Voters

A Socio-political group, Edo Across Borders (EAB), has charged Edo people, especially the electorate not to entertain fears of violence, but to massively come out and vote for Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu (POI), during state governorship election on Sept.19.

Ize-Iyamu is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress Party (APC), who is promising to revitalise all sectors of the state with his The SIMPLE agenda manifesto.

The group gavethe charge in a statement signed by its chairman, Chief Gabriel Edeoghon, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday in Benin.

NAN reports thatThe SIMPLE agenda is an acronym that stands for Security, Infrastructural development, Manpower development, Public/Private Partnership, Leadership and Employment creation.

The group said its resolve to mobilise support for Ize-Iyamu arose from its alleged failure of the current government to deliver on its promises to the people.

Like other Edo citizens, Edo Across Borders, a group of Edo citizens at home and in Diaspora has watched helplessly as the technocrat governor lavished his fanfare, equity and energy on a futile political feud with his former mentor.

After an exhaustive and painstaking review, Edo Across Borders is endorsing Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu for governor.

We do not make this decision lightly; the evidence of the present governments failures abound for any objective observer, from a healthcare system in crisis to explodingyouth unemployment.

More Edo citizens are dying avoidable deaths because of inadequate healthcare personnel and the overall declining healthcare infrastructure.

The doctor-to-patient ratio continues to decline despite the governors promises and commitments.

Similar deficiencies or unsatisfactory performance are equally glaring in other sectors of the states economy.

Because of the present governments failures and because we are irrevocably convinced that Edo State deserves better, Edo Across Borders endorses and supports the candidacy of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as the next governor of Edo State.

We find the current status quo unacceptable, Edo state simply cannot afford to continue to meander in mediocrity, and thats why we have embraced POI and his Simple Agenda.

His roots are deeply planted in the soul of the state. He is real grassroots politician who is as comfortable in the boardroom as he is at the village town hall meeting.

The Simple Agenda is a courageous, profound and outstanding document that outlines the current problems and proffers pragmatic solutions to the current challenges facing our state.

The highlight of this document is reflected in its specificity, accuracy, timeliness, reliability and measurability.

We call on all good people of the state not to be discouraged by the drums of war and violence but troop out with your PVCs and correct the present anomaly and imbalance in governance in Edo State by voting POI.

We also advise Edo people to stand tall, remain calm but firm in casting your vote for APC and its candidate even in the face of provocation, the statement said. ( NAN)

Source: NAN News

NSCDC CG, Abdullahi Muhammadu Gana

By Bukola Adetoye

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos, on Wednesday said it had withdrawn the operating licences of two Private Guard Companies ( PGCs) over failure to renew their operating licences.

The NSCDC Lagos Commandant, Mr Iskil Makinde, confirmed the PGCs suspension in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Lagos.

NAN reports that PGCs are the privately owned security outfits that provide security services for banks, schools, companies among others.

According to the NSCDC boss, the 2003 Act that established the NSCDC as amended in 2007 empowered the corps to licence all PGCs in the country.

The Act also empowered the corps to sanction any PCG that does not operate according to the guidelines that regulate them.

The corps is also empowered to regulate and monitor the activities of all PGCs in the country, Makinde said.

He said the PGCs licences were withdrawn on Sept. 14, after thorough interrogation and investigations were conducted.

The two PGCs involved are Screen Tech Security of No 10, Balogun Street, Ikeja, Lagos, and Charlie Papa Siera Security of No 45, Oritshe street, off Balogun bus-stop, Ikeja, Lagos, the NSCDC boss said.

He said the PGCs failed to renew their operating licences for year 2020.

Besides the failure to renew their operating licences, they were providing security services for clients, he said.

According to Makinde, the act is totally condemnable.

Makinde said the suspension would serve as deterrent to other PGCs and the sanction would prevent fake and unlicenced PGCs from operating. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Imelda Osayande

The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has hailed the former Head of State, and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, retired Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, for the committees efforts in ensuring there is peace across the country.

The Oba gave the commendation on Tuesday when the Chairman and members of the National Peace Committee visited his palace in Benin.

Ewuare II said that he was not surprised because of the pedigree of the retired General considering the circumstance under which he emerged as Head of State of Nigeria and the pace he quickly organised the return of the country to democratic rule.

The Benin Monarch further informed the visiting former Head of State and the committee that the political gladiators generated political tension to a worrisome dimension before they were called to order in peace meeting that brought peace to the polity.

On his part, the former Head of State, Gen. Abubakar the members were in Edo to hold Peace Accord Meeting with politicians.

