Islamic Financial Institution tenets will help actualise SDGs Jaiz Bank Official

By Ebere Agozie

Mr Muhammed Muhammed, Chief strategist of Jaiz Bank, says Nigeria embracing the tenets espoused by the Islamic Financial Institution will help in the realisation of the UNDPs Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Muhammed, who disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, via e-mail said Nigeria had the opportunity to lead the continent using Islamic Finance tools to achieve the SDGs.

Muhammed who recently represented the country at a high level taskforce meeting organised by the British Government and the Islamic Finance Council UK, added that embracing the tenets would definitely reduce poverty in the country.

The Nigeria clime has already realised the potential of Islamic finance, for instance the overwhelming acceptance and subscription of the Sukuk issued by the Federal government to finance its developmental projects.

This can surely be replicated in the area of promoting SDGs, by incorporating innovative Islamic finance products of alleviating poverty.

He said that the world was looking to Islamic Finance to achieve the SDGs and Nigeria should play a prominent role in spearheading efforts to use the available tools for the SDGs in Africa.

We should join others in charting a roadmap for governments the world over as they strive to make the SDGs realistic for economic growth.

The value proposition of Islamic Finance has always been in its impact and the relation to real economy, which is supposed to have a multiplier effect on economic growth and development.

In essence, Islamic finance tenets are totally in conformance with the overall aims and objectives of the SDGs. They will therefore strengthen the SDG initiatives, rather than diminishing them.

He said that Nigeria should tap into the emerging global liquidity pools seeking SDG-aligned products and increase tactical alignment with development bank funders.

There exist several opportunities such as the Green Sukuk, which is one investment that paves a way towards more climate-friendly investments and similarly, the aspect of Islamic Social Responsible Investing and green finance which we should tap into.

He enumerated more specific ways that Nigeria could help in leading the efforts to apply the Islamic financial tools for SDGs in Africa to includemodelling the federal governments Islamic-finance-embedded programmes to other African countries.

Nigeria stands out in the area of Islamic finance among other African countries.

As such the country has the ability to facilitate knowledge sharing within the continent, extending technical and capacity initiatives to other African countries, he added.

Muhammed noted that the emergence and track record of Jaiz Bank had demonstrated the great potential that were embedded in the Islamic Finance Products and Services.

He, however, added that other areas such as the inter-faith dialogue initiatives could be further explored in order to achieve greater benefit. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Acting EFCC Boss Ibrahim Magu

By Ismaila Chafe

The suspended Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),Mr Ibrahim Magu, has again been accused of allegedly failing to give proper account of missing 332 out of the 836 recovered real estate property in March, 2018.

A report by the Presidential Committee on Audit of Recovered Assets (PCARA) made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) confirmed the development, indicating that the unaccounted property was worth billions of naira.

The report also noted massive wastage and deterioration of physical assets (including landed property, cars and vessels recovered by the EFCC due to poor management.

It also noted with concern the failure to preserve and realise the economic value of the recovered assets, noting that some of the assets were recovered over 15 years ago and left fallow.

A disturbing example is the two vessels that allegedly sunk at NNS Beecroft Naval BASE, Lagos and NNS Pathfinder Naval Base in Port Harcourt without trace under the watch of the acting Chairman of EFCC.

The vessels named MT GOOD SUCCESS, MV PSV DERBY and MV THAMES were allowed to sink in spite of several warnings from the Navy on the need to evacuate the petroleum products in the vessels.

The total value of the assets lost due to the negligence runs into millions of US dollars

The (suspended) acting Chairman is yet to provide a report on what happened to these vessels, the report said.

NAN reports that Magu, who is currently facing charges of mismanagement and lack of transparency in managing recovered assets as well as flagrant disobedience to directives and to court orders, would be expected to provide answers to the conflicting figures.

The PCARA report also noted that the few consultants hired by EFCC were not managing a substantial number of the recovered assets and that the EFCC has no capacity to manage the entire assets on its own.

The committee, therefore, alerted the nation on the economic and environmental implications of this negligent of duty by the commission.

It equally observed that EFCC made conflicting submissions or returns to it in respect of the non-cash assets which substantially affected the committees assignment.

The report read in part: For instance, EFCC stated 836 as the number of Recovered Real Estate in the Original Returns it made to the President on 07/04/2017.

However, in its 1st Returns to PCARA on 13/12/2017, EFCC short changed the system and gave the figure of 339 thereby failing to account for 497 property.

