Solar panel

By Deji Abdulwahab

The Global initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), an NGO, says it has provided solar panels to power Government Secondary School (GSS), Yaba in Abaji Area Council in FCT.

GIFSEP Executive Director, Mr David Micheal, who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Monday,said that the move was triggered by absence of electricity in Yaba community since 2016.

Michael said that GIFSEP executed the project with the support of the Global Environmental Facility Small Grant Programme (GEF-SGP).

He saidthat when his NGO visited the school to establish an Environmental Club in 2018, it discovered that the boarding school had no electricity supply.

We had earlier powered a block of classroom with solar so that the students can read and do their assignments at night instead of using candles and lanterns.

Now we have powered the boys and girls hostels with solar.

GIFSEP had in 2018 powered a block of classroom with solar to enable the students to study at night and now extended power to the hostels so that the students dont live in the dark any longer, Michael said.

According to him, the students who are currently writing WAEC exams have expressed joy at the development.

The solar for schools initiative is part of capacity building of students to address climate change in FCT schools, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), says with five built refinery plants across the country and seven in the making, Nigeria will be a net exporter of petroleum products in the next two years.

The Director and Chief Executive Officer of DPR, Sarki Auwalu disclosed this in Lagos when the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed paid a working visit to the headquarters of the department.

Auwalu assured that the flow of import would reverse when the new refineries come on stream in the next two years.

Specifically, he said the Dangote integrated refinery and petrochemical project with 650,000 barrel per day, the.biggest in Africa, Waltersmith refinery with 7,000 capacity per day, and others that were almost near completion would come on stream.

The existing five included the four plants owned by the Federal Government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the one owned and operated by Niger Delta Petroleum Resources.

Auwalu said that the aspiration of DPR was to grow the oil reserve to 40 billion barrels and gas to 210 trillion cubic feet.

He added that the department would also grow oil production from its current 2.4 million capacity to three million production capacity and as well reduced cost of production.

Currently, we have oil prospective license about 61, more than 2, 000 wells that are producing crude oil and condensate, we have about 125 wells producing gas.

We equally have 20 floating, loading and offloading vessels. 28 oil terminals, several float stations and oil and gas processing factories, he said.

The director said that none of the functional oil facilities stopped work because of Covid-19 pandemic and the country maintained production and export.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the director took the minister and the entourage to inspect server and control rooms in the headquarters where oil production, shipping and related activities were monitored real time.

Source: NAN News

Malam Garba Shehu

By Ismaila Chafe

The Presidency on Monday dismissed the Daily Trust Sunday Editorial comment on the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, describing it as unfair.

The editorial comment, published on Aug. 30, had questioned the capacity of the Buhari administration to deliver on the nine priority areas being pursued by the administration.

Buhari had on Aug. 25 assured Nigerians and the international community that his administration will use the remaining years in office to improve access to quality education, health care and enhance productivity, among nine priority areas.

The president gave the assurance when he received Letters of Credence from Ambassadors/High Commissioners of eight countries at the State House, Abuja.

He said efforts were being made to sustain Nigerias position as profitable investment destination with unequalled incentives in all sectors, especially large market and flexible tax system which investors from various countries could take advantage of.

But, the newspaper in its editorial said: It is fair to say that if the Buhari administration made no headway with a three-point agenda in five years, a nine-point agenda to be pursued in three years looks like a tall order indeed.

Besides, the nine priority areas the president listed were too general in nature as to be impossible for Nigerians to assess at the end of three years.

Malam Garba Shehu, one of the presidents spokemen, in a statement in Abuja on Monday, however, expressed reservation over the editorial comment.

The statement read in part: The Daily Trust is right: it is important for those seeking power to set priorities and once in office stick to delivering them.

The key themes of an election campaign are not the same as the priorities that are then set, nor policies that are required to be developed and implemented, when a party and president are in elected office.

Those depend on many factors: the true state of the treasury when they arrive and the capacity of the supporting infrastructure along with the tools required to deliver on the elected governments agenda.

In addition, the nature of events means that no government elected for two terms could possibly justify continuing only to deliver the agenda it set in the first election campaign that brought it to office some five years previously. The society is dynamic and so is governance.

