By Ismaila Chafe

Minister of Police Affairs Maigari Dingyadi, says the three-month tenure extension granted to outgoing Inspector-General of Police Muhammad Adamu was terminated following completion of selection process for a new I-G.

Dingyadi has earlier announced the appointment of Deputy Inspector- General of Police (DIG) Usman Baba as Acting Inspector-General of Police..

The appointment of Usman was with immediate effect.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buhari had on Feb. 4 extended the tenure of Adamu as the IGP for three months.

Adamu, however, spent two months and three days of the extended period.

Reacting to why the president did not allow the outgoing I-G to last the three months of his extension, the minister:

The president is aware of this and you cannot take away that responsibility from him; hes the one who is in charge of appointing or extending tenures.

He has now decided to appoint a new person. So, please, allow him that responsibility and we cannot do anything about it, he said.

Dingyadi explained that the appointment of the acting I-G followed a thorough check of a shortlist of suitably qualified police officers from the rank of DIGs and AIGs.

He said all the shortlisted candidates were police officers, eligible for appointment as I-G, in line with Section 7, Sub-section 2 of the Nigeria Police Act (2020).

The tenure of the I-G Mohammed Adamu, which ended on February 1, 2021, was extended by theP president to enable a detailed process of appointing a new I-G, in line with Section 15 (A) of the 1999 Constitution.

After a thorough check of a shortlist of suitably qualified police officers from the rank of DIGs and AIGs, who are eligible police officers, eligible for appointment as I-G, in line with Section 7, Sub-section 2 of the Nigeria Police Act (2020).

And having regards to seniority, professionalism, record of service and competence, the president has approved the appointment of an acting I-G, in the person of Usman Alkali Baba, with immediate effect.

These changes are in line with the determination of the president to rejig the security architecture and to ensure that the security challenges bedeviling the nation are brought to an end.

The president has, therefore, charged the new appointee to rise to the challenge to ensure policing reform policy of this administration are fully prioritised and implemented to enable the police to perform most effectively for the peace and security of lives and property of all Nigerians, he said.

The minister quoted the president as thanking the outgoing I-G, Mohammed Adamu, for his professionalism and dedication to duty during the period of his tenure.

He wished him all the best in his future endeavours. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Cecilia Ijuo

Prof. Job Nmadu, the Dean-elect, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, Minna, has expressed commitment to attracting funding for research and other needs of the faculty.

Nmadu made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, following his recent election as the Dean of the School.

He said that as the new dean of the faculty, he would not rest on his oars in ensuring positive change that would make learning more conducive in the school.

Nmadu, who would be assuming office on April9, said there are a number of developmental challenges in the faculty, which I am going to look into.

There is the problem of inadequate research funding, inadequate office space for conducive work, inadequate Information Communication Technology (ICT), infrastructure and a host of others, which I hope to improve on during my tenure.

On the recent increase in the security challenges in schools, the dean described such development as worrisome.

The don commended the efforts made by the relevant authorities in tackling insecurity, adding that more still needed to be done to secure the lives of students and teachers.

The increased trend of mass school kidnappings, especially in Niger is worrisome.

I embarked on one week#savenigereducollapse campaign on social media when all schools in Niger were shut due to threats of mass abduction.

A lot is being done and we hope that the youth will rise up to the challenges of knowledge-seeking.

Confirming Nmadus election in a separate interview, Mrs Aisha Usman, the Deputy Registrar Academic, said the professor emerged winner after polling 61 votes out of the 82 votes cast.

Usman, who was the Returning Officer in the election, described Nmadu as the sole contestant.

A total of 82 persons were accredited. Out of this number, he scored a total of 61 votes as against 21 that did not work for him.

There were no void votes and he was declared winner, having scored the highest number.

His tenure lasts for two years and if he so wishes, he can re-contest at the end of his tenure.

NAN reports that Prof. Job Nmadu emerged dean following an election conducted on March 30.

He joined the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal Polytechnic, Bida as an Assistant Lecturer in 1992.

Nmadu rose to a Chief Lecturer in 2006 and later a Senior Lecturer, Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, FUT, Minna.

He became an Associate Professor in 2010 and Professor in 2013.

Prior to his election as Dean, Nmadu held a number of positions in the university, including Head of Department,
Deputy Director, Quality Assurance and Productivity and Industrial Liaison Officer.

He also served on several committees and task forces within and outside the university as well as consultant to a number of organisations within and outside Nigeria.

