Nasarawa State chapter Chairman of APC, Mr Philip Shekwo

By Mohammed Baba Busu

The slain Mr Philip Shekwo, the Nasarawa State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, was buried on Friday in his home town, Yelwa, Toto Local Government Area amid tears by family and sympathisers.

Shekwo was buried at about 2:20 p.m. at his residence in accordance with Christian rites.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Shekwo was abducted on Nov. 21 from his residence in Lafia, the state capital,and found dead on Sunday, Nov. 22.

Gov. Abdullahi Sule while speaking at the funeral service at Ebenezer Baptist Chruch, Yelwa, assured of the state governments commitment to fish out perpetratorsof the crime to serve as deterrent to others.

Sule, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe,also assured the family of the deceased APC chairman of prayers and support.

Philip is a gentle man to the core. His death is not only a loss to Yelwa community, Toto LGA,the state alone but Nigeria as a whole because he was a detribalised Nigerian.

By Gods grace, the perpetrators will surely be brought to book as it is unfair, evil and anungodly act.

Government will do everything within itspowers to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book, Sule said.

Also speaking, Sen. Umar Al-Makura (APC- Nasarawa South), described the late APC chairman as a man of peace, progress and development.

Shekwo is a friend, brother and someone that I have cherished, he said.

The former governor urged the state government to conduct vigorous investigationto fish out perpetrators of the act.

Also speaking,wife of the deceased, Larai, said that her husband was a peaceful man.

My husband was a man of prayers, man that does not want to cheat, he was a caring father and hero, she said.

She urged the people to pray for the family and for the repose of her husbands soul.

In his sermon, Dr Bulus Ali,President ofBenue/ Nasarawa Baptist Conference,said death was is an inevitable end of all human and living beings.

There is no end to death as there is life after death and there is going to be judgment after death, he said.

The man of God urged the state government to do more in the area of security in order to protect lives and property.

Government should improve on the security apparatus so that we can live in peace. If not, no one is safe in the state, he said.

He admonished Nigerians to live a life worth of emulation in order to inherit the kingdom of God.

The clergy prayed for the repose of the soul of Shekwo as he equally prayed for protection of the family of the late APC Chairman.

NAN reports that other dignitaries in attendance at the burial included,the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, Hajiya Silifat Sule, the Nasarawa State First Lady and Sen. Godiya Akwashiki(APC- Nasarawa North).

Others are Rep Jonathan Gaza (PDP), Rep Abdulmumin Ari (APC) andformer deputy governor of the state, Hon Silas Agara.

Source: NAN News

Ebonyi Gov. Dave Umahi

By Chukwuemeka Opara

Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has assured Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members of their peaceful existence in the state with no one harassing or disrupting their legitimate activities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that political tension has heightened in Ebonyi since Umahis defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) with resentment and bickering pervading the atmosphere.

Umahi gave the assurance on Friday in Abakaliki in a broadcast to the people after a security meeting with heads of security agencies in the state.

According to the governor, PDP will exist peacefully in the state provided its faithful desist from acts that jeopardise the prevailing peace and harmonious existence in the state.

I have reported allegation of some Ebonyi people engaging cultists and the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) members to start killings and crisis in the state.

This is in the name of fighting the governor and the state government, he said.

He alleged that some top former and serving officials of government were fomenting the trouble.

I decide to share this information with security agencies because every governor in the state has been fought by these same people.

Umahi said that the situation made him to reach out to security agencies to assure the concerned individuals and the PDP that no one would harass them in the state.

A stitch in time saves nine; we are bringing this information to the public so that if it is true and starts happening, it will be known that I shared it with security agencies and the public.

I also tasked security agencies to implement policies on vehicle-tinted glasses, use of siren and police escorts.

Many people who use escorts are not entitled to them and these sets of people show power when they get to the communities with their security escorts shooting into the air.

We do not want this to continue and the security agencies should dispossess them of such security details used to harass innocent citizens, he said.

Source: NAN News

AfDB approves US million loan to build Malagarasi hydropower project in Tanzania

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a US million loan to fund the construction of a 50 MW hydropower plant in western Tanzania.

When operational, the plant will provide reliable renewable energy to households, schools, clinics and small- and medium-sized enterprises in the Kigoma Region.