He thanked the Benin Monarch for the initiative to hold peace meeting with the political gladiators in the state which set the ball rolling for the committee to take-off and progress on the peace drive.

Gen Abubakar informed the monarch that they had earlier attended a meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for security agencies, candidates of political parties and other stakeholders in Benin.

He said they all agreed to abide by the peace agreement ahead of Saturdays gubernatorial election in the state.

Gen. Abubakar was accompanied by the Committees Secretary, Bishop Matthew Kukah, amongst other members who charged eligible voters in Edo to come out en-mass to vote for candidate of their choice on Sept. 19.

The committee assured the Edo electorate that their votes would count. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Real Madrid Academy, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

By Emmanuel Afonne

Contractors handling the construction of projects at Real Madrid Football Academy in Port Harcourt will hand them over to the Rivers Government by the end of this month, an official says.

Chris Green, Special Adviser on the Academy to Nyesom Wike, the Governor of Rivers, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.

Green said while things had been gradually taking shape at the academy, full academic activities would only begin after the projects must have been handed over to the state government.

We will talk more by the end of this month when the building and other facilities will be handed over to us by the contractors.

But right now people can only see our activities on our website, Green, who is a former Executive Committee member of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), said.

NAN reports that Gov. Wike had given the contractors an August 2020 deadline to complete the projects.

This was to enable the government get the Academy ready for full academic activities by the end of this month, since its unveiling on Sept. 21, 2019.

The COVID-19 pandemic has however affected the August delivery date.

NAN reports that the Academy is expected to admit in first stage 150 students whose ages range 6 to 17 years at the beginning of the academic session.

The Academy is located at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Elekahia, Port Harcourt. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

FRSC personnel on duty

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed that four of its personnel who were abducted by bandits on Monday had been rescued with the help of other security agencies.

The Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), ACM Bisi Kazeem, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

NAN recalls that26 personnel of FRSC were reportedly attacked while traveling from Sokoto and Kebbi States Command of the Corps for a training programme at FRSC Academy, Udi on Monday.

NAN also reports that two were killed, 10 were unaccounted for, eight escaped unhurt, while six were injured.

Kazeem, however, said that seven of the attacked personnel were currently receiving treatment in Abuja, adding that six were still abducted.

According to him, out of the 26 attacked on Monday, four has been rescued with the help of security agencies while six were still abducted.

Two died on Monday. Presently, seven officers are receiving treatment in Abuja, he said.

Kazeem said that the deceased will be buried according to their religion, adding that necessary arrangements had been made concerning their funerals.

The FRSC Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, expressed sympathy over the death of the two personnel of the corps that were killed.

He expressed shock over the loss, describing the incident as unfortunate occurrence and prayed their souls to rest in perfect peace.

He, however, condoled with families of the deceased staff and the entire management and staff of FRSC.

He urged the staff not to be deterred by the loss, but be propelled to put in extra effort in selfless service to the nation as a mark of honour to the deceased.

He appreciated the effort of the Department of the State Service (DSS), Army and the Police for their prompt effort to ensure four out of the 10 abducted personnel were rescued.

He assured that the corps would continue to work closely with security agencies to ensure that the criminal elements were brought to book and justice was served when the six missing personnel were found. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

UN-Secretary-General-Antnio-Guterres

By Harrison Arubu

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned Saturdays suicide bombing in the border village of Zeleved in northern Cameroon.

About six civilians were killed and 10 others injured in the attack, media reports quoted security sources as saying.

Guterres reaction came through his spokesman, Mr Stephane Dujarric, at his daily news briefing in New York on Tuesday.

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the suicide bombing lastweekin the border village of Zeleved in the Far North region of the country.

He expresses his deep sympathies to the families of the victims and the government and people of Cameroon.

It is essentialto hold those responsible for the attack to account, he said.

Dujarric quoted the UN Chief as reiterating unwavering support to the countries of the Lake Chad Basin in their collective fight against Boko Haram and other terrorist organisations.

He also assured them of his strong backing of their efforts to address the security, humanitarian and socioeconomic needs of the affected populations.

The secretray-general calls on the countries of the Lake Chad Basin, with the support of the broader international community, to maintain their resolve and find a sustainable solution to the crisis and address its root-causes he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Nigerias Senate under Ahmed Lawan

The Senate on Tuesday faulted the policy adopted by the Presidential Task Force ( PTF) on COVID-19 which allowed only private laboratories to carry out tests on intending travellers abroad.

The measure according to the upper chamber is detrimental to average Nigerians who are being forced to pay N75, 000 for such tests.

Chairman Senate Committee on Aviation Smart Adeyemi said this at a joint Senate Committee on Aviation and Health interactive session held in Abuja.

