Ebonyi Gov. Dave Umahi

By Uchenna Ugwu

Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has reduced the 24-hour curfew earlier imposed in the state to 8:00p.m. to 8:00a.m.

The Governor gave the directive on Friday in Abakaliki through the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Mr Uchenna Orji.

Umahi said that the new directive is with effect from Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, from 8p.m to 8a.m across the state.

He had earlier imposed a 24-hour curfew in the state from 7p.m on Oct. 21, to forestall further breakdown of law and order by protesters.

There shall be an 8p.m to 8a.m curfew across the state, starting from Oct 23, Umahi said.

He urged all stakeholders, security agencies and residents of the state to do everything possible within the ambit of the law to protect the citizenry from any form of violent protest, destruction of lives and property in the state.

The governor assured the people of his commitment towards the protection of their lives and property. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Niger gets acting Chief Judge

By Rita Iliya

Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger has appointed Aisha-Lami Bwari, as acting Chief Judge of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that Bwari was sworn-in during the valedictory court session in honor of Aliyu Mayaki, the outgoing Chief Judge.

The Governor described the outgoing chief judge as someone with integrity and impeccable character, who worked selflessly to improve the judiciary and welfare of judges.

I want to congratulate you on your retirement and the good work to see that the state judiciary attain greater height.

The governor said that steps have been taken to improve the welfare of judges, with the approval of renovation of magistrate courts and provision of vehicles to judges, to enable them function efficiently and effectively.

He reiterated his commitment to judicial autonomy to enable the judiciary carry out its major responsibilities without hindrance.

Bello assured the acting chief judge of government support, and urged her to discharge her to ensure that offenders of the law are prosecuted and punished.

In his address, Mayaki, lauded the cordial relationship between the judiciary and executive arm of government, adding that the relationship had led to speedy dispensation of justice.

He disclosed that during his tenure, three high courts were built in Kuta, Kutigi and Rijau, while vehicles were procured for judges across the state.

Mayaki appealed to the state government to give full autonomy to the judiciary to enable it discharge and perform its duties effectively.

In her remark, Bwari lauded the achievement of the outgoing chief judge, and thanked the state government for the opportunity given her. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

NAWOJ President, Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole

By Justina Auta

The President, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, has called on female journalists in the country to prioritise their safety as they carry out their duties.

Omowole made the call on Friday in Abuja, following the recent violence in some parts of the country over the #EndSARS protest.

She advised journalists to be vigilant and prioritise their safety while discharging their duties.

The NAWOJ president also appealed to Nigerians to unite and pray for Gods mercy and intervention to avert further bloodshed that would affect the peace and development of the nation.

According to her, youths in Nigeria had sacrificed their comfort to protest peacefully on the streets, while demanding for a better life, as the older generation had failed them.

She expressed sadness over the turn of events, especially the reported killings, arson and vandalism of properties.

Omowole, therefore, appealed to the protesters to sheath their swords and remain calm as their demands had been made known to the world. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Gov. Emmanuel Udom

By Isaiah Eka

Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has extended the curfew imposed on the state to 7,a.m., tomorrow (Saturday) in order to ensure full return of normalcy.

Emmanuel announced the extension in a statement issued on Friday in Uyo by the state Commissioner for Information, Mr Ini Ememobong, and made available to newsmen.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the curfew declared earlier by the governor was to elapse by midday Friday.

The governor said the extension followed the unlawful activities of the #EndSARS protesters, which led to the disruption of economic activities in the state.

This extension has become necessary because of the overriding interest of the public and the inevitable need to protect lives and property of the citizens, he said.

Emmanuel directed total cessation of movement during the period, saying, Only those on essential duties, who must show proper means of identification will be allowed to move.

All law abiding citizens are to remain at home, security agencies have been briefed to strictly enforce this order, he said.

NAN reports that the #EndSARS protest in Akwa Ibom took a violent twist on Thursday, leading to the disruption of law and order.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Flood

By Patricia Amogu

The Director-General, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Mr Clement Nze, says the Federal Government has provided a lot of relief items to cushion the effects of flooding in the affected states.