It is interesting to note that when the Acting Chairman was further queried on this lapse, he made further contradictory 2nd return of 504 on 09/03/2018 thereby bridging the gap to 332 property.

The committee identified lack of internal control mechanisms/ systems within EFCC and Lack of adequate returns by EFCC Departments and Zonal Offices as reasons for these discrepancies and inconsistencies by the commission.

The suspended EFCC boss was also alleged to have neglected and refused to comply with the Regulations on the Management of Recovered Assets, 2019 as he embarked on disposing some of the property without regard to extant law.

These Regulations was issued in line with international best practices and to ensure that all the anti-corruption agencies report all their recovered assets in a database provided by the Federal Government.

It is important to note that the (suspended) Acting Chairman in apparent disregard of the regulation is disposing of these properties without regard to extant laws, and Regulations and without reference to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and in effect, there is no way to have an audit of the property.

This is also a clear sign that there is a deliberate attempt to hide the exact figures of recoveries, which is an indication of fraudulent intent.

These actions of the (suspended) Ag. Chairman in refusing the Regulation is a clear case of refusal to follow lawful instructions and directives contrary to the provisions of the Act that establish the EFCC, a separate report on the matter, addressed to the president, further noted.

According to the fresh report obtained by NAN, Magu and some top officials of EFCC were allegedly using these recovered assets to corruptly enrich themselves.

The report also listed the number of the affected properties suspected to have been illegally acquired as well as the bank accounts of those individuals serving as fronts for Magu and the affected EFCC officials.

Most of the recovered assets are allegedly sold without anyone knowing and without proper records and without recourse to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing that has the mandate to undertake evaluation of such property.

Some of the assets have been taken over by EFCC officials while some are sold at a giveaway prices to friends and cronies of the Acting Chairman.

It is also on record that the (suspended) acting chairman is maintaining different accounts, including using proxies who return the benefit of the sold assets to him.

These funds are then used to procure property and lands in the names of some of his proxies,
the report further stated. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Archbisop Adewale Martins

By Henry Oladele

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Adewale Martins on Sunday warned all parents against negative declarations to their children, as every word shaped their behaviour.

The Archbishop, who gave the warning during the online Sunday Service, urged Christians to learn to pray with the word of God.

The words of the parents matter to the children. You must be careful what you say to your children.

What you say to your children shapes their behaviour. There is much power in words, he said.

He also said that if any negative word had been said to a child, a parent must always reverse the word so it would not reflect on the child.

The Archbishop advised Christians to learn to always pray with the word of God, saying that there was power in His words.

If the words of parents have so much power in the children, then how much more Gods words.

There is power in the word of God. Look at what the word of God is saying to you personally.

In His generous ways, God makes His words available to anyone. His words has the power to enter anyone or anywhere, he said.

While talking about the rainy season, the Archbishop pleaded with everyone not to block the drainage.

He also appealed to the relevant authorities to do their best in clearing the drainage so that flooding would be less if not averted.

Martins advised Christians to always approach the scriptures with faith and humility, saying that with this, hope was assured in Him. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Coronavirus

Mr Abdullahi Candido, Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and other council officials have tested negative for COVID-19.

AMAC Head of Information, Mrs Patience Olaloye, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Olaloye said that the chairman, had last week, led other officials to undergo the COVID-19 test after the council Secretary Mrs Abisola Abdullahi tested positive for the virus.

She added that the test results, which came out over the weekend, declared the chairman, other council officials and political appointees, negative.

The Executive Chairman, however, says the council shall continue to observe all the COVID 19 safety procedures in order to ensure that members of staff and visitors coming to the council are safe.

Candido prays for the Council Secretary, for a speedy recovery while enjoining residents of AMAC to remain calm and continue to pray for Gods intervention on this deadly pandemic, she said.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there was COVID-19 scare at the council secretariat last week, when news of the test result of the councils secretary, came out positive for the virus.

The council secretariat, was however, shut on Friday for fumigation. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Kamarudeen Usman

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Kamarudeen Usman on the successful defence of his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight title with an emphatic win over Jorge Masvidal.

The presidents congratulatory message was conveyed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Sunday.

Buhari commended the courageous fighter for finishing strong inside the octagon, proudly flying the green and white colours in distant lands.

According to the president, as the first African-born and Nigerian UFC Champion, Usman has reminded the world that good things and great people still come out of Nigeria.

While the global COVID-19 pandemic may have brought gloom to many families and nations, the President expressed delight and appreciation that Usman has lifted the nation spirits with another professional performance.

He said this had also proven that things would surely get better at the fullness of time when we remain committed to our vision.

