COVID-19

According to a Presidential Decree, which updates the measures adopted during the prevailing State of Calamity, only nationals and foreign residents can return to the national territory.

The decree also stated that foreign citizens may exit, seeking to return to their respective countries.

Official trips are also permitted.

The measure, to become effective on Aug. 10 till Sept. 8, allows the entry and exit of cargo, goods, humanitarian aid and medical emergencies.

The decree also authorises the entry and exit of diplomatic and consular staff, transportation of dead bodies and entry of foreign specialists to perform specific tasks.

However, it forbids the international transportation of corpses belonging to those who have died of COVID-19.

It also forbids the exit of products in the basic basket, fuel, medicines and medical equipment.

Angola has reported 1,572 COVID-19 cases, 70 deaths and 564 recoveries. (Xinhua/NAN)

Source: NAN News

India Flag

Singh said the move follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis call for defence self-reliance.

India is one of the worlds top arms importers.

India has accelerated military purchases in the wake of a June border clash between Indian and Chinese troops, with the government approving the purchase of 33 Russian fighter jets and upgrades to 59 other planes in July.

Tensions between India and China are at their highest in years following the clash in a disputed stretch of border in the western Himalayas in which India lost 20 soldiers.

Military experts say India is short of combat planes, helicopters and field guns because of years of low funding.

The embargo on imports is planned to be progressively implemented between 2020 and 2024, Singh wrote in a series of tweets.

Our aim is to apprise the Indian defence industry about the anticipated requirements of the Armed Forces so that they are better prepared to realise the goal of indigenisation.

India traditionally buys military equipment from Russia, but is increasingly purchasing from the United States and Israel.

Modi has repeatedly called for cutting the militarys dependence of expensive imports.

Between April 2015 and August 2020, the Indian defence services had contracted around 3.5 trillion rupees worth of items that are now on the hold list.

The government estimates around 4 trillion rupees worth of orders will now be placed with the domestic industry over the next five to seven years.

The list of embargoed items includes high technology weapon systems, artillery guns, sonar systems, transport aircrafts, light combat helicopters (LCHs), Singh said.

The defence ministry has also split the capital procurement budget for 2020/21 between domestic and foreign procurement routes, he added.

A separate budget head has been created with an outlay of nearly 520 billion rupees for domestic capital procurement in the current financial year. (Reuters/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Hundreds of people were displaced by flooding in both the provinces.

Rescue workers were busy shifting people to safer places.

The military said on Sunday that it had rescued more than 100 people from Dadu district in Sindh.

More than a dozen people are still missing in Balochistan, Younus Aziz Mengal, a spokesperson for the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, said.

Mengal said that the flooding had damaged bridges and highways, cutting off Gawadar, a port city on the Arabian Sea.

Pakistans Met office predicted 20 per cent more rain and urban flooding this monsoon season and asked authorities to take precautionary measures.

Flash floods, land erosion, cloudbursts, droughts and smog resulting in low air quality have been on the rise in Pakistan in recent years.

Climate experts say it is the impact of global warming, but also due to the countrys proximity to highly industrialised China and India. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Lagos churches comply with COVID-19 guidelines, as worship resumes

By Joan Odafe

Churches in FESTAC Town in Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos State complied with the COVID-19 protocols as they resumed worship on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who visited some churches, reports that automated hand wash units and hand sanitiser dispensers, soaps, water and infrared thermometers were provided by the churches.

Also, big banners with No Mask, No Entry were posted at the doors to prevent worshippers without face masks from entering the church premises.

Social distancing was observed by worshippers with stickers bearing iDo Not Sit placed on intervening seats to create spaces.

At the Living Faith Church, A.K.A. Winners Chapel, Dominion Centre, in FESTAC Town, the Provincial Head, Pastor Alex Aina, said worshippers were excited to resume and, therefore, complied with the guidelines.

Aina said that the church had installed 15 automated hand washing units with soap and automated hand sanitiser dispensers at the entrance and within the church premises.

Everyone has been cooperative, you can see them with their face masks on, he said.

He praised the church leadership for providing hand sanitisers and soaps to ensure there would be no shortfall of the provisions.

