Joshua knocks out Pulev to retain heavyweight titles

World boxing heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua knocked out Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev near the end of the ninth round on Saturday to retain his IBF, WBO and WBA belts.

The 31-year-old Nigerian-born Briton was close to winning when he floored Pulev in the third round after a sweet right hand at the Wembley Srena in London.

But the challenger recovered to test the home favourite in front of a limited crowd of 1,000.

Pulev, 39, remained dangerous, without causing Joshua many anxious moments, but there was no escape in the ninth round.

Joshua landed a clubbing right upper-cut which sent Pulev to the canvas.

The Bulgarian got back to his feet but Joshua connected with another huge right hand to end the contest.

Source: NAN News

FCT minister expresses shock over Nda-Isaiahs death

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Aliyu, has expressed shock over the sudden death of the Chairman, Leadership Group and National Economy, Mr Sam Nda-Isaiah, who died in Abuja on Friday night, after a brief illness.

The minister in her condolence message on Saturday in Abuja, said she was saddened over the death of a successful businessman, dogged politician and a renowned publisher who redefined the journalism profession.

Aliyu condoled with the immediate family, staff and management of Leadership Group, Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria, Nigerian Union of Journalists and the journalism profession for the great loss.

According to her, the vacuum his death created will be hard to fill.

It is with great sadness that I learnt of the passing of the Chairman of Leadership Group and National Economy, Mr Sam Nda-Isaiah.

He was a successful businessman, a dogged politician and a publisher of repute who has redefined the journalism profession, Aliyu said.

Aliyu said death was an inevitable end to every mortal existence.

The minister said members of the FCT family were, however, consoled that late Nda-Isaiah distinguished himself as an astute politician and promoter of Nigerias unity.

She prayed for Almighty God to grant him eternal rest and the family, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Source: NAN News

Solskjaer says draw was best Manchester derby of his reign

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said their 0-0 derby draw at home to Manchester City on Saturday was the best display against Pep Guardiolas side during his time in charge.

Manchester United won last seasons Premier League fixture 2-0 but the Norwegian felt this was a more complete display.

This was in spite of the lack of incident and excitement at an empty Old Trafford.

In my time against Manchester City thats the best performance we have had. Not the best result but the best performance, said Solskjaer.

It was a tight game. I know we beat them a few times last season but those were different games, he added, noting the contrast with his sides counter-attacking approach in previous encounters.

Tactically we knew they were going to give us some problems but defensively we were excellent. Im delighted with the defensive shape. With the ball we didnt create as much as we wanted to.

They probably had the bigger moments in open play. Everyone should be happy with a draw, he said.

Manchester Uniteds conservative approach came after their exit from the UEFA Champions League with a 3-2 defeat to RB Leipzig in Germany on Tuesday.

Solskjaer conceded it had been a tough few days.

Its a mental challenge when that happens to you (going out of the Champions League). The mental energy you spend trying to recover from Tuesday is huge, he said.

Guardiola thought the game needed to be put in perspective.

Its a good point. Its Old Trafford, we cannot forget. They are so fast upfront. Its Manchester United. Most parts of the game we were good, he said.

It was a tight game but sometimes the opponents defence is strong. And if you make a mistake, they punish you on the counter attack.

We know we can show more intensity but when you attack they can punish you on the counter. We would love to have more chances, added the Spaniard.

We have to build from here. Without spectators it looks like it lacks intensity but from the touchline I see the players fight.

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe
President Muhammadu Buhari says by retaining his IBF, WBA, and WBO titles, Anthony Joshua has given boxing lovers around the world, and particularly in Nigeria, something to cheer.

Mr Femi Adesina, the Presidents spokesman in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, said Buhari made his feelings known while celebrating the decisive victory of the Nigerian-born boxer over Kubrat Pulev on Saturday night.

The president recalled his meeting with the heavyweight champion in London earlier in the year, describing Joshua as a humble, well brought up young man, who will still go places.

Buhari wished Joshua all the best in his dream fight against Tyson Fury, saying he has the prayers and goodwill of Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World boxing heavyweight champion Joshua had knocked out Bulgarian Pulev near the end of the ninth round on Saturday to retain his IBF, WBO and WBA belts.

The 31-year-old Nigerian-born Briton was close to winning when he floored Pulev in the third round after a sweet right hand at the Wembley Arena in London.

But the challenger recovered to test the home favourite in front of a limited crowd of 1,000.