All of these factors, and the fact that governments must renew themselves and their ideas whilst in office mean the President Muhammadu Buhari administration is right to set an enhanced series of objectives for the coming years.

This does not mean that the initial three priorities which led to the historic changing of power through the ballot box from an incumbent to the opposition for the very first time in 2015 are in any way abandoned. They are not. Those three priorities are themes which can easily be mapped to the 9 priorities.

The Presidents commitment to fighting corruption cannot be seen more strongly than through investigations underway into the affairs of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

That such an investigation is occurring at all is demonstrative proof that no-one no matter their position in public life can any more believe they can break the law and not pay the penalty.

It is not proof that corruption is increasing or not being brought under control. Quite the opposite: it is precise proof that corruption is no longer tolerated.

On the ongoing battle against insurgency in the country, the presidential aide reiterated the determination of the administration to eliminate all insurgents and their collaborators.

The fight against Boko Haram continues and will do so until they are fully and completely defeated.

The fact the terrorists increasingly flee from direct conflict with the military, and instead focus their ever-decreasing capacities on the civilian population may, tragically, drive news headlines by this and other newspapers: but it is also proof they are severely and irreversibly retreating.

On the economy, Shehu said: And the economic revival of Nigeria, whilst set back in our country by coronavirus just as is the case worldwide requires more than will.

It requires plans to implement. After the economic shock coronavirus has brought not just to Nigeria but to potential overseas investors, it is time indeed for an updated and enhanced plan.

It is these nine points that will deliver on the presidents and governments priorities in the remainder of their time in office.

Perhaps for ease of understanding imagine the 3 priorities as the top of a mountain and the priorities as the pathways to reaching the summit.

This is, and remains, CHANGE administration, and one that is achieving its own renewal in office.

Source: NAN News

NDDC

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), says it has paid over 5.910 million U.S dollars (about N2.28 billion) for tuition and stipends owed stranded scholarship students in the United Kingdom.

Mr Charles Odili, NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, said in a statement in Port Harcourt on Monday that the commission disbursed the sum to 197 scholarship beneficiaries of 2019.

He added that the commission had also begun processes for the payment of school fees owed 94 scholarship beneficiaries for 2018 batch.

Among the 197 beneficiaries are 43 scholars for Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D), comprising 12 for 2016 and 31 for 2019.

The beneficiaries under this category got 30,000 dollars (N11.56 million) each, amounting to 1.29 million dollars (N496.65 million).

In the Master of Science (MSc), category, 154 beneficiaries of 2019 were paid 30,000 dollars each, amounting to 4.42 million dollars (N1.702 billion).

In addition, the payment processes for 94 beneficiaries of 2018: 40 for Ph.D. and 54 MSc beneficiaries are ongoing, Odili stated.

Odili said the Interim Management Committee (IMC), of the NDDC commend the determination of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, in seeing to the payment of the students.

The NDDC spokesman blamed the delayed payment to the death of Chief Ibanga Etang, the then acting Executive Director of Finance and Administration (EDFA), of NDDC.

Under NDDC finance protocol, only the EDFA and the Executive Director of Projects can sign for the release of funds from the commissions domiciliary accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The NDDC foreign scholars represent the future manpower and professionals that we are building to help transform the Niger Delta region.

The foreign scholarship scheme started in 2010, with objective to address the dearth of qualified professionals in the oil and gas sector, he said. (NAN)

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that some NDDC-sponsored scholarship students recently took to the streets in the United Kingdom to demand payment of their tuition and stipends.

After the protest, President Muhammadu Buhari on Aug. 5, directed the immediate payment of the fees owed the students.

Source: NAN News

COVID-19 updates by NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported 138 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, bringing the nations confirmed cases to 53,865.

The NCDC made this known on its official twitter handle on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 138 fresh cases were the lowest COVID-19 number in months in the country.

Till date, 53,865 cases have been confirmed with 41,513 cases discharged and 1,013 deaths recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The public health agency said that two new fatalities were recorded, pushing the total to 1,013.

NCDC noted that the new cases were reported from 13 states and FCT.

It revealed that Plateau again had the highest number of infections with 55 cases, while Lagos, Ebonyi and Oyo recorded 15, 11 and 11 cases, respectively.

