Nigerias Senate under Ahmed Lawan

By Kingsley Okoye

The Senate on Monday, urged the Federal Government to ensure necessary funding for the newly established National Commission for Persons with Disabilities ( NCPD).

Sen.Obinna Ogba (PDP- Ebonyi) Chairman, Senate Committee on Youth and Social Development said this at the screening of nominees for the position of chairman and members of the board of NCPD in Abuja.

Ogba said adequate funding of the commission would help towards its eventual take off.
He said it was important for the commission to be adequately funded to achieve the purpose for which it was set up.

We thank the executive for setting up the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and nominating persons to run it.

But putting such intervention mechanism in place without required funding, will defeat the purpose for which it was established.

On our own part here in the senate and by extension, the national assembly, having through legislation, facilitated the establishment of the commission, we shall at any given time, make required appropriation for effective and efficient functioning of the commission.

It is a welcome development that nominees for appointments into the commission are being screened four days after the International Day for PLDs on Dec.3, he said.

He advised the nominees to remember their co-protesters in the past by integrating them in the programmes of the commission.

Mr Chairman and members, please after your confirmation by the senate, remember to use the commission to take care of interests of the physically challenged, particularly those who are with you in the trenches during the protests era, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that those screened and awaiting confirmation of senate at plenary included Dr Hussaini Suleiman Kangiwa, the nominee for Chairman from North West.

Others screened for membership of the board were Mr Oparaku Jaja- South-East, Philomena Isioma Konwea -South South .

Others included Mr Omopariola Oluwasola South West, Mrs Amina Audu North West , Mrs Esther Awu North Central and Mr Abba Ibrahim North East.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Group inaugurates project on sanitation in schools

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

Toilet Kulture Initiative (TKI), a non governmental organization on Monday inaugurated a project titled Beauty 4 WASH project establishes the fact that one can use whatever he/she has to solve a problem that will affect humanity.

She also said it would drive everybody toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

The initiative is also making plan to construct sanitation hardware for a few selected vulnerable schools, create a platform for youth to fiercely engage in the clean Nigeria campaign to end open defecation nationwide by 2025, she added.

Ozika noted that lack of access to safely managed sanitation posed a big challenge in the education, health and economy of the nation.

She said that the challenge was higher with children being exposed to germs and all sorts of infections while in school and menstruating girls, who sometimes stayed away from school for lack of good toilets to safely manage their periods.

She further mentioned the huge cost of seeking health care when sick.

She, therefore, called for collective efforts to fight for our lives, families, tenants, young girls and the country by simply doing one thing to end open defecation nationwide.

On her part, Oryina said that she chose WASH as her pet project so as to create more awareness and sensitise the general public to the need for effective waste management.

She said that she would use social media platform to engage the youth so as promote WASH programmes and MHHM to end open defecation on school campuses.

Mr Wale Elekolusi, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Coordinator, WASH Media Network, called on stakeholders to light up their terms in the campaign against open defecation.

Elekolusi further advised that there should be a behavioural change among the public if the country would be free from open defecation syndrome. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Dr Ejike oji

By Ikenna Osuoha

Dr Ejike Oji, Chairman, Technical Management Committee, Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), has identified child spacing or family planning as the solution to demographic crises.

Oji made the disclosure on Monday while speaking at an ongoing Nigeria Family Planning Conference 2020 in Abuja.

He also identified the clashes between herders and farmers in Nigeria as a demographic crisis caused by overpopulation.

According to him, a national or citizen killing his fellow national or citizen points to the fact that we are in demographic crises.

He, therefore, advocated for the provision of family planning services to check overpopulation and to consequently avert further demographic crises.

Also speaking, Dr Okai Aku, of the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), called for more funding of family planning services to put an end to all forms of crises in the country.

Aku explained that overpopulation was also responsible for insecurity as occasioned by unemployment and hunger.

He urged governments at all levels to prioritise the funding of family planning services with the aim to enhance womens access to family planning for a greater Nigeria.

The medical practitioner explained that child spacing was necessary in building a stable home and a healthy family.

Family planning means giving birth to the number of children you can comfortably train without stress, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Inauguration of headquarters of Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command and housing scheme

By Sumaila Ogbaje
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday virtually inaugurated the headquarters of Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command and housing scheme for the next-of-kin of fallen officers and soldiers in Abuja.

He also inaugurated the cyber warfare Operations centre and cyber warfare school located at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri, Abuja.

