Ardova MD

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Ardova Plc (AP) has expressed commitment to championing the transition of clean energy in the country just as it assured Nigerians of safety in all its operations.

Mr Olumide Adeosun, AP Chief Executive Officer, disclosed this at the official launch of the companys rebranded service station at Lekki in Lagos.

Adeosun said that the company would champion clean energy in Nigeria and ensure efficient service delivery to all its customers.

He also assured shareholders of enhanced return on investment in the years ahead.

Since inception, our key purpose at Ardova Plc has been to champion the transition to clean energy, so that meant we had to take the longer view.

For us, this has meant a rethink of our operational structure as a company and transitioning our business from a traditional downstream company to a leading integrated energy firm.

In our evolution as a company we looked to preserve the best of our heritage, determine how we function in the present and build guiding principles that will enable our emergence as a leading provider of clean energy when the transition to cleaner power sources is complete.

Today, we are gathered to celebrate another phase in our evolution as company as we launch the first Ardova Plc branded service station, he said.

Adeosun said that the companys service stations were built on three pillars namely improved service delivery, modularity and community embedment.

He explained that the company had repurposed existing stations to be able to stack key facilities that will enable us to provide our customers with different products and services to meet their evolving energy needs.

Adeosun disclosed that the companys station would move from being strictly drive-in locations to becoming active hubs in their local communities.

Whilst we will continue to sell fuels, we intend to introduce interesting energy products beyond traditional fuels to cater to our different customer segments in these locales.

In this regard, we are launching X-Mart, our in-station retail shops to sell a wide assortment of consumer products for customers who bring in their cars and people in the neighbourhoods we serve, he added.

Also speaking, AP Chairman, AbdulWasiu Sowami, noted that the launch of the station marked the final phasing out of old brand.

The launch of this station marks a significant step in our strategy to build a strong integrated energy brand and to also delight our customers with a lot more than traditional fuel products.

The Oniru station attests to the standards of excellence our customers can expect from all AP stations they drive into across the country, Sowami said.

Ardova Plc is a Nigerian leading indigenous and integrated energy company involved in the distribution of petroleum products.

With an extensive network of over 450 retail outlets in Nigeria and significant storage facilities in Apapa, Lagos and Onne, Rivers State, we procure and distribute petrol (PMS), diesel (AGO), kerosene (DPK) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Electricity meters

By Constance Athekame

The Minister of Power, Mr Sale Mamman, says that the electricity metering challenge across the country is being addressed.

Mr Aaron Artimas the Special Adviser, Media and Communications to the minister, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

Artimas said that the minister spokein Yola at the inaugurationof the mass metering programme for the Yola Electricity Distribution Company.

According to Mamman, implementation of the mass metering programme is beginning to yield result.

I am glad that Nigeria has finally gotten it right on the long existing challenges of metering consumption in the country.

It is with great pleasure that I stand before you at this landmark event to inaugurate the intervention policy of the Federal Government towards closing the metering gap in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.

This occasion is a clear testimony of Yola Electricity Distribution Companys (YEDC) commitment to providing its customers enhanced service delivery. he said.

Theminister said that the Nigerian electricity markethad for many years struggled with inadequate revenues, thus creating significant liquidity challenge for all market participants in the value chain.

He said that one of the major contributors to the funding challenge was the low level of metering for end-users.

According to him,this is the principal reason for customer resistance to payment of electricity bills due to the perceived lack of confidence and trust in estimated billing.

The often-repeated reason for the low level of metering has been attributed to the inability of Distribution Companies (DisCos) to raise financing for the purchase of meters, he said.

The minister also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for supporting the DisCos with the much-needed financing toward the bulk acquisition of meters.

Hedescribed the intervention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the provision of long-term low interest funds to the DisCos as a boost to the sector.

I am especially happy to inform you that the Federal Government of Nigeria has granted Yola Distribution Company a soft loan of N5,061 billion for sourcing of 85,376 meters.

This metercomprises 62,324 single-phase and 23,052 three-phase meters under phase zero (0) of the National Mass Metering programme.

I thus call on the management of YEDC to make good use of this facility to significantly reduce the Aggregate Technical Commercial and Collection (ATC

U.S. flag

By Busayo Onijala

The U.S. has donated maritime security equipment worth 180,000 dollars (70 million) to the Nigerian Navy, the U.S Consulate in Lagos said in a statement on Friday.

The equipment is to enable the navy to upgrade the anti-piracy and nautical security functions of the countrys Regional Maritime Awareness Capability (RMAC).

RMAC was developed in 2006 to upgrade the maritime domain awareness capability of U.S. partners.