The Malagarasi Hydropower project has several components: a run-of-the-river hydropower plant facility; a 54- km, 132 kV transmission line that will connect to Tanzanias national grid; a distribution network expansion operation that includes rural electrification and last-mile connections; project management and contract administration support; and compensation and resettlement of affected persons.

Bank President Adesina Akinwumi noted that the approval of the project is a reflection of the Banks commitment to assist the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to accelerate its transition to more inclusive and sustainable growth through the production of clean, reliable and affordable electricity.

The projects overall cost is estimated at US.14 million. The bulk of the funding (US million) will be sourced from the Bank Groups sovereign window, with an additional US million contributed by the Africa Growing Together Fund a co-financing fund with resources from the government of China that is administered by the Bank. The Government of Tanzania will provide the remaining US.14 million.

The hydropower plants expected average annual output of 181 GWh will meet the electricity needs of as many as 133,649 Kigoma households, bringing the regions electrification rate more closely in line with the rest of the country.

The project is expected to create about 700 jobs during construction, cut the regions electricity generation costs to approximately USsh.04/kWh from the current USsh.33/kWh, and also reduce reliance on greenhouse gas-emitting fossil fuels. The cost of doing business will also fall because industry will no longer need to maintain costly back-up generators.

The project aligns with Tanzanias national Development Vision 2025 and its Second Five-Year Development Plan (2016/17 2020/21) and complements other regional initiatives, including the North West Grid 400 kV Nyakanazi-Kigoma transmission line project, which the Bank is financing in parallel with the South Korea Economic Development Co-operation Fund.

The Malagarasi Project will also directly contribute to the Banks Light Up

Borno Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Kadafur

By Yakubu Uba

Borno Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, has solicited the support of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to curb illegal migration and other cross-border crimes in the state.

Kadafur made the call on Friday in Maiduguri while receiving the Assistant Controller General in charge of Zone C, Mr Abubakar kankara, who paid him a courtesy visit.

Kadafur said that the Immigration as a critical stakeholder in the security apparatus, has a vital role to play in the implementation of the states 25-Year Development plan.

The Deputy Governor assured NIS of governments sustained support for its operations in the state.

Earlier, Kankara said that his team was in Borno on tour of the formations in the zone.

He said that the tour would afford the team the opportunity to discuss intelligence gathering and information sharing on how to secure the borders against the influx of illegal migrants into the country.

Kankara pledged the readiness of the service to support the government in the implementation of its 25 years State Development Plan, particularly in the areas of documentation for those coming from outside the country to invest in the state.

He also appealed to the Bornu government to support the Zone with logistics for effective coverage of the state. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Hope Uzodimma, Imo state Governor

By Ismaila Chafe

Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo says the state needs N75billion to remedy 360 identified erosion sites in the state.

Uzodinma stated this to State House Correspondents, after a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja, on Friday.

The governor, who revealed that he updated the president on the erosion menace in Imo, stressed the need for support from both the federal government and development partners.

He said: Its just a normal courtesy call on the President and then to make some requests, prominent among the requests I made today is that of erosion menace that has bedevilled the State to the extent that the only road that you go through to the Federal University of Technology and Federal College of Technology in Owerri, the State capital is almost cut into two.

It is so critical that the schools are about to resume and if nothing is done urgently, they may not be able to have access to their various schools and the President in his wisdom has promised to immediately get in touch with the ecological office to remedy the situation.

We have over 360 erosion sites in Imo State, and as at the last count, we have done a study of 57 sites, which we consider very critical and immediate.

Based on our assessment, a lot of money would be required to address the problem, over N75 billion and you will agree with me that the state government cannot handle that alone, he said.

According to him, the State can only address the problem through constructive partnership with the federal government, through the Ecological Fund office, and development partners.

Asked about the recent defection of Gov. Dave Umahi of Ebonyi from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Uzodinma said he used to be like an orphan because he was the only APC Governor in that zone but now he has a brother.

He urged the Southeast governors elected under the platform of PDP and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to embrace the APC, so as to yield more dividends of democracy for the people of the zone.

