When a helicopter rushed an unconscious Czech woman who had suffered a severe stroke to hospital in April, her chances of survival were slim - and those of the fetus she had carried in her womb for 15 weeks little better.

And yet, on Aug. 15, against all odds, a healthy baby girl was born by cesarean section - weighing 2.13 kg (4.7 lb) and measuring 42 cm (16.5 inches) - to her brain-dead mother, setting a new record in the process, Brno’s University Hospital said on Monday.

It said the 117 days that she had been kept alive in the womb - a process fraught with potential complications - were believed to be a record for the longest artificially sustained pregnancy in a brain-dead mother.

The mother, whose identity was not revealed, had been declared brain-dead shortly after reaching the hospital, upon which doctors immediately began the struggle to save her child.

They put the 27-year-old woman on artificial life support to keep the pregnancy going, and even regularly moved her legs to simulate walking to help the child’s growth.

After the delivery in the 34th week of gestation, with the husband and other family members present, medical staff disconnected the mother’s life support systems and allowed her to die.

“This has really been an extraordinary case when the whole family stood together ... without their support and their interest it would never have finished this way,” Pavel Ventruba, head of gynecology and obstetrics at the hospital, told reporters.

Japan may not win their home Rugby World Cup but they have already proved themselves world beaters when it comes to toilets.

Going to the loo is a much more futuristic experience in the Land of the Rising Sun and touring fans have been fascinated by their visit to these high-tech “washlets”.

These Japanese toilets offer a wide variety of functions. Some open automatically when you approach them and many offer a warm seat for a bit of comfort on cold winter nights.

The numerous options on the control panel, however, can be confusing.

Two hours after landing at Tokyo’s Haneda airport, French fan Alex Weimer would not call his first experience a great one.

“There were something like 15 buttons in Japanese and I didn’t know which one to press. there were strange symbols with sprays going into every direction...” he said.

The flush was on the other side, I frantically pressed all the buttons and it made strange noises.

It certainly is not to everyone’s liking.

“A bit too sophisticated for me. I just like the simple one, push the button without all the other experiences,” said All Blacks fan Brent York, although his friend Bernard James felt differently.

“I think when you first encounter them it’s a bit intimidating but we’ve been to Japan many times, now we’re used to them,” said James.

“Japan leads the way in toilets technology.”

Hygiene is very important in Japan. People wash their bodies before entering a bath and they take off their shoes when entering their home.

Washlets can be found everywhere in Japan — in public toilets, hotels and in people’s homes.

Known for being a tech-savvy population of over 126 million, the market for washlets is huge.

At toilet manufacturer Toto’s showroom in Tokyo, the latest toilet technology is on display. From the bog standard one to the most advanced, there’s a choice for everyone.

But it can be expensive. From a starting price of around 25,000 JPY (US$232) some go well over 1 million JPY (US$9,300).

In any case, come the end of the World Cup, some of the expected 500,000 visitors may be wishing they could take a little part of Japanese technology home with them.

An Australian snake catcher was called to a rifle shooting range on the outskirts of the northern city of Brisbane on Wednesday to capture a huge red-bellied black snake, which he named "Chonk" for its healthy condition.

The 1.8-metre (6-ft) -long male reptile was probably hunting for suitable mates as the breeding season began, snake catcher Bryce Lockett told Reuters, after it slithered out of a large creek system where fish and frogs would have kept it well-fed.

It was common to find snakes during the breeding season as males travelled further to find a mate, though snakes of this size were rare, Lockett said.

"Every now and again they pop up," he added. "I named him 'Chonk' just because he was very fat and healthy."

Red-bellied black snakes, common in wetlands along Australia's eastern coasts, are some of the most handsome but least venomous of its reptiles, with no recorded fatalities.

They typically grow to about 1.5 m to 2 m (5 ft to 7 ft), according to the Australian Museum, which said the largest on record was 2.55 m (8.4 ft).

By Ifeanyi Olannye

The House of Bishops of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) is set to elect a new Primate for the Church, two senior bishops confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Asaba.

Rt. Rev. Justus Mogekwu, the Anglican Bishop of Asaba, told NAN the tenure of the current Primate, Most Rev Nicholas Okoh, would end by March 2020.

According to him, Okoh was elected Primate of the Church in September 2009 and presented in March 2010.

He said under the Constitution of the Church, a successor Primate would emerge at least six months before the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent.

Mogekwu, whose Diocese is hosting a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Church, hinted that the Episcopal Synod of the Church would likely meet on the margin of the meeting to take a decision on the matter.