The inauguration was in commemoration of the 2020 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference with the theme; Human Capacity Development in Sustaining Professionalism of the Nigerian Army in the Discharge of its Constitutional Roles.

Buhari commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their efforts at restoring law and order in the country and curtailing large-scale criminality during the recent #ENDSARS protests.

The Minister of Defence, Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi (Rtd) said the COAS conference was aimed at reviewing the operational readiness of Nigerian army during the year.

He said that it would also help in generating new strategies for enhanced operational efficiency of army personnel in the coming year.

Magashi said the year 2020 had been a challenging one, saying that while the COVID-19 pandemic caused major destruction globally, the nations security challenges that threatened the safety and security of its citizens persisted.

According to him, Nigeria has continued to witness incidences of violence and criminality arising from Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, banditry and cattle rustling in the North West, farmers-herders conflict in the North Central as well as kidnapping, cultism and armed robbery in the South.

The armed forces of Nigeria and the Nigerian army in particular have been in the forefront of efforts to restore peace in the country.

In this regard, I commend the effort of the Nigerian army in the North East which has led to a gradual return of internally displaced persons to their communities in furtherance of the resettlement plans of the Borno State government.

I also note the successes that are being recorded in the North West especially after the launch of Exercise Sahel Sanity earlier this year.
I urge you all to use this conference to device strategy towards the total decimation of all inimical forces in the coming year, he said.

The minister pledged that the ministry would continue to work with the services to ameliorate the sufferings of the families of the deceased personnel, adding that their sacrifices were well appreciated.

He urged the service chiefs not to relent in their efforts toward the accomplishment of their assigned roles.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, said the conference, being the sixth in the series had over the years helped in shaping the state of affairs in Nigerian army.

Buratai said that the vision of Buhari was to have highly trained responsive and professional army in the discharge of its constitutional roles.

He said the vision had been largely achieved with Nigerian army evolving strategies in dealing with the myriads of security challenges confronting the country.

He said that while the year had been quite challenging due to the outbreak of COVID-19, his strategic direction for the year 2020 had enabled the service to confront the various challenges with professionalism.

According to him, this has been largely achieved with the Nigerian army currently well poised to tackle myriad of contemporary and numerous security threats.

I am happy to note that my strategic directive from the year 2020 which is to sustain the professionalism and responsiveness of Nigerian army in the discharge of constitutional role provided a point of reference which enable us to adopt quickly with numerous impact.

In a bid to enhance our overall performance, attempts were made throughout the year to evaluate our activities and efforts toward positioning the Nigerian Army to achieve the tasks ahead in the year 2021 and beyond, he said.

Buratai said the cyber warfare command was a child of necessity in tackling the security challenges in the country, adding that the command since inception in 2017, contributed to operational successes of the army.

He added that the new facilities being inaugurated would enhance the operation of the command going forward.

Source: NAN News

President Muhammadu Buhari

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has warned that any act of hooliganism hiding behind lawful and peaceful protests would be dealt with decisively, to ensure peace and stability in the country.

The president gave the warning when he virtually declared open the Chief of Army Staffs Annual Conference 2020 in Abuja on Monday.

Buhari commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their efforts at swiftly restoring law and order in various states during the large-scale criminality that ensued in the wake of the #ENDSARS protests.

He reiterated federal governments commitment to the rights of citizens to embark on peaceful protests responsibly and in accordance with the laws of the land.

The president recalled that the #ENDSARS protests were sadly hijacked by hooligans to cause wanton damage to lives and property in many cities across the country.

Buhari described 2020 as a very challenging year, citing the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its negative impact on almost every aspect of national life.

In spite of this, I am pleased to note that the Army remained resolute in the discharge of its Constitutional roles.

The Armys support of civil authorities in the management of the COVID-19 Pandemic is a case in point.

Also, the peaceful elections conducted in Edo and Ondo States would not have been achieved without the high level of professionalism displayed by all security agencies, including the Army, he said.

The president commended the Army for its unwavering commitment towards curtailing the activities of insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, cattle rustlers and other violent criminals through ongoing exercises and operations in different parts of the country.

Notably, he said, was the launched a few months ago in the North West states to rid the Katsina-Zamfara corridor of marauding bandits which had recorded commendable progress.

I have also been briefed about the tremendous successes that have been achieved by troops during the ongoingin the North East.

I charge you all to sustain these efforts until the full restoration of peace and security in the nation is achieved, he added.

According to the president, the conference provides an avenue for the leadership of the Army to re-assess its preparedness and operational readiness in carrying out its constitutional roles.

