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Youth
More 85 per cent of Chinese youth surveyed said that they were willing to be pillars of the country in the next 15 years, China Youth Daily reported said.

The China Youth Daily cited a recent survey among youth aged between 14 and 35.

More than 77 per cent of the respondents regard the public virtue of loving the motherland and the people as the most indispensable quality of pillars of the country, the newspaper said.

Hardworking with an unyielding spirit ranks second, accounting for about 74 per cent, and studying hard comes in third, with the percentage reaching more the 72 per cent, it added.

As a major force to achieve the countrys long-range objectives through the year 2035, young Chinese showed a strong sense of national identity, the survey found, saying that the average score on their recognition of the country on a 10-point scale is 9.44.

In addition, about 95.7 per cent of the surveyed expressed their pride in being Chinese, and 95.6 per cent said that it is the obligation and responsibility of youths to pay close attention to state affairs. (Xinhua/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Harrison Arubu

A coalition of 22 Nigerian-American organisations has congratulated one of their own, Mr Adewale Adeyemo, on his nomination as the next U.S. Deputy Secretary of Treasury.

Nigerian-born Adeyemo, 39, was tapped for the role by President-elect Joe Biden on Dec. 1 and would be the first African-American deputy in the department, if confirmed.

The congratulatory message came in a statement issued by the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) on behalf of the others at the weekend.

OAN said Adeyemos success and accomplishments were a big deal and source of inspiration to members of the Nigerian community in the U.S.

The nominee has served the country in several capacities, including being the first President of the Obama Foundation and Deputy Chief of Staff to former Secretary of Treasury, Jack Lew.

He served concurrently as Deputy National Security Adviser for International Economics and Deputy Director of the National Economic Council between 2015 and 2016 under the Obama administration.

OAN said that this year, the Nigerian-American community fought hard for equity at the table at all levels of government in the U.S., inspired by the qualification of its members.

As we celebrate the Biden-Harris victory, Adeyemos nomination has catalysed our hopes and aspirations.

We will continue to remain steadfast in identifying and mentoring the great talents in our midst, the group said.

It also highlighted the success of other Nigerian-Americans in the Nov. 3 U.S. general elections.

They are Mr Oye Owolewa, who is now the first Nigerian-American to be elected into the U.S. Congress to represent the District of Columbia in the House of Representatives.

Ms Esther Agbaje has also made history as the first American of Nigerian descent to be elected into the Minnesota State House of Representatives.

Another Nigerian, April Ademiluyi, won election as a Circuit Court Judge in Prince Georges County in Maryland.

This is just the beginning! We look forward to playing a more active role in influencing the trajectory of leadership composition in both local, state and national elections, the OAN added. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Grace Alegba

The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mr Babagana Mohammed has vowed to get funding within a week for innovative ideas that would bring progress to Nigeria.

Mohammed made the pledge during the annual dinner/induction ceremony of new members organised by the Apapa Branch of the NSE in Lagos on Saturday night with the theme The Engipreneur: a Veritable Catalyst for the Future of Engineering in Nigeria.

The President called on engineers and all Nigerians to embrace vocational and innovative skills to be able to create wealth and turn the fortunes of the nation around.

He said that there were several funds meant for inventions sitting idle which he would help anyone or engineers with innovative skills to access.

People complain that there are no funding, but the Central Bank of Nigeria and Bank of Industry funding are there, but you must come up with bankable proposals.

If you have any bankable innovative proposal approach me and I will give you the money within a week, he said.

Mohammed said that engineers were intelligent and were usually above average and so should profer solutions to societal problems and make a living out of it.

He said he was saddened by the situation where engineers being the best brains were roaming the streets in search of white collar jobs where in actual sense they should be innovative creating jobs.

Infrastructure deficit is huge in Nigeria and Africa eighty per cent of activities going on in this country is engineering based, please help me count how many engineers we have in Nigeria, tell me the number, why should we be poor?

Something is not adding up well, it is either we do not understand engineering or engineering does not understand us because poverty and engineering do not sleep in the same room.

This country belongs to all of us and we must put our heads together, you must use your fingers and work with it, it is not only engineers, everybody must get skills, it is important, he said.

He urged engineers working in multinational corporations to empower their colleagues and drive innovations, adding that, those in paid employment should also start small businesses.

He advised engineers and all Nigerians to embrace skill acquisition to take advantage of wealth creation opportunities.

He appealed to engineers to query projects to ensure things were done right in Nigeria, adding that, truthfulness was required to solve all issues of corruption in the infrastructure processing and delivery in Nigeria.

We must be truthful and ethical in all our dealings, we must tell ourselves and everyone the truth always, it does not matter who is involved, he said.

Earlier, the Guest Speaker Mr Adebanmbo Ademiluyi, Managing Director, Quaint Agencies Ltd, had advised the nations engineers to roll up their sleeves to take on practical jobs considered as dirty.

