categories of contestants from different age groups and genders; this complete family pageant will have contestants for eight titles.

They will be trained, equipped and empowered to become kings and queens, princes and princesses of the United Nations Pageant, she said.

Allaputa said that successful contestants would serve as role models and ambassadors, carrying out particular SDGs.

Apart from its size, one thing that makes this truly unique is that it is aimed at empowering Nigerians across different geo-political zones.

That is why our tag line is Uniting Nigeria through pageantry.

All contestants will be trained to creatively function in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

They will be taught peace and conflict resolution, etiquette and image branding, humanitarian services as well as persuasive communication and effective leadership skills.

The beauty queen, who is also the Founder, Queen Hadassah Legendry, said that winners who would become part of the UN Royal Family and must acquire the skills to be part of the family.

She said that the skills would be taught to all participants and they would be expected to go back to their communities to implement tasks to improve the lives of those in the communities.

I want to change the narrative and educate both participants and Nigerians that beauty pageantry is more than a hobby or a show of beauty.

This is a life-time call to service, winners will be reoriented to see pageantry as an act of service that they will take seriously for life.

Usually, most winners complete their reign and they are forgotten and nobody remembers them as kings or queens, but this time, they will be groomed to be legends, she said.

She said that winners would continue to channel their works toward community services, protecting the environment and advancing the development of their motherland.

According to Allaputa, enrolment has already begun and interested participants urged to visit the website.

Registration starts immediately and I am inviting all Nigerians to be part of this historic event, she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the categories to be contested in are Mrs Nigeria United Nations, Mr Nigeria United Nations, Miss Nigeria United Nations, Ms Nigeria United Nations, Mr Teen United Nations and Miss Teen Nigeria United Nations.

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Afonne

The National Coordinator, Nigeria Para-Badminton, Sam Ekeoma has appealed to the Federal Government to immortalise Abdulrafiu Bello, Nigerias and African Para-Badminton champion who died on Wednesday in an auto crash.

Ekeoma made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

NAN reports that Bello, Kwara Badminton Association coach, died while returning from Lagos after a visa-application-visit to the Spanish embassy for last round of qualifying event for Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

Bello, an Africa and Athlete Representative on the board of the World Para-badminton Federation (WPF), was scheduled to travel to Spain on May 6, for the last stage of qualifier for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

Ekeoma noted that Bellos death had dealt a big blow to the countrys quest of picking one of the slots for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

He, however said that things could still change if government could honour him by sponsoring other players.

Bello paid the ultimate price for the development of Para-Badminton in Nigeria and Africa, and his wife is pregnant as he got married last year.

We are calling on the Federal Government to see Bellos sacrifice as what he did for the country, and ensure that Nigeria Para-Badminton qualify for Tokyo 2020; this is exactly Bellos dream and expectation, he said.

According to him, Bello will be happy from the land of the dead to see Nigeria at the Paralympics especially the Spanish championship scheduled for May 6.

I know that Nigeria will qualify if we attend that championship and government should not fail to sponsor our players as a mark of honour for Bello.

And I say this because Bello groomed very strong players that will take over from him, even in his own category.

And, one of them is expected to go with us to Spain if government can provide sponsorship, Ekeoma said.

According to him, it is painful that the country lost Bello when the target and dream is to ensure Para-Badminton is part of Tokyo Games, from Nigeria.

Bellos death is like a film to me because we were together at the just concluded National Sports Festival in Edo, strategising on how to embark on our trip to Spain for the last round of qualifiers for Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

On Wednesday around midday, I spoke with Bello and he told me that he has arrived the Spanish embassy to submit his document for next months Spanish International Para-Badminton championship which we are to attend.

He first of all cracked a joke with me that he was in a serious traffic and that he was yet to arrive in Lagos, he said

He said that he told him to come down from the vehicle and trek if possible, to be able to meet up with time at the embassy.

When I told him that, he now said I shouldnt worry that he was already inside the Spanish Embassy and immediately he submitted his documents, he called me again that he had submitted.

From Lagos to Ilorin is about four hours, so, around evening time, I was calling Bello to know if he has arrived Ilorin, and his line was initially ringing but at some point it was switched off.