Nmadu, a Fellow and current President, Nigerian Association of Agricultural Economists (NAEE) has published over 100 papers and journals, peer-reviewed conference proceedings and technical reports. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has commended Gov. Hope Uzodinmas infrastructure development in Imo.

Osinbajo made the commendation in Owerri on Tuesday, while inaugurating two road projects completed by the governor.

The roads include the Dick Tiger Road and Dick Tiger Street in Ikenegbu area of Owerri, the state capital.
The vice president said the roads, among other projects in the state, attested to the governors purposeful leadership.

I bring you the very warm greetings and felicitations of President Muhammadu Buhari at the inauguration of the about three-kilometre-long Dick Tiger Road.

This road covers more than ten streets, including the Dick Tiger Street, and its inauguration in record time ends the misery of the hitherto flood-prone areas here.

Now, with the rehabilitation of this road, I am told that the real estate value of the area is now on the rise.

The before-and-after story of this restoration as told by grateful residents is heart-warming. This is the value of good, purposeful government.

Osinbajo recalled that Buhari recently inaugurated two major road projects in Owerri, including the World Bank, Federal Secretariat Road, Assumpta to General Hospital and Port Harcourt Road.

According to him, the huge infrastructure development taking place in the state must be commended and so must the governors hardwork and forward-looking approach.

This aligns with the presidents own belief that the building of roads, rail, power, digital technology and other infrastructural assets must be the priority for economic development.

And in this we have no choice.

Africas largest economy can only provide opportunities for its huge population, if it runs on modern infrastructure, he said.

The vice president condemned Mondays attack on the Correctional Centre and headquatres of the Police Command in Owerri.

He said, Nigerians must reject the agents of anarchy that are seeking to weaponise the frustration and discontent of young people for their own profit.

Earlier, Uzodinma said the two roads that were inaugurated were part of the road revolution by his administrations.

He described them as strategic because they provide the essential economic nerves for the state.

The governor regretted that the roads were previously abandoned and lost to erosion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Osinbajo, thereafter, visited the correctional facility and police headquatres to see the level of damage. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Akeem Abas

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Oyo State Council has described the death of Deacon Sunday Ogunyemi, a member of staff of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Ibadan as sad and devastating.

The union said this in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Ademola Babalola and Secretary, Sola Oladapo on Tuesday in Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late Ogunyemi, a versatile reporter with FRCN, died on Sunday, at age 41.

We cant find appropriate words to describe the passing of a colleague and friend.Ogunyemi was a great journalist. The news of his death came to us as a rude shock.

The late Ogunyemi was a disciplined and highly principled colleague who displayed high level of dedication to every cause he believed in.

He was a gentleman and professional to the core. He gave a good account of himself as a judiciary correspondent, breaking many stories on the job, it said.

The union condoled with the wife, children and family members on the irreplaceable demise of its member.

It also commiserated with the FRCN management, colleagues, friends and well wishers of the departed journalist.

The NUJ prayed that God would forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest, while also granting the family fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

The union implored members to mourn its departed member and remember his family in daily prayers, praying God to stop untimely deaths in the union.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By VIctor Adeoti

The Osun government said it would continue to provide free train ride system for the people of the state as a way of restoring its lost glory.

Dr Bode Olanipekun, the State Commissioner For Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, stated this while addressing beneficiaries of the free train, who were returning to Lagos at Osogbo terminus of the Nigerian Railway Corporation on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government on Friday provided free train service for the citizens of Osun that wanted to travel from Lagos to Osogbo for the Easter celebrations.

Olanipekun said that the state government would also continue to sponsor the free train service to ease the financial burden on Osun citizens, who wished to travel home to celebrate with families and loved ones during festive periods.

He said, We will continue to invest in the free train service as part of our efforts to restore the lost glory of the rail transport service.

Its provision is also in line with our economic resolve to ensure seamless transportation of agricultural produce, semi-finished and finished goods to neighbouring states.

According to Olanipekun, the need to continue to invest in the rail sector is informed by the actualisation of the state governments resolve to turn Osun to a socioeconomic, commercial and industrial hub of the southwest region.

The essence of this initiative is also to demonstrate the administrations commitment to peoples welfare.

This initiative is another effort by the state government to lessen the financial burdens which some of the citizens of the used to experience during festive periods.

We all know the rate of the expenditure of individuals during festive periods, hence, the need for this initiative, the Commissioner said.

In their separate remarks, some of the beneficiaries commended the initiative and promised to continue to support the administration of Gov. Gboyega Oyetola.

