By Igbaugba Ehigimetor

The Federal Government is yet to release the funds it promised Edo for the hosting of the 2020 National Sports Festival (NSF) with less than a week to its commencement.

Musa Ebomhiana, a Project Manager in the Media and Communications Sub-Committee of the festivals Local Organising Committee (LOC), disclosed this on Sunday in Benin.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) however that, while the Edo State Government still remained hopeful the fund would be released, an early release would be better.

This will ensure smooth planning for the nations number one sports fiesta, he said.

Ebomhiana pointed out that the need to have a smooth planning was the reason the states Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, had last week appealed for the funds early release.

We are taking seriously the promise by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, that money will be released before the commencement of the festival.

We know and are sure that the Federal Government will not want to disappoint the youths and sports enthusiasts. We believe that it will do the needful.

Ebomhiana however said all that was needed, aside funds, for the successful hosting of the countrys biggest sports event had been put in place by the Edo government.

He said sports men and women would not only be provided with the best and most modern sports facilities in the country.

The festival official added that the participants and other visitors would enjoy the hospitable nature of the people.

The remodelled Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin boasts of the best facilities in the country, so also are other centres that will play host to various sports during the festival, he stated.

Ebomhiana disclosed that the accreditation of sports journalists for the festival would begin on Tuesday, warning however that it would not be an all-comers affair.

Only journalists with duly-confirmed media organisations will be considered, he said.

NAN reports that the 20th NSF has been scheduled to hold from April 2 to April 14.

It was earlier billed to take place in March 2020, before it suffered several postponements as a result of the outbreak of the COVID-19.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By EricJames Ochigbo

Rep. Benson Babajimi (APC-Lagos)has commended the Service Chiefs for their resolve to jointly combat security challenges facing the country.

Babajimi, also Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defence, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

The rep said that lack of strategic cohesion among security outfits had been a major weakness in the nations security landscape.

As a nation, Nigerias lack of joint and strategic cohesion amongst its many security outfits has been a major weakness in our security landscape.

It is therefore gratifying to see a new resolve by the military services chiefs to work jointly together as the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

This deep cooperation will strengthen command and control as well as effective leadership oversight of operations in the field, he said.

Babajimi pledged the committees commitment towards providing all the requisite legislative support needed by the gallant troops and their Commanders to ensure successful operations.

The lawmaker said that the unity of command posture was a step in the right direction, commending the determination to embrace global best practices to further strengthen security architecture in the country. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Mogbede

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has described Sen. Bola Tinubu, one of its national leaders, as a man of excellence, a true democrat and a great leader.

Gov. Mai Mala Buni, National Chairman, APC Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, while congratulating Tinubu on his 69th birthday.

Buni, also the governor of Yobe, said Tinubu had, no doubt, dedicated his life to the service of humanity, promotion of good governance, growth and development of democracy in Nigeria.

As a leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is passionate about the future of the people as a developmental democrat; he is a proponent of due process and rule of law.

His humble and humane disposition made him a great philanthropist; the APC family is so proud of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubus many achievements, he said.

Buni prayed the Almighty God to grant Tinubu many more prosperous years, good health, strength and wisdom to continue to serve humanity. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Federal Government has charged the new Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Zach Adedeji, to work towards realisation of goals in the sugar sector of the economy.

Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment gave the charge while inaugurating Adedeji as the Chief Executive Officer of the council in Abuja.

Adebayo disclosed this in a statement on Sunday by his Special Assistant on media, Ifedayo Sayo.

He said the Federal Government relied on Adedeji to work assiduously towards realisation of Nigerias self sufficiency in sugar production.

You are therefore expected to discharge your duties in accordance with the rules and regulations as laid down in the Act establishing the council and other extant rules,he said.

He urged him to create a good working relationship with his staff, board and management to ensure a successful execution of his mandate.

In response, Adedeji described Sugar as an important commodity in the global agricultural market, with an annual average production of 120.1 million tonnes and consumption of 118.1 million tonnes.

According to him, Sugar is produced under a broad range of climatic conditions in some 120 countries, and is one of the most heavily traded agricultural commodities.

World sugar trade averages about 64 million tonnes per year and raw sugar accounts for around 60 per cent of internationally traded volumes.