Pulev, 39, remained dangerous, without causing Joshua many anxious moments, but there was no escape in the ninth round.

Joshua landed a clubbing right upper-cut which sent Pulev to the canvas.

The Bulgarian got back to his feet but Joshua connected with another huge right hand to end the contest.

Source: NAN News

Buhari lauds Guards Brigade for professionalism

By Sumaila Ogbaje

President Muhammadu Buhari has lauded the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade for their professionalism in the discharge of their constitutional roles.

Buhari, represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, gave the commendation at the Guards Brigades 2020 West African Social Activities (WASA) in Abuja on Saturday.

He said the brigade was able to carry out its duties with high level of discipline, professionalism and commitment during the year by ensuring that the FCT remain safe.

Guard brigade has done very well within the year in ensuring that the Federal Capital Territory remains peaceful, in addition to their enormous responsibility of safeguarding Mr President, the first family and the conduct of ceremonial duties.

Let me seize this opportunity to commend the officers and soldiers of the Guards Brigade for the professional conduct exhibited during the #EndSARS protest in Abuja.

I also commend the brigade for executing impactful projects such as the parade pavilion in the barracks; it is a sign of regimentation, the president said.

Buhari also commended other security agencies for the synergy extended to the guards brigade to ensure that the FCT remains safe

The President, while commending the brigade for 2020 WASA, he said the event brought back so much nostalgic feelings in him, as it reminded him of his days in the military.

I am happy that Nigerian army has upheld this tradition, bringing officers and soldiers to socialise with their civilian friends and well wishers in a very relaxed environment, he said.

The Commander, Guards Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Usman, said that WASA was an age long military tradition aimed at creating a relaxed atmosphere for officers, soldiers and their families to socialise with friends to mark the end of a training year.

Usman said the origin of WASA could be traced to as far back as the Second World War, when the Nigerian Army fought as part of the larger West African Frontier Force.

He said that during the period, indigenous communities and West African armies came together to celebrate their cultural heritage with their kinsmen marked with sacrificial offering and cultural dances at the end of every year.

According to him, this age long tradition introduced by the colonial authorities is still being held in most of British former colonies in the West African Sub-region, including Nigeria.

This unique ceremony also serves as an additional avenue for formations and units in the Nigerian Army to reward soldiers, foster oneness amongst troop and host communities.

WASA is further used to promote espirit-de-corps with other security agencies who are also invited to the ceremony.

It provides personnel and their families a veritable avenue to share and enjoy the existing cultural diversity in the barracks, he said.

Usman said that WASA had also become an avenue for units and formations of the army to showcase their achievements during the years, adding that Guards Brigade achieved most of its training objectives for the 2020.

He said that the Guards Brigade had embarked on projects with tremendous impact in the lives of officers and soldiers, one of which was inaugurated on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the activity featured cultural dances by different ethnic groups, tug of war between battalions and lighting of camp fire as well as raffle draws.

Some soldiers who distinguished themselves in service during the year were presented with award of excellence.

Source: NAN News

Venerable Samuel Akale

By Jessica Onyegbula

Rev. Samuel Akale of Vicar of All souls Anglican Church, Lugbe on Sunday charged Nigerians to remain hopeful and continue to trust in God during difficult times.

Akale who gave the charge during a Christmas Carol Service in Aco Estate, Abuja stressed that the theme: Come and Worship Christ, the new born King, was a wake up call for Christian faithful to trust God to deliver them from whatever difficulties they were facing.

At a time like this when people face different challenges, overwhelming fear and uncertainty, it is good to lift the spirit of the people, encourage them to hold on and trust in God, he said.

Akale called on well meaning individuals and corporate organisations to extend support to the needy as part of their social responsibilities to the society.

He said the essence of Christmas was to give and assist the less privileged for peace to reign in the society.

While expressing concern over the economic situation in the country, the Anglican priest appealed to Christian faithful to celebrate Christmas with modesty and avoid unnecessary expenses to enable them to meet up with demands of the following year.

He stressed the need for the government at all levels to ensure that the people in the rural areas benefited more from various poverty alleviation programmes and to ensure effective security network during the yuletide.

Akale expressed optimism that the country would come out stronger from its current challenges.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

EU-UN partnership empowers 200 victims of VVF, GBV in Sokoto

By Habibu Harisu

The EU-UN Spotlight Initiative Project in Sokoto State, has provided working tools to 200 survivors of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Vesico Veginal Fistula (VVF), to enable them to start their own businesses.

