COVID-19

According to a Presidential Decree, which updates the measures adopted during the prevailing State of Calamity, only nationals and foreign residents can return to the national territory.

The decree also stated that foreign citizens may exit, seeking to return to their respective countries.

Official trips are also permitted.

The measure, to become effective on Aug. 10 till Sept. 8, allows the entry and exit of cargo, goods, humanitarian aid and medical emergencies.

The decree also authorises the entry and exit of diplomatic and consular staff, transportation of dead bodies and entry of foreign specialists to perform specific tasks.

However, it forbids the international transportation of corpses belonging to those who have died of COVID-19.

It also forbids the exit of products in the basic basket, fuel, medicines and medical equipment.

Angola has reported 1,572 COVID-19 cases, 70 deaths and 564 recoveries. (Xinhua/NAN)

Source: NAN News

India Flag

Singh said the move follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis call for defence self-reliance.

India is one of the worlds top arms importers.

India has accelerated military purchases in the wake of a June border clash between Indian and Chinese troops, with the government approving the purchase of 33 Russian fighter jets and upgrades to 59 other planes in July.

Tensions between India and China are at their highest in years following the clash in a disputed stretch of border in the western Himalayas in which India lost 20 soldiers.

Military experts say India is short of combat planes, helicopters and field guns because of years of low funding.

The embargo on imports is planned to be progressively implemented between 2020 and 2024, Singh wrote in a series of tweets.

Our aim is to apprise the Indian defence industry about the anticipated requirements of the Armed Forces so that they are better prepared to realise the goal of indigenisation.

India traditionally buys military equipment from Russia, but is increasingly purchasing from the United States and Israel.

Modi has repeatedly called for cutting the militarys dependence of expensive imports.

Between April 2015 and August 2020, the Indian defence services had contracted around 3.5 trillion rupees worth of items that are now on the hold list.

The government estimates around 4 trillion rupees worth of orders will now be placed with the domestic industry over the next five to seven years.

The list of embargoed items includes high technology weapon systems, artillery guns, sonar systems, transport aircrafts, light combat helicopters (LCHs), Singh said.

The defence ministry has also split the capital procurement budget for 2020/21 between domestic and foreign procurement routes, he added.

A separate budget head has been created with an outlay of nearly 520 billion rupees for domestic capital procurement in the current financial year. (Reuters/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Hundreds of people were displaced by flooding in both the provinces.

Rescue workers were busy shifting people to safer places.

The military said on Sunday that it had rescued more than 100 people from Dadu district in Sindh.

More than a dozen people are still missing in Balochistan, Younus Aziz Mengal, a spokesperson for the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, said.

Mengal said that the flooding had damaged bridges and highways, cutting off Gawadar, a port city on the Arabian Sea.

Pakistans Met office predicted 20 per cent more rain and urban flooding this monsoon season and asked authorities to take precautionary measures.

Flash floods, land erosion, cloudbursts, droughts and smog resulting in low air quality have been on the rise in Pakistan in recent years.

Climate experts say it is the impact of global warming, but also due to the countrys proximity to highly industrialised China and India. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Lagos churches comply with COVID-19 guidelines, as worship resumes

By Joan Odafe

Churches in FESTAC Town in Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos State complied with the COVID-19 protocols as they resumed worship on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who visited some churches, reports that automated hand wash units and hand sanitiser dispensers, soaps, water and infrared thermometers were provided by the churches.

Also, big banners with No Mask, No Entry were posted at the doors to prevent worshippers without face masks from entering the church premises.

Social distancing was observed by worshippers with stickers bearing iDo Not Sit placed on intervening seats to create spaces.

At the Living Faith Church, A.K.A. Winners Chapel, Dominion Centre, in FESTAC Town, the Provincial Head, Pastor Alex Aina, said worshippers were excited to resume and, therefore, complied with the guidelines.

Aina said that the church had installed 15 automated hand washing units with soap and automated hand sanitiser dispensers at the entrance and within the church premises.

Everyone has been cooperative, you can see them with their face masks on, he said.

He praised the church leadership for providing hand sanitisers and soaps to ensure there would be no shortfall of the provisions.

