By Philomina Attah

A former President of the Senate, Sen. Ken Nnamani, on Friday, formally declared his interest in the 2023 presidential race on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).

Nnanani, while making the declaration in Abuja, called for reduction in the nomination fees for elective offices.

He also urged Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to set rules to regulate the cost of nomination fees and campaign expenses.

Nnamani enjoined Nigerians across all strata to get massively involved in partisan politics so as to influence reduction in the cost of electioneering.

My view is that we should work towards reducing the cost of nomination fees for political offices so that we can create an inclusive environment for our dynamic youths and women who may not have access to much wealth.

I believe that high cost of election does not align with our socio-economic realities in terms of per capita income and purchasing power of Nigerians.

Ultimately, the pressure for drastic reduction in nomination fees will come when citizens and groups begin to play more active roles in demanding for, and presenting, credible and capable persons for elective offices, he said.

He added that the nomination fees being charged by political parties for elective offices needed to be reviewed in order to improve the inclusion of youths, women and most Nigerians earning salaries in a distressed economy.

Maybe it is time INEC lays down guidelines to political parties on the costs of nomination forms and campaign expenses, he said.

Nnamani said that he would back such regulatory control that would improve the fiscal responsibility and inclusive politics in Nigeria.

On his presidential ambition, the former senate president said that he would improve on President Muhammadu Buharis legacies of integrity and performance, if elected.

My pedigree as President of the Senate and Chairman of Presidential Committee on Constitutional and Electoral Reform shows beyond doubt that I am that man for the job now.

We will all agree that President Buhari met enormous challenges.

In spite of the challenges we face, we have to acknowledge that the presidents patriotism has manifests in the unshaken belief that Nigeria will move past the current problems and setbacks, he said.

Nnamani called on Nigerians, particularly members of the ruling APC,to adopt the spirit of courage and patriotism, as exemplified by the president, to tackle the countrys challenges.

It is at a time like this that we need a man of tested integrity and competence to mobilise Nigerians to overcome these tough challenges, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

Eintracht Frankfurt secured a brilliant 2-1 win away at West Ham United in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday.

Bundesliga colleagues RB Leipzig also fought to a 1-0 home win over Rangers.

Daichi Kamada nudged the winner for Eintracht Frankfurt early in the second half to the delight of the 3,000 fans who backed the Eagles in London.

And they will be dreaming of a trip to Seville for the May 18 final if they can survive next weeks home leg.

But they will also be aware they can take nothing for granted against West Ham.

The hosts cancelled Ansgar Knauffs first minute opener through Michail Antonio before the break and also hit the woodwork three times.

The last was a thumping overhead kick off the bar from Jarrod Bowen in injury-time.

RB Leipzig in contrast dominated throughout against Rangers but struggled to create chances against the defensive Scottish champions.

Christopher Nkunku somehow failed to add to his 30 season goals when he rounded goalkeeper Allan McGregor only to blaze off-target.

But Angelinos superb 85th minute volley finally made the breakthrough.

We can thank Angelino for this super shot, teammate Benjamin Henrichs said, while the goalscorer said we have deserved the victory.

An all-Bundesliga final could be possible in the competition for the first time since 1980 when Eintracht Frankfurt defeated Borussia Mnchengladbach on away goals.

The second leg to come in Glasgow, however, remains finely balanced with the fact that away goals are no longer in force from this season.

Eintracht Frankfurt fell in their last Europa League semi-final in London, losing to Chelsea in 2019.

But Knauffs back-post header in just 49 seconds gave them the lead.

Antonio bundled in a free-kick to level and West Ham had a period of control before Eintracht Frankfurt regained the initiative.

A lovely move saw Djibril Sows shot saved only for Kamada to walk onto the rebound and an empty net.

Today wasnt one of our best performances, Antonio said. Its two legs. Well go there and put in the work and you never know.

Its all to play for. Were in it to win it.

Another game to go. No matter where we go we believe we can beat anybody.

Sad Benrahma curled a wonderful long-shot onto the post and Bowen beat goalkeeper Kevin Trapp at the death only for his magnificent overhead kick to rattle the woodwork.

But Eintracht Frankfurt survived for another famous victory after they eliminated FC Barcelone last time.

In between, Kamada had his own shot deflected onto the post as Eintracht Frankfurt looked to kill the tie.

We have a very good starting position, Trapp said. There were a lot of positive emotions.

RB Leipzig enjoyed 75 percent possession in the first half against Rangers but managed just four shots and McGregor did not have a save to make.

That changed after the break but Rangers looked to have held on until a corner-kick fell for Angelino five minutes from time.

The full-back volleyed sweetly into the corner from the edge of the penalty box.

And RB Leipzig, who are also in the German Cup final, will feel confident at moving closer to the potential maiden title in their history.

It means Rangers will have to attack more at home.

We just wanted to stay compact and make it hard for them to get through us, Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo said.

Its all about concentration and hard work, thats what we did out there. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

Cristiano Ronaldo scored an excellent equaliser to spare Manchester United a third successive English Premier League defeat as they drew 1-1 at home with Chelsea on Thursday.

Ralf Rangnicks side lost their previous two games to Liverpool and Arsenal by an aggregate score of 7-1.