Our fundamental objective is to continue to work with relevant Ministries, Department and Agencies to provide desired support and interventions to achieve ultimate target of 1.8 million tonnes.

Also, we will continue to welcome the support of our principals toward the vision of attaining sugar self-sufficiency, he said.

Adedeji commended the erstwhile Executive Secretary of the council and management staff for the progress made in the implementation challenges in the sugar development industry.

He emphasised the need to swiftly address challenges to enhance justification to effectively reward non-performance amongst the operators. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Joan Nwagwu

Nigeria has again called for the full democratisation of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), to ensure full, equal and democratic participation of the member states in its governance.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, made the appeal in a statement by Mr Charles Akpan, Deputy Director Press and Public Relations in the ministry on Sunday in Abuja.

Ngige made the appeal while presenting a comprehensive report on democratisation of ILO governance during a virtual meeting of the Tripartite Working Group of the ILO Governing Board.

He noted that the long history of democratisation of the ILO featured in the amendment of its constitution in 1986.

He said that there was need for the subsequent call for the ratification of the amendment instrument.

He, however, regretted that the amendments were yet to take effect after more than three decades, since they were initiated.

He added that this was due to reservations by some member states against its ratification.

The minister noted that the Centenary Declaration in 2019 provided another opportunity to revisit the democratisation.

He said that this led to the setting up of a Tripartite Working Group co-chaired by Nigeria and Switzerland.

My delegation commends the Working Group and the cooperation of members for successfully guiding focus discussion and dialogue on its mandate.

The identification and deliberation of major impediments to the ratification by some member states in the constitution is both instructive and commendable.

The outcome of the discussion which enjoyed majority support culminated in the submission of the conference resolution for recommendation to the 109th session of the ILC for adoption.

The unrelenting push for the ratification of the amendments will send a clear signal about our collective resolve to walk the talk in building an inclusive world class assembly for all member states,nhe said.

Ngige also called for the extension of the life span of the Tripartite Working Group to enable it fully achieve its objectives.

He added that Nigeria is optimistic that the expected threshold for entering into force of the instrument of ratification will be achieved with an extension for another 12 months.

The minister also said that Nigeria was happy that six additional countries have adopted the ratification since the centenary declaration in 2019.

We acknowledge the Republic of Moldova, Spain and Somalia for joining the list.

We strongly appeal to the remaining nine countries including members of the chief industrial importance to make our centenary aspiration a reality by registering their ratification,he said.

Ngige expressed Nigerias willingness to cooperate and support member states who have challenges in ratifying the instrument.

He also expressed confidence that the group would make significant progress in getting more members ratify the amendments before the oncoming 343 session of the ILO governing body in November.

We encourage the office to continue its promotional campaign for ratification of the instrument by member states, he added.

It would be recalled that Nigeria had taken the lead in the push for the full democratisation of the ILO during the 331 session of the Governing Board in November 2017.

Africa Ministers also came up with a single agenda of total elimination of the vestiges of colonialism in ILO and nominated Sen. Ngige to lead the charge during the session. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has joined the governing party, All Progressives Congress (APC) and its teeming members in congratulating Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on his 69th birthday.

In a congratulatory message by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Sunday, Buhari also shared the joyous occasion with the former two-term Governor of Lagos State, whose acumen and influence continue to resonate round the country and beyond.

The president rejoiced with the patriot and statesman on the 12th colloquium,an intellectual gathering to commemorate his birthday.

He noted that the colloquium had over the years turned into a veritable opportunity for discussing topical national issues, and harnessing ideas that would move the nation forward.

The president described the theme of the 12th Bola Tinubu Colloquium,Our Common Bond, Our Common Wealth: Imperative of National Cohesion for Growth and Prosperity, as timely.

He believed the choice of further highlighting loyalty to the country and the shared vision that will bring harmony and well-being to everyone is most timely, clearly reflecting Sen. Tinubus patriotism and benevolence.

According to the president, the former Lagos State governor has inspired many leaders and continues to nurture talents for the benefit of the country.

He also acknowledged Tinubus role in the stability of the APC, and advocating good governance.

The president also felicitated with family, friends and political associates of the astute politician, praying that God will grant him longer life, good health and more wisdom. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Abbas Bamalli

Sen. Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, has restated the need for all Nigerians to strengthen the bond of unity among them to ensure prosperity of the country.