At the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Kings Royal Palace at FESTAC Town, Pastor Abiodun Oseni, said messages had earlier been sent to members through the church media platforms informing them of the protocols.

Oseni, who is also the Assistant Pastor said: Also, at the beginning of each service, a message is projected to inform everyone of the protocols.

Nobody comes in without a face mask. When the service is on, everyone wears theirs and those who use face shields are to also use masks.

After each service, theres a decontamination of the hall by the C-19 Squad before the next one commences, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

FRSC official on Duty

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

Two persons were confirmed dead on Saturday night in an accident involving a bus and a motorcycle at New Jerusalem along Nanka-oko Road in Orumba North area of Anambra.

Mr Andrew Kumapayi, the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Sunday.

Kumapayi said that the accident, which occurred around 8:40 p.m, was caused by overspeeding.

The FRSC boss said that four people, all male, were involved in the accident, but two died.

The crash involved a Mitsubishi L300 bus with enlistment number FGG212XV and a Honda C75 Motorcycle with registration number AKL843QH.

The bus driver and the rider of the motorcycle were reportedly on top speed and had a head-on-collusion as they tried to avoid potholes.

The two victims on the motorcycle were rushed to St. Joseph Hospital, Nanka by FRSC rescue team from Nanka Outpost. They were confirmed dead by doctors at the hospital, he said.

Kumapayi said that the incident had been referred to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.

While condoling with the families of the dead, he warned motorists against overspeeding, especially within built-up areas.

Drivers should drive within stipulated speed limits, ensure maximum concentration and must tolerate other road users. Most
road accidents are avoidable, he said.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Anglican Bishop says COVID-19 is blessing in disguise

By Chimezie Anaso

Rt. Revd Manasses Okere, Bishop, Anglican Diocese, Isiukwuato in Abia, has said that the Coronavirus pandemic was a blessing in disguise as it created room for domestic church to thrive.

Okere, who was Guest Preacher at the 12th Synod of Anglican Diocese of Awka, said it had united many families by making them spend long and quality time together.

The synod theme was entitled: God of Eternal Destiny and His Major Attributes.

Okere said though COVID-19 came with so much challenges on the political economy of societies, it had also strengthened the faith of people in God as the only One with solutions to the problem of the world.

The pandemic is a blessing in disguise for the church in particular because it provided the environment for the domestic church, where families prayed together,mto thrive.

God is aware COVID-19 will come the time it came, nothing happens to God by surprise because He is in charge of his creatures and all things worketh together, whether good or bad, for the good of Gods children.

Though COVID-19 has wreaked havoc in our global society, it has brought good fortunes and re-united families by making them to sit together and pray.

It also made people to turn to God after knowing that science has failed.

Its not God that brought it, but He is aware that was coming, and will work out His purpose through it.

COVID-19 has also exposed the weakness of our health sectors, exposed us globally, but we thank God for the efforts so far, though has been mixed with politics, we will continue to look unto God, he said.

Okere lauded his hosts, Most Revd Alexander Chibuzor Ibezim, Bishop, Diocese of Awka and his wife, Mrs Martha Chioma Ibezim, for their steadfastness in the service of the Lord.

Earlier in his remark, Bishop Ibezim prayed that Christians would not be found wanting at the end of the Christian race in heaven especially Church leaders.

Ibezim also dedicated a two-stores primary school block built by the family of Dr Okey Anuenyiagu and blessed those who had contributed in various ways for the advancement of the Anglican Mission in the community.

Free facemasks were also distributed to the congregation as a means of reawakening people consciousness in complying to COVID-19 protocols.

About 10 Bishops attended the synod service which was conducted by Ven. Clement Mgbemena, Archdeacon, Awka Archdeaconry. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Some successfully evacuated Nigerians departing London for Abuja on Sunday

By Lizzy Okoji

A total of 327 stranded Nigerians successfully evacuated by the Federal Government have departed Gatwick Airport, London, and are expected to arrive at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Ms Sarah Sanda, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, disclosed this to journalists on Sunday in Abuja.

Sanda said the returnees departed London at 11.15a.m. aboard Air Peace airline.