But while the performance on their return to Old Trafford was by no means impressive, they at least avoided another loss.

In spite of a dismal first-half showing in which their midfield was routinely cut open, Manchester United somehow made it until the break without conceding.

But Chelseas deserved breakthrough did arrive via Marcos Alonso with an hour played.

However, Ronaldo - who has been responsible for five of their six Premier League goals this month - swiftly restored parity against the run of play.

Thomas Tuchels men thereafter failed to regain the lead.

Chelsea dominated the first half almost from start to finish, with a brief moment of Manchester United pressure culminating in Ronaldo putting a close-range bicycle-kick over.

Otherwise, Manchester United had to rely on wasteful Chelsea finishing and David de Gea to keep the scoreline level.

The Spaniard crucially blocked Kai Havertzs goal-bound effort with his midriff after the Blues carved through the hosts with ease.

Manchester United needed to win all of their final four matches to better the 64 points they managed in 2013/2014.

This has been the fewest they have ever recorded in the Premier League.

But Thursdays stalemate means 64 is now the best they can do this term.

Given everything that has occurred in 2021/2022, few would bank on them winning their final three matches.

A new record-low points total would be fitting for what has been a dreadful season at Old Trafford. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Ikechukwu Iweajunwa

The Federal Government, on Thursday, condoled with the government and people of Imo over the bunkering site inferno, which led to the death of no fewer than 110 people.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the federal governments condolences was conveyed by Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, in Owerri during an assessment visit to the scene of the explosion.

Umar-Farouq, represented by Director, Relief and Rehabilitation of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Alhassan Nuhu,said that the federalgovernment would assist the victims of the disaster with relief materials after assessing its impact.

The minister, who described the incident as preventable, cautioned against illegal activities to avert future occurrence.

She called on operators of the refinery to approach appropriate authorities to seek legal means of refining crude oil.

She also called on stakeholders and security agencies to collaborate with the regulatory bodies in the oil and gas sector to nip the ugly trend in the bud.

This visit is to condole with Imo people and assess the extent of damage, so as to ascertain the volume of relief for the victims.

We call for increased collaboration with NEMA and security agencies to crackdown on illegal refineries and oil bunkering activities, the minister said.

Also speaking, Gov. Hope Uzodimma decried illegal bunkering activities in the area, saying that the incident affected both human and aquatic lives.

The governor,represented by Commissioner for Petroleum Resources,Mr Goodluck Opiah, decried what he called the neglect of social responsibilities byoil companies toward their host communities.

He said that his administration had made efforts to stop illegal bunkering in the area, adding that the incident wasa disaster waiting to explode.

Uzodimma thankedthe federal government for showing concern, even as he urged the minister and her team to help with relief materials that would cushion the effects of the disaster. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Mohammed Tijjani

The Nigerian Army is set to deploy 197 troops for ECOWAS Peacekeeping Mission in The Gambia.

Chief of Operations, Army Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Akinjobi, disclosed this on Thursday at the graduation ceremony of Nigerian Company 7 which will soon head for the tiny West African state.

The ceremony was held at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji, Kaduna State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that before now, Nigeria had deployed six separate companies to The Gambia.

Akinjobi said Nigeria was committed to deploying quality peacekeepers for global peace and security.

NAN reports that the out of 197 heading to The Gambia, 185 are soldiers and 12 are officers.

Akinjobi was represented by Maj.-Gen. Zakari Abubakar, Director, Peace Operations, Army Headquarters.

Heexplained that Nigeria had successfully participated in 40peacekeeping missions across the globe and deployed more than100,000 peacekeepers since 1960.

He maintained that the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia was established as an intervention mission to resolve the constitutional crisis that followed the disputed presidential election of 2016.

The mission, he said, had helped restore peace and stability.

Earlier, Commandant of the Centre, Maj.-Gen. Auwal Fagge explained that the centre had within the last four weeks refreshed the troops on some tactical aspects of peacekeeping training.

The aspects, he said, included base camp security, patrols, cordon and search, as well as escort of VIPs, amongst others.

He enjoined the troops to be good ambassadors of Nigeria and to bring to bear what they have learnt.

He asked them to fulfill the mandate of the mission and strictly adhere to the rules of engagement.

Fagge also charged the troops to carry out their duties bearing in mind the multinational nature of the mission as well as cultural and religious diversities in the operating environment.

NAN recalls that on April 21, the centre also deployed 173 troops to Guinea Bissau for peacekeeping mission. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday joined the Muslim faithful at the State House Mosque to witness the conclusion of Tafsir (Interpretation of the Quran) as Muslims around the world approached end of the Ramadan fast.

The President, who participated in the daily exercise throughout the one month period, had also used his evenings to host guests from cross sections of the country to Iftar (The breaking of fast).

Malam Garba Shehu, the Presidents Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, in a statement in Abuja, said the President used the occasions to practice the values projected by the Ramadan.

These, according to him, include the promotion of discipline and personal sacrifice, care and love for less fortunate, promotion of national unity and support for the Armed Forces as they fight to end terrorism and other crimes in the country.

