By Nana Musa

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), says the signing of a seven-year 350 million dollars term loan facility will provide financing to OCP Group, the worlds largest phosphate mining and leading fertiliser company.

AfreximbanksHead of Corporate Communications, Amadou Sall, said in a statement that the facility would support OCP Groups expansion plans across Africa.

According to the statement, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, said that the bank was fulfilling its mandate through partnership with a major player in the fertiliser industry and with a strong presence across Africa,

Oramah said that the bank was also fulfilling its mandate of facilitating export development in the continent and promoting intra-African trade and investments.

This is an important transaction which supports the development of Africas agricultural capacity.

OCP Groups products which are tailored to the needs of African farmers will generate broad and deep improvements to the continents ability to compete in international agricultural markets.

This facility also has symbolic value, as it marks the beginning of a productive and close relationship between Afreximbank and OCP Group.

We are delighted to announce this facility as the first demonstration of the strong relationship the Bank enjoys with Morocco, Oramah said.

Sall said that the OCP Group numbers among the worlds largest phosphate producers, with a strong position across all five continents was exporting to more than 160 clients.

He said that over the last decade, the Group had consolidated its position in many African countries.

African player is committed to developing South-South cooperation, placing Africa at the heart of its growth plan to contribute to bolstering the entire African agricultural ecosystem, Sall said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ishaq Zaki

The Commissioner of Police in Zamfara State, Mr Abutu Yaro, on Monday commissioned a police outstation at Anguwan Shado/Yandorayi community, in the Tudun Wada Police Division in Gusau Local Government Area of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outstation was built by an engine oil company, IPCONGlobal Resources.

Speaking at the commissioning, Yaro appreciated the management of the company for their support and concern towards security.

On behalf of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), I am happy to commission this new police outstation in this area, built by IPCON Global Resources.

This is a good example of community policing.

This came at the right time when the Nigeria Police, under IGP Muhammad Adamu, have been emphasising on community policing as part of the strategy to fight security challenges facing the state.

As we all know, the issue of security is everybodys responsibility.

I, therefore, commend the company for its focus to partner with the police in the protection of lives and property, he said.

Yaro called on other companies and well-meaning individuals in the state to emulate the company and complement the efforts of government and security agencies in promoting peace and stability in the society.

Earlier, the Managing Director of the company, Alhaji Sani Mukhtar, said the gesture is part of the civic responsibilities of the company.

Mukhtar noted that the management of the company considered it necessary to complement the efforts of governmentand security agenciesat all levels in the fight against insecurity bedevilling the state. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Abubakar Ahmed

The Zamfara Police Command has redeployed its Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Kaura-Namoda, following allegations of fraternizing and conniving with bandits terrorizing the area.

The commands Public Relations Officer, SP Mohammed Shehu, stated this in a statement made available to journalists, in Gusau, on Monday.

Shehu said, the attention of the Zamfara State Police Command has been drawn to a viral video trending on social media platforms wherein the communities of Kungurki village, in Kaura Namoda LGA, accused the DPO of Kaura Namoda Division of conniving with recalcitrant armed bandits who were makinglife unbearable for the people.

Available records at the command revealed no formal complaint against the DPO in respect of the allegation.

However, the command enjoins members of the public, especially the aggrieved community, that any person or group with credible evidence against the DPO, should come to the Police Command Headquarters and assist in the ongoing investigation.

The DPO, as a custodian of peace and tranquility, has the mandate to interact and engage with the two warring Hausa and Fulani bandit communities to a dialogue so as to strengthen the ongoing peace process of the state government, he said.

He, however, stated that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Abutu Yaro has immediately redeployed the DPO to the Police Command Headquarters as OC Provost, while ASP Umar Abdullahi has been appointed as acting DPO of the Division.

Shehu called on members of the public with credible evidence against the former DPO to contact the acting DPO through his phone number, 08162793939. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Florence Onuegbu

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday said that he felt no side effects three days after taking the COVID-19 vaccine injection.

Sanwo-Olu said this at Lagos House, Ikeja, while responding to questions from State House Correspondents on his experience after taking the vaccine on March 12.

The governor received the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine alongside the deputy governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso.

