Inauguration of Strategic Management and Policy Studies Course 3/2020 of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) in Abuja

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Policy and Plans, Army, Lt.-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun, has charged senior officers of security agencies to strive to proffer knowledge based solution to the nations security challenges.

Adeosun made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at the ceremony for participants of Strategic Management and Policy Studies Course 3/2020 of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC).

He said that the course was conceived and developed as part of the mandate of NARC to proffer research based study to the defence and security challenges facing the nation.

Adeosun said that human resource development was required to effectively achieve the broad mandates given to the centre, hence the need to broaden the study module of the centre.

He said that as strategic leaders, knowledge was crucial to their activities, urging them to strive to learn as no knowledge can be lost.

According to him, critical thinking and emotional intelligence packages have been included into the strategic management component of the course because of their importance to strategic leadership.

However, emphasis is not only on the academic aspect as other factors were considered given the peculiar target audience which is the entire security architecture of the country.

Thus, security which in itself has expanded beyond the old synthetic dimension to now cover all human endaevours is a major factor in this course.

The programme is therefore designed to examine security through other lenses rather than the pure kinetic engagements which most of the participants are used to.

Consequently, factors like food security, physical security and employment amongst others are given adequate attention.

This is not done in isolation but we always commence with theoretical examination of policy formulation, interpretation and management which is referred to as grand strategy in some quarters particularly the military, he said.

The Director-General, NARC, Maj.-Gen. Abdulwahab Garba (Rtd), said the course was essentially aimed at looking at security from another perspectives other than the usual kinetic angle.

Garba disclosed that the centre had made effort to get across to different parts of the world with a view to bridging the gaps in the security architecture of the nation.

He said the review of course 2 had led to increment in what was being undertaken in course 3, adding that senior officers from various services had been brought together to share knowledge.

Garba said the current course had 22 participants including five women from Nigeria Army, Navy, Air Force, Defence Intelligence Agency, Federal Road Safety Corps and Nigerian Customs Service among others.

According to him, the course 3 has five participants from the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) as against one in the last course and for the first time, Nigerian Customs Service is participating.

These are practitioners in the defence and security architecture of Nigeria who are here to know themselves. It will go a long way in blocking the identified gaps in the defence and security of the country, he said.

Source: NAN News

President Muhammadu Buhari

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari says that Nigeria as an indivisible geo-political entity is more beneficial to its citizens than becoming units of nationalities.

Buhari gave the advice in a nationwide broadcast to mark the 60independence anniversary of Nigeria, Africas most populous nation.

According to him, Nigerians must collectively resolve to continue their journey beyond the recorded 60 years on the understanding that Nigeria as a geo-political entity will be more beneficial to every citizen.

We are greater together than being smaller units of nationalities, he asserted.

Buhari stated that citizens should continue to do the right things to promote unity and understanding among the diverse ethno-religious groups in the country, to achieve desired goals of nation building.

Fellow Nigerians, our history has shown that we are people that have the capacity to live peacefully with one another.

Fellow Nigerians, to achieve the great nation we desire, we need to solidify our strength, increase our commitment and encourage ourselves to do what is right and proper even when no one is watching.

Let us collectively resolve to continue our journey beyond the 60 years on the clear understanding that as a nation we are greater together than being smaller units of nationalities.

By the sufficient grace of God we shall come through current transient challenges.

The president also stressed the need for the country to begin a sincere process of national healing, saying that the current anniversary presented genuine opportunity to eliminate divisive tendencies among the people.

He advised citizens to always discard acts capable of dividing the nation or promoting primordial sentiments.

We need to begin sincere process of national healing and this anniversary presents a genuine opportunityto eliminate old and out-worn perceptions.

The stereotype of thinking of ourselves as coming from one part of the country before seeing ourselves as Nigerians is a key starting point to project us on the road to our deserved nations evolution and integration.

To start this healing process, we are already blessed with the most important asset any nation requires for such our people and this has manifested globally in the exploits of Nigerians in many fields.

It has been demonstrated time and time again that Nigerians in the diaspora frequently excel in science, technology, medicine, sports, arts and many other fields.

Similarly, the creativity, ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Nigerian at home has resulted to a global recognition of our endeavours.

The president expressed his optimism that Nigeria would achieve its set goals if citizens collectively pursued the nations aspirations together.

Im convinced that if we pursue our aspirations together we will be able to achieve whatever we desire, he added.

Buhari stressed that Nigerians, irrespective of their geo-political backgrounds must continue to show genuine commitment toward the survival of the country as a geo-political entity no matter the challenges facing the nation.

I chose the path of self-reflection because this is what I do on daily basis and I must confess that most times, I always felt the need for collective reflection.

I know that the foundation for a solid future which this administration is laying can only be sustainable if there is a collective commitment by Nigerians.

Nigeria is not a country for Mr President, any ruling or opposition party but a country for all of us and we must play our part, irrespective of the challenges we face to make this country what we desire.

To achieve this, we must focus our minds together as a people on ways of resolving the identified critical challenges that underline our present state.

According to him, these include evolving and sustaining a democratic culture that leaves power in the hands of the people:

Supporting the enthronement of rule of law, demanding accountability of elected representatives and contributing to good governance.