The presidents aide stated that the President received accolades from the Chief Imam of the State House, Sheikh Abdulwahid Sulaiman for his sacrifice and the values of honesty, integrity and selfless service to the nation that he brought to the office.

While noting the coming year as one of elections, characterised by uncertainties, the Imam urged President Buhari to remain steadfast, and stay the course of national interest.

He also urged the president to ensure that the spirited struggle and sacrifices of the nation in the last few years were not allowed to be vandalised. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Naomi Sharang

Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti) has stated reasons why he is in support of the ambition of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Bola Tinubu to become Nigerias next president.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday that Tinubu had got what it takes to provide the kind of leadership Nigeria needs at a time like this.

Bamidele, who is the Chairman Senate Committee on Judiciary Human Rights and Legal Matters, said that he had not denied Tinubu of his support and not pretending about his support for him.

I have not denied him of my support and I have not pretended about my support for him.

My relationship with Tinubu is not in contention and is something I never pretended about and even several of those who are contesting from the South-West also have their own relationships with him.

This is because he had been there for a lot of us in the past and he is still there.

I believe both on moral ground as well as out of conviction that he has got what it takes to provide the kind of leadership this country needs at a time like this.

Bamidele however added that in supporting Tinubu, we cannot use that as a basis not to recognise the rights of other stakeholders who want to aspire.

But I believe that part of the essence of democracy is that there will be constructive engagement.

Im sure everybody is talking to somebody and before the date of this election, there will be some realignment of forces. But the right of everyone to contest is inalienable and it has to be respected.

On the concept of consensus candidacy, Bamidele said that it wasnt a bad concept, stating that what was more important was its implementation.

Those who made the law, both the constitution of our party and even the new electoral law which also recognise consensus as one of the three means of selecting candidates by political parties, did not envisage a situation where a few persons will sit down and try to impose a candidate in the name of consensus.

What we have to emphasise is the manner of implementation of consensus.

What will be tyrannical about the supposed consensus process is where it now becomes an indirect manner of imposition.

This is because some few people field those who they want and in the name of consensus, they end up forcing a candidate down the throat of every other person, he said.

NAN reports that Bamidele was Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development and Special Adviser on Political Affairs to Tinubu during his tenure as governor of Lagos State.

Source: NAN News

BY Hajara Leman, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

In spite various health facilities established by successive administrations in Gombe State, accessing healthcare has remained a nightmare in the state, especially for indigent ones.

But the social health programme launched in 2021, by Gov. Inuwa Yahaya, known as Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, may bring the needed succour.

The mandate of the agency is to ensure the attainment of universal health coverage in the state.

At the initial stage of the programme, 25,000 poor and vulnerable people were enrolled for free healthcare, under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), a Federal Government intervention, requiring counterpart funding from the state government.

It was later scaled up to accommodate civil servants from the formal sector, as well as informal sector on the payment of a token amount of money for enrollment.

Since the programme commenced, accessing healthcare has become easier for people, thereby reducing the huge financial burden they usually incurred in accessing medical services.

Recently Gov. Inuwa Yahaya launched GoHealth mobile application, which makes it easier for beneficiaries and intending enrollees to access service in the comfort of their rooms.

The application is user friendly, safe and secure to enable individuals and groups to enroll on the scheme book.

Also to book appointment with their care providers, make enquiries as well as provide feedback to enable the government take necessary measures to improve the quality of service, the governor noted.

According to him, GoHealth insurance programme is providing Gombe State civil servants with subsidised healthcare services which will subsequently enhance workers welfare and improve their productivity.

He said in 2022, the state government will enroll additional 40,000 poor and vulnerable alongside the 25,000 earlier enrolled under BHCPF.

He further called on those that were yet to register under the informal sector, to take advantage of the programme.

Register yourselves and your loved ones, so as to prevent rising healthcare cost.

Some of the enrollees of the programme described the scheme as life saving.

Malam Adamu Zakari a beneficiary from the Gombe State Contributory Health Scheme said, at the commencement of the programme, when they were asked to enroll, he was not satisfied that the scheme was meant for the less privileged, but with the recent development I felt I am the most luckiest person on earth.

He said his 32-year-old wife was admitted at the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, where he opted as his service provider for the Gombe State Contributory Health Scheme, and after she spent two days in the hospital, the wife had a successful cesarean section (CS) .

According to him, the bill given to him after the surgery was scary, adding that, ordinarily, he could not afford the bill given to him because he is just a middle cadre staff at the Gombe State Civil Service.

However, according to him the story changed when he reached the billing point and was asked to pay N9,400,

against the N94,000 bill given to him.

Another beneficiary, Malam Zainab Umar, a civil servant, said when the state government commenced the registration of civil servants, she was reluctant to join because she thought it was not real.

According to her, when she conceived and the pregnancy reached an advanced stage, she needed urgent medical attention and to her greatest surprise, her condition had been taken care of with the limited resources she had been contributing.

I had a Cesarean Section ( CS) and all the diagnosis were perfectly treated, I have gotten my post operational drugs and all the care I needed, she said.

Malam Habu Musa from Daban Fulani community in Kwami Local Government Area, said his household were among the 25,000 poor and vulnerable persons enrolled at the initial stage of the programme.