The consulate said that the equipment donated were integrated to improve the navys capacity to track and counter marine threats through its RMAC.

The donations include, a selection of best-in-class sensors and radars, communications and networking equipment, thermal-imaging cameras and software.

Claire Pierangelo, U.S. Consul General in Lagos who handed over the consignment at the Naval Station Beecroft, highlighted the U.S. governments continued support of Nigerias maritime security.

The United States is committed to supporting the Nigerian Navy in its effort toward securing not only your territorial waters but the larger Gulf of Guinea.

The equipment we have here today is part of RMAC that began in 2006, aimed at enhancing the Nigerian Navys capacity to monitor and respond to the diverse maritime threats in your waters and the Gulf of Guinea, Pierangelo said.

She noted that two ex-U.S. Coast Guard Cutters, now known as NNS OKPABANA and NNS THUNDER, were previously transferred to the Nigerian Navy.

Rear Admiral Tanko Yakubu Pani, Chief Staff Officer, Western Naval Command, Lagos, who received the surveillance equipment on behalf of the Nigerian Navy, acknowledged the long-standing security cooperation between the U.S. and Nigeria.

It is pertinent to state that the introduction of the Regional Maritime Awareness Capability facilities in the Nigerian Navy has greatly enhanced our maritime policing efforts through intelligence-gathering patrols.

We are indeed delighted and grateful for the continuous support of the United States, he said.

Nigerias RMAC became fully operational in 2008 and has five radar sites located in Badagry, Lagos, Formoso, Bonny, and Ibaka.

It also has operations posts at the four regional headquarters in Lagos, Yenagoa, Calabar, and Abuja. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

A car mart

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a 72- hour notice to operators of illegal car marts across the city to vacate or face prosecution.

Malam Wadata Bodinga, FCT Head of Ministerial Task Team on Removal of Illegal Auto Marts, made the disclosure at a meeting with stakeholders, on Friday in Abuja.

Bodinga, who is also FCT Director, Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), noted that Abuja was a planned city with every area designated for a particular purpose, which must not be violated.

He said that operators of illegal car marts in Wuse, Gudu, Garki, Maitama and other areas must move out immediately.

We have gone round the FCT and have seen areas where the marts are operating illegally, we have removed them in the past, they came back, but this time around, we will not only remove them , we will also prosecute them.

These illegal car marts have mostly constituted nuisances on the major ways in the city centre, causing accidents and traffic gridlocks.

They park in green bridges and walkways, Bodinga said.

Alhaji Murktar Galadima, FCTA Director, Department of Development Control, said that the authority would not spare any individual in its bid to sanitise the city.

According to him, this is share indiscipline and impunity.

We have been making efforts to ensure that the city is kept clean and some people think they are above the law, he said.

On his part, Director, Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), Mr Baba Lawan, said most of the car marts were being used for other illegal activities.

Also, FCT Director, Parks and Recreation Department, Mrs Risikatu Abdullazeez said that illegal car marts constituted environmental hazard in the city.

She cautioned residents against packing vehicles on green bridges and walkways.

The National President, Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDN), Chief Ajibola Adedoyin said, the association was not happy that operators of illegal car marts were being allowed to operate freely by authorities.

Adedoyin said that the association was in support of the move to removal illegal marts in the city.

He, however, appealed to the FCT administration to look into the associations request for permanent site as members find it difficult to operate in the temporary site.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

SOHI

By Ikenna Osuoha

Ms May Ikokwu, the Chief Executive Officer, Save Our Heritage Initiative (SOHI), has called for global feasibility and implementation of human rights for justice and peace.

She made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja in commemoration of the Human Rights Day, observed by the international community every year on Dec. 10 to commemorate the day in 1948 the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

The UDHD sets out broad range of fundamental rights and freedoms to which all human beings are entitled to.

It guarantees the rights of every individual everywhere, without distinction based on nationality, place of residence, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion, language, or any other status.

The SOHI chief executive, therefore,said that the absence of equity could trigger violence, noting that respect for human rights was key in driving a society devoid of rancour, oppression, repressiveness and injustice.

She said many of the crises in the world today are caused by insensitivity to the feelings or rights of one another.

Eventually, the oppressed person who feels marginalised may begin to rebel in various ways as the only way to vent his or her anger.

Ikokwu, who advocated equal rights for all, said that injustice and infringement into peoples rights were responsible for global unrest.

She emphasised the imperatives of respecting the rights of all, especially the vulnerable, women and children.

According to her, every person no matter the age, gender or class, has right to life, association, movement, speech and others and it is inhuman to censor that right no matter the provocation.