At the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Kings Royal Palace at FESTAC Town, Pastor Abiodun Oseni, said messages had earlier been sent to members through the church media platforms informing them of the protocols.

Oseni, who is also the Assistant Pastor said: Also, at the beginning of each service, a message is projected to inform everyone of the protocols.

Nobody comes in without a face mask. When the service is on, everyone wears theirs and those who use face shields are to also use masks.

After each service, theres a decontamination of the hall by the C-19 Squad before the next one commences, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

FRSC official on Duty

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

Two persons were confirmed dead on Saturday night in an accident involving a bus and a motorcycle at New Jerusalem along Nanka-oko Road in Orumba North area of Anambra.

Mr Andrew Kumapayi, the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Sunday.

Kumapayi said that the accident, which occurred around 8:40 p.m, was caused by overspeeding.

The FRSC boss said that four people, all male, were involved in the accident, but two died.

The crash involved a Mitsubishi L300 bus with enlistment number FGG212XV and a Honda C75 Motorcycle with registration number AKL843QH.

The bus driver and the rider of the motorcycle were reportedly on top speed and had a head-on-collusion as they tried to avoid potholes.

The two victims on the motorcycle were rushed to St. Joseph Hospital, Nanka by FRSC rescue team from Nanka Outpost. They were confirmed dead by doctors at the hospital, he said.

Kumapayi said that the incident had been referred to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.

While condoling with the families of the dead, he warned motorists against overspeeding, especially within built-up areas.

Drivers should drive within stipulated speed limits, ensure maximum concentration and must tolerate other road users. Most
road accidents are avoidable, he said.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Anglican Bishop says COVID-19 is blessing in disguise

By Chimezie Anaso

Rt. Revd Manasses Okere, Bishop, Anglican Diocese, Isiukwuato in Abia, has said that the Coronavirus pandemic was a blessing in disguise as it created room for domestic church to thrive.

Okere, who was Guest Preacher at the 12th Synod of Anglican Diocese of Awka, said it had united many families by making them spend long and quality time together.

The synod theme was entitled: God of Eternal Destiny and His Major Attributes.

Okere said though COVID-19 came with so much challenges on the political economy of societies, it had also strengthened the faith of people in God as the only One with solutions to the problem of the world.

The pandemic is a blessing in disguise for the church in particular because it provided the environment for the domestic church, where families prayed together,mto thrive.

God is aware COVID-19 will come the time it came, nothing happens to God by surprise because He is in charge of his creatures and all things worketh together, whether good or bad, for the good of Gods children.

Though COVID-19 has wreaked havoc in our global society, it has brought good fortunes and re-united families by making them to sit together and pray.

It also made people to turn to God after knowing that science has failed.

Its not God that brought it, but He is aware that was coming, and will work out His purpose through it.

COVID-19 has also exposed the weakness of our health sectors, exposed us globally, but we thank God for the efforts so far, though has been mixed with politics, we will continue to look unto God, he said.

Okere lauded his hosts, Most Revd Alexander Chibuzor Ibezim, Bishop, Diocese of Awka and his wife, Mrs Martha Chioma Ibezim, for their steadfastness in the service of the Lord.

Earlier in his remark, Bishop Ibezim prayed that Christians would not be found wanting at the end of the Christian race in heaven especially Church leaders.

Ibezim also dedicated a two-stores primary school block built by the family of Dr Okey Anuenyiagu and blessed those who had contributed in various ways for the advancement of the Anglican Mission in the community.

Free facemasks were also distributed to the congregation as a means of reawakening people consciousness in complying to COVID-19 protocols.

About 10 Bishops attended the synod service which was conducted by Ven. Clement Mgbemena, Archdeacon, Awka Archdeaconry. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Some successfully evacuated Nigerians departing London for Abuja on Sunday

By Lizzy Okoji

A total of 327 stranded Nigerians successfully evacuated by the Federal Government have departed Gatwick Airport, London, and are expected to arrive at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Ms Sarah Sanda, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, disclosed this to journalists on Sunday in Abuja.

Sanda said the returnees departed London at 11.15a.m. aboard Air Peace airline.