Ademiluyi warned against engineers imbibing the culture of taking up white collar jobs ignoring entrepreneurial opportunities which could make them employers of labour instead of job seekers.

He advised engineers to seek intervention funds, form conglomerates, and get requisite trainings and mentorships required to equip them to create new technologies to solve several society problems.

He listed the various obstacles to innovative ideas and how engineers could overcome them while enumerating several successful innovations by local engineers generating huge revenue.

The guest speaker also listed various small opportunities being overlooked by local engineers which were money spinning ventures to include block making, paving stones manufacturing, phone repair, electricals, among others.

Also, Mr Abolarinwa Akinola, CEO/MD Bloom Tech Infrastructural Ltd who was the special guest of honour urged engineers and inductees to be courageous and knowledgeable to excel and take opportunities.

You must be very bold, be sure of your self and be determined about what you can do or deliver, he said.

Apapa NSE Branch Chairman, Mr Christian Ufot while delivery his speech said that the topic was apt and thought provoking to address the issues of development in the nation.

Ufot congratulated the inductees whom he noted were lucky to be brought on board as members by the President of the association while urging engineers to practice tips that were delivered at the event.

Source: NAN News

Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika

By Yunus Yusuf

The Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, has urged stakeholders to keep faith with the roadmap developed by the Federal Government, as the world marks the 2020 International Civil Aviation Day.

Sirika, in a statement by the ministrys Director, Public Affairs, James Odaudu on Monday, explained that the roadmap was developed to serve as a catalyst for comprehensive overhaul of the aviation industry in Nigeria.

This is to position the country as an air transportation hub within West and Central African sub-region.

The roadmap includes the establishment of a national carrier, establishment of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility, the concession of some airports, establishment of an Aviation Leasing Company, amongst others, he said.

According to him, this will lay a solid and lasting foundation for Aviation development in the country.

Sirika also assured Nigerians that the implementation of the roadmap, in line with the theme of the ICAD, remained on course and that the results would become obvious in due course.

The minister also affirmed that safety and security had remained at the centre of government policies in the sector since the inception of the current administration.

He noted that governments efforts had been lauded by all, including the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC).

Sirika appealed to all players within the industry to join hands with the government to ensure the realisation of the lofty objectives of the roadmap for the benefit of Nigerians and all users of the nations airspace.

The minister reaffirmed that Nigerias unalloyed commitment to the ideals of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and other aviation bodies of which it was a member.

He noted that according to ICAO, after every five years, the International Civil Aviation Organisation, council established a special anniversary theme for the International Civil Aviation Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for International Civil Aviation Day 2020 is: Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development.

The council has decided to keep the same theme until the year 2023.

The International civil aviation day marks every Dec. 7, was established in 1994 as part of ICAOs 50th Anniversary activities.

The purpose of the International Civil Aviation Day is to help generate and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation to the social and economic development of states.

Others are the unique role of ICAO in helping states to cooperate and realise a truly global rapid transit network at the service of all mankind. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

GTB

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

The shareholders of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTBank) have approved the holding company (HoldCo) structure for the bank, as they expressed excitement over the benefits from the new structure.

The shareholders in a statement on Sunday gave the approval to transfer 29,431,179,224 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each in the issued and paid-up share capital held by investors to Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc.

This, in exchange for the allotment of 29,431,179,224 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each to the shareholders in the same proportion to their shareholding in the bank credited as fully paid without any further act or deed.

This came after a Court Ordered Meeting held on Friday, Dec.4, 2020.

Sir Sunny Nwosu, Founder, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), spoke on behalf of members.

He expressed excitement over the planned restructuring as the arrangement the bank had put in place was devoid of complexities usually known as share reconstruction.

We are excited about the development because we are going to get value as everything we have would be transferred to the holding company.

There will be no manipulation as a result of reconstruction that usually leads to fractional shares, he said.

Mr Boniface Okezie, President, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, said: GTBank has over the years proven to be a force and leading initiator of revolutionary advancement and technology based development in the nations banking industry.

We look forward to the growth and advancement it is sure to bring into the new business areas it will be taking on with the Holdco structure.

The arrangement where all existing shares of the bank would be transferred entirely to the Holdco in the name of the beneficial owners is good, while the same number of units and percentage would be held in the new entity, is commendable, he added.

Also, Mr Segun Agbaje, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, GTBank Plc, spoke at the court ordered meeting.

He explained that going by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)s regulations which required the separation of commercial banking business from other financial services businesses, the bank was adopting a HoldCo structure.

Agbaje said: I am delighted over the approval by shareholders for the holding company.

And I assure them of a more rewarding future. The bank will not embark on any share reconstruction as the same number of shares they have with the bank will be maintained.

Under the new structure, existing shareholders of GTBank would be migrated to Guaranty Trust Holdings via a share-for-share exchange between the shareholders of GTBank and GTHoldings.

