By Abujah Racheal

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has announced that Nigeria had so far vaccinated over a million eligible people out of its target of 70 percent of the nations population.

The NPHCDA disclosed this on its official Twitter handle, on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that for the country to achieve herd immunity against COVID-19, it had set an ambitious goal of vaccinating 40 per cent of its over 200 million population before the end of 2021, and 70 per cent by the end of 2022.

The country kicked off vaccination on March 5, 2021, commencing with healthcare workers who are mostly at risk to the infections, being the first responders.

It noted that the vaccine roll-out would be in four phases, starting with health workers, frontline workers, COVID-19 rapid response team, laboratory network, policemen, petrol station workers and strategic leaders.

Phase 2 Older adults aged 50 years and above. Those with co-morbidities aged 18 49 years of age

Phase 3 Those in states/LGAs with high disease burden and who missed phases 1 and 2.

Phase 4 Other eligible population as vaccines become available, it said.

The immunization agency said that as of April 15, 2021, just 1,051.096 shots had been administered in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), representing 52.2 percentof the eligible people to be vaccinated in the country.

NAN recalled that the country took delivery of 3.94 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines through COVAX, an UN-backed effort that promises access to free vaccines for up to 20 per cent of participating countries population.

The delivery is part of an overall 16 million doses planned to be delivered to Nigeria in batches over the next months.

In addition, on March 21, 2021 the country received another 300,000 doses of the same vaccine from telecoms giant, MTN, whilstthe government of India also delivered 100,000 doses of Covishield COVID-19 vaccines to Nigeria on April 6.

The COVISHIELD, a brand of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, is used in over 71 countries, including the UK, Canada, India and Brazil.

With only about 4.4million doses of COVID-19 vaccines available in the country, Nigeria is still far from reaching its set target, according to health experts.

Due to limited vaccine availability, the Federal government had directed the states to halt vaccination once they used half of the doses allocated to them, becausethe country was not sure when the next batch of AstraZeneca vaccines would arrive the country.

We believe that in a situation where, we still cannot specifically determine when the next batch of AstraZeneca vaccines will arrive, then wisdom only dictates that it is better for us to vaccinate people fully.

And so that we can say that we have a pool of citizens that have been fully vaccinated, since this vaccination comes in two doses, the NPHCDA explained. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated Nigerias commitment to improving access to affordable, reliable energy and transitioning to the use of cleaner energy, in line with the global target of net-zero emissions.

Net-Zero entails that new emissions were not added to the atmosphere.

The president made the commitment through Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at a virtual Africa Regional Heads of Government Commonwealth Roundtable, on Thursday, according to a statement, in Abuja, by Laolu Akande, theSenior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the vice president.

Buhari cautioned, however, that an end to international funding for gas, as a fossil fuel, would create dire challenges for gas-producing countries especially in Africa.

The president said that Nigeria was already transitioning from petrolPremium Motor Spirit to natural gas, which was accepted more or less as a transition fuel, the bridge to renewable energy.

According to Buhari, Nigeria supports the goal of the Commonwealth in outlining responsible transition pathways to decarbonise and achieve net and negative zero emissions.

He highlighted the efforts of his administration, through its Economic Sustainability Plan, to provide 5 million homes with cleaner energy through its solar power programme, as well as the Natural Gas Expansion Programme.

We have the goal of installing solar homes systems in about 5 million homes, which means that 25 million Nigerians would have access to solar power.

This is under our Economic Sustainability Plan. This is the first phase, and we think that this sort of programme will very quickly ramp up our progress towards zero emission.

We also have our Natural Gas Expansion Programme, this is where we are using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), to replace the use of Petrol, and this is going on now. We are actually trying to fit and retrofit existing petrol stations, so that the use of cleaner fossil fuels will replace it.

We hope that we will be able to achieve this objective as quickly as possible.

So, we are resolutely committed to all of our national development contributions under all of our agreements, the Paris Agreement, and we will support all actions that are taken along the lines of zero emissions.

Buhari called on the Commonwealth to consider ways to support African countries in achieving a just transition to net-zero emissions, especially given the fact that natural gas had been accepted as a transition fuel.

But unfortunately, what we are seeing is the move towards defunding of natural gas projects by the EU, and the World Bank has also been indicated that natural gas projects would be defunded.

Now, this obviously would put countries, such as ours, in a very dire situation and make the transition extremely difficult for us. What we are focused on trying to do is to ensure that our gas projects replace coal and fuels.

While urging for more support and cooperation from the Commonwealth, the president added that Nigeria remained committed to all of its national development contributions under all of its agreements.