The 327 returnees from the UK departed Gatwick Airport in London to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport today, Aug. 9, 2020, at 11.15a.m. aboard Air Peace flight No. P47854 operated by Air Europa Fight No AEA855, she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that following the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigeria has been evacuating its citizens stranded in other countries.

On Saturday (Aug. 8), 323 stranded Nigerians, including six infants, successfully evacuated from the UK, arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos.

The returnees will undergo testing and quarantine in line with the Federal Governments COVID-19 guidelines. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister, Muhammed Bello

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has pledged the territorys support to the proposed Suleja Smart City Project by the Niger State Government.

Suleja is a city in Niger that shares boundary with the FCT and was originally called Abuja before the transfer of the name to the new capital city of the country.

A smart city is a municipality that uses information and communication technologies to increase operational efficiency, share information with the public and improve both the quality of government services and citizen welfare.

Mr Anthony Ogunleye, Chief Press Secretary to the minister, in a statement on Sunday, said Bello made the pledge during a meeting with a delegation from Niger.

The delegation was led by Alhaji Ahmed Matane, Secretary to the governmnet of Niger.

The FCT minister expressed delight on the proposed partnership between the FCT administration and Niger.

Bello noted that the jurisdiction for such a laudable project in a historical city as Suleja, rests with the Niger State government.

The minister, however, said that many of its beneficiaries would come from the FCT, hence the resolve to give maximum support and cooperation to the project.

We feel highly honoured and delighted that the government of Niger State wants to partner with the FCT in this project.

And that is why the entire management team, as well as the political leadership of the Area Councils where this is going to take place, are here in todays meeting, Bello said.

The minister assured that the FCTA would give all the needed support to make sure that the project comes to fruition.

Bello saidthat the project was in line with President Muhammadu Buharis agenda to bring development to communities, create employment and ICT based economic growth.

The minister, who described the Smart City initiative as a legacy project that would attract engineers of great repute, advised that it should be conceptualised to run on renewable clean energy.

He assured the delegation that the FCTA was prepared to deploy necessary manpower to ensure its success.

We are working towards a Special Joint Planning Committee between Nasarawa State and the FCT, towards the development of the border communities of Karu.

And also a road network that is going to link Nasarawa to the FCT, through Guruku, Panda up to Mpape area. So, what you are now requesting for Niger State is something that is not new to us.

Earlier, Matane sought partnership of the FCTA in the development of a Smart City situated on an 11,000 hectares of Iand in Suleja as well as the establishment of a Suleja Smart City Company to develop and manage the Smart City.

He explained that the land falls within the Abuja-Bwari Planning District as contained in the FCT Master Plan.

He also explained that Niger State had already secured a grant from the South Korean Government and the services of an International Consultant to carry out feasibility study and to prepare a Master Plan for the city.

Matane said that the project would include smart buildings and associated infrastructure, an assembly plant for renewable energy systems and components like training institute for the youths.

This, according to him, will enable youths to learn how to assemble, repair and market renewable energy systems and its components.

Others are ICT infrastructure for electric and autonomous vehicle as well as a green house and hydroponic farms to produce fresh fruits and vegetable for the residents and for sale to Abuja and beyond. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

NNPC and partners

By Edith Ike-Eboh

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has agreed with its partners to settle all outstanding issues surrounding the development of Oil Mining Lease (OML), 130.

Dr kennie Obateru, Spokesman for the corporation disclosed in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

The partners are China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC), and South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETROL).

Obateru said that the move was in line with the effort to meet the target of revving up production to three million barrels per day.

He said it would also unlock gas revenues to the tune of about 225 million dollars in the short term and 510 million dollars in the long run for the country.

He quoted the NNPC Group Managing Director, Malam Mele Kyari, as saying at the signing of Head of Terms (HoT), agreement with the partners that the deal was part of the Corporations Production Sharing Contract (PSC), Dispute Resolution and Renewal Strategy of 2017.

Kyari said that the resolution was aimed at securing out of court settlement of all disputes around the 1993 Production Sharing Contracts (PSC), and agreeing on terms for their renewal.

He explained that the dispute arose from recognition of certain cost and discordant interpretation of the fiscal terms of the PSC by NNPC and the contractor parties.