Also, health practitioners, frontline workers and some newsmen, among others, took the COVID-19 vaccines at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Yaba,

Sanwo-Olu reassured Lagos residents that the vaccine is safe, hence, they should get vaccinated to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.

It has been three days since I got the AstraZeneca vaccine. I can confirm to you that I felt no after effects at all. I didnt have any headache, any malaria or any symptoms whatsoever.

I have taken and Lagos has continued to vaccinate all of our frontline workers. There is nothing to worry about. We encourage others to continue to take the vaccine, he said.

Also, the Deputy Governor, Hamzat, said the he felt no after effects.

No symptoms at all, I didnt feel anything, he said.

The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Abayomi, however, said that he felt slight pains at the side of the injection a day after taking the vaccine, but was relieved after taking pain relief medicine.

I just took some Panadol, I went to sleep, I did a bit of exercise and then I went to sleep and I woke up yesterday morning and I felt fantastic, he said.

According to him, everybody is different, as some people wont feel anything at all, some people will have a bit of body pain, some may even have shivering, and those are all expected side effects.

He said that such effects were in the literature of the vaccine and had been mentioned to get people prepared, and such effects were just categorised as Adverse Effects of Special Interest and those are very rare.

So, the first type of getting pain at the site of the injection, feeling body pain or headache is normal. Most people will experience something like that if you take the vaccine.

But the one of Special Interest, they are serious, they cause people to collapse, they go into shock, they get severe complications and it can happen with any vaccination, it is not confined to COVID-19.

They are very rare, they happen; maybe one in five million people who will take it will experience anaphylactic reaction. In other words you react to something in the vaccine, you are allergic to one of the chemical carriers.

But we are ready for that. If you notice the kits that we have at the site, it contains steroids and all kinds of medications.

If anybody gets the vaccine and had anaphylactic reaction, the doctors at the site of vaccination are ready to deal with that, Abayomi said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Rotimi Ijikanmi

The Federal Government says the National Theatre in Lagos will be run by a competent management team to be known as Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for a period of 21 years after renovation.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, disclosed this on Monday in Lagos at a meeting with the management and union leaders of the national theatre.

Mohammed, however, assured the management and workers of the Federal Governments establishment that there would be no job loss within the 15-month renovation deadline, the 21 years under SPV and beyond.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Feb. 14, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Federal Government and Central Bank of Nigeria/Bankers Committee for the revamp and restoration of the National Theatre.

Also signed was a N22 billion contract awards for the revamping of the National Theatre as well as the creation of creative and fashion hubs within the premises which will be linked with Lagos Blue Rail line.

The minister said the bankers committee is funding the project, to be delivered in 15 months, under its statutory corporate social responsibility programme which is not for profit making.

The highlight of the MoU is that the CBN and the Bankers Committee will invest the initial sum of N22 billion to renovate and upgrade the national theatre and they will deliver it in 15 months.

Although, they are funding the project under corporate social responsibility, but they are also going to be responsible and accountable for the money.

Therefore, after renovation the National Theatre will be run by competent management team for a period of 21 years, he said.

The minister said the MoU is structured in such a way that the ministry and the bankers committee would provide two representatives each in the management team.

Mohammed said he had nominated the General Manager/CEO of the national theatre, Prof. Sunday Ododo, as a member of the team to protect the interest of the workers.

This development will not lead to any loss of job rather it will enhance the performance of the workers.

Salaries will be paid as and when due, your promotion, career progression, job security and entitlements are all guaranteed under the arrangement.

I see this as win-win situation because the Federal Government does not have the fund to maintain or renovate the edifice, he said.

The union leaders asked the minister if government would not renege on its promise and there will be no repeat of what happened to PHCN workers who were disengaged after privatisation of the power sector in 2013.

The minister said the scenario is completely different as government is not privatising the National Theatre as it was done to PHCN.

Under the CBN Act, every bank pays a percentage of its profit yearly in a pool and they decide what they will use the money for.

Sometimes, they build hospitals, roads, or go to orphanages, but this year they decided to invest in creative industry.

The project is under corporate social responsibility and not privatisation.

Besides, you are on the payroll of government not the SPV, so you will not be disengaged or owe salaries.

I seek for your cooperation to allow the contractors do their jobs, he said.