She particularly urged government to ensure equity and fairness in all situations and facilitate the implementation of human rights, which she said was fundamental in democratisation process. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire

By Ikenna Osuoha

Dr Osagie Ehanire, the Minister of Health, says achieving 27 per cent Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) by 2024 is possible.

Ehanire said this while launching a book entitled Family Planning for A More Productive Nigeria, at the ongoing Nigeria Family Planning Conference 2020 in Abuja.

He expressed willingness to continue to collaborate with relevant partners and stakeholders in the procurement and distribution of family contraceptives, aimed atachieving the 27 per cent CPR.

I must commend UNFPA, USAID and others for their support in the procurement and distribution of family planning baskets as well as funding since 2011.

I believe achieving the 27 per cent CPRby 2024 is possible with their support, he said.

The minister, who reiterated the commitment of President Muhammadu Buharis administration to the issues of population management, described it as acritical component in national development.

He saidthe Buhari-led administration was focused on supporting scientifically proven family planning,aimed at increasing contraceptive use to moderate present fertility rate.

Ehanire described as outrageous Nigerias 5.5 per cent total fertility rate in Sub-Sahara Africa,as recorded in the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).

He urged all stakeholders to work in synergy in achieving improved family health for all homes, especially women and girls using family planning.

According to him, self services for family planning are essential and make it rewarding during emergencies as COVID-19.

Ehanire said: COVID-19 caused disruptions to health system like lockdown but also increased the need for family planning.

Mrs Paullen Tallen, Minister of Women Affairs pledged the ministrys readiness to continue to collaborate with the ministry of health and relevant partners in providing care and reproductive health services to women using family planning.

Tallen expressed the commitment of her ministry to the implementation and expansion of family planning services in Nigeria, in line with the vision of Buhari.

The Emir of Shonga, Alhaji Haliru Yahaya stressed the need to close the gap in the zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet needs for family planning and zero unmet needs for gender based violence.

Yahaya said that continuous advocacy was not negotiable in ensuring peoples access to family planning.

Let us change the name from population control to population management, so that people, especially in Islam will accept it.

You can tell him, your wife has had five children already, leave for now because you promised to take care of her according to Islam, he said.

Ms Ulla Muller, the Country Representative, UN Population Fund (UNPA) said that access to family planning reduced maternal mortality rate by 25 per cent.

Muller who reiterated the determination of the UN to continue to support Nigeria in advancing family planning, said it was critical in preserving mothers for their children.

She said that family planning was paramount in achieving Demographic Dividend as well as the 16 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Family planning is an enabler to achieving the16 SDGs and poverty will reduce, she said.

She said that procurement of contraceptives was critical in safeguarding the future by involving women.

Dr Ejike Orji, Chairman, Technical Management, Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), while reeling out the successes of the association in advancing family planning said five conferences on family planning had been held in the last 10 years.

He explained that they had brought governments commitment as counterpart support for family planning commodities purchase, havenincreased the support to four million dollars.

Oji said that they had created a medium of conversation with interfaith communities as partnership with the media in dissemination of information around family planning.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recallsthat at the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning, it was agreed to provide 120 million women globally access to family planning by 2020. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu

By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom

Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia on Friday inaugurated the 7.2-kilometer Abriba/Etitiama-Nkporo Road as part of the state governments rural development programme.

Speaking at the event, Ikpeazu said that the road was a clear evidence of governments commitment to improve the wellbeing of the rural populace.

He described the road as strategic to the enhancement of socio-economic activities in the area.

He urged the people of Nkporo to continue to support his administrations development agenda.

In a remark, Deputy Gov. Ude Oko-Chukwu, who hails from the community, expressed gratitude to God and the state government over the construction of the road.

Oko-Chukwu said the construction of the road had ended many years of hardship by the people of the community.

He said the development would enhance economic activities and means of livelihood of the people of the area.

He said that attempts were made in the past to build the road to no avail, sayi g that it was gratifying that the project had become a reality.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Mr Bob Ogu, described the road as one of the best built by the present administration.

Ogu expressed delight that the road had finally been realised after many failed attempts in the past. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

World Bank

By Folasade Akpan
The World Bank Group has tasked Nigeria to sustain its bold reforms for containing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to attain inclusive economic growth.

Shubham Chaudhuri, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria said this on Thursday in Abuja, at the media conference on the presentation of the World Bank Nigeria Development Update (NDU) for December.

The report titled Rising to the Challenge: Nigerias COVID response takes stock on the recently implemented reforms and proposes policy options to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and foster a resilient, sustainable and inclusive recovery.