Nze told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja, that the relief followed the setting up of a Presidential committee on flood relief and rehabilitation by the Federal Government,

He said that in the committee, many corporate bodies, philanthropists, banks and some Nigerians contributed resources such that states that were badly affected by the floods do not bear the burden alone.

According to him, the committee is a collaborative partnership between the Federal and State Governments for immediate intervention on flood prevention, mitigation and preparedness.

Nze said the Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation (PCFRR) has erected several hostels across the states, to serve as temporary relief apartments to affected victims in the states.

The state governments should key into this initiative and provide alternatives and facilities because you cant just ask someone to move out when there are no alternatives.

During the peak period of the rainy season, the states should relocate people, provide them with food and clothing for about three months before the rising water will recede to enable them return to their homes, he said.

He stated that the Minister of humanitarian affairs, gender management and social development, Sadiya Umar Faruk, has been going round the affected states.

She was in Lokoja last week, was also in Jigawa and Kebbi where the damage was much, all these is to make sure that life is made easy for those who are in affected areas.

Nze further stated that the Federal Government is also providing palliatives through the minister who supervises national emergencies and building structures that will ensure that during the next rainy season, some damages done this year will not happen again.

According to Nze, Government is also seeing to it that farmlands lost bounce back and houses submerged and collapsed buildings are rebuilt. The government is supporting farmers in Kebbi with seedlings for two more planting seasons.

There is a direct link between flooding and food scarcity. So whatever natural phenomenon that is triggering flooding is reported to USAID and other relevant bodies that will take necessary actions to mitigate such disasters.

The national food security council is collating information to ensure that the effects of flooding can be cushioned and doesnt result to food insecurity in the country.

He urged states to build embankments along water ways, to stop rivers from overflowing when rain falls.

He said By our predictions, 102 local governments areas, cutting across 28 states, will be badly affected by floods.

Today, not less than 34 states have suffered severely from flooding, he added. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Nigeria Police logo

By Emmanuel Antswen

The Benue Police Command has commended youths of the state for conducting themselves peacefully throughout the EndSARS protest.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Catherine Anene, gave the commendation in Makurdi on Friday.

The Command has already deployed officersat strategic areas within the state to ensure safety of lives and property.

You have the right to freedom of expression as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended as you have successfully communicated to the government without breaching peace.

The command is committed to ensure that you express yourselves in a very peaceful and organised way to prevent breakdown of law and order.

To this end, there is a deployment of police officers at strategic points within the state to ensure safety of lives and property.

Members of the public are advised to give maximum support and information to prevent breakdown of law and order, Anene said in a statement.

She advised stakeholders including religious leaders, traditional leaders and youth leaders at various levels to continue to prevail on their wards and subjects to remain peaceful in all circumstances and prevent miscreants from causing mayhem.

Let me use this opportunity to commend members of the press for their professional and ethical conduct in positively reporting issues around the protest.

We must not forget that information is key in maintenance of peace, Anene said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano

By Rabiu Sani

Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has tasked Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to promote understanding and harmonious coexistence for peace and stability to reign in the state.

Ganduje made the call in a statement by Abba Anwar, his Chief Press Secretary on Friday in Kano.

The governor was quoted as giving the charge at a meeting with CSOs on Thursday night at the Government House, Kano.

Ganduje said that while genuine demands were ingredients of democracy, destruction was not a right step in democratic settings.

According to him, curfew was imposed in some states where demonstration is seen from various perspectives and depending on certain variables.

People should come to understand that we have just graduated from the lockdown occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic.

It is absolutely necessary to understand that anything that can cause another stay at home should be avoided, Ganduje was quoted as saying.

He said the state government had, through dialogue, resolved skirmishes caused by the protest at Kofar Mata area of the metropolis over the alleged murder of a teenager in police custody.

The state government also met with conveners of the Sabo Gari protest and deliberated over their demands, the governor said.

He added that differences could be address amicably through dialogue.

You as leaders of the CSOs, you are representing people, your opinion and interpretation is important, he added.