Increasing our commitment to peaceful co-existence in a peaceful, secure and united Nigeria;

Harnessing and optimizing our tremendous human and natural resources to attain our goal of being in the top 20 economies of the world and in the process;

Lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years and strengthening institutions to make them stronger in protecting national interests and imbibing tolerance in diversity. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Old people

By Ikenna Osuoha

Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN) has lamented the condition of many older persons in the country even as the country Marks 60 years of independence.

The President of the coalition, Sen. Eze Ajoku, while while congratulating the country on her 60th anniversary celebration in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said the state of many senior citizens was disturbing.

Ajoku, who regretted the dearth of quality healthcare facilities targeted at older persons to assist them in the ageing process was not helping matters.

He said there are no healthcare facilities and policies targeted at older persons. Most community healthcare centres are not functioning.

There is no social security and incentives for them, that is why many people become nervous approaching the 60 years retirement age.

There is no plan for older persons who are suffering from non communicable diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and some of them who are suffering from dementia are being branded as witches and wizards.

So the older persons are not enjoying any form of sympathy or benefit from Nigerians and government.

The coalition leader, therefore, called for a comprehensive health plan for older persons, and urged Nigerian to rise to the responsibilities of giving the much needed care to older persons.

According to him, government should begin to give discount for drugs of older persons suffering from non communicable diseases.

Ajoku emphasised the imperatives of giving priority to older persons, noting that Nigerian leaders were dominantly older persons.

The poor, the needy, the frail looking older persons are appealing to the leaders who are also older persons to give priority attention to senior citizens, he appealed.

He also urged government to aggregate the data of older persons in the country, using community based system for adequate planning and administration.

He said you can get data of older persons in two weeks from communities through councillors who represent the areas.

Ajoku stressed that Nigeria at 60 had attained old age and therefore ought to rise to the aspirations of older persons in terms of healthcare and social security. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

President Muhammadu Buhari

Source: NAN News

CGI, Muhammad Babandede during inspection of passport ofice in Abuja

By Ibironke Ariyo
The Federal Government has approved implementation of the New Visa Policy (NVP) and New Visa Fees.

The Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Mr Muhammad Babandede disclosed this in a statement by the Service Spokesman, Mr Sunday James on Thursday in Abuja.

Babandede said that the implementation of the new visa fees and Nigeria Visa Policy (NVP) 2020 commenced on Thursday.

The service wishes to inform the general public and the international community of the new visa fees approved by the Minister of Interior, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, which is based on the principles of reciprocity.

The service is inviting stakeholders, concerned authorities and individuals to visit the official website of the Service via for full details of the new visa fees for all countries and category of applicants, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government launched a New Visa Policy (NVP) on Feb. 4.

This was launched to boost the nations economy and allow travellers to visit Nigeria without visas and only commence the process of obtaining visa upon arrival into the country.

Source: NAN News

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)

By Jessica Dogo
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has lifted the suspension on Spectrum Trading Guidelines (STG) 2018, pending the conclusion of ongoing review.

Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, NCC Director, Public Affairs, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja said that the decision followed deliberations by the NCC Board at its special meeting.

Adinde said that the board resolved that the suspension be lifted and that relevant stakeholders should continue to operate the STG while the revised STG was being finalised in consultation with the industry.

He said that NCC had on May 27, 2020, announced the suspension of STG 2018 for the Nigerian telecommunications industry and informed all licensed telecoms operators, prospective investors, industry stakeholders and the general public of the decision.

Adinde said the board took the decision in response to telecommunications global dynamics, as well as the efforts to optimally utilise and maximise the benefits of Spectrum as a scarce resource.

According to Adinde, Spectrum is a limited resource, which, when inefficiently utilised, greatly limits broadband coverage and speed.

The current Spectrum Trading Guidelines were developed in 2018 after industry-wide consultations.

This instrument allows that the Spectrum resource be traded on the Secondary Market through Transfer, Sharing or Leasing (TSL) upon satisfying stipulated regulatory conditions.

The Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP), 2020-2025 launched by President Muhammadu Buhari in March 2020, requires that these Guidelines be reviewed to ensure that unutilised Spectrum is fairly traded to facilitate rollout by other operators among others.

The guidelines will also help to address the need for ubiquitous broadband deployment to accelerate penetration and access in line with the economic Agenda of the Federal Government, he said.

Source: NAN News

NAFDAC DG, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye

By Aderogba George
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it introduced e-registration to simplify the registration exercise for its customers.

NAFDACs Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

She also said the agency would embrace digitisation in carrying out its activities in order to reduce frequent human interaction.

Adeyeye noted that the reforms in the agency also involved the training of staff to meet the demands of various customers.

Part of the reforms, she added, is aimed at creating a disciplined workforce geared toward service delivery.

Our staff do so much work on daily basis.

We go through danger, including threat of kidnapping, and with all these, we have to have a disciplined workforce.

Our reform unit work round the clock, our staff have been trained, we are trying to look at the act regulating the agency and make sure we increase fines for those who violated our law.

National task force against counterfeit and unregulated products is resident in NAFDAC; there are also standby policemen who follow us during investigation.

We are mopping up the mess created in NAFDAC between 2011 and 2018, Adeyeye added.

She further said that the agency had decentralised power to zonal offices to allow for direct interaction with customers and promote the ease of doing business initiative.

Adeyeye stated that the agency is determined to promote Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

She said that the agency had decentralised the food and simple cosmetics to the zones to allow for direct interaction with customers.

Source: NAN News

By Martha Agas

Five prisoners who have been of good behaviour while in detention, have earned parole from Gov Simon Lalong of Plateau, as Nigeria marks its 60th independence anniversary.