Tinubu stated this on Sunday in Kano when he visited the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado-Bayero.

The former Lagos State Governor said that Nigerians should exude tolerance and deep understanding to sustain the countrys unity.

He said the nation was at a critical stage of its history, adding that unity and understanding were required for it to move forward.

Lagos and Kano States are known for their cosmopolitan and tolerant nature, this is the way to go.

My visit today isa clear testimony that people can work together to make positive change possible regardless of tribe and religion, , he said.

Earlier, Ado-Bayero stated that Tinubus choice of Kano to celebrate his birthday was a testimony of his love and quest for a united country.

The emir pledged to work towards promoting and strengthening Nigerias unity and development.

As Nigerians, we need to play our roles to keep the nation together, we have to make Nigeria great.

Political leaders have tremendous roles to play, as traditional rulers, they have our support, he said.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Ariwodola Idowu

Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti has congratulated the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Bola Tinubu, on the occasion of his 69birthday.

Fayemi, in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Sunday by his ChiefPress Secretary, Yinka Iyebode, described Tinubuas leader of leaders.

The governor said that the former Lagos governor was a distinguished Nigerian and courageous, reliable, dependable and passionate leader.

Fayemi, who is the Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), also described Tinubu as a statesman, with an uncommon political sagacity and generousity.

According to him, the two qualities have made the APC leader to stand out as one of the leading lights of progressive politics in the country.

Asiwaju Tinubus ability to identify, nurture and engage talents is unequalled. His life has been a testimony of human capital development in an unrelenting struggle for a better life for people.

He is not only an accomplished politician; he is a statesman par excellence, a dogged fighter and strong voice in the fight against military dictatorship and enthronement of democratic rule in the country.

We can only wish him many more useful and productive years in service to humanity.

I, on behalf of my wife, Bisi, the government and good people of Ekiti, celebrate our dear Asiwaju Tinubu on his birthday and pray that God rewards his labour of love with long life in good health and unspeakable joy, Fayemi said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Cecilia Ologunagba

The Federal Government has dispelled the possibility of any fake COVID-19 vaccines being administered or sold by unauthorised institution in the country.

This is contained in a circular signed by Dr Adebimpe Adebiyi, the Director, Department of Hospital Service, Federal Ministry of Health, on behalf of the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire in Abuja.

The circular followed a letter from the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 regarding the arrest of about 3,000 doses of fake COVID-19 vaccines destined for Africa from China.

The minister, who acknowledged receipt of the PTF letter, however, stated that I am, therefore, to bring this to your notice and dispel any possibility of COVID-19 vaccines being available for sale or being administered by any unauthorised institution.

To prevent the importation of fake vaccines, kindly note that the Nigeria Customs Service has designated the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, as the only Point of Entry (PoE) for imported COVID-19 vaccines.

He then called the attention of chief medical directors and medical directors of federal tertiary health institutions to the fake COVID-19 vaccines destined for Africa, noting that it had been arrested in China.

Meanwhile, competent sources in the ministry confirmed the information to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

One of the sources said: the ministry issued a circular to inform the medical directors of federal hospitals about the fake vaccines.

It is just to let them (medical directors) know that fake COVID-19 vaccines are on the way to Africa but is not in Nigeria.

Nigeria is not even taking vaccines from China, so there is no way fake vaccines can get into the country because it is only the Federal Government that is authorised to import COVID-19 vaccines for now. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Patience Aliyu/John Amieyeofori
The Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) is adding value to the countrys civil service through training of civil servants and other capacity development initiatives.

The Director General of the college, Mrs Cecelia Gayya, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Gayya said that the college had conducted many training programmes at both the national and international levels.

She recalled that some staff of the Gambian government as well as those of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA) and Office of the Head of Service of the Federation among others had been trained at the college.

Gayya also said the college had trained more than 400 staff of NPA in the last three years while it had been conducting promotion exercises for staff of NIMASA in the last four years.

She added that customer satisfaction had been evident through the repeated patronage recorded.

Gayya further said the college had been involved in the mandatory manpower training organised by the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation for about four years for staff on Grade Levels between eight and 13.