The distributed items included 50 sewing machines, 50 grinding machines, along with 300 Goats, sourced under a 40,000 dollar grant

The distribution took place at the end of a five-day skills acquisition for livelihood training conducted by the Sokoto State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, in collaboration with Nagarta Community Health and Gender Education Initiative, an NGO.

The initiative, which is jointly sponsored by the UN and EU, in partnership with the Federal Government, aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls, drew beneficiaries from the states 23 Local Government Areas.

However, it has a special focus on the four Spotlight council areas in the state, comprising Bodinga, Binji, Sokoto North and Tangaza, with also a commitment to improve the livelihoods of women and adolescent girls.

Other intervention areas are: the prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), Harmful Traditional Practices (HTPs), Sexual Reproduction Health Right (SRHR) and VVF.

Speaking at the occasion, Hajiya Kulu Sifawai, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, said that the participants were trained in entrepreneurship, animal husbandry and fashion, among other skills, to empower them to be productive.

She explained that the empowerment and support packages given to the women after the training, were meant to boost their morale to start new lives.
According to her, the ministry also engaged in counselling, guidance and other women enhancement programmes, to improve on their psychology, due to the trauma they suffered during surgeries.

The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Hajiya Ashatu Dantsoho, further explained that the programme also included training on sexual and reproductive health, rights of women and adolescent girls, child birth spacing and second chance education programme for young and elderly women.

The Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Mainasara Ahmad, who was represented by Deputy Director, International Cooperation, Alhaji Musa Wamakko, commended the Initiative, as it would go a long way in improving the lives of the beneficiaries.

Ahmad congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to live up to expectations by not reselling the items, disclosing that a monitoring committee would be constituted to monitor the judicious use of the items.

He further commended the Ministry for Women Affairs and the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative for their efforts.

Dr Bello Lawal, Chief Medical Director, Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital, described the support of the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative as commendable, especially for sponsoring VVF surgeries for some women in the hospital.

According to him, the support would surely enhance reintegration of VVF victims into the society, where they would become role models in providing support to other women and families. He urged them to encourage others with VVF problems to come for treatment.

In a goodwill message, Mr Umar Idris, the UNFPA Project Support Officer for Spotlight Initiative in Sokoto, said that the beneficiaries were expected to invest properly, hoping that in future programmes, livestock could be sourced from the present beneficiaries to distribute to another set.

He stressed that the project aimed at restoring dignity and reintegrating survivors into their communities with full confidence and livelihood skills to prevent VAWG, SGBV, HP, SRHR and VVF.

One of the training facilitators, Abdullahi Mainasara, said poverty was responsible for increased cases of Gender-based Violence (GBV) and called for team work to address the menace.

Mainasara, Coordinator of Nagarta, explained that Nagarta and other NGOs always strove to sensitise people against all forms of violence in communities across Sokoto state.

Some of the beneficiaries, Amina Aminu, Zaibab Sanusi, Najaatu Muhammad, Safiyya Sanusi, Shamsiyya Ahmad, Jamila Aminu and Maryam Bello, expressed appreciation over the support from the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Prince Adetokunbo Kayode,

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) says it will on Monday unveil the maiden edition of the Arahah Farmers Market to provide quality and affordable produce to Abuja residents.

ACCI Media Officer Latifat Opoola in a statement on Sunday in Abuja said that the Market was where farmers, especially women producers and sellers can come to sell things at a discounted rate.

Opoola said that the ACCI President, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, would unveil the market.

According to Opoola, the market, which will be jointly organised by ACCI and Women Arise Development and Humanitarian Initiative (WADHI) is set to hold from Dec. 14 to Dec.16.

She quoted ACCIs Director-General , Victoria Akai, as saying that the market would provide high-quality, affordable produce to low and middle-income residents of Abuja and its environs.

Akai said thatit would also help the Micro, Small and Meduim Enterprises (MSMEs) scale-up their businesses.

She said it would assist women, especially womens owned or led businesses to have access to end-users.

According to Akai, Arahah Farmers Market is where farmers, especially women producers and sellers can come to sell things at a discounted rate.

She added that the development would provide opportunity for networking and a ready market to sell their produce.

Also speaking on the Arahah Market Project, Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia, Convener of WADHI, described the Market as a peculiar market in the FCT which would bring farmers and primary producers together.

She said that initiative would boost farmers income as well as create opportunity for FCT residents to access to fresh food from farms.