Lalong granted them pardon on Thursday at Government House, Jos, at a one-day discussion with community leaders to deepen peace in Plateau.

In the spirit of Nigerias Diamond celebrations and in exercise of the powers conferred on me under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic as amended and on the recommendation of the state advisory Council on the prerogative of mercy, I hereby grant pardon to the following convicted persons who were of good behavior in detention.

Governor Lalong proclaimed as follows

Obinna John, initially sentenced to death by hanging, having served eight years, his death sentence had been commutted to 21 years in Prison.

Lengka Kurji, earlier sentenced to 36 months imprisonment, having served two years and nine months, has been granted absolute pardon.

Buhari Abubakar, initially sentenced to four years imprisonment, having served two years and ten months, has been granted absolute pardon.

David Luka, initially sentenced to three years imprisonment, having served two years and 11 months, is hereby granted absolute pardon.

Yau Bala, initially sentenced to three years imprisonment, having served two years and eight months, has been granted absolute pardon.

He urged them to cease the opportunity of their freedom to chart a new course for themselves , while contributing to the progress of the country.

He said the discussion tagged Building Peaceful, Safer and Secure Communities in Plateau States calls for achieving a stable, peaceful and prosperous society, through cooperation of all stakeholders.

He said the meeting was also to explore ways which the state government can work with critical stakeholders, to entrench the ideals of sustainable peace.

Moving forward, the government will continue to work with you and other stakeholders, to mitigate violence through an inclusive and community-driven processes, devoid of ethno religious or political considerations, he said.

Lalong said one of the cardinal objectives of his administration is to ensure peace, security and good governance, saying the Plateau Peace Building Agency was established in 2016 to help in achieving it.

He expressed delight that peace in Plateau is being restored, as the number of visitors and investors have increased, adding that Max Air launched its Abuja to Jos flight on Monday, 29th September, as evidence of development of the State.

The governor reiterated his administrations commitment in protecting the lives and properties of Plateau people, saying no amount of black mail and desperation would deter them from the task.

He said arrests have been made over the killing of a traditional leader in Barkin-ladi Local Government, the killing of a Department of Security Services operative in Shendam Local Government, as well as the killing of five persons in Jos South Local Government.

In his keynote address, the Director for the Center of Conflict Management and Peace Studies, University of Jos, Prof. Danny McCain, said peace building required compromises from different groups in various Communities.

He said the process required time, energy, perseverance and forgiveness, saying those driving the process should not be easily discouraged.

Building community always involves compromise, forgiveness, and everybody must be involved because it needs patience, he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Plateau Council of Chiefs and Emirs, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, said that issues troubling the community must be addressed for Sustainable peace.

Other discussants at the meeting were Leaders of religious organisations, Civil Society Organisations and experts on conflict resolution.

Source: NAN News

SGF and COVID-19 PTF Chairman Mr Boss Mustapha

The Presidential Taskforce (PTF) on COVID-19 disclosed said that since it inaugurated the International Travel Portal about four weeks ago, over 27,000 passengers have entered into the country through the Lagos and Abuja airports.

The Coordinator of the PTF on COVID-19, Dr. Sani Aliyu, who spoke at an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) explained that it was a huge operation, with 18,000 coming through Lagos and just a little over 9,000 through Abuja.

Of the 27,000 plus passengers, 99.8 per cent had a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result. The majority, specifically 85 per cent, had no issues with payment on the portal. Of the 15 per cent who had issues, 12 per cent had their issues resolved on arrival.

It is correct to say that of the 27,000 the majority seamlessly went through the registration, entry, and re-testing process.

However, with an operation of this scope and scale, there are bound to be issues that will arise; this is an IT system. Its not perfect, we are humans, talk less of computers, he explained.

Aliyu said the Travel Portal was still relatively new.

We didnt try out the portal but we immediately implemented it because of the pressure for reopening the international airports. Without the travel portal, we would still be struggling to reopen airports safely, he said.

The coordinator said that the PTF have been working collaboratively with public and private sector partners to address the issues and challenges as they arise.

We are aware of a particular case of a traveller who had been charged multiple times for his PCR test on arrival to Nigeria from Sweden.

The online platform failed to record his payment for the re-test in Nigeria due to technical difficulties. As soon as the PTF was aware of his unfortunate experience, we immediately began investigating to resolve the issue. I am happy to state that the person has been refunded all the extra money he paid. In fact, he was paid the same evening we got that information, and the process is now being fine-tuned to prevent such occurrences, he stated.

Dr Aliyu said that the PTF do sympathised with the frustration travellers have to go through when the system malfunctions or when they experience these challenges.

Throughout the world nowadays, if you are travelling, you have to fill in additional information on IT systems belonging to countries, as a prerequisite for travelling.

Nigeria is no different, we need to move away from paper copies. We need to have electronic systems that would allow us to go back and check when things go wrong.

When people have positive results in-country, having arrived with a negative result or when they fill out a health questionnaire, we need to go back and check if they reported any symptoms when they arrived.

We cannot continue with paper copies, because it is very difficult to do so, with the number of passengers arriving into the country, Aliyu noted.

According to him, we get between 5,000 to 7,000 passengers coming into the country every day, when fully opened. The amount of paperwork is huge, and its impossible to be able to investigate and find out what goes wrong.