NAN reports that ASCON located in Topo, Badagry, was established in 1973 by the Federal Government as a management development institution.

Source: NAN News

By Ariwodola Idowu

Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti has urged the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the Federal Ministry of Education (FME), to improve the mechanism for school monitoring and evaluation of projects.

He said this would promote quality education in the country.

The governor made the statement when the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, led other members on a courtesy visit to him on Saturday in Ado Ekiti.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee, as part of its oversight functions, was in the state to inspect basic schools and ensure that funds released by the Federal Government for execution of projects were judiciously utilised.

The governor also informed the committee on the need for the Federal Government to suspend counterpart funding as part of the basic requirements for states to access Federal Governments UBEC funding.

Fayemi lamented that the backlogs of funds domiciled in the UBEC account was a function of the inability of some states to raise counterpart funds to access it.

He added that the process, if successful, would enable states to take more accelerated actions that would substantially improve the condition of schools and the quality of learning received by scholars.

Fayemi said: It is necessary to step down counterpart funding in order for states to access the money that is just sitting there and the president has agreed with us.

That would enable states to take more accelerated actions on schools but it will now be more of a programme for results arrangement rather than counterpart funding arrangement.

I know how important this Committee is. I want to plead with you to really continue to impress it on the UBEC and the FME to pay more attention to the quality of education and to the monitoring and evaluation exercise.

He stressed the need to get school environment safe and secure, noting that it was the responsibility of government to ensure that the security of schools went beyond the traditional measure of installing perimeter fencing.

He said schools would need to adopt more effective measures that would guarantee safety of student, particularly at a time the country was faced with security challenges.

The governor, as requested by the committee, promised to lend his voice to campaign against out-of-school children.

He explained how his administration in two years had been able to improve students enrollment in both basic and secondary schools through free and compulsory education and the enactment of the Child Rights Act.

The Act prohibits school age children from being on the street during school hours, without genuine reasons.

Earlier in his remarks, Ihonvbere said the committee was in Ekiti as part of its constitutional responsibility to assess the extent to which states have utilised the Federal Government UBEC grants.

He commended the Fayemi administration for injecting passion and commitment to repositioning and refocusing basic education in the state, as against what it was during the previous administration.

He said: Giving that we are very conversant with the distorted legacy inherited by the governor in the area of basic education, we are satisfied that there is passion, there is commitment, there is focus, there is burning desire to protect our children and ensure they get the best in basic education. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Uchenna Ugwu

Some residents of Abakaliki have called for the promotion and awareness of theatre arts.

They made the call on Saturday in Abakaliki in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the occasion of the World Theatre Day.

NAN reports that the day is observed every March 27 to raise the importance of theatre arts, how the practitioners play important roles in the field of entertainment and how they mirror the ills of society.

Theatre is anartconcerned almost exclusively with live performances in which the actions are precisely planned to create a coherent and significant sense ofdrama.

It uses live performers such as actors and actresses to present experience of a real and imagined event before a live audience.

Mr Michael Ade, an enthusiast and a resident, said that there was need for governments and institutions to see the value of theatre to the society.

Ade said that theatre art has been one of the most popular forms of entertainment in Nigeria.

He said called on theatre arts professionals to harness young talents in the nations education sector.

Awareness of this dramatic art needs to be promoted to harness the potential of young people who are interested in theatre arts, Ade said.

Mrs Sylvia Ikele, another enthusiast, told NAN that if theatre art was strengthened young people with talents would be recognised.

Institutions and professionals in the theatre field need to help promote this art for lovers of theatre and for development, Ikele said.

Mr Kingsley Nwapor, a resident, called for the reawakening of arts and culture sector, for its value and economic growth. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Georgina Adegbie

Amina Daura, the Head of Womens Football Unit at Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), says her goal is to develop women football from grassroots level to the elite national level.

Amina told newsmen on Saturday in Abuja that she has a lot of programmes lined up to develop women football in the country.

Women have not been given more attention in football. We need to do more for the women football sector, because we are the world.

We have many plans for women football, and what I really want to do is to go to the grassroots development level and I want to start from grassroots level to the elite.

Daura urged the media to support and help in propagating women football.

Women footballers have not been given attention. The media does not give much attention to the women.