The meeting was with stakeholders in the aviation and health sectors on safety measures in the wake of commencement of international and domestic flights in the country .

Adeyemi lamented that the amount was too high and should be brought down while public health institutions laboratories should be equipped to carry out the tests.

People are not finding things easy outside there as a result of way and manner COVID-19 pandemic is being fought in the country.

As representatives of the people, reports reaching us indicate revolt against government in December if drastic actions are not taken between now and then to make things easier, he said.

He, however, urged the minister and the PTF national coordinator, to enlarge the scope of laboratory testing for the pandemic by including the public ones and ensure reduction in the cost of testing.

A member of the committee, Sen. Biodun Olujimi (PDP Ekiti), took up both the Minister of Health , Dr Osagie Ehanire and PTF National Coordinator , Dr Sani Aliyu on the usefulness of face masks in Nigeria based on realities on ground.

She said that based on what she saw in many communities in Ekiti recently, residents had jettisoned its usage.

When I visited some communities in Ekiti last week, many people didnt put on the face masks.

These are clear signs that methods and approaches being used to fight the pandemic should be re- assessed and changed since the pandemic for reasons yet to be scientifically established, is far less potent here than it is elsewhere in the world.

Dr Aliyu said that reasons for success story in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic included demography and aggressive nature of African countries against the pandemic, among others.

According to him, though the factor of poverty as part of the success story against COVID-19 in Nigeria is controversial, it is generally believed that the pandemic gets weakened in crowded and stuffy areas.

Aggressive nature of African countries against the pandemic also helped tremendously in containing the spread of the pandemic in Nigeria and many of the African Countries, he said.

The Chairman of the Joint Committee, Sen. Ibrahim Oloriegbe (APC Kwara), said that the committee was expecting action plans from the minister and the PTF within wo weeks.

Source: NAN News

Gov. Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa

The Jigawa Government on Tuesday flagged off the distribution of COVID-19 palliative to 42,312 households across the 27 local government areas of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise was flagged off at Dutse Local Council Secretariat, in Dutse.

Flagging off the distribution, the states Head of the Civil Service, Mr Hussaini Ali said the palliative was provided by the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID).

Ali, who is the Chairman of the states COVID-19 sub-committee on palliative, remarked that the coalition had donated a substantial food palliative to all 36 states and FCT.

He added that a total of 94 trucks full of 49,941 packages containing varieties of food items were donated to Jigawa.

Following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease in Nigeria, he said, the coalition of businessmen, banks, philanthropists and other like minds came together under the aegis of CACOVID and offered an assistant in time of need to all Nigerians.

This was meant to complement the state efforts to ameliorate the unbearable socio-economic hardship on the background of the negative impact that came with COVID-19 pandemic on the citizenry.

This amazing coalition donated substantial food items as palliatives to all states in Nigeria, including our beloved Jigawa, Ali said.

According to him, items packaged included rice, spaghetti, indomie noodles, maize flour, garri, sugar and salt.

He explained that the items were to be shared among the indigents in the 3,526 polling units across 27 local government areas of the state.

In order to ensure that the items reached the deserving people, the chairman said that the committee ensured that the beneficiaries were selected by Chief Imam, Village Head, Hisbah/Vigilante personnel and Community Based Organisation (CBO) representatives in each of the polling units.

Twelve households, consisting of nine men and three widows with orphaned children were selected from each of the polling units.

No political appointee, civil servant or salary earner were allowed to benefit from the items.

NAN reports that the items distributed to the beneficiaries included one carton of indomie noodles and spaghetti each, 10kg of rice, 5kg of white maize grills and 1kg of sugar and salt each.

Some of the beneficiaries, Ado Tsoho and Abubakar Yau, who spoke with NAN, commended the state government and the donors for the gesture.

Source: NAN News

By Stellamaris Ashinze

Google on Tuesday announced plans to help businesses, job seekers, educational institutions and vulnerable population begin to rebuild and recover from the impact of the COVID-19 crisis locally and across the continent.

Google Nigeria Country Director, Juliet Ehimuan, said at Google Economic Recovery Virtual Roundtable that the economic recovery plan was in partnership with Federal Ministry of Youths and Sport.

The country director said that the tech companys initiatives would address the need for funding, training and services across identified sectors, including support for 500,000 SMBs and 25,000 teachers.

Ehimuan said that the economic recovery plan was support for vulnerable populations, education, and business to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic

She said that this support included a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to provide support for youth-owned SMBs.

According to her, it will also provide support for jobseekers in Nigeria to help them acquire marketable skills through certification and training programmes, and involve supporting programmes that enable and improve access to quality education across the region.