The 327 returnees from the UK departed Gatwick Airport in London to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport today, Aug. 9, 2020, at 11.15a.m. aboard Air Peace flight No. P47854 operated by Air Europa Fight No AEA855, she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that following the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigeria has been evacuating its citizens stranded in other countries.

On Saturday (Aug. 8), 323 stranded Nigerians, including six infants, successfully evacuated from the UK, arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos.

The returnees will undergo testing and quarantine in line with the Federal Governments COVID-19 guidelines. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister, Muhammed Bello

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has pledged the territorys support to the proposed Suleja Smart City Project by the Niger State Government.

Suleja is a city in Niger that shares boundary with the FCT and was originally called Abuja before the transfer of the name to the new capital city of the country.

A smart city is a municipality that uses information and communication technologies to increase operational efficiency, share information with the public and improve both the quality of government services and citizen welfare.

Mr Anthony Ogunleye, Chief Press Secretary to the minister, in a statement on Sunday, said Bello made the pledge during a meeting with a delegation from Niger.

The delegation was led by Alhaji Ahmed Matane, Secretary to the governmnet of Niger.

The FCT minister expressed delight on the proposed partnership between the FCT administration and Niger.

Bello noted that the jurisdiction for such a laudable project in a historical city as Suleja, rests with the Niger State government.

The minister, however, said that many of its beneficiaries would come from the FCT, hence the resolve to give maximum support and cooperation to the project.

We feel highly honoured and delighted that the government of Niger State wants to partner with the FCT in this project.

And that is why the entire management team, as well as the political leadership of the Area Councils where this is going to take place, are here in todays meeting, Bello said.

The minister assured that the FCTA would give all the needed support to make sure that the project comes to fruition.

Bello saidthat the project was in line with President Muhammadu Buharis agenda to bring development to communities, create employment and ICT based economic growth.

The minister, who described the Smart City initiative as a legacy project that would attract engineers of great repute, advised that it should be conceptualised to run on renewable clean energy.

He assured the delegation that the FCTA was prepared to deploy necessary manpower to ensure its success.

We are working towards a Special Joint Planning Committee between Nasarawa State and the FCT, towards the development of the border communities of Karu.

And also a road network that is going to link Nasarawa to the FCT, through Guruku, Panda up to Mpape area. So, what you are now requesting for Niger State is something that is not new to us.

Earlier, Matane sought partnership of the FCTA in the development of a Smart City situated on an 11,000 hectares of Iand in Suleja as well as the establishment of a Suleja Smart City Company to develop and manage the Smart City.

He explained that the land falls within the Abuja-Bwari Planning District as contained in the FCT Master Plan.

He also explained that Niger State had already secured a grant from the South Korean Government and the services of an International Consultant to carry out feasibility study and to prepare a Master Plan for the city.

Matane said that the project would include smart buildings and associated infrastructure, an assembly plant for renewable energy systems and components like training institute for the youths.

This, according to him, will enable youths to learn how to assemble, repair and market renewable energy systems and its components.

Others are ICT infrastructure for electric and autonomous vehicle as well as a green house and hydroponic farms to produce fresh fruits and vegetable for the residents and for sale to Abuja and beyond. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

NNPC and partners

By Edith Ike-Eboh

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has agreed with its partners to settle all outstanding issues surrounding the development of Oil Mining Lease (OML), 130.

Dr kennie Obateru, Spokesman for the corporation disclosed in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

The partners are China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC), and South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETROL).

Obateru said that the move was in line with the effort to meet the target of revving up production to three million barrels per day.

He said it would also unlock gas revenues to the tune of about 225 million dollars in the short term and 510 million dollars in the long run for the country.

He quoted the NNPC Group Managing Director, Malam Mele Kyari, as saying at the signing of Head of Terms (HoT), agreement with the partners that the deal was part of the Corporations Production Sharing Contract (PSC), Dispute Resolution and Renewal Strategy of 2017.

Kyari said that the resolution was aimed at securing out of court settlement of all disputes around the 1993 Production Sharing Contracts (PSC), and agreeing on terms for their renewal.

He explained that the dispute arose from recognition of certain cost and discordant interpretation of the fiscal terms of the PSC by NNPC and the contractor parties.