Earlier, the National Theatre boss thanked the minister for his vision to ensure the national monument regains its lost glory. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Nigerian music star Damini Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy, whose entry won the Best Global Music Album category in the 2021 Grammy awards.

The presidents congratulatory message is contained in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Monday.

He noted that Burna Boy had made notable contributions in the field of music which the world has come to recognise.

Congratulations to Burna Boy on being conferred the 2021 Grammy, the worlds most prestigious musical awards.

He has made notable contributions in the field of music which have brought glory to Nigerians at home and abroad. We are proud of his path-breaking achievements, he said.

The president also congratulated Wizkid who emerged as a joint winner of the Grammy Awards in a different category.

He acknowledged the efforts of forerunners like King Sunny Ade and Femi Kuti whose creative exertions earned them Grammy nominations, paved the way and brought Nigerian music to global reckoning.

According to the president, the record breaking musical achievements are recognition of the Nigerian creative talents and the awards will open doors to other aspiring citizens. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday hosted Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, newly selected Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), expressing Nigerias appreciation to the world over her selection.

Mr Femi Adesina, the Presidents spokesman in a statement in Abuja, said that the president told the visiting WTO boss that in spite of the robust support Nigeria gave to her candidacy for the position, she also deserved the selection.

He said: We are happy you made it, but you earned it with your record of performance both at home and abroad.

I congratulate you, as well as the country. I know you will represent us so well.

The president said Okonjo-Iweala was putting Nigeria more on the world map.

He lauded Nigerian women once again, pointing to key positions they hold like Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and many others.

He said the same way, government would encourage the youth, so that they can be ready for the challenges of the future.

The new WTO D-G thanked President Buhari for the pulsating support she received from her own country in the race for the position.

You nominated me, you wrote hundreds of letters, called up hundreds of world leaders. Without your personal and direct intervention, it may not have worked.

The people of Nigeria also supported me massively. The youth were wonderful, always encouraging, backing me up on social media.

Mr President, the world recognises what you have done. Since its establishment, only men have led the WTO.

Now, a woman has emerged for the first time, and shes a Nigerian. We are so honoured, Dr Okonjo-Iweala said.

She apprised the president of the opportunities for Nigeria in the global organisation, as well as the challenges, stressing that WTO will do more to help Nigeria, but we need to add value to our products in order to trade more.

We should exploit all the opportunities in front of us.

She added that the support and leadership of President Buhari would help her a lot in her position as D-G.

Okonjo-Iweala later told State House correspondents that she visited the Presidential Villa to discuss with President Buhari on how best the WTO could work with Nigeria to uplift the quality of life of its citizens.

She said she had discussions in many areas with the president on what the WTO could do to improve the Nigerian economy.

According to her, there is a unique opportunity for the country to improve its standing in trade and add value to its products especially agriculture.

I have come here to also discuss with Mr President what the WTO can do to work with Nigeria to improve her economy and her economic situations and we talked about a number of issues, she said.

Okonjo-Iweala allayed fears that embracing the free trade policy of the WTO would harm Nigerias economic diversification drive.

According to her, special and differential treatment can be applied to prevent vulnerable countries from collapsing under trade competition.

The WTO boss, who assumed office on March 1, 2021 as its first female D-G, however, added that the special treatment would not be forever as such countries would have to eventually open up for competition.

She further maintained that duties could be applied on imports to prevent the country from being a dumping ground.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the General Council of WTO on Feb. 15, agreed by consensus to select Okonjo-Iweala as the seventh Director-General of the global trade club.

Okonjo-Iweala became the first woman and the first African to lead the Organisation from March 1, and her term, renewable, will expire on Aug. 31, 2025.

She had emerged the consensus candidate following the Feb. 5, withdrawal of Yoo Myung-hee, from Republic of Korea, from the race.

The Korean was initially backed by the erstwhile Donald Trump U.S. administration which refused to join the consensus around the Nigerian former Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Finance Minister.

The U.S. Trade Representative extended strong support to Okonjo-Iwealas candidacy after President Joe Biden defeated the incumbent, Trump, in his re-run for the countrys Presidency on Nov. 3, 2020. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The governors of the 36 states in Nigeria, under the umbrella of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) will meet on Wednesday to discuss issues related to petrol subsidy and COVID-19 vaccines.