We are hoping that the election of a new primate will take place during this meeting and the exact date we are not sure yet but most likely Thursday.

Nobody applies for this position (Primate) but nominations are done prayerfully though you cannot rule out persuasions.

But the point is that we pray about it.

I think the most important quality is that such a person must be evangelical and committed to the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We also have this problem of the new move in the Anglican World Gays.

We cannot accept that. So, whoever is going to be Primate must be ready to affirm our stand according to the Bible standard without looking left or right, he said.

The cleric explained that the Standing Committee is the highest decision making organ of the Church and convenes twice a year.

Also speaking on the issue, the Rt. Rev. Gbenga Babatunji, Bishop of Osun Diocese, said the big news that could emerge at the end of the meeting at St Peters Cathedral Church, Asaba would be the election of the 5th Primate for the Church.

The Standing Committee works for the Church of Nigeria and comprises House of bishops, clergy and House of Laity.

It works for the General Synod, it is in charge of the administration and the running of the Church of Nigeria.

There are other matters that will come up in the meeting and I also guess that this meeting may elect the next Primate.

If a new Primate emerges, then that will be the big news from this meeting, though it has not been announced.

NAN reports that a highpoint of the gathering of Anglicans in the capital of Delta was the consecration of six new bishops and presentation of a new Archbishop of the Province of the Niger on Tuesday.

The new bishops are: Foluso Taiwo for the Diocese of Oke-Osun, Gbenga Babatunji for the Diocese of Osun, Geoffrey Ibeabuchi for the Diocese of Umuahia, Seyi Pirisola for the Diocese on the Coast, Benjamin Okeke for Orlu Diocese and Ndubuisi Obi for Nnewi Diocese.

While Bishop Alex Ibezim of the Diocese of Awka was presented as the new Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger

NAN also reports that the Primate, Nicholas Okoh presided over the consecration ceremony which marks the beginning of a week long activity as the members of the committee arrived Monday.

Mogekwu, while congratulating the new bishops cautioned that coming into the bishop fold was a call to duty and a battle field.

Every ordained man of God should know that it is a warfare and that there is a battle to be fought.

They must not look for personal comfort or gratification because there are lots of temptations that you must face as a bishop. They must live a life of self denial, he said.

Source: NAN

Former Minister of State for Niger-Delta Affairs, Festus Keyamo has given reasons why President Muhammadu Buhari redeployed him from the Ministry of Niger Delta to the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Keyamo, a senior advocate of Nigeria, while reacting to the development, wrote on Twitter, On the move again: Two portfolios in two months!

Just been redeployed to the Ministry of Labour and Employment to work with my long-time big brother, H.E, Chris Ngige.

Thank you, Mr President for finding me versatile enough to move around. Always ready to serve in any capacity.

Keyamo swapped positions with Minister of State, Labour Tayo Alasoadura who moves to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

This was disclosed in a statement from the Director of Information at the Office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Willie Bassey.

Bassey said President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the swap.

According to him: President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the immediate redeployment of two Ministers of State as follows.

Mr Festus Keyamo, Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs is to move to Ministry of Labour and Employment as Minister of State.

Senator Tayo Alasoadura is to move to Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs as Minister of State. This redeployment takes effect from today, Tuesday Sept. 24, 2019.

Source: NAN

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Most Revd. Henry Ndukuba on his emergence as the Primate-elect of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

Archbishop Ndukuba was elected at the Episcopal Synod of the Church of NIgeria, Anglican Communion, which held in Asaba, Delta State on Tuesday, September 24.

In a statement issued by Femi Adesina, (Media

BritainsPrinceHarryand his wifeMeghan Markleon Wednesday met Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, a prominent anti-apartheid activist, with their 4-month-old son Archie also making his first public appearance in South Africa.

The couple were spending their last day together in the South African city of Cape Town before the prince sets off later Wednesday to Botswana as part of their10-day tour of southern Africa, while Meghan will remain with Archie in South Africa.

Meghan held Archie in her arms as she and Harry were greeted by Tutu and his daughter Thandeka.

Tutu and his wife Leah hadcalled the meeting with the Duke and Duchess of Sussexa rare privilege and honour in a statement issued last week by the Desmond andLeah Tutu Legacy Foundation.

The meeting took place at the foundation, which is housed in a historic building in Cape Town built by slaves.

The foundation is the global rallying point for the Archbishops values in respect of people and the earth.

We are enormously grateful to welcome the Duke and Duchess to our magnificent space, said Niclas Kjellstrom-Matseke, its chairman.

