Sadiya Umar Farouk

Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, gave the assurance in an address to welcome the returnees on Thursday in Abuja.

I am very pleased that the directives given by President Muhammadu Buhari to assist all Nigerians, who wish to voluntarily return to the country as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, has been complied with.

We have received 177 of our Nigerian migrants from Niger Republic. We welcome and empathise with you for the suffering, deprivations or inconveniences you might have encountered.

This group of 177 we are receiving today comprises 122 adults and 55 infants and children. Out of the 122 adults, 74 are males while 48 are females.

The federal government has assembled an inter-ministerial team to ensure that arrangements are in place to receive, accommodate, feed, generally take care of you and respect your dignity and rights as valued Nigerian citizens.

In line with the revised Quarantine Protocol from the PTF on COVID-19, please note that arrangements are in place to test you within 72 hours of your arrival.

We also have a commitment from our partner in this task, the International Organisation of Migration, to provide additional care for you in line with Standard Operating Procedure and international protocol of reintegration of Returnees, she said.

Farouq also said that the inter-ministerial and multi-agency team would do everything possible to make their short transitional stay in Abuja hitch-free.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Farouq was represented at the event by the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displace Persons, Mr Basheer Mohammed.

One of the returnees, Miss Favour George, told NAN that she had set out to travel to Europe, but was arrested in Niger Republic

I lost valuables, including monies, in the course of the journey as the road was rough and robbers normally attack travelers.

I really appreciate the federal government for giving me the opportunity to start a new life.

Another returnee, Mohammed Mohamad, a 24-year-old man from Kano State, said he was on his way to Algeria before proceeding to Europe but was arrested in Niger Republic and kept in a camp

But, I am happy to be back. I will want to further my education and get a good life.

My advice to Nigerian youths is that they should not travel the way I did. It is not easy and it is terrible. Now, I have come back to my senses, Mohamad said.

Source: NAN News

By Harrison Arubu

President of the United Nations General Assembly, Amb. Tijani Muhammad-Bande, on Thursday highlighted how the COVID-19 pandemic was strengthening friendships.

Friendships founded upon intercultural and interfaith dialogue in particular transcend boundaries, religion and cultural divides to seed harmony between and among communities.

Source: NAN News

Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state.

Kano State Government says it has trained over 30, 000 health workers to stem further spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the state.

The government also conducted 39, 363 COVID-19 samples test since the outbreak of the pandemic in the past three months in the state.

Dr Tijjani Hussaini, the states Technical Coordinator Task Force Committee on COVID-19, made this known at the bi-weekly news conference on Thursday in Kano.

Hussaini disclosed that medical and health workers were exposed to case management and preventive techniques to enhance their response to the pandemic.

He said that the committee also sensitised organisations, community and religious leaders to create awareness on preventive tips as well as promote adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols in the society.

The coordinator revealed that 39, 363 samples were tested in the state, adding that 32, 418 results were received from the laboratories.

Hussaini said that the state had so far recorded 1, 566 confirmed cases; 1, 258 discharged and 53 deaths while 255 were active cases.

According to him, most of the active cases are home base care, representing about 4.84 per cent below the national index.

Hussaini noted that 82 per cent of the cases were recorded in eight Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

He listed the high prevalence areas to include Kano Municipal, Tarauni, Dala, Gwale, Nasarawa, Fagge, Kumbotso and Ungogo.

The Coordinator added that the state had five molecular testing centres with 1, 350 testing capacity per day, to enhance detection and effective response to the pandemic.

Because of the fact that the size of samples collected in the state outstripped what the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) recommended, that is 100 per state, while we collect in thousands.

And with the five testing centres in the state, we still take some of our samples to Abuja for testing, he said.

Hussaini, however, expressed concern over the recent surge in virus infections as against the zero case recorded in the past five days in the state.

The coordinator said the committee would scale up sensitisation and enforcement of COVID-19 protocols such use of face mask to sustain the feat achieved in the fight against the pandemic in the state.

Also speaking, Kabir Getso, the Commissioner for Environment, said that more than 300 premises were de-contaminated to stem further spread of the pandemic.

Getso disclosed that the state government had also distributed face marks and sanitiser to Eid praying grounds in the 44 LGAs of the state, to ensure compliance with the COVID-19 protocols.

He called on the people of the state to adhere to safety measures and support government efforts to control the disease.

For his part, Dr Ibrahim Tsanyawa, the Commissioner for Health, noted that the state was in a critical period of virus control, which called for collective effort.

Tsanyawa urged the people to support the government to sustain the successes recorded in the campaign against the disease.

Source: NAN News

German multinational conglomerate company, Siemens, has concluded plans to train electricity Distribution Companies and other electricity stakeholders in the country.