The president wished Usman the very best and more victories in his career and prayed that like fine wine, he improves with age.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

COVID-19

By Ikenna Osuoha

National Population Commission (NPC) says the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the maternal mortality rate of 556 deaths per 100,000 live births in the country.

The acting Chairman of the commission, Dr Eyitayo Oyetunji, said this on Saturday at a news conference in Abuja to mark the 2020 World Population Day (WPD).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WPD is annually celebrated on July 11 to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health needs of people around the world.

The day is an opportunity to take stock of the state of the worlds population, especially those often left behind, particularly women and girls and thereby determine the way forward to ensure their fundamental human rights are upheld.

Oyetunji, who said that this years theme of the WPD Putting the brakes on COVID-19: How to Safeguard the Health and Rights of Women and Girls Now, affirmed that women and girls were worst affected by the pandemic.

The NPC chairman explained that COVID-19 had impeded womens access to reproductive health facilities, especially as logistics of getting to health facilities became negatively impacted.

He said that the COVID-19 lockdown had paralysed the informal sector of the economy, which women were mainly employed in.

He added that although the pandemic is global, some categories of persons are more affected, for example, the informal sector employs 80 per cent of Nigerians.

And it is mainly made of daily paid workers who are worse hit by the lockdown.

It is pertinent to mention that because most women in Nigeria are employed in the informal sector, COVID-19 lockdown impacted more negatively on them than the male counterparts.

Oyetunji expressed concern over the state of poverty among women, which resulted to anaemia occasioned by malnutrition.

The NPC boss, who identified anaemia as a major cause of maternal mortality, said over half of women from the age of 15 to 49 suffer from anaemia.

He pointed out that low usage of contraceptives, as well as unmet needs for family planning were major causes of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) due to unprotected sex, unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions.

He then raised an alarm over the continued shutting down of schools due to the lockdown, which has the possibility of making more girls to drop out of school.

Oyetunji, who reiterated calls to mitigate the challenges of women and those left behind, commended the Federal Government for initiating numerous programmes to end the practices that negate the rights of women and girls.

Some of these programmes include the Better Education Service Delivery Programme for Result (BESDA) aimed at rescuing the number of out-of-school children in 17 states of the federation, he said.

He assured the commissions continued collaboration with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and other development partners to generate data to address cases of womens health, nutrition, educational attainment and sexual harassment, through surveys and researches as Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys.

Mrs Ulla Muller, the UNFPA Country Representative, called for synergy to end Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Harmful Traditional Practices (HTPs) against women and girls.

Muller, who condemned the family bias against the girl child and favour for the son, said that violations against the girl child were carried out with the consent of parents.

She said that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a setback in UNFPAs progress in the fight against GBV and HTPs.

Muller, however, called for renewed efforts by stakeholders to change the narrative that one out of every three women has experienced one form of violence or the other. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state.

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has commended the Federal Government for the installation of a power sub-station at the Bichi Local Government Area of the state to boost power supply.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Director-General, Media and Public Relations to the Governor, Malam Ameen Yassar.

Ganduje gave the commendation while receiving the Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Alhaji Sule AbdulAziz, who visited him at Government House in Kano.

The governor said that the project would trigger post-COVID-19 economic recovery in the state.

According to the statement, Ganduje thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and the minister of power for their sense of duty and determination to assist the state to revive its economy, especially in the aftermath of the challenges of COVID-19.

The project will facilitate steady power supply to seven local government areas in the vicinity of Bichi Local Government Area, thus, economic activities would bounce back.

The statement said that installation of the transformer has commenced and that when completed, the transformer would be installed under the 132KV Kano/Kankia/Katsina Line 1 at Bichi town.

This is a big development and I will mobilise a grand ceremony to launch it, we will also protect it from vandalism, in view of its importance, the statement added.

Earlier, the TCN managing director said he was in Kano to monitor ongoing work at the project site, pointing out that he was convinced that the state government was fully committed to the successful implementation of the project.

As soon as the civil works are completed, it will take us not more than three months to finish the installation.

This will provide electricity to the people of at least seven local government areas.

AbdulAziz commended the member, representing Bichi Federal Constituency, Mr Abubakar Kabir, for bearing the entire cost of the civil works involved in the project as well as shouldering the responsibility of providing for the people handling the project.

He explained that the project was facilitated by the state governor, who, according to him, has demonstrated a resolve to address persistent power outage in the Bichi area.