Chaudhuri said Nigeria was at a critical historical juncture, with a choice to make.

Nigeria can choose to break decisively from business-as-usual and rise to its considerable potential by sustaining the bold reforms that have been taken thus far and going even further and with an even greater sense of urgency to promote faster and more inclusive economic growth.

According to him, the report projects that the economy could shrink up to four per cent in 2020 following the twin shocks of COVID-19 and low oil prices.

However, the pace of recovery in 2021 and beyond remains highly uncertain and subject to the pace of reforms.

He added that the pandemic was disproportionately affecting the poor and most vulnerable, women in particular.

Marco Hernandez, World Bank Lead Economist for Nigeria said that Nigeria could build on its reform momentum to contain the spread of COVID-19, stimulate the economy and enable the private sector to be the engine of growth and job creation.

It can also redirect public spending from subsidies that benefit the rich towards investments in Nigerias people and youth in particular and lay foundations for a strong recovery to help make progress towards lifting 100 million people out of poverty.

While presenting the report, he said that in the absence of measures to mitigate the impact of the crisis, the number of poor could increase by 15 to 20 million by 2022.

He also said that food insecurity had increased substantially and economic precarity was on the rise because unemployed workers had migrated to the low-productivity agricultural sector.

The NDU said that the crisis served as a wake-up call and acknowledged reforms undertaken by the government since April to mitigate the effects.

They include the efforts to harmonise exchange rates, introduce a market-based pricing mechanism for gasoline and adjustment of electricity tariffs to more cost-reflective levels.

It also acknowledges the reduction of non-essential expenditures and redirection of resources towards the COVID-19 response, while highlighting the greater transparency in the oil and gas sector and public debt as essential steps for a resilient recovery.

It also said that for the first time, Nigerian states responded to a fiscal shock in a coordinated manner, prioritising COVID-19 response expenditures and identifying financing source to avoid a rise in arrears.

A modest recovery is projected for 2021, but Nigerias outlook is subject to a high degree of uncertainty.

The pace of economic recovery next year is expected to be slow. Indeed, among global oil-producer economies, Nigeria is among the three least likely to post positive Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in 2021.

GDP per capita is also projected to continue declining with productivitys contribution to growth negative throughout this period.

The NDU said that debt service could reduce fiscal flexibility but does not pose any significant threat in the short-term.

It added that public debt was projected to increase from 21.7 per cent of GDP in 2019 to 27.1 per cent in 2020, but would remain sustainable due to the expected recovery in oil prices and low-interest rates.

According to it, given the low revenue of Nigeria, the debt service-to-revenue is expected to reach 74.0 per cent by the end of 2020.

The report however proposed five policy areas that would help mitigate the effects of the crisis and support Nigerias recovery.

It said first, the domestic spread of COVID-19 should be managed until a vaccine is available for distribution, secondly, macroeconomic management to boost investor confidence should be enhanced.

The report also said that focus should be placed on safeguarding and mobilising revenues, reprioritising public spending to protect critical development expenditures and supporting economic activity and access to basic services and providing relief for poor and vulnerable communities.

Source: NAN News

By Doris Esa
Stakeholders have expressed the need for increased awareness in the prevention of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) disease.

The stakeholders spoke at a panel discussion which was part of activities to mark the World 2020 Antibiotics Awareness Week in Abuja.

Dr Olaniran Alabi, Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture said that poultry farmers should be trained on the use of biosecurity to prevent the introduction and spread of HPAI and other diseases.

Alabis presentation was tagged, Role of Biosecurity in the Prevention of HPAI and AMR.

He noted that poultry farming represented an important sector in animal production in Nigeria.

Alabi urged all farmers and animal owners to build a healthy relationship with veterinary doctors in order to ensure that they were involved in preventing diseases on farms as well as treating outbreaks.

Dr Abubakar Suleiman, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), who joined the discussion virtually said FAO had taken steps in complementing governments efforts towards addressing AMR.

Dr Abiodun Egwuenu, AMR Programme Manager, Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), said there was need for increased awareness of the public on dangers of using antibiotics without prescription.

Egwuenu said NCDC had trained over 35, 000 officials on bacterial infection adding that hand washing was very critical in preventing diseases.

Also speaking, Dr Peter Umana, from Disease and Pest Control Department, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, said government had been creating awareness but more was needed.

Umana said the fear of AMR caused farmers to misuse and abuse the application of antibiotics and disinfectants.

Source: NAN News

NCDC Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) update

By Abujah Racheal

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed 474 new infections of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the countrys total to 70,669 cases.