The overall strategy was to create an operating model that would profitably grow the banks presence in the market for commercial banking and non-banking financial services.

This is in order to achieve the aspiration to be the dominant financial services group, Agbaje explained. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Bala Mohammed Bauchi state Governor

By Ayinde Olaide

Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has appealed to supporters of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to accept defeat in the Dass constituency by-election held in the state on Saturday.

The governor made the appeal in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media, Mr Mukhtar Gidado, in Bauchi on Sunday.

According to him, party members and supporters should accept the outcome of the election with dignity and in the spirit of sportsmanship.

While describing the PDPs loss at the election as the will of God, the governor urged party faithful not to be divided by what he called a temporary setback.

Mohammed said that the loss was a lesson for all, adding that that as warriors, both his government and the party needed to plan to regain their lost ground with chivalry, tactics and teamwork.

All praises and adoration belong to Allah. The loss of our party is a lesson for all of us, but no one is to be blamed.

Remember that we lost 21 House of Assembly seats and the Senate seats in 2019, but Allah gave us victory in the gubernatorial election.

Let us not play to the gallery by indulging in blame game, internal rancour, accusations and mistrust, he said.

The governor further appreciated all PDP members in the state for their support and contributions towards ensuring the success of his administration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had, on Sunday, declared Bala Lukshi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the by-election.

The Returning Officer, Prof. Ahmed Mohammed of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi, had announced the result in Dass.

He said that the APC candidate polled 12,299 to defeat Lawal Wundi of PDP who scored 11,062 votes. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

We need visionary leaders to transform Nigeria Tinubu Vanguard

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The acting Chairman, Board of Trustees, Tinubu Vanguard, Alhaji AbdulQadri Mohammad, has called for the emergence of visionary leaders at all levels of government to transform Nigeria.

Mohammad made the call on Sunday in Abuja at the inauguration of the National Executive Committee and Board Of Trustees of the group.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that political parties and Nigeria as a country should embark on the process that would throw up visionary leaders.

Good leadership at all levels of government is key, that is why we need visionary leaders not only at federal level but also at state, local government and even ward levels to transform Nigeria.

This is the way to go, but if we have segregated against good leadership, we will always remain where we are, he said.

Mohammed said the inauguration of the NEC and BOT of the group was to mobilise Nigerians to have visionary leaders like Bola Tinubu step forward at the appropriate time for leadership.

Let me make this very clear, this is not a campaign, we are law abiding citizens and we know what the law says.

This is just an inauguration of our Executives, so that we can start to mobilise Nigerians, he added.

The acting BOT chairman commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his giant strides at laying the foundation for a better Nigeria.

Earlier, the Director-General, Tinubu Vanguard, Mr Benjamin Johnny, said the group would harness the strength of grassroots network and support base of progressive minds for a better Nigeria.

He said the group which was formed in January, now has presence in 36 states and FCT and the 774 local government areas.

We are now fully present in 36 states and the FCT, the 774 LGAs and all the wards, and I can assure you that after the inauguration of this NEC and BOT, that of states and wards will follow suit, he said.

Johnny described Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian and mobiliser of people for the greater good of Nigeria.

The human capacity of Asiwaju distinguishes him among his contemporaries, his greatness is not in his wealth, but in the number of men and women who became great through him, he added.

NAN reports that the event was witnessed by politicians and technocrats from all walks of life across the country.

Source: NAN News

APC logo

By Adekunle Williams

The Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has hailed the All Progressive Congress (APC)s victory in the Lagos East Senatorial and Kosofe Constituency II By-elections held on Saturday.

Obasa made this known in a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday.

The speaker declared that the partys victory in the just-held Senatorial and House of Assembly by-elections was proof that the party had many more victories ahead.

According to him, the by-elections is a test of the partys strength ahead of future elections.

Obasa said the victory had proven that the party in Lagos remained strong, united and had members and chieftains who continuously key into its goals and manifesto.

He commended the National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, members of the Governors Advisory Council (GAC) and chieftains of the party for making the right choices at all times.

The speaker also commended the electorate for ensuring the victory of the party in the two by-elections.

The exercise by the electorate was a vote of confidence on the APC ahead of other parties.

The victory is also a vote of confidence on APC in Lagos. It shows there is something we are doing that we must not only sustain but continue to build on.

The APC in Lagos has always been a united body geared towards the attainment of a general goal making life better for the residents of the state and this we have done over the years.

The people of Lagos state appreciate us as a party and this is evident in the landslide victory of the two candidates in the election, Obasa said.

He challenged the newly elected APC candidates to see their victory as opportunities to bring government closer to their people and play strong roles in the advancement of the state. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

HIV/AIDS: Pharmacists council pledges enhanced participation in fight against virus

The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) says it will enhance participation in the fight against HIV/AIDS by enforcing regulatory practices governing drug administration and usage as it concerns managing the virus.

