#ENDSARS protesters

By Chijioke Okoronkwo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

On Oct. 8, a wave of protests against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police Force erupted in many cities across the country.

The protests were triggered by a video trending online showing a young man allegedly shot by SARS operatives at Ughelli, Delta; an allegation the police denied.

The predominantly young remonstrators with the hastag #ENDSARS sought the dissolution of the unit and end to police brutality.

By most accounts, the protests seemed to have been accentuated by resentments built up by previous and recent alleged incidents of extra-judicial killings, harassment and extortion on citizens by SARS operatives.

Worthy of note, before the situation snowballed into street protests, the Federal Government had waded in with a view to finding a lasting and assuaging solution.

On Oct. 4, at the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo met with the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mohammed Adamu, at his residence over concerns on the activities of SARS.

Adamu was prompted to ban SARS, other tactical squads from undertaking routine patrols as well as stop and search duties.

The vice president said he was concerned andangry that young men and women, who were arrested, were in some cases, maimed or killed by men of the Nigeria Police Force.

He said that the president wasdispleased about reports on activities of SARS and resolved to ensure reforms.

Such violations are completely unacceptable because these are individuals who are meant to protect Nigerians.

The arrests, maiming or killings of young people or anyone at all, is completely wrong.

It is unlawful and illegal and anyone involved in this act ought to be investigated and prosecuted.

Today, I had a meeting with the I-G and we reviewed several of these issues.

The president is very concerned about it; he wants to see a reform.

Again, on Oct. 10, Osinbajo met with the 1-G, Director-General, Department of State Services(DSS), Yusuf Bichi and Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission(NHRC), Tony Ojukwu, to determine the next steps toward addressing concerns of Nigerians on the excesses of SARS.

The vice president and the I-G afterward briefed Buhari who gave further directives to the I-G on the matter.

Buhari said he was being briefed regularly on the reform efforts aimed at ending police brutality and unethical conduct, and ensure that the police are fully accountable to the people.

The president urged all citizens to show more understanding and patience as government would continue to do its best in protecting lives and property of Nigerians.

I met again with the I-G tonight; our determination to reform the police should never be in doubt.

I am being briefed regularly on the reform efforts ongoing to end police brutality and unethical conduct, and ensure that the police are fully accountable to the people.

The I-G already has my firm instructions to conclusively address the concerns of Nigerians regarding these excesses, and ensure erring personnel are brought to justice.

I appeal for patience and calm; even as Nigerians freely exercise their right to peacefully make their views known.

On Oct. 11, as the protests raged and neared crescendo, Nigerians got pacifying news from the I-G; he announced the dissolution of SARS across police commands in the country.

Adamu said that the dissolution was in response to the yearnings of Nigerians.

He said that by the disbandment, all officers and men of the defunct SARS would be redeployed.

The I-G said that the force was mindful of the need to combat armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the country which was the core mandate of the erstwhile squad.

Adamu said that a new policing arrangement to address anticipated policing gaps by the dissolution of SARS had evolved and would be announced in due course.

As part of measures to prevent a recurrence of events that gave rise to the dissolution of SARS, a Citizens and Strategic Stakeholders Forum is being formed.

He said the forum would regularly interface with police leadership at all levels and advise on police activities as they affect the general public.

In addition, the force is constituting an Investigation Team which shall include civil society organisations and human rights bodies to work with the police in investigating alleged cases of human rights violations, Adamu said.

The inspector-general commended Nigerians, who genuinely expressed their concerns for a better policing orientation in an organised, patriotic and civil manner.

The I-G pledged the commitment of the force to bequeath to the country, a Police Force and system that would be accountable and professional in service delivery.

The dissolution of the unit has elicited reactions from the president, vice president, governors and other notable Nigerians even as protests remained active in some areas.

Buhari said that disbanding of SARS was the first step to extensive police reforms by his administration

He also directed that all those responsible for misconduct or wrongful acts be brought to justice.

I will like to use this opportunity to say a word on the recent genuine concerns and agitations by Nigerians about the excessive use of force and in some cases extra-judicial killings and wrongful conduct of the men of the Nigerian Police Force.

The disbanding of SARS is only the first step in our commitment to extensive police reforms in order to ensure that the primary duty of the police and other law enforcement agencies remains the protection of lives and livelihood of our people.

We will also ensure that all those responsible for misconduct or wrongful acts are brought to justice.

We deeply regret the loss of life of the young man in Oyo State during the recent demonstrations.

I have directed that the circumstances of his death should be thoroughly investigated.

Meanwhile, it is important to recognise that the vast majority of men and women of the police force are hardworking and diligent in performing their duties.

The few bad eggs should not be allowed to tarnish the image and reputation of the force, the president said.

Osinbajo, on his part, said that there was a clear message of governments commitment to ensuring reforms.

He said that those who had committed wrongful acts would be duly investigated and prosecuted.

And that whatever replaces SARS is something that is acceptable, and comply with all tenets of the rule of law.

I think these are deep issues that we are all concerned about; I dont think one person is more concerned than others.

I have also been involved in many cases of many young people trying to resolve these kinds of conflicts that have been reported.

I think it is a good moment for the police force and for all of us to try and reform the police; we are all committed to it, he said.

In his reaction, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta described the dissolution of SARS as a welcome development.