On Wednesday afternoon, Meghan will then meet female entrepreneurs and investors working in technology.

In Botswana, Harry will on Thursday plant trees in the Chobe Forest Tree Reserve, visit an HIV projectand dedicate an area of Chobe National Park to the Queens Commonwealth Canopy, anetwork of forest conservation initiatives.

After stops in Angola and Malawi, he will reunite with Meghan on Oct. 1 in the South African city of Johannesburg, where they will wrap up their trip. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN

By Ikenna Uwadileke

Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank (AfDB) has revealed plans to scrap coal power stations across Africa and switch to renewable energy.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the bank, Adesina revealed the plan during climate talks at the sideline of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly.

Addressing a gathering of leaders and officials from 200 countries in New York, Adesina outlined efforts to shutter coal-fired power plants and build the largest solar zone in the world in the arid Sahel belt.

Coal is the past, and renewable energy is the future. For us at the AfDB, were getting out of coal, Adesina said.

He emphasised that the banks 500 million dollars green baseload scheme would be rolled out in 2020.

According to Adesina, the scheme is set to yield five billion dollars of investments that would help African countries transition from coal and fossil fuel to renewable energy.

Adesina also pointed out plans for 20 billion dollars of investments in solar and clean energy that would provide the regions 250 million people with 10,000 MW of electricity.

There is a reason God gave Africa sunlight, said Adesina.

On his part, UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, stressed the need to reduce heat-trapping gas emissions and slow the global rise in temperatures.

He said: It is still not too late to keep the global rise in temperatures below the benchmark figure of 1.5 degrees Celsius.

But it will require fundamental transformations in all aspects of society; how we grow food, use land, fuel our transport and power our economies.

We need to link climate change to a new model of development with less suffering, more justice and harmony between people and the planet.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the UN said that mankind must reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming to about 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial temperatures to stave off the worst-case predictions of scientists. (NAN)

Source: NAN

By Lizzy Okoji

The Venezuelan Government has called on World Leaders attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to stop Trumps illegal sanctions of Economic blockade on Venezuela, Cuba and other countries.

Ms Lidice Altuve, Director, Coordination of Culture and Solidarity of the Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Ministry made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

She spoke to NAN on the sidelines of the 6th African Continental Conference of Solidarity with Cuba holding in Abuja from Sept. 23 to Sept. 25.

Altuve said that the call from the Venezuelan government to the UN was a bid to protect the sovereignty, democracy, human rights of the people of Venezuela and Cuba.

She said that the delegation from Venezuela to the Conference was to join voices with that of Cuba in a global solidarity to stop the U.S economic blockade imposed on Cuba for over sixty years and recently on Venezuela.

We came in this delegation to participate in this African Continental Conference of Solidarity with Cuba and we are representing our government here.

It is a platform where twenty nine African Countries are working in solidarity with Cuba and one of the expected outcomes of the meeting is specific solidarity with Cuba from Africa.

This meeting is a common struggle against the economic blockade of Cuba, fundamentally in two key points including to denounce criminal blockade against Cuba.

And secondly is the legitimate demand of Cuba territory of Guantanamo illegally occupied by the U.S Military.

Venezuela is joined to this group and talking about this blockade not just on Cuba but to Venezuela which is a violation of the international rule of law and the human rights.

Venezuela and Cuba are under attack, we are a victim of unconventional war against our government, our political system and the UN Assembly will be the place where we defend our sovereignty, our peace, political system.

This economic measures against our countries is above the international rule of law and a violation of our rights.

Nigeria is very powerful in solidarity movement and always on the front line playing a special role in this kind of movement especially from the labour movement, that is why we appreciate Nigerias support.

Altuve said that Venezuela was a peaceful country and can resolve its problems without the intrusion from countries like the U.S, adding that there was already a peaceful resolution with the government and opposition groups.

Also speaking to NAN, Ms Anahi Arizmendi, Director, Bicentenary Front of Women in Venezuela, said that the conference was an important forum for Venezuela to show its support to Cuba because of their historical ties.

Arizmendi said that was important for the United Nations to rule against U.S economic blockade on other countries and to tag it a criminal action against people.

She said explained that if one county is allowed to governise the world with actions like this, it would make the world ungovernable.

For the Venezuelan Woman Movement, this conference is very important because we are very grateful to Cuba, with all the social support that they gave to our revolution.

That is why when there is a solidarity meeting with Cuba, Venezuela will be there because we have a historical relationship.