According to her, the initiative will eliminate the role of middlemen which will indirectly increase the prices of such food items.

She said the market was scheduled to hold at ACCI International Trade Fair Centre, Lugbe, Airport Road.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

COVID-19

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

The Kwara Government says 23 more people have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 1,226.

The spokesman of the Technical Committee on COVID-19 in the state, Mr Rafiu Ajakaye,made this known in a statement issued in Ilorin.

He added that 1,076 patients had been discharged while 30 deaths were recorded in the state.

As at 2:20 pm on Saturday, the number of active cases is now 120, while 1,076 have so far been discharged and 30 deaths recorded, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Be carriers of good news, cleric charges journalists

By Olubukola Aiyedogbon

Evang. Emmanuel Akeredolu,the minister in charge of Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun in Ilorin, has admonished journalists in Kwara to be carriers of good news.

Akeredolu, who was represented by Pastor Ayo Olorunleke gave the charge at the 2nd Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara chapters Christmas carol held in Ilorin on Sunday.

The cleric urged journalists to focus on news that will build rather than destroy the nation.

He said that Christmas was aimed at providing an opportunity to celebrate Gods unconditional love for man.

Mans love is conditional but Gods love is unconditional and this is the main reason of the Christmas celebration.

Gods unquantifiable gift to man; the gift of Jesus Christ is a gift that cant be measured and so it deserved to be celebrated now and always.

If God can give us his son, theres nothing he cannot give to us.

Jesus arrived with a joy that the world cant give and cant take.

This is why the people of Christ are one of the most excited people on the earth, he said.

The Chairman, Kwara Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Evang. Timothy Opoola, who represented the Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, expressed joy at the success of the programme and urged the NUJ to keep up the good work of propagating the good news.

Also speaking, Pastor Oluwole Osundeyi, who represented the Commissioner for Communication, Mrs Harriet Afolabi-Oshatimehin, urged journalists to rededicate themselves to ensuring a peaceful and harmonious society through promotion of edifying news. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

WHO

Many African countries have demonstrated commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) amid disruptions triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, a World Health Organisation (WHO) official said on Saturday at the UCH Day.

Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said that UCH had gained policy and financing traction in the continent to help tackle a growing disease burden.

The attainment of UHC is a high priority in African countries and reforms are happening to make more services available, to more people, with stronger financial risk protection, Moeti said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

Moeti said that with the theme of this years UCH Health for All: Protect Everyone resonated with the urgency to cushion vulnerable demographics from COVID-19 shocks.

She said that robust government industry linkages have enhanced access to quality health services in Africa, adding that in Eswatini, Malawi, Rwanda and Equatorial Guinea, the access gap was narrowed significantly between 2017 and 2019.

Efforts to improve financial risk protection are underway through health insurance coupled with increases in government spending, for example in Cote dIvoire, Ghana and Zambia, said Moeti.

Statistics from WHO indicate that the universal health coverage index across Africa improved from 46 out of 100 in 2017 to 48 in 2019 but fell short of the global average of 66.

In addition, an average of seven per cent of households on the continent are suffering from prohibitive health expenditure while only 14 out of 47 countries were on track to achieve universal health coverage.

Moeti said that resource constraints escalated by COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious diseases like Ebola, Measles and Yellow Fever had slowed down progress towards attaining health for all goals in Africa.

To reach the UHC goals for 2030, accelerated action is needed. Realising health for all requires investments and action by all stakeholders, said Moeti.

She said that African countries should leverage on reforms, innovative financing, digitisation and capacity building in order to hasten progress towards attaining a universal health coverage agenda. (Xinhua/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has urged troops not to be distracted by the move by International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate war crimes against Nigerian forces in the north eastern part of the country.

Buratai made the call in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sagir Musa, on Saturday in Abuja.

He said that the call followed the Friday statement from ICC prosecutor, alleging that there were reasonable basis to believe that members of the Nigerian Security Forces (NSF) had committed acts constituting crimes against humanity and war crimes.

According to him, the ICC statement is immediately followed by a release by the local branch of Amnesty International (AI) in Nigeria, demanding full investigation of atrocities by Nigerian forces.

Buratai said there was no doubt that such statement and instigation could distract the Nigerian troops with its demoralising effects.

He said it could have negative consequences on troops morale, interest in military service by Nigerians and severe setback to all Nigerias internal security operations.