Source: NAN News

Gov.Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

By Kevin Okunzuwa

Edo Government says it has cleared and discharged 3,769suspected coronavirus (COVID-19), cases across the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs), who have completed the compulsory 14-day follow up and tested negative.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Patrick Okundia, told newsmen in Benin on Saturday, that the government had also embarked on contact-tracing of 4,327 persons.

Okundia said the cleared cases comprised of 347 Persons of Interests (POI) and 3,422 others that had various degrees of contacts with confirmed cases.

He said the state had so far recorded 1593 confirmed cases, 7187 suspected cases, 57 deaths and 929 discharged persons, adding that the government had also taken serious steps to contain the pandemic across all communities to protect the people.

He expressed disappointment over provision of wrong information, such as names, addresses and phone numbers by by residents in the ongoing massive testing for the virus in the state, saying the action was hampering governments efforts at containing the pandemic.

The commissioner identified early testing as essential in curbing spread of the disease.

He said: The Edo State Government encourages all residents with symptoms of the disease to come out for testing and treatment as early detection is key to containing the virus. When detected early, a patients chance for survival increases.

We urge you to comply with all government directives, aimed at ensuring the health and safety of all Edo people.

While the government ramps up efforts to win the war against this common enemy of mankind, it is imperative that residents stay at home and observe social distancing guidelines and other precautionary measures against spread of the disease.

And these must include regular hand washing with soap under running water and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Cover your mouth and nose properly when sneezing and/or coughing.

Two toll-free lines for COVID-19 response have been introduced by Edo State Government to strengthen the initial lines from the State Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO), distributed at the outset of the outbreak.

If you have any COVID 19 symptoms, please call 08001235111 or 08002200110 for assistance.

Source: NAN News

Acting EFCC Boss Ibrahim Magu

By Ismaila Chafe

A report by the Presidential Probe Panel has revealed details of how the suspended acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, allegedly used a cleric to launder funds abroad.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Magu is currently being interrogated by the panel headed by retired Justice Ayo Salami over allegations of mismanagement and lack of transparency in managing recovered assets by the commission.

A copy of the report made available to NAN on Saturday in Abuja said one

investigative report on EFCCs activities by the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU),.

According to the report, the unknown clergy is alleged to have bought a landed property on behalf of Magu worth N573 million in Dubai, United Arab Emirate.

Another individual who is helping in laundering funds for the Acting Chairman and who has been referred to in several petitions is one

He is reported to have travelled to Dubai with Mr Magu and his name was used in purchasing property in Dubai for Mr Magu.

As an unknown pastor, the NFIUs report showed huge movement of funds ranging from.

NAN also gathered that efforts had been intensified to expose the real identity of the Pastor with a view to arraigning him for prosecution, if found culpable.

In the, the Acting Chairman is failing to further cooperate with the UK NCA to enable them charge the Former Minister to court in the UK.

The Acting Chairman despite his knowledge that Mrs Madueke will not be extradited to Nigeria until after her trial in the UK, has consistently been accusing the UK government on the pages of print and electronic media of not wanting to extradite her to Nigeria, the report maintained.

Magu was also accused of deliberately refusing to provide documentary evidence that would make the office of the nations Attorney-General to commence the extradition process of Diezani Madueke.

This has strained the EFCC relationship with Europe most strategic partner, the report further observed.

NAN reports that Magu, who is being held at the Police headquarters, Abuja, is expected to reappear before the Salami probe panel on Monday, to defend himself against several allegations.

Source: NAN News

Minister of Defence, Maj.-Gen. Salihi Magashi (rtd)

By Abdullahi Shugaba

The Minister of Defence, Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi (rtd), on Saturday said that the Federal Government would not rest on its oars in the fight against all forms of criminalities in the country.

Magashi stated this during the 2020 Nigeria Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) and Inauguration of Compendium on Transformation of the Nigerian Army under the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Burutai in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

He explained that the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari would not leave any stone unturned to fight in all trouble spots in the country.

The minister said: These include the fight against the Boko Haram terrorism, armed banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, armed robbery, pipeline vandalism, among others.

Magashi said that President Buhari equally assured that all the obligations of the Nigerians Army would be discharged to them to boost their morale.

He commended the COAS, officers and men of the Army for their dedication, obedience and loyalty in the fight against insurgency and all forms of criminalities in the country.

Let me state categorically that the nation has remained indebted to the Nigerian Army and all the other members of the armed forces in the fight to secure the country, the minister said.

Also speaking, Burutai said that he had improved the efficiency and operations of the Nigerian Army since his assumption of office from 2015 to date.