It was yesterday that I heard that Bello is dead and you know how far we have gone in para-badminton and Bello is the key to our strength, Ekeoma said.

He noted that the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) had already taken over Bellos sponsorship for the Paralympics upon qualification.

I got a call on Wednesday from the Ministry of Sports to discuss about Bellos travelling to Spain for the qualifier, not knowing that he is already dead.

And he had this accident at the same area he jokingly told me there was traffic when he was going to Lagos from Ilorin, to keep the visa interview appointment at the Spanish Embassy, he said.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

The nations bourse key market indicators closed the week upbeat on Friday with a growth of 0.43 per cent.

The market capitalisation increased by N89 billion or 0.43 per cent to close at N20.568 trillion against N20.479 trillion posted on Thursday.

Also, the All-Share Index which opened at 39,131.80 inched higher by 170.02 points or 0.43 per cent to close at 39,301.82.

A breakdown of the price movement chart indicates that Triple G led the gainers table in percentage terms, gaining 9.23 per cent to close at 71k per share.

Sovereign Trust Insurance gained 8.70 per cent to close at 25k, while Stanbic IBTC Group added 8.70 per cent to close at N50 per share.

Academy Press garnered 8.11 per cent to close at 40k, while Regal Insurance rose by eight per cent to close at 27k per share.

On the other hand, Union Dicon topped the losers chart in percentage terms, dropping by 9.59 per cent to N9.90 per share.

Linkage Assurance trailed with 4.76 per cent to 80k, while Cornerstone Insurance lost 3.70 per cent to 52k per share.

FTN Cocoa dipped 2.50 per cent to 39k, while Transcorp also lost 2.50 per cent to 80k per share.

Access Bank dominated the activity chart with exchange of 46.79 million shares valued at N351.76 million in 346 deals.

Guaranty Trust Bank accounted for 42.67 million shares worth N1.33 billion in 336 deals, while Linkage Assurance exchanged 29.78 million shares valued at N23.72 million.

FBN Holdings traded 22.83 million shares worth N169.95 million, while United Bank for Africa sold 21.29 million shares valued at N158.88 million in 235 deals.

In all, investors sold 287.04 million shares worth N3.04 billion transacted in 3,578 deals.

This is against 228.12 million shares valued at N2.64 billion exchanged in 3,657 deals on Thursday. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Source: NAN News

By Grace Alegba

The Ikeja Branch, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), on Thursday inaugurated its cooperative multipurpose society to harness financial opportunities for engineers.

Mr Olutosin Ogunmola, Chairman, NSE, Ikeja Branch, during the inauguration at the societys secretariat in Ogba-Agege, Lagos, said the cooperative would empower engineers financially to take up big projects.

Ogunmola said the cooperative was a platform for members to have consistent saving culture to save for either welfare, investments or project execution.

He added that the cooperative society was established to make the Ikeja NSE a centre of value and make its members responsible residents of Lagos State.

Cooperative society fits into the framework for economic empowerment of engineers to take up big projects and contracts, he said.

The chairman promised commitment, transparency, probity and accountability in wealth creation for members, while urging the newly inaugurated executive to ensure the success of the cooperative.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Miss Fafunwa Onikoyi of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperative, Ifako Ijaiye, inaugurated the cooperative society.

Onikoyi upgraded and ratified the multipurpose cooperative society into a limited liability cooperative while praying for its success.

The society was renamed NSE Ikeja Branch Cooperative Multipurpose Society Ltd. with opportunities to undertake legal businesses according to the laws of Lagos State and Nigeria.

Mr Jacob Adeosun, the newly elected president, NSE Ikeja Branch, Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd. commended the patience and resilience of the protem members and leadership of the ratified organisation.

Adeosun described the inauguration as a breakthrough for wealth creation and capacity building for engineers to impact Nigeria positively.

He listed the goals of his administration to include laying favorable foundations, conducting the affairs of the society in accordance with laws, dedication to the motto of patriotism and loyalty among others.

We need members who would come to build and not destroy the cooperative, together we can fight poverty, stagnation and flourish, he said.

Mr Akintayo Akintola, a past chairman of the branch, said the current chairman broadened the vision of the cooperative society by incorporating more risk management experts to expand its scope leading to the inauguration.