He said since their enrollment, they have been receiving quality healthcare free of charge.

Recently my daughter was discharged from the hospital in our community after spending four days on admission.

I want to use this medium to thank Gov. Inuwa Yahaya for the quality and free healthcare services at our door step, he said.

Dr Abubakar Musa, Team Lead of GoHealth, said the agency was established by Gombe State Government in 2019.

According to him, the agency was established in line with the decentralisation policy of the National Health Insurance Scheme, that paved way for establishment of states Social Health Insurance Scheme in Nigeria.

He said the agency which commenced work in 2021 has the mandate to ensure attainment of universal health coverage.

Musa said that so far, the agency has enrolled 63, 320 persons from the BHCPF, formal and informal sectors and they are still expecting more people to be enrolled.

He said for the formal sector, 3.5 per cent of their gross salaries is being deducted monthly for the scheme, covering five dependents under them, spouse and four biological children, and he can enroll additional dependent for N9,000 per person.

He said for the informal sector, is N10,000 for a person and per annum, with no dependent.

The Team Lead said the agency has accredited 109 facilities , that would be providing services to beneficiaries.

Out of the number, 52 were primary healthcare facilities,53 secondary facilities and for tertiary facilities.

He said that in GoHealth, they do not compromise standard.

We ensure that all the facilities accredited are well equipped, have good infrastructure with basic essential equipment as well as the minimum manpower to provide qualitative healthcare service to people, he explained.

Malam Alhassan Yahya, the Chairman, Maternal Newborn Child Health (MNCH), coalition of professionals in diverse fields advocating for improvement in maternal health, commended the government for the priority given the health sector.

He expressed optimism that Gombe State would achieve universal health coverage in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.

He called on those in the private sector who were yet to register to key in so as to eradicate preventable diseases in their communities.

He further said that the scheme was an opportunity for expectant mothers to have a clean and safe delivery with limited resources, thereby reducing maternal and infant mortality in the state.

On his part, Dr Habu Dahiru, Gombe State Commissioner of Health, said the establishment of the agency reinforced governments commitment toward changing the face of healthcare delivery in the state

We are all aware of the comprehensive approach this administration is adopting to address the inherited challenges in the health sector by improving both physical as well as financial accessibility to basic health service.

Introducing such a scheme will no doubt protect individuals and families from financial difficulties, should they have the cause to visit the hospital for medical attention, he said.
Stakeholders have continued to emphasise the need for people of Gombe State to key into the scheme. (NANFeatures)

*** If used, please credit the writer as well as the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

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Source: NAN News

By Teniola Ibitola

An Igando Customary Court has dissolved a 30-year-old marriage between one Kayode Akinyade and Iyabode.

In a ruling on Thursday, the President of the court, Mr Koledoye Adeniyi, said the marriage between the couple could no longer stand.

Adeniyi, therefore, dissolved the marriage because of allegations of being fetish, disrespect, home abandonment, infidelity, quarrels and threat to life.

He ruled that there was no more love after a careful review of the allegations and counter allegations by the litigants.

The court, however, found nothing wrong with the petitioner marrying another wife, saying it is allowed in African tradition, especially when the parties were married under the native law and tradition.

It said that the evidence of the parties did not show that the Kayode did anything at any point to empower his wife to reciprocate her efforts in supporting him as his first wife.

It frowned at the way the respondent abandoned her matrimonial home for years without her husbands consent.

On the issue of fetishness, the court said it believes in the efficacy of charms, being a customary court.

It, however, said that the petitioner could not prove it against the respondent.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kayode dragged his wife to court, accusing her of fetish practices and threatening his life.

Source: NAN News

By Stephen Adeleye

No fewer than 111 cooks under the Federal Governments National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), will be disengaged in Kogi for violating national guidelines of the programme.

Mr. Suleiman Abdulkareem Onyekehi, the NSIP Focal Person, Kogi, disclosed this on the sideline of the Nationwide Documentation cans Training of Cooks on the NHGSFP, held on Thursday in Lokoja.

The NHGSFP is one of the components of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (FMHADMSD).

Onyekehi said,We have national guidelines that we will not want to violate or default.

If anyone is defaulting or violating the guidelines, the state government will not hesitate to take a disciplinary action against such person.

We have gotten a report with concrete evidences against some cooks who are defaulting by receiving money and not doing the cooking for the pupils.

We have identified those schools and out of the 3000 cooks, 111 are defaulting.

We are still going to identify more defaulters, so that we can discipline them as deterrent to others who are violating the national guidelines, he said.

Onyekehi, who doubles as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Projects, said the state had reported the defaulters to the national office in charge of payment and data.

Some cooks changed location and not cooking for pupils, we have few cases of dead persons who are still receiving money and some collected money and did not just cook.

So, we have sent our report on those cases to national office for defaulters to be removed and we have also sent replacement for them.

It is only those who know the value of the program and are willing to work and follow the guidelines that will be retained, and that is part of the compliance of the national guidelines, he said.

He noted that over 177,000 pupils are currently being fed in public primary schools across the state, while a total of over 258,000 pupils had been revalidated by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) for the program.

He added that the NSIP had great positive impacts on the lives of the people and the had tremendously boosted the states economy.