Buhari also used the occasion to pay tribute to men and women in uniform who had paid the supreme sacrifice in the defence and security of the nation, commiserating with their families, comrades and friends.

As we pray for the repose of their souls, we must strengthen our collective resolve to address those issues that will make every part of our country a safe and secure place to live and carry out our normal business, he said.

He pledged that his administration would not relent in its efforts to take adequate care of families of fallen heroes who had paid the supreme sacrifice in the fight against insurgency and other forms of crimes across the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the president, at the conference, inaugurated the Housing scheme for Next of Kin of personnel of the Nigerian Army killed in action.

He said: It is in line with this that the Army, as part of its welfare initiative and in line with the Federal Governments housing programme, is undertaking the Housing Scheme for families and next of kins of troops that were killed in action in the fight against insurgency and other criminalities in the country.

I believe this initiative will act as a huge morale booster to the troops on the frontlines as well as project the Army in good light.

On our part, I assure you that this administration will continue to do all within available resources to provide for your operational and welfare needs.

Buhari said he had been briefed that some of the major capabilities procured for the Army would soon be inducted into the various theatres of operations.

He, therefore, urged the personnel to make judicious use of these capabilities, even as we await the arrival of others currently pending shipment to the country.

On the choice of the theme of the annual conference, Buhari noted that it is only through human capacity development that any institution can attain the level of professionalism needed to effectively and efficiently carry out its constitutional roles.

The president, therefore, congratulated the Army on holding the conference at the magnificent edifice housing the Armys Cyber Warfare Command with its state-of-the-art Cyberwarfare Operations Centre.

According to him, this shows that the Army is alive to the changing nature of warfare which is gradually moving into the cyber domain.

By the same token, I commend the visionary leadership that has worked assiduously to emplace this vital capability that will fill an existing gap in our nations security and defence architecture.

This and other numerous infrastructural projects that have been embarked upon in recent times by the leadership of the Army has shown good utilisation of scarce national resources, he said.

Earlier, the Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi, had appreciated the president for always approving funds for operations of the military in the country, and assured him that all resources would be judiciously utilised.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, in a remark, declared that the Nigeria Army was well poised to confront all security challenges, which include cyber threats.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Antswen

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has inducted Mi-171E NAF 582 multi-purpose helicopter for improved and efficient operations in the country.

Performing the ceremony in Makurdi,the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, said the additional platform would significantly add value to its ongoing operations in the country.

Represented by AVM Mohammed Idris, the Chief of Policy and Planning, NAF Headquarters,Sadique said the new platform would help NAFs operations in North East, North West and North Central.

He said the newly inducted platform was a multi-purpose aircraft that could be used for wide-range operations.

He said This additional platform will significantly add value to our operational efforts, constitutional duty and assure security of our nation.

We will continue to be creative and innovative to provide the necessary capacity and support system to meet the revolving asymmetric warfare of the terrorists.

He said that NAF had retrained over 105 pilots, both within and outside the country, while upgrading another 266 pilots on policies and programmes.

Sadique added that the Air Force had enhanced its capacity by training its personnel on robust maintenance of equipment.

In his address, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Tactical Air Command, Makurdi, AVM Olusegun Philips, said NAF would continue to be loyal to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari.

Philips also said the personnel would continue to remain dedicated to their duties to keep the flag of NAF flying.

He assured that the newly acquired Mi-171-E- NAF 582 would be put into good use to achieve NAF operational effectiveness and efficiency.

He said the induction of the new platforms would continue to impact positively on NAF operational capability, especially in the Commands effort in the ongoing counter-terrorism/counter-insurgency operations in the country. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Illustration: Power station

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) has said that huge sums lost to corruption in Africa was enough to provide 24 hours uninterrupted power supply for three years.

Andrew Wilson, CIPE Executive Director, stated this at the 2020 edition of the Africa Business Ethics Conference (ABEC) on Monday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference theme is: Tackling Corruption to Reduce Poverty and Unemployment in Africa: A Necessity for Building Resilience to Global Risks.

Wilson said that though corruption was a worldwide problem, the impact on Nigeria had far reaching consequences on the quality of life of every citizen, adding that it had hindered the country from generating enough tax revenue.

He said that an efficient and transparent public administration would boost innovation and growth, control corruption and eliminate waste and unethical practices.

In Africa, the Africa Union estimates that billion a year is lost to corruption. This amount can ensure 24 hours uninterrupted power supply to every citizen in Africa for three years.

That said, CIPE does know that combating corruption is a collective effort that requires contribution from every pillar of society.