Mrs Anthonia Aruya, the Director, Inspection and Monitoring, made the pledge in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki on Sunday, as a reminder to the occasion of the 2020 World AIDS Day.

The day is annually celebrated on Dec. 1 since 1988 to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic, caused by the
spread of HIV infection and mourn those who died of the condition.

The theme for 2020 is Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Resilience and Impact aimed at focusing more attention to
The HIV scourge, increase awareness and knowledge, as well as speak against stigma.

Aruya said that as a regulatory agency covering facilities and premises, institutions and various aspects of pharmacy practice, PCN was
actively involved in steps and actions taken at the level of Federal Ministry of Health, as well as collaborate with donor agencies in
managing the HIV/AIDS scourge.

She said that the enforcement of regulatory practices governing drug administration and usage regarding the management of HIV cases in the country was of utmost importance.

She explained that the measure was to streamline drug distribution value chain to promote availability of safe, effective and quality medicines, including the Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and relevant supplements.

She said we bring our contributions on the issue of drug administration and regulation, as well as enlightenment, among other collaborative efforts, aimed at checking the infection rate and management of the deadly virus.

The PCN drug regulatory and management activities are in fulfillment of its mandate stated in the PCN Act, Cap P17, LFN 2004.

Mr Chike Arisa, a Pharmacist based in Abakaliki, urged the federal and state governments to step up collaboration with donor agencies to ensure steady supply and provision of ARV drugs to manage infected persons.

He said the COVID-19 has relegated HIV/AIDS to the background, with too much attention given to the former, which has ravaged the world since December 2019.

It should however be observed and propagated with massive enlightenment that while many COVID-19 patients have been cured, people living with HIV can only manage and have to live with it for life, as it has no cure yet and has been killing people.

He urged relevant authorities to continue to propagate the preventive messages of HIV/AIDS alongside that of COVID-19.

Source: NAN News

Tokunbo Abiru

By Yemi Adeleye

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Mr Tokunbo Abiru, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as winner of Saturdays Lagos East Senatorial by-election.

The INEC Returning Officer for the by-election, Prof. Ademola Oremosu of the University of Lagos, declared the result at Somolu collation centre at 7:20a.m. on Sunday.

Oremosu said that Abiru polled a total of 89,204 votes to defeat his closest rival from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Babatunde Gbadamosi, who scored 11,257 votes.

Declaring the winner, Oremosu said: I, Prof. Oremosu Ademola, certify that I am the Returning Officer for the 2020 Lagos East Senatorial by-election held on the 5th day of December Year 2020. The election was contested.

That Abiru Mukhail Adetokunbo of All Progressives Congress, having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of votes is hereby declared the winner and returned elected.

According to him, Muyiwa Adebanjo of Action Alliance (AA) got a total of 96 votes, Mercy Adeoye of African Action Congress (AAC) scored 248 votes, while John Kome of African Democratic Congress (ADC) polled 376 votes.

He said that Adebowale Ogunlaru of Action Democratic Party (ADP) polled 535 votes, Olusola Babatope of Allied Peoples Movement (APM) scored 202 votes, Florence Trautman of Labour Party (LP) got 58 votes, while Adijat Lawal of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) polled 52 votes.

Oremosu said Akin Olukunle of National Rescue Movement (NRM) got 65 votes, Saheed Aluko of Social Democratic Party (SDP) scored 35 votes, while Taiwo Temitope of Young Progressive Party (YPP) scored 208 votes.

According to him, out of the total registered voters of 1,261,673 in the district, the total accredited voters was 104, 894, the total vote cast was 104, 405, the total valid votes was 102, 336, while the rejected votes were 2,069.

Commenting, Mr Dele Oshinowo, the APC Party Agent for the Senatorial election, expressed gratitude to residents of the district for voting Abiru, saying the candidate would not let them down.

Oshinowo, who is Chairman, Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, commended INEC and security agencies for conducting a peaceful and credible by-elections.

The NRM agent, Mrs Temilola Akinade, who described the election as free and fair, said that the party would buckle up and forge ahead to gain acceptability.

Mr Olusegun Jaiyeola, the party agent for YPP said: To be candid and fair, the election is fair from what I could see. Other political parties need to come up, re-strategise because the gap was too much.

However, the turnout was too low than expected, especially after the EndSARS protest. People need to take election more seriously. Nigeria needs ballot revolution.

Deacon Segun Aroyewun, the PDP party agent, said that the desperation for political power was increasing day by day, hence the need to checkmate it.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 12 candidates of various political parties contested in the election necessitated by the demise of former occupant, Sen. Bayo Osinowo.

The APC defeated PDP in all the five local government areas in Lagos East senatorial. district

In Somolu, APC polled a total of 17, 728 votes to defeat PDP which polled 2067 vote while in Epe, APC scored 22, 213 votes to defeat PDP with polled 1826 votes.

