Coronavirus

Bangladesh on Monday re-opened its major tourist destinations five months after a ban due to the coronavirus pandemic, officials said.

According to Kamal , the Administration Chief of Coxs Bazar District; the beach, hotels and other amusement establishments in the tourist district of Coxs Bazar have already re-opened.

He said that visitors were asked to strictly abide by the governments health guidelines while visiting.

We need to remain alert as the coronavirus is still there, only the rate of infections is lessened, he said.

Bangladesh on March 19 banned all domestic and foreign tourists from visiting popular sites alongside a nationwide shutdown imposed to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

According to a senior official at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Mollik Hossain, considering the economic losses from the shutdown, the government has been re-opening its tourist sites gradually.

Meanwhile, a beach in the Southern town of Kuakata was re-opened nearly a month ago.

Though the turnout was still low, Coxs Bazar, which has more than 120 kilometres of sandy natural beach along the Bay of Bengal, will draw larger crowds.

The Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh estimates that more than 60 per cent of the countrys 6.5 million domestic tourists visit Coxs Bazar annually.

Bangladesh has recorded 276,549 coronavirus cases and 3,657 deaths since the first case of infection was reported in the South Asian country in early March.(dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo

Ghana is likely to reopen its entry points for inbound traffic on Sept. 1 as active cases of the new coronavirus decline, Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo has hinted.

In his 15th nationwide broadcast on COVID-19, Akufo-Addo said the decision would be based on the outcome of preparatory work by various stakeholder institutions.

Under my instructions, the Ministry of Aviation, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and the Ghana Airports Co. Ltd, have been working, with the ministry of health and its agencies, to ascertain our readiness to reopen our airport, the president said.

I want to ensure that we are in a position to test every single passenger that arrives in the country to avoid the spread of the virus.

The outcome of that exercise will show us the way, and determine when we can reopen our border by air.

I am hoping that we will be ready to do so by Sept. 1, he said.

However, he said special dispensation would continue to be given for the evacuation of Ghanaians stranded abroad, and they would be required to observe the mandatory quarantine and safety protocols. (Xinhua/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Dr Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital economy

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, on Monday called on its agencies to redouble efforts towards implementing policies for a digital economy.

Pantami made the call at the rebranding of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Logo, Mission, Core Mandates and Virtual Commissioning of Digital Economy Projects for Digital Nigeria, in Abuja.

He said thatpolicies in the ministry included National Strategy and Policy on Digital Economy with eight pillars and the National Broadband Plan, among others.

According to him, the policies need synergy by parastatal agencies under the ministry to ensure its implementation.

We are here to reap the benefits of collectivehard work, but there is need to redouble efforts to achieve the implementation of policies that will push for digital economy.

NITDA and the Nigeria Communications Commission already have a newly-designated department assigned for digital economy to foster a digital nation.

The agencys digital centre that will accommodate the upgraded Computer Emergency Response and Readiness Team (CERRT) is a tool for cyber security.

The rebrand NITDA logo and mission are overdue because the initial one designed in 2001 is obsolete and cannot meet the demands of digital economy, he said.

Pantami said that the nations economy would now be driven by digital economy.

Pantami said that the ministry was re-designated in 2019 to focus also on digital economy, as such the need for the rebranding.

He said that the nations economy would now be driven by digital economy.

The Director-General, NITDA, Mr Kashifu Inuwa, said that the new digital centre would house integrated computer emergency response and readiness centre that would enhance our national cybersecurity.

He said also, it would accommodate the digital multimedia studio for online digital skills and literacy capacity building, and digital conference room for remote collaboration.

Inuwa said that the mission of the agency was already 20 years old.

In 2001, NITDA was established to implement the National IT Policy, almost 20 years ago. We all know that IT has been obsolete and evolved into digital.

There were several unsuccessful attempts to review the IT policy before, but within three months of coming to office, the Minister came up with a new policy, the National Digital Economy policy for Digital Nigeria.

The policy expanded NITDAs mandate and made it compulsory to rebrand in line with the new policy.

The new brand is a paradigm shift from IT-centric to digital-centric NITDA, which includes a new logo, new vision, new mission, and new core values, he said.