The statement also quoted Ismaila Hussaini-Kanye, Chairman, Youth Coalition and Advocacy for Development, as calling on government to compensate victims affected in the Tuesdays disturbances in Sabon Gari area of Kano.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Police Command in the state confirmed that 15 cars and several shops were vandalised in the protest. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Conoil

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Shareholders of Conoil Plc have approved the payment t N1.39 billion dividend proposed by the board of the company for the year 2019.

They gave the approval during the virtual 50th Annual General Meeting (AGM) attended by proxies.

The Chairman of the company, Dr Mike Adenuga (Jr.), said in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

Adenuga stated that the dividend payment was a promise kept to shareholders.

This meant that shareholders will get 200k on every 50k ordinary share.

He said that the impressive financial results recorded were from the execution of value-added products and services.

According to him, the company had set an ambitious growth strategy for the next five years, driven by innovation and market penetration.

The impressive results recorded by the company was in fulfilment of its promise to shareholders for better execution of value-added products and services, especially in the areas of marketing and growing the bottom-line.

This is against the background of the tough challenges that marked the operating environment of the downstream oil sector.

Thus far, significant investments have been made in strengthening the companys retail network and important progress recorded on all fronts for the benefit of all stakeholders.

We are proud of the attainments of the management.

It was a challenging year with impressive results, he added.

The chairman also assured shareholders that the company would consolidate on its achievements to deliver a strong and sustainable performance that would enhance juicy returns on their investment.

The company has strategically positioned its business to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the downstream oil sector.

Mrs Adebisi Bakare, the National Coordinator, Pragmatic Shareholders Association hailed Conoil for rewarding shareholders against all odds in the fuel marketing sector of the economy.

We congratulate the board for the impressive financial results and especially being able to reward shareholders when we consider the tough times faced by all fuel marketing companies in the country in the last financial year, Bakare said.

According to the companys financial report, the modest dividend pay-out was predicated on the need to consolidate its cash management effort vis--vis the liquidity squeeze in the economy.

It was also to ensure improvement in its overall performance in order to meet the expectations of the shareholders.

In its audited financial results for the 2019 financial year, Conoil Plc gross revenue grew by 14.4 per cent to N139.8 billion.

Profit before tax grew by 10.4 per cent to N2.83 billion while profit after tax also grew by 9.8 per cent to N1.97 billion.

Conoil also grew its total assets by 4.4 per cent to N63.6 billion while interest expense dropped by 26 per cent to N1.1 billion.

There has been a consistent drop in interest expense since 2017, which we hope to sustain, the company stated. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

NSE

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

The nations bourse on Thursday rebounded with a growth of N59 billion in spite of social unrest and curfew in major cities of the country.

Specifically, the market capitalisation which opened at N14.870 trillion rose by N59 billion or 0.40 per cent to close at N14.929 trillion.

Also, the All-Share Index increased by 114.38 points or 0.40 per cent to close at 28,563.87 compared with 28,449.49 achieved on Wednesday.

The upturn was impacted by gains recorded in large and medium capitalised stocks, amongst which are; MTN Nigeria Communications, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, UACN, Lafarge Africa and Dangote Sugar Refinery.

Market sentiment measured by the market breadth was positive with 21 stocks gainers against 12 losers.

UACN drove the gainers table in percentage table, growing by 8.33 per cent to close at N7.15 per share.

Union Diagnostic followed with eight per cent to close at 27k, while FCMB Group rose by 7.96 per cent to close at N2.44 per share.

United Capital increased by 6.44 per cent to close at N3.80, while Neimeth appreciated by 5.26 per cent to close at N1.80 per share.

Conversely, Wapic Insurance led the losers chart in percentage terms dropping by 9.09 per cent to close at 40k per share.

UACN Property Development trailed with 3.66 per cent to close at 79k, while GlaxoSmithKline shed 3.57 per cent to close at N5.40 per share.

International Breweries dipped 2.95 per cent to close at N6.25, while Fidelity Bank depreciated by 2.50 per cent to close at N1.95 per share.

However, the total volume traded decreased by 4.67 per cent with an exchange of 311.33 million shares worth N4.69 billion traded in 3,375 deals.