The Coordinator, however, urged returning travellers to please bear with the PTF and not hesitate to bring such issues directly to them.

He noted that the PTF was committed to improving the entry process, that was why they were are working with their partners, CACOVID, to implement a 24hr customer service hotline with the NCDC, as well as customer service representatives stationed at the airports.

He, however, noted in the interim, Nigerians should please continue to email them on if they were having issues.

We also ask the public to support us in our efforts to significantly flatten the curve of this virus in our country. One of these measures is the need for us to have a repeat test at day 7 upon returning to Nigeria.

The reason being that after having come into the country with a negative result, conducted up to five days before leaving your country of departure, you have less than a 10 per cent chance of being picked up if you are going to seroconvert. We have been proven right, he said.

The coordinator disclosed that of the 2,403 passengers who have been tested in Lagos, when they started the exercise, 80 tested positive after taking the re-test, meanwhile, they had a negative COVID PCR test before departure.

I can assure if we had tested them at the airport on arrival, we wouldnt have picked up a positive result. At most, we would have picked up half of them. Out of 2,400 passengers, pick 80. If we start running at full blast with 5,000 passengers every day, how many will you be missing, if you do not look for it?

If we had a system of enforcement or isolation, such that everyone coming into the country self-isolates effectively for two weeks, you do not need to do the test because we know you will not transmit to anybody else, he said.

Aliyu noted that but the government does not have the resources to check or enforce such. Therefore, the only option was to pick up people who were likely to become infectious fairly early on, which was around day 7 after arrival.

In resolving the technical difficulties, he said that for passengers facing issues with the portal, they should please visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) under Help and Support, on the online portal: nitp.ncdc.gov.ng/onboarding/help/faq.

If you are debited for a failed payment or debited more than once, please follow the following steps: Contact your Bank providing transaction details (transaction date, amount, and transaction reference).

Your Bank will then log a request from the acquiring Bank (where applicable). If you have not been able to complete the payment online and did not receive a QR code before boarding: Visit saferports.com/my-traveller-record, to retrieve your QR code Access Report instantly.

You will be allowed to board the flight if you hold a valid COVID-19 negative PCR result. As a temporary measure, passengers will be required to pay for the repeat COVID-19 PCR test on arrival in Nigeria, he explained.

Aliyu, however, warned that passengers without a QR code may face longer delays on arrival in Nigeria before exiting the airport.

In the coming weeks, when we resolve issues with the QR codes, they will be mandatory. There will be penalties for those who do not upload their details on the system.

If you must correct the information already provided, then please emailwith the email subject: Correction of Travel Information, he stressed.

Speaking on Private Laboratory Testing, the coordinator pleaded with Nigerians to understand that the PTF was asking everyone to conduct two PCR tests, one before departure and another 7 days after arrival to Nigeria.

Please note the re-tests in Nigeria are being conducted by private labs found on the Travel Portal. Do not pay laboratories that are not registered in the Travel Portal.

As mentioned before, as many as 80 people have tested positive for COVID-19 seven days after arrival in Nigeria, despite testing negative in the country of departure.

These numbers are high because the virus can spread quickly and silently. This is why the PTF has made testing mandatory, he said.

Aliyu said that the cost of the COVID-19 PCR test had been raised repeatedly, reiterating that no government agency was receiving the funds.

The negotiation of the costs is between State governments and the private labs themselves. The charges range between N35, 600 for the Kano portal, which will be operationalised, and N50, 400 for Lagos.

We continue to urge private laboratories to fulfill the requirements to get on the payment portal, because as we do that, the cost will come down. We saw this in Abuja, as the cost fell from N42, 750 to N35, 900. In the future, it may be possible for us to have more rapid tests that are more cost-effective, he said.

According to him, the portal will be changing, the question will not be: where are you arriving, Lagos or Abuja? and will become: where will you be on day 7? and you will be able to choose your sample collection center based on that.

It is impossible to have sample collection centers in every city in the country, but we are already making significant progress. We have opened a lab in Kano and will be opening several sample collection centers across the country in the next few days so it will be easier for travellers.

Wherever you are, if you pay for a test on the portal, its the responsibility of the laboratory that you have paid to make sure that your sample is collected. You do not need to go back to Lagos or Abuja for your sample to be collected.

If there is no private laboratory in your state of final destination, the laboratory you have chosen for your test during registration will make arrangements to have your sample taken at a designated lab, he explained.

Dr Aliyu disclosed that the PTF and NCDC were urgently working with all states to create a mechanism for private testing.

Weve already approached 6 or 7 states that have private labs in their states. To see a list of accredited private laboratories, especially if you are travelling out of the country, visit the NCDC microsite covid19.ncdc.gov.ng/privatelabs, he said.

Aliyu noted that as is evident in many parts of the world, COVID-19 continues to pose a significant danger and challenge to all.

As the world begins to embrace the new normal following the resumption of travel and the repatriation process, we will continue to address new challenges as they arise. There will be some inconvenience, but we plead with the public to please bear with us as we continue to make this process more streamlined and easier to navigate, he added.

The coordinator stressed that the international travel portal was the innovation for controlling the spread of COVID-19.

Indeed as a country in Africa, were one of the few that have a functional travel portal, this makes travel possible and seamless for travellers. The Task Force, CACOVID, and other partners are working relentlessly to ensure that challenges are dealt with swiftly.

Hopefully, as we open up the customer support centers, it should be easier for passengers to reach out if they are having issues. The issues we have seen on the social media could have easily been resolved if they had reached out to the right person, he said.