He emphasised that the NHGSFP was achieving its goals objectives in Kogi, which is to increase children enrollment in public schools, nutritional value and poverty eradication.

He commended Gov. Yahaya Bello for his maximum supporting for all the components of NSIP in state, while thanking President Muhammadu Buhari for the initiative.

Source: NAN News

By Shuaibu Sadiq Adamu

Zamfara Government has dethroned the Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and that of Dansadau, Alhaji Hussaini Umar, on Wednesday for their alleged involvement in banditry.

The government also removed Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim, District Head of Birnin Tsaba, in Zurmi Local Government Area from office for a similar offence.

The Commissioner for Information in Zamfara, Alhaji Ibrahim Dosara, announced their removal at a news conference after the State Executive Council meeting.

Council approved a committees recommendation for the dethronement of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the first-class Emir of Zurmi, in Zurmi Local Government Area.

Council also adopted the committees report and approved the removal of Alhaji Husseini Umar, a second-class Emir of Dansadau, in Maru Local Government Area.

It also approved the removal of Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim, District Head of Birnin Tsaba, in Zurmi Local Government Area, the commissioner said.

He added that governments decision followed the indictment of the traditional rulers and the community leader by two committees set up to investigate them.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Zamfara suspended the three culprits from office in June 2021.

It set up the two committees to investigate them following their alleged involvement in banditry and land racketeering in their respective domains.

Government also placed the traditional rulers under house arrest for the period the investigation lasted.

The committees headed by a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police and Commissioner for Security, Alhaji Mamman Tsafe, had submitted their findings to the state government earlier.

The state government after receiving the report set up a White Paper committee to review the recommendations.

The council upheld the outcome of the White paper and dethroned the two emirs and the district head.

Government also gazetted the committees recommendations.

NAN reports that the acting governor of the state, Alhaji Hassan Nasiha, presided over Wednesdays State Executive Council meeting.

Source: NAN News

The African Development Banks (AfDB) Africa Digital Financial Inclusion (ADFI) facility will receive 15 million dollars to develop and extend digital financial solutions to women-owned small and medium businesses in Africa.

The bank on its website on Wednesday said that women entrepreneurs from Nigeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Kenya and Mozambique would benefit from the fund through the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi).

It also said the funds would enable the ADFI facility to design and implement programmes to improve digital access to finance for women entrepreneurs.

The bank noted that the fund would also reduce the 42 billion dollars gender finance gap and improve womens operational efficiency to build back better, following the COVID-19 crisis.

Mr Stefan Nalletamby, the Director of the Financial Sector Development Department of AfDB, said that digital financial solutions were key to improving the quality of life of people in Africa.

This funding, which is complementary to the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative, will be used to provide an avenue for their increased economic empowerment and resilience, Nalletamby said.

The bank quoted Barbel Kofler, the Parliamentary State Secretary of Germanys Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, as saying that We-Fis fourth round of allocation came at a crucial time.

Womens economic empowerment is under pressure due to conflict and insecurity, rising prices and the continuous fallout from the COVID pandemic around the world, Kofler said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that We-Fi, founded in October 2017 withSecretariat housed in the World Bank in Washington DC, harnesses the public and private sectors to open new doors for women entrepreneurs across the developing world.

The initiative supports women entrepreneurs by scaling up access to financial products and services, building capacity, expanding networks, offering mentors, and providing opportunities to link with domestic and global markets.

We-Fi works with six multilateral development banks as implementing partners: AfDB, Asian Development Bank and Inter-American Development Bank.

Others are European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Islamic Development Bank and the World Bank Group (including IFC). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Grace Alegba

Dr Akinsola Olufemi, a construction expert, on Wednesday warned that 95 per cent of buildings in Lagos State were constructed without soil tests.

He said that such buildings could be at risk of collapse.

Olufemi, Director, Applied Research and Technology Innovation (ARTI), Yaba College of Science and Technology (Yabatech), gave the warning during a hybrid 2022 Builders Business Conference in Ikeja.

The theme for the event was Effective Building Production Management Services: Integration of Construction Programme of Works and Building Construction Methodology in Building Project Delivery in Lagos State.

The capacity building programme was organised by the Lagos State Chapter of Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) for its members in collaboration with the Berger Paint Plc.

The expert stressed the need to determine the load bearing capacity of any soil through tests before actual construction to prevent building collapse due to excess weight.

Almost 95 per cent of construction done in Lagos are done without soil test. No matter what you are constructing, do a soil test.

The significance of soil test is, it lets you know the capacity of the soil and the load it can carry. So that it should not carry more load than it can, he said.

Olufemi said that a recent research by his team revealed that 80 per cent of Nigerians built their personal houses without engaging the services of qualified developers.

This, according to him, resulted in various construction errors.

Construction of property in Nigeria 80 per cent are private individuals which will be their own houses and they dont have consultants not to talk of engaging in soil investigations, he said.

He said that only a few of the organised big developers carried out soil tests, noting that, some others cut corners to submit analysis from nearby project sites to regulators as theirs.

A lot of buildings are collapsing today because we do not do things right in Nigeria, he said.