Sharing similar sentiments, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said that the dissolution of SARS by the I-G was a victory for Nigerian youths.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu have all backed the dissolution of SARS.

More so, the Voice of Nigeria Youths (VONY), a youth group, applauded Buhari, Osinbajo and the I-G on the dissolution of SARS.

The groups founder, Temilade Okesanjo,congratulated Nigerian youths for lending their voices online and offline to the need to #ENDSARS and reform the Nigerian Police Force agitation.

Nonetheless, some protesters, while appreciating governments responsiveness, say more pragmatic steps were needed to soothe their anger.

They demand immediate release of all arrested protesters; justice for all deceased victims of police brutality and appropriate compensation for their families; setting up an independent body to oversee the investigation and prosecution of all reports of police misconduct within 10 days.

Also, the protesters demand that in line with the new police act, psychological evaluation and retraining of all disbanded SARS, should be carried out before redeployment.

They also demanded higher pay for police officer, and equipping the police adequately to boost the protection of lives and property of citizens.

Perceptive observers say that the government has been reasonably responsive in handling the issue.

They hold that investigating and bringing to book all ex-SARS operatives involved in extrajudicial killings and other human rights abuses will go a long way in smothering the flames in the streets. (NANFeatures)

Source: NAN News

Stakeholders on police reform with IGP Mohammed Adamu and DBanj, standing behind

By Emmanuel Afonne

Popular Nigerian artiste Mr Oladapo Oyebanjo, aka DBanj, has advocated for a total overhaul of the countrys policing structure to reflect a people oriented system.

DBanj made the call in a statement he issued on Tuesday after a stakeholders meeting held with the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu, against the backdrop of widespread protest against police brutality.

He said the new Nigeria police should have regards for peoples rights, due process and constitutional law as contained in the five-point demand of protestors.

The protesters had demanded an order by the Inspector-General of Police to all State Commands to halt the use of force against protesters; Unconditional release of arrested protesters and citizens.

They also demanded open communication and outreach to citizens to establish trust and confidence as well as a roadmap for the implementation of the White Paper of the Presidential Panel on the Reform of the SARS.

DBand noted that the nationwide protest against police brutality stemmed from the general distrust held by the public against the Police from years of abuse, disregards for rights and due process.

He urged the Federal Government to follow through the demands of the protestors with intent and purpose as to restore public faith in the police as agents of civil order.

The musician expressed faith that the leadership of the police would follow through with calls for public reform, and commended the Inspector-General of Police for embracing dialogue and consultation to ensure a reformed Police.

He commended the resilience of the youths who led a nationwide protest for the dissolution of the Federal Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS).

The peaceful protest is indeed a constitutional right, and as the young public continues to press home the vagaries of its demand, the Police must desist from the use of force to quell the protesters, he said.

DBanj regretted the avoidable deaths that have been recorded before and during the protest and vowed that those deaths would not be in vain as culpable officers should be identified and prosecuted. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Free Trade Zone

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has urged the Federal Government and Private Sector to ensure that the Free Trade Zone scheme is strengthened through improved legal framework and global best practices.

Alhaji Adamu Fanda, newly-appointed Chairman of NEPZA Board, made the call during his first official visit to the authoritys headquarters on Tuesday in Abuja.

Fanda, in a statement by Mr Martins Odeh Head, Corporate Communications, NEPZA, said for Nigeria to catch up on genuine economic growth and industrialisation, the scheme
must be strengthened through sustained investments.

The chairman saidthat a well implemented Free Trade Zone (FTZ) regime had proven to be a catalyst for manufacturing and economic growth in several parts of the world.

He said that the country must ramp up its empowerment of NEPZA through urgent legal reforms.

Fanda said it must also do so through compliance by all government agencies to the provision of the authoritys Act that allowed operations in zones to be tax free.

China, Dubai, Japan and South Korea are great examples of how special economic zones can be used to increase manufacturing capacity and deepen foreign exchange earnings.

African countries like South Africa, Egypt, Kenya and our neighbour, Ghana, are deploying the model to great advantage.

Nigeria cannot be an exception. FTZs must work to fulfil President Muhammadu Buharis agenda for an industrialised Nigeria, Fanda said.

He pledged to support the management of the authority with due process and accountability to realise its mandate, and promised extensive advocacy in support of the FTZs.

The chairman said that the management would find in the board an ever-willing body devoted to smooth and open process to drive expansion of free zones for the development of Nigeria.

On his part, NEPZA Managing Director, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, described Fandas appointment as timely and a commendable decision in the best interest of the authority and the country.

Adesugba described the chairman as an experienced private and public sector figure.

He noted that several critical decisions and issues could now be addressed to advance ongoing reforms of the agency.

We thank President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Industry,
Trade and Investment, Mr Adeniyi Adebayo, for appointing a seasoned figure as our Board
Chairman.

Going by his antecedent and records, we all share the vision of the President for a new Nigeria with strong industrial sector, creating jobs and attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

We are even more elated that our chairman is not just a product of the private sector, but has strong links and contacts as a former member of the legislature.

As we launch our legislative agenda for the amendment of NEPZA Act to address loopholes in the authoritys legal framework and update it in line with current realities, we will be relying heavily on the chairmans goodwill to fast track the process, Adesugba said.