Aliyu added that the PTF appreciates everyones patience, cooperation, and understanding as they resolve these technical issues and continue to facilitate international air travel safely.

Source: NAN News

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

As Nigerians celebrate the countrys 60independence anniversary on 0ct. 1, Netflix, the worlds leading Internet entertainment service provider, has announced plans to promote the Nigerian storytelling culture.

Ben Amadasun, Netflixs Director of Licensing and Co-productions in Africa said in a statement on Wednesday, that the entertainment outfit planned to do this by promoting Naija to the world story collection.

Amadasun said that the collection was a curated content collection that highlights Nigerian storytellers and talent who have elevated the countrys creative industry recognition around the world.

He said the collection, which can be found on the website, netflix.com/naijatotheworld will be available globally.

He added that the collection featured over 90 Nigerian films and series starring some of Nigerias most prolific talents both behind and in front of the camera.

The titles have been curated into various rows to make it easy for members to discover stories that suit whatever mood they are in.

These include critically-acclaimed Nigerian Films, Nollywood thrillers, romantic films, comedies, crime films and dramas.The Making of Nigeria, a new docu-series from Nigeria-based Quramo Productions, to be aired on Oct.1.

The seven-part docu-series will take Netflix members on a journey of Nigerias history from colonisation, its part in world history and its march to independence.

Another new title making its global premiere on the service on Oct. 2 is ltr from Mo Abudus EbonyLife studios.

It tells the story of a young female journalist who goes undercover as a prostitute to expose a human trafficking syndicate.

What she finds is a world of exploited women and ruthless violence.

ltr is directed by Kenneth Gyang and the cast of this crime drama includes Sharon Ooja, Omowunmi Dada, Omoni Oboli, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Wofai Fada and more, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Netflix is the worlds leading internet entertainment service with over 193 million paid memberships in over 190 countries. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

PDP Logo

By Kingsley Okoye

Some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators on Wednesday commended President Muhammadu Buhari for what they called his unique approach to governance.

Two of the PDP lawmakers, who spoke at plenary, commended Buharis leadership style for prioritising the interest of Nigerians over partisanship.

Under Order 43 of the Senate standing rules, the Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha (PDP Taraba South), praised Buhari for commencing the construction of Ibbi bridge in his constituency.

He stated that the people of his constituency had written a letter of appreciation commending Buhari for a promise kept.

According to the lawmaker, the resuscitated project, which connects Taraba and Plateau States, is a dream come true for the people of Taraba South Senatorial District.

We are very happy and want to extend our appreciation to President Buhari by presenting this letter on behalf of my constituents, Bwacha said.

Another lawmaker, also under Order 43, Sen. Matthew Urhogide (PDP Edo South), was full of praise for Buhari over his efforts in ensuring transparency in the conduct of the governorship election in Edo.

According to him, the outcome of the election signals the return of the countrys electoral process to the path of transparency and fairness.

I want to put on record that the people of Edo State wish to thank Mr President for making INEC and the police to discharge their duties without fear or favour.

This is why Im coming from the Senate to say it openly and clearly that what Mr President did to ensure free and fair election on the 19th of September in Edo State gives hope to this country.

I want to tell the Senate that we are not ashamed, even though we are in the opposition to commend Mr President.

I want to commend some of the institutions like INEC that discharged their duties to the best of their ability by ensuring that the will of the people prevailed in that election.

The Inspector General of Police, whom we met, promised that the Nigeria Police will carry out its duties fairly; and indeed they did that.

INEC promised fairness to all, and they did that, from when the votes were cast at the polling units to collation centres, and we found out that they did the correct thing, Urhogide said.

In his remark, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan said that the day was a very good day for democracy in Nigeria.

Even though, some of our colleagues here are in the opposition, the two distinguished senators who spoke, eulogized the Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration; and they have very solid grounds for doing so.

This is how it should be.

I want to congratulate the PDP and people of Edo State for winning the election.

We look forward to October, when the APC would do the same here, and congratulate the President, the IGP and everybody for free and fair elections in Ondo.

I hope that the opposition will not see that election as compromised, he added. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

PDP Logo

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, says it is time for Nigeria to thoroughly examine itself on wasted opportunities.

Secondus said this in his congratulatory message to mark Nigeria at 60 independence celebration, issued by his Media Aide Ike Abonyi in Abuja on Wednesday.

Secondus said that while he gives all the glory to God for keeping Nigeria one and alive to see her 60th birthday, its leaders had questions to answer before God and humanity for their failings.

He said that Nigeria as a nation owed God a lot of explanations over a wasted opportunity after such rare gifts to us as a nation.

We have some explanations to make before God over what we did with what was made available to us as a country.

This country needs a resetting and our leaders deserve some spiritual reawakening to get their acts together and be able to utilise the abundant gifts for the elevation of the citizens.

Secondus said that the excitement that greeted the successful conduct of the governorship election in Edo state on Sept. 19, showed clearly what and where the country could be when things were done correctly.

After Edo election, the nation was in elated mood, the Electoral Commission, the security agencies, the voters, the winners and the losers all went home fulfilled that there was no unjust act.

No nation grows on injustice.

That is what it should be in a country that allows the principles of democracy to prevail and allows the peoples mandate to prevail.

Secondus congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and the country for the nations 60th independence anniversary but urged him to listen to the cry of the people.