The growing international consensus is that for countries to be successful in its fight against corruption, it needs to have four elements.

They include, reward for fairness and honesty, social activism with shared interests rooted in integrity, strong civil society and sustained participation in political engagements.

Today, as the call for good governance, anti corruption and renewed commitment to ethics reverberates across the world, led by citizens across all demographic backgrounds, Africa especially Nigeria has not been left out.

As we know, a thriving democracy must make efforts to live on the promise of development, justice, equity, equality, fairness, he said.

Mrs Toki Mabogunje, President Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), said African economies were unable to bear the increasing cost of corruption, adding that it had minimized governments capacity to lift citizens out of poverty.

According to her, effectively addressing corruption in African countries has become a development imperative.

Corruption is one of the biggest developmental challenges facing African economies. The Sub Saharan African region ranks lowest among global regions in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) with an average CPI score of 32 out of 100.

Once corruption becomes entrenched, its negative effects multiply as it induces cynicism, undermines social values, limits economic growth and discourages private Investment and savings.

At national level, specialized agencies and anti-corruption bodies can be extremely effective, provided they have sufficient independence, authority, and resources to function effectively.

Government actions alone will not be effective and a broad coalition against corruption, encompassing government, private sector stakeholders, the press, business community and general public, is necessary.

Regional cooperation and development of regionally agreed legal mechanisms to address these problems would be useful, while international efforts to stop large scale corruption in business transactions are essential, she said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Farmers in Nigeria

By Doris Esa

The Food Growers Association of Nigeria (FOGAN) says it will train grassroots farmers in modern farming techniques and support them with modern equipment to boost productivity.

Mr Joseph Owolabi, its National President, disclosed this at a news conference on Monday in Abuja.

Owolabi said that the farmers would be trained in the use of modern equipment like tractors, harvesters, sprayers, among others.

We intend to tutor the grassroot farmers on planting crops suitable for their environment to achieve bountiful harvest. Well do that in collaboration with the Nigeria Institute of Soil Science.

We shall also provide silos to store perishable or non-perishable crops in all the 774 local governments, he said.

Owolabi said that the association would equally initiate measures aimed at preserving and protecting the interest of the members.

FOGAN is set to bring unemployed youth to the farm, not just as subsistence farmers, but as business men or women out to engage in money spinning ventures.

FOGAN will provide fertilisers, insecticide and seedlings at affordable prices to members nationwide.

We shall partner with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide sprayers, seedling, tractors and other equipment at affordable rates, he said.

He said that the association would increase its membership from three million as at the last planting season, to 10 million before the year 2022 planting season.

This will lead to increase in the countrys GDP above what is obtained in the oil and gas industry. All hands must be on deck to make this a reality.

Owolabi said that the association would partner with the Federal, State and Local Governments to bring majority of the youth interested in farming to do it as agro business.

Agro business is more lucrative than politics, banking and civil services. We want our youth to realise this by year 2023.

President Muhammadu Buhari has made agriculture a main stay of the economy. We must key into this, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

NCDC responds as Yellow fever claims 76 lives in 3 states

By Abujah Racheal

The Nigeria Center For Disease Control (NCDC) says there is need for better preparedness to wade off resurgence of COVID-19 and any other potential pandemics.

Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, the Director-General of NCDC, spoke at a Ministerial Health Sector Media Engagement on the Path to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) on Monday in Abuja.

Ihekweazu said the nation must adequately prepare to face any emerging disease outbreak.

He disclosed a new health security architecture that would be coordinated by the agency to be delivered by states to prevent, detect and respond to disease outbreaks.

He suggested five health security designs that could help boost such preparedness.

They include stronger health security at sub national level and a laboratory network surveillance system.

Improved One health approach for disease prevention detection and response.

Stronger coordinations and collaboration across sectors , government levels, partners.

Stable, substantial and sustainable funding for health security and better preparedness for the pandemic which is to come, he said.

The NCDC boss said the agencys vision was that every state in the country would have a workable public health laboratory to serve Nigerians.

According to him, the mission of the agency is to protect the health of Nigerians through evidence based prevention, integrated disease surveillance and response activities, using a one health approach, guided by research and led by a skilled workforce.

We are working toward a healthier and safer Nigeria through the prevention and control of diseases of public health importance.

A conductive working environment with effective systems, enabling a motivated workforce.

Accurate estimate of the burden of defined diseases and conditions in Nigeria in order to inform public health response and meet international obligations as member of the WHO.