The managing director stated thatthe paramount goal was to ensure the realisation of the authoritys mandate.

He said that the board was avital organ without which the management would struggle to achieve its core goals and objectives. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Road Construction

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that by adopting Public Private Partnerships (PPP) cost-effective measures, the Federal Government is delivering 19 road projects across the six geo-political zones in the country totaling 780.15km.

Osinbajos spokesmans Laolu Akande, in a statement, said the Vice President spoke at a webinar on Public-Private Partnerships on Tuesday.

The webinar was organised by the Law firm of Yusuf Ali and Co in collaboration with the Business Law Department of the Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin.

Osinbajo listed some of the road projects being undertaken by private companies and advancing to completion.

The reconstruction of Apapa-Oshodi-Oworonshoki-Ojota Road in Lagos State34 km by Dangote Industries Limited.

The reconstruction of Obajana-Kabba Road in Kogi State43km by Dangote Industries Limited.

The construction of Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges across Opobo Channel in Rivers State38km by the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Limited.

Osinbajo said that in 2017, the Federal Government introduced the Road Trust Fund (RTF).

He said that the fund was a tax credit scheme to incentivise private sector participation in the development of federal road infrastructure.

The relief is enjoyed by a deduction of 50 per cent of the amount spent on the project from the income tax that would have been payable by the company.

The Vice President also referred to the Executive Order No. 007 of 2019, the Companies Income Tax (Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme).

The objective of the Scheme is to accelerate public road infrastructure development by incentivising private sector entities to construct and refurbish eligible roads across the country in exchange for tax credits, which could then be applied against company income tax payable.

19 roads have been approved so far by this administration under the Scheme, totaling, 780.15 km.

These roads, in eleven (11) States across the six geo-political zones, are being executed by six private sector players in the manufacturing and construction industries.

He emphasised the importance of PPPs in funding critical infrastructure projects.

First, public revenue both for States and the Federal government have fallen precipitously in the wake of the disruptions of the COVID 19 pandemic.

For the Federal Government, barely 30 per cent of the budget is available for capital expenditure, besides a national infrastructure deficit. So, clearly there is a need to bring in the considerably larger size of private capital to participate in public infrastructure projects.

Dangotes Lekki project comprising a refinery, fertilizer factory, and a subsea pipeline is estimated to cost 15 billion dollarsabout N6 trillion almost half of the entire federal budget of N13 trillion, he said.

He added that access to capital from international commercial lenders was cheaper for private companies with a good reputation.

Osinbajo said that in thinking through the PPP framework, stakeholders must factor some of its challenges; especially in PPPs where the private partners compensation was from user-based payments such as tolls on roads or fees in an airport concession.

Citing an example with the Lekki-Epe road concessioning, the Vice President said it was one of the best models.

He said that a number of foreign banks and infrastructure companies were involved in it. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Sanwo-Olu, presenting Lagos protesters letter to Buhari

By Ismaila Chafe

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Tuesday met behind closed doors with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja, where he presented a letter written by some EndSARS protesters to the president.

Speaking to State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, the governor disclosed that the president assured the youths that their letter was already receiving the needed attention.

He said Lagos State Government had already started implementing two of the demands of the protesters as some arrested persons were already being released.

The governor said: I just had a brief meeting with Mr President. The essence of the meeting is to pass on the clarion call of all our youths that are protesting in different parts of the country on the ENDSARS NOW.

Mr President graciously accepted the letter that was given to me by the youths to personally deliver to him. He graciously received the letter and we went through it very, very briefly.

I explained to him all the things that we are doing. Earlier today, I also met with the IGP, who also shared the same sentiments regarding the various well thought demands by youths.

He has also assured me that later today that they will be making further pronouncements.Part of the take away for me is that all the governors are on the same page, we are having a governors forum meeting tomorrow.

The IG will be briefing us at that meeting and further clear directives and decisions will be taken by all the governors.

I can tell you and all our youths out there that Mr President has listened, your letter is documented, it has received attention and he has assured me that all of the things that you have said there he will see how he will begin to implement them almost immediately.

The governor stated that Lagos State Government had pushed ahead to implement parts of the demands put forward by the aggrieved youths.

And in partnership with the youth, we understand and we feel for them. They have spoken and spoken very well and we heard loud and clear, nationally and internationally.

So, I believe it has been a just cause, its a cause that is worth fighting for. We have made them realize that we have listened to them as their leaders and have taken up the pieces of all the lessons.

We have all learnt from it and we believe that not only will we see a better police reform, a better relationship between the government and the ones that are governed but we will begin to see a better relationship at all spheres of government going forward, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

JAMB headquarters in Abuja

By Nathan Nwakamma

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has shut down seven examination centres in Bayelsa over alleged violation of rules and regulations guiding the examinations.

JAMB coordinator in the state, Abdusalam Mohammed, announced the development on Tuesday in Yenagoa when he paid a courtesy call on the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state is now left with only four centres to cater for its 24,000 candidates.

Mohammed explained that some of the centres were de-listed for duplicating the Virtual Private Network (VPN) of their router, a development that compromised the data security of JAMB.

He said that others were shut down for charging outrageous sums during registration.

When the registration exercise commenced, we sent out a monitoring team who found that candidates were charged N5,000 for a service that should ordinarily cost N2,500, Mohammed said.