Google has set up a digital hub providing free tools and resources to businesses and individuals.

Through the hub, 500,000 small businesses will receive help getting online or improving their digital presence through Google My Business (GMB) which helps them connect with millions of users every month.

Small businesses have been hardest hit during this period. Many of them have had to figure out quickly how to pivot their operations to a digital-first approach.

Yet, there remains a gap between those who can access these online opportunities and those who cant. Thats the gap we want to bridge with these initiatives.

We will continue to do our part to help businesses recover and grow, help more people prepare for jobs, and support students, teachers and underserved communities. And in so doing, we hope to create real economic opportunity for everyone, Ehimuan said.

Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde, Head, Brand Reputation, Google Africa, said that to provide assistance to vulnerable populations, Google.org has set aside million in grants to support education, entrepreneurship and women empowerment across Africa.

Aderemi-Makinde said that ,000 of that was going towards a grant to the Praekelt Foundation (a software development non-profit that builds open-source, scalable mobile technologies and solutions).

She said it is to improve the health and wellbeing of underprivileged people in order to help train micro and small businesses in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa.

According to her, in an effort to help job seekers acquire new skills while they look for opportunities, Google is providing underserved communities and job seekers with ,000 in IT support scholarships through Google.org across Africa.

She said that job seekers could also access the Grow with Google training portal for help in growing their careers or businesses at their own pace and through flexible and personalized training courses.

Aderemi-Makinde said for educational institutions and teachers, Google was working with partners across Africa, through Google for Education, to help deploy its suite of education products in schools and help 500,000 students continue learning.

She said that to help teachers keep teaching, Google aims to give 25,000 educators access to free online training sessions and resources, such as Teach From Anywhere.

Google is also giving a grant of ,000 to organizations in Nigeria which are developing programs and tools to boost literacy for children in low-income schools in the country.

Aderemi-Makinde said that Google was also launching a new Marketing Kit tool to help people to put together marketing kits for their businesses with the free Market Finder tool.

According to her, using information from their Google My Business profile the tool helps businesses keep customers informed with their latest news, create custom posters and social posts.

Responding to the partnership, Mr Sunday Dare, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, said governent was focused on creating an enabling environment that promotes youth and economic development in Nigeria.

Dare said that this partnership with Google in Nigeria was critical at this period and looked forward to the positive impact it would have on SMBs recovery, enhancing the skills of jobseekers and supporting the education sector.

The minister said that one of the abiding lessons of COVID-19 was the importance and dominance of technology.

According to him, this Google partnership comes at time most appropriate to help ratchet up support for our enterprising youth across Nigeria.

This Google partnership comes at time most appropriate to help ratchet up support for our enterprising youth across Nigeria and I am certain Nigeria youth will take full advantage of this opportunity.

We are focused on creating an enabling environment that promotes youth and social development in Nigeria, the minister said.

According to him, we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on SMBs recovery, enhancing the skills of jobseekers and improving the digital effectiveness of the education sector.

Source: NAN News

By Florence Onuegbu

The Federal Government, in conjunction with Lagos State Government, on Tuesday ordered the stoppage of barge operations along Marina coastline.

The Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, and the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, gave the stop-work order during an unscheduled visit to inspect the activities around the Marina coastline.

With the order, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) will also revoke barge approvals granted some companies operating in Lagos.

Amaechi and Sanwo-Olu went round the coastline, seeing the long row of trucks and containers that had constituted health and security hazards on the Marina.

They said that the unwholesome activities on the coastline were shocking and unacceptable.

The Minister said that there was an urgent need to sanitise the entire Marina coastline and restore its tranquility and beauty.

He gave a directive that trucks must immediately stop coming to Marina to load.

Amaechi said that the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) did not grant anyone the permission to carry out barging operations, insisting that all such activities must stop immediately.

The Federal Ministry of Transport has agreed with Lagos State Government to ensure that whoever is making use of Marina coastline should stop.

We have agreed with Commissioner of Police to stop those using the roads and we have agreed with NPA to cancel all barge permits pending when each person will come back to NPA, NIWA and Lagos State Government to renew such approval, he said.

Sanwo-Olu, on his part, directed the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to arrest and prosecute anyone who flouted the order to stop the unauthorized activities on the Marina.

He said the state government would do everything to bring sanity to the coastline.

We are also talking to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing because we understand that some of the approvals were from the Federal Ministry of Works.

So, we are also taking up that responsibility and we would do what we need do, the governor said.

Also at the inspection were the Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman, representatives of NIWA, Ministries of Works and Waterfront as well as the Police.

Source: NAN News