He said that the heavy burden on the ordinary citizens was too much, adding that there was need to address hunger in the land as well as insecurity.

The multiple taxation policy in the country is killing business especially at this challenging times. Government must address this burden.

He prayed God to grant Nigeria and its citizens greater future where sanctity of human lives would be respected.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

INEC

By Muftau Ogunyemi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has appealed to all religious leaders in Ondo State to ensure peaceful conduct and support the commission in the forthcoming Oct. 10 governorship election in the State.

The state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Rufus Akeju, made the appeal during an interactive with religious leaders in the state on Wednesday in Akure.

Akeju said that it was imperative for the leaders to sensitise and educate their congregation to the need to avoid violence.

He explained that INEC would continously conduct a violence-free, fair, credible, conclusive, peaceful and acceptable election.

He pointed out that thuggery was not a job but a death warrant saying, that is why we need our religious leaders support in order to talk to their people, especially the youth, to shun violence at all times.

We are counting on your support, our religious leaders. You have done it before and we want you to improve on it.

INEC has made preparation for peaceful election and nobody will be allowed to vote without permanent voter card and face mask.

We are appealing to those who are eligible to vote to come out en masse and vote for the candidate of their choice. INEC has secured safe environment to cast your vote, he said.

The REC said that distribution of non sensitive materials to all the 18 local government areas of the state had been done.

He warned those who might want to engage in vote buying to desist or face the wrath of the law, if caught.

This is your responsibility to decide the next governor of the state, and please dont collect money in exchange for vote.

If you sell your vote or if you buy votes, you will be caught and dealt with, he said.

Reacting, Rev. Ayo Oladapo, the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), appreciated INEC for its readiness to conduct credible election.

Oladapo promised that CAN would continue to pray and support the commission for peaceful poll.

He added that the Christian body had been sensitising its members and would continue to preach peace to them.

Similarly, Alhaji Akinpelumi Abibullahi, the state Chairman of Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA), stated that the organisation was in support of INEC to allow peace to reign before, during and after the election since the state belonged to all of them.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Dr Ken Ukaoha, a Trade and Economic Development Law Advocate

By Emmanuella Anokam

Dr Ken Ukaoha, a trade and economic development law advocate, says there must be synergy between Nigerias industry, trade and investment policies as well as its development strategy to realise desired economic growth.

Ukaoha, who is the President, National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday in Abuja, while speaking on trade policies of Nigeria at 60.

Speaking on the countrys evolved trade and foreign development strategies between the 1960s to date, Ukaoha observed a disjointed outlook between its comprehensive development strategy and policies.

According to him, government needs to look into the countrys policies; it must either be intertwined or directly linked with development strategy.

Again, our foreign policy must also have direct linkage with our trade and investment policies. This means that our foreign policy must be driven by economic diplomacy.

Economic policy, trade policy, how much are we gaining from these countries. What is the political economy and value addition in terms of impact, monetary and economic gains? he asked.

In a comparative analysis, he said that policies of the 60s evolved majorly from the precolonial perspective when Nigeria was just new in formulation of policies.

But it is also noteworthy to point out that most of the policies at that time were drafted in a way to suit colonial masters capacity to draw from our raw materials and assist their own industries.

And that was part of the industrialisation strategy of our colonial masters.

But moving from the 1960s towards 1970s, we began to see a new dimension in investment and trade and economic-related policies which helped in building investment infrastructure and majority of them are what we have till today.

In the 70s, you could also see a lot of our commodities were exported, so the export of our commodities in the raw form started from that particular end, he said.

Ukaoha noted that between the 70s and 80s, raw materials export reduced a bit as it saw the evolvement of many industries and factories, hence employment generation was at the peak at that period.

The trade and investment expert said between the 1980s and the 1990s, some level of stability was observed in the sector except, when Nigeria became involved in IMF-driven Structural Adjustment Programmes.

The programmes reduced Nigerias growth level in terms of industrialisation, micro economic, monitory, physical and trade policies that tilted towards import orientation.

From 2000, we now began to see some level of inconsistencies in policies, especially in trade and economic policies which did not help our economy.

The year 2010 was another shade; at that time, we were at the peak of our democracy but then lacked some level of professionalism and astute autonomy in ensuring that we have very strong resolute policies, he said.

He however emphasised the need to track these policies to the point that it would be well evaluated to know their value addition.

At 60, we should learn from the mistakes we have made to propel us to the next level. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

NSE

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) market capitalisation crossed N14 trillion mark on the last trading day of September due to sustained confidence.

Speficially, the market capitalisation on Wednesday rose by N118 billion or 0.84 per cent to close at N14.025 trillion against N13.907 trillion achieved on Tuesday.

The increase in the market capitalisation was as a result of the listing of 146,878,241 ordinary shares of Dangote Sugar Refinery.

The additional shares listed on NSE arose from the Scheme of Merger between Dangote Sugar Refinery and Savannah Sugar Company Limited.

With this listing of the additional 146,878,241 ordinary shares, the total issued and fully paid up shares of Dangote Sugar Refinery increased from 12,000,000,000 to 12,146,878,241 ordinary shares of 50k each.

However, the All-Share Index increased by 201.80 points or 0.76 per cent to close at 26,813.76 compared with 26,611.96 posted on Tuesday.

The upturn was impacted by gains recorded in large and medium capitalised stocks, amongst which are; Total, Dangote Cement, MTN Nigeria Communications, Guaranty Trust Bank and UACN.