This was in contrast with a total of 326.58 million shares valued at N4.22 billion transacted in 4,367 deals on Wednesday.

Transactions in the shares of Guaranty Trust Bank topped the activity chart with 77.84 million shares worth N2.34 billion.

Access Bank followed with 57.66 million shares valued at N442.78 million, while Zenith Bank traded 39.58 million shares worth N813.77 million.

FBN Holdings sold 21.75 million shares valued at N131.58 million, while United Bank for Africa transacted 18.16 million shares worth N122.81 million. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

The Commons Project logo

By Oluwafunke Ishola/Yunus Yusuf

For global travel and trade to return to pre-pandemic levels, travellers will need a secured and verifiable way to document their health status as they travel across borders.

Paul Meyer, Chief Executive Officer, The Commons Project,a non-profit public trust,made this known at a virtual meeting announcing the first successful transatlantic trial of CommonPass.

Commons Project is a non-profit public trust established with support from the Rockefeller Foundation to build global digital services and platforms for the common good.

It is working with a broad coalition of public and private partners around the world to develop and launch a standard global model to enable people to document their certified COVID-19 status to facilitate international travel and border crossing while keeping their health information private.

Also, CommonPass isa digital health pass aimed at enabling safer travel and reopening of international borders.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Commons Project Foundation and the World Economic Forum (WEF) had launched the CommonPass and CommonPass Framework for Health Status Verification for safer travel and accelerate border reopenings.

Also, Common Trust Framework for Health Status Verification enables governments to set and verify their own health criteria for travellers, while allowing laboratory results and vaccination records to be certified across borders.

Meyer said that the CommonPass would allow travellers to securely share their COVID-19 status across international borders while protecting their privacy.

In the absence of being able to trust health data created outside their borders, many countries insist on testing on arrival or simply close their borders.

In their haste to close borders, efforts have often been disparated and uncoordinated.

As a result, there are a myriad of approaches to COVID-19 regulations and restrictions and almost as many different quarantine measures as there are countries.

To avoid these situations, the world needs a unified digital infrastructure and health trust framework, where health data can be shared securely across borders, as well as with airlines and other stakeholders.

Otherwise, people will not dare to sit on a plane, and not because they worry about the flight, but because they dont know what will happen before or after their flights, he said.

Meyer said that only a common ground for recovery and bringing health records across borders could restore trust again.

This is why there is such an urgent need for solutions like CommonPass to make international travel safer, through trust in health data and transparency of entry requirements.

The aim is to put a digital infrastructure and trust framework in place to accommodate vaccine records before vaccine distribution begins.

Without a common shared platform for sharing health information, the confusing range of uncoordinated regulations and restrictions will continue, even, if a vaccine or several vaccines become available, he said.

The project executive officer said that the successful inaugural trial enabled transatlantic travellers on United Airlines on Flight 15 from London Heathrow to Newark Liberty International Airport.

According to him, this is to share their COVID-19 test status across borders using a trust framework for the first time.

Meyer said that this would be followed with the rollout of CommonPass in flight routes across Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East in November and December.

He said that 50 countries had been integrated into the framework with more countries to follow soon.

Also, Christian Wolff, Head of Mobility, World Economic Forum, said that safe border reopening would not be possible without mutual trust and recognition among countries for testing results and vaccine records.

Wolff said that the CommonPass framework would enable trust among governments, instill confidence in travelers and help to stimulate the worlds economy back on track.

Commenting, Dr Bradley Perkins, Chief Medical Officer, The Commons Project, said that the CommonPass would assist countries to remove travel bans and mandatory quarantine.

Perkins said that it would give travelers and governments confidence that everyone travelling had been certified to meet global standard.

Also, Omorhode Ukudolo, Project Team Lead, Webplusmore Ltd., official integrator of CommonPass in Nigeria, said that CommonPass would fast track airport screening and reduce the challenges of falsification of COVID-19 test results.

Ukudoloadded that the laboratories would be connected to the framework, and laboratory results and vaccination records of travellers could be accessed through existing health data systems globally.

He noted that efforts were being made to partner with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to have the CommonPass in Nigeria toward easing travelling.

