By Sumaila Ogbaje

An Abuja-based telecommunications firm, Lets Talk I.T and Telecommunications Company, says it is working on launching Nigerias first instant messaging application, Lets Talk before the end of the third quarter of 2022.

The Chief Operating Officer of the company, Ms Folashade Ayeni made this known while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

Ayeni said the application was designed by a team of Nigerian software engineers in line with the vision of the National Information Technology Development Agency ( NITDA) for indigenous companies to come into the social media space.

She said: Lets Talk was created out of a need that Nigerians and Africans have.

If you look at it, sometime last year in October, October 4 To be precise, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram crashed. No one was able to use those applications because of one thing or the other.

Many people lost money, several people were not able to reach families, friends, relatives and do business normally, because a whole lot of people have taken business and relationship to the social media.

It crashed for about six hours or so and the reality dawned on us that really, whether it was intentional or not on purpose that we could lose everything.

So, we thought about owning our social media platform; where Nigerians can have guaranteed communications, with outmost security, which is Nigerian owned and indigenous to us and for us in Africa, she said.

Ayeni said the company was aiming to collaborate with NITDA, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other relevant agencies to ensure the success of the application and acceptability by Nigerians.

On the unique features of the app, she said it is end-to-encrypted, allows users to listen and share music, video and audio call, 5,000 member group chat, seven person conference calls and file exchange up to 2GB.

According to her, it also allows for device and cloud caching as well as sharing moments and trends which will give users very pleasant experiences.

She said the application could be downloaded on Google Play and App Store for both android and Apple phones.

Ayeni also explained that the application would be in two parts, Lets Talk Basic which would be a free social media platform while there would be a secondary phase that would be on subscription basis.

Now, there will be Lets Talk social which is the basic one that everybody knows.
You chat, you speak to people, you do video calls do video conference for free, but theres a secondary part of it.

And the secondary part of it is to provide enterprise resource management. So there are people who want to subscribe to that package.

We are talking about ministries, parastatal agencies, businesses, banks and other sectors that can utilise the platform to improve their businesses and services and that is where value comes in, she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Alex Enebeli

Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) has lauded Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for his administrations prudent management of public resources.

NG-CARES is the Federal Government body, saddled with the responsibility of expanding access to livelihood support and food security services and grants for poor and vulnerable households and firms.

The body applauded Gov. Ugwuanyis administration for observing due process in the management of resources and other administrative engagements.

They also lauded Ugwuanyi for enthroning prudence, probity and accountability in the state.

The group gave the commendation when the Management Team of NG-CARES paid an advocacy visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu.

Addressing newsmen, the National Coordinator of NG-CARES, Dr Abdulkarim Obaje, disclosed that they were impressed with what they observed in Enugu State in terms of due process and prudent management of public resources by the government.

He said the group was impressed by the governments commitment to the success of its programme in the state.

Obaje explained that the NG-CARES programme is a 750 million dollars credit facility from the World Bank to cushion the negative impact of COVID-19 on the poor and the vulnerable in Nigeria.

He added that all the 36 states of the federation were participating in the programme, disclosing that each state is entitled to N20 million dollars at the end of the programme in June 2023.

On the outcome of their meeting with the State EXCO, NG-CARES National Coordinator disclosed that the EXCO had given approval for the budget implementation and had also empowered the Chairman of the State-Cares Steering Committee.

Others are the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mrs Adaonah Kene-Uyanwune, to continue to paddle the boat of NG-CARES in the state without necessarily resorting to the EXCO.

Describing the EXCOs approval as spectacular, Obaje pointed out that it would fast track the activities of the body.

We want to commend His Excellency (Ugwuanyi) and of course the State Executive Council (EXCO) for the quality of prudence in management of public resources which we witnessed during this visit.

We are very impressed to note that funds are released only after State EXCO has deliberated on it, and there is due process.

The World Bank is an institution that respects due diligence in management of resources and we saw that exemplified in Enugu State.

This is going into our records as one of the best practices in management of resources. The process put in place here in Enugu is commendable and we must put that in our records.

We are also impressed with the quality of understanding of the processes involved in NG-CARES implementation in Enugu State.

This emboldens the Chairman of the State-Cares Steering Committee, Mrs. Adaonah Kene-Uyanwune.

She is here and we are really impressed with the knowledge she has exhibited and her leadership style.

Obaje expressed confidence that Enugu would be one of the states in Nigeria that would have the highest amount of resources from the World Bank through the Federal Government.

As far as World Bank portfolios under Enugu State is concerned, the finances of Enugu State is in safe hands and we are very comfortable with the process that has been put in place.