He stated that the officers and men had deployed new skills and techniques in their operations as result of his transformation, courtesy of the support and cooperation he was receiving from the Buhari administration.

The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of NADCEL, Maj-Gen. Nuhu Angbazo, who is also the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Armoured Division, Jos, thanked officers and men from other arms of the military and the entire members of the public for gracing the occasion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadiqque Abubakar was represented by AVM IO Amao while Rear Admiral TT Dakuut, represented the Chief of Naval Staff at the occasion.

Nine officers and seven soldiers were given the CoAS Award for their gallantry and bravery which promoted the Nigerian Army.

Source: NAN News

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged African leaders to ensure the immediate actualisation of the Common African Position on Assets Recovery (CAPAR).

Buhari made the call as the continent celebrates this years Anti-Corruption Day on July 11.

According to a statement by Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Buhari made the appeal in a letter addressed to South Africas President, Cyril Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa is the current Chairman of African Union (AU).

In the letter, the Nigerian leader asked for a re-commitment to the anti-corruption war by leaders on the continent to engender an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena.

The president lamented that the massive corruption being perpetrated across our national governments has created a huge governance deficit.

He said this in turn had created negative consequences that have worsened the socioeconomic and political situation in Africa.

The letter by President Buhari read in part:

As Your Excellency is aware, the continental fight against corruption has been premised on an irreducible minimum that can pave the way for Africas transformation.

In this effort, the emphasis has been on the continents collective determination to forge resilient partnerships among our national governments, civil society organisations and other interest groups, such as women, youth and the physically challenged, to ensure improved socio-economic, political and security development and ultimately, the improvement of our continent.

The concern of the African Union is that the massive corruption being perpetuated across our national governments, has created a huge governance deficit that has in turn created negative consequences that have worsened the socio-economic and political situation in Africa.

Your Excellency may recall that these continental concerns led our colleagues at the African Union, to appoint my humble self as the African Union Anti-Corruption Champion.

I believe that the efforts and focus of the Nigerian Government at home, partly informed this decision as well as the need for Africa, as a continent, to recommit herself to the fight against corruption and the imperative to free resources for meaningful development.

I am, therefore, in full support of the call for the issuance of a continental message to commemorate this day, on July 11, 2020, to re-commit the African Union to the continental fight against corruption, including through a robust approach to assets recovery, hence the need for a strategic framework on a Common African Position on Assets Recovery (CAPAR).

Happily, in February 2020, at the 33rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in Addis Ababa, CAPAR was adopted.

In my view, the African Union must go beyond the mere annual celebration of the Africa Anti-Corruption Day by moving swiftly to operationalise the African Common Position on Assets Recovery by all member states.

This is an excellent way to drive Africas Agenda 2063, for an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena.

As current Chair of our Union, I sincerely commend to you, this suggestion that seeks to call our leaders in Africa to recommit ourselves to this very important task of reclaiming our continent from the vice of systemic corruption.

Please accept, Your Excellency and Dear Brother, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Source: NAN News

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama

The Federal Government says the evacuation flight from the United Kingdom, initially scheduled for July 12 from London Heathrow, has been rescheduled to depart from Gatwick Airport on July 14.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Geoffrey Onyeama, made this known via his twitter handle @GeoffreyOnyeama on Saturday as he gave the evacuation update as contained in a statement from the Nigeria High Commission in London.

Onyeama said the flight was rescheduled due to landing clearance issues, adding that Air Peace has contracted Air Partner to convey the intending passengers on its behalf.

Notice of the rescheduling and change of departure airport of evacuation flight from the United Kingdom.

This is to inform all prospective evacuees that have been issued tickets for the Air Peace flights departing on July 13, from London Heathrow to Abuja and Lagos.

That due to landing clearance issues, the flights have been rescheduled to depart on Tuesday, July 14, at 10.00 a.m. from Gatwick Airport.

Furthermore, Air Peace Airlines has contracted Air Partner to operate the flight on its behalf and any other information will be communicated directly to the passengers.

In the light of the foregoing, the mission wishes to extend its appreciation to the Chairman and Management of Air Peace Limited for ensuring that our stranded nationals in the UK return home safely.

The High Commission, however, regrets any inconvenience caused as a result of these changes.

Source: NAN News

Minister of Defence, Maj.-Gen. Salihi Magashi, decorates officers and soldiers for outstanding performance

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Training and Operations, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Enobong Udoh, has won the Chief of Army Staffs Commendation Award alongside six other officers and nine soldiers for outstanding performance in operations and innovations.