With the resolution and signing of HoT, apart from unlocking over 225 million dollars of gas revenues, it will also enable settlement of renewal fees.

It will create conducive environment to further development of OML 130 with associated benefits to the federation.

We are doing this with every other partner in the PSC dispute, we believe that we can close this engagement and conversation with all of you.

The HoT will clearly enable us to proceed and have a full settlement, and this will benefit all of us, Kyari said

He commended CNOOC and SAPETROL for their understanding while expressing delight that the HoT would facilitate the conclusion of all renewal issues.

Also, Managing Director of CNOOC, Mr Xie Vincent Wensheng, said the agreement had opened a new chapter in his companys relationship with NNPC, stressing that it had provided a win-win situation for all parties.

On his part, Managing Director of SAPETROL, Mr Toyin Adenuga, said the resolution of the dispute was a very important step toward further development of OML 130 and other new fields as the terms were now clearly spelt out.

The execution of the HoT signals the resolution of a tax dispute that arose from the 2.3 billion dollars acquisition of a 45 per cent stake in OML 130 by CNNOC from SAPETRO in 2006.

The OML 130 consists of the Akpo and Egina Fields which have been producing since 2009 and 2018 respectively.

It is operated by Total Upstream Nigeria Ltd which holds 24 per cent stake, while Petrobras Oil and Gas BV and SAPETRO hold 16 per cent and 15 per cent stakes respectively. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Maj. Gen Paul Tarfa

By Diana Omueza

The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) says no fewer than 20,000 indigenes will benefit from the commissions Education Endowment Trust Fund (NEDC-EEF) in the region.

The Chairman, NEDC, Maj.-Gen. Paul Tarfa (rtd), said this in Abuja at the inauguration of the NEDC-EEF Board of Trustees (BOT).

Tarfa said that the education endowment funds aim of improving the human capital development for the n
North-East could not be over emphasised adding that its BOT inauguration was appropriate both in relevance and timing.

He noted that since the commission came into being in 2019 considerable time and efforts were devoted to providing relief and succour to the large number of communities and people displaced by the activities of insurgents in the North-East.

This mandated the commission to chart the new course to expedite and timely intervene in the education sector by establishing the NEDC-EEF to halt the ugly trend of the human development situation in the region.

With the inauguration of the BOT, our estimate is that by the time the scheme fully takes off, a minimum of 20,000 indigenes of the North-East will be the direct beneficiaries.

Beneficiaries would enjoy award of scholarships at the Bachelor, Master and Doctorate degree levels, ICT and entrepreneurship training for the youth whose education was truncated by the Boko Haram crisis.

And also special scholarships for the vulnerable groups such as orphans and youth who may wish to be actively engaged in sports, he said.

Tarfa also said that for regular award of scholarship for graduate and post-graduate studies and other lower cadre entrepreneurial interventions, all the 1,028 wards and 112 Local Government Areas in the six member-states would be beneficiaries.

He said that the fund would also offer capacity enhancement for teachers and health workers adding that students who went through the Safe School Initiative would also benefit from the fund to further their education.

The chairman urged the newly-inaugurated BOT to grow the fund through collaboration with relevant public and private institutions, donor agencies, development partners and other stakeholders that had similar objectives.

Mr David Sabo-Kente, Chairman of the BOT, commended the decision of the governing board to establish the NEDC-EEF, which he said was a timely intervention and innovation for the eradication of illiteracy and endemic poverty in the region.

Sabo-kente said that NEDC-EEF was a strategic and specialised institution saddled with clearly defined objectives and responsibilities to build human capacity for the North-East zone and offer citizens of the member-states equal opportunity in education, among others.

He said that the initiative was the most important programme initiated by the management under the NEDC leadership of Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, whose objectives would fight the menace of low human capital and illiteracy in the region.

Education being very expensive, we will partner States education architecture, local and international development partners in the education sector as well as donor agencies to achieve our core mandate.

Mandate of creating an educated citizenry, promoting workforce development, attracting economic development and continuing our rebuilding mission.

This we believe will change the educational landscape of the region, he said.

He called for regular interface and collaboration with the management and the board of the NEDC for rapid achievable and measurable success of the listed activities to be carried out by the BOT. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Timipre Sylva, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources

By Solomon Asowata

The Federal Government has begun the feasibility study for the construction of a shipyard on Brass Island in Bayelsa.