Consequently, market sentiment closed positive with 20 stocks in contrast with eight losers.

Total led the gainers chart in percentage terms, gaining 10 per cent to close at N96.80 per share.

Eterna followed with 9.60 per cent to close at N2.74, while UACN rose by 9.45 per cent to close at N6.95 per share.

Wapic Insurance rose by 5.71 per cent to close at 37k, while Jaiz Bank appreciated by 5.17 per cent to close at 61k per share.

Conversely, University Press dominated the losers chart in percentage terms, dropping 6.77 per cent to close at N1.24 per share.

Nigerian Breweries trailed with a loss of 6.76 per cent to close at N49, while PZ Cussons Nigeria lost 5.88 per cent to close at N4 per share.

Wema Bank shed 5.26 per cent to close at 54k, while Union Bank of Nigeria depreciated by 2.91 per cent to close at N5 per share.

However, the total volume traded decreased by 21.87 per cent with an exchange of 322.77 million shares, worth N4.04 billion traded in 4,046 deals.

This was in contrast with a turnover of 413.10 million shares valued at N4.53 billion traded in 4,681deals on Tuesday.

Transactions in the shares of Sterling Bank topped the activity chart with 83.69 million shares worth N105.44 million.

Access Bank sold 46.10 million shares valued at N308.35 million, while Zenith Bank traded 24.87 million shares worth N443.39 million.

Lafarge Africa transacted 18.70 million shares valued at N280.59 million, while Fidelity Bank exchanged 17.19 million shares worth N32.18 million. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Nigeria Police logo

By Oladapo Udom

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Mr Hakeem Odumosu, has instructed officers and men of the command to disallow any group from staging rallies or protests within the state to mark the nations 60th Independence anniversary.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria will attain 60 years as an independent country on Oct.1,2020 having gained independence from the British Government on Oct.1, 1960.

Odumosu, in a statement signed by the commands Public Relations Officer (PRO), SP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Wednesday, said that the Lagos State Government had cancelled the ceremonial parade in adherence to COVID-19 regulations.

According to him, the cancellation of the ceremonial parade by the state government is to discourage the gathering of more than 50 people inorder to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

We will not allow any gatherings, rallies or protests against the sovereignty of Nigeria in Lagos State as the country marks its 60th Independence anniversary, Odumosu said.

The commissioner appealed to parents and guardians to warn their children and wards to desist from being mobilised to wage war, join any rally or protest against the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Any youth arrested for such act will be prosecuted.

I urge the general public to be law-abiding and desist from violence and any act that is capable of disrupting the sovereignty of Nigeria, Odumosu said.

The statement also quoted Mr Celestine Okoye, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) , Department of Information and Communication Technology, as saying that it was important to maintain law and order in the state.

Okoye also warned the officers and men of the command to act within the ambit of the law in every situation and repel any force capable of disintegrating the country. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile,

By Yahaya Isah

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Wednesday in Abuja, immortalises some of its fallen heroes and officers including late Tolulope Arotile, for their contributions to the country.

The Director of Administration, NAF, AVM Aliyu Pani, says it is the tradition of the service to immortalise its fallen heroes by naming blocks of accommodations after them.

Pani made the statement at the inauguration of 10 blocks of accommodation for officers/airmen at NAF base Asokoro, constructed by theMinistryof Defence, as part of its 2018 Capital Projects.

According to the director, inlinewith the NAFs tradition, all the blocks have been named after nine officers and oneairman to immortalisethemin recognition of their sacrifices.

In this regard, at NAF Base, Bill Clinton Drive, one of the two blocks of 10 x 1 bedroom transit accommodation was named after Fg. Offr. AA Mohammed (NAF/5082) who was killed in action (KIA) on Sept. 5, in Birnin Gwari.

While the second block of 10 x 1 bedroom transit accommodation was named after Flt.- Lt. Akweke Nwakile (NAF/3014) who was KIA on July 21, 2014 while participating in Operation Lafia Dole in the North-East.

Additionally, the two blocks of 42 Bedroom Married Offrs. accn. were named after Fg. Offr. Tolulope Arotile (NAF/4512F) who died as a result of Road Traffic Accident on July 24, at NAF Base Kaduna.

As well as Flt.- Lt. John Ayonoteh Adams(NAF/3104)whowasKIAon Feb. 19, 2013while participating in among others, Pani explained.

He says that the projects arespread between NAF Base Asokoro, and NAF Base, Bill Clinton Drive along airport road.

The projects fit perfectly into NAFs aspirations for providing quality and conducive accommodation for its personnel. The provision of these blocks of accommodation will alleviate the accommodation challenges faced by NAF personnel in Abuja, Pani said.

He observes that since the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, assumed duty in 2015, the service has witnessed tremendous development and transformation.

Earlier, the Guest of Honour, the Minister of Defence, Retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi, while inaugurating the blocks of accommodation, says the welfare of personnel is a key factor in sustaining the operational successes so far attained by the armed forces.

Magashi was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Babangida Husaini.

What we are witnessing today is part of the drive and commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to support the Nigerian military, particularly NAF to gradually and progressively attend to the welfare needs of officers and airmen/airwomen, the Minister said.

He reiterates Federal Governments support and commitment in ensuring members of the armed forces are well equipped to better perform their constitutional roles.