A public health laboratory service and network, effective service and network effectively supporting the detection, prevention and responses to infectious diseases of public health importance in Nigeria and contributing to regional public health capacity.

The NCDCs mission is also to reduce adverse impact of disease outbreaks, public health emergencies and disaster, and create an efficiently managed and evidence based prevention system, he explained. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says its ad hoc staff who went missing during the Dec. 5, Bakura State Constituency by-election in Zamfara, have been found.

INEC Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr Nick Dazang, confirming their return while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Monday.

Dazang said that the ad hoc staff were found hale and hearty.

I am exceedingly glad to report that INEC Administrative Secretary in Zamfara, Mr Garba Lawal just informed me that our ad hoc staff who went missing have been found, hale and hearty.

He said that they run for their dear lives during a commotion and in the process could not retrace their ways back. May Almighty God be praised for this wonderful development, he said.

Dazang commended the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), the administrative secretary and security agencies for their efforts in finding the missing ad hoc staff.

INEC had earlier declared the two ad hoc staff missing.

The commission also declared the Dec. 5, by-election as inconclusive, while fixing Wednesday, Dec. 9 for the conclusion of the election. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

U.S. President-elect Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping of China

Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, on Monday in Beijing, said that Beijing and the US should initiate dialogue at all levels, Sputnik reports.

Wang said this at a meeting with the US-China Business Councils Board of Directors, according to the report.

Any issue can be discussed at the negotiating table, thus, it is possible to keep in touch on strategic and long-term issues.

The Chinese side is always ready to negotiate, the sides can draft a list (of topics) to promote dialogue, cooperation and to settle differences, the foreign minister was quoted as saying.

This suggestion comes amid reports that U.S. President-elect, Joe Biden, is likely to take a tough stance against China in his foreign policy thrust.

Biden is expected to come through with his pledge to mobilise Americas allies in a long-overdue determination to stand up to China, forcefully, multilaterally, and effectively.

In February, Biden had described Chinese President, Xi Jinping, as a thug, while US President, Donald Trump, had called Xi a great leader.

Trump had also admitted backing away from holding Beijing accountable for the Chinese presidents rampages in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, in order to gain advantages at the trade-talks table, Terry Glavin for the Canadian journal Ottawa Citizen wrote.

According to Glavin, Biden has gone out of his way to declare Beijings mass imprisonment of the Uighurs and the obliteration of Uighur culture, genocide.

Meanwhile, two years ago, Trump had said: President Xi and I will always be friends.He is for China, Im for the US, but other than that, we love each other.

He had also gone out of his way to cut Xi slack on Xinjiang.

Until now, the U.S. and the worlds liberal democracies have been all over the map in coming to terms with the perceived wrongdoings of Xi Jinping.

The issues have been about Hong Kong and Xinjiang, where Beijing has been accused of carrying out actions aimed against the Turkic Muslim Uighur minority, and Chinas takeover of key UN agencies.

Other contentious issues included Chinas alleged manipulations of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and its hostage diplomacy in one country after another, among others.

Over 300 separate bills targeting China have been drawn up in the U.S. in both Democrats and Republicans in Congress, and the important bills addressing the catastrophes in Hong Kong and Xinjiang enjoyed full bipartisan support.

On December 6, the US State Department listed over 80 Chinese companies mentioned in the US stock exchange in which U.S. retail investors have been investing unknowingly in Chinese companies involved in both civilian and military production.

Source: NAN News

Mr Yemi Kale, NBS Boss

By Folasade Akpan

The total value of Nigerias merchandise trade from January to date stands at N23.2 trillion, while trade in the third quarter of 2020 (Q3 2020) is N8.37 trillion.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said this in its Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics Q3, 2020 published on its website on Monday.

According to the report, the Q3 figure represents an increase of 34.15 per cent, compared to Q2, but a decline of 8.85 per cent, compared to Q3 2019.

Giving details, the NBS said that the import component was valued at N5.38 trillion, representing an increase of 33.77 per cent in Q3, against the level recorded in Q2 and 38.02 per cent compared to Q3 2019.

The value of imports in Q3 2020 represented the highest level for any quarter since 2017, it said.

On the other hand, export component accounted for N2.99 trillion of the total trade in Q3, indicating an increase of 34.85 per cent compared to the value recorded in Q2, but a decrease of 43.43 per cent compared to Q3 2019.

Aside from Q2 2020, the value of exports in Q3 2020 represented the lowest level of any quarter since 2017, it added.

Due to lower exports and higher imports compared to 2019, the trade balance recorded a deficit of N2.38 trillion during the third quarter.