Branch chairmen and engineers from Minna, Delta and other parts of the country who joined virtually took turns to share their thoughts on how to grow the society. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Abiodun Esan

A group, Kwara Youth Unity Forum, has congratulated the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on his 81st birthday.

In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Dr Ismail Alada, in Ilorin on Friday, the group described the emir as a precious gift to the Ilorin Emirate, Kwara and the entire Nigeria

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the emir was 81 years old on Thursday.

The group praised the royal father for achievements for the Ilorin Emirate and the entire Kwara since he ascended the throne.

It also commended the emir for socio-economic transformation, peace and tranquility that had characterised his reign.

According to the group, the achievements were due to the leadership qualities of Sulu-Gambari, a retired Judge of the Court of Appeal.

It prayed God to grant him more years in good health. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, has presented the demands of various unions that had embarked on strike to President Muhammadu Buhari for his possible intervention.

Fielding questions from State House correspondents after the presentation at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Ngige said he briefed the president on the strikes embarked upon by various unions in the country.

According to him, the president directed his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, and other relevant stakeholders, to ensure that they resolved the problems with the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) so that the ongoing strike could be called off.

I have to brief the President on the labour industrial milieu in the country. You know that we are like in a season of strikes.

We have the strike baton by the resident doctors, actively supported by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). And we held certain meetings at which we reached some agreements in a conciliation.

And I had to brief him ahead of the efforts we are making in those areas, like we agreed that the hazard allowance should be reviewed.

And as a matter of fact, before they embarked on the strike, my ministry and the Presidential Committee on Salaries, had initiated what we can call a pre-emptive arrangement to make for further discussion by all the stakeholders.

Federal Ministry of Health, Salary, Income and Wages Commission, the health unions, the NMA that is leading National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Association of Dental and Medical consultants, Association of General Duty Doctors, and others, he added.

According to him, JOHESU would lead Nurses and Midwives Association, pharmacists, lab technologists, and other people working in the health sector, under the big umbrella of Medical and Health Workers Union.

That meeting has kick-started. And we know from our initial meetings and the data we have, we have an idea of what amount of money that will be consumed or utilised to effect this change, which is going to be a permanent change.

He said that this would not be like what had happened in 2020 when the government did a special COVID-19 allowance, amounting to N20 billion.

And when we started the payment, it gulped a whopping N32 billion. So, we are working now to make the health workers feel that they are appreciated, and that the efforts are appreciated by government. So, I have briefed him on that too, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured the international community of Nigerias readiness to mobilise relevant stakeholders towards climate action, as well as support for regional, continental and global multilateral initiatives on attaining the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

The Nigerian leader, who gave the assurance at a virtual Leaders Summit on Climate, on Friday, in Abuja, noted that the fight to redress the impact of climate change was the responsibility of all countries and stakeholders.

He, therefore, congratulated President Joe Biden of the United States for his renewed interest in the Paris Agreement.

I would like to express my profound appreciation to the President of the United States, Joe Biden, for convening this Summit at a time the world is experiencing tremendous vulnerability from the COVID-19 pandemic and Climate Change impact, among several other global challenges.

The issue of Climate Change has taken the front burner globally, as its effects can be seen and felt all around us; ranging from increased atmospheric temperature to irregular rainfall patterns, as well as sea level rise, owing to the melting of glacial ice.

Nigeria commends the Biden Administration for the positive decision of returning the United States to the Paris Agreement.

In addition to bringing about abundant green economic opportunities to the US economy, the move further complements the larger transition process of global economies to low carbon development pathways, he said.

The president said the Summit would prove instrumental in mobilizing high-level political support for the implementation of the Paris Agreement and its Katowice Rulebook, as well as inviting more countries and stakeholders to take more climate-oriented responsibilities.

Buhari told world leaders that Nigeria was one of the most vulnerable nations, although it had begun undertaking major environmentally sound and climate-friendly programmes, while treading the path of sustainability.

We are expeditiously implementing programs that would stimulate a gradual transition away from the use of wood stoves to kerosene, Liquefied Natural Gas, biogas and electricity.

The immediate effects include healthy competition among private sector players, leading to higher productivity, employment and faster service delivery.