Inuwa added that the rebranding would enable the agency to be dynamic in our culture, mindset, and public perception of the agency.

He, however, welcomed citizens to the new and smart NITDA that would be committed to setting the pace for digital Nigeria.

Dr Abubakar Saidu, Chairman, NITDA Governing Board, commended the agency for achieving goals in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Saidu also called on agencies under the ministry to collaborate to ensure the sector progressed. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

COVID-19

Chinas first patent for a COVID-19 vaccine has been granted by the countrys National Intellectual Property Administration.

The patent was jointly applied for by a research team with the Academy of Military Sciences and CanSino Biologics Inc., a Chinese high-tech biopharmaceutical company, said a report in Peoples Daily.

The team led by Chen Wei, a Researcher at the Institute of Military Medicine under the academy, developed the recombinant COVID-19 vaccine, with the modified defective adenovirus as the vector.

In March, the vaccine became the first in China to be approved to enter clinical trials.

According to the patent abstract, the vaccine shows good immunogenicity in both mouse and guinea pig models and can induce strong cellular and humoral immune response in a short period of time.

It can be produced quickly on a large scale to cope with a COVID-19 outbreak.

The vaccine has now finished phase-1 and phase-2 clinical trials, which have verified its safety and immunogenicity, said the report. (Xinhua/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Nigerian Army says it has concluded arrangement to organise a Combat Life Savers Training Course for its personnel engaged in internal security operations to improve capacity of saving lives.

Col. Aliyu Yusuf, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations in 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Sunday.

Yusuf said that the life savers training, which is a week-long exercise, would ensure that operational casualties were minimised henceforth.

According to him, the training has become necessary due to the increased participation of Nigerian Army personnel in internal security operations.

The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army is organising Combat Life Savers Training Course from Aug. 17 to Aug. 21, 2020.

This course is aimed at improving the skills and techniques of personnel in saving lives.

It also aimed at minimising operational casualties because of the increased participation of Nigerian Army personnel in internal security operations.

Additionally, participants for this course are drawn from units and formations within 82 Division Areas of Responsibility, he said.

Source: NAN News

Nigerian flag

By Franca Ofili

A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Kingsley Ferdinand, has enjoined Nigerians to intensify their prayers, saying this is the only way the nation will overcome its challenges

Ferdinand, the Associate Priest at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Nyanya, Abuja, gave the advice at a Mass on Sunday.

Children of God, raise your prayers level that you may see new dimensions of Gods power in the country.

Nigerian should pray to God for him to bless and answer our prayers, he said.

Ferdinand cited Chapter 15:721-28 of the Gospel of St Matthew where a woman in Canaan asked Jesus to save the life of her daughter.

He said because the woman intensified her prayers, Jesus answered her and healed the daughter.

According to the cleric, prayer remains the only advantage in the midst of any disadvantage, adding that people should trust and have faith in God.

Ferdinand also advised Nigerians to remain faithful and hopeful that with intensified prayers, Nigeria would become the dream of its citizens. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

PDP Logo

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) on Sunday said thatany decision on zoning of elective offices at the state level remains the exclusive preserve of the state chapter of the party.

The Party National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Sunday, while making clarification on the issue of decision of zoning on Anambra governorship election.

Ologbondiyan said the attention of the NWC of the PDP had been drawn to conflicting reports regarding its position on issues relating to the coming Anambra governorship election.

For the avoidance of doubts, the NWC wishes to state that any decision on zoning of elective offices at the state level remains the exclusive preserve of the State chapter as such falls under its regulatory purview and administrative prerogative as prescribed by the Constitution of the PDP.

The NWC notes that Section 24(2) of the PDP Constitution is clear on the functions of the state chapters in party administration including identifying and resolving political, social and economic issues of concern in states.

Ologbondiyan re-emphasised that the party recognised the current chairman of the Anambra chapter led bySir Ndubisi Nwobu and the structure of the party in the state.

He urged all stakeholders in Anambra to continue to work harmoniously for the overall success of the party in the state.