Olufemi said that construction methodology which was the focus of the conference was a key element that all contractors required on site, adding that.professional builders must ensure compliance.

The expert, who is also President, Nigerian Academy of Facility Management, called for the political will on the part of the Lagos State Government to enforce standards.

Olufemi, also National Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Builders in Maintenance and Facility Management, said the nations obsolete tertiary curriculum was recently reviewed to capture the emerging trends of building production.

The Chairman of the Lagos chapter of Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Mr Lucky Isename, said construction methodology was part of the four important elements needed for quality construction.

Isename said it was a major aspect included in the Builders Document, captured in laws of Lagos which building professionals use, hence the focus on the theme at the workshop.

Senior Development Officer, Berger Paint Plc, Mrs Nike Ajayi, while making slide presentations, enumerated the benefits of using right paint specifications. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Wandoo Sombo

The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday sentenced a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Anastasia Daniel-Nwobia, to one year community service.

Daniel-Nwobia who was convicted on April 7 was given the sentenceover her role in the botched March 15, 2014 Nigeria Immigration Service recruitment tragedy where about 15 job seekers died in a stampede.

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba who handed down the sentence also ruled that Daniel-Nwobia would forfeit 50 per cent of her contributory pension for the next five years to the Federal Government.

The judge also ordered that the convict should not hold public office for the next five years except on consultancy basis.

He ruled that her travel passport be retained by the court as she was not to travel outside Nigeria in the next five years without the permission of the court.

The court ruled that the convict should choose one out of any of four institutions to teach a course on compliance for one academic session.

They are the Nigeria Immigration Training School, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Institute,the Public Service Institute or the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies.

She is to confer with the institute on how to proceed where the course is available and if not available, she shall design one by herself, the judge ruled.

Justice Dimgba said rather than use the Public Procurement Act in sentencing Daniel-Nwobia, he chose to use the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

The ACJA stipulates a minimum custodial sentence of five years for the offence committed, he said.

He explained that he chose to use ACJA because unlike the rigidity of the Procurement Act, it had flexibility and provided a leeway for an alternative sentence.

He also said that he was minded to listen to the plea of mercy by the convict and her counsel on the grounds that she was not found to have benefited from the offence.

The judge also said he found that Daniel-Nwobia chose the mode of recruitment employed in 2014 for the botched exercise to save money for government.

He held that the convict also acted basedon the recommendation of the then director of procurement in the ministry and wondered why that director was neither charged nor called as a witness in the matter.

BeforeJustice Dimgba passed pronounced the sentence, the convict pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.

Im pleading with my lord to temper justice with mercy and sentence me as the spirit directs, she said.

Her friend of about 40 years, Mrs Fatima Hassan, was also allowed to speak on the character and the person of the convict.

Hassan, a former Managing Director of Federal Housing Authority Mortgage Bank and the Director-General, National Centre for Women Development, described Daniel-Nwobia as a dedicated civil servant.

She worked with integrity and ensured that every process was properly documented for posterity and she built confidence in the system, Hassan said.

The prosecuting counsel, Mr Samuel Chime, also told the court that Daniel-Nwobia was a first time offender as she had no previous record of crime.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the EFCC arraigned Daniel-Nwobia, Abba Moro and others on an 11-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, procurement fraud and money laundering.

They were prosecuted over the botched 2014 Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) recruitment scandal.

While Moro and the others were discharged and acquitted, Daniel-Nwobia was convicted on one of the counts of the charge.

Count four, on which she was convicted, borders on awarding contract for online recruitment into the NIS without seeking approval of the Bureau for Public Procurement.

This, according to the charge, was contrary to Section 40 of the Public Procurement Act No. 65 of 2007 and punishable under Section 58 of the same Act.

The retired permanent secretary was convicted on count four of the charge, which the court said, carried a jail term of five years without an option of fine. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Dorcas Jonah

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday pledged continued support for Nigerian women under the umbrella of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS).

The minister made the pledged when the newly elected president of NCWS, Hajiya Lami Lau, led a delegation on a visit to him in Abuja.

Akpabio congratulated the newly elected executives and urged Nigerian women to continue praying for the unity and peace of the country.

Your tenure will bring more empowerment to women and also bring a lot of employment opportunities.

As a governor, I used the opportunity to support women and I will continue to use every opportunity to do same.

Even in my current situation, I will continue to support women now and in the future, he said.

Akpabio promised to respond to the request of the NCWS adding that it was necessary to support women since they are our mothers, sisters and wives.

The minister also thanked the Nigerian women for making an Akwa Ibom indigene their first vice president, urging the new exco to work in unity to properly develop the council.

It is an exciting thing that one of our own is now the first vice president, I specially congratulate her and all the other executives members on their election.

I know that you will have serious support from the leaders of Nigeria and you will also have support from Almighty God, he said.

Akpabio said that the ongoing Ramadan fasting was unique since it coincided with the Christian fasting period that just ended.

We give glory to God that the prayers will be able to move Nigeria forward. All we are asking God to do for Nigerians is to grand us peace, peace that pass human understanding, he said.

Earlier, the NCWS president solicited the support of the minister for training of women within the South/South region.

According to her, it will be beneficial if the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs will help in training and empowering 10 women each from the Niger Delta states in skills acquisition.