Commenting, Mr Timi Bomodi, Project Adviser, Webplusmore, said that CommonPass and the CommonPass framework would provide governments a more reliable means of accessing health status of incoming travellers.

Bomodi added that it would allow them to adapt their entry requirements, policies and laboratory tests or vaccination requirements as the pandemic evolves. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

President Muhammadu Buhari

By Ismaila Chafe
The National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President, retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno, says President Muhammadu Buhari is to announce a critical solution to the #EndSARS protest in a couple of hours.

Monguno, who made this known at the end of the fourth National Security Council meeting, presided by the president in Abuja on Thursday said Buhari also directed all security agencies to always operate within the confine of legitimacy and legality.

He said the president also urged the security agencies to always avoid anything that would aggravate the nations security challenges.

He also stated that the president would soon come up with certain solutions to address the security challenges in the country, saying the president directed that government would also do all it could to arrive at an agreeable resolution to the crisis.

According to him, the president also called on all aggrieved persons to come to the negotiation table with a view to finding solutions to the problems.

This situation, we all know is very very grave situation, giving a lot of concern to everyone most especially Mr President.

Mr President has directed that government should do whatever is necessary in order to bring about an agreeable resolution to this crisis.

So far, the government has been able to concede to the demands of the protesters. The initial demands have been considered and it appears now that the riots are taking a different and unwanted dimension.

Mr President is very concerned about this development and does not want a situation in which everything breaks down and results in anarchy, in lawlessness and people taking the law into their own hands.

For one thing, if government can begin to make concessions, then its also logical for the protesters, those that are aggrieved also to take a step back, take stock of their activities and come to a meeting point with government and its agencies.

It is not Mr Presidents desire to see any unwanted loss of live and he is determined to ensure that things do not cascade into unpleasant situation.

Therefore, he has directed all the security agencies to operate within the confine of legitimacy, within the confine of legality, not to do anything that will aggravate this situation.

The president, himself, had just left his office and he is also going to deal with this issue in a separate manner apart from what had just taken place in Council.

I believe in the next couple of hours Mr President would come up with certain solution that will be agreeable to the entire federation, he said.

According to him, the president also called on all aggrieved persons to come to the negotiation table with a view to finding solutions to the problems.

The security agencies have been asked to apply as much restraint as possible. But then again, the youths should also understand that pushing their luck might also result in an unwanted issues.

So, it is very very important for everyone to take stock of what has already happened and not give a dark impression of this country to the international community, he added.

On the reported attack on protesters at Lekki Toll Gate, the NSA said: The government is looking into the incident that happened about 48 hours ago.

You know, we cant deal or act on conjectures, oppositions and so on and so forth. We need to verify things first.

But the government is not oblivious of the fact that certain things had happened and there is also a possibility that actual facts could be distorted by either party.

So, the government is going to look at that before coming up with something. But definitely, government is not treating this issue lightly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that those in attendance at the meeting include Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Ministers of Defence, Bashir Magashi; Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; Police Affairs, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi and Geoffrey Onyaema, Foreign Affairs.

Others at the meeting were; Service Chiefs; Director-General, Department of State Services, Alhaji Yusuf Bichi, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed RufaI, the Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Adamu as well as other members of security and intelligence community.

Source: NAN News

Gen. Abdulsalami A. Abubakar (Rtd)

By Aminu Garko
Former Military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, has appealed to the #EndSARS protesting youths to withdraw from the streets and prepare for dialogue and for peace, progress and political stability in the country.

Abubakar made the appeal on Wednesday in Minna while addressing newsmen.

He said that withdrawing from the streets would enable the Federal Government to concentrate on meeting the demands of the youths.

He said that already the federal government had apologised and promised to look into their grievances.

The former head of state said state governors had also responded promptly by acknowledging the genuine grievances of the teaming demonstrating youths.

The hijacking of the protest by criminals had resulted into violence, destruction of government and private properties ,criminal release of prisoners and the lynching and burning of policemen and innocent persons in some parts of the country.