The NCDC made the disclosure via its verified website late on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that last week, the countrys COVID-19 infections tally recorded yet another increase.

The NCDC record table shows that the 1,607 new confirmed cases are higher than the figure recorded in the week of Nov. 29 to Dec. 5, when Nigeria recorded 1,102 cases of the disease.

The latest infections were recorded from16 states and the FederalCapital Territory (FCT).

TheNCDC disclosed that 132 patients were discharged after recovering from the infection from isolation centres nationwide.

Our confirmed cases today include data reported from Kebbi and Adamawa over two weeks, the NCDC stated.

Theagency said, however, that it had recorded two additionalCOVID-19 related deaths, bringing the total number of fatalities in the country to 1,182.

It said that the FCT recorded the highest number of confirmed cases with 180 new infections, taking the total number of cases in Abuja to 7,716.

Lagos, the epic-entre of the virus in Nigeria came second with 134 new infections, taking the total number of cases in the state to 24, 238.

According tothe NCDC, FCT, Lagos, Kebbi, Adamawa and Plateau recorded the highest number of the COVID-19 infections with 180, 134, 45, 26 and 16 cases, respectively.

The other states recorded the disease as follows: Enugu-14, Taraba-14, Gombe-12, Nasarawa-8, Yobe-8, Rivers-5, Ogun-5, Kwara-2, Ekiti-2, Sokoto-2 and Osun-1.

According to the NCDCs tally, as at Dec. 9, a total of 474 new confirmed cases and two deaths have been recorded in the country.

The agency said that a multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre, activated at Level 3, continues to coordinate the national response activities.

It said thattilldate, 70,669 cases had been confirmed and that 65,242 cases had been discharged, while 1,184 deaths had been recorded in the 36 states and the FCT.

Meanwhile, the agency said thatit was in the enlightened self-interest of Nigerians to collaborate in the spirit of global solidarity, to find a solution to the pandemic because nobody is safe until everyone is safe.

It noted that Nigerians might be tired of COVID-19 but that the virus was not tired of them, especially during the Christmas holidays, adding that this was not the time to let their guards down.

Adhere to protective public health measures. Wash your hands often. Wear a face mask and avoid crowded spaces.

Take Responsibility, the agency admonishes.

Nigeria has conducted about 822, 231 tests since the first confirmed case, relating to the coronavirus was announced in the country. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Personnel of NSCDC

By Suleiman Shehu

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Oyo State has assured residents of the state of adequate security before, during and after Christmas and new year.

NSCDC Commandant Iskilu Akinsanya for the state announced this in a statement issued in Ibadan.

Akinsanya said that the corps would do the needful to protect lives and property of residents in the state.

He directed the area commanders, divisional officers and personnel of the corps to intensify security coverage across the state.

Akinsanya also urged residents of the state to engage in their legitimate businesses and be security conscious always.

He called on security officers to be professional and civil in dealing with the public.

The commandant similarly called on parents and guardians to caution their wards against any act that could cause breakdown of law and order.

In case of any security threats, he directed the public to call by telephone on 09055533303 or 08077513995 and 09070473188 for security intervention.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Felicia Imohimi

Gov Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi has appealed for more resources to mitigate post harvest losses and to ensure food security in the country.

Bagudu made the appeal in Abuja, at the ongoing 3-day intensive hands-on training on Post-harvest handling techniques, organised by Farms Flowers and Allied Products Initiative (FFAP).

The training has as its theme: Mitigating Against Severe Food Security through efficient post-harvest handling technique.

Bagudu, who was the chairman of the event, urged stakeholders to allocate more resources to train farmers and processors on food preservation, which he described as a major challenge to the nations food security.

Represented by Mr Usman Muhammed, Chairman, Anchor Borrowers Programme, the governor explained that the challenges of preservation and management of crops is not a new thing particularly in Africa.

This, he noted, could be caused by the absence of traditional techniques of preservation, particularly with regards to vegetables and other perishable produce.

According to him, the trainings and workshops of this nature are timely, as they will expose participants to skills and knowledge of preservation and management of crops.

Bagudu commended the efforts of FFAP and described it as a laudable initiative that should be supported by all.

The training is a laudable and great initiative of our time with a view to accessing knowledge of preservation of post harvest crops.

In spite of this knowledge, we should also look at resources of making the knowledge available across board in terms of budget structures and available tools that will support the knowledge acquired.

Anybody who has initiative regarding preservation of food to avoid food crisis must and should be commended,he said.

Speaking at the training which will end on Friday, Mrs Christy Yakubu, President FFAP, said that the organisation was committed to raising the quality of life for every individual in the agric-business.