The minister commended the CAS for his efforts toward improving the living standards of personnel and the operational effectiveness of the NAF.

I believe that these achievements attest to your relentless drive to reposition the service into a highly professional and disciplined force, Magashi said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

The Nigerian Law Students Association (LAWSAN) has urged youths in the country to wake up and take their place of leadership in every aspect of the nation, be it politics, law, business, environment or sciences.

National President of LAWSAN, Ms Blessing Agbomhere, said this in an statement to mark the 2020 Oct. 1 Independence Anniversary of the country on Wednesday in Abuja.

Agbomhere maintained that Nigeria needed the energy, creativity and innovative abilities of the youths to move from a third world to a first world nation.

According to Agbomhere, its either you lead this nation or this nation will lead you and If we dont do it, no one will do it.

We the youths are the origo fortress that can guarantee a new Nigeria; we must rise up to the challenge of uniting and developing our nation, just the way our fathers rose up to demand for the independence of Nigeria in 1960.

We are working hard to reposition LAWSAN as the second most intelligent and erudite body after the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

We have commenced several projects to bring LAWSAN to the limelight and put it in a position to fill the leadership lacuna in Nigeria, Agbomhere said.

The LAWSAN president called on members from every Nigerian University, and all Nigerian youths to seek knowledge, engage in good governance advocacy, combat human and environmental rights abuse and preach against corruption.

The president also stressed the need for the youths to stand up for the defense of the rule of law, imbibe the culture of rendering community service and participated in every algorithm of nation building.

She implored Nigerians and the youths on the occasion of the countrys 60th independence anniversary to remember and acknowledge the labour and efforts of the heroes past.

She also urged all to be thankful to God for being alive to celebrate 60 years as an independent nation and to also appreciate great leaders, who put their lives on the line for the country to gain independence.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the theme for the 2020 independence celebration is Together.

Source: NAN News

FG distribute palliatives to 47,020 vulnerable households in Enugu

By Stanley Nwanosike

The Federal Government, on Wednesday, distributed palliatives to 47,020 vulnerable households in Enugu State to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The palliative items included 1,584.09 tonnes (53 trailer loads) of maize and 766.9 tonnes (about 26 trailer loads) of garri (cassava flakes).

Sadiya Farouq, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, who presented the items to the state government in Enugu, said the palliatives were for vulnerable households that depended largely on others for their daily survival.

Farouq noted that the gesture showed Federal Governments commitment to cater for the vulnerable and the downtrodden in the society affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said we are here to present to you, assorted grains from the National Food Reserve, approved by President Muhammadu Buhari as palliative for distribution to vulnerable persons affected by the restriction directive to curtail the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Farouq, who was represented by Mr Charles Anaelo, the Deputy Director in the ministry, said we all know that the outbreak of the pandemic has brought about changes and challenges to our normal ways of living.

Most obvious of this is on the vulnerable persons that depend largely on others for their daily survival.

She listed such vulnerable persons to include the aged, people living with disabilities and persons of concerns that deserved support in terms of basic necessities including foods.

The Deputy Governor of the state, Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo, thanked President Buhari for remembering Enugu State for the palliatives, especially vulnerable households in the state.

Ezeilo, who represented Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, noted that the Buhari administration had continued to give special attention to issues concerning the state.

According to him, just two weeks ago, President Buhari reopened the newly upgraded and rehabilitated Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

On behalf of the entire state, I appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for this special intervention, as well as the minister for the gesture to give succour to our vulnerable people.

It will be distributed judiciously to the vulnerable persons mentioned, she assured. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

APC Logo

By Emmanuel Mogbede

The All Progressives Congress (APC), has charged Nigerians to reflect on the countrys history and show more love to one another as the nation marks its 60th independence anniversary.

Mr Yekini Nabena, the partys Deputy National Publicity Secretary, gave the charge in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja while felicitating with Nigerians on the occasion of the independence.

We call on Nigerians to reflect on this moment of ours, reflect on where we have left, where we are now and where we ought to be.

It is high time we showed love to ourselves and the country at large more than ever before.

It is high time we got more security conscious, support the programmes and policies of the current administration for the betterment of all, he said.

Nabena, however, added that it was the responsibility of all to contribute to making the country greater.

He stated that there was need to pray more and love our nation the more while doing the right things at all times.

As we celebrate, may the labour of our heroes past never be in vain, he said.

He congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and the countrys past and present leaders at all levels and Nigerians of all shades as the country celebrates its independence.

The APC spokesman assured Nigerians that the countrys golden years would return under the current administration of President Buhari.

There is no doubt that Nigeria has made great national history and nationalistic history makers from her economic and political evolution in the last 60 years.

As a nation, we are better than where we were and with determination, faith and commitment to our fatherland close to where we should be.

Today, we remember and salute our founding fathers who fought for the independence of our great country and also members of our Armed Forces, many of whom have paid the supreme price to defend Nigerias territorial integrity and keep our country united, he said.

He added that as a nation, we are better together than we are apart.

He noted that in spite of our perceived differences, our strength and progress depended on our ability to harness our rich diversity.

The APC spokesman further added that in spite of inherited and current challenges, President Buharis administration had made commendable strides on so many fronts.

He added that most significant of this was the fight against graft, diversifying and revamping the countrys economy.

Others he said include: curbing insurgency and emerging crimes, promoting positive values in our national life, strengthening the countrys democratic institutions and processes and achieving a respectable international standing.

Source: NAN News