This also represents the widest merchandise trade deficit since 2017. When compared to the deficit of N1.8 trillion recorded in Q2, the Q3 deficit rose by 32.45 per cent.

The report, however stated that the predominant export, remained crude oil, which was valued at N2.42 trillion, representing 81.02 per cent of total exports.

It said that non-crude oil was valued at N568.2 billion, or 18.98 per cent of total export during the period under review.

Categorising the imported goods, the report said that imported agricultural goods, increased in value by 21.13 per cent in Q3, compared to Q2 and 109.82 per cent compared to the corresponding quarter in 2019.

The value of raw material imports increased by 24.47 per cent in Q3, compared to Q2 and 114.95 per cent compared to the same quarter in 2019.

Solid minerals imports increased in value by 21.57 per cent in Q3 compared to Q2 and 77.23 per cent compared to Q3, 2019.

Manufactured goods imports increased in value by 23.18 per cent in Q3 compared to Q2 and 23.47 per cent year-on-year.

The NBS said that the value of energy goods imports decreased by 53.69 per cent in Q3 compared to Q2 and a considerable decline of 69.06 per cent year-on-year.

It added that other oil products imports, grew by 216.28 per cent in Q3 compared to Q2 and 32.38 per cent when compared to Q3 2019.

As for exports, agricultural goods export dropped in value by 22.6 per cent in Q3 compared to Q2 but increased 43.7 per cent year-on-year.

It added that the value of raw material goods export recorded a decline of 24.6 per cent in Q3 compared to Q2 and a decline of 61.9 per cent compared to the same quarter in 2019.

The value of solid minerals exports registered an increase of 253 per cent in Q3 compared to Q2, but a decrease of 12.2 per cent compared to Q3 2019.

Manufactured goods export decreased in value by 47.7 per cent in Q3 against the level recorded in Q2 and a considerable decline of 86.7 per cent compared with the corresponding quarter in 2019.

Meanwhile crude oil exports grew in value by 56 per cent in Q3 compared to Q2, but decreased in value by 35.3 per cent year-on-year.

Also, energy goods increased in value by 3.9 per cent in Q3 compared to Q2, but decreased by 20 per cent year on-year.

It added that other oil products increased in value by 13.1 per cent in the quarter under review compared to Q2, but decreased by 23.2 per cent compared to the same quarter in 2019.

According to the NBS, Nigerias imports by country of origin shows goods were imported mainly from China (N1.64 trillion worth or 30.51 per cent), United States (N482.3 billion or 8.96 per cent), the Netherlands (N443.5 billion or 8.24 per cent) and India (N354.1 billion or 6.58 per cent).

For exports by country of destination, Nigeria exported goods valued at N500.6 billion or 16.73 per cent to India, Spain N328.5 billion or 10.97 per cent, the Netherlands N227.8 billion or 7.61 per cent and South Africa N203.9 billion or 6.81 per cent.

By continent, during the quarter, Nigeria imported goods mainly from Asia, valued at N2.58 trillion.

Other major imports originated from Europe, valued at N1.8 trillion while imports from America amounted to N746.4billion and Africa N175.4 billion.

Imports from Oceania stood at N532.4 billion while goods valued at N12.5 billion originated from ECOWAS, the report said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

The Managing Director Yobe Microfinance Bank, Dr. Sheriff Mohammed Ibrahim and the Deputy Chief, Program and Rural Resilience Mercy Corps, Dr Faruq Kurawa

By Jessica Onyegbula

Yobe Microfinance Bank (YMB), on Monday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with Mercy Corps (MC), an international NGO, to facilitate economic recovery and move vulnerable people out of chronic poverty.

The MoU was signed by the Managing Director, Yobe Microfinance Bank, Dr Sheriff Ibrahim and the Deputy Chief of Program, Mercy Corps, Dr. Faruq Kurawa.

Ibrahim said the two organizations had earlier expressed their interest to collaborate, to facilitate and protect economic recovery and growth in vulnerable and conflict-affected areas.

He also said that the MoU aimed at moving people out of chronic poverty through expanded opportunities offered by the collaboration between their two organisations.

Mercy Corps Rural Resilience Activity will be implemented using a resilience, market systems development, conflict and nutrition-sensitive approach, to stimulate sustainable, systemic change at scale and bring long-term improvements to conflict-affected households, businesses, and Farmers.