Yakubu said that FFAP was engaged in agric-business and entrepreneurship to create possibilities for agripreneurship, training and technology-driven processes critical to agricultural value chain.

She said that the mission of the training was to provide practical, step-by-step assistance on proper post-harvest handling to reduce wastages and losses which constituted a major challenge faced by small holder farmers in Nigeria and Africa.

She said the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimate indicates that one third of the food produced globally for human consumption was lost or wasted along the supply chain.

According to her, this estimate is even higher in Africa due to several reasons but majorly as a result of lack of post-harvest handling knowledge, skills and infrastructure.

This training initiative is, therefore, an attempt to equip farmers and others in the agricultural value chain with requisite knowledge on efficient and inexpensive methods of preserving farm produce, she said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Britain, Singapore sign .6bn trade agreement

Britain International Trade Secretary Liz Truss announced that Britain on Thursday signed a free trade deal with Singapore covering 17.6bn dollars.

Today I signed a deal with Singapore covering 17.6bn [pounds sterling] of trade the 2nd biggest agreement weve signed in #AsiaPacific, Truss wrote on Twitter.

A photo showed Truss alongside Singapores trade minister Chan Chun Sing.

The agreement came as British and EU negotiators begin a final push to salvage chances of a post-Brexit trade deal.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held crunch Brexit talks in Brussels on Wednesday.

They had decided on Sunday as a deadline for a decision over their severely jammed trade talks.

In a statement sent to reporters minutes after Johnson was pictured leaving the EU Commissions headquarters in Brussels, a senior Number 10 source said the pair had a frank discussion but significant obstacles in the negotiations remained.

Very large gaps remain between the two sides and it is still unclear whether these can be bridged, the source said. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Lt.-Gen Tukur Buratai

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has cancelled the remaining activities of the ongoing 2020 COAS Annual Conference following a positive test to COVID-19 on Tuesday by a participant, a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja said.

The statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sagir Musa disclosed that as a result of this development, all the participants had been mandated to immediately proceed on self isolation, in line with the Federal Governments protocol on COVID -19, and to prevent any further spread of the disease.

All inconveniences hereby regretted please, Musa said.

Meanwhile, in another statement, Musa said that the COAS had also pruned down the number of attendees to the wedding solemnisation of his son, Hamisu Buratai, scheduled for Friday. Participants at the COAS conference would not participate in the wedding, the statement added.

The Chief of Army Staff, on behalf of his family, feels honoured to sincerely appreciate, thank and welcome all dignitaries and invited guests to his sons wedding slated for Friday, Dec. 11.

However, due to the resurgence of the Pandemic in the FCT, Buratai will be unable to personally attend to, receive, or meet you at the event. All inconveniences are hereby regretted please, he announced. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Some elderly people in Nigeria

By Ikenna Osuoha

The labelling of old persons suffering from dementia as witches or wizards or setting them ablaze is total violation of right to life, Sen. Eze Ajoku, said in Abuja on Thursday.

Rights equality is paramount to guaranteeing senior citizens social and medical security, Ajoku, President, Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He spoke in an interview to commemorate this years Human Rights Day.

Human Rights Day is observed yearly on Dec. 10, the day in 1948 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Ajokusaid that only a society with entrenched equal human rights could harness the desired economic and political stability needed for development.

He said: God created us all equal with equal rights whether old or young, rich or poor, female or male, therefore, we must respect the rights of all because injury to one is injury to all.

Ajoku, who bemoaned all forms of social inequality or discrimination against vulnerable people, especially old persons, said discriminatoryacts as ageism were violations of rights perpetrated daily by many against old persons.

He appealed to governments at all levels and the UN to rise to the occasion by upholding the rights of all and protecting the vulnerable, especially old persons.

According to him, old persons rights to association, existence, speech, movement in most cases are violated.

Most times, you will see where young persons restrict old persons from moving freely or expressing opinions.

Denial of pensions, denial of proper health care for old adults, denial of social and economic protection to the vulnerable in the society, especially old persons are rights denials that the various governments must address.

Discriminatory treatments meted out in rural areas of Nigeria against widows and old persons without families should stop, he charged.

Ajoku decried the polarisation of the society occasioned by reckless infringement on perceived weaker persons rights, especially the disabled and old persons.

Hecalled for love and care for a united, progressive society where justice would prevail over injustice. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Nigerias Senate under Ahmed Lawan

By Kingsley Okoye

Senate has urged President Muhammadu to reconsider his directive on the removal of Dr Nasir Ladan as Director-General of National Directorate for Employment (NDE).