Mr Wasiu Adedayo and Mrs Omoyele Nafisat, who were returning to Lagos through the free train ride, expressed satisfaction with the arrangements put in place by the government to ensure the success of the scheme since its inception. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has extended heartfelt condolences to the family of Afaka on the passing of Saidu Afaka, his official driver, who died at the State House Clinic on Tuesday after a prolonged illness.

The presidents condolence message is contained in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Buhari, who also commiserated with the government and people of Kaduna State, described the late Afaka as an honest, capable and reliable person who handled his job with utmost care and responsibility.

The president recalled that in 2016, Afaka, while on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, picked up a bag containing a large amount of foreign currencies and turned it over to the National Hajj Commission.

He noted that this action earned Afaka praises from the Saudi and Nigerian authorities.

Buhari prayed almighty Allah to bless the soul of the departed with an elevated place in heavens, committing the family and friends to divine comfort and patience. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Oluwafunke Ishola

A Tech Start-up, Naija Force, has evolved a mechanism to produce a surgical-grade face mask that would solve global challenges and sustain crucial public health preventive measures.

Ifedayo Ojo, Team Lead, Naija Force, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

NAN reports that the Naija Force team won the Massk Appeal Award and came runner-up in a global contest by XPRIZE Next-Gen Mask Challenge, winning a grant of ,000 for the mask production.

The competition is a M challenge, which aims to re-imagine protective face masks used to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by making masks more comfortable, functional, accessible and stylish.

The contest received about 1,000 entries from 76 countries.

It encouraged the teams to design a face mask that overcomes at least five of the top ten barriers to mask-wearing.

Common barriers to the use of mask include: fogging of glasses, getting too hot, discomfort, difficulty breathing, making conversations challenging and prohibiting exercise while wearing.

Other barriers are improper fit, pain, blocking facial expressions, preventing eating or drinking, not being eco-friendly, looking ugly or boring and difficulty acquiring the mask.

Naija Force team members are Ifedayo Ojo, an Industrial Product Designer; Samuel Akinola, a UX Researcher and Designer and Arotiba Ayobami, a Business Relation Manager.

Ojo said that the team would work with top pulmonologists, the John Hopkins University, the U.S. and other partners in the production of the mask which would be useful beyond COVID-19.

He said that utilising innovative technology to upgrade masks would redefine the norm of mask-wearing behaviour and assist maintain crucial non-pharmaceutical public health measures to mitigate the risk and impact of the pandemic.

Masks have been proven to lower the transmission of COVID-19, reduce the total number of infections, severe cases or deaths.

Naija Force mask features a soft malleable flange that can conform to the shape of the wearers nose.

This mask is not intended to be a one-fit-all kind but comes in different sizes to fit unique facial contours and forms.

Not being able to exercise with face masks is as a result of a combination of problems including breathability, fit and comfort which our mask addresses effectively, he said.

According to him, the mask has an openable drinking inlet, through which straws can be inserted for drinking, thus ensuring minimal contact to the bare face.

Ojo noted that adapting to life with COVID-19 was a challenge faced by all globally, saying that evolving solutions that would assist people to live normally and reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19 were crucial.

Specimen of Naija Force maskAccording to him, as the COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues globally, adhering to non-pharmaceutical interventions is critical to minimise the disruption that might arise from a third or fourth wave of COVID-19.

He added that the Naija Forces mission was to provide solutions to global challenges, acquaint the world with the potentials of Nigerian youths and increase the countrys competitiveness.

Ojo appealed to the federal and state governments to increase funding for research and development.

He stressed that local solutions and innovations needed to be applied to challenges in all sectors.

Doing that will enhance scientific advancement, innovation, product development, poverty reduction and socio-economic growth. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chinyere Nwachukwu

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) says its 2021 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates, earlier scheduled for May/June, may not hold.

The Councils Head of National Office (HNO), Mr Patrick Areghan, gave the hint while announcing the release of results of the 2021 first series of theWASSCE for Private candidates on Tuesday in Lagos.

According to Areghan, the effect of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is still much felt in the education sector.

He noted that the entire education calendar has been distorted and, therefore, may not be possible to conduct the examination as scheduled.

Let me use this opportunity to dispel rumours, being peddled about by some people regarding the conduct of the WASSCE for school candidates, 2021.

The effect of the COVID-19 is still very much felt in the education sector and this has taken its toll on the academic calendar in the country.

It is, therefore, not going to be possible to have the examination in May/June this year.