On JAMBs readiness to conduct examination in the COVID-19 era, Mohammed said that the body was training its staff during the lockdown.

We also sensitised candidates and provided personal prevention equipment.

In order to reduce the crowd at our office during registration, we set out specific days that candidates could visit us. The intention was to reduce body contact between staff and candidates.

Before the outbreak of COVID-19, we used to ask candidates to thumb-print documents, but that has been stopped so as to curtail the spread of the virus.

We have replaced that with a One-Time Password (OTP), which is sent to the candidate. The OTP will verify the candidate and confirm if he or she is the original owner of that particular application.

In the past, it was difficult to have 20,000 candidates for JAMB, but this year, the number has skyrocketed to 24,000 candidates, meaning that there is an improvement in the enrollment of students in Bayelsa.

Unfortunately, awareness of our activities is low in Bayelsa. That is why we have come to visit you, Mohammed explained.

Responding, the Chairman of NUJ, Mr Samuel Numonengi, frowned at the activities of the operators of the examination centres de-listed, saying that their actions were detrimental to progress in the state.

We cannot stand people jeopardising the future of our children in Bayelsa.

I want to join you to condemn their actions and encourage parents and candidates to stand up against any form of infraction perpetrated by these individuals that have questionable character.

In the past, JAMB had a strong synergy with journalists, but that relationship is weak now. So, I want to encourage you to build that synergy so as to educate our people and shore up our fortunes, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Dr Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment

By Naomi Sharang

The Federal Government, on Tuesday, said it might consider adoption of University Transparency Account System (UTAS) presented by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

UTAS, proposed by ASUU to the Federal Government, is an alternative emoluments payment platform to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

The Labour Minister, Sen. Chris Ngige, said this while addressing newsmen after about two and half hours closed door meeting with the leaderships of the Senate and ASUU.

Ngige said that the alternative payment platform presented by ASUU was home grown and worth given thorough assessment test.

We agreed at the meeting to give required consideration to the UTAS alternative they came up with as a way of finding lasting solution to the lingering crisis over implementation of IPPIS.

We have neither jettisoned the implementation of the IPPIS nor fully accepted UTAS .

The level we moved to now is to subject ASUUs scheme to integrity test and in doing so, it will be presented to users like the office of Accountant General of the Federation on Wednesday .

After that, it will be sent to the National Information Technology Development Agency ( NITDA) and from there to the office of the National Security Adviser for second look.

The platform is an option grown device that requires stage by stage consideration and from the looks of things is good, he said.

Confirming the head way achieved at the meeting, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TetFund, Sen. Ahmad Baba Kaita, said that the interface had not ended, but a stage of compromise is getting closer between the two parties.

The meeting brokered by the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, among other stakeholders, achieved a lot today with agreement on the need to subject the UTAS alternative brought forward by ASUU for integrity test by all relevant departments of the government, he said.

The ASUU leadership, however, refused to speak to the press after the closed door meeting, but were in good mood apparently due to governments decision to consider the alternative platform. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Senate President Ahmed Lawan

By Kingsley Okoye

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, said Nigerians acted within their rights to protest the killings and brutality against citizens by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) across the country.

Lawan made the statement at Tuesdays plenary in his concluding remarks on a matter of personal explanation into the murder of Jimoh Isiaka by the Police, and attack on the Palace of Soun of Ogbomoso Land during the recent #EndSARS protest in some states across the country.

The Senate President while commenting on the development which was sparked by SARS brutality against Nigerians, described previous conduct of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad as unacceptable.

SARS was funded by public funds and the entire essence of having the Nigeria Police Force is to ensure that there is law and order, and that there is security for our people.

When SARS turned against the people, it was right for the people to protest peacefully, Lawan said.

The Senate President also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for promising to bring to justice all those involved in perpetrating various atrocities against Nigerians.

He, therefore, prevailed on Nigerians to suspend the #EndSARS protest, particularly in view of the recent disbandment of the police unit by the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.

Lawan assured that those found culpable of Police brutality against Nigerians would be brought to face the weight of the law.

I think the protest has yielded the desired result so far, and there may not be need to continue to have protests again when SARS has been disbanded.

Those culprits who were involved in the killing and maiming of Nigerians will be brought to book.

I think we should give the government the chance to implement those reforms as quickly as possible, the Senate President appealed.

Sen. Buhari Abdulfatai (APC-Oyo North), while coming under Order 43 of the Senate Standing Rules, noted with grief the death of Jimoh Isiaka and several other promising youth.

He said that their lives were cut short at their prime during the recent #EndSARS protest, which started on Oct. 8.

According to the lawmaker, the right to peaceful assembly and free expression as a fundamental principle of any democracy, is enshrined in Section 40 of Nigeria Constitution 1999.

He said the section guarantees the right of every Nigerian to peaceful protest.

Abdulfatai decried the #EndSARS protest, which he said, resulted into a confrontation between the security operatives and the protesting youth in some parts of country such as Ogbomoso in Oyo State, where violence was recorded.

For instance, the Nigeria Police were alleged to have injured seven (7) protesters and shot dead a young man known as Jimoh Isiaka, a Constituent of mine during the protest, the lawmaker lamented.