It will be recalled that the South East PDP Zonal Working Committee (ZWC) in a communiqu issued after its emergency meeting held on July 3, made available to newsmen resolved that there would not be zoning in the upcoming Anambra governorship election.

The ZWC in the communiqu jointly signed by Deacon Austin Umahi, the National Vice Chairman, and Casmir Ugwu, the Zonal Secretary of the zone, assured all the state gubernatorial aspirants of the assurances of PDP National Chairman of a level playing field and transparent primary. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Frank Bank,

By Monday Ijeh

The Inspector General of Police (I-G), Mr Mohammed Adamu, has ordered Commissioners of Police (CPs) in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to immediately initiate appropriate actions against prohibited firearms.

The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr Frank Mba, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Mba said the order was part of preparations for the forthcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, as well as to curb the proliferation of prohibited firearms in the country,

He said the idea was for the CPsto identify, isolate, disarm, arrest and prosecute any individual or group in possession of prohibited firearms

According to him, the directive has become necessary against the backdrop of the deliberate arming and movement of political thugs and other criminal elements across the country.

He said the order was also targeted at addressing the proliferation and unlawful possession of prohibited firearms in the country, contrary to the provisions of the Firearms Act.

Mba said the I-G had also directed the CPs to immediately convene an enlightenment meeting of all vigilance groups and quasi security outfits spread across the country.

The police spokesman said the idea was to ensure that their activities were in conformity with the extant laws guiding their establishment and operations.

The I-G observed that several civil groups, vigilantes, quasi states and regional security outfits under various guise are arming themselves with prohibited firearms and weapons in contravention of the provisions of the Firearms Act. If unchecked, the trend will pose serious threat to national security, he said.

Mba said the I-G enjoined citizens to cooperate with the police in the enforcement of the order, adding that the aim was to ensure safety of lives and property in the country. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu

By Idris Olukoya

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat of Lagos State,paid a condolence visit to the family of the late All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain, Lanre Razak in Epe on Sunday.

On Gov. Sanwo-Olus entourage were some of his personal aides.

The team was received by the late politicians son, Mr Bayo Razak, League of Imams in Epe, Tunde Seriki, Commissioner 1, Civil Service Commission and other political leaders in Epe Division.

Hamzat, who spoke on behalf of the Governor sympathised with the bereaved family and prayed for Gods mercy upon the dead and the family that he left behind.

The deputy governor enjoined all members of the League of Imams and those present to also pray for the deceased, Epe division and Lagos state at large.

The son of the deceased expressed appreciation for the condolence visit by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his team.

He urged other political leaders to imbibe the virtues of love and charity which he said his late father exhibited while alive.

He described his father as a cheerful giver and a lover of all.

We will not allow the sweat of our father to go in vain. We the children will ensure that we uphold the integrity and his passion for humanity and community growth.

We miss him so much and he will forever be remembered, he said.

Earlier, Dr Morufdeen Shittu, prayed for Gov. Sanwo-Olu, his deputy, other officials and Epe Division, Lagos State and Nigeria at large. (NAN).

Source: NAN News

IBB

By Martha Agas

The Northern Governors Forum has congratulated former military President of Nigeria, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, on his 79th birthday.

The Chairman of the forum and Governor of Plateau, Simon Lalong, felicitated with the elder statesman in a message by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Makut Macham, on Sunday in Jos.

Lalong described Gen. Babangida as a loyal and patriotic Nigerian leader, who had continued to serve the nation with passion.

He said the former military president had over the years made sacrifices toward the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria and also impacted the political landscape by offering wise counsel, particularly on critical national issues.

As you clock 79, we cannot forget your contributions to the human and infrastructure development of Nigeria as well as in mentoring of many persons who are today serving Nigeria in different areas, he said.

The chairman said the Northern Governors would continue to benefit from Babangidas wealth of experience in tackling some of the challenges facing the region.

He urged the former military president not to be tired of availing the nation his reservoir of knowledge for its progress, and wished him good health, Gods protection and personal fulfillment.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gen. Babangida was born on Aug. 17, 1941 and had served as military President of Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.(NAN)

Source: NAN News