We have deep relations with all the countries of Africa and because women are constitutors of peace, we build peace, we do not want war in the World.

So when we see aggressive actions of the government of the United States not only to Venezuela but against the world, women are in the front line so we are calling for the respect of the International Law.

What happened now is very dangerous and when you block countries like Venezuela, that is why we also come to this meeting because we are both countries that have been criminal blocked and it has affected our nation.

And affect principally woman because woman is the maker of the family, so now the blockade makes it difficult to get access to food, health and we have to work together and raise our voices to the United Nations.

Blockade is not only violating woman rights but a humanity crime and that is why it is important for the people to know the truth of our nation and in the case of Venezuela, we are a peaceful people.

In his remarks, Mr Jhonny Gutierrez, Coordinator, Pan-African Movement of Venezuela said that the historical relations with Cuba, Venezuela and the African Continent cannot be overemphasized.

Gutierrez explained the relationship as the reason for the solidarity of Africa against the human crimes of the U.S against Cuba and Venezuela which has affected the people and economy of both countries.

He commended Africas support for Venezuela and Cuba at such a trying time adding that the relations between the countries of the Caribbean and the African Continent would continue to wax stronger.

NAN reports that on Oct. 19, 1960, the U.S placed an economic blockade on Cuba and on Aug. 6, President Donald Trump announced the total U.S economic blockade of Venezuela

With the U.S economic blockade, all entities within the United States, whether individual or government are prohibited from engaging in any economic, commercial or financial transaction with Cuba and Venezuela. (NAN)

Source: NAN

By Chinyere Omeire

A 30-year-old lawyer, Bayo Adedokun, on Wednesday appeared in an Igbosere Magistrates Court, Lagos, for allegedly threatening to kill Sen. Buruji Kashamu and Alhaji Muniru Ogunleyetwo over land disagreement.

Adedokun, whose address was not given, is charged with four counts of conspiracy, attempted murder and conduct likely to cause breach of the peace.

He, however, pleaded not guilty.

The Prosecution Counsel, Insp. Steven Molo, told the court that the defendant committed the offence in August at Ogombo village in Eti-Osa area of Lagos.

Molo alleged that the defendant hired 10 thugs to kill the complainants claiming that a portion of land they were occupying belonged to his family.

He said the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of the peace.

The offence, he said, contravenes the provisions of sections 56(a), 168(d), 230(1) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Magistrate O.O. Oshin admitted the defendant to bail on self recogintion and ordered him to deposit his certificate of Call to Bar to the court.

Oshin adjourned the case until Nov. 14 for mention. (NAN)

Source: NAN

By Folasade Akpan

The World Bank Group and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), have promised to continue to support Nigeria in bridging its infrastructure gap.

Both organisations said this in a statement issued by the World Banks Senior Communications Office in Nigeria, on Monday in Abuja.

Mr Hafez Ghanem, the World Bank Vice President for Africa, Mr Srgio Pimenta, IFC Vice President for the Middle-East and Africa and Mr Hans Lankes, IFC Vice President for Economics and Private Sector Development, were quoted to have discussed at a just concluded visit to Nigeria.

The meeting discussed how the World Bank Group could help Nigeria leverage private and public investments and expertise for inclusive growth.

According to Ghanem, the Bank can together with the private sector leverage government resources to bridge infrastructure gaps in Nigeria.

We have supported and seen success in transport, energy and power sectors using Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) models.

The Azura power project is an example of how we have attracted private sector investment in the power sector.

We are happy to work with the Government of Nigeria on power sector reforms, which will create a better environment to attract more private sector financing, Ghanem said.

Pimenta said that the financing needs of developing countries often surpassed their own budgets and available donor funding.

He, however, said that private sector resources and expertise could go a long way in bridging the gap.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, we are increasingly seeing the private sector design sustainable business models that are creating jobs and lifting people out of poverty, he said.

According to the statement, the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP), Nigeria faces a 100 billion dollar annual investment gap in infrastructure.

It added that the new approach to mobilise development financing, was also presented during a workshop with key business leaders and policy makers.

According to it, under this approach, the World Bank Groups institutions will work together to mobilise a range of financing solutions (both private and public) for projects in developing countries.

This, it said, would help expand funding options for low and middle-income countries and enable them to benefit from global best practices and expertise.

Participants at the workshop discussed how to crowd in private sector financing to solve Nigerias infrastructure deficit; identified the reforms needed to support PPPs and developed an action plan to generate future PPPs.

The statement highlighted the World Banks portfolio in Nigeria to be 11 billion dollars invested across all sectors, while IFCs portfolio stood at over one billion dollars in sectors including manufacturing, financial services and infrastructure.