The council will also appreciate that you make available a slot for NCWS to be in the board as membership of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

We urge you to please always consult with us on issues concerning women in Nigeria, and implore you further to keep your doors open for us each time we come calling.

Source: NAN News

Sumaila Ogbaje

A political and socio-economic group, Fusion 774, has urged the Emir of Keffi, Alhaji Shehu Yamusa, to prevail on Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, Tukur Buratai, to join the 2023 presidential race.

The National Coordinator of the group, Mr Sadiq Jikta, made the call when he led other members on a visit to the Emir on Tuesday in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the group has been mounting pressure on the Former Chief of Army Staff to declare his interest to run for the highest office in the land.

Jikta, in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, said that the group was in the palace to solicit for the emirs fatherly blessings and counsel, since Buratai was a tenant in his domain.

He noted that Buratai performed valiantly as chief of army staff, adding that he led the Nigerian military in reclaiming all the regions previously controlled by Boko Haram terrorists.

He said that the former army chief also instituted reforms and fiscal discipline in the army, leading to improvement in its effectiveness.

The ambassador has, thus far, refused to listen to our call and those of other Nigerians for him to declare, but we feel that your intervention will change that, he said.

Responding, the emir assured the group that he would consider their request and determine the best course of action, even as he prayed for Allahs blessing upon the group.

The royal father expressed gratitude to members of the group for their decision to visit his palace to seek fatherly guidance.

All I can say is that we will consider your request and determine the best course of action. May Allahs blessings be with you all, the emir said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, on Tuesday inaugurated a befitting official accommodation for the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of Army Headquarters Garrison at Mogadishu cantonment in Abuja.

Yahaya said construction of the new edifice was in fulfillment of his resolve to reinforce fragmentation in the Nigerian Army and enhance the welfare of soldiers.

He said the official quarters had been built across 18 commands, divisions, units and formations nationwide in addition to official vehicles that had been given to the RSMs.

The COAS said that RSMs occupied a unique place in the hierarchy and scheme of affairs of the Nigerian army, saying that they were the custodians of the customs and tradition of the army and its units.

According to him, every RSM is the father of his unit because he is the custodian of regimentation, ethics, customs, traditions and history of the army.

He usually has his own office co-located with the commanding officer because issues concerning soldiers administration, particularly their welfare and well-being are channeled through the RSM.

He, together with the retinue of other soldiers, particularly senior Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and others in that line, maintain also a hierarchy and a chain of command that help them facilitate command and regimentation of the unit and formations.

And as you know, the senior NCOs are very important elements that act as a bridge between officers and soldiers and the RSM is the head of that bridge.

This important office of the RSM also has its own unique privileges and that is what I aim to reestablish building from the work by my predecessors, he said.

Yahaya said he desired that an RSM should also have a befitting accommodation and a vehicle to be able to move around his unit.

He said the gesture was aimed at establishing the pride of place for RSMs as well as improve regimentation through command and control, as well as discipline within the service.

Also speaking, the Commander, AHQ Garrison, Maj.-Gen. Kabiru Garba, said the sustenance of troops welfare in peace and war time was vital for a thorough execution of their assigned tasks.

Garba said that the primary motivators like timely payment of salaries, knitting, training and provision of decent accommodation were essential for enhancing the quality of lives of troops.

He said the COAS had since assumption of office taken deliberate and determined steps toward boosting troops morale, enhance their operational effectiveness and improve professionalism in the Nigerian army.

According to him, this is all aimed at realising the COAS vision, which is to have a professional Nigerian army ready to accomplish assigned mission within a joint environment in the defence of Nigeria.

He expressed appreciation to the COAS for the initiative to develop and enhance the function of RSMs in the Nigerian army.

Responding, the Garrison RSM, AWO Garba Sani, thanked the COAS for repositioning the fragmentation in the Nigerian army for greater efficiency and professionalism.

Sani also thanked the COAS for providing him and fellow RSMs with befitting accommodations and official vehicles to enhance their functions.

He pledged to continue to give his best in ensuring discipline and professionalism among soldiers under his command in the discharge of those duties.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the official residence of the Garrison RSM is a fully furnished three bedroom bungalow with a standby power generating set, security house and an orderly room. (NAN) (www.nan news.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Doris Esa

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammad Abubakar, says Nigeria is the topmost livestock producer in West Africa.

Abubakar said this on Tuesday, at the opening of a two- day summit on National Livestock Transformation Plan, co- organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Agriculture Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN) in Abuja.

The theme of the summit is: Positioning the Nigerian Livestock Industry for the 21st Century Economy: A critical look at the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP).

The minister said the summit was timely as the country was diversifying its economy with agriculture.

This Summit could not have come at a better time than now when the Country is diversifying its economy with Agriculture dominating the non-oil sector as well as recovering from the devastating effect of COVID-19 on the livestock industry, he said.

Abubakar said that the bulk of Nigerian labour force was engaged in various forms of agricultural enterprises, especially along the livestock value chain with over 30 per cent women and young adults depending largely on livestock for their income, livelihoods and sustenance.

Although, information on total production and consumption levels in Nigeria vary significantly depending on the source, the Livestock sector remains a major component of the agricultural economy.