The NewsAgency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commendation award and unveiling of the book titled, Compendium of Nigerian Army Transformation; Buratais years, 2015-2020 is the climax of the activities lined up to commemorate the 2020 NADCEL.

The event, which has the theme, Nigerias Territorial Defence and Sovereignty; Imperatives for Nigerian Armys Sustainable Training and Operation, started on July 1.

Udoh was awarded for his forthrightness and exemplary leadership in planning and execution of operations that had yielded tremendous success across the theaters of operation.

Other officers awarded include the Commander, 107 Division Equipment Support, Brig.-Gen. Babatunde Alaya, who designed and fabricated the made in Nigeria Mine Resistance Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles in Maiduguri.

Alaya was recognised for his ingenuity and innovation in developing local solution to the equipment needs of the Nigerian army.

Also, Col. Damian Deke was recognised for leading the research and development centre of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

While Lt.-Col. Emmanuel Ekan and Lt.-Col. Ibrahim Mohammed were recognised for operational efficiency and gallantry against terrorists in the North East, Lt.-Col. Yusuf Salisu was recognised for facilitation and execution of projects in his unit.

Capt. Ado Ibrahim was conferred with the commendation award for research, development and manufacture of combat vehicles at DICON such as Ezugwu MRAP and other patrol vehicles.

In the soldiers categories, four warrant officers, two staff sergeants, one Sergeant, one Lance corporal and one private soldiers were recognised for innovations, gallantry and bravery in the discharge of their duties.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, commended the officers and soldiers for their commitment to the defence of the country.

Buratai urged the awardees to sustain the hard work that had earned them the awards and enjoined those who were not recognised to strive more towards achieving the height.

Source: NAN News

Florida, one of the states seeing the sharpest spike, reported more than 10,000 daily cases and 93 new deaths.

Disney resorts in the state are starting to reopen, beginning with the Magic Kingdom and the Animal Kingdom.

Governor Ron De Santis rejected the idea that he had pushed his state to reopen too quickly before the virus spread was under control.

This contradicts what AnthonyFauci, the governments infectious disease expert has said.

Fauci warned that states, seeing surges of new cases, moved too swiftly in recent weeks and did not follow guidelines.

During a press conference onSaturday, De Santis said he would not be imposing a mandatory mask requirement state-wide.

Disney has enforced one at its locations, as part of its reopening, which comes about four months after the pandemic forced the parks to shut down.

Georgia, also a hotspot, shattered its own record, with more than 4,000 new cases.

However, a fight is brewing between the mayor of the states main city, Atlanta, a Democrat, who is trying to roll back re-openings, and the governor, a Republican, who is refusing.

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms warned of alarming spike in new cases.

The White House has downplayed the severity of the new outbreaks across multiple states, insisting, despite the evidence that the rising caseloads are only due to expanded testing and focusing on death rates.

While mortality figures have been in sharp decline, they are starting to tick back up, with places like Texas and Florida seeing sustained high levels, far surpassing their peaks earlier in the pandemic.

Texas Governor, Greg Abbott, has been urging citizens to wear masks, despite resistance and warned he may have to impose new rules if cases and hospitalisations continue to climb.

President Donald Trump, who generally does not wear a mask, is due to visit a military hospital and has said he likely would wear a face covering while spending time with injured soldiers. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Lagos state Assembly suspends activities

By Adekunle Williams

The Lagos State House of Assembly has suspended all legislative activities, for one week, until July 20.

The suspension was announced in a statement signed by the Clerk of the Assembly, Mr Azeez Sani on Friday night in Lagos.

All committee meetings, assignments and visit to the Lagos State House of Assembly is hereby suspended.

The suspension takes effect from Monday, July 13 to Sunday, July 19, while legislative activities shall resume on July 20, Sanni stated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspension of legislative activities might not be unconnected with the death of one of the lawmakers, Mr Tunde Buraimoh.

Late Buraimoh reportedly died of COVID-19 on Friday morning.

Until his death, Buraimoh was the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Security and Strategy.

He had been laid to rest at the Ikoyi Cemetery in Lagos on Friday evening. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

VP Yemi Osinbajo and daughter, Kiki

By Chijioke Okoronkwo
Dr Ayuba Musa, the landlord of the property housing the company, GLAMD Africa, has dismissed Mr Jackson Udes claims concerning the ownership of the house.

Musas reaction was sequel to a social media post by Ude, a New York based blogger, that Vice President Yemi Osinbajos daughter, Kiki, owns the property which houses her company, GLAMD Africa.