Others were Abia eight, Anambra seven, FCT seven, Rivers seven, Kaduna six, Ondo five, Kwara three, Bauchi one, Benue one and Edo one.

It said that a multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), activated at Level 3, have continued to coordinate the national response activities across the country.

The NCDC said that Nigerians increase their risk of COVID-19 infection whenever they do not wear face mask to public places.

It, however, advised Nigerians to ensure that they wear their face mask properly at all times and adhere to all non-pharmaceutical measures on COVID-19 prevention.

The agency advised all states where election would be conducted, this period, to take responsibility by adhering to guidelines, so as to protect themselves and loved ones from COVID-19.

Take responsibility, stay safe and healthy, wear a face mask, wash your hands frequently, cough/sneeze into your elbow, maintain physical distance, dont share personal items and adhere to other COVID-19 prevention measures, it advised.

Source: NAN News

Coronavirus

Brazil has the second-highest number of cases, at almost 3.9 million, followed by India, which has recorded more than 3.5 million.

The U.S. has the highest number of COVID-19 deaths, at more than 183,000, followed by Brazil with more than 120,000 and Mexico with over 64,000.

The figures from the Baltimore-based University put global deaths at more than 845,000.

The Johns Hopkins tracker website is regularly updated with incoming figures and tends to show higher numbers than those officially counted by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

However, in some cases, figures have been later corrected downwards.

Experts expect that official numbers do not reflect the full picture of the spread of the coronavirus, as it is unlikely all COVID-19 deaths and cases of infection have been recorded. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Dr Boboye Oyeyemi

By Ibironke Ariyo
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Monday issued safety advisories to travelers in order to guide commuters on the path of safety during the ember months.

The Corps Marshal, FRSC, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi disclosed this in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, ACM Bisi Kazeem, on Monday in Abuja.

Oyeyemi added that the Corps had also begun nationwide campaign in order to minimise the tendencies of crashes and gridlocks in Ember months.

He called on the motoring public to make the year 2020 ember months unique and crash free by adhering strictly to road traffic regulations.

NAN reports that this year ember months nationwide campaigns theme is Drive safe and Stay safe.

Oyeyemi stated among others, that road traffic crashes were avoidable and road crash free society was possible when best road practices were applied.

He however, strongly cautioned motorists to note that the end of the year was not naturally tragic and were not in anyway different from other months of the year.

This he said, was that there seems to be an increase in vehicular movement witnessed during the season.

He debunked the myth that the last four months of the year commonly referred to as ember months were hazardous for motorists.

It is very possible to drive without involving in a crash as long as motorists obey and adhere strictly to traffic laws and ensure constant maintenance of their vehicles, he said.

Oyeyemi acknowledged the rapid infrastructural development going on in the rail transportation sector under the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He, however, advised commuters to maximise alternative means of transportation by patronising the train stations where available in order to reduce the pressure on the road transportation sector.

He stated that the traveling public must start thinking about transport sharing as early as possible, to reduce pressure on the road as this would further reduce incidences of road traffic crashes.

Family and friends are further admonished to plan and travel in phases, so as to avoid cluster of traffic during the ember months, he said.

The Corps Marshal stressed the need to imbibe caution when choosing the vehicles to board especially for long distance trips.

He admonished commuters to patronise safe and secure mass transit companies that have been duly certified to operate, adding that it would make room for redundancy plans in the event of vehicle breakdown.

He noted that night trips were not as safe as day trips and travelers must try as much as possible to plan their trips within the hours of the day because of visibility and fatigue factors on the side of the driver.

Oyeyemi also warned that all travelling protocols for COVID-19 must be strictly adhered to.

The enforcement on 50 per cent carrying capacity for all vehicles targeted at creating adequate physical distancing is still in place, and the Corps will not spare any fleet operator caught violating this directives, he said.

Oyeyemi maintained that fleet operators must religiously follow all safety precautions, observe preventive measures against the dreaded virus and comply with every travelling directives already in place.

Terminals and parks are expected to double up their efforts in providing adequate running water with soap and sanitiser in their parks and terminals.

While maintaining physical distancing, all vehicles must have sanitiser inside them and avoid as much as possible, the use of air conditioner among others, he said.