I have watched a lot of what we have on the television channels, and I have never seen any of the female matches being shown as they should be.

The work is not just that of me or the NFF alone. So, I also need the media help to promote women grassroots development programmes

My ideas have always been from grassroots to elite level and I will just like to expand.

I will work hard to change the image of women football in Nigeria, she said.

Daura who spoke on the sidelines of the match between WACO Academy Queens and Yes Diamond Queens said a lot was still needed to raise the women game.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match was organised by the Women Football Unit of NFF to celebrate the 2021 Womens International Day.

The theme of the event was I choose to challenge gender inequality in football.

Why we did this now is to show how important the Womens Day is to us as women.

On March 27, we have to do something no matter how little it is, she said.

NAN reports that WACO Academy Queens of Abuja defeated Yes Diamond Queens FC of Kuje 3-0 in the novelty match.

It was played at the FIFA Goal Project pitch of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Zainab Oyekan

Mr Gideon Dandam, Coordinator, Fadama Project in Plateau, says the State Government will kick-start the COVID-19 economic stimulus programme for farmers in April.

Dandam said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos on Sunday that the programme would be implemented under the COVID-19 Action Recovery Economic Stimulus (Nigeria CARES).

He said that although the programme was still at the preparatory stage, efforts would be made to ensure that it kicked off in April.

The coordinator said that the essence of the programme was to cushion the effects of the outbreak of COVID-19 on farmers in the state.

COVID-19 came with myriads of devastating effects on the people, this gesture is aimed at addressing these challenges.

The Federal Government understood the challenges, this is part of the steps to revamp the economy and put food back on the table for Nigerians, he said.

Dandam further said that the programme would target the most vulnerable farmers in the state, saying, we need them to return to their farms.

The package will support them in the areas of production, processing, acquiring of assets and tackling market challenges.

We shall give them inputs such as land and seeds, the crops we are considering are rice, potatoes and vegetables.

As a State, we have comparative advantage for vegetables and potatoes; these crops can be grown all year round, he said.

He said that the programme would also support vulnerable livestock and fish farm owners in the state.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Christian Njoku

Rear Admiral Awwal Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), says welfare of personnel of the Nigerian Navy remains critical and his administration will take it seriously.

Gambo said this on Saturday at a familiarisation visit and project inspection in Calabar.

We must understand that the matter of welfare remains one of the most critical in military operations and my administration will take it seriously, he added.

According to him, the divisional system remained the fulcrum in which the Nigerian Navy welfare system revolves; officers must therefore do more to practice the tenets of divisional system for the benefit of the personnel.

I understand the huge challenge of transportation especially in the area of liberty buses and ferries.

There is a large pool of buses and ambulance that has been procured and awaiting distribution before I assumed command of the Nigerian Navy.

It is hoped that the transportation challenge shall be a thing of the past as more trucks and buses are expected soon as part of the Federal Governments intervention, Gambo said.

He observed that housing for the personnel had also been a challenge.

He said that in spite of the efforts of the previous administration to provide befitting accommodations for personnel, over 50 per cent of the personnel were still without appropriate housing especially in Calabar.

He noted the huge financial implication of building and the massive budgetary allocation required to tackle the problem.

There is need to seriously consider the new policy on accommodation as a panacea for a source of funding for accommodation in the Nigerian Navy, he said.

Gambo also used the opportunity to remind the officers of their responsibilities and urged them to maintain discipline and integrity.

He warned that he would not hesitate to relieve anyone of his appointment without notice if found wanting.

He disclosed that the Nigerian Navy would establish policies and measures to sanction personnel who collude with economic saboteurs, drug traffickers, bandits or armed robbers.

The CNS also said that personnel that exhibited high integrity and attributes that portrayed the service in good light would be rewarded handsomely.

I have observed a seemingly lackadaisical attitude among officers and ratings in the engineering branch of the Nigerian Navy in the area of maintenance and repairs of the Nigerian navy vehicles.

A new boost of energy is required from the Nigerian Navy engineering branch and I will ensure that our engineering personnel are given requisite training to enable them undertake maintenance of all naval platforms including the new ones expected, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that among the navy facilities visited by CNS in the state was the Navy Reference Hospital, Calabar.