The governors made the disclosure in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by Mr Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo, the Head, Media and Public Affairs of NGF Secretariat.

The forums spokesperson said the emergency meeting would be held virtually.

Bello-Barkindo said that Gov. Nasir El Rufai of Kaduna State, who is the Chairman of NGF Committee on Subsidy on petrol, would brief his colleagues before any decisions on the supply and or retailing of the product was taken.

He added that various issues revolving around the COVID-19 vaccines rolled out would feature prominently in the 28th teleconference meeting.

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta and Chairman NGF Committee said that the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 would brief his colleagues on the situation with the vaccines rolled out and their attendant encumbrances.

On his part, the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Kayode Fayemi, will update his colleagues on the outcome of his meeting with the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State Universities.

The educationists met the forums chairman last week and presented a number of requests which they believed would improve education at the subnational level.

Bello-Barkindo added that the governors would also listen to the activities of the Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum.

He said that the meeting, which would commence by 2p.m. would also play host to three external presentations.

He said one of the presentations would be made by the new National Drug Law Enforcement Boss, General Buba Marwa, on Managing the Drug Crisis.

The Department for International Development (DFID) will be making a presentation on the NNPC Audit reports and what the states should know.

Bello-Barkindo added that the last presentation, would be speaking to trade facilitation in Nigeria through e-customs and a Public Private Partnership (PPP) structure in partnership with the British High Commission. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ramatu Garba

The Kano State Government has arrested 200 street beggars and Almajiri children for allegedly violating the Law banning street begging in the state.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Zahrau Muhammad-Umar, made the disclosure in Kano on Monday.

The word Almajiri refers to the children of the non formal Quranic schools commonly found in northern Nigeria.

Muhammad-Umar said that following the ban on street begging in the state, the ministry arrested the beggars and almajiri children in Kano metropolis with 60 per cent being women, children and men, and 30 per cent almajiri.

Some of those arrested sleep under bridge while some on the streets.

Most of the beggars and almajiri children are from Kaduna, Bauchi, Borno and Yobe, among others while only few are from Kano State, the commissioner said.

Muhammad-Umar noted that the decision to arrest the street beggars was to safeguard their future and make Kano State and Nigeria a better place for all.

We noticed that because Kano is peaceful, that is why they came. It is very dangerous to leave them on the streets without knowing their parents, adding that bad behaviour is mostly found among the beggars.

We will continue to arrest them to ensure sanity and rid the streets of all forms of crimes, she said.

She explained that those arrested from other states would be transported to their states on March 16, and handed over to their parents.

The commissioner said the state would render some assistance so that the almajiri children could go back to school.

Meanwhile, the commissioner said the ministry also re-arrested a woman that was given N10,000 empowerment to enable her to be self reliant but continued begging.

I personally gave her N10,000 from my hard earned money and she promised to stop street begging. I will make sure she is prosecuted.

While calling for closer collaboration with the government to curb street begging and urged the people of the state, especially women, to take care of their children to be good citizens.

Muhammad-Umar also advocated for legislation on prosecution of street beggars.

NAN recalls that the Kano State Government on Feb. 5, arrested 500 beggars and transported them to their various communities and also empowered 60 beggars with different entrepreneurial skills. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Rotimi Ijikanmi

Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, on Monday described the Grammy Awards of music stars Burna Boy and Wizkids as endorsement of Afrobeat genre of music

The Minister, while congratulating the music stars for their feats, said that Afrobeat genre of music has propelled Nigerias increasing dominance of the music world.

Ina statement issued by the minister in Lagos, Mohammed described the awards as fitting rewards for the persistent and hardwork of the duo.

He expressed the hope that the clinching of the prestigious awards by the two music stars would not only spur them to greater heights, but would also serve as a source of inspiration for others.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the twoNigerian Afrobeatsstars won awards at the 2021 Grammys.

Burna Boy won the Best Global Music Album category, while Wizkid won the Best Music Video for his song with American music star, Beyonc; Brown Skin Girl, from Lion King: The Gift album.

Beyoncs daughter, Blue Ivy, was also a winner on the song.

Burna Boy, real name Damini Ogulu, a nominee for a second consecutive year, won with his Twice As Tall album.