He said that Nigeria was committed to the Paris Agreement and would support all actions that are taken along the lines of zero emissions.

The Prince of Wales had called for a series of roundtables to find the best way for the Commonwealth to maintain a lead position of the global agenda on Climate Change action and post-COVID recovery plans.

The meeting also discussed the economic recovery and sustainable economic transition priorities of member-states.

Earlier, Buhari restated the condolences of the government and people of Nigeria on the recent passing of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, saying: He was much loved and admired here in Nigeria.

The president prayed that his memory would be blessed always.

Other African leaders at the summit included the Presidents of Rwanda, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, Botswana and Gambia.The Commonwealth Secretary General, Patricia Scotland, was also at the meeting(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Hilary Akalugwu

The University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has announced a two-day Cultural Carnival aimed at unifying the various cultural associations in the institution.

The Director, Institute of Africa Studies, Prof. Florence Orabueze disclosed this on Thursday in Nsukka while briefing newsmen on the event.

Orabueze described the event as a unifying programme aimed at reawakening the consciousness of the various peoples of Nigeria on their rich cultural heritage.

She said that the carnival which was the first of its kind in the institution would hold on April 23.

She said that the carnival would promote the use of native languages in the country.

The director said that most Nigerians, especially, the younger generation were ignorant of their culture and traditions.

The don said that violent crimes, armed robbery and other social vices were abhorrent in every culture and tradition.

According to her, lack of awareness in ones cultural heritage and traditions could lead to some societal vices including insecurity, suicide, cybercrime, kidnap, killing and others.

One of the objectives of this carnival is to promote Nigerian languages and traditions for our children to know that we have rich cultural heritage, she said.

Orabueze mentioned the official partners of the organisers of the carnival to include UNN Business School, Enugu Campus and Nigerian Breweries Plc.

She said that the opening ceremony of the event slated for April 22, would feature a debate in native languages by students.

The director said that the carnival would also feature cultural caravan, cultural dance competition and traditional wrestling.

Others are cultural fashion parade and masquerades entertainment from different states of the federation.

Students associations in UNN from different states of the federation have been mobilised to showcase the culture of their various states. This event will help to reconnect them to their roots and cultural backgrounds, she said.

Orabueze said that former First Lady of Enugu State, Mrs Clara Chime and the Anglican Archbishop of Enugu Diocese, Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma would grace the occasion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the event is Cultural Revival in a Multi-ethnic Society. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Nicholas Obisike

The Spanish La Liga/Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) U-15 tournament began on Thursday in Enugu, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

The tournament being sponsored by the NPFL and Spanish La Liga has the Enugu State Government and the League Management Company (LMC) as co-hosts.

In the first match of the day, Enyimba International Under-15 Football Club of Aba held their counterparts from Dakkada FC of Uyo to a 1-1 draw.

The match was decided at the main bowl of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

Emmanuel Edem of Dakkada FC opened scoring in the 28th minute, while Enyimba FC equalised in the 59th minute through Chidiuto Emelda.

In other matches, Jigawa Golden Stars FC played out a goalless draw with Kwara United FC, while Akwa United FC of Uyo beat Abia Warriors FC of Umuahia 1-0.

Samuel Effiong scored the only goal of the match in the 48th minute.

In an interview, Head Coach of Akwa United, Edward Green, praised his players for their resilience which helped them to win the match.

Green, however, said the players still had enough room for improvement in the course of the competition.

Also, Head Coach of Abia Warriors FC, Emenike Ezeugwu, expressed satisfaction with his teams performance in spite of the defeat.

The team did not have enough time to prepare before the tournament began due to the short notice given to us, he said.

The coach said the club still had three matches to play in the tournament and he expected the players to respond positively in subsequent matches.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament will end on May 2. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Doris Esa

The Federal Government on Thursday, rolled out the distribution of agricultural inputs to about 7,500 smallholder women farmers from the North Central States and the Federal Capital Territory.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Muhammad Nanono, who made this known in Abuja during the event, said the inputs was part of the mitigation measures against the effect of COVID-19 pandemic.

It is my pleasure to be here with you today to roll out the distribution of agricultural inputs to about 7,500 smallholder women farmers from North Central States and the FCT.

As you may be aware, one of the cardinal points of this administration is to increase production and reduce wastage.

To achieve this, there is a deliberate policy of 35 per cent inclusion of women in all the ministrys activities.

However, todays activity is different because it is an all women affair to alleviate the impact of COVID19 pandemic on them.

It is also to commemorate the International Womens Day 2021 with theme: Choose to Challenge.