This followed the adoption of a motion by Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia(APC- Jigawa), at Thursdays plenary.

Hadejia, speaking under orders 42 and 52 of the Senate rules, said that the National Assembly was concerned about the sudden removal of the director general.

He, however, noted that, it was within the executive powers of the President to appoint and remove any appointee.

Hadejia said that the sudden removal gave room for speculations that some unpatriotic Nigerians were out to undermine the laudable programmes of the Federal Government being carried out by the NDE.

He said that the removal was capable of creating needless and avoidable leadership crisis in the organisation especially the public works programme aimed at addressing unemployment in the country.

According to him it is in the overriding public interest to reconsider the said presidential directive on the removal to ensure leadership stability in the agency.

Contributing, Sen. Rochas Okorocha (APC-Imo) advised the Senate to apply wisdom in handling the matter given the situation in the country.

Let us adopt a non formal method in resolving this issue and not try to create more conflicts among arms of governments, he said.

President of Senate, Ahmad Lawan in his remarks, said that his understanding of the motion was that the national assembly was in support of NDE programmes.

He said the leadership of NDE, under the sacked director general had successfully embarked on pilot project of the federal governments special public works programme in six states.

Lawan said that the sudden change in leadership could affect successful implementation of the programme.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

COVID-19

Ugandas Ministry of Health said on Thursday that it had ordered 9 million doses of Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine amid surging new infections in the country.

The ministry said in a statement that the vaccines would cover 20 per cent of the countrys total population of 45 million people.

Plans are underway to secure additional doses of the vaccine to cover more people, the ministry said.

Uganda on Tuesday said it had applied through the GAVI Alliance (Global Alliances for Vaccines and Immunisation) to secure the COVID-19 vaccine from drugmaker AstraZeneca.

The ministry has warned that the COVID-19 situation in the country is getting worse, urging the public to follow the prevention procedures.

Uganda on Wednesday registered 1,199 new cases of COVID-19, the highest ever daily increase since the novel coronavirus outbreak nine months ago, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 25,059.

So far, Uganda has registered a total of 9,510 recoveries and 219 deaths since the index case was reported on March 21. (Xinhua/NAN)

Source: NAN News

The Beninese government has announced that illegal mineral resource quarries will soon be closed.

The council of ministers meeting, held on Wednesday in Cotonou, decided that quarry sites for the exploitation of mineral resources, including sand, laterite, stones and precious substances, are open in most communes, in defiance of the regulations in force.

These uncontrolled activities not only cause environmental damage, but also create insecurity due to the uncontrolled reopening of previously closed sites, the government points out.

The government has therefore decided to put a definitive end to them, by carrying out an exhaustive census of the illegal quarries open in the communes in order to issue authorisations to open and operate artisanal mines to those who are eligible.

Similarly, monitoring teams will be set up to provide timely warning of the opening and exploitation of illegal quarries throughout the country. Mobile control brigades will also be set up to enforce the regulations in force in this area.

Local authorities, in particular mayors, are responsible for issuing authorisations for the opening and operation of these quarries in their respective municipalities and will have to ensure, without complacency, the formal prohibition of unauthorised quarrying activities.
(PANA/NAN)

Source: NAN News

IIRS Chairman Justice Okoye, during the MoU signing

By Victor Nwachukwu

The Imo Internal Revenue Service (IIRS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on revenue harmonisation with the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

A statement issued on Wednesday in Owerri by the Head of Corporate Communications, IIRS, Mr Emma Alozie, stated that the MoU was signed on Tuesday between the Chairman of the revenue service, Mr Justice Okoye, and the council chairmen.

Alozie stated that the event was presided over by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Bureau of Local Governments, Mrs Rubby Emele.

According to the statement, Emele said the MoU was designed to help boost the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the state.

It is important for us to partner to increase the IGR. The dwindling revenue caused by the global pandemic has made this synergy very important, she said.

The statement also quoted the Commissionerfor Finance,Mr Chuck Chukwuemeka, to have underscored the need for the harmonisation of revenue collection to ensure a seamless exercise in the state.

He was said to have thanked the council chairmen for their cooperation and signing the MoU in good time, describing the synergy as a win-win for all.

The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Simon Ebegbulem, reportedly said the MoU would calm frayed nerves and restore confidence in revenue collection in the state.

Also, the statement quoted the IIRS chairman to have thanked those who worked to ensure the successful signing of the MoU.

He reportedly pleaded with the chairmen to assist the state government to also drive its implementation.