The COAS also enjoined troops to ignore what he described as wicked and unnecessary distractions, directing them to fully concentrate on the final defeat of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists groups which is in sight.

He also charged the troops to work hard and be guided by the constitution of Nigeria, the Rules of Engagement, the Code of Conduct and the Standing Operating Procedures for all Nigerian Army Operations.

According to him, the Nigerian army is not only protecting human rights but also sustaining human rights nationally and globally.

Our professional conduct over the years and most recently, during the #ENDSARS protest at Lekki village near Lagos are clear testimonies to the Nigerian armys posture on promoting sustainable human rights policy.

The Nigerian army wishes to advise local or international organisations not to allow themselves be used to destabilise or destroy the troops morale by the sponsors of mischief in Nigeria, he said.

Army spokesperson, Musa, disclosed that Buratai was currently on self-isolation as part of precaution against the COVID-19 infection.

Musa said that the COAS would soon join the troops in the north eastern part of the country at the end of the mandatory isolation period to continue giving them the desired leadership and support.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

We can now tackle sexual harassment on campus, say university students

By Femi Ogunshola

Some University Students say they can now tackle the menace of sexual harassment on campus, following a symposium on the prevention of campus sexual violence in tertiary institution across the country.

The symposium was organised by a Non- Governmental Organisation (NGO) Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF) on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the symposium was initiated by the European Union and United Nations, with the theme: Spotlight Initiative to Eliminate Violence Against Women and Men.

Miss Michel Williams, a 400 Level, Biochemistry Student of Nile University, Abuja,said that with the setting up of response team in the universities, students could now heave a sigh of relief.

She said that with a toll free line where sexual harassment could be reported pronto, tackling the menace of sexual harassment had now been made easy on campus.

Now I know that as a student, when you are being confronted by a lecturer asking for sex for grade, you can nowfind someone to talk to.

That is why they have created the response team in institutions to be able to locate one of them and report, she said.

She said that although she had never experienced sexual harassment, but stories of such menace abound on campuses and in the media.

It is not a good thing to be sexually harassed and there has to be a way to stop it because I know that it affects victims both psychologically and physically, she said.

Miss Favour Amarachukwu, a100 Level Medical Laboratory Student, UniAbuja, said that with the symposium, she was equipped with a new revelation on how to tackle the menace.

Today, I got a new revelation on how to stop gender based violence and sexual abuses on campus and how we can handle it as students and victims.

Now we have a hotline where we can call freely and you can be kept anonymous in case you are scared of your identity being revealed.

So if I fall victim of that with the exposure I have gotten, it will be easier for me to open up now that I have gotten this idea, she said.

Mr Felix Ayeyemi, a 300 Level, Computer Student, UniAbuja, said though he had not been sexually harassed but heard stories in the media relating to sexual harassment.

Ayeyemi said with this training and the free toll line dedicated for sexual harassment, students would now have the courage to call the response team.

He said that,students in collaboration with other partners would keep fighting to curtail the menace of sexual harassment on campus.

Damilola Adebisi, the Lead Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, WARIF, said that the symposium was to increase awareness and engage students on campus prevention of gender violence and sexual harassment.

Adebisi said that students now knew that they could speak out and get help, adding that the bottom line was to tackle the culture of silence and assured them that there was a place they could get help.

This, according to him, is by speaking out and talking about their issues and that they should not be scared.

We want them to speak out on rape and other gender violence as much as possible and the students are happy that they can get help even with the setting up of the response team on campuses, he said.

Source: NAN News

Okowa mourns Leadership newspaper publisher, Nda-Isaiah

By Ifeanyi Olannye

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has condoled the family, management and staff of Leadership Newspapers over the death of the publisher, Mr Sam Nda-Isaiah.

Nda-Isaiah died on Friday in Abuja after a brief illness at the age of 58.

The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifeajika, on Saturday in Asaba, also commiserated with members of Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) the media and All Progressives Congress (APC) on the death of the respected entrepreneur, politician and philanthropist.

Okowa said the late publisher would be greatly missed by all stakeholders in the media industry, especially for his invaluable contributions to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I condole with the Nda-Isaiah family, NPAN, entire staff and management of Leadership and National Economy Newspapers over the passing of a great Nigerian, Mr Sam Nda-Isaiah.

He was a committed Nigerian, a publisher of repute, an astute politician and philanthropist whose commitment to the realisation of a great and truly democratic Nigeria is discernable, he said.