The World Bank Group delegation also met with senior government officials including Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, the Minister of Finance, Budget and Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, Minister for Aviation, Mr Hadi Sirika and the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti.

Source: NAN

Bomb disposal officers carried out a controlled explosion on a suspicious package at Manchester Airport on Monday, police said, adding a man had been detained by officers at the scene.

Flights were unaffected but transport to and from the airport were stopped while officers assessed the suspect package.

A cordon is in place at Manchester Airport transport interchange and people are encouraged to follow directions from officers, Greater Manchester Police said in a statement.

Trams, trains and buses are currently suspended to and from the airport interchange.

Source: NAN

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday in New York announced robust plans and initiatives by his administration to reverse the negative effects of climate change in Nigeria.

A statement by Mr Femi Adesina, the Presidents Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, in Abuja, said the plans were revealed in his address to the United Nations Climate Action Summit with the theme, A Race We Can Win. A Race We Must Win.

While sharing the sentiment expressed by the UN Secretary-General that the world is on the verge of climate catastrophe, President Buhari stated that undeniably, Climate Change is a human-induced phenomenon.

He, therefore, stressed the need for Member States to step-up their collective climate actions in line with the request of the Secretary General.

It is in this regard that I wish to reiterate Nigerias commitment to its obligation under the Paris Agreement, the aspirations enshrined in our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and ensure a resilient future that mainstreams climate risks in our decision making.

I want to announce that the Government of Nigeria will develop a more robust sectorial action plan, and expand the scope of our Sovereign Green Bonds in line with our intended upward review of Nigerias NDCs towards the inclusion of the water and waste sectors by 2020, he said.

On the water sector, President Buhari revealed that Nigeria would issue a Green Bond for irrigation and construct multi-purpose dams for power, irrigation and water supply.

He said : We will strengthen solid and liquid waste management systems to attract more private sector investors.

We will take concrete steps to harness climate innovative ideas by including youths in decision making processes as part of our over-all climate governance architecture.

We will mobilize Nigerian youths towards planting 25 million trees to enhance Nigerias carbon sink.

The Nigerian leader also disclosed that Nigeria had embarked on diversification of its energy sources from dependence on gas-powered system to hydro, solar, wind, biomass and nuclear sources.

According to him, Nigeria is progressively working to realize 30 percent energy efficiency and renewable energy mix by 2030, saying this is envisaged to lead to 179 million tons of carbon dioxide reduction per annum by 2030.

In addition, our Administration intends to develop a shelter belt across 11 States of the Federation spanning a distance of 1,500 km and 15km across through the Great Green Wall initiative.

Furthermore, the Federal Government has commenced the implementation of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Programme in Ogoniland, to recover the carbon sink potential of the mangrove ecosystem of the one thousand square kilometers (1,000 KM2) polluted site in the affected area.

I should also inform the summit that our Government has introduced Climate Smart Agricultural Practices to unlock Seventy-Four (74) Million tons of carbon dioxide per annum, through relevant technologies, advocacy and best practices, he added.

President Buhari also noted that the Lake Chad Basin, which used to be a region of productivity, food security and wealth for an estimated 40 million citizens living around the Chad Basin, had shrunk significantly from its original size due to Climate Change.

He pledged that the member countries of the region would continue to lead in efforts to have solid partnerships for the ecological restoration and recharge of the Lake.

We are confident that this would improve the living conditions of the diverse nationals living in the area, promote inter-state cooperation, strengthen community resilience, as well as assist in addressing the environmental and security crisis that threaten the region, its resources and inhabitants.

Finally, permit me to add that the forty million citizens in the Lake Chad area expect this Summit to take into consideration their concerns.

They anticipate that the outcomes of this meeting would include solutions to address the Climate Change impact in the Lake Chad area.

I am glad that the Secretary General and some of the member states represented in this hall are partnering with us in this endeavor, he further maintained.

President Buhari on behalf of the member countries of the Lake Chad Basin thanked them for their cooperation, saying he looked forward to deepening their partnership.(NAN)

Source: NAN

By Mustapha Sumaila

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says the transaction charges on deposit and withdrawal in furtherance of implementation of its cashless policy is on the amount in excess of the set limits.

The Director, Corporate Communication Department, Mr Isaac Okorafor, made the clarification in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

NAN reports that CBN on Sept 17 issued a circular to deposit banks to commence the implementation of the cashless policy in six pilot states across the country.