The Minister of State for Petrolem Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, confirmed the development in a statement posted on the Twitter account of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on Saturday.

Sylva said that the feasibility study would cater for the maintenance and repair services of cargo vessels, oil tankers and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carriers.

He said it would be executed by China Harbour Engineering Company, which had carried out similar projects across the globe as well as in Nigeria.

According to him, the feasibility study will be funded by the NCDMB as part of its overarching mandate to domicile key oil and gas industry infrastructure and increase retention of industry spend.

The scope of the feasibility study includes geotechnical and bathymetric surveys, conducting a market study and ascertaining an optimal construction scale.

It also includes developing technical proposal and construction plan and estimation of the required investment to bring the project into reality, he said.

The minister noted that the high traffic of vessels in and out of Nigeria provided huge opportunity to retain substantial value in-country through the provision of dry-dock services.

He said that the shipyard project would further develop and harness the nations position in the oil and gas value chain and linkage to other sectors of the economy.

On shipyard prospects, Sylva said that the Nigeria LNGs Train 7 project was expected to increase the companys LNG capacity from 22MTPA to 30MTPA.

He said this would induce the acquisition of additional LNG carriers to the existing ones, all of which would need maintenance and servicing.

The minister added that the project would also benefit from the upcoming Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) implementation as Nigeria could serve as hub for ship-building and repairs.

He expressed confidence that the outcome of the feasibility study and subsequent construction and operation of the shipyard would create employment opportunities and contribute to poverty reduction.

Mr Simbi Wabote, NCDMB Executive Secretary, said that the Brass Shipyard and other ongoing efforts to catalyse manufacturing would help the board achieve the target of 70 per cent Nigerian Content by 2027.

Wabote confirmed that the project was driven by the NCDMB in conjunction with NLNG as a Capacity Development Initiative (CDI) on the back of the Train 7 Project.

He noted that Nigeria has a long coastline of 853 kilometers and navigable inland waterways of 3,000 kilometers, which offer immense potential for maritime sector development, stressing that Brass coastline, was very close to the Atlantic Ocean.

Wabote disclosed that there are over 20,000 ships working for the oil and gas sector in Nigerian waters and the annual spend was overmillion in the upstream sector.

He said the oil sector spent 3.047 billion dollars on marine vessels between 2014 and 2018 while 73 per cent of the total amount spent went to crew boats, security vessels, diving support vessels and fast supply intervention vessels.

He said that most of the vessels operating in the oil industry were taken to Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroun and other countries for dry docking because Nigerias local dry docks were built many years ago and no longer provide the required services.

He added that the projects schedule indicated that the site work would be executed within six months while feasibility study would be completed in four months. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Rotary Club donates food items to Abuja community

By Franca Ofili

The Rotary Club of Wuse Central on Saturday planted trees in Sani Abacha way, Wuse to mitigate the impact of climate change inthe Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

Mr Gabriel Nkup, President of the club at the planting campaign in Abuja, said the trees would help address the scourge and cool the planet by sucking in harmful carbon dioxide to release oxygen into the atmosphere.

He said that planting trees could be the cheapest and most effective way of mitigating the current crisis facing the planet.

Nkup said that the club would monitor and maintain the trees to achieve its objective.

In the past, FCT has few trees but now it has improved and people are enjoying the atmosphere, he said.

Hajiya Riskat Abdulaziz, Director, Parks and Tree Maintenance Development of Parks and Creation of the FCT, said that trees are very important to human existence.

Abdulaziz said that planting of trees encourage biodiversity and helps in mitigating the effects of climate change

The problem we are facing today is crises of climate change so we are encouraged to plant more trees to make the environment green, she said.

Abdulaziz called on rotarians to endeavour to maintain any tree they planted to achieve its goals.

She said that the department had been sensitising Nigerians on the importance of tree planting.

She called on Nigerians to cultivate the habit of tree planting to make the environment conducive.

Abdulaziz advised that the Federal Government should find a way to empower people that were into firewood business in order to stop the cutting of trees.