He added that as a reaction to the death of Jimoh Isiaka, the palace of the Paramount Ruler of the city, the Soun of Ogbomoso land, was attacked by the protesters who destroyed property and vehicles, with some palace officials sustaining injuries.

Also, Sen. Richas Okorocha (APC-Imo West), kicked against the arrest and detention of #EndSARS protesters across the country by the Police.

He stressed the need for those arrested during the protests to be released from detention unconditionally by the Police so as to calm frayed nerves.

Okorocha called on the Federal Government to prosecute police officers who went out of the rules of engagement to harm Nigerians during the protests.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Pauline Tallen, Women Affairs Minister

By Naomi Sharang

The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, on Tuesday, said that out of the 36 states in the country, 11 states had yet to domesticate the Child Rights Act which was passed into law in 2003.

She made this known during a public hearing in Abuja organised by the Senate Committee on Women Affairs on two bills: Older Persons Rights and Privileges Bill 2020 and The Child Rights Act, 2003 Amendment Bill 2020.

According to Tallen, since her assumption into office, she has been working round the clock, reaching out to governors and members of the Houses of Assembly in the various states to ensure that the Act is domesticated in the states.

But the good news is that we are making some progress. Out of the 36 states we now have 25 states that have domesticated the Act.

Im still not too happy that we still have 11 states that are yet to domesticate the Act.

However, Im reaching out. I just returned from an advocacy tour of some of the states and Im still moving on until I cover the 11 states.

I have just returned from Adamawa, Bauchi and Gombe. The three States I have visited since after the COVID-19 and they have reassured me because I addressed the Houses of Assembly of the three states and had public hearing with stakeholders.

The minister further assured that before the end of 2020, all states would have domesticated the Act.

She described the two bills as life saving bills particularly the Child Rights Act bearing in mind the events that were unfolding in the country as a result of rape and gender-based violence particularly as it affected minors and innocent children who are vulnerable members of the society.

The old persons are not left out of it and it is heart breaking that this vulnerable class has been so badly abused by evil men in our society.

A former Senator representing Adamawa North Senatorial District called for the liberation of the child from all forms of abuse.

COVID-19 has opened our eyes to a lot of things especially on the vulnerable children, the girl-children.

I have said it that the girl-child is instrumental to the development of Nigeria. When you train a child, a girl-child, you are not only training a child, you are training a generation.

Also speaking, Sen. Eze Ajoku, President of Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria, said that it was the coming together of the coalition that gave birth to the bill.

He said that the bill was the first attempt to bring out Nigerian older persons in any form of bill that would determine their rights and privileges.

Ajoku said the bill provided for some discounts for older persons in private hospitals whereas it wasnt obtainable in Federal Government Hospitals where most of the older persons were attended to.

Sponsor of the bill, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun (APC-Ogun), said that the bill was read for the first time on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019, and also read for the second time on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

Amosun said that the bill when passed, would ensure that any person convicted of attempted rape should be unsuitable to work with children.

Apart from the existing punitive measures in relation to sexual offences against children, the thrust of this Bill is preventive in nature, and it is in line with the time-tested wisdom that says prevention is better than cure.

This bill further gives protection to the Nigerian child against sexual violence and abuse suffered in the hands of caregivers and others, whom for lack of appropriate legal restrictions, have found themselves in positions that give them undue advantage and access to the children.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Dr Lamido Yuguda,

By Ginika Okoye

Dr Lamido Yuguda, the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), on Tuesday said research was critical for growth and development of Nigerias capital market.

Yuguda said this at a virtual symposium organised by the Nigerian Capital Market Institute (NCMI) and the Capital Market Academics of Nigeria (CMAN) in Abuja.

He said research was needed in investment performance management, efficiency of tax policies, securitisation of various financial and other physical assets, among others, to develop the market.

Yuguda called on capital market academics to collaborate with stakeholders in the industry to address the market challenges to meet set targets.

We urge CMAN to continue to encourage its members to conduct market-based and empirical research in the capital market such that practical recommendations may serve as policy inputs to the regulators and other stakeholders.

This symposium will go a long way to engender interest in capital market research among the academia, and deepen the knowledge of the capital market in Nigerian institutions.

It will also raise the bar in capital market literacy, he said.

He assured stakeholders that the commission was committed to developing and enforcing relevant rules and regulations that would further develop and deepen the market.

Uche Uwaleke, Professor of Capital Market and the President of CMAN, lamented that the countrys capital market was not where it should be.

Uwaleke said that tangible collaboration with the academia would be a game changer in efforts geared toward the development of the market.

He recommended the introduction of capital market programmes in universities through the National Universities Commission and the development of effective dialogue with academics involved in capital market research.

The Managing Director of NCMI, Mr Ismaila Ville, said the institute was set up as a training arm of SEC to provide capital market education for its staff and the capital market community.

Mr Oscar Onyema, the Chief Executive Officer, the Nigerian Stock Exchange, said the symposium would bridge the knowledge gap that existed in the countrys capital market.

Onyema said the partnership between the market and the academia would bring enhanced investments to create an engine for innovations and economic growth.

World-class research universities are at the forefront of pioneering such partnerships. I am happy that the academia in Nigeria are beginning to look in this partnership direction, he said.

The Group Managing Director of the FMDQ, Mr Bola Onadele, stressed the need for the capital market to support the academia first before expecting the assistance in return.