According to the governor, late Nda-Isaiah was a leading pro-good governance advocate and a consistent voice on contemporary and national policy discuss.

As we mourn his painful departure, I pray that God will bring solace to his family and members of staff of his media conglomerate who will miss him the most, and grant him eternal rest, the governor said.

Source: NAN News

Gov. Sheyi Makinde

By David Adeoye

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Friday handed over 25 operational vehicles fully equipped with communication gadgets to security agencies in the state.

Makinde, while handling over the vehicles to the agencies, promised that his government would continue to prioritise the welfare of security personnel serving in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the handing over was done at the frontage of the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

Ten of the vehicles were donated to the Swift Response Squad (SRS) a unit of the Nigeria Police Force, while the remaining 15 were given to Operation Burst a state-backed unit comprising the Military, Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The governor said that government would remain committed to supporting police officers and security personnel serving in Oyo State as well as members of their families.

He said this was notwithstanding the fact that it had been a challenging year; Coronavirus pandemic from the beginning of the year, then economic meltdown and #EndSARS protests.

Well, the way I look at it is this, we would not say that because of those challenges, we will not continue to do what we are supposed to do.

I just want to use this opportunity to let the Nigeria Police Force, especially officers and men serving in Oyo State Command, know that under my watch, we will continue to support them and their families, Makinde said.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr Fatai Owoseni, said that security was one of the pillars of the Makinde administration.

He said the government had been closing the infrastructure gaps in the security sector to make the state safer and secure for all and sundry.

These operational vehicles will further strengthen the infrastructure of the two outfits, he said.

In his remark, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Joe Enwonwu, appreciated the governor for the gesture.

Enwonwu promised that police personnel in the state would sustain the security status of Oyo State and provide conducive atmosphere for both local, institutional and foreign investors.

I want to assure you that with this new set of vehicles, the Police, on its part, will do their best to reinforce security and make sure that people can confidently come out, do their businesses and sleep with their two eyes closed.

During the operational tour of the IGP, he spoke to the officers and made it abundantly clear that we should all come out confidently to give the best of security to the people of Oyo State.

And we should put behind whatever had happened during the #EndSARS protest that led to the loss of lives. We have actually taken that in our strides.

As I speak, we are presently doing training and retraining in our two mobile platforms of MOPOL 4 and MOPOL 72, Ago- Are, with a view to reinforcing and rebuilding confidence in the officers and men of the command in Oyo State he said.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Late Sam Nda Isaiah, Publisher Leadership Newspaper

By Rita Iliya
Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger and chairman North Central Governors Forum has received with shock the news of the demise of the Founder and Chairman of Leadership Newspaper, Sam Nda-Isaiah.

The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Mary Noel-Berje said an iroko tree in the pen Profession has fallen and Niger State has once again lost a passionate and dedicated citizen.

Bello described the deceased as an exceptional media mogul who demonstrated courage in his write ups, adding that he was also a successful entrepreneur and politician who will be greatly missed.

The governor prayed for Gods comfort on the All Progressives Congress (APC), people of Niger State, the Media industry, family and close associates of Nda-Isaiah.

Late Sam Ndanusa Isaiah, popularly known as Sam Nda-Isaiah, was the Chairman and Founder of Leadership Newspaper.

Born in Minna on May 1, 1962, late Sam was a passionate newspaperman and pundit, his column, Last Word with a footnote, Earshot, was a must read.

He started the column as special writer and editorial board member of Daily Trust, before he founded Leadership Newspaper.

He served as a committee member in the Kano State government to revive The Triumph Newspapers owned by the Kano State government.

The deceased was also a pharmacist and entrepreneur with many successful businesses.

He was also a founding member of the APC and aspired for presidential ticket under the same APC for 2015 elections.

He was a the Kakakin Nupe, a traditional title in the Nupe Kingdom.

Source: NAN News

Gunmen

By Suleiman Shehu

The Police have confirmed the murder of Dr Fatai Aborode, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, by unknown gunmen.

Aborode was allegedly killed in his farm along Apodun road, Igangan in Ibarapa North Local Government Area of the state on Friday.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Olugbenga Fadeyi, confirmed the incident in a text message sent to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Ibadan.

NAN gathered that the PDP chieftain was the Chief Executive Officer of Kunfayakun Green Treasures Limited.

The PPRO confirmed that the deceased was robbed and shot by four unknown gunmen at about 5.50 p.m.