He said that the hospital would continue to undergo transformation to make it a world class medical centre. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Georgina Adegbie

The Governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello, on Saturday in Abuja said women deserve to be give recognition in various fields of endeavour.

Bello said this at the end of a novelty match at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium to mark the celebration of Womens International Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the event to mark the Day was I choose to challenge Gender Inequality in Football

Bello said women were being confronted by all sorts of challenges in the world.

Today, I saw our queens participating actively in the game of football to mark the day.

We are not saying equality, but equity.

The situation where our teams are winning medals and trophies and making us proud in Nigeria, in Africa and across the world and the commercial gains are not given to them is not acceptable.

They (women) should not be neglected, and I strongly advocate for equity as far as their remuneration and welfare package are concerned.

And this should not be only in football but in every sport across the country, he said.

The governor said Kogi as a state has been giving women their rightful place.

Our female desired to be given recognition. In Kogi, we decided to include women in the last exercise of elections across all the local government areas (LGAs).

Our women emerged as vice-chairman across all the 21 LGAs of Kogi.

We also ensure that three to four women are elected as councillors in each of the states LGAs.

Today, as we have women as council leaders in the 21 LGAs, we also ensure that youths are equally carried along, he said.

Bello added that the state government has recognised women and given them the space to be part of the government.

Youths and women are given opportunities to serve in our government.

The lady standing behind me is my Aide-de-Camp (ADC) and this is the first government to give a lady this opportunity.

Our Secretary to the State Government (SSG) is a woman and the Head of service also is a woman, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WACO Academy Queens Football Club from Abuja defeated the Yes Diamond Queens FC of Kuje 3-0 in the novelty match. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ahmed Kaigama

The Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Adamu, has urged the Conference of Speakers of the State Houses Assembly to support the call of traditional rulers for a role in the Nigerian Constitution.

Adamu spoke when the speakers paid him a courtesy visit on Saturday in Bauchi.

He said traditional leaders did not belong to any political party, pointing out that they enjoyed working with the executive and the legislative arms of government.

The emir commended the good working relationship between Bauchi State Government and the House of Assembly.

Adamu also praised Gov. Bala Mohammmed of Bauchi State for his developmental projects.

He urged the Conference of Speakers to come up with very robust ideas that would move the country forward.

Earlier, Alhaji Abubakar Sulaiman, the Conference Chairman, said members were in Bauchi to hold their first quarterly meeting.

We are here to solicit for your fatherly advice and prayers to enable us to succeed in driving the country to the greater height, Sulaiman said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

In a remarkably busy week, President Muhammadu Buhari opened his heart and arms to receive former political heavy weights running to the APC for refuge after a long sojourn in the cold.

The passing week also brought smiles to political juggernaut, Sen. Ahmed Bola Tinubu, when the presidency affirmed that there was no crack in the relationship between him and Buhari.

Tinubu, fondly called Jagaban by his admirers, is viewed by political analysts as having fallen out of favour with the presidency at a season the top politician is seen to be gearing up to run for Nigerias presidency in 2023.

Tinubu, who was also a former governor of Lagos State turned 69 this week.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buhari on March 22, hosted former Gov. Gbenga Daniel of Ogun and a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Dimeji Bankole ,who recently defected to the ruling APC.

The Chairman of the Caretaker Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee of the APC, who is also Governor of Yobe, Mai Mala Buni, accompanied by the Governors of Jigawa, Badaru Abubakar and that of Kebbi, Atiku Bagudu, presented Daniel and Bankole to the president.

Daniel was governor from 2003 to 2011, while Bankole was speaker from 2007 to 2011. The two men served on the platform of the PDP, the current main opposition party.

Bankole, who appears to have been in political Siberia after his years as speaker, defected from the PDP to the African Democratic Party before now moving to the APC.

Speaking to State House correspondents after introducing the defectors, Buni said his team came to present the new APC members to the president, whom he said, had expressed his delight with the calibre of the defectors.

The president also hostedGov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State on March 22.

Ganduje told correspondents after his meeting with the president that the State Government had earmarked N9 billion for the construction of three-level interchange road projects to be named after Buhari.

The governor expressed his optimism that the road project, which he described as the first of its kind in Africa, would ease traffic congestion in the Kano metropolis.