Also, Mrs Amaka Ibezimako, President, Rotary Club Abuja Prestige, said that the members came out in numbers to plant trees because of the clubs resolve to support the environmental rekindling.

Ibezimako said that Rotary International recently expanded its areas of focus to accommodate what is now called Supporting the Environment to mitigate the climate change impact on society.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Joy Odigie

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare the 11 has called on political parties participating in the Edo 2020 election to go about their campaigns peacefully.

The Royal Majesty made the call when he received a delegation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on a courtesy visit at his Palace in Benin on Saturday.

The APC delegation, led by Yobe Governor, Mai Mala Buni, was in Benin for the official flag-off of the partys campaign for its Edo 2020 Gubernatorial candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

The Oba said the Palace had not been happy with the recent happenings in the state.

He called on everyone in the state to pray for a peaceful Edo election.

There is nothing as powerful as prayers.

As you go about your campaign, go about it peacefully and without bitterness, the monarch said.

Oba Ewuare also reiterated that he remained non-partisan and had never supported any political candidate.

He said, We remain non-partisan because of the laid down rules of our ancestors; we must be fathers to all.

We see every candidate as our child and we pray for everybody. It is wiser to leave the fate of the election to God.

I am not against any candidate; I have never been for or against any candidate but when the people have chosen via the election, we will pray for him to succeed in office.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Yobe Governor and Chairman, APC National Caretaker Committee, said the visit was to present the Edo 2020 APC governorship candidate to the royal majesty for his blessings.

Buni was optimistic that APC would reclaim the state come Sept. 19. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

COVID-19

By Abiodun Esan

The Kwara State Government has received N100 million grant from the World Bank to assist the state to strengthen its management of the coronavirus pandemic.

Spokesman for the states Technical Committee on COVID-19, Mr Rafiu Ajakaye, said in a statement in Ilorin on Saturday that the grant was sourced through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

He said that the grant was part of the ongoing World Bank-assisted Regional Disease Surveillance System Enhancement (REDISSE) project.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that REDISE is coordinated by the NCDC to bridge funding gap at the state level for the implementation of the COVID-19 response and incidence action plan.

Ajakaye said that Kwara was one of the first few states in the country to receive the fund after it was certified fit for the financial support on account of its COVID-19 efforts.

The REDISSE project is to implement critical and time-sensitive priority activities related to the pandemic.

The COVID-19 Response Fund for states will cover the priority activities in areas such as training, workshops, meetings, seminar, procurement of goods, services, operating costs and consultancy services.

The statement added that the funds were meant for activities in the approved Incident Action Plan.

Kwara State is one of the few states that have met the criteria laid down by the NCDC and World Bank. This has triggered the disbursement of N100 million to the state. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

COVID-19 updates by NCDC

o commemorate the World Mask Week, by sensitising all citizens to the need to wear face mask.

In his response, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, expressed happiness over the Organisation of the awareness campaign.

Source: NAN News

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan

By Kingsley Okoye

The Senate says it received the cheering news that President Muhammadu Buhari has assented to the repealed and re-enacted Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).

Spokesperson of the Senate, Sen.Ajibola Basiru (APC Osun), in a statement in Abuja on Saturday said Buharis assent of the CAMA bill had completed the final stage for the enactment of the Act, repealing and replacing the 30-year-old legislation.

He said assent to the bill had further demonstrated the cordial relationship between the National Assembly and the Presidency.

Basiru said assent to bill was also a validation of the efforts of the National Assembly in providing the needed legislative interventions for the resuscitation of the nations economy.

The amendment as passed by the Senate and House of Representatives was to strengthen the legal framework for the incorporation of companies, limited liability partnerships, limited partnerships, registration of business names, incorporation of trustees of certain communities, bodies, associations.

It is to also address incidental matters, several corporate legal innovations, geared toward enhancing ease of doing business in Nigeria.

It is not in doubt that the provisions of the repealed Act had become very obsolete.

It therefore could not effectively address challenges being faced by companies and incorporated trustees such as business rescue for insolvent companies and the merger of Incorporated Trustees for associations that share similar aims and objectives.

Basiru said it was gratifying to note that the new Act provides for innovative processes and procedures to ease the operations of companies.