This will involve the beneficiaries, through Yobe Microfinance Bank, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Nigeria Pitch Awards Logo

By Olanrewaju Akojede

Organisers of Nigerias longest running football awards, The Pitch Awards, on Monday said that the much-awaited grand ceremony would now hold on Dec. 22.

President of the awards, Shina Phillips, in a statement in Lagos, stated that the 7th edition of the event would be held at Ibis Hotel Ikeja, Lagos.

The 7th Award Ceremony, earlier scheduled for March, was postponed and rescheduled following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic which also led to the cancellation of major football events across the globe.

It has been our tradition since 2013 to schedule our award ceremonies to coincide with major Super Eagles match engagements.

The 7th award ceremony is to honour deserving award winners for the year, 2019. Unfortunately, the circumstances engineered by attempts to halt the spread of COVID-19 forced a major postponement of the event.

This years event will have few guests and sports editors and journalists only in attendance. This years award ceremony will mark the first award ceremony which will be held in Lagos, he said.

Phillips added: As organizers and as a responsible corporate citizens, we are mindful of the need to observe all government laid down COVID-19 protocols in order to keep our guests safe.

This is why physical attendance will be restricted as many nominees including members of the Super Eagles will follow the event online.

Major highlights of the award ceremony will include the announcement of winner of the King of the Pitch Award which will be a keen contest.

It is between Super Eagles and Leicester City F.C Midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, Manchester United Striker, Odion Ighalo and Super Eagles and Napoli FC sensation, Victor Osimhen.

In the womens category, the Queen of the Pitch Award will be a straight battle between Onome Ebi, Super Falcons and Henan Huishang FC player, Chiamaka Nnadozie of Rivers Angels and the Super Falcons and Barcelona Women sensation Asisat Oshoala, he said.

Phillips said that Football fans should expect tough contests in the Striker of the Year, Defender of the Year, Midfielder of the Year, Coach of the Year and the Football Friendly Governor of the Year categories.

Other categories to be decided at the Award Ceremony include the Sam Okwaraji Award for commitment to Nigerian Football, State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme.

There is also the Football Journalist of the Year in the Print, Radio, TV and Online categories, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

COVID-19 test kits

By Abujah Racheal
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says the country recorded 318 new Coronavirus (COVID-19) infections, with no related fatalities in the last 24 hours.

The NCDC made this known via its verified website on Sunday.

The public health agency stated that 124 people were discharged after recovery from the disease during the period under review, saying our discharges today include 60 community recoveries in Lagos State.

It added that the new infections took the countrys tally of COVID-19 cases to 69,255, noting that about 803,621 tests were conducted since the first confirmed case relating to the COVID-19 pandemic was announced on Feb. 27.

The health agency stated that Lagos recorded the highest number of the new infections with 104, while Kaduna, FCT, Rivers and Ogun confirmed 59, 50, 17 and 16 new infections respectively.

Others were; Kano-14, Nasarawa-14, Akwa Ibom-10, Katsina-10, Edo-7, Oyo-5, Sokoto-5, Plateau-4 and Taraba-3.

The centre said that a multi-sectoral national Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), activated at Level 3 has continued to coordinate the national response activities.

The NCDC noted that till date, 69,255 cases have been confirmed, 64,774 patients discharged and 1,180 deaths recorded in 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

Meanwhile, the agency advised Nigerians to continue to abide by the COVID-19 protocols by frequently washing their hands under running water, observing social distance and wearing of face mask.

Source: NAN News

President Muhammadu Buhari

By Lizzy Okoji
President Muhammadu Buhari has told African leaders to promote the implementation of arms control instruments and embargoes, to complement and consolidate African Peace and Security Architecture.

Buhari made the call at the 14th extra-ordinary session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) on Silencing the Gun, held virtually on Sunday.

According to the President, who was represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, the major challenge for Africa today is achieving a new trajectory of peace, security, stability, and a conflict-free Africa, following threats of terrorist activities and other crimes across the continent.

The major challenge for Africa today is achieving a new trajectory of peace, security, stability and a conflict-free Africa, following threats of terrorist activities and other crimes across the continent.

He said the increasing number of peace agreements and their ongoing operationalisation in conflict situations around the continent demonstrated a resolve to chart a new course.

Buhari said the assembly was encouraged by Africas efforts in the implementation of the AUs roadmap and the theme of this year, even in the midst of COVID-19.

The president noted that numerous challenges still abound in Africa, the reason the assembly is calling for endorsement for the extension period of the implementation of the AU master roadmap and amnesty month beyond 2020.

There will be immediate need to have the monitoring and evaluation mechanism put in place to gauge the implementation at the continental level.