The demonstration continued and consequences of which it began to cause serious discomfort to the citizens as it gave opportunities for criminal elements to penetrate to tamper with the peaceful coexistence of Nigerians.

This forced the government to send security agencies to restore law and order which unfortunately further led to the loss of more innocent lives.

I am therefore appealing and calling for a halt of the youth demonstration to give peace a chance for dialogue, said.

Source: NAN News

L-R: Dr Ike Neliaku, Public Relation Practitioner, and President of NIPR, Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo, addressing newsmen in Abuja

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) on Thursday condemned in strong terms the shooting of protesters at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos.

President of NIPR, Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo, made the condemnation in Abuja while briefing newsmen.

Sirajo said the use of arms against unarmed protesters who were exercising their rights was against all known tenets of decency, civilisation and democracy.

He called on the Federal Government to immediately set up a panel of inquiry to ascertain who ordered the shooting or who the perpetrators were.

The reported denial by the Nigerian Army, of the complicity of its officers in the dastardly act, will make more meaning if an immediate inquiry is launched to ascertain who the perpetrators were.

The institute wishes to make it clear that it respects citizens rights to peaceful dissent as well as governments responsibility to the maintenance of law and order.

It therefore identifies with the #EndSARS objective which beyond the hashtag is a condemnation of impunity, ruthless conduct, and the general lack of respect to due processes by some sections of the nations law enforcement architecture.

This move is also a call for the reform of the same, and the decision by the government to dissolve the SARS, though a step in the right direction, is not a solution to the problem.

We equally condemn in no uncertain terms the resort to hooliganism that ensued afterwards which led to arson, and looting of both public and private properties.

It is our firm belief that the lawlessness has nothing to do with the original objectives of the #EndSARS movement, which we believe to be simply a cry against impunity and a pitch for good governance, Sirajo said.

According to him, far-reaching reforms including review of recruitment process, improvement in welfare and general reorientation from top to bottom, among others, will go a long way in regenerating citizen confidence in the police.

Sirajo noted that beyond the police reform calls and SARS disbandment, the demonstrations should serve as a wake-up call to leaders at all levels that paradigm had shifted from citizens complacency to the youths asking questions from their leaders.

He, therefore, urged government at all levels to brace for more accountability by engaging citizens in a sincere dialogue on the way forward for the country.

Sirajo urged genuine protesters to guard against being infiltrated by others with different motives which may lead to loss of focus and lawlessness as witnessed in the last two days.

We in the same vein call on the government to be faithful to the decision to address all issues raised.

We note the concerns expressed by the movement to inability of government being faithful and accountable to its actions.

SARS had been dissolved by the government in the past only to resurface again.

While we convey our most heartfelt sympathy to victims of the Lagos shooting, we reiterate our call for the immediate institution of a panel of inquiry into the shootings to ensure that victims get justice, he added. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ahmed Kaigama

The EU- UNICEF funded project has expended over N2.6 billion on Maternal, Newborn and Child Healthcare (MNCH) in Bauchi State from 2017 to 2020.

Dr Zighe Kunoamlak, Lead of Health, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, made the disclosure at a meeting with the states Deputy Governor, Senator Baba Tela, on Thursday in Bauchi.

The EU- UNICEF has invested in programmatic activities to the sum of N2, 610,617,289 across the state from 2017 to 2020.

A total financial investment for programmatic activities so far is N2, 610,617,289.

That includes N2, 356,453,615 on the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (BSPHCDA) and N254, 163,674 on Bauchi State Ministry of Health, she said.

Kunoamlak said that 170 primary health care centres were renovated and upgraded along with 85 that were handed over to the communities.

She added that 505 health workers had been trained on different skills and community based newborn care as well as strengthening the capacity of the school of nursing in the state.

The UNICEF lead health also pointed out that with the state governments collaboration, integrated community case management was implemented with the training of 1,200 community resource persons (CORPs).

Responding, the deputy governor commended the effort of EU-UNICEF projects in strengthening PHCs in the state.

He said with these interventions, the state tertiary hospital would not be overstressed and communities would attend to the primary health centres.

Tela said the projects provide healthcare services to pregnant women and children in hard-to-reach communities of the state.