He listed such innovations operations to include introducion of statements of compliance, replacing authorised share capital with minimum share capital to reduce costs of incorporating companies.

Others are providing for electronic filing, electronic share transfers, e-meetings, remote general meetings for private companies in response to the disruptions to close contact physical meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Others, according to him, are the disclosure of persons with significant control of companies in a register of beneficial owners to enhance corporate accountability and transparency.

Besides the CAMA, he noted that Senate had demonstrated commitment to legislative interventions to reposition the Nigerian economy, particularly to cushion the disruptions occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic.

It has recently passed a new Banks and Other Financial Institutions Bill, Railways Bill, Police Bill amongst other legislations waiting concurrence by the House of Representatives and assent by MrPresident.

He said the Senate and ultimately the 9th National Assembly would continue in line with its constitutional mandate to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of the Federation.

Basiru added that the Senate would also continue to accord the executive necessary legislative cooperation that would promote and sustain the wellbeing and security of the citizenry and prosperity of Nigeria.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Rotary organises free hepatitis, liver screening for Abuja community

By Ruth Oketunde

The Rotary Club of Abuja, District 9125, on Saturday, organised free hepatitis B and C screening as well as Liver Scan for residents of Piwoyi, a suburb located on the airport road, Abuja.

The event which was organised in partnership with Silver Cross Hospital, Abuja, was part of activities to mark this years World Hepatitis Day, which was commemorated on July 28.

Dr Patrick Ezie, President, Rotary Club of Abuja Federal, said it was important to raise awareness of the dangers of Hepatitis and how people can prevent themselves from contracting it.

We are in an era where we are battling with the Coronavirus pandemic and if someone has other infections in his or her system, Covid-19 makes it worse.

We organised this outreach today to make the people of this community become aware of Hepatitis and how deadly and highly infectious it is, especially Hepatitis B and C.

We are also going to inform them on how to prevent themselves from contracting Hepatitis and for those who are negative, we will be giving them immunization, because that is the only way they can remain negative.

We will also be conducting Liver Scan services because we believe that as a consequence of long standing Hepatitis, patients with this ailment can develop Liver cancer.

So once we detect that in a patient, we are going to refer them to our partner hospital immediately, so that they can start early treatment, he said.

Ezie added that the club would continue to support governments effort in providing routine health screenings for various communities in the country.

Mr Effiom Bassey, Manager, Silver Cross Hospital, said it was important for people to practice personal hygiene and prevent themselves from contracting Hepatitis.

This ailment can be contracted through body fluids like sweats as well as engaging with multiple sexual partners, he said.

A beneficiary, Mrs Caroline Asemah, appreciated the club for bringing the awareness and screening exercise to the community.

She also advised other members of the community to participate in the free test, so that they can know their health status. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

World Bank

By Temitope Ponle

World Bank has approved .28 million financing to help Nigeria prevent, detect and respond to the threat posed by COVID-19 with specific focus on state level responses.

According to a statement from the bank on Friday, the amount includes million credit from the International Development Association (IDA) and .28 million grant from the Pandemic Emergency Financing Facility.

It stated that the Federal Government would provide grants to thirty-six states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) through the COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Project (CoPREP).

It added that the project would serve as immediate support to break the chain of COVID-19 local transmission and limit the spread of coronavirus through containment and mitigation strategies.

Mr Shubham Chaudhuri, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria said: Nigeria has ramped up its efforts to contain the COVID -19 outbreak, but more needs to be done at the state level, which are at the frontline of the response.

The project will provide the states with much needed direct technical and fiscal support to strengthen their position in combating the pandemic.

Chaudhuri added that the project would finance federal procurements of medical equipment, laboratory tests and medicines to be distributed to the states based on their needs.

He also said that the project complemented the Second Regional Disease Surveillance Systems Enhancement Project (REDISSE II) which was already providing short-term emergency support to implement national and state Incident Action Plans.

Furthermore, he said that all 36 states had incident action plans cleared by the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and funds had been disbursed to 23 states.

According to the World Bank, CoPREP would finance further support to all states and the FCT through the NCDC to implement their COVID-19 Incident Action Plans.