The 63rd Grammy Awards was held in Los Angeles, United States of America. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Facebook Inc, on Monday said it had started adding labels to posts that discussed the safety of the shots and would soon label all posts about the vaccines.

The social media company, which has been criticised by lawmakers and researchers for allowing vaccine misinformation to spread on its platforms, said in a blog post that measures were now in place to check that.

It also said it was launching a tool in the U.S. to give people information about where to get COVID-19 vaccines and adding a COVID-19 information area to Instagram, its photo-sharing site.

False claims and conspiracies about the COVID-19 vaccines have proliferated on social media platforms during the pandemic.

Facebook and Instagram, which recently tightened their policies after long taking a hands-off approach to vaccine misinformation, remain home to large accounts, pages and groups that promote false claims about the shots and can be easily found through keyword searches.

Facebooks Chief Product Officer, Chris Cox, said in an interview that the company had taken viral false claims very seriously but said there was a huge gray area of people who had concerns.

The best thing to do in that huge gray area is just to show up with authoritative information in a helpful way, be a part of the conversation and do it with health experts, Cox added.

The company said it was labelling Facebook and Instagram posts that discussed the safety of COVID-19 vaccines with text, saying the vaccines went through safety and effectiveness tests before approval.

In the blog post, it also said since expanding its list of banned false claims about the coronavirus and vaccines in February, it had removed an additional 2 million pieces of content from Facebook and Instagram.

Facebook said it had also implemented temporary measures including reducing the reach of content from users who repeatedly shared content marked false by fact-checkers. (Reuters/NAN)

Source: NAN News

The strongest sandstorm in ten years swept across Northern China on Monday, with authorities in Beijing issuing a yellow alert and warning of severely restricted visibility.

Pollution in the Chinese capital reached a dangerous level after heavy winds brought in sand from the north-west of the country.

The China Meteorological Administration announced the yellow alert on Monday morning, saying around 12 provinces were or would be affected.

That makes the storm both the strongest sandstorm in ten years and the one covering the largest territory.

According to Chinese media, Beijing airports had to cancel more than 400 flights.

Spring is sandstorm season in northern China. Strong winds carry sand and fine dust from the Gobi desert and Mongolia into the often heavily smoggy and densely populated industrial regions. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten the lives and rights of refugees, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has welcomed the Rwandan governments vaccination last week of 416 refugees one of the first countries in Africa to do so.

Nearly one year since the countrys first registered COVID-19 case and as part of Rwandas national vaccination drive, the Rwandan Ministry of Health inoculated 224 refugees residing in the Emergency Transit Mechanism (ETM) centre in Gashora and 192 refugees in six refugee settlements working on the front lines of the pandemic as community health workers and cleaners or security guards at health clinics in the refugee settlements.

UNHCR said in a statement that some 230,000 people in Rwanda have been vaccinated against COVID-19, one week after a countrywide campaign began.

We commend Rwandas inclusion of refugees in its response to the pandemic, said Clementine Nkweta-Salami, UNHCRs Regional Bureau Director Bureau for the East, Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes. We appeal to all countries to include refugees in their vaccination programmes on par with nationals to ensure that everyone is safe.

There are nearly 138,000 refugees hosted by the country, mainly from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi.

The first dose of COVID-19 vaccine is being given to high-risk groups such as health workers, teachers, elderly people with chronic health issues, those aged over 65 years, and other frontline workers. Refugees who meet these criteria are included in the first stage of Rwandas vaccination campaign.

UNHCR reiterates that refugees, internally displaced and stateless people and their local host communities must be included on an equal footing with citizens in all national responses to the pandemic, including public health access, vaccines, and social safety nets. (PANA/NAN)

Source: NAN News

A 46-year-old man was killed by an elephant in northern Namibia, police confirmed Monday.

According to Omusati regional commander, commissioner Titus Shikongo, the deceased, Abner Petrus died after he was trampled by an elephant at the Okatha- Kiikombo Village in the Okatseidhi area on Sunday.

He said the deceased, together with his wife and daughter were trying to chase away a herd of elephants that invaded their crop fields.

It is alleged that the man and his family managed to drive the animals out of the field and after they tried to chase them further away into the bushes.

In the process, one elephant emerged from behind and attacked the man, he said.