He said their administration is looking forward to signing another MOU with Partners to impact the much needed dividends of democracy to the people.

Earlier, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, Executive Chairman, BSPHCDA, said the partnership between the state government and the EU-UNICEF has evidently shown strong determination and commitment in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.

In achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 3 which focuses on good health and well-being, he said.

Mohammed said that the states administration has identified and placed a high premium on partnerships that would add value to the lives of the citizenry.

Source: NAN News

Bitrus Bewarang

By Emmanuel Afonne

Bitrus Bewarang, the immediate past Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), says he is available for consultations after a meritorious service at the countrys football house.

Bewarang made the remarks during an interview on telephone with the News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.

He said that the experience gathered during his four-year stint with the NFF, was enough for him to transform a football team that needed his services whether local or International.

I want to rest and wait on God for another opportunity and Im not growing younger anymore, so I need to be around and I know that people will be consulting me.

And I will be ready to offer my experience to get the best out of football.

Plateau United has always been my team and Im ready to assist them with my experience if they need it,Bewarang said.

He commended the leadership of the NFF for the opportunity given to him to serve, while urging his successor and former Super Eagles Coach, Austin Eguavoen, to ensure the grassroots development plan of the NFF was taken to the next level.

I thank God that I ended well, and I wish those coming in to work hard to continue with the progress of developing football at the grassroots.

I really cherished the respect I got from the players and coaches and I urge the incoming Technical Director to be united with the players and coaches to be able to achieve the required result for the country,he added.

NAN reports that the NFF had on Monday, named Eguavoen as Bewarangs replacement following the expiration of his four-year contract on July 31. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

President Muhammadu Buhari

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has again appealed to #EndSARS protesters to resist the temptation of being used by some subversive elements to cause chaos with the aim of truncating the nations nascent democracy.

The president made the appeal in a national broadcast on Thursday.

He enjoined the protesters to take advantage of the various initiatives of his administration designed to make their lives better and more meaningful.

According to the president, doing otherwise will amount to undermining national security as well as law and order.

He said under no circumstances would this be tolerated.

I, therefore, call on our youths to discontinue the street protests and constructively engage government in finding solutions.

Your voice has been heard loud and we are responding.

And I call on all Nigerians to go about their normal businesses, and enjoin security agencies to protect lives and properties of all law abiding citizens without doing harm to those they are meant to protect, he said.

The president also paid tributes to officers of the Nigeria Police Force who died in the line of duty.

He expressed appreciation to governors as well as traditional and religious leaders who had been appealing for calm and restraint.

I also thank youth leaders who have restrained their followers from taking the law into their hands, he added.

Buhari reassured that his administration would continue to respect all democratic rights and civil liberties of the people.

He, however, warned that the government would not allow anybody or groups to disrupt the peace of the nation.

Source: NAN News

#EndSARS protesters

By Franca Ofili

A Women Peace and Security Advocate, Nneka Egbuna, has underscored the role of women in crisis management and peace building.

Egbuna made this known in a statement in Abuja.

She, therefore called on women to rise up to the challenge, using theirnon-violent unique ways of bringing peace to the ongoing #EndSARS violent protests.

Thisis a clarion call for women. We must speak with one voice and our non-violent unique ways of bringing an end to crises and conflicts.

Lets not lose this momentum! Our children are being killed. No one is safe. We need to speak up.

We cannot do it alone. We will need the men on board, she said.

She condemned the attack on a youth in Lekki toll gate in Lagos. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

The Kebbi Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu.

By Ibrahim Bello

The Kebbi House of Assembly has passed the state mining bill, making provisions for the administration and collection of revenue from miners in the state.

This followed the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation at plenary on Thursday.

Presenting the report, the Chairman Mr Samaila Salihu-Biu, said the committee met with relevant stakeholders, and came up with observations and recommendations for the collection of revenue and establishment of administrative structures therein.

The committee agreed that mining license falls under the Exclusive Legislative list, but the land on which mining takes place belongs to the state government.

In view of the degradation of the ecological system of the land as a result of the mining, the state has every right to charge miners some amount of money.