Specifically, this includes: the operationalisation of 37 Emergency Operations Centers; training of 30,000 healthcare workers in infection prevention and control; support for emergency prioritised water sanitation and hygiene activities; and strengthening of risk assessment and community and event-based surveillance.

Others are: provision of on-time data to inform the response and mitigation activities; additional support to laboratories for early detection and confirmation; equipping and renovating isolation and treatment centers including community support centers; and improving in patient transfer systems through financing of ambulances and training as needed.

It further stated that grants to states would be conditional on states adopting COVID-19 response strategies in line with the Federal Government guidelines and strategies.

CoPREP will enhance the institutional and operational capacity for disease detection through provision of technical expertise, coordination support, detection, diagnosis and case management efforts in all states and the FCT as per the WHO guidelines in the Strategic Response Plan.

It will also help the government mobilise surge response capacity through trained and well-equipped frontline healthcare workers and strengthen the public health care network for future health emergencies.

Source: NAN News

Fumigation

By Hajara Leman

Gombe State Government has begun the fumigation of 2,021 secondary schools across the state ahead of their reopening for the students in exit classes.

The schools are expected to reopen on Monday, Aug.10 for students in terminal classes after they had been closed some months ago due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Commissioner for Environment and Forest Resources, Dr Hussaina Goje, on Friday said that 50 members of staff of Gombe State Environmental Protection Agency (GOSEPA) would participate in the exercise.

Goje represented by Malam Sani Jauro, the Director of Planning in the ministry, said that out of the 2, 021 schools, 154 are Senior Secondary Schools , 347 are Junior Secondary Schools and 1,520 are Primary schools.

The commissioner said that the chemical the officials would apply would be environmentally friendly and not harmful to human beings.

In his address, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Habu Dahiru, said that the exercise was part of the measures put in place to combat COVID-19 as well as the preparation for schools opening after four months of closure.

According to him, disinfecting the schools will guarantee the safety of the children, prevent them from contracting the virus from objects and other possible places.

Dahiru said that they would ensure that all the schools were fumigated before the government announces the resumption date for the rest of the students who are not in the exist classes.

He called on the principals and head teachers of the schools to give the necessary supports needed to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise began with the Government Senior Science Secondary School, Gombe and, subsequently , to Government Girls College, Doma.

The commissioner also visited the Cooperative Finance Agency (CFA),who supplies foodstuffs to the secondary schools in the state , and directed them to supply food stuffs to the 20 schools operating boarding facilities across the state.

Source: NAN News

NSE

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Activities on the trading floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) maintained a bullish posture on Friday with the market indicators appreciating further by 0.45 per cent.

Specifically, the All-Share Index rose by 111.06 points or 0.45 per cent to close at 25,041.40 compared with 24,930.34 achieved on Thursday.

Also, the market capitalisation inched higher by N58 billion or 0.45 per cent to close at N13.063 trillion against N13.005 trillion on Thursday.

A breakdown of the price movement chart shows that Value Fund recorded the highest gain to lead the gainers chart with N10.30 to close at N113.50 per share.

Okomu Oil trailed with N2.05 to close at N77 while GTBank rose by 60k to close at N24.35 per share.

Guinness also gained 60k to close at N14.10 while Dangote Sugar rose by 40k to close at N11.90 per share.

On the other hand, UACN led the losers chart, dropping by 65k to close at N6.20 per share.

Consolidated Hallmark Insurance lost 4k to close at 41k while AIICO Insurance dipped 3k to close at 90k per share.

Jaiz Bank dropped 2k to close at 57k, while Transcorp dipped 1k to close at 61k per share.

In all, a total of 167.14 million shares valued at N2.01 billion were exchanged by investors in 4,036 deals.

This was in contrast with a turnover of 173.75 million shares worth N2.13 billion traded in 3,646 deals on Thursday.

GTBank was the toast of investors, accounting for 27.17 million shares valued at N657.61 million.

FBN Holdings came second with 22.96 million shares worth N116.87 million, while Sterling Bank sold 12.64 million shares valued at N15.09 million.

Zenith Bank accounted for 11.34 million shares worth N191.5 million, while Lafarge Africa transacted 10.77 million shares valued at N126.58 million.

Source: NAN News