The CBN explained that transactions would attract three per cent processing fees for withdrawal and two per cent processing fees for lodgement of amounts above N500,000 for individual accounts.

Similarly, corporate accounts would attract five per cent processing fees for withdrawal and three per cent processing fees for lodgement of amounts above N3 million

The apex bank directed that implementation should commence from Sept. 18 in Lagos, Ogun, Kano, Abia, Anambra, and Rivers States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

It, however, stated that the nationwide implementation of the cashless policy would take effect from March 31, 2020.

Okorafor explained that contrary to the misconception on the implementation of the policy, the charges would only be on the excess of N500,000 deposited or withdrawn for individual and N3 million for corporate body

According to him, if an individual deposited N510,000 the two per cent charge would be on the N10,000 excess which is N200 only.

He said the same applied to a withdrawal of same amount, adding that the three per cent charge would be on excess of the set limits.

He said that the same thing also applies to the corporate body also which five per cent on withdrawal and three per cent on lodgement of amounts above N3 million.

Many Nigerians welcome the development, noting that it would enhance transparency in financial dealings and reduce crimes such as ransom payment and extortion among others.

Others, however, described it as additional burden on banks customers who were already laden with other charges by the banks.

CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele had also said, after the Monetary Policy Committee meeting on Friday in Abuja,that the policy was inaugurated in the country in 2012 and implementation began in 2014.

The policy says if you deposit money in the bank above a particular threshold which for individual is N500,000 and N3 million for corporate bodies, then you will be charged, same for withdrawal.

He stated that the policy was not designed to de-franchise hard working Nigerians as perceived by some categories of people.

According to him, a data conducted, revealed that close to 95 per cent of cash deposited and withdrawn fall below this threshold.

Emefiele said Nigerians had already embraced electronic channels and online transaction in market places.

He added that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises now had various options and channels available to collect a legitimate payment for goods and services, like POS, banks transfer using ATM, USD code among others.

He said that the cashless policy increases transparency in financial dealings and reduce crimes such as ransom payment and extortion among others.

The governor said the bank had the mandate under the CBN Act 2007 as amended to promote a sound and stable financial system through credible efficient payment system. (NAN)

Source: NAN

.Operators of fake handles wanted

By Monday Ijeh

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday said it did not own, use or operate any official twitter handles and therefore, urged Nigerians to disregard twitter messages linked to the service.

The Public Relations Officer of the service, Dr Peter Afunanya, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

He said the attention of the service had been drawn to messages on social media, claimed to have emanated from the official twitter handles of of the service.

The Service, therefore, disowns the ones, notablyand_, currently in circulation.

These twitter handles which also bear the Services symbols are not only fake but designed by their creators to deceive, misinform and defraud unsuspecting persons.

It is also believed that such handles were desperately created by subversive elements to spread fake news and falsehood, he said.

Afunanya, therefore, urged the public to disregard the twitter handles and any message(s) emanating from them.

He, however, added that a detailed investigation had begun to ensure that the suspects were apprehended and prosecuted. (NAN)

Source: NAN

By Ikenna Uwadileke

Ms Leilana Fartha, UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Adequate Housing, on Monday urged the Federal Government to impose vacant home tax with a view to addressing housing challenges in the country.

Fartha at a news conference in Abuja, expressed concern over human rights crisis presented by poor living conditions in Nigerias informal settlements.
According to her, the informal settlements house about 69 per cent of the urban population.

She said: Most residents in Nigerias ballooning informal settlements live without access to even the most basic services, like running water.

And they lack any security of tenure, forcing them to live in constant fear of being evicted.

My 10 days fact findings visit to Nigeria has presented an economic inequality in the country, which has reached extreme level and is playing itself out clearly in the housing sector.

There is an estimated housing shortage of 22 million units.

At the same time, newly built luxury dwellings are springing up throughout cities and made possible often through the forced eviction of poor communities.

These units do not fulfill any housing need, with many remaining vacant as vehicles for money laundering or investment, she said.

While urging the Federal Government to take urgent measures to address homelessness and poverty, Fartha advocated for a declaration of a nation-wide moratorium on forced evictions.

Government must address the grossly inadequate housing conditions with the urgency and rigour befitting a human rights crisis of this scale.

Apart from establishing a national commission to investigate gross human rights violations in the context of forced evictions, government should provide basic services to all informal settlements.

And must increase the number of shelters for persons in situations of vulnerability, Fartha said.

She further expressed worry that the Bill for an Act to provide rent control failed in the National Assembly.