At about 1750 hrs of 11/12/2020, along Apodun road Igangan, one Alh Fatal Aborode m of Igangan, was robbed and shot by four unknown gunmen.

The victim was rushed to Olugbon hospital, Igboora where he was confirmed dead.

Effort is on to arrest the fleeing assailants, the statement read in part.

NAN gathered that the deceased, along with his manager, was attacked when they were returning home.

The manager escaped gunshots as he reportedly fled the scene when the gunmen attacked.

NAN recalled that Aborode was the House of Reps candidate under the platform of Accord Party in 2015.

He, however, defected to PDP recently. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Sen. Orji Kalu

By Ikenna Uwadileke

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Orji Kalu, has commiserated with people and government of Imo over the passing of Nigerias Ambassador to the United States of America, Amb. Sylvanus Nsofor.

In a condolence message on Saturday in Abuja, the former governor of Abia noted that the late Judge played key roles in nation-building in various capacities.

Kalu described the deceased as upright, courageous and fair in his professional endeavours.

He urged family members, friends and associates of the renowned judge to uphold the good deeds of the deceased.

He also prayed for strength and peace for the widow, Mrs Jane Nsofor during the period of grief.

The demise of Justice Sylvanus Nsofor, former Justice of the Court of Appeal and NigeriasAmbassador to the United States of America (USA) is a huge loss to the nation.

The late jurist was known for his forthrightness, boldness and fairness.

He served the country in different positions locally and internationally.

The late envoy, who contributed to the social, political and economic development of Nigeria, will be greatly missed, Kalu said.

He prayed to God to rest the soul of Nsofor and urged the deceaseds family to take solace in the fact that their late patriarch lived a remarkable life.

Nsofor, a former Justice of the Court of Appeal, died at the age of 85. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Mali

The Malian national workers union (UNTM), the countrys largest trade union, on Friday confirmed it will go ahead with its five-day strike.

The strike is to be observed from 14-18 December after failed negotiations between it and the government on Thursday afternoon.

The executive board of the Malian national workers union informs workers, as well as the populations of the beginning of a strike from 14 to 18 December 2020, said the trade union in a statement issued in Bamako.

The UNTM on Monday, 23 November, 2020, notified the government of its intended strike action.

Among other points, the trade union is demanding the resolution of the situation of its workers in the 80s, the harmonization of wage grids for government workers and the granting of premiums and compensations.

On 18-20 November, 2019, the UNTM launched a 72-hour strike, largely observed across the country, for the same demands.

According to estimates, the three-day strike cost the Malian government 7 billion CFAF. (PANA/NAN)

Source: NAN News

African Union logo

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has deposited its instrument of ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples Rights.

This was announced by the Court on Friday at the African Union Headquarters.

The instrument was deposited in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 8 December 2020, the Court said in a statement.

DRCs ratification of the protocol, meaning its passing of laws recognising the Court, brings the number of AU Member States that have ratified the Protocol to 31.

The DRC has taken another grand step to safeguard human and peoples rights.

I strongly encourage the central African country to take one more bold step by making the Declaration (under Article 34(6)) to allow NGOs and individuals to access the Court directly, said Justice Sylvain Or, President of the African Court.

He reiterated to other AU Member States that have not yet done so, to ratify the Protocol and deposit the declaration.

The other States which have ratified the Protocol are: Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Cte dIvoire, Comoros, Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, and Ghana.

Others are Kenya, Libya, Lesotho, Mali, Malawi, Mozambique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Nigeria, Niger, Rwanda, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, South Africa, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia and Uganda.

As of to date, only six of 31 State Parties to the Protocol have deposited the declaration recognising the competence of the Court to receive cases directly from NGOs and individuals.

The six States are: Burkina Faso, Gambia, Ghana, Mali, Malawi and Tunisia.

The African Court was established by virtue of Article 1 of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples Rights, to complement the protective mandate of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights.

This is with a view to enhancing the protection of human rights on the continent.

In addition to the ratification of the Protocol, States have to make a Declaration required under Article 34(6) of the Protocol to allow individuals and NGOs to bring cases directly before the Court.

Without such Declaration, the Court would have no jurisdiction over cases brought by individuals and NGOs.

The Protocol was adopted on 9 June 1998 in Burkina Faso and came into force on 25 January 2004.

The Court officially started its operations in November 2006 initially in Addis Ababa and a year later moved to its permanent seat in Arusha, Tanzania. (PANA/NAN)

Source: NAN News