The landlord, in a disclaimer he signed on Friday in Abuja, said the property was never, at any point in time, sold to the Vice Presidents daughter or to anyone.

Musa said that he remained the rightful owner of the property and that all documents on the house were still carrying his name and challenged anyone in doubt to check with the FCT authorities.

In reaction to the recent reports on social media with regards to the above mentioned property, I write to declare that I, Dr Ayuba Z Musa, am the rightful owner of the said property located at No. 40 Durban Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.

I have all my documents which are duly registered with the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS).

I have never at any point sold or have agreed to sell my property to GLAMD Africa, Miss Osinbajo or to any other person; this is completely false, he said.

According to him, Osinbajos daughter is his tenant and has been since April 12, 2017, adding that the tenancy was recently renewed for an additional period of one year.

Ude, had through his platform, recently claimed that the suspended EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Magu, had confessed to giving N4 billion to the Vice President.

He further reported in another post that part of the money was used to purchase the property at Wuse 2, Abuja for GLAMD Africa.

Source: NAN News

AfDb president Akinwunmi Adesina and President Muhammadu Buhari

By Mustapha Sumaila
The African Development Bank (AfDB) says harnessing the youth workforce can speed economic recovery in the post-COVID-19 era in the West African countries.

The AfDBs Communications and External Department made this known in a statement on Friday on in its regional economic outlook report.

It stated that the virtual launch of the report was jointly hosted by its Regional Development and Business Delivery Office for West Africa, the Nigeria Country Office and the Country Economics Department.

The bank explained that West Africas burgeoning youth population offered a strategic workforce which could be harnessed for employment and economic growth.

This, it said, was in spite of COVID-19 pandemic that was devastating the continent and global economies.

The bank said growth in West Africa, poised to expand by 4.0 per cent in 2020, was now projected to contract by at least -2.0 per cent in 2020.

As a result of the pandemic, growth in the West Africa region, which was poised to expand by 4.0 per cent in 2020, following growth of 3.6 per cent in 2019, is now projected to contract by -2.0 per cent in 2020, and could fall by as much as -4.3 per cent in a worst-case scenario.

Countries that depend on oil and tourism for foreign exchange and fiscal revenues will especially face reduced fiscal space and heightened external account imbalances, stoking a build-up of public debt the bank stated.

Source: NAN News

UNFPA

By Ikenna Osuoha

The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) on Saturday says about 47 million women in low and middle-income countries were likely to be deprived of contraceptives as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Natalia Kanem, Executive Director, UNFPA, made this known in astatement released by Mrs Kori Habib, the Media Associate of the fund in Abuja.

Kanem,whose speech is entitled peace in the home: safeguarding the health and rights of women and girls even during COVID-19, in commemoration of World Population Day (WPD) said that the impact of COVID-19 would likely hamper global efforts to achieve three zeros at the heart of our UNFPAs works.

NAN reports that theWorld Population dayis a United Nations initiative celebrated on July 11 every year.

NAN reports that theday aimsat spreading awareness about the explodingworld populationand the importance of reproductive health.

She regretted the possibility of a set back in their achieving of the three zero -zero unmet need for contraception, zero preventable maternal deaths, and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices against women and girls by 2030.

UNFPA projects, for example, that the pandemic will cut global progress towards ending gender-based violence within this decade by at least one third.

Moreover, if mobility restrictions continue for at least six months with major disruptions to health services.

47 million women in low- and middle-income countries may be deprived of modern contraceptives, resulting in sevenmillion unintended pregnancies, Kanem said.

The Executive Director said that peace in the world had its beginning with peace in the home, quoting the United Nations Secretary-General as saying in his call for a global ceasefire on Gender-Based Violence.

Describing Gender Based Violence as a pandemic within the COVID-19 pandemic, Kanem expressed worry over how one woman in three have experienced physical or sexual violence in her lifetime.

Now, with countries on lockdown and household tensions heightened, gender-based violence is on the rise, and sexual and reproductive health services are being sidelined by health systems struggling to cope with COVID-19.

She said that the COVID-19 crisis has taken a staggering toll on people, communities and economies everywhere,noting that not everyone was affected equally as women and girls tend to suffer most.

Kanem however reiterated calls for global attention to the vulnerabilities and needs of women and girls during the COVID-19 crisis aimed at protecting sexual and reproductive health and rights and ending the shadow pandemic of gender-based violence.

UNFPA is working to ensure that the supply of modern contraceptives and reproductive health commodities is maintained and that midwives and other health personnel have the personal protective equipment they need to stay safe.