Today, the ministry is supporting about 7, 500 women with value kits (planting materials, growth enhancer and agro-chemicals) in yam, cassava, potatoes, soybean, rice, maize, sesame, ginger, sorghum/millet, cowpea and horticultural crops.

In addition, nutritional value kits will be distributed to the women today. The choice of the crops is based on comparative advantage to its production.

Again, because women are disadvantaged in land inheritance in Nigeria, the use of sacks and vertical farming are being popularised and the techniques will be demonstrated.

The ministry, besides the distribution of inputs to the women, is also distributing production and processing equipment in an effort to reduce drudgery, improve efficiency, reduce cost of production and improve quality of product and produce from the operations.

This will also assist them in building production assets that they can ordinarily not be able to afford, he said.

The minister urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the inputs, materials and equipment to produce quality food for the nation.

I also call on other stakeholders to provide similar support to farmers so that together we can defeat hunger and poverty in the country and become self-sufficient in food and raw material production as well as mitigate some of the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

The FCT Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Bello, acknowledged the resilience of the hard working Nigeria women farmers.

He said that the event was significant as it would alleviate the hardship caused by COVID-19 pandemic.

The event today signifies the building of the local economy, the roll out of the agricultural inputs will enable our women scale up agriculture to improve productivity, he said.

Also, the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, who expressed happiness for the inputs, noted that history was being made at the event because it was an answered prayer for the women.

The minister, who called on all women in positions to support other women, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the initiative to cushion the effect of the pandemic.

Mrs Mary Afan, the National of the Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria (SWOFON) assured the minister of agriculture that they would ensure increased production to boost food security.

She urged the Federal Government to improve on security on the farms to increase food production. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations has threatened to occupy the National Assembly after Ramadan fasting, if the lawmakers fail to pass the Bill for an amendment of the Electoral Act.

The CSOs which include Center For Liberty, Concerned Nigeria, The Electoral Hub, and Raising New Voices Initiative, issued the threat at a joint news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

The Co-convener, Centre for Liberty, Mr Dare Ariyo-Atoye, who read the joint speech of the CSOs, said they were worried that the 9th National Assembly was yet to pass the bill.

According to him the passage of the bill could have given them lasting legacies and written their names in gold.

Ariyo-Atoye said that in the last 15 months, CSOs had consistently engaged lawmakers and appealed to the NASS to make the passage of a new Act a major priority.

He said that the bill for an Act to Repeal the Electoral Act No. 5, 2010 (As Amended) and enact the Independent National Electoral Commission Act 2021, remained the most important document before the 9th National Assembly.

He, however, said that the leadership of NASS and the joint committee of the National Assembly on Electoral Matters, had failed the solemn pledge made to Nigerians on Dec. 9, 2020, at the public hearing conducted on the electoral bill.

As at today, the National Assembly has failed to meet two dates and deadlines (December 20, 2020 and March 11, 2021) set for the passage of the electoral bill.

Ariyo-Atoye said that at this juncture, Nigerians must get ready to peacefully occupy the NASS and prevail on the lawmakers to immediately pass a reformed electoral act.

The act according to him, would bring integrity to Nigeria elections, embrace technology, enhance transparency and accountability.

The time has come for young members of the political parties in Nigeria, women, activists, journalists and other concerned Nigerians to join us in #Occupying the National Assembly (#OccupyNASS) to demand for the passage of a reformed electoral act.

Except the bill is tabled and passed, we shall be left with no option than to occupy NASS after the Ramadan.

We deserve free, fair and credible elections; we deserve good leaders that credible polls will throw up; we deserve good governance that good leaders will bring; Nigeria deserves the best, Ariyo-Atoye said.

He said that the CSOs had also written letters to some Nigerias foreign partners on democratic governance to alert them on the actions of the National Assembly on the delay by NASS to pass a new Electoral Act.

We have equally informed them to review their partnership with the National Assembly and predicate future support on the passage of the Electoral Act.

Ariyo-Atoye said that as a nation and people, Nigerians had chosen the path of democracy; hence it was also inevitable that laws must be put in place to correct mistakes and strengthen institutions that would guarantee credible polls.

The speech was jointly signed by Ariyo-Dare, Deji Adeyanju of Concerned Nigeria Princess Hamman-Obels of The Electoral Hub and Jude Feranmi Raising New Voices Initiative.

Feranmi, in her contributions said that the CSOs would not fold their arms and lament the delay by the National Assembly.

Collectively we are holding the NASS accountable and asking them to make good on their promise to pass the Electoral Bill into Law.