The governor, who also spoke on the recently inaugurated modular refinery in the State by President Buhari, expressed the hope that the refinery would help boost economic activities in the country.

He stressed the need for more of such refineries in the country to address the problem of importation and shortage of petroleum products. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Yahaya Isah

The Air Force Council (AFC) has approved the promotion of 107 senior officers to the next higher ranks in the Nigerian Force (NAF).

A statement by Wing Cdr. Bassey Okon, Acting Deputy Director for Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF headquarters, said on Friday in Abuja.

According to Okon, the affected senior officers comprise 16 Air Commodores (Air Cdres) who were promoted to the rank of Air Vice Marshal (AVM), 31 Group Captains who were promoted to the rank of Air Commodores.

Also, 27 Wing Commanders were promoted to the rank of Group Captain and 33 Squadron Leaders were promoted to the rank of Wing Commanders.

Those promoted to the rank of AVM include: Air Commodore Abraham Adole, Tajudeen Yusuf, Ibikunle Daramola, Uchechi Nwagwu, Sani Rabe, Kurotimi Obidake, Nanjul Kumzhi, Kabiru Aliyu, Akanbi Salami and Kabir Umar.

Others are: Barisi Keenam, Sunday Ogba, Abiola Amodu, Pam Chollom, Mfon Ekpoh and Garba Abubakar.

Among those promoted from the rank of Group Capt. to Air Commodore are: Garba Jibia, Adebayo Bamidele, Christopher Akpa, Ekele Odekina, Emmanuel Iduh, Sylvester Eyoma, Sampson Eyekosi, Osichinaka Ubadike, Patrick Edem, Garuba Bello, Mukhtar Umar, Olujames Salami, Nosiru Folaji, and Emmanuel Ukpong.

Those promoted to the rank of Air Commodore include: David Dickson, Celestine Akubue, Tiyanu Kamla, Yayirus Lapips, Zakari Dangaji, Musa Abdullahi, Francis Ankeli, Abdullahi Madaki, Ugochukwu Ariahu, Mada Yushau, Ekongubong Akpabio, Isaiah Taiwo, Ali Tanko,Babatunde Bolarinwa, Ayodele Famuyiwa, Gbolahan Oremosu and Ikechukwu Ogbodo.

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on behalf of officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of NAF, heartily congratulates them, stressing, however, that they should see their elevation as motivation to re-dedicate themselves toward more effective and efficient service delivery.

The newly promoted senior officers are expected to be decorated with their new ranks at a date to be announced. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Yakubu Uba

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has commenced distribution of foodstuff and non-food items to 144 widows of teachers killed by insurgents in Borno.

Presenting the materials in Maiduguri on Friday, the Borno Coordinator of NEDC, Hajiya Amina Maibe, said the gesture was part of the commissions mandate to support vulnerable people in insurgency affected areas.

Maibe said the plight of the widows and orphans was brought to NEDCs attention by the state branch of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Network of Civil Society Organisations in Borno (NECSOB).

The coordinator said 546 widows were listed to benefit from the gesture.

We are giving 144 widows today while the remaining will get theirs on Thursday, Maibe said.

She also announced plans to empower the widows with skills acquisition training, while the orphans would be supported with scholarships.

The state Chairman of NUT, Mr Jibrin Mohammed, thanked NEDC for the intervention and the role played by NECSOB in linking them with the commission, while urging other organisations to emulate NEDC in reaching out to the widows and orphans.

Two of the beneficiaries, Hauwa Inuwa and Yagana Babagana, who spoke at the occasion, lauded the gesture which they said was the second since they lost their husbands.

My husband was a teacher at Government Day Secondary School in Mafoni ward when he was killed in 2012.

We are grateful to all those involved in this gesture and will be greatly relieved if scholarship is provided for our children, Inuwa said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that each widow was given a bag of rice, maize, sugar, carton of spaghetti, macaroni, mosquito net, mattress and a blanket. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Sunday Dare, Minister of Youth and Sports Development

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The National Sports Festival (NSF) earlier slated for Benin from Dec. 3 to Dec.13, has been rescheduled to hold at the same venue from Jan.3 to Jan.17, 2021, an official has said.