Also on March 22, the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, presided over two feedback-focused virtual interactive sessions on the Economic Sustainability Plan scheme of the Buhari administration.

Beneficiaries of the Survival Fund from the Transportation and Education sectors, during the session praised the president and the vice-president for the success of what they described as an unprecedented, transparent, fair and impactful scheme.

The same day, the Presidential Communication Team, organised the quarterly media briefing of foreign correspondents.

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr Zainab Ahmed, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Iraborand the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoyewere in attendance as resource persons.

On March 23, the president met behind closed doors with Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue, who escaped attack by gunmen while on his farm.

Earlier on March 21, Buhari reacted to the incident, dispatching a team of investigators to Benue from the Police Headquarters in Abuja, directing the officers to uncover who or what was behind the attack on the governor.

The president also expressed his sympathy to Ortom and the people of Benue.

The Nigerian leader similarly, called on his Nigerien counterpart, President Mahamadou Issoufou on phone, to sympathise with him over a recent terrorist attack that resulted to the killing of 137 Nigeriens by Boko Haram and Islam in West Africa jihadists.

The president affirmed that Nigeria would continue to stand with its neighbours in the fight against terror.

Also on March 23, Buhari, represented by Osinbajo, opened the 2021 National Labour Advisory Council meeting.

He lauded workers and other social partners for their cooperation and understanding in the resolution of issues in the industry, saying that workers also showed understanding in their demands.

Osinbajo expressed the commitment of the Federal Government to the welfare of Nigerian workers.

The vice-president also participated at a virtual Chatham House interactive session with theme: Priorities for Nigerias Post-COVID Recovery.

Buhari on March 24, presided over the 39virtual meeting of the Federal Executive Council at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), ministries of aviation, agriculture, power and finance made presentations at the meeting.

Those physically in attendance at the meeting include Osinbajo, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari and eight ministers.

At the end of the meeting, the council approved N82 billion for the execution of various projects within the FCT, including the rehabilitation of the Abuja Federal Secretariat.

The council also approved N922.8 million for the purchase of fertilizer to assist states affected by insurgency and the 2018 flood disaster as well as N3.2 billion for the procurement of four transformers to improve the quality of electricity supply nationwide.

It also approved N155.2 million for the production and delivery of one million serialized electricity meters at Oshodi in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kaduna.

On March 24, the presidency dismissed as false and untrue media report indicating that there was a rift betweenBuhari and his political Tinubu.

The Presidents Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, made the clarification in a statement issued in Abuja.

The president and the Asiwaju have a strong commitment to APC towards bringing CHANGE and this is a commitment they have made to the Nigerian people.

Recent reports of a rift between the two leaders of our party are false and the handiwork of some mischiefmakers, the presidential aide said.

On March 18, Buhari received letters of credence from the High Commissioner of The Gambia, Mr Mohamadou Musa Njie, Ambassador of South Korea, Mr Kim Young-Chae and Ambassador of the Slovak Republic, Mr Tomas Felix.

Other envoys who submitted their letters of credence include the High Commissioner of Australia, Mr John Gerard Donnelly, High Commissioner of Bangladesh, Mr Md. Masudur Rahman and Ambassador of Guinea Bissau, Dr Jaao Ribeiro Butiam Co.

At the event, the Nigerian leader urged diplomats to work towards building stronger relations with focus on providing joint solutions to rising human and natural challenges.

Buhari also granted audience to members of the Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria at State House, Abuja.

The president announced that a new basic chemicals platform worth .3 billion that would produce ammonia and fertilisers in Nigeria would be ready for inauguration in the coming months.

According to him, the new plant will be built in partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco.

On March 26, Buhari hosted the global leader of the Tijjaniyya Islamic Religious Movement, Sheikh Muhammadul Mahy Niass, in Abuja, where he paid tribute to the martyrs of the civil war whose sacrifices ensured the unity of Nigeria.

Buhari thanked members of the movement for their fervent prayers for an end of the war and the reunification of Nigeria.

He recalled that in the 30 months of the civil war, Nigerians on both sides lost numerous lives. He prayed that never again shall Nigeria experience war.

Also on March 26, Osinbajo participated at the Nigeria Sustainable Development Goals Fintech Hackathon, organized by the Financial Centre for Sustainability Lagos, Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, Access Bank and AfricaHacks.