The charge is in form of permit before mining takes place in line with the advice of the state Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Environment, he said.

Announcing the passage of the bill, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Buhari Aleiro, thanked members of the committee, state Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Environment for their inputs.

Source: NAN News

Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister, Muhammed Bello

By Salisu Sani-Idris

FCT minister Muhammadu Bello has advised residents of Apo and Gudu in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) to resist attempt by external forces to divide them.

We must strive to live together; we must strive to live in peace, Bello said on Thursday when he paid a solidarity and fact-finding visit to Apo Mechanic village and Dutse Alhaji in Bwari Area Council.

We are here to commiserate with you. Already, a committee has been set up. Your members will be invited to be part of it so that we can know what was destroyed and how they can be replaced.

Abuja is our city and we, including yours sincerely, all came here to look for food.

So, under no circumstances should we allow people from somewhere to come and disturb us because the moment you destroy anything, it would be difficult to replace it.

I am appealing to all of you to live in peace and harmony. I assure you that security personnel will protect you day and night.

Dont allow external forces to divide us. A committee is being worked out by the FCT administration to ensure proper collation of all vehicles and property destroyed so that compensation will be paid adequately, he said

Bello told the residents that the FCT administration had already held a security meeting with stakeholders drawn from across board to ascertain the level of damages.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Aliyu, in her remarks, urged residents to eschew further violence and give peace a chance.

We are here on a solidarity visit to express our deep heart felt for all that happened following the destruction that took place here on Tuesday and Wednesday.

We share your grief, but we are begging you to let us come together again as one. All of us are here in the FCT to look for what to eat and not what will divide us.

By the grace of God, the administration has already put in place efforts to compensate those that lost one thing or the other.

As a mother, I have come to beg you to let us remain one; we must help government by maintaining peace so that we can all benefit from the dividends of democracy.

We must be united as one because Abuja has brought us together as one, Aliyu said.

Responding, the Chairman, Apo Traders Association, Mr John Chimeze-Ife, informed the ministers that over N200 million worth of vehicles and properties were destroyed.

Sir, I must painfully say that we have lost not less than N200 million worth of cars and properties to the hoodlums who came from nowhere to attack us.

We never participated in the ENdSARS protests; we have been here for a very long time. We are peaceful people and we will remain so.

We are using this opportunity to plead with the FCT administration to give us a better place to build our mechanic village so that we can also fence it appropriately to avoid disasters like this, Chimeze-Ife said.

Source: NAN News

By Zubairu Idris

Katsina State Government in collaboration with United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID), has disbursed N188 million as scholarship to 3,735 girls.

The girls were supported under the Female Teacher Trainee Scholarship Scheme (FTTSS).

The Special Adviser to Gov. Aminu Masari on Girl Child Education and Child Development, Hajiya Amina Lawal-Dauda, made the disclosure during a news conference on Thursday in Katsina.

She said the programme was aimed at enrolling young girls from rural poor families to pursue National Certificate on Education (NCE) at Isah Kaita College of Education, Dutsinma.

Lawal-Dauda said that after their graduation, the girls would return to their respective communities and teach.

According to her, that would assist in addressing the issue of inadequate female teachers in primary schools in the state.

She revealed that the funds were being given to the beneficiaries from the inception of the administration to date.

The Special Adviser explained that the beneficiaries were girls with five credits and above from the 34 local government areas of the state.

She said that each girl was given N50,000 as scholarship annually.

Lawal-Dauda said that the girls would serve as role model, thereby assist to increase girls enrollment.

She added that the scheme also serve as poverty reduction mechanism and help to enhance economic activities in rural communities in the state.

The special adviser further said that the government had expended N19.5 million to support 3,610 orphans and other vulnerable children during COVID-19 lockdown.

She also said that the department had undertaken advocacy visits to stakeholders on how to address rampant cases of rape in the state.

Lawal-Dauda said that the department train girls on home management before marriage as part of measures to reduce rampant cases of divorces.

She added that girls were being trained on skills acquisition to make them self-reliant while in their matrimonial homes.

Source: NAN News