The minister said this played a significant role in the overall national economy.

It accounts for about two to five per cent of the National GDP and 10 per cent of the Agricultural GDP.

Abubakar said that recent estimates showed that the livestock sector was endowed with abundant livestock resources with about 26.4 million cattle, 88.2 million goats, 50.3 million sheep, and 8.9 million pigs.

Also, 465 million chickens, 36.4 million ducks, 3.8 million turkeys, 5.5 million Rabbits, 353,173 camels, and 1,234,284 donkeys (Ministry of Agriculture 2021) thus making the nation the topmost livestock producer in West Africa,

Abubakar said that in spite of this potential, it is estimated that the per capita consumption of animal source foods stands at 8 litres of milk, 9 kg of meat and 3.5 kg or 55 eggs per year.

The minister said these were very low consumption levels when compared with the global averages of 44 litres of milk and 19 kg of meat, respectively.

Consequently, a huge amount is spent on importation of food into the country especially milk and dairy products, he said

He said that the ministry was broadening and deepening collaboration with a wide-range of stakeholders and relevant institutions to address immediate and remote constraints of the livestock sector and to attract increased investments in the sector.

In view of the urgent need to unlock the potential of the livestock industry and fast track its transformation to address the socio-cultural, security and economic challenges currently facing the country.

The ministry is enthused about the potential promises of this summit on National Livestock Transformation Plan and we look forward to the outcome to enhance our interventions and synergy towards successful and speedy transformation of the Livestock sector, he said

The Chairman, Agriculture Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN), Mr John Oba, described the summit as apt.

Oba said the livestock sector was a pillar of the global food system and a contributor to poverty reduction, food security and agricultural development.

We are hoping that this summit will afford us, particularly, players in the Nigerian livestock industry the opportunity to showcase our business to the global community.

This is with a view to attracting investors and also highlight modern and global best practices in livestock management for maximum returns, he said.

The Director, Department of Animal Husbandry Services in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Winnie Lai-Solarin, while speaking on the implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Plan, said since the launch of the Plan, government and other stakeholders had not relented to make it a success.

In a goodwill message, Country Representative, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Mr Fred Kaferro, said the organisation would continue to provide technical support to government in addressing all aspects of the livestock system.(NAN) ()

Source: NAN News

By Bridget Ikyado

The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Mr Dasuki Arabi, has commended the Ministry of Finance for its achievements, which have grown to the Public Financial Management reforms.

Arabi made the commendation on Tuesday at the Bureaus monthly seminar featuring the Minister of Finance, Hajia Zainab Ahmed, on the topic Public Financial Management Reforms: Successes, Challenges and Way Forward.

The director-general said that the reforms had contributed significantly to public financial management in Nigeria.

The most decisive factor for effective strategic leadership and coordination of the implementation of all the interventions under this pillar falls on the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, with the concerted efforts of several key Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

Public Financial Management, (PFM) refers to the set of laws, rules, systems and processes used by sovereign nations (Federal, States and Local Governments), to mobilise revenue, allocate public funds, undertake public spending, account for funds and audit results, he said.

According to him, PFM reforms mostly prioritise technical approaches to improve the performance of its systems, including through the integration, modernisation and automation of PFM processes, revenue collection, public expenditure management and procurement systems.

There are lots of achievements that accrue to the PFM reforms in recent times that have contributed significantly to public financial management in Nigeria.

Some of the key reforms include the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit, Expansion of Treasury Single Account, Coverage, Creation of Asset Tracking and Management Project Debt Management Reforms, Domestic Borrowing Cost, Fiscal Support to States, Budget Reforms and Reforms within the Efficiency Unit .

Replacement of Old Cash-Based Accounting System with an Accruals-Based System, Expansion of Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, Taxation/ Pension Reforms, Government Integrated Financial Management Information System and International Public Sector Accounting Standards, he said.

In her speech, the minister, represented by the Mr Ben Akabueze, Director General Budget Office of the Federation, assured the BPSRs that the ministry would continue to adapt to reforms as it enhances the growth and economy of the country.

Ahmed said the Administration was committed to accelerating post-COVID-19 economic recovery through the Nigeria National Development Plan 2021 to 2025

Stimulating inclusive, diversified and sustained economic growth; supporting the private sectors productivity and competitiveness; creating productive employment

By Amen Gajira

Sen. Danjuma Laah (PDP-Kaduna South), has commended Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers, a presidential aspirant, for donating N200m to people displaced by lingering violence in the north-western state.

Laah gave the commendation on Tuesday in Kaduna while reacting to the kind gestured by the governor.

According to him, the gesture is the first of its kind for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.

He prayed to God to bless and reward the giver and his entire household, and challenged presidential and governorship aspirants to emulate Wike by helping the vulnerable and the less privileged in society.

The lawmaker urged the IDPs and other victims of attacks in Kaduna State to pray for Wike for the show of kindness.

He also urged them to pray for the success of the PDP in the 2023 polls.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wike had made the donation when he visited Kaduna State in continuation of his nationwide search for support toward winning the partys ticket to contest for the nations top seat in 2023. (NAN)

Source: NAN News