According to her, when the bill for rent control first hit the National Assembly, it wasnt ripe

It is unfortunate that the bill died in NASS.

The idea of controlling rent caps is hotly debated in many countries.

New York just tried to have rent control laws passed; Barcelona is close to getting rent free as rent is actually frozen for some period of five to seven years.

So, in many jurisdictions, they have started to impose vacant home tax.

I support that kind of move from human rights point of view only where that money from the tax is directly put into the creation of affordable housing.

In the case of Nigeria it could be used as fund to upgrade informal settlements.

I dont like a tax and you never see where the tax is going.

There are other measures that can be explored, there are situations that homes are misappropriated given that the government has all the lands in trust, she stressed

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fartha will present a comprehensive report of her visit to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2020. (NAN)

Source: NAN

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

The Schwab Foundation, a sister organisation of the World Economic Forum (WEF), has endorsed President Muhammadu Buharis National Social Investment Programmes(N-SIPs).

Justice Bibiye, Communications Manager, National Social Investment Office (NSIO), in a statement on Monday, in Abuja, said the foundation conferred the prestigious Public Social Intrapreneur award on Mrs Maryam Uwais, Special Adviser to President on Social Investments.

Bibiye said that efforts by the Buhari administration to reduce poverty in Nigeria through its various SIPs had continued to receive thumbs up from well-meaning individuals and organisations within and outside the country.

He said Uwais and 40 other individuals selected from different countries received the award on Monday in New York in recognition of their innovative approach and potential for global impact.

The list includes start-up founders and chief executive officers, multinational and regional business leaders, government leaders and recognised experts who are working to address social and environmental issues with innovation, in areas ranging from water purification to financial inclusion to combating hate.

For more than 20 years, the Schwab Foundation has recognised social entrepreneurs as a new breed of leaders, values-driven, inclusive, compassionate and entrepreneurial, developing new sustainable models for business, human development and environmental initiatives and embedded them in the platforms of the WEF.

The 2019 awardees were formally inaugurated during the WEFs Sustainable Development Impact Summit held on Sept. 23, in New York, U.S.

Bibiye said that Uwais, in a goodwill message to the global gathering, described the award as an International endorsement of efforts by Buharis administration to address poverty and unemployment through the faithful implementation of the N-SIPs.

He said, however, that Uwais was unable to attend the event in New York.

The communications manager quoted Uwais as saying that the recognition was a call to action for the Federal Governmentto commit more resources to tackling poverty.

Bibiye said that Uwaisassured of continued transparency, efficiency and dedication in achieving the task of taking 100 million people out of poverty within 10 years, in line with the target set by President Buhari.

I am truly encouraged by this International endorsement of our efforts, through the structures and processes we have put in place towards ensuring that we drive implementation and set standards at Sub-National level in Nigeria (where the work is primarily done).

This award acknowledges that Nigeria is serious about reducing poverty and unemployment, while improving our human capital indices.

It is also a testament to the willingness of our legislators (at the National Assembly) and the Governors in the States to cooperate and partner the Federal Government in its bid to uplift the conditions of its hitherto less privileged citizens.

The close collaboration from the Federal Government, ministries and agencies, as well as the governors and officials of the states and local governments, has enabled us to work towards our objectives, as one united and indivisible country.

I am humbled by this recognition and thankful to the Almighty for this opportunity to serve my country and its citizens.

I am also grateful to the team that has worked assiduously towards achieving our modest successes; it has been a collective effort, personally led by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the statement quoted Uwais as saying.

The Schwab Foundation provides a veritable platform of expertise, knowledge and resources, and a network we can engage with, for the work ahead.

It is a privilege for me to be able to learn, share and engage with the very best in social entrepreneurship, for the benefit of Nigeria and its citizens.

Uwais, whose appointment as Special Adviser to the President on Social Investment was recently renewed, has since 2016 been in charge of the NSIO, a portfolio of the Federal Government which coordinates all components of the NSIPs in an inclusive manner.

No fewer than 10 million pupils in 32 states across the country are currently benefiting from the School Feeding Programme, while close to 650,000 poor and vulnerable households in 27 states are enrolled onto the National Cash Transfer Programme.

This is in addition to over two million people who have benefitted from interest and collateral-free loans through Marketmoni, Tradermoni, and Farmermoni facilitated under the Government Economic and Enterprise Programme GEEP.

The N-Power, a job enhancement Scheme, has profitably engaged over 540,000 young people across all local government areas of the country.