In Ibeju-Lekki, APC polled a total of 16, 336 to defeat PDP candidate which scored 937 votes, while in Ikorodu, the APC polled 19, 204 votes to defeat PDP which scored 3766 votes.

In Kosofe, the APC polled a total of 13, 723 to defeat PDP which scored 2661 while 10 other political parties that participated in the elections got less than 200 votes in each of the LGAs. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

COAS Tukur Buratai

By Sumaila Ogbaje
The District Head of Faskari, Katsina State, Alhaji Aminu Usman, has commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, for restoring peace and security to the community.

Usman gave the commendation in a letter of appreciation to Buratai, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sagir Musa on Sunday in Abuja.

NAN recalls that Faskari is one of the Local Government Areas that had suffered attacks from bandits in the last one year with wanton destruction of lives and properties.

This prompted the establishment of Army Special Super Camp 4 and commencement of Operation Sahel Sanity in Faskari by the Chief of Army Staff in June.

The district head also commended the Nigerian Army for the execution of Civil-Military relations projects in his domain.

He also said that the people of Faskari within and outside Nigeria were proud to be associated with Nigerian army.

Usman also commended the General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Maj.-Gen. Aminu Bande, the commander 17 Brigade and the Camp Commander for their sacrifice towards safeguarding lives and properties of his people.

The letter reads: On behalf of the good people of Faskari Communities, I hereby write to extend our appreciation over your contribution with regard to the improvements of general Security situation in the entire District and the Local Government in particular.

The timely intervention through establishment of the Nigerian Army Super Camp IV is indeed commendable and well appreciated by us.

Similarly, we also recognise and appreciate your approval in the payment of compensation to the farmers whose farm land and crops were affected by the work in the Super Camp.

We also appreciate the ongoing rehabilitation of our health facility as an implementation of corporate social responsibility under your good office, he stated.

Source: NAN News

farmers

By Rabiu Sani-Ali
Farmers in Bagwai Local Government Area, Kano State have called on the state government to rehabilitate the Watari Irrigation dam to enable them cultivate their farmlands during the dry season.

A cross section of the farmers made the call in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday at Sector 1, Water Irrigation Project in Bagwai.

Alhaji Danladi Yahaya, Chairman, Farmers Association in Bagwai, also called for the construction of access road to ease movement of their farm produce to the market.

Apart from water scarcity, lack of access road is also affecting our activities.

We call on the relevant authorities to rehabilitate the reservoir and canals as well as construct access road in the area, Yahaya said.

Malam Salisu Dandawak, a farmer said the call was imperative to ensure that the reservoir and canals under the irrigation scheme were rehabilitated to supply water to the farmlands.

Dandawaki said that farmers in the area had relied on rain water to cultivate their farmlands, which limited their activities to rainy season.

He said that water should be released from the Bagwai dam to feed the reservoir and supply the farmlands under Sector-1 of the Watari Irrigation scheme.

Farmers relied on rain-fed agriculture, water should be released from the dam to enable us cultivate our farmlands during the dry season.

Rehabilitation of the reservoir and canals will facilitate supply of water to the farms for dry season activities, he said.

Mr Nasiru Sabiu, another farmer, said that the lack of water supply from the reservoir was discouraging as small holder farmers were forced to abandon their farms during the dry season.

Sabiu said absence of tube wells was making it difficult for them to cultivate their farmlands during dry season.

Also commenting, Mr Bashir Rabiu-Kwa, the Project Manager, Watari Irrigation scheme, said the release of water to the plantation was stopped to pave way for the maintenance work.

He said that the project was designed to open up 1,562 hectares of irrigable lands, adding that 962 hectares had been developed and cultivated by farmers.

Rabiu-Kwa explained that of the 962 developed hectares; 162 were under Sector-1, 168 under Sector-2, 217 under Sector-3, 72 under Sector-4 and 273 under Sector-5.

The manager said work on the development of the remaining 600 hectares of land was currently ongoing under sector-6 and sector-7 of the project.

Source: NAN News

HIV self-testing

By Philip Yatai
Many secondary school students in Sokoto State do not know much about HIV and AIDS due to cultural and religious restriction to sex education in schools in the state.

Some of the students, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews in Sokoto on Sunday, expressed little knowledge about the virus, mode of transmission, prevention and care.

One of them, Abdullrasheed Umar, a Senior Secondary I (SS1) student at Sultan Bello Secondary School, Sokoto, said: I have heard of HIV, but I have no idea what it really is.

All I know is that it is a terrible disease and nothing more.

When asked if there is HIV club or any form of sex education in his school, his response was negative.

Sex education is not allowed in schools. No one talks to us about that, he said.

Bello Mohammed, another student at the school, said he was ignorant of the disease and its implication in the human body.