Mrs Toyin Sanni, the Chief Executive Officer, Emerging Africa Capital Group, said that the academia had a huge role to play in the development of the capital market.

Sanni called for an improved capital market education and literacy programme to help the public to understand investment decisions and risks associated with it.

There is capacity gap and we operators are feeling it. We need the support of the academia in this, she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the symposium was themed: Role of the Academia in the Development of the Nigerian Capital Market. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Intl friendly: Save Super Eagles, sack Rohr now, Gaiya urges NFF

By Emmanuel Afonne

Godfrey Gaiya, a former House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Sports, has called for the sack of Super Eagles Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr following the teams poor outing in the two international friendlies played in Austria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles ended their Tuesdays friendly with Tunisias Carthage Eagles 1-1, four days after they lost 0-1 to the Desert Foxes of Algeria in a similar encounter.

Gaiya in an interview with NAN after the match said that Rohr was good as his last games.

He wondered what would happen in a competitive match if the highly rated coach could not defeat any African opponent in both friendlies played in Austria.

We need another coach that will give us a national team; Gernot Rohr keeps embarking on trials.

He brings people from nowhere to come and do what they like, and tomorrow, he brings a new set.

We dont have a team. We have always advocated for a very competent coach, whether foreign or local because the colour of ones skin does not give him or her credentials of a good coach.

A good coach is a coach that can transform our football and uplift our game to enable Nigeria be among best football playing countries. I am particular about what the coach is bringing in to the national team.

I want to see my national team rated among the best. I know we have players that can do that, but as it is now, we cannot see anything good, Gaiya said.

The former lawmaker urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to review its contract with Rohr, noting that rewards and sanctions must be part of every contract if positive results must be achieved.

Gaiya added that the Super Eagles cannot remain stagnant because of the contract given to an individual.

In every contract you sign there are clauses and rules of engagement and there are conditions for the contract to be valid.

So, if I sign a contract with a low achiever and I have an ambition to get to somewhere and I know that the contract I signed with Mr A cannot take me to where I am going to, then, I should apply the clauses to cancel out the deal.

At any point in time, if there is any reason to be convinced that my employee cannot take me to where I am going, I cannot be tied down because I signed a contract.

So if the contract that was signed cannot take us to where we are going, then let it be quickly reviewed to enable Nigeria get to its football destination, he added.

Gaiya stressed that good coaches usually deliver on tough assignments or matches, Rohr should not be an exception to the norm.

Source: NAN News

Gov. Hope Uzodimma

By Jessica Onyegbula

Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo is to head the governors committee for the December Christian Pilgrimage in Israel, being organised by the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC).

Executive Secretary of NCPC, Rev. Yakubu Pam, announced this when Uzodimma paid a solidarity visit to the Commissions boss in his office.

Pam said the Imo governor would be expected to mobilise his colleague governors for them to be actively involved in the forth coming pilgrimage to the Holy land where a prayer session would be organised for the country.

We have this programme A Day With Jesus in Israel which we are believing God that we will have the Deputy Senate President and the Vice President in attendance; we will make sure we all take part.

Its purely a prayer retreat where we pray for Nigeria because that is the only thing we need now.

The governor will support us in terms of mobilising his colleague governors, politicians and businessmen in the country; we see him as our ambassador who will help to realise Mr Presidents ambition.

There are challenges all over the world; these challenges cannot be solved by an individual and so we should have faith in God and believe in the unity of this country.

We also ask the young ones to be patient; we know things are not easy now but by the Grace of God, we will reach there.

However, we plead with everybody to be patient because we cant destroy what our founding fathers have done by giving us a good country.

We will continue to build from where they stopped, Pam said.

He described the governor as a man of hope whose dream had always been accompanied by faith.

Responding, Uzodimma thanked Pam for the confidence reposed in him and assured that he would work with the business community and his colleague governors to mobilise enough people to the Holy land for the special prayer for Nigeria.

According to him, Nigeria has surmounted so many challenges including terrorists attacks, kidnapping, banditry as well as the anti-SARS protests but is still united as a nation.

Giving the situation of the country, whatever we can do to support our routine pilgrimage to the holy land, we will be there to support and assist.

Its about our faith to encourage evangelisation.

Once your conscience is clear and you are doing the right thing, your prayers will be answered.

There is reason to thank God for protecting us. Look at the death all over the world because of Coronavirus, but God protected many of our citizens.

Look at the insecurity in the North East, the kidnapping and all sorts of crime, but God has always been with us.

So, having been appointed to do this job, I feel honoured and I have to do it with my strength.

God will continue to intervene in our challenges and make us to grow from strength to strength, Uzodinma said.

He urged the youth not to allow themselves to be used by enemies to destabilise the country which our founding fathers had bestowed on us.

The governor also pleaded with them to shun the ongoing protests and not to add to the challenges facing the country. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

By Florence Onuegbu

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has directed the Police to release all those arrested during the #EndSARS protests.

To that end, the Police had released the following individuals: Nkemakolam Okpara Felicia, female; Nduka Treasure Chiamaka, female; Adefila Olanrewaju, male; Adeola Adebayo, male; Ayodeji Ayeni, male; and Adebola Ojabodu.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso on Tuesday reiterated the need for the youth to reciprocate the Lagos State Governments gesture by shunning further protests.