Buhari ended the week March 27, with bilateral talks with the Chadian President, Field Marshal Idriss Deby Itno, at the Presidential Villa.

The Chadian leader, who arrived at the Presidential Villa at about 12.15 p.m., was welcomed by Buhari at the forecourt of the villa.

At the bilateral engagement, Buhari expressed worry on the steady shrinking of Lake Chad, saying that the development had adversely affected over 30 million people.

He said that the lake had become just about 10 per cent of its original size.

Deby, who spoke to State House correspondents at the end of his official engagement in Nigeria, expressed hope that the task of defeating Boko Haram insurgency would now be less cumbersome as Nigeria introduced new security measures and changes in the armed forces leadership. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Patience Aliyu/John Amieyeofori
Mrs Cecelia Gayya, the Director General of the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), says the institution is partnering with other organisations to tackle its challenges.

Gayya told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that some of the major challenges currently facing the college are inadequate funding as well as issues revolving around personnel development and sponsorship.

The major challenge has been in terms of personnel, because the staff that started ASCON had excellent training nationally and internationally.

Again, these days getting sponsorship the way we did before is becoming more and more difficult.

So one of our challenges is in consistently and constantly building the competencies of our facilitators to enable them deliver on our mandate.

We cannot give what we dont have, so that is our challenge that we need to put our eyes on so that our staff dont become outdated in terms of the kind of knowledge they bring to bear on their jobs, she said.

She also said the college been partnering with other organisations such as the African Management Development Institute and Ghana Institute of Management to tackle some of its challenges.

Gayya said the college also received funding from Japan in the training of 25 staff while two others were trained in South Africa.

One of the things we are doing is to engage in partnership with organisations; for example, we are in partnership with the Ghana Institute of Management.

For the purpose of staff exchange, we are also in partnership with the African Management Development Institute.

We have also gotten some sponsorship from Japan, we had 25 of our staff trained last year and we had two of them trained in South Africa for a period of about three months.

So those are some of the ways we are trying to overcome the challenge of funding.

We are also in partnership with the West Africa Management Development Institute which helped us to train some of our staff just last year.

Inspite of the institutions challenges, Gayya expressed the hope that ASCON will be revitalised in the three cardinal areas of facilities enhancement, staff development and revenue generation.

NAN reports that ASCON located in Topo, Badagry, was established in 1973 by the Federal Government as a management development institution.

Source: NAN News

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Chief Operating Officer of Ibom Air, Mr George Uriesi, on Saturday said the company would create four or five new domestic destinations before the end of 2021.

Uriesi, who said this in Abuja at theAbuja Jabamah Tourism Expo2021, added that such effort would improve connectivity within the country.

According to him, the move will bring the airline route network to nine domestic destinations and 15 routes from the current five destinations and seven routes.

Expanding our route footprint in 2021 is critical to Ibom Airs sustainable business success. We will also venture slowly into the region in the second half of 2021.

We carried our 500,000th passenger on Monday March 1.We will operate our 10,000th flight in April.The business has grown very fast and thus overall capacity has become an issue.

We will be introducing a new fleet of aircraft. We will make an order for higher capacity but highly efficient brand new aircraft shortly, which we intend to introduce into the market sooner than later,he said

Speaking, Mr Orman Esin, Commissioner Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Akwa Ibom, said the state was actually experiencing speedy socio-economic development.

Esin said such development was made possible by the visionary and pragmatic leadership of the Gov. Udom Emmanuel led administration.

According to him, the state prides itself with numerous natural resources, historical heritage cites and world class infrastructure which make it Nigerias choice destination and an investors haven.

Experience Akwa Ibom seeks to showcase and inform the world of the uncommon potentials strategically embedded in Akwa Ibom.

Experience Akwa Ibom will run you through this wonders ranging from the Victor Attah International Airport, Ibom Air, Ibom Specialty Hospital, Ibom E-Library, Ibom Power Plant, the 21 Story Smart Complex, International Worship Centre.

The confluence River, Mbo Forest Game Reserve, Women War Museum, The Bridge of No return, Slave dungeon, Mary Slessor Cairn, , Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Amalgamation house, Arts and Craft Market, Oron Museum, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News