In the Agriculture production and supply chain sector, we are targeting improved efficiency and productivity through the provision of accurate and timely weather forecasts to farmers, supply of drought tolerant and early maturing crop varieties and promoting empowerment towards the diversification of livelihood sources.

Beyond ending gas flaring by 2030, the oil and gas sector has undertaken steps for diversification; a risk management system; insurance hedging; research and development, and emergency/crisis planning, the president added.

Buhari also said that the overall outcome of the actions taken had translated into food supply sufficiency, improved nutrition, less hunger, increased employment, new job opportunities, better livelihoods, reduced poverty, decreased vulnerability to health challenges and higher quality of life.

Nigeria calls on countries to embrace a Circular Economy and Sustainable Production and Consumption models, in order to expedite the attainment of the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement, he added. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Gabriel Agbeja

Azman Air, a privately-owned airline, is following guidelines of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to advance standard in its operations, Mr Sam Aderogboye, NCAA General Manager, Public Relation, has said.

Aderogboye made this known on Thursday in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The general manager said the airline had significantly fulfilled the recommendation made by NCAA following a series of incidents involving Azman Air Boeing 737 Aircraft.

He said considering Section 35 (2) of Civil Aviation Act, 2006, and Part 1.3.3.3 (A) of Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) 2015, NCAA suspended operations of all Boeing 737 aircraft in Azmans fleet.

He added that the suspension was with immediate effect from March 15, 2021, till date.

According to him, the suspension is to enable the authorities conduct an audit of the airline to determine the root causes of the incidents, and recommend corrective actions to forestall re-occurrence.

NCAA regrets the inconvenience this action may cause to the public, particularly to Azman air passengers, but the need to ensure the safety of air transport and protect the public interest cannot be compromised.

NCAA will continue to ensure compliance with its regulations in the interest of safety and will view any violation(s) seriously, he said.

In a related development during an interview NAN, a top rank Official of Azman Air , who pleaded anonymity, said the airline was responding to issues raised by NCAA.

According to him, NCAA is happy with the level of compliance the airline had undergone during the suspension to maintain standard in the aviation industry.

We stopped on 15th march. NCAA suspended us due to incidences that concurrently happened, and they decided to conduct an audit on our operations.

We are responding to all issues raised by NCAA, right now we are conducting some refreshers training, we almost closed all gaps highlighted, we assure you that we will come back stronger and better.

NCAA are delighted with our responses as stated by NCAA Director General last week. Though, we are on top of situations when it comes to maintenance but the questioned incidences occurred naturally, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By George Odok
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has called on stakeholders intervention over the windstorm destruction of infrastructure at the institution.

She made the appeal to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Tertiary Education Trust Fund and the Niger Delta Development Commission while inspecting the damages on Friday in Calabar.

Obi said that properties worth millions of Naira have been destroyed by the windstorm that occurred during the heavy downpour of Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the buildings affected include the Medical College, Post Graduate School, Faculty of Education, Printing Press, Senate Chambers, open pavilion and Department of Medical Laboratory.

Others are the Sen. Godswill Akpabio Engineering Lecture Theatre, telecommunication mast, the Isolation Centre, electrical and solar installations, the Vice Chancellors office as well as the male and females hostels among others.

The VC said that the windstorm was coming at a time when the University has yet to recover from the destruction of its facilities by hoodlums who hijacked the #Endsars protest on Oct. 24, 2020 in Calabar.

Today is another very sad day, just like it happened during the #Endsars protest. When I came onboard as VC, we commenced the fixing of the hostels and other areas that were destroyed by the hoodlums, here we are again witnessing another form of destruction.

We have invested so much on the printing press because we wanted to make it a commercial venture; even the Senate Chambers of the University where we used to have our international cooperation have all been affected because the roof has been destroyed.

The sad story is that the new Medical College building that was yet to be handed over to the school was also badly affected.

We are appealing to the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, the Niger Delta Development Commission, National Emergency Management Agency, TetFund, well-meaning Nigerians and Alumni of the institution to come to our aid, she said.

The Registrar of the University, Mr Gabriel Egbe, who was also on the inspection tour, appealed to relevant government agencies to come in and assist the University in the area of projects intervention.