Earlier, NG-CARES Team Leader, Dr Martina Nwordu, explained that the delegation was in Enugu on advocacy visit to evaluate what the state government had done so far on the programme.

He said the visit would encourage it to do more towards the full actualisation of the set objectives of the programme.

She stated that the programme was aimed at impacting the lives of the poor and the vulnerable, positively.

On the outcome of their deliberations with Gov. Ugwuanyi and members of the State EXCO, Dr Nwordu said: We are absolutely impressed because this is the first time it is happening.

EXCO gave approvals to the Chairman of the State-CARES Steering Committee on delivery platforms, and this is a very big achievement for Enugu State as regards this programme. (NAN)
(wwwnannews.ng)
Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Mohammed Bello, has presented 12,000 hectares with the Certificate of Occupancy to his aviation counterpart, Sen. Hadi Sirika, to execute the aviation road map.

Bello made the presentation on Friday in Abuja when he led a team from his ministry to pay a courtesy visit on Sirika in his office.

According to him, the vast land will make all aviation facilities to be provided in one location.

We have marked all the land you requested to cater for the second run way, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, free trade zone, retraining facilities and aviation museum.

By law, any government building has to be done with the approval of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

I want to employ you to direct all your relevant agencies that will be involvedin these mega project to ensure that the relevant body of FCT Administrationis part and parcel of , he said.

According to him, every building in Abuja has to go through a certification process through what is called development control.

FCT minister affirmed that the projects would benefit many people as many jobs would be created.

Responding, Sirika thanked the FCT minister and his entire team.

He gave assurance that the land would be used carefully according to the design in the documents presented to the aviation ministry.

According to him, the main aim of the roadmap is to have aviation city with the structures of aviation activities.

Sirika thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment and support toward achieving the objectives of the aviation roadmap.

We thank Mr President who has made such huge land available as a free zone. Lots of development are coming up in that location.

Frankly speaking, the move will improve employment status. Job will be massively created in the city. It will improve tourism and commerce, as well as trade.

I have discussed with the FCT minister that all structures that have no value or hinder general planning of the airport should go, he said.

According to him, the land will be used to construct a second runway, MRO facility, Aviation Leasing Company, a training centre, building of cargo terminal, among others. (NAN) ()

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Kingsley Kubeyinje

Source: NAN News

By Desmond Ejibas

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Iraboh, on Saturday assured of the Federal Governments commitment to rearm the Nigeria Navy with modern warships and weaponry.

Iraboh gave the assurance on the sideline of a Ceremonial Sunset organised by the Nigeria Navy to mark its 66th anniversary held at Nigeria Naval College in Onne, Rivers.

He said the navy had done a lot in safeguarding Nigerias critical oil and gas resources through its dominance at the nations waters and the Gulf of Guinea.

The Nigeria Navy is indisputably a critical contributor to the mainstay of the nations economy hence efforts must be redoubled to build a navy that we all will be proud of.

We need to encourage the navy to guarantee the nations economic prosperity within the context of the prevailing Federal Governments effort to revamp and reposition our economy.

The Federal Government is working assiduously to ensure the navys past operational handicap regarding insufficient equipment becomes a thing of the past, he said.

Iraboh attributed the current peace being experienced at coastal communities across the country to the doggedness of officers and ratings of the navy in synergy with other security services.

I commend the untiring efforts of the navy and the entire Armed Forces for reducing crude oil theft, violent crimes and other illegalities in the nations maritime domain.

The realities of our current security situation have further affirmed the multivalent utility of the Nigeria Navy.

We are indeed proud to acknowledge navy personnels gallantry and service in safeguarding our waters; the Gulf of Guinea as well as their new and expanded continental role, he said.

The defence chief urged the navy to put to good use the new warships and other platforms acquired by the Federal Government in its rearmament programme.

Speaking, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, said the event was an age-long naval tradition used to recognise its achievements and honour fallen colleagues.

He assured of navys commitment to meet its mandate of protecting the nations maritime environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.

According to him, the acquisition of new warships and other equipment has necessitated the need to train and retrain troops to effectively use the different arms.

Concerted efforts are also being made to upgrade the naval fleets to enable us to defend the territorial integrity of our great nation from the sea.

Due to the availability of the newly acquired platforms, on-the-job training will also be accorded a well-deserved status in our career planning.

To this end, increased attention is given to training to keep officers and ratings abreast with modern warfare.

Training curriculums are being reviewed while several training aids and simulators have been continuously procured to join the inventory of the service, he said.

The officer thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for repositioning the navy to be relevant in nation building. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Source: NAN News

By Oluwafemi Ojo

Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has assured that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will have a hitch-free presidential primary election on Monday.