The state Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria and chairman of Imo West, Mr Willie Okolie-Ogwo, was said to have lauded IIRS for the initiative.

He reportedly said the new arrangement would help to shift the burden of revenue collection from the councils to the state.

According to the statement, Okolie-Ogwo opined that with the support of the LGAs, revenue mobilisation in Imo would attain a milestone.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

L-R Chairman, House Committee on Capital Market, Honourable Babangida Ibrahim, Chairman, Dukia Gold, Chief Tunde Fagbemi; Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr Lamido Yuguda; Managing Director/ CEO, Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE ), Mr Akinsola Akeredolu-Ale and Chairman, LCFE, Chief Onyenwechukwu Ezeagu, during the
Visit of House of Representatives Leaders and SEC Officials to LCFE in Lagos, on Wednesday

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

The Federal Government on Wednesday promised to partner the Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE) to propel the growth of commodities exchange in the country.

The Chairman, House Committee on Capital Market, Hon. Babangida Ibrahim, made the remarks during his maiden visit to the Exchange in Lagos.

Addressing the Board and Management of LCFE, Ibrahim, expressed satisfaction at the level of preparedness of the Exchange to commence full-blown operation.

He alsoexpressed confidence over the ability of the LCFE to commence full operation any moment from now.

The Exchange was granted approval in-principle for trading by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2019.

It is said to have the capacity to commence trading with more than its initial four asset classes namely: Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, Agriculture and Currencies.

Ibrahim, who led a high-powered team of House of Representatives Capital Market Committee said that the Federal Government would continue to support the growth and development of Commodities Exchanges in Nigeria.

He also assured the LCFEs Management of continuous collaboration to ensure the development and growth of the economy.

According to him, a commodities exchange is a strong platform for economic growth and development in the wake of the governments efforts to seek alternative means to grow the economy.

As lawmakers, we decided to visit the Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange to be familiar with its workings in a bid to providing legislative support where necessary.

The capital market broadens access to economic prosperity by enabling the emergence of financially responsible citizens, accelerated wealth creation, and distribution in any environment.

We are impressed by what is on the ground at the LCFE. The government is ready to support the growth of commodities exchanges in Nigeria, Ibrahim said.

He further stated that the capital market is a critical sector that contributed to macro-economic and financial system stability, by fostering the diversification of economies and raising their capacity to absorb volatile capital flows.

In the same very, the Director-General of SEC, Dr Lamido Yuguda, said thata vibrant and efficient commodities trading ecosystem was amajor driver of economic growth and development.

Yuguda assured that the regulator was committed to working with the Exchange to grow the commodities market.

He noted that LCFE had been well-positioned to trade beyond its initial four asset classes.

This visit is a demonstration of the commitment both the legislative arm of government and the regulator have towards the development of the capital market of which the commodities market is important

We are impressed with what we have seen here today. We have engaged them for the past one year and are aware they have been working hard to make this exchange successful.

He said the SEC is willing to work with LCFE to develop all the rules needed to realise the potentials of the country in the area of commodities trading.

He added that the responsibility of SEC was to ensure good market development, fair trading and investor protection.

We are working to get appropriate rules that will enhance the operations of the Exchange.

In a bid to ensure the relevant standards required are approved by the SON, we are engaging them and pulling our weight to ensure increased visibility of our commodities in the international market.

We need to get the foundation right and are ready to assist you in any way to ensure that we get this right, as this will lead to a more vibrant economy for us in the years to come, he said.

He reiterated the commissions commitment toward ensuring a viable partnership with all market operators to build investor confidence.

He congratulated the Board and Management of LCFE for putting the Exchange on the path of an institution established to create diversification in the collective efforts to develop the nations economy.

SEC is willing to work with LCFE to develop all the rules needed to realise the potentials of the country in the area of commodities trading.

The responsibility of SEC is to ensure good market development, fair trading, and investor protection. We are satisfied with the level of preparedness of LCFE, Yuguda said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, LCFE, Chief Onyenwechukwu Ezeagu, explained that LCFE was an initiative of the Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) the trade group of all Dealing Member Firms of all the registered Exchanges.

The LCFEs Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Akin Akeredolu-Ale made a presentation on the operations of the Exchange and noted that every effort is geared towards ensuring that The Exchange operates as a Pan African Commodities Market.

Akeredolu-Ale underscored the importance of collaboration and urged all participants in the ecosystem to work together.

Our Business Model provides for the integration of commodities stakeholders to enable the commodities ecosystem.

LCFE does not compete with the stakeholders of the commodities ecosystem, rather, we encourage alignment of all stakeholders in the Ecosystem, Akeredolu-Ale said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News