With the resolution and signing of HoT, apart from unlocking over 225 million dollars of gas revenues, it will also enable settlement of renewal fees.

It will create conducive environment to further development of OML 130 with associated benefits to the federation.

We are doing this with every other partner in the PSC dispute, we believe that we can close this engagement and conversation with all of you.

The HoT will clearly enable us to proceed and have a full settlement, and this will benefit all of us, Kyari said

He commended CNOOC and SAPETROL for their understanding while expressing delight that the HoT would facilitate the conclusion of all renewal issues.

Also, Managing Director of CNOOC, Mr Xie Vincent Wensheng, said the agreement had opened a new chapter in his companys relationship with NNPC, stressing that it had provided a win-win situation for all parties.

On his part, Managing Director of SAPETROL, Mr Toyin Adenuga, said the resolution of the dispute was a very important step toward further development of OML 130 and other new fields as the terms were now clearly spelt out.

The execution of the HoT signals the resolution of a tax dispute that arose from the 2.3 billion dollars acquisition of a 45 per cent stake in OML 130 by CNNOC from SAPETRO in 2006.

The OML 130 consists of the Akpo and Egina Fields which have been producing since 2009 and 2018 respectively.

It is operated by Total Upstream Nigeria Ltd which holds 24 per cent stake, while Petrobras Oil and Gas BV and SAPETRO hold 16 per cent and 15 per cent stakes respectively. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Maj. Gen Paul Tarfa

By Diana Omueza

The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) says no fewer than 20,000 indigenes will benefit from the commissions Education Endowment Trust Fund (NEDC-EEF) in the region.

The Chairman, NEDC, Maj.-Gen. Paul Tarfa (rtd), said this in Abuja at the inauguration of the NEDC-EEF Board of Trustees (BOT).

Tarfa said that the education endowment funds aim of improving the human capital development for the n
North-East could not be over emphasised adding that its BOT inauguration was appropriate both in relevance and timing.

He noted that since the commission came into being in 2019 considerable time and efforts were devoted to providing relief and succour to the large number of communities and people displaced by the activities of insurgents in the North-East.

This mandated the commission to chart the new course to expedite and timely intervene in the education sector by establishing the NEDC-EEF to halt the ugly trend of the human development situation in the region.

With the inauguration of the BOT, our estimate is that by the time the scheme fully takes off, a minimum of 20,000 indigenes of the North-East will be the direct beneficiaries.

Beneficiaries would enjoy award of scholarships at the Bachelor, Master and Doctorate degree levels, ICT and entrepreneurship training for the youth whose education was truncated by the Boko Haram crisis.

And also special scholarships for the vulnerable groups such as orphans and youth who may wish to be actively engaged in sports, he said.

Tarfa also said that for regular award of scholarship for graduate and post-graduate studies and other lower cadre entrepreneurial interventions, all the 1,028 wards and 112 Local Government Areas in the six member-states would be beneficiaries.

He said that the fund would also offer capacity enhancement for teachers and health workers adding that students who went through the Safe School Initiative would also benefit from the fund to further their education.

The chairman urged the newly-inaugurated BOT to grow the fund through collaboration with relevant public and private institutions, donor agencies, development partners and other stakeholders that had similar objectives.

Mr David Sabo-Kente, Chairman of the BOT, commended the decision of the governing board to establish the NEDC-EEF, which he said was a timely intervention and innovation for the eradication of illiteracy and endemic poverty in the region.

Sabo-kente said that NEDC-EEF was a strategic and specialised institution saddled with clearly defined objectives and responsibilities to build human capacity for the North-East zone and offer citizens of the member-states equal opportunity in education, among others.

He said that the initiative was the most important programme initiated by the management under the NEDC leadership of Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, whose objectives would fight the menace of low human capital and illiteracy in the region.

Education being very expensive, we will partner States education architecture, local and international development partners in the education sector as well as donor agencies to achieve our core mandate.

Mandate of creating an educated citizenry, promoting workforce development, attracting economic development and continuing our rebuilding mission.

This we believe will change the educational landscape of the region, he said.

He called for regular interface and collaboration with the management and the board of the NEDC for rapid achievable and measurable success of the listed activities to be carried out by the BOT. (NAN)

Source: NAN News