Akeredolu said this in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde on Saturday in Akure.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akeredolu is the Chairman, sub-committee on Security and Compliance for the APC Special Convention and Presidential Primary Election.

He said that the party was ready for the election, adding that work had already commenced at the venue, with security and other necessary activities as priority.

The governor said the APC, being a disciplined political party with disciplined members, would surely have a hitch-free primary.

This is not our first time using this Eagle Square, we have knowledge of the venue already.

We have already started work on the venue, on security and everything. So, We are ready. I think we are good to go.

We are going to have a hitch-free primary. We are a disciplined party and our members will show discipline here on the D-day. he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Joy Mbachi

Mr Felix Odimegwu, Anambra Commissioner for Environment, has reiterated that activities like deforestation, felling of trees without replanting, bush burning and other environmental attack were now a serious offence in the state.

Odimegwu called on the residents to brace up to key behind the ministry, to tackle challenges of working hard by the people to maintain a safe, healthy and clean environment for all.

The commissioner made the call in Awka at a news conference to enumerate the ministry of environment Programme to handle environmental challenges in the state .

He disclosed that the ministry had a well thought out Programme in partnership with other government agencies related to environment on way forward to achieve a safe environment.

Odimegwu said the government had mapped out activities for 2022 World Environmental Day, on June 5, as priority on manifesto of Anambra Governor, Prof Charles Soludo.

The commissioner said that the governor tagged his ideal environment success as a fight to gain clean, greener, planned and sustainable cities, communities and markets that would transform Anambra to a smart state.

He said that some of the activities mapped out by the government included Tree planting which would be inaugurated by Soludo, public awareness symposium, radio commentaries.

I call on people of Anambra to leverage on the opportunity offered by this year world environment day with a theme to raise a consciousness towards adopting safe environmental management practices and good sanitation and hygiene culture that would promote the general well being of all of us as we do not have any other earth but only One Earth, he said.

Mr Michael Ivenso, Chairman, Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) said the agency was aware of the environmental challenges being faced by Anambra people and disclosed that efforts were intensified daily to surmount them.

The project Coordinator said there were over 960 erosion sites in the state and much had been done to control the escalation and advised that people should take ownership of the environment timely.

He said that NEWMAP, with Anambra state erosion watershed and climate change agency, had developed an erosion control and environmental sustainability manual as a simple guide to community based erosion control and climate change.

He said with the urban renewal, grassroots empowerment, community leaders, President-Generals, traditional rulers, faith based organisations and civil societies had a better hope of safer environment.

The sustainability manual would be broken down to the level for all to understand its applicability and adaptation would be easily achieved as the manual would be provided for the locals for acceptability of the Programme.

The environment does not need us , it is us that need the environment, therefore, we need to respect the manual and follow its details to the latter for the common good of us all, he said.

Mr Chido Obidiegwu, Anambra Managing Director, Drainage and Forest Preservation, said government had made more efforts to sustain the programme on ground to ensure a safer environment for all.

Obidiegwu said that the government beggi for collective actions of the people towards sustenance of a safe environment, actions that would only protect and restore earth planet should be engaged always.

Mrs Ify Atorgu, Managing Director Leisure Parks and Beautification, urged the people to develop the habit of planting flowers and trees in the homes, to beautify the state and promote healthy environments.

Mr Peniel Jack, Anambra Coordinator of National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), said it was very important that the message of sensitisation of healthy environment be preached to locals, to give value to maintenance of the environment.

People need to be thought the importance of not deforestation, bush burning, soil excavation , building on water ways and refuse dumps in water ways or on roads amongst other wrong sites, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that many other bodies related to environment and its promotions like environmental health officers were part of the conference.(www.nanews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Muhammad Lawal

The Kebbi State Government has constructed three new nomadic schools in Dandi, Suru and Argungu Local Government Areas of the state to enhance teaching and learning of nomads, an official disclosed.

Alhaji Abubakar Muazu-Dakingari, Chief Press Secretary, Government House, Birnin Kebbi, made this known in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.

He reported Prof. Suleiman Khalid-Jega, Executive Chairman, Kebbi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), as saying this in Birnin Kebbi.

According to the chairman, the schools are located in Gungun-Kuka, Dandi Local Government, Nelpa in Suru Local Government and Tsola-Shago in Argungu Local Government.

Khalid-Jega, who supervised the establishment of the schools, also said that necessary instructional facilities had been provided, including teachers to fast track take-off of academic activities.

The chairman expressed satisfaction with the level of enrolment of nomadic children into the schools.

He said learning had begun in the new schools on the directive of Gov. Atiku Bagudu.

Khalid-Jega said in the course of his statewide community interaction, Gov. Bagudu visited the three Fulani settlements, during which the inhabitants presented requests for establishment of nomadic schools for their children.