The Student Union President of the University, Mr James Ugah, also appealed to the Federal Government and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to urgently intervene, especially in the hostel with a view to replace the damaged facilities.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Joshua Olomu

The Women in Business and Tourism Society Nigeria (WIBAT Nigeria) has called on government at all levels to develop the rich tourism opportunities that abound in the country for revenue and job creation.

Sophia Khan National President of the body, made the call on Thursday during a courtesy visit of its members to the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb.Mariam Katagum in Abuja.

She said the group was at the ministry to brief the minister on its visions and mandate and seek areas of possible collaboration.

Khan explained that WIBAT Nigeria was conceived to promote domestic tourism by developing, promoting and marketing tourism centres in Nigeria.

According to Khan, as Nigeria seeks economic diversification from oil, its tourism potential is a goldmine that can serve as appropriate alternative, if properly hairnessed.

There is no state in Nigeria that does not have a mind-blowing tourism destination and tourism is the new oil.

We therefore urge both the federal, state and local governments to take tourism as a serious business opportunity that can create job and boost GDP.

We at WIBAT Nigeria promote our culture, tourism and generate income from the entire value chain.

As an oganisation, we encourage women to go into business, secure access to finance and enable them create value in the tourism value chain. she said.

Kkan said that cultural tourism, religion tourism and hospitality were among the bright potentials the nations tourism ecosystem offers.

In her remark, the Minister of State commended the WIBAT Nigeria leadership for its ingenuity and foresight in indentifying economic opportunities that abound in the tourism subsector.

She therefore urged the group to officially write to the ministry and identity areas of possible collaboration.

Tourism has an important role to play as the nation diversifies from oil and I still feel there is a huge gap in the sector.

As Nigeria joins the rest of Africa countries for trading under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), tourism is very key to Nigeria, she said

Katagum therefore urged the WIBAT Nigeria delegates to seek collaborations with relevant organisations and stakeholders in the sector, including the National Commission for Museums and Monuments(NCMM), the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, among others.

Source: NAN News

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday defended her efforts to promote scandal-hit payments provider Wirecard during a China trip in 2019.

She said that there were no indications of grave irregularities at the time.

Speaking before an investigative parliamentary committee probing the shock collapse of Wirecard, Merkel denied giving any special treatment to the former German star company.

The Wirecard AG did not receive any preferential treatment during the trip, she said.

According to Merkel, the goals of Wirecard at the time matched those of the government and it was normal for the chancellor to promote the interests of German business during bilateral talks.

Despite the press reports at the time, there was no reason to assume there were grave irregularities at Wirecard.

Wirecard, which had been listed on Germanys DAX index of leading companies, admitted in June last year that 1.9 billion euros (.3 billion) in assets likely did not exist.

This in turn prompted a plunge in the companys shares, bankruptcy and the arrest of former executives.

During the trip to China in September 2019, Merkel spoke with the Beijing leadership about the planned takeover of Chinese firm AllScore Financial by Wirecard.

This topic had been part of Germanys efforts to gain better access to Chinese markets, Merkel said.

While in retrospect it seemed the trip was only about Wirecard, it was far from it, Merkel said, adding that she had discussed many political topics with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Merkel confirmed that before her trip she had met with Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, a lobbyist for Wirecard, who previously served as minister of defence and economics.

But she said she could not recall if Wirecard was mentioned.

She had referred zu Guttenberg to her economic advisor, Lars-Hendrik Roeller, at the time.

Merkel defended Roeller, whose wife mediated between Wirecard and a Chinese firm, saying she had no occasion not to trust him.

Ultimately, Merkel said that she I as chancellor bears the responsibility and everything has to be done to avoid that something similar happens in the future.

She pointed to planned reforms of Germanys financial watchdog BaFin to increase oversight.

The prosecution believes that Wirecard had been cooking its books since at least 2015.

Wirecards auditor, EY, however, approved them year after year, prompting questions why the financial irregularities were never noticed.

More broadly, the revelations have cast doubts over the effectiveness of financial oversight authorities in Europes biggest economy.

Finance Minister Scholz, whose ministry oversees the watchdog BaFin, was also grilled by the parliamentary committee on Thursday.