Source: NAN News

Dr Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy

By Jessica Dogo
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the transfer of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

A statement signed by the Ministers Spokesperson, Mrs Uwa Suleiman, on Monday in Abuja, said that the approval was based on Buharis consideration for the critical role of NIMC towards the realisation of the objectives of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria (NDEPS).

Suleiman explained that it was an effort to ensure synergy and effective ministry supervisory mechanism was put in place to coordinate, monitor and track the progress of Federal Governments digital transformation initiatives.

She explained that the directives was an illustration of Buharis vote of confidence on the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami based on an unprecedented performance.

The spokesperson noted that within his first year in office, the Minister had resolved the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Sectors decade-long dilemma of Right of Way charges.

According to her, he was also able to secure the Presidents approval for the provision of security as well as designation of Telecommunications Infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure.

Regularisation of improperly registered SIM cards and deactivation of unregistered ones, the deployment of over 250 digital projects across the country under his policies and supervision as well as built the capacity of over 36,000 Nigerians.

It may be recalled that NIMC is mandated to create, manage, maintain and operate the National Identity Database established by the NIMC Act, 2007.

In an effort to realise this, the Commission has so far registered around 41 million eligible enrollees for the National Identity Number (NIN).

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on the other hand has details of over 191 million mobile subscribers.

She, however, explained that the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) had recorded huge successes in the development and implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), the countrys first codified data protection regulation.

NITDA had also reached an advanced stage on the implementation of the National Public Key Infrastructure (NPKI).

She noted that Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) also provides services to Government Agencies-Infrastructure-as-a-Service, Platform-as-a-Service and Software-as-a-Service.

Hence, the need therefore for NIMC, NCC, NITDA and GBB to work closely together under the supervision of one Ministry towards harnessing what has already been achieved cannot be overemphasised.

The NIN, considered as a social security as well as civil number, was very important for economic planning and social intervention.

With governments digitalisation initiatives in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, access to services and interventions will require it.

We therefore urge all eligible individuals to enroll as soon as possible. Furthermore, the Honourable Minister is assuring Nigerians as well as residents that appropriate measures will be put in place to ensure that opportunities for enrolment are provided to all.

Source: NAN News

Actors in Sudan crisis makes peace

Sudans transitional government on Monday signed a much-anticipated peace deal with various armed groups, raising hopes of an end to 17 years of conflict.

Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok and Transitional Sovereignty Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan signed the agreement with the Sudan Revolutionary Front, a coalition of armed groups operating mainly in the volatile Darfur, Blue Nile, and South Kordofan regions, the countrys national broadcaster reported.

After nine months of tough negotiations, the signing took place in Juba, the capital of neighbouring South Sudan, under the auspices of President Salva Kiir, who has been instrumental in mediating the deal.

The landmark pact includes agreements regarding power sharing, land ownership, compensation, reconciliation as well as the return of those displaced from their homes during 17 years of conflict.

It also foresees the dismantling of rebel forces and their integration into the national army.

One armed group, the SPLM-North led by Abdulaziz Al-Hilu, withdrew from the negotiations, claiming Sudans paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had recently attacked its supporters.

Armed groups have been the cause of ongoing violence in the volatile nation on the Horn of Africa since 2003, when unrest erupted in the restive Darfur region.

Some 300,000 people have been killed due to the conflict and millions have been displaced, according to the United Nations. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Sunday Bassey

Newly appointed Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Police, Amiengheme Andrew, has assumed duty at the State Police Command headquarters in Uyo.

CSP Nnudam Frederick, the commands spokesman, announced this in a statement in Uyo on Monday.

Fredrick said that the new commissioner took over from Imohimi Edgal as the 30th Commissioner of Police in the state.

The new police boss holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration (MPA) from Lagos State University and a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Economics from Bendel State University, now Ambrose Alli University, he said.

Fredrick said the commissioner joined the Nigeria Police Force as a cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in 1988.

He said Andrew had servedin various capacities in the force within and outside the country, including the United Nations missions.

The command spokesman quoted the commissioner as promising to bring his wealth of experience to bear in fighting crime in the state. (NAN)

Source: NAN News