Sen. Atiku Bagudu instantly gave approval for the construction of the schools by SUBEB which now culminated to commencement of teaching and learning, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Former Governor of Kogi Idris Wada and Sheik Tajudeen Bello, Imam, Fouad Lababidi Mosque have called on Nigerians to vote responsible leaders in the 2023 general elections.

Wada made the call on Friday at the commissioning of the EFAB Global Estate Mosque, Mbora, Abuja.

He urged Nigerians to immediately collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) and ensure they vote credible leaders in the 2023 general elections.

Nigerians should make sure they register and collect their PVCs, so that they can exercise their civic responsibility.

They should make sure they vote for the right leaders so that things can improve in our country, elections is serious business, we should not joke with it, he said.

The former governor commended the Muslim association at Efab Global Estate for the Mosque project.

Earlier, Imam Bello who led the first Jumat prayer at the Mosque said the new Mosque will further help in the propagation of Islam and its tenets.

He urged Muslims to be upright and vote credible leaders with the fear of Allah that can transform the country for good.

Tajudeen who is also the Chairman, FCT League of Imams admonished politicians to play by the rules and ensure peaceful elections across the country.

Alhaji Abubakar Momoh, Chairman, EFAB Global Estate Mosque said the self sponsored project by the Muslim community in the estate began in 2018.

He called on well meaning Muslims to continue to contribute to the development of the Mosque and the less privileged in the society.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Source: NAN News

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Friday in Abuja disclosed that it had concluded arrangements to commence the transportation of 2022 intending pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on June 9.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, made the disclosure at the signing of an agreement between the commission and three airlines approved to transport Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Hassan announced that the three air carriers that were approved by the Federal Government through the commission were the Azman Air, Max Air and Flynas (Saudi Arabia designated air line).

He urged the airlines to give quality service in line with the standard known in the aviation industry and treat all pilgrims as very important personalities.

Hassan also revealed that by Monday, June 6, the advance team of the commission would be proceeding to the city of Madina and Makkah.

According to him, by the projection of the commission on June 9, the 2022 Hajj inaugural flight of Nigeria will head to Madina.

For us today is indeed historic because is the beginning of the hajj operation of 2022. It is clear to all of us that without flight there can be no Hajj for people living outside the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Intending pilgrims must get to Saudi Arabia before they can perform hajj. For that reason flight is key and very important.

Permit me to use this opportunity to congratulate the successful air carriers all of whom have been with the commission struggle since 2022.

We also hope that those air carriers who didnt succeed this year will have a better time some other time, he said.

Earlier, the NAHCON Commissioner of Operations, Alhaji Abdullahi Hardawa, described the event as epoch after almost three years without Hajj.

He congratulated the successful carriers while urging them to see their selection as a challenge to do their best.

The commission disclosed that the commission had created an aviation monitoring committee saddled with the responsibility of monitoring their performances.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that seven airlines; Max Air, FlyNas, Azman Air, Med-View Airline, Skypower Express, Westlink Airlines and Arik Air, applied for screening.

After rigorous exercise, those selected ranked the best three whose names were forwarded to the presidency for approval before sealing the contract agreement.

States allocated to specific airlines are as follows: Max Air is to airlift pilgrims from 13 states namely-Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau and Taraba.

While Azman Air is entrusted with the transportation of pilgrims from 16 states and the Armed Forces.

The states are Kano, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, Ogun, Ondo, Rivers, and Yobe.

Meanwhile, FlyNas would airlift pilgrims from Edo, FCT- Abuja, Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara- making eight states. (NAN)

Editted by AbdulFatai Beki/Ismail AbdulAziz

Source: NAN News

By Olukayode Babalola

Hajiya Hajara Danyaro-Ibrahim won all the 35 votes at the rescheduled primary election of the All Progressive Congress (APC) into Nasarawa Central constituency in the states House of Assembly.

She defeated the only opponent, the incumbent member of the House, Hon. Ismail Danbaba, who got no vote at the election, held on Friday.

Neither Danbaba, nor his electoral agent showed up at the election.

Announcing the result, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Dr Bala Salisu, said total number of delegates was 35 and all 35 voted.

After she was declared as winner, Danyaro-Ibrahim thanked God for the successful conduct of the election which she said was peaceful, fair, free and devoid of rancour.

This is my fourth time of contesting for the seat in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly.

Delegates decided this time around that it must be Hajara Danyaro-Ibrahim to contest for the seat and represent them.

I thank the people of Nasarawa Central constituency. I hope and pray to win at the general election because that is the wish of the people of Nasarawa Central constituency, she told newsmen. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News