The Bill must be passed into law now. This is to give the Electoral Commission (INEC) sufficient time to implant, internalize and implement the bill, Feranmi said.

She added that early passage of the bill was key for INEC to prepare for 2023 general elections as well as avoid electoral violence as witnessed in Kenya during their 2017 elections.

Source: NAN News

By Ginika Okoye

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will establish a N100 billion Strategic Health Impact Fund for Transformation (SHIFT) to support the fight against COVID-19 in the country.

The Director-General of SEC, Mr Lamido Yuguda, said this at the first 2021 post-Capital Market Committee virtual news conference in Abuja on Thursday.

Yuguda said the fund would be invested in the healthcare assets of the country.

He noted that the capital market community would not relent in the support against the pandemic, as the market had earlier contributed to the fight.

The pandemic and its attendant lockdown had negative effect on the Nigerian economy in the year 2020 leading to a recession within the year.

Despite this challenge, the NSE All-Share Index was adjudged by Bloomberg as the best performing index in 2020.

In spite of the turbulence experienced with the outbreak of the pandemic, the Nigerian capital market stood resilient.

To this end, our next phase of the support in the fight against COVID-19 will be the establishment of the Strategic Health Impact Fund for Transformation.

May I use this medium to reiterate our commitment to advance the development and integrity of the Nigerian capital market, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Thursday blamed some Capital Market Operators (CMOs) for frustrating the e-dividend mandate process, leading to rise in unclaimed dividends in the capital market.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that unclaimed dividends in the capital market were estimated to be in excess of N200 billion.

The Director-General, SEC, Lamido Yuguda, said this at the 2021 first post-Capital Market Committee (CMC) virtual news conference.

Yuguda said that the commission had observed that certain CMOs were frustrating the e-dividend mandate process.

We implore all stakeholders to comply with all directives of the Commission in this regard, as defaulters would be sanctioned appropriately.

We have observed that the growth in the number of mandated accounts has been on the decline for some time.

The capital market community has directed its e-Dividend Committee to engage with the Committee of Heads of Banking Operations to encourage better cooperation from banks as we tackle the challenges of unclaimed dividends, he said.

The director-general reminded all CMOs that the commissions directive on update of investors Know Your Customer information was still in effect.

He said that the level of compliance had been low in spite of several engagements by the commission.

Yuguda disclosed that there were still 4.01 million accounts with incomplete KYC information as at April 8.

Despite several engagements, we realised that as at April 8, there were still 4,012,311 accounts with incomplete KYC information.

This exercise is critical to deepening the participation of retail investors and we direct all CMOs to accord it the highest level of priority, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

The new Comptroller of Correctional Service Centre in Kwara, Mr Aliu Baba-Usman, has recommended amnesty for some inmates as a way of decongesting the correctional centres.

The comproller, while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Ilorin, said it was the prerogative responsibility of the executive governor to grant amnesty to inmates with special conditions.

He said such gesture would better the fortune of many of them and make them better persons in the society.

Baba-Usman said the custodian centres particularly in Ilorin, the state capital, are over-populated.

Oke-Kura that was built for 121 inmates now has the population of 477 and Mandala which was constructed for 160 inmates now accommodates 281, he said.

He added that the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Saidu Kawu, based on exclusive right, has promised to look into giving amnesty to some unconvicted inmates at the correctional centres.

The comptroller explained that the issues of decongetion at the correctional centre has to do with so many factors with Police, court and prosecution, adding that there is chain of transformation and if one side is lacking it will affect the other.

He therefore urged members of the public to show love to those in custody by giving them gifts that could better their lives particularly in this month of Ramadan.

Baba-Usman however called on the state government to create branch of the vocational centre at the Ajase-Ipo correctional centre for the inmates to benefit and learm skills of their choices before the completion of their jail terms.

On the change of command name from Nigeria Prison Command to Nigeria Correctional Service Centre, the comptroller said that it followed the enactment of the new law that became effective Dec. 31, 2019.

According to him, when the law was enacted it gave room for many innovations and it took congnisance of some of the areas that have not been covered in the old Act.

In totality, the prison activities or correctional activities have not been thrown away, the Act only corrected some areas that have not been covered and there is enlargement of the scope and this does not exist in Nigeria from inception.

The management deemed it feet that this is what is going on around the whole world; so we have to move with time because the Act is not new in advanced countries, said the comptroller.
(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Oladapo Udom

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Fejokwu, on Thursday, restated the importance of intelligence gathering to solving insurgency in the country.

Fejokwu stated this at a press briefing held at the Divisions Headquarters, Victoria Island, Lagos.