We are encouraged that so far 146 Member States have signed on to the Secretary-Generals call to make peace in the home a reality, and we are partnering to support them.

As part of our COVID-19 response, we are innovating to deliver remote services such as hotlines, telemedicine and counselling, and gathering and using disaggregated data to support governments in identifying and reaching those most in need.

Positive public messaging around gender equality and challenging gender stereotypes and harmful social norms can reduce the risk of violence. In this, men and boys can and must be key allies.

The UNFPA boss said that Sexual and reproductive health care was a right, and like pregnancies and childbirth, human rights could not stop for pandemics.

According to her, together, lets put the brakes on COVID-19 and safeguard the health and rights of women and girls now!canvassed for global synergy between countries and organisations saying no organization or country could do this alone.

The pandemic is a stark reminder of the importance of global cooperation. The United Nations, which this year marks its 75th anniversary, was founded to foster international cooperation to solve international problems.

As the global community comes together in solidarity to survive this pandemic, we lay the foundation for more resilient, gender-equal societies and a healthier, more prosperous future for all.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

The Federal Airport Authority (FAAN) has restated commitment towards ensuring a zero Coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission as Port Harcourt International Airport resumes operations.

Mr Abayomi Akinbinu, the Regional Manager, South-South and South-East, FAAN, said this on Saturday at the airport during the arrival of the first flight after three months of COVID-19 shutdown.

The first flight conducted by Air Peace 5N EUV from Lagos arrived Port Harcourt International Airport terminal at 7.50 a.m.

Abayomi said that the Port Harcourt airport management was poised at ensuring zero chances of COVID 19 transmission as flight operations kick-starts at the airport

According to him, compliance with the COVID 19 safety guidelines by regulatory bodies in the sector has been well upheld, adding that management will give no room for default.

While commending safety compliance level by service providers and passengers at the airport, he however decried poor adherence to the physical distancing rule.

To the best of my understanding, I think Im satisfied with our adherence to safety tips but there could be a few protocols that we need to adjust especially in the area of adherence to physical distancing rule.

Our markings of 1.5 metres apart are visibly on the floor, but may be because of excitement its not being properly followed; so we need to make quick enforcement in that regard, he said.

On passenger turnout, Abayomi said that being the first COVID-19 flight, low passenger turnout was expected with a gradual increase in the coming days.

On the departure section, we are gradually getting more passengers and I believe that going forward passengers turnout is going to increase.

My message to prospective passengers is that the Port Harcourt International Airport terminal is safe, he added.

Dr Nuhu Mwabi, Head of Aviation Medical Clinic of the airport also said that the Port Health is fully on ground conducting mandatory temperature checks on both service providers and passengers before allowing them into the terminal building.

This is because we want to fish out persons with a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius and above, so that we can isolate such individual.

Our cardinal objective is to ensure that we contain the spread of COVID-19 as well as other communicable diseases within the airport, he said.

Mwabi also said that various medical teams and the WHO are also fully ready to professionally handle any suspected case where the need arises.

We have an isolation centre right here for any person with a high temperature to be examined and if need be, we would then call for further assistance from the State Epidemiological unit, Mwabi said.

Meanwhile, some passengers have also commended FAAN on its innovations in the COVID-19 era.

Mr Ralph Akinyemi, one of the first passengers who arrived Port Harcourt from Lagos, urged management of the airport and other regulatory bodies to maintain the tempo, which he described as commendable.

Source: NAN News

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, in a statement on Saturday, said the success was a result of the troops aggressive aggressive clearance operations in the states.

Enenche said the operation was sequel to actionable intelligence on the infiltration of armed herdsmen on July 10 at Chambe community in Logo Local Government Area of Benue where two villagers were killed.

He said the troops, swiftly deployed to the scene, adding that the bandits had fled the area before their arrival.

According to him, troops tracked the assailants to a makeshift camp at the outskirt of Arufu in neighbouring Taraba.

On sighting the troops, the armed bandits opened fire, troops overwhelmed the criminals with high intensity fire, killing two of them while others fled in disarray with gun shots wounds.

In the process one AK 47 rifle as well as 10 rounds of 7.62mm Special were recovered.

Additionally, the gallant troops have dominated the area conducting clearance patrol from Arufu to Akwana in order to rid the general area of any untoward activities.

The High Command of the Armed Forces of Nigeria congratulates the gallant troops for their dexterity and encourages them to remain resolute in curtailing the activities of criminal elements in the North-Central Zone of the country, he said.

Source: NAN News