We are beginning to equally see emerging intra/inter-state resurgence of conflicts in Africa, underscoring the imperative for the AU Mediation Support Unit to be strengthened.

Our member states are ensuring inclusive democratic governance, constitutionalism and facilitating access for AU mediators when necessary will also complement these efforts.

Threats of terrorist activities, other trans-organised crimes and external interference in the internal affairs of African States are increasing.

We also see maritime security threats, including the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and the challenges of porous border are also visible.

It is in this regard that we blame the slow implementation of the African Common Defence Policy, hinged on the establishment of the African Standby Force, Buhari said.

According to him, constant and adequate coordination between the Regional Economic Communities and the AU should be encouraged.

Source: NAN News

Ghanas flag

Polls officially opened on Monday in Ghanas presidential and parliamentary elections under strict COVID-19 protocols.

Long queues formed at the polling stations long before voting began at 0700 GMT.

Some 17 million voters are on the register to cast their ballots.

Voting will end at 1700 GMT and counting will be at the polling stations.

The Electoral Commission says it will declare the results in 24 hours although the law gives it 72 hours.

Voters will choose a new president and 275 parliamentarians.

There are 12 presidential candidates although only the incumbent, Nana Addo Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress have any real chance of winning.

There are 914 parliamentary candidates.

In a radio and television broadcast on Sunday night, Akufo-Addo called on voters to exercise their franchise in peace. (PANA/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, Coordinator, Defence Media Operations

By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Defence Headquarters says the Air Component of Operation Thunder Strike, has killed scores of bandits in air strikes on their camp at Kuduru Forest area of Kaduna State on Saturday.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Enenche said the air raid was conducted sequel to credible intelligence which indicated that a group of bandits had launched attack on troops from the forest.

He said that the confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions led to the identification of the camp.

According to him, the Air Component dispatched Nigerian Air Force (NAF) attack aircraft to engage the location scoring devastating hits which destroyed the bandits logistics structures and killed several of the criminals.

The NAF attack aircraft and an ISR platform later provided close air support as the Police advanced from Sarkin Pawa through Tawali towards Kofa area.

The attack aircraft engaged the bandits at the objective, ahead of the ground forces, while the ISR aircraft provided situational awareness throughout the operation, he said.

Source: NAN News

Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, Coordinator, Defence Media Operations.

By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Defence Headquarters says troops of Sector-1 Operation Whirl Stroke on Sunday eliminated three bandits and recovered arms and ammunition in an encounter at Tsehombe-Adaka village in Benue.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, in a statement on Monday, said the troops responded to a distress call about an attack by suspected armed herdsmen in the community.

Enenche said troops immediately mobilised to the location leading to a shootout between troops and bandits.

According to him, the gallant troops overwhelmed the bandits by superior firepower, following which troops successfully neutralised three of the bandits while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Troops recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with one magazine containing 5 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

The gallant troops have continued to dominate the area with aggressive patrols to deter further attacks, while efforts are ongoing to locate and neutralise other bandits that might still be hibernating in the area, he said.

Enenche, however, urged members of the public to continue to provide credible information to the troops operating within their localities.

Source: NAN News

NiMet predicts sunny weather

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudiness and sunshine from Monday to Wednesday across the country.

NiMets weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja predicted sunny and dry conditions over northern region throughout the forecast period on Monday.

According to it, North central region is envisaged to be sunny and dry as well. Partly cloudy skies with sunshine intervals are anticipated over the inland within the forecast hours.

The coastal cities however, are expected to be in partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with chances of few thunderstorms over Lagos, Ijebu, Akwa Ibom in the afternoon and evening hours, it said.

Sunny and dry conditions are anticipated over Rivers and the northern region throughout the forecast period on Tuesday.

According to NiMet, North central cities are also expected to experience sunny and dry conditions throughout the forecast hours.

Partly cloudy and sunny conditions are anticipated over the inland while partly cloudy to cloudy conditions should prevail over the coast during the morning hours.

There are chances of few thunderstorms over parts Cross River and Rivers state in the afternoon and evening period.

It forecasts dust haze conditions over River, Lagos, Ogun while envisaged sunny and hazy conditions over the North central region within the forecast period on Wednesday.

NiMet further forecast partly cloudy to sunny conditions over the inland cities throughout the forecast hours.

Partly cloudy to cloudy skies are envisaged over coastal cities of the South throughout forecast period with chances of isolated thunderstorms over Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers during morning hours. (NAN)

Source: NAN News