He said that sound intelligence gathering, interfacing with other security agencies and a good plan of action were needed to contain the activities of insurgents.

Once you have the right intelligence, you can nip in the bud the issue of insurgency and insecurity, before it starts to fester.

That is why intelligence sharing is key to solving the problem of insurgency because if you lay back on these issues they will come to your doorsteps, he said.

The GOC, therefore, encouraged the media and the civil populace to be partners in the fight against insurgency by bringing up necessary information concerning issues and gatherings that looked suspicious.

It is such information that will enable the military to solve the problem of insurgency before it gets out of hand and begins to snowball into a bigger monster.

However, measures are been put in place for the security of Lagos State and Ogun State by the military, for a joint operation, when it becomes necessary.

The military is here to protect the citizens and make them go about their businesses in the safest environment, which is part of the mission I intend to entrench, Fejokwu said.

The GOC also urged the media to do their jobs objectively and with balanced reporting, without necessarily sensationalizing things with the aim of capturing the audience.

Fejokwu assured of improving on the trust between the media and the military, by exchanging necessary information as and when due, but stated that such trust should, however, not be betrayed.

It is what you put out there that people get to know, analyze, digest, take decisions and form opinions.

We will partner with the media to the best of our ability and run an open door system for free communication between the military and the media, he said.

Fejokwu said that there had been reports of attacks and imminent attacks on public and private facilities and assured the populace that the army was not sleeping over it.

He, however, said that the army had its core mandate and where only assigned internal tasks from time to time which they try to carry out to the best of their ability.

Everybody seems to want the army to provide answers for everything, while carrying out these tasks in the midst of fighting insurgency and all manner of violent crimes across the country.

Therefore, it is also important that we free up ourselves to an extent so that other security agencies will do their work and allow us to focus on our primary mandate.

However, it is only when whatever they are trying to manage begins to overwhelm them that we can be tasked to come in and give them support, the GOC said.

Fejokwu said that the army would continue to carry out training based on the directives of the Chief of Defence Staff (COAS), Gen. Leo Irabor, to prepare for emergency situations as they come. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Mark Longyen

The European Union (EU) has condemned the latest terror attack on Damasak town of Borno, Northeastern Nigeria, warning that it can trigger a humanitarian crisis if immediate actions are not taken to provide urgent needs.

The EU made this known in a statement on Thursday signed by its Commissioner for Crisis Management, Mr Janez Lenari. at its headquarters in Brussels.

The statement, which was issued in Abuja by Mr Modestus Chukwulaka, the Press Officer to the Delegation of the EU to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS, said the EU also expressed deep concern over impending humanitarian crisis.

The EU strongly condemns such attacks and calls on all parties to respect International Humanitarian Law and to safeguard human rights.

All parties should allow people caught in violence to move freely to safe places and should facilitate unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need.

Violence is the main driver of food insecurity in Nigeria, where there are currently over nine million people who require urgent food assistance, it said.

It further said that the EU was following with deep concern the recurrent violent attacks by non-state armed groups against the people of the area.

The life and security of civilians, it said, were in danger, stressing that humanitarian premises have been destroyed, while humanitarian workers were being deliberately targeted.

The statement added that because of the recent increase of violence in Northeast Nigeria, hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people will be left without assistance in an area where humanitarian assistance was already struggling to reach all those in need. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Mohammed Tijjani

The Police Command in Kaduna State has refuted a social media report that it arrested a Deputy Commissioner of Police for giving arms to kidnappers.

The commands Public Relations Officer, ASP Mohammed Jalige, said in a statement issued on Thursday in Kaduna, that the person in the report was a criminal arrested in Akwa Ibom two years ago.

The command wishes to categorically state that the image in circulation is not that of any police officer in the Kaduna Command or anywhere in Nigeria.

The image with camouflage uniform, wearing the rank of an Assistant Commissioner of Police, is one of Kingsley Udoyem, who was arrested and paraded by Akwa-Ibom Police Command on 2nd January, 2019 for the offence of impersonating a police officer.

Therefore, the image in circulation is not in any way connected to a Deputy Commissioner of Police in Kaduna as portrayed in the report.

The command is using this opportunity to advise members of the public to disregard and discontinue the circulation of the unfounded image as there is no iota of truth in it, he said.

Jalige also urged the general public particularly social media users, to be positive and avoid circulating unsubstantiated materials.

According to him, those circulating the fake news report were doing so to tarnish the image of the police and create rift between it and the public in the state. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Stanley Nwanosike

The Chairman, Board of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mallam Bukhari Bello, has pledged the boards commitment to support all efforts towards the upgrading of the FRSC Academy, Udi, to degree-awarding institution.