Similarly, Hussaini Abubakar and Abdul Mukaila, students of Community Demonstration Secondary School, told NAN that they had no idea what HIV was, or what it does to infected persons.

Also, Abdullahi Nura, a Junior Secondary School II (JSS II) at Sheikh Abubakar Gumi Memorial College, Sokoto said he only heard of the name HIV, but nothing more.

But Yunusa Mohammed, another JSS II student at the college, said he had some useful knowledge about HIV.

Mohammed said: I heard that the disease is dangerous and one that can be infected through the use of sharp objects or blades used by an infected person. That is all I know, he said.

Alhaji Umar Alkammawa, Executive Secretary, Sokoto State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Tuberculosis and Leprosy (SOSACAT), confirmed that culture and religion had made it nearly impossible to sensitise students on HIV.

We have not been fair to ourselves by rejecting sex education in schools.

But there is no way you will bring HIV education in schools without talking about sex and sex education is a no-go area in Sokoto State, Alkammawa said.

Mohammed Garba, Deputy State Coordinator, Civil Society for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (CiSHAN), also said that the connection between HIV and sex had made it difficult to carry out HIV sensitisation in secondary schools.

Garba explained that corps members, under the Peer Educator Trainers (PET) programme, used to create awareness on HIV/AIDS among young people in secondary schools.

The corps members conduct HIV sensitisation campaigns and most importantly train secondary school students as change agents among their peers, immediate families and communities.

But about 10 years ago, the programme was stopped by the states ministry of education on the ground that the corps members were teaching students sex.

But in the past three years, CiSHAN has been training youth corps members on HIV and reproductive health, after which they go to Churches, Mosques and other public places to sensitise people, he said.

Source: NAN News

Farmers

By Rabiu Sani-Ali

Some farmers in Bagwai Local Government Area, Kano State have called on the state government to rehabilitate the Watari Irrigation dam to enable them cultivate their farmlands during the dry season.

A cross section of the farmers made the call in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday at Sector 1, Water Irrigation Project in Bagwai.

Alhaji Danladi Yahaya, Chairman, Farmers Association in Bagwai, also called for the construction of access road to ease movement of their farm produce to the market.

Apart from water scarcity, lack of access road is also affecting our activities.

We call on the relevant authorities to rehabilitate the reservoir and canals as well as construct access road in the area, Yahaya said.

Malam Salisu Dandawaki, a farmer said the call was imperative to ensure that the reservoir and canals under the irrigation scheme were rehabilitated to supply water to the farmlands.

Dandawaki said that farmers in the area had relied on rain water to cultivate their farmlands, which limited their activities to rainy season.

He said that water should be released from the Bagwai dam to feed the reservoir and supply the farmlands under Sector-1 of the Watari Irrigation scheme.

Farmers relied on rain-fed agriculture, water should be released from the dam to enable us cultivate our farmlands during the dry season.

Rehabilitation of the reservoir and canals will facilitate supply of water to the farms for dry season activities, he said.

Mr Nasiru Sabiu, another farmer, said that the lack of water supply from the reservoir was discouraging as small holder farmers were forced to abandon their farms during the dry season.

Sabiu said absence of tube wells was making it difficult for them to cultivate their farmlands during dry season.

Also commenting, Mr Bashir Rabiu-Kwa, the Project Manager, Watari Irrigation scheme, said the release of water to the plantation was stopped to pave way for the maintenance work.

He said that the project was designed to open up 1,562 hectares of irrigable lands, adding that 962 hectares had been developed and cultivated by farmers.

Rabiu-Kwa explained that of the 962 developed hectares; 162 were under Sector-1, 168 under Sector-2, 217 under Sector-3, 72 under Sector-4 and 273 under Sector-5.

The manager said work on the development of the remaining 600 hectares of land was currently ongoing under sector-6 and sector-7 of the project. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Rev Tajan Moltok, the Jos Resident Pastor of Shepherd House Assembly International.

By Martha Agas

A cleric, Rev. Tajan Moltok, the Jos Resident Pastor of Shepherd House Assembly International, has condemned the use of sex toys for sexual gratification, saying it is a perversion of nature.

In his sermon titled: Understanding the Anointing, the cleric condemned the act during the anointing service on Sunday in Jos.

He said that the act was a sin of lawlessness and a degeneration of morality in the society, cautioning that children of God should not indulge in it.

This act reminds God of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Masturbation is becoming a lifestyle, people do not have control over their sexual urges. Do not give Satan a chance, he said.

He said the church must return to God and be sanitised to live aright to His glory, saying anointing is what makes the difference in the life of a believer.

The church must come back to God . You cannot be in church and you are keeping malice with someone for one year. The anointing will give you a forgiving spirit, he said.

He said the children of God needed the anointing because of the wickedness in the world.

Moltok urged the congregation to yearn for Gods anointing, as it would renew their strength and empower them to be victorious against their foes.