Source: NAN

By Victor Okoye

Cristiano Ronaldo, conspicuously-absent from the FIFA Best Awards at the La Scala Opera house in Milan, on Tuesday took to Instagram to express his feelings in philosophical terms.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ronaldo missed out as Lionel Messi was named FIFA Best Player of the Year for the sixth time on Monday.

The Juventus superstar was conspicuous by his absence in Milan at FIFAs glitzy ceremony on Monday night.

Messi took the award ahead of his long-time rival and Liverpools defensive rock Virgil van Dijk.

The FC Barcelona superstar who won La Liga last season as well as the European golden boot, last won the award in 2015.

NAN also reports that Ronaldo was not even named by the hosts when the FIFPro World XI was announced, with the 34-year-old treated as persona non grata and no mention being made that one of the eleven was missing.

Ten minutes after the ceremony ended in Italy, the Portuguese superstar took to Instagram to show off what he had been up to away from the event.

He seemed to be immersing himself in a book while his son Cristiano Jr appeared to be doing his homework.

Ronaldo also offered up a few words, although it was not quite discernible whether he was talking about his not being victorious, or his current thigh injury.

Patience and persistence are two characteristics that differentiate the professional from the amateur, wrote Ronaldo.

Everything that is big today has started small. You cant do everything, but do everything you can to make your dreams come true.

And keep in mind that after night always comes dawn, a philosophical Ronaldo declared.

FULL LIST OF FIFA BEST 2019 AWARD WINNERS

Mens player Lionel Messi (Barcelona and Argentina)

Womens player Megan Rapinoe (Reign FC and United States)

Mens coach Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)

Womens coach Jill Ellis (United States)

Mens goalkeeper Alisson Becker (Liverpool and Brazil)

Womens goalkeeper Sari Van Veenendaal (Atletico Madrid and Holland)

Puskas award Daniel Zsori (Debrecen/Fehervar)

Fan award Silvia Grecco (Palmeiras)

Fair play award Marcelo Bielsa and the Leeds squad

FIFPro mens world XI Alisson; Matthijs De Ligt, Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, Virgil Van Dijk; Frenkie De Jong, Eden Hazard, Luka Modric; Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi

FIFPro womens world XI Sari Van Veenendaal; Lucy Bronze, Nilla Fischer, Kelley OHara, Wendie Renard; Julie Ertz, Amandine Henry, Rose Lavelle; Marta, Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe.

Source: NAN

By Nana Musa

Two doctors with Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, have appeared before the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria Tribunal, to answer charges of gross professional negligence.

The doctors, Iyiola Adewale and Adigba Onodjohwoyovwe, are accused of gross professional negligence which led to the death of a patient in their care.

The prosecuting counsel, Mr Nasiru Aliyu, told the tribunal on Monday in Asaba that the defendants while on duty on March 7, 2017, negligently handled one of their patients, a pregnant woman, Mrs Rita Uchebuego, now late.

According to the prosecutor, they allegedly failed to attend to her as appropriate for the management of her condition.

Aliyu said the offence is punishable under section 16 of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act.

However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Chairman of the tribunal, Prof. Abba Hassan, adjourned the case till Sept. 24, for address.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tribunal was established for trial of offences under the medical and dental practitioners act.

This is the tribunals third session in 2019, and had already convicted some doctors during its second session for professional misconduct.

Source: NAN

The excited actress took to her Instagram page to share the romantic engagement video with her Senegalese bae Frederic Badji, that took place on 1st of September 2019

View this post on Instagram

Omggggg I’m literally still on cloud nine right now ❤️, on the 1st of September 2019 the love of my life got down on one knee and asked me to marry him, it’s been weeks already and I honestly still I’m in shock ❤️❤️ I’m about to be a whole wifey to the love of my life 💃🏽💃🏽 God has been so good to me and I honestly can’t thank him enough ❤️❤️❤️ I want to thank all my friends that kept this news a secret @rugieee @fealinjobe @bimboademoye @tiannahsplacempire @belindadzattah @mapiatea @kodobarhair @mariamobil @moeshaboduong I love y’all so much ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 omgggggg I’m a whole freakin fiancé with the dopest diamond ring ever ❤️❤️ I love you so my Frederic Badji my tall, dark, sexy fine ass, Senegalese king ❤️I cannot wait to start forever with you honey. Guys please take 5 minutes of your time and please watch my engagement video 😍❤️.. 1st September 2019 a day I will never forget ❤️❤️

A post shared by Princess Shyngle🇬🇲 (@princesshyngle) on Sep 20, 2019 at 1:06pm PDT

She also appreciated her close friends who kept her secret,secret.