Bello said this on Thursday, in Udi, near Enugu, when the board members were led on inspection of facilities at the academy by the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi.

He said that the board members were so impressed and excited with the level of infrastructure development at the academy.

According to him, we are still amazed with the level of prudent management of financial resources to set up the infrastructure in this academy within a short space of time.

Bello said: From what we have inspected and seen ourselves, we are highly impressed with the level of financial prudence imbibed by the FRSC management led by the Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi.

We as board members have decided to give our full support for the plan to turn this academy into a fully fledged degree-awarding institution on transport and road safety related matters.

The challenges raised are supposed to be surmounted; and we are going to join hands with the current forward looking management of the FRSC to surmount them all.

Also speaking, Oyeyemi said that the management had been very meticulous and prudent in its spending and ensuring that every kobo goes into something tangible and purposeful.

The corps marshal appreciated the Federal Government for its continuous support to the corps and state governments that had supported the corps futuristic programmes and expansions.

He said: FRSC, today, is not having any abandoned project anywhere in the country notwithstanding that we recently set-up 16 command offices around the country.

We have been going about our projects and infrastructure development in the academy and our other establishments with prudence and judicious use of funds.

The judicious use of funds and achieving of results had made us win at lot of goodwill and collaboration with various state governments in the country and even international bodies.

During the tour of the academy complex, the board members inspected a functional water works; medical centre, a 500-seat cafeteria; academy library and a 450-student capacity hostel.

Others included; a fully air conditioned 500-capacity auditorium; a 500-capacity multi-purpose hall; driving simulation centre; 150-computer capacity ICT centre and two generating sets 300KVA and 273KVA.

The event also featured presentations on the academy by its Commandant, Assistant Corps Marshal, Clement Oladele; and another presentation on the FRSC Command and Staff College by its Commandant, Assistant Corps Marshal, Charles Akpabio. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ibrahim G. Ahmad

The Zamfara state police command has arrested one medical doctor and seven other persons for allegedly aiding and abetting banditry across the state.

The state commissioner for information, Ibrahim Dosara, disclosed thia at a press briefing held in Gusau on Thursday, saying that the medical doctor was arrested in Kamarawa village of Isa local government area of Sokoto state.

The commissioner said that the doctor was arrested by men of the operation Puff Adder for allegedly supplying military kits to armed bandits, and after preliminary searching, ten pairs of military jungle boots, five sets of singers and military hand globes were recovered from him.

Dosara further explained that two of the seven, suspected to be security personnel, have on interrogation, voluntarily confessed to have been involved in sabotaging many military operations in the state.

He added that these suspects were, according to their confessions, engaged in sharing military intelligence, supplying arms and ammunition, military uniforms and other facilities to armed bandits across that state.

Another suspect was arrested in connection with conspiring with the bandits and supplying them with ammunition

Similarly, Dosara further revealed that another suspect from Sokoto was arrested by detectives for supplying military uniforms and kits to suspected bandits.

He added that nine military bulletproof, four sets of military camouflage uniforms, five airs of military hand globes, two first bank ATM cards, One Nigerian army ID card and one Samsung Android Handset were recovered from his possession.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ifeanyi Nwoko

The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to improve interventions for Migrant women and Children.

The MoU, which was signed in Abuja, on Thursday, would also focus on interventions around gender-based violence, child rights as well as violence against persons.

Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, who spoke shortly before the signing of the MoU, said that the MoU would foster the relationship between the ministry and IOM on interventions in areas of mutual interest.

Today, history is being made as we witness another glorious moment in consolidating our activities at addressing our areas of mutual interest.

This event further strengthens the existing relationship between our organisations, which I understand dates back to August 2002 when the first MoU was signed.

I am convinced that the implementation of the provisions of the work plan and MoU will not only be inclusive but will also impact positively on the wellbeing of the target group.

We will focus on the interventions around gender-based violence, Child Rights Act of 2002 and Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act of 2015, migrant child protection, disarmament, demobilization, reintegration.

The MoU is coming at the appropriate time as we work towards the development of the Third National Action Plan as prepared for the implementation of the UN Security Council resolution on Women, Peace and Security.

This will, therefore, go a long way to refocus projects and programmes that will help the country and impact positively to alleviate the situation of our target beneficiaries, she said.

She pointed out that although the ministry had been at the forefront of addressing migrants issue; such coordinated intervention was very important and timely.

Frantz Celestin, Chief of Mission, IOM, said that the first point of call after the MoU signing was the assessment of the shelter facilities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He stressed that the focus on women stemmed from IOM data which showed that 42 per cent of the over 20,000 Nigerian migrants returned by IOM, were women.