A convenient international time table for the conduct of this examination will soon be released.

To this effect, all stakeholders are, therefore, requested to keep their fingers crossed until they hear directly from WAEC, the WAEC boss said.

He, then appealed to all the school principals and proprietors to keep to the stipulated timelines for the enrolment of candidates for the examination.

According to him, it is important to re-emphasise the role of ContinuousAssessment Scores (CASS) in the computation of candidates results.

All schools are advised to get this aspect of the registration process right, in order to make the entry processes seamless.

Giving a breakdown of the results,Areghan said that 7,690 candidates entered for the examination which conductedbetween Feb. 15 and March 11.

A total of 431 examiners participated in the coordination and marking exercise.

He noted that of the figure,7,289 candidates actually sat for the examinationat 252 centres across the country.

According to him, the drop in the figure is attributable to the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said that out of the 7,289 candidates that sat for the examination, the results of 599 were withheld in connection with various reported cases of examination malpractice.

The cases are being investigated and reports of the investigations will be presented to the appropriate committee of the council for determination in due course.

This low number is as a result of the rigorous monitoring/inspection of centres by the Councils staff throughout the duration of the examination, Areghan said.

According to him, 7,174 candidates had their results fully processed and released while 115 others had a few of their subjects still being processed due to some errors traceable to them.

He said that efforts were being made to complete the processing to enable all the affected candidates to get their results fully processed and released subsequently.

Analysis of statistics of performance of candidates showed that out of those that sat for the examination, a total of 3,938 obtained credit and above in a minimum of any five subjects with or without English Language and/or Mathematics.

A total of 2,195 others obtained credit and above in a minimum of five subjects including English Language and Mathematics.

Twenty-three candidates with varying degrees of special needs registered for the examination.

Out of this number, six are visually challenged, two with impaired hearing, five others are albinos, one spastic cum mentally challenged and nine physically challenged.

Areghan said that all the candidates with special needswereadequately provided for in the administration of the examination.

He added that their results had also been processed and released along with those of other candidates

He advised candidates who sat for the examination to check details of their performance on the councils website

The collection of certificates for the WASSCEfor private candidates, he said, would be based on requestonline via the Electronic Certificate Management System platform (e-certman).

Areghan said details of the simple procedures had already been made available to the public. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

German authorities are hoping to accelerate the countrys sluggish Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine rollout by allowing 35,000 general practitioners nationwide to start administering the jab this week.

Some GPs practices were already starting on Tuesday, while others are still waiting for vaccine doses to be delivered.

In the first week, practices are to receive a total of 940,000 vaccine doses, meaning that each practice would receive an average of 26 doses.

The practices can regulate how they assign vaccination appointments and how they prioritise patients.

The private health insurers association PKV has called on the government to speed up the launch of vaccinations in companies.

The start of the vaccination campaign by general practitioners is the right step, but it is not enough to grant protection to as many people as possible as quickly as possible.

Politicians must already prepare the next step and enable vaccination in companies and with all other doctors and dentists as soon as vaccine deliveries accelerate in the next few weeks, he said.

Source: NAN News

By EricJames Ochigbo

The Kogi Government has described as malicious social media reports alleging that the governors wife, Rashida Bello, has moved out of the government house.

Mr Onogwu Muhammed, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, said in a statement on Monday that the allegation was baseless.

Mohammed, who described the publication as a mere piece of mischievous antics given life by idle, disgruntled and undesirable elements, said that the governor was in full control of his household.

Our attention has been drawn to an online publication titled Trouble in Kogi State as the First Lady, Rashida Bello, allegedly moves out of government house.

For lack of formidable tool of distractions, the online medium struggling hard for traffic has come out with a concocted falsehood alleging a crack in the household of Gov. Yahaya Bello.

The said publication laced with lies and crooked fallacy detailed how the First Lady, Hajia Rashida Bello, has moved out of the Government House in what the merchants of mischief painted as a revolt against the governor.

This reaction is coming out not in reverence of the amorphous medium but a call to the general public to disregard as tissue of lie the malicious fabrication, he said.

He said, Bello is in full control of his household, the same way he holds in firm grip the affairs of the state.

Mohammed said that rather than resorting to such satanic antics, the medium and the sponsors should have taken on the governors development agenda.

He maintained that there was no crack whatsoever in the home and government of Gov. Bello of Kogi, urgingthe general public particularly citizens of Kogi to discard the information.(NAN)

Source: NAN News