He also conducted special anointing prayers for protection, wisdom and mercies of the Lord.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

The Sekumade of Ipakodo Kingdom, Oba Basiru Sotonwa, assisting a beneficiary of the Sight Project with her glasses.

By Oluwafunke Ishola

The Ipakodo Lions Club in Ikorodu, Lagos State, has conducted free eyes screening and distributed eye glasses to about 100 residents of the area.

Lion Lucky Duru, President of the Club, said at the event on Friday that 80 per cent of all visual impairment could be prevented or cured, if detected early.

Duru noted that sight preservation was one of the major health issues adopted by the Lions Clubs globally to assist the needy and vulnerable in the society.

According to him, Lions Clubs have played a key role in reducing preventable blindness through eyes screening, provision of eyes glasses, surgical interventions, sensitisation on eyes health and strengthening of eye care facilities, among others.

We partnered with medical professionals and community leaders to screen the residents of Ebute/Ipakodo community to identify those with vision impairments or at risk for vision loss.

It is our way of giving back to the society, and part of the Clubs activities for the 2020/2021 Lions year, he said.

Also, Lion Taiwo Anifiowoshe, Project Director of the Club, disclosed that 60 people among those screened were identified as needing eyeglasses, while others were provided with eye drops.

Anifowoshe said that Lions Clubs commitment to preserving the precious gift of sight made vision a priority service of the club for more than a century.

A beneficiary of the Sight Project, Mrs Funmilayo Edema, a retiree, commended the club for its generosity and service to humanity.

I have challenges with my sight, and was given eye medication to help. The provision of this pair of glasses has made my vision clearer, and Im happy that I will again be able to read my Bible, she said

Another beneficiary, Mr Olawunmi Akinola, a Civil Servant, who said that he noticed a decline in his vision as he ages, noted that the eyes glass had helped to improve his vision.

Commenting, Oba Basiru Sotonwa, Sekumade of Ipakodo Kingdom, commended Lions Club for their humanitarian service, and efforts to ensure that corrective vision problems doesnt hinder people from seeing clearly. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

ADC and APC logos

By Ibrahim Kado

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) have announced plans to merge in Adamawa ahead of the 2023 governorship election in the state.

The parties said this would enable them to wrest power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

Speaking at a meeting between the two parties on Saturday in Yola, Prof. Tahir Mamman, of APC and Chairman, North East Caretaker/Extraordinary National Convection Planning Committee, said the mandate was to resolve all grievances within the party for success.

He said that it was high time they joined hands and resources to takeover the governorship position from the PDP.

You all knew that we were together in power in 2015 and at the end, we broke up which resulted to our failure during the 2019 general elections in the state.

If we merge, definitely we will succeed since all the stakeholders will contribute to ensure that the party is successful come 2023, he said.

Alhaji Ibrahim Bilal, State Chairman of the APC, said the party would soon begin membership registration and urged its supporters to register.

We all know who we are; we should forgive one another and work together toward our success in 2023, he said.

Alhaji Yahaya Hammanjulde, State Chairman, ADC thanked the APC for understanding the previous mistakes.

He thanked the party supporters for their patience, understanding and urged them to continue for more success.

In his remarks, Sen. Abdul-Aziz Nyako, 2019 ADC Gubernatorial candidate in Adamawa, commended efforts and commitment of all stakeholders which led to the dialogue between the two parties.

He urged ADC supporters to pray for the best out of the merger before the party would make its final position known to the APC in a few days. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

AfDB President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina

By Temitope Ponle

President of African Development Bank (AfDB) Dr Akinwumi Adesina on Saturday tasked leaders in the banking sector on audacious leadership to navigate challenges of COVID-19 pandemic and restore hope and confidence in Africa.

Adesina gave the charge at the 2020 Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Fellowship Investiturewith the theme, Financial Services in a Post COVID-19 Environment: Strategic Imperatives.

The event, held in Lagos and also attended virtually, saw severalleaders in the banking sector across the country and the continent being conferred with awards as Honorary Fellows, Elected Fellows and Honorary Senior Members.

The bank president expressed delight at being decorated with the emblems of admission and recognition.

Today, as we are being honored, consider us as security-backed assets. Our integrity is our honor, and our honor is our security.

We wish to express to the Council of the CIBN, our commitment to carry these awards with dignity, integrity and honor.

Leadership from each one of us is needed in these challenging times of the Coronavirus pandemic, he said.

Adesina charged leaders to work to grow back the country and continent safer, healthier and with greater resilience.

He stressed that honorary awards were deposits of trust that came with great responsibilities of selfless work, being exemplary and role models in the profession and for the society.

Now, let us arise and collectively support Nigeria to recover and build back, stronger, better, with greater economic resilience. Lets join hands and deliver greater prosperity and hope for Nigeria.

For Nigeria to be at its best, it deserves the best from all of us.