He urged them to allow the government to take steps to resolve the situation that sparked the protests. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Buhari and Xi Jinping

By Lizzy Okoji

The Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China has pledged to promote education exchange and cooperation between China and Nigeria, saying that this has always been its top priority.

Mr Zhao Yong, Deputy Ambassador of the Chinese Embassy in Abuja, made this known on Monday during the presentation ceremony of the China-Nigeria friendship award ceremony on Oct. 1 to outstanding secondary school students and teachers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the award to the teachers and students in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is the third in the series.

A total of six million naira was expended on the project, with each school benefitting 500,000, from which the award of N10,000 in cash went to each of the 120 students across 10 schools in the FCT and N20,000 to each of 24 teachers from the same schools.

The award which was earlier presented to employees of indigenous Chinese Companies in Nigeria and some students of the University of Abuja is in commemoration of Chinas National Day and Nigerias Independence.

Saying that education is top priority of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhao said education remains the cornerstone of a nations development.

Zhao said I hope all the beneficiaries will keep up the constant efforts and excel in your teaching or learning. I sincerely wish you all success in the future.

Speaking to NAN on the sidelines of the event, Mr Li Xuda, Director of the China Cultural Center in Abuja, said the future of a country is totally dependent on education, adding that there is the need to pay more attention to the education sector.

Also speaking, Alhaji Yahaya Muhammad, Chairman, FCT Secondary Education Board, appreciated the Chinese government for its unrelenting support to schools in the FCT and across the country.

Muhammad said the FCT Secondary School Education Board is happy celebrating 15 years of cooperation with the Chinese Embassy which has been of mutual benefit to the two parties.

He said that the partnership has further promoted cultural and educational exchanges between Nigeria and China, and has strengthened bilateral relations.

Mrs Fatima Baba. Director, Co-Curricular of the Board, said the Chinese Embassy has been of immense support to the growing educational sector in Nigeria and urged other Embassies to show their support.

One of the beneficiaries of the award, Ms Esther Okoye of the Government Secondary School, Asokoro, appreciated the Embassy for recognizing their efforts.

Okoye said the award will spur her to work harder and strive for more academic excellence. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Stock Exchange Market building Lagos

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

The nations bourse opened trading on Monday on a negative trend with the market indicators declining by 0.27 per cent, amid sell pressure in 16 stocks.

Specifically, the All-Share Index dipped 77.82 points or 0.27 per cent to close at 28,337.49 from 28,415.31 achieved on Friday.

Also, the market capitalisation which opened at N14.852 trillion lost N41 billion to close at N14.811 trillion.

The downtrend was impacted by losses recorded in large and medium capitalised stocks, amongst which are; Flour Mills, BUA Cement, MTN Nigeria Communications, International Breweries and Africa Prudential.

Analysts at Afrinvest Ltd. anticipated losses in the market to be sustained due to profit taking by investors.

Market sentiment, as measured by the market breadth, closed negative with 16 stocks compared with 13 gainers.

An analysis of price movement chart shows that
International Breweries led the losers chart in percentage terms, losing 9.11 per cent to close at N4.29 per share.

AXA Mansard trailed with 5.67 per cent to close at N1.83, while Flour Mills shed 4.55 per cent to close at N21per share.

Regency Alliance lost 4.35 per cent to close at 22k, while Portland Paints depreciated by 3.59 per cent to close at N2.15 per share.

Conversely, Eterna dominated the gainers chart in percentage terms, gaining 9.92 per cent to close at N3.99 per share.

Union Diagnostic came second with 8.33 per cent to close at 26k, while Transcorp rose by 4.84 per cent to close at 65k per share.

Cutix gained 4.65 per cent to close at N1.80, while Seplat appreciated by 2.44 per cent to close at N420 per share.

Also, the total volume of shares traded declined by 3.90 per cent with an exchange of 369.18 million shares worth N5.06 billion in 4,750 deals.

This was in contrast with a turnover of 384.14 million shares valued at N3.99 billion exchanged in 5,759 deals on Friday.

Transactions in the shares of United Bank for Africa topped the activity chart with 95.05 million shares valued at N678.74 million.

Guaranty Trust Bank accounted for 65.48 million shares worth N1.99 billion, while Zenith Bank sold 47.22 million shares valued at N944.31 million.

FBN Holdings accounted for 37.62 million shares worth N231.89 million, while Transcorp transacted 28.12 million shares valued at N18.17 million. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

WHO

By Cecilia Ologunagba

The World Health Organisation (WHO), Regional Office for Africa located in Brazzaville, Congo, says there are over 1.5 million confirmed COVID-19 cases on the African continent.

The UN health agency gave the update on its regional official Twitter account @WHOAFRO on Monday.

WHO stated on its dashboard that there were over 1.5 million confirmed COVID-19 cases on the African continent- with more than 1.3 million recoveries and 38,000 deaths cumulatively.

South Africa, Ethiopia and Kenya were countries with highest number of new reported cases.

According to the dashboard, South Africa reported 1, 575 new cases as at Oct. 12 with 692,471 cumulative cases.

Ethiopia has 866 new reported cases with 84,295 cumulative cases while Kenya has 388 new reported cases with 41,546 cumulative cases.