Last week, Namibias environment minister Pohamba Shifeta said the country had seen a surge in human-wildlife conflicts involving elephants, buffaloes, and other animals mainly in the north and northeastern parts of the country.

Shifeta said the country had resorted to auctioning off some of its elephants while relocating others to national parks as they are causing the most damage to crops, water infrastructure, and property in nine of the fourteen regions. (Xinhua/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Italian government on Monday effected a new phase of lockdown for more than 40 million people due to rise in Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.

Apart for Sardinia, where hardly any restrictions applied, all Italian regions are subject to the medium-strict rules of an orange zone under Italys colour-coded system, or the strictest lockdown rules of a red zone.

In addition to the economically strong Lombardy with its metropolis of Milan and Lazio with its capital Rome, Veneto and Emilia-Romagna also fall into the red zone.

People there are only supposed to leave their homes in urgent cases, such as for shopping, emergencies or work.

Sports in the fresh air are only allowed alone. Pupils have to switch back to lessons via the internet.

Distance lessons have become unbearable for me, especially after I was allowed to have some face-to-face lessons again, a pupil from Rome told said.

In view of the Easter holidays, the government under former European Central Bank (ECB) Chief Mario Draghi already decided on Friday that the red zone would apply to the entire country between April 3 and 5.

Most recently, the coronavirus pandemic had worsened in the country of 60 million people, with new infections rising daily and incidence values increasing on a weekly basis.

So far, more than 102,000 people have died as a result of an infection with the coronavirus and authorities have recorded more than 3.223 million cases.

The rules now in force were decided according to the principle of the greatest possible caution, the Health Ministry expert, Franco Locatelli said in an interview with Mondays edition of the newspaper Corriere della Sera.

The aim, he said, was to be in a better epidemiological situation after Easter. Health comes first, even if a socio-economic crisis prevails, Locatelli explained further. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

The newly-selected executive authority of Libya on Monday was sworn in before the House of Representatives (parliament) in the eastern city of Tobruk, Libyan National TV reported.

The new executive authority, which consists of the Presidency Council and the Government of National Unity, took the oath during an official session of the parliament.

In a speech during the session, Aguila Saleh, speaker of the House of Representatives, urged the new executive authority to spare no effort to achieve national reconciliation, work to improve the countrys economy, and prepare for the elections to be held later this year.

The UN-sponsored Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) recently selected a new executive authority for the North African country, which was welcomed by all the Libyan parties.

Moahmmed Menfi was appointed as President of the Presidency Council along with new Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah.

Dbeibahs government was granted confidence by the House of Representatives on March 10.

The new governments main task is to hold general elections on Dec. 24 as agreed by the LPDF. (Xinhua/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army says the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, have eliminated scores of the Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on Saturday in Borno.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Yerima said the encounters, which took place around the fringes ofalso led to the destruction of terrorists gun trucks and recovery of large cache of arms and ammunition.

He said that the combined troops of Sector 2 advanced and cleared Daban Massara and Ali Sherifti villages among other settlements before they harbored for replenishment and retrofitting along the axis.

The army has began the second phase of their operations and advancing along the Kukawa Monguno road, about 14 kilometers to their base, they sighted terrorists gun trucks and swiftly commenced pursuit with heavy fire and deft manouver.

In the course of the hot pursuit which was aided by air cover provided by the Air Task Team of Operation Lafia Dole, several terrorists were neutralized and their gun trucks destroyed.

Unfortunately however, one officer and three gallant soldiers paid the supreme sacrifices while those wounded in action are currently receiving medical attention at 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital in Maimalari Cantonment.

Above is on-the-spot account of the encounter between Nigerian troops and the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Mugono area and environs.

Members of the public are assured that the troops are on top of the situation and working assiduously to end the insurgency and terrorism in country in line with the directives of the Chief of Army Staff, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Mohammad Tijjani

The Kaduna State Government has confirmed the abduction of primary school pupils and teachers in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of the state.

Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, said in a statement that the pupils and teachers were abducted on Monday.

He however said that the number of those abducted has not been ascertained.

The Kaduna State Government is receiving security reports of kidnapping of some pupils and teachers in a primary school located in Rema, Birnin Gwari local government area.

According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred at an LEA Primary School in the LGA.