The festival tagged Edo 2020, was initially slated for March, but had to be postponed to December due to the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr John Joshua-Akanji, Special Adviser on Media to Minister of Youth and Development, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja that the decision was taken after a stakeholders meeting.

The decision was arrived at after a virtual meeting between the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, he said.

Joshua-Akanji, however, said that it was also agreed at the meeting that all COVID-19 protocols would be observed during the festival.

NAN reports that Dare had earlier maintained that the festival was not postponed indefinitely.

The NSF has not been postponed indefinitely. We are just trying to decide a date that would be convenient for athletes and for the conditions put in place to be met, he said.

The minister said that he would make a final push to get the final and definite date for the festival.

NAN reports that some states, including the FCT have been in closed camping in preparation for the festival. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

NCDC Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) update

By Abujah Racheal

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has recorded 169 new infections of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.

The NCDC made this known via its verified website on Thursday.

The agency said that the latest infections brought the total number of cases in the country to 66,974.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)reports that Nigeria had tested 756,237 persons since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was announced on Feb. 27.

The public health agency said thatthe death toll still stood at 1,169, as there were no confirmed death within the last 24 hours while 92 patients had recovered and had been discharged.

The NCDC said that the new infections were spread across 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

It stated that Kaduna State accounted for the highest number of infections with 74 cases, while 42 of the new infections were recorded in FCT, 17 in Lagos, and eight in Kano State.

Others were Ogun, Oyo and Rivers, six each, Ekiti and Bauchi three each, Katsina, two while Delta and Ondo had one each.

The NCDC also said that till date, a total of 62,585 cases had been discharged in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

It said that a multi-sectoral national Emergency Operations Centre had been activated at Level Three and had continued to coordinate the national response activities.

Source: NAN News

Trading

By EricJames Ochigbo

A trade expert, Prof. Ken Ife, has decried the high volume of trade malpractices across land borders in the country.

Speaking at a webinar on Thursday, Ife said that there had been substantial violation of trade rules across land borders, adding that these necessitated the closure.

He told traders to respect quality assurance systems that are necessary to protect the integrity of what you are importing and stop dumping goods that are injurious to our country.

Ife also warned against ferrying of drugs and arms in containers, adding that trade is needed to improve competitiveness.

There is no gain in protracted closure of borders, he said.

Ife said that to tackle the high rate of inflation in the country, borders must be opened to allow free flow of trade items.

Other stakeholders at the webinar called for the immediate opening of land borders to boost economic activities in the country.

The stakeholders said that the closure had negative effect on revenue generation and the ease of doing business policy.

The President, National Association of Nigerian Traders, Dr Ben Ukaoha, said that the negative effect of the border closure had been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.

We appeal to government to reopen the land borders to every actor for genuine operations that would boost wealth creation and reduce poverty, especially in view of the fact that COVID-19 has drastically depleted revenue needed for sustainable development projects.

This is one certain way of reducing the potency of smugglers and criminals, and their capacity to become more deadly and ingenious.

Such reopening would also increase the nations purse at such a precarious situation, reduce our prevailing dominant borrowing of resources and assist in lifting the nation from economic recession, he said.

Ukaoha also said government should lead efforts in concluding the tripartite arrangement with Benin Republic and Niger Republic by implementing the envisaged road map.

This, he said, included the non-negotiability of destruction of warehouses on borders/corridor buffer zones.

The acting Director-General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr Chuma Oruche, said that closure of borders
had hindered legitimate businesses from either bringing in raw materials for production or exporting finished products.

Oruche, who called for opening of the borders, however, said measures should be put in place to curtail trade malpractices.

Ms Mercy Ogwu, Assistant Director, Consumer Education, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), urged traders to ensure that their goods are traceable to the producer.

She also advised them to remove toxic goods from the market, saying protection of consumers was more paramount than profit.

The Director, Department of Trade, Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, Mr Alliyu Abubakar, commended the organisers of the webinar for the initiative.

The director hinged the border closer on insecurity and trade malpractices by actors in the industry.

Abubakar said it was time for government to look into the concerns raised noting that this would have positive impact on local businesses and ECOWAS trade agreements.

He said that the recommendations of the stakeholders would be presented to the government for necessary action. (NAN)

Source: NAN News