Meanwhile, the UN health agency said Nigeria had new 163 cases of COVID-19, bringing the countrys confirmed cases to 60,266. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Abujah Racheal

The Federal Government has said that the safe reopening of schools with respect to dates and modalities is the responsibility of the states.

Mr Boss Mustapha, Chairman, Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, in a briefing of the taskforce in Abuja on Monday, said that the federal government would only provide necessary guidelines for the reopening.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a debate on the safe reopening of schools had dominated the space of conversation by concerned Nigerians.

He said, We wish to reiterate that federating units have the responsibility of determining the dates and modalities for the safe reopening, while the Federal Government provides the guidelines.

Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said that the picture across the world on COVID-19 pandemic showed that Nigerians should not lower their guards.

The PTF is glad that the economy is opening up the more, but warns that as we continue to study developments in Europe and other parts of the world, no nation can be said to be immune to a possible second wave, if the guidelines and protocols are not adhered to strictly.

Nigerians need to anticipate this and prepare. Our hope and prayers are that it shall never happen.

For our proper information and guidance, the picture from around the world can be summarised as follows:

Over the last few days, global cases crossed the 37 million mark. In the UK, cases have been on the increase, and the 5th highest number of daily cases was recorded on Sunday, Oct. 11th with 12,872 cases.

Similarly, Brazils case load has also continued to increase with the registration of a daily case load of over 65,000 on the October 11, he said.

The chairman added that on the African continent, 8,987 cases were reported from 34 countries in the last 24 hours.

This, he said, had led to a cumulative total case count of 1,587,276, including 38,167 deaths, with the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) standing at 2.4 per cent.

He said that Nigeria maintains the 5th position (60,266) in highest cumulative cases after South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, and Ethiopia.

The PTF chairman said that the taskforce shall, within the week, unveil to Nigerians the next steps, regarding the remaining phase of the eased lockdown.

He notedthat findings and recommendations had been compiled and would be presented to President Muhammadu Buhari in 8th Interim Report.

Mustapha said that the PTF and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) had made appreciable progress in their discussions with the European Union (EU) over flight restrictions.

The discussion, he emphasised, was on entry of Nigerian nationals and holders of long-term Schengen Visas into the territory.

He expressed hope that there would be a favourable announcement on this soon.

Source: NAN News

Nigeria Police logo

By Zubairu Idris

Police in Katsina State have confirmed the killing of eight persons in an attack by gunmen on Shau village in the Ruwan-godiya community of Faskari Local Government Area of the state.

Police spokesman, Gambo Isah, a police superintendent, told newsmen that the incident occurred on Sunday night.

He said that the gunmen attacked Shau village, razed many houses and wrecked the vehicle of the village head.

He added that a combined team of security operatives was deployed to the area to engage the criminals who escaped from the counter-attack. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Nabilu Balarabe

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), confirmed 17 persons dead and four others sustained injuries ina ghastly motor accident on Kano-Potiskum Road.

Mr. Yelwa Dio, the FRSC Sector Commander in the state, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Monday.

Dio said that the accident occurred Sunday night, involving a bus that rammed into a truck.

Our rescue team discovered 21 persons in the two vehicles involved -14 males, one female adult and two female children, all perished in the accident.

The bodies of the deceased have been deposited in the General Hospital, Potiskum, and the injured are also receiving medical assistance in the hospital, Dio said.

He blamed the incident on speeding, lamenting that most drivers never needed to their warning .

If you must embark on night journeys, ensure your lightening system is functional.

Passengers must also ensure that they call drivers to order if they are speeding because if there is an accident, they will be involved, he said.

Source: NAN News

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The Federal Government has put in place skill acquisition and entrepreneurship training, for youths and women to combat desertification and improve livelihood of communities affected by it.

A statement signed by Mrs Pauline Sule, Head ,Press and Public Relations, National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) in Abuja on Monday, said the programme is carried out by the agency.

The statement said this became necessary following the devastating effects of desertification and land degradation caused partly by human activities in the country.

It quoted the Minister of Environment, Dr Mohammad Abubakar, who spoke at the flag-off ceremony in Kano, as saying the process of land degradation is driven largely by inappropriate land use and over exploitation of plants and water resources.

Abubakar said that behavioual change by the people could help revert the structure, hence the need to train the youths and women on various skills.

He said this would help transform unskilled hands into skilful, productive and efficient hands that have mastery of certain vocations.

The Minister said part of the mandate of the NAGGW is to improve the resilience of human and natural system in Sudo-Sahelian region of the country.

Another mandate is, facing challenges of climate change, land degradation, and desertification through sustainable ecosystem management and human capacity.

Abubakar said that it is in this regard that the agency has put in place five skills acquisition centres in Kano, Bauchi, Katsina, Sokoto and Yobe States, to train members of the affected communities in the 11 frontline states.

The 11 states are, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Yobe, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

Dr Bukar Hassan, Director- General (DG), NAGGW, urged the trainees to be attentive and make good utilisation of the training.

Hassan said 90 youths and women from Kano and Jigawa states have been selected for the training in Kano, while plans are in place for the training in the remaining nine states.

He added that each trainee will be given a starter pack to enable him begin the trade immediately without having to seek for initial capital.

The DG urged the beneficiaries to become masters of their own art, generate income, and ensure sustainable livelihood in their communities.

Source: NAN News