The Kaduna State Government is currently obtaining details on the actual number of pupils and teachers reported to have been kidnapped and will issue a comprehensive statement as soon as possible, he stated. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Bukola Adetoye

Brig.-Gen. Mohammad Buba Marwa (Retired) on Sunday said that the late first Executive Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, lived an exemplary life worth emulating by all Nigerians.

Marwa, the military governor of Lagos State between 1996 and 1999, said this when he paid a condolence visit to Alhaja Abimbola Jakande, the wife and family members of late Jakande at the Lagos residence of the deceased.

Marwa is the curent Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that Alhaji Jakande died on Feb.11,2021.

Jakande was the first Executive Governor of Lagos State, from 1979 to 1983.

He was a journalist and he first worked with the Daily Service and then in 1953, he joined the Nigerian Tribune Newspaper where he rose to become its Editor-in-Chief.

He was the first President of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN).

He was Minister of Works under the late Gen. Sani Abacha-led military regime from 1993 to 1998, among other giants achievements.

The NDLEA boss also described the late Jakande as a great humanitarian.

According to him, it is very sad to pay the condolence visit to the family of his predecessor in office.

However, God knows the best.

He was a very religious man and a journalist per excellence and a lover peace.

He did very well as a former governor of Lagos State because he brought smiles to the people as their governor between 1979 and 1983 through his people-oriented programmes.

Marwa said that when he served as the governor of Lagos State between 1996 and 1999, Jakande was supportive of his administration.

When I was appointed as the chairman of NDLEA, he also sent me a congratulatory message.

I prayed that he rests well, May God give us the heart to accept his passing away as no one lives forever, Marwa said.

The widower, Alhaja Abimbola Jakande, in her words thanked the NDLEA boss for the visit.

I thank you all for putting us in mind, God bless, she said.

NAN reports that the entourage that followed the NDLEA boss on the condolence visit include the NDLEA Lagos Commander, Mr Ralph Igwenagu; and the Apapa Seaport Commander, Mr Samuel Gadzama.

Others are: the Director of Airports operations, Mrs Joyce -Titus Awogbayi and the Commander, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command, Mr Ahmadu Gatba. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Sheila Offiong/Patience Aliyu

The General Assembly of the International Press Institute (IPI), Nigerian Chapter, has approved a domesticated Constitution to guide its operations in the country.

The approval was given at a meeting of the IPI held, both virtually and physically, and hosted by Daily Trust Newspapers in Abuja.

IPI is a global network, for senior Journalists, Publishers, seasoned Broadcasters and Communications experts, headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and operates under a global constitution.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Secretary of the Institute, Mr Raheem Adedoyin, said deliberations, which began on Tuesday, in Abuja, yielded the desired result.

The Nigerian chapter, otherwise referred to as the Nigerian National Committee, has domesticated the IPI Constitution to suit its environment.

The IPI Nigeria constitution provides for an expansion of its current Executive committee from just the Chairman (changed to President), to now include the offices of deputy president, assistant secretary, Auditor and legal adviser.

Other resolutions of the meeting, chaired by its President, Malam Kabiru A. Yusuf, included deployment of robust measures to enhance membership drive into the Nigerian chapter of the body, as well as approval of the criteria for such membership recruitment, Adedoyin said

Membership of the Institute is open to persons active in the field of Journalism from reputable traditional and web news media organisations, freelancers and lecturers, researchers in schools of Journalism or Mass Communication and Communication Arts.

Or those working in outlets that defend and support the principles of Press Freedom and Rights and the desire to co-operate to achieve the objectives of the global body of the Institute, according to the IPI Nigeria Constitution.

Similarly, membership would be open to only persons who have spent 10 years and above in a recognised media organisation, whilst the Constitution provides for a 7-member Board of Trustees for IPI Nigeria, with members entitled to not more than two-terms of five years each.

The General Assembly will reconvene on Tuesday, 23rd March, 2021, to receive the reports of the contact/mobilisation and the property purchase ad hoc committees which were set up late last year, Adedoyin said,

In the meantime, preparations would get underway for the composition of a new executive committee, to pilot the affairs of IPI Nigeria for the next three years.

The meeting was attended by captains of the media industry, including the Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, Musikilu Mojeed, Editor-in-Chief of Daily Trust, Naziru Mikailu Abubakar, the Director General of the National Council for Arts