As Honorary Fellows, we promise to continue to be beacons of hope, carrying with dignity, the green and gold emblems of the CIBN, Adesina said.

The AfDB president noted the challenges that the pandemic had on African and global economies and development.

He, however, reiterated the contributions of the AfDB to ease the effects of the pandemic.

Adesina assured of the banks readiness to support African countries, financial institutions and the private sector to accelerate Africas economic growth. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Gov. Yahaya Bello

By Kola Adeyemi

Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Saturday, donated N300 million towards the educational development of Ebiraland and its environs.

Bello, who made the donation in Okene, while speaking at the maiden Ebira Education Summit, organised by Ebira Youth Congress (EYC), disclosed that the money would be paid in tranches over a period of three years.

The governor, who also used the occasion to inaugurate the Ebira Education Foundation, restated his administrations resolve to provide quality education across the state, because of his conviction that it was only through quality education that the potentials of the state and its people could be actualised.

Bello, who was represented at the occasion by his Chief of Staff, Mr Abdulkareem Mohammed-Jamiu, spoke about the newly established Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, saying that it was meant to create an enabling environment for the educational development of the state.

According to him, CUSTECH, had thrown up the urgent need to train youths to actively partake in the development of the state, hence his decision to donate to the trust fund, to sponsor qualified Ebira sons and daughters for professional courses up to university level.

He called on the leadership of the EYC to put in place a Board of Trustees of reputable individuals, to oversee the activities of the trust fund, so as to ensure probity and accountability.

Bello called on the EYC to also check the rising wave of cultism, drug abuse and other forms of criminal activities in Ebiraland in the interest of peace, progress and development of the area.

Highlight of the event was the Award of Excellence conferred on the governor, who in turn dedicated the award to the memory of his late mother, Hajia Hauwa Bello.

In his address, the President of EYC, Mr Ateiza Obio, said that the Education Trust Fund, was established to complement the state governments efforts in providing quality education in the state.

He assured that the money realized by the fund, would be utilized for the education of all qualified Ebira youth, without discrimination, stressing that the EYC wouldensure transparency and judicious use of the funds.

Obio lauded the governor for the establishment of CUSTECH, saying that it would bring development to the area and create opportunities for youths to realize their dreams.

The Chairman of the occasion, Mr Mamman Yusuf, in his remark, urged the youths of Ebiraland to take advantage of the fund and get themselves educated. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Emefiele

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, has reiterated the need for the country to discontinue with heavy dependence on crude oil to guarantee public revenue and foreign exchange.

Emefiele made the call on Saturday in Abuja at the prize presentation ceremony to mark the end of the 2020 CBN Governors Golf Cup tournament.

The governor, who was represented by Mr Edward Adamu, Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, CBN, therefore, urged the country to harness its other economic potentials to enhance its growth.

According to him, this has become even more imperative to facilitate early exit of the economy from the current recession.

According to him, sports cannot be left behind while deploying available tools to ensure the development of the country since it attracts foreign exchange.

This, he said, had propelled the CBN into sponsoring numerous sporting events in the country including golf.

He said that the apex bank would not relent in its effort to empower the youth, sportsmen and sportswomen as they had constantly launched the country and themselves into the international sporting arena.

The Banks consistency in promoting the game of golf and other sports in the country has had a remarkable impact on youths and sportsmen and women generally.

In particular, the sponsored events have continued to provide platforms for Nigerians to express themselves and launch into the international sporting sphere.

At the CBN, we are committed to sustaining people-centered policies, he said.

According to him, through interventions in various sectors of the economy, the Bank is able to touch lives and livelihoods; specifically, the Banks policies prioritise jobs, wealth creation and inclusion.

The CBN has been in the vanguard of promoting youth empowerment not only through sporting events, but also through development finance initiatives and schemes.

These include Youth Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (YEDP), Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund (MSMEDF), Vocational and Entrepreneurship Development Centres (VEDCs).

Others are the Agri-Business/Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS) and the Private Sector-led Accelerated Agricultural Credit Scheme (P-AADS).

According to Emefiele, the banks Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) has a tremendous effect on agriculture, impacting greatly on local production of various crops, most significantly rice and nine other crops.

He noted that the ABP had significantly contributed in cutting down rice importation in the country, while the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) recorded considerable beneficiaries who have greatly contributed to the nations drive for sustained food security.

I urge Nigerians to take advantage of these initiatives to contribute to the countrys growth and development and share in her prosperity, he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the one-day golf tournament saw winners emerged from various categories of the tournament including the CBN Staff category which O. Owoeye won with a handicap of 28 and gross nett of 116 and 88.

Abubakar Abdullahi emerged as the runner up with a handicap of 11, gross score of 97 and 86 nett.

Winners also emerged from the Auxiliary, Veteran Ladies, Veteran men and CBN Pensioners categories. (NAN)

Source: NAN News