Celestin pointed out that women and children were the most exploited and suffered the most brunt of violence and marginalization.

I am truly honored to be part of this historic moment. I know, together, bringing our respective strength to bear, we can do a lot.

In recent years, we have seen what we referred to as the feminization of migration. Where more and more women are on the move.

They often find themselves in vulnerable situations, be it trafficking or exploitation.

Looking specifically at Nigeria, our data showed that 42% of the 20,000 Nigerian migrants IOM brought back from Libya in the last three years are women.

Our data also show that they often suffer the most severe cases of exploitation and abuse. They need more support when they come back to fully reintegrate in society, he said.

The IOM chief said that the organisations programme seeks to give voice to women and children by removing the victimhood veil from them.

We know they can be the masters of their own destiny. This is why this MOU is so important.

This MOU will link IOMs work with the Ministrys Strategic Plan and Operational Framework, especially Strategic Result Areas.

IOM is looking forward to having specific focal points from the Ministry to participate in our proposed quarterly coordination meetings, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By David Adeoye

The Oyo State Government will partner the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in capacity building to meet global standard for exports.

The Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun, said this on Thursday in Ibadan, while hosting the Executive Director of NEPC, Chief Olusegun Awolowo, who paid a courtesy visit to the governor.

Adeosun who received the team on behalf of Gov. Seyi Makinde, informed the NEPC executive director that the government had moved from small scale farming to agri-business.

She said the Makinde led administration had constructed many access roads in the rural areas to make transportation of farm produce to the urban areas and markets easier.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Economic Affairs, Prof. Musbau Babatunde, said the state government was building processing plants for preservation of farm produce.

Musbau said that the government would create an enabling environment for private businesses to thrive in the state.

He added that the government was currently training some selected women and youths on production of shea-butter.

In his remark, Awolowo urged the state government to partner the commission on its Safe Job, Create Job initiative.

He promised that the agency would also collaborate with the state government to modernise border market at Okerete for the benefit of the people of the state. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has again challenged the new service chiefs and the acting Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, to work diligently towards meeting the expectations of Nigerians

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the president gave the charge while assessing the performances of the new service chiefs as well as the tasks before them and that of the acting I-G.

The president, who fielded questions from State House correspondents on his arrival from London after successful medical check-up, said:

Oh yes, they (service chiefs) have been in the system all the way, they know what is wrong, they know what is right and I think they are doing their best.

I hope their best will be good enough for Nigeria.

President Buhari, who announced the appointment of the acting I-G, Usman Baba, while in London, via the Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi, said due process was strictly followed in the selection of the new I-G.

He said: Well, we went through the system, there was a committee by the Minister of Police Affairs, they gave me some names and he happened to be the one chosen.

He knows his job, he has been in it for a long time, he went through all the trainings, he has the necessary experience.

So, we have a high expectation from him.

NAN reports that the presidential aircraft conveying the president and some presidential aides landed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja at about 4.45 p.m, on Thursday.

Those at the airport to welcome the president included the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammed Bello, and the National Security Adviser to the President, retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno.

Others were the service chiefs, acting Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai, the Director General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi and other presidential aides.

NAN reports that the president, after a brief welcoming ceremony at the airport, boarded a presidential helicopter that conveyed him to the Presidential Villa.

President Buhari had on March 30 departed Abuja for London, United Kingdom, for routine medical check-up. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Florence Onuegbu

The Lagos State Government on Thursday commenced the compensation of identified 263 Project Affected Persons (PAPs) of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line.

The Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line is 37-km rail project, which will traverse from Agbado to Marina, expected to move more than one million commuters daily, when completed in the last quarter of 2022.

During the ground-breaking ceremony of Red Line project in Ikeja, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, presented cheques of varying amounts as compensation to 25 residents whose properties, businesses and accommodation had been affected by the project.

Sanwo-Olu said that the presentation of cheques to the other PAPs would continue subsequently, so as to reduce their pains.

He said that the beneficiaries were those who had been verified to be bonafide property owners, business owners and tenants of the affected buildings.

For the first time in the history of paying compensation, we are not just paying compensation to landlords, we are also paying compensation to tenants and business owners who are tenants to these property.

We are doing that to ensure that no one is left behind, we do not want to displace anyone of their economic activity right now, we want to reposition them and make sure that Lagos can provide the opportunity for them on an ongoing basis, he said.

He appealed to all residents on the need to bear with patience the temporary pains and the inconveniences that would be experienced in the course of the project.