While Scholz admitted reform was needed, he said the responsibility for this large-scale fraud does not lie with the German government, pointing the finger at the auditors. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Germanys probe into the shocking collapse of payments firm Wire card reaches its climax on Friday, with Chancellor Angela Merkel appearing before the investigative parliamentary committee.

On Thursday, Merkels Finance Minister Olaf Scholz tried to shield the government from any blame, saying the responsibility for this large-scale fraud does not lie with the German government.

Any suggestions that the government or regulatory authorities had protected Wire card were absurd fairy tales, he said.

Merkel had advocated for Wire card during a visit to China in September 2019, but had no knowledge at the time of any irregularities, a spokesperson said.

Wire card, which had been listed on Germanys DAX index of leading companies, admitted in June 2020 that 1.9 billion euros (2.3 billion dollars) in assets likely did not exist.

This in turn prompted a plunge in the companys shares, bankruptcy and the arrest of former executives.

More broadly, it leads to doubts about the effectiveness of financial oversight authorities in Europes biggest economy.

Questions also arose as to why EY, Wire cards auditor, had not noticed the financial irregularities. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ifeanyi Nwoko

The Chinese Ambassador designate to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun says under the China Communist Party (CPC) currently led by Xi Jinping, China has been greatly developed.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Jianchun was speaking in Abuja on Thursday at an even to mark the 100year of the partys existence.

The envoy said that the party had not only improved China but has contributed immensely to the development of the World.

Giving an insight into the history of the party, he said that the CPC which started with only 57 members had now grown to have more than 90 million members, making it the largest political party in the World.

He said that although the party was formed in 1921, it took it about 28 years of struggle to win power in 1949 from which time it began the core development of the nation.

The ambassador designate stressed that the party has blazed a trail in the area of industrial development, poverty alleviation, economic growth and development as well as infrastructural development.

The CPC was established with just 57 members in 1921, at a point when China experienced enduring impoverishment, long-standing debility.

After 28 years revolution and against local warlords, foreign invaders and the Kuomi government, it led the Chinese people to realise an independence from imperialism and finally established the Peoples Republic.

On infrastructure, Chinas high speed rail lines topped 37,900 kilometers at the end of 2020, making China a country that owns the longest tracks for bullet trains.

On poverty alleviation, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared early this year that 98.99 million impoverished rural residents living under the current poverty line have all been lifted out of poverty, he said.

He noted that about 80 per cent of Chinas population was illiterate in 1949 but the situation had improved.

Fast forward to today and the net enrolment rate of primary school children is 99.95 per cent while the junior high school gross enrollment rate is over 100 per cent.

In 2018, there were more than 210,000 compulsory education schools in China, hosting nearly 150 million students.

All of these achievements should be attributed to the tenacious struggles waged by the CPC and the Chinese people, he said.

He said that the country had also built the worlds largest social security system, with nearly one billion people covered by the basic old-age pension system, with life expectancy now 77 years from 35 years in 1949.

On economy, China is now the worlds second-largest economy, with its GDP being about 15.42 trillion dollars and per capita GDP over 10,000 dollars in 2020, he said.

He added that Chinas development had also affected the World as China was a major export hub for many countries in the World.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ambassador designate is yet to submit his letter of Credence to President Muhammadu Buhari.

In her goodwill message, Dr Ifeoma Anyanwutaku, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Culture, noted the long standing bilateral relations between Nigeria and China which she said was flourishing.

She said that in the last 50 years, Nigeria and China relations had flourished progressively, adding that the signing of the Agreement on Cultural and Educational Cooperation in March, 1990 was significant.

The blossoming relations have also been capped with reciprocal high level visits by Political Office holders and Experts at Administrative levels at various times.

Let me use this opportunity to congratulate the Peoples Republic of China, as we reminisce on her giant strides in all spheres of human endeavour and to note the enormous prosperity, welfare and human capital development of her citizens and global allies.

These successes could not have been achieved without the excellence and instrumentality of the Communist Party of China.

This Seminar on CPCs New Blueprint and China-Nigerias New Journey surely provides a platform for stock-taking and celebration the enduring relationship of our two countries, she said.

On behalf of the Information Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, she welcomed the new Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China in Nigeria, H.E Mr. Cui Jianchun. (NAN)

Source: NAN News