I implore you to cooperate with the contractors as we implement this life-changing and impacting project for the seamless mobility of all Lagosians, Sanwo-Olu said.

Those compensated are the event include the Ikeja Club with the sum of N78,659,000, and Blessing Okhawere (tenant) with the sum of N140,000.

Also, another beneficiary, Alimi Daudu, was compensated with the sum of N12,213,180, among others. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Kingsley Okoye

The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has denied making payments to CARTIL Construction Company as reimbursement for reconstruction of Ife-Ifewara Road, Osun, which was done by Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola said this on Thursday in Abuja, when he appeared before Senate Committee of Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

An official of the Church, Pastor Niyi Adebanjo, had in a petition to the Senate alleged that the ministry in 2016 and 2019 paid N151 million to the company as part payment for the road reconstruction.

Adebanjo had submitted the petition on behalf of the General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, referred the document to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

The Church in the petition, alleged that the construction firm claimed the sum of N151 million as reimbursement for the reconstruction of the road, which the church constructed.

The rehabilitation of the road was awarded and paid for by Pastor Enoch Adeboye in the sum of N188,440,342, hence the claim by CARTIl Construction Nigeria Limited was illegal and unjust, he said.

Fashola said the contractor CARTIL did not claim any money between 2016 and 2019 contrarily to the claim in the petition.

He said payment were made in 2011,based on the guarantee submitted and the interim statement generated by the company.

The ministry of works also did not make any payments to CARTIL construction between 2016 and 2019 and we did not certify any work on that road done by CARTIL between the period, he said.

Fashola said that the road was not a federal road but a 15 kilometers trunk B road in Osun.

He said the road was one of the constituency projects initiated by a then senator representing the zone in 2010.

He said the contract was awarded on Dec 21, 2010 at a cost of N662 million with an order to commence work on March7, 2011 and to be complete on Nov. 7, 2011.

He said the ministry paid 15 per cent mobilisation fee of the contract sum of N99.414 million in line with the procurement act in 2011.

He said the ministry also made another payment of N52 million on Dec 29,2011 based on an interim statement submitted by the contractor,having mobilised to site.

Fashola said the two payments were made in 2011, contrarily to the claim that they were made in 2016 and 2019.

This adminstration did not make this payment, I did not make this payment contrarily to the alligations made by the petitioner, he said.

He said the ministry became unsatisfied with the contractor and issued a warning letter to him in 2014 and 2015 to terminate the contract.

The payments made to the contractor were made in 2011 in accordance with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act on mobilisation fee not exceeding 15 per cent of the contract sum, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Okon Okon

The Federal Government on Thursday attributed failure in Civil Service delivery to lack of skilled manpower, poor communication at planning and implementation stages, among others.

Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), made this disclosure in a statement the Director, Press and Public Relations, by MrAbdulGaniyu Aminu, in Abuja.

Yemi-Esan said this while delivering a virtual lecture on Public Service Reform Programme Implementation in Nigeria.

The lecture was for the participants ofSenior Executive Course No. 43 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru in Jos.

To improve upon the civil service, Yemi-Esan stressed the needto put a strict system in place to attract and bring the best personnel into the service through Public Service Reforms, to revive the situation.

According to her, the practice in the past whereby the civil service was seen as a welfare institution to recruit all manner of people to mitigate unemployment crisis, is unwholesome.

She explained that the objective of public service reform, was to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the service, to promote economic and social development.

According to her, Nigeria has been carrying out various reform since independence in 1960, to achieve national development.

She opined that any reform worth implementing should first, be subjected to purpose wide-consultation, commitment, and sustainability.

In spite of various reform programmes initiated in the past, implementation has always been the bane, she noted.

The Head of Service listed factors responsible for such failures of past reforms to include, poor funding and inadequate provision in Ministries, Departments and Agencies to fund implementation of reforms.

Others, she listed were lack of skilled manpower, poor communication at planning and implementation stages, poor or total lack of ownership of reforms by state and poor subnational coordination of reforms.

According to her, poor involvement of citizens, lack of synergy between public and private sector organisations, lack of synergy amongst implementing MDAs policy, rivalry, and conflict of interest amongst institutions; are also major factors.

Lack of political will to implement of reforms, resistance to change, poor ICT infrastructure and political interference among others, have also been seen as factors responsible for the failures.

Yemi-Esan assured that the new reform programme in the service, Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP) 2017 to 2020, derived from the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, would serve as Game Changer in the service.

In addition, the inclusion of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) vision, would also address economic, social, and environmental sustainability issues in the service reform. (NAN)

Source: NAN News