Siemens in a statement on Thursday stated that 11 DISCOs, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and regulators would be trained on all the equipment and software being provided in the phase 1.

According to the company, the training was part of its phase 1 pre-engineering contract of providing 25,000mw of electricity to the nation.

It would be recalled that the Federal Government and Siemens signed a Letter of Agreement on the countrys Electrification Road map in July 2019, after President Buhari and the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, met on Aug. 31, 2018, in Abuja.

The Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), formerly, the Nigeria Electrification Roadmap aims to upgrade the countrys electricity network to achieve operational capacity of 25,000 megawatts (MW) from the current average of around 4,500 MW.

The PPI is expected to go through a series of projects spanning three phases across four major states to achieve the electricity target by 2025.

The first phase is expected to increase the operational capacity to 7,000 MW.

Phase 1 will also focus on significantly reducing the AT

Gov, Babagana Zulum

By Martha Agas

Northern Governors Forum (NGF), has condemned Wednesdays attack on the convoy of Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, describing the act as callous and reprehensible.

The Chairman of the forum and governor of Plateau, Simon Lalong, made the condemnation in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Makut Macham.

He said the attack on the governors convoy on his way to Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of the state was an act to frustrate his efforts in ensuring the well-being of the vulnerable in the state.

The governor expressed concern that Zulum was attacked while on the way to distribute palliatives to Internally Displaced Persons for the Sallah celebration.

Lalong said the incident was a desperate attempt by criminal elements to sabotage Zulums efforts toward reducing the sufferings of IDPs who had been traumatised by terrorists.

This regrettable attack shows the desperation by enemies of peace and humanity at large to jeopardise all efforts towards making life easier for victims of violence in the state over the years.

The Northern Governors Forum strongly condemns this attack and stands with Gov. Zulum who has demonstrated courage in personally reaching out to people in need despite the dangers.

We urge him not to be deterred as he keeps working with security agencies to protect the lives and property of the people,he said.

In another development, the Northern Governors Forum has mourned the death of elder statesman and leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Pa Ayorinde Fasanmi.

Lalong in a condolence message described the death of the elder statesman as a great loss to the Yoruba nation and Nigeria as a whole because of his enormous contributions to the political development of Nigeria.

The governor said the deceased played active role in the enthronement of democracy and its sustenance through his roles as a legislator in the First and Second Republics where he advocated for good governance, justice and equity.

He condoled with Fasanmis family, political associates and followers while praying God to grant his soul eternal rest.

Source: NAN News

By Harrison Arubu

United States has expanded the scope of its metals sanctions on Iran with the addition of 22 specific materials connected to its nuclear, military or ballistic missile programmes.

Announcing this in a statement on Thursday evening, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo warned against the transfer of the identified metals to and from Iran.

He said Irans nuclear and ballistic missile and military programmes were a grave threat to international peace and security.

To address these threats, I am announcing a major expansion of the scope of State Department-administered Iran metals-related sanctions.

Today, the State Department is identifying 22 specific materials used in connection with Irans nuclear, military or ballistic missile programs.

Those who knowingly transfer such materials to Iran are now sanctionable pursuant to Section 1245 of the Iranian Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act, Pompeo said.

He reaffirmed his position that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) controls Irans construction sector.

The IRGCs construction firm and many of its subsidiaries remain sanctioned by the United Nations because they were directly involved in the construction of the uranium enrichment site at Fordow.

As a result of this IRGC determination, any knowing transfer of certain materials, including graphite or raw or semi-finished metals, to or from Iran to be used in connection with the construction sector of Iran remains sanctionable, he said.

Tensions between the U.S. and Iran worsened after President Donald Trump unilaterally pulled his country out of the Iran nuclear deal in May, 2018.

Trump said he took the decision because the agreement failed to address Tehrans ballistic missile programme and its role in regional wars.

Formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the deal was negotiated by the administration of former President Barack Obama alongside China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and Germany.

After pulling out, the Trump administration started reimposing sanctions some of which targeted Irans metal sector, prompting the Middle East country to reactivate its missile programmes.

The additional 22 metals include different alloys of aluminum, copper, steel and aluminum powder with purity above 98 per cent.

Source: NAN News

Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa

By Sumaila Ogbaje
Nigerian Army is to investigate Wednesdays attack on the convoy of Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno by suspected Boko Haram terrorists, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, disclosed in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Musa said that the governors convoy came under terrorists fire while visiting Baga town.

He said the governor had earlier paid a visit to the Commander, 19 Brigade at the Nigerian Army Super Camp Baga where he was briefed about the prevailing security situation in the general area.

According to him, the unfortunate incident occurred shortly after the Governor and his entourage departed the Super Campaign to visit other parts of Baga town.

The incident forced the Governor to abort his planned movement to Baga.

Although, details of the unfortunate incident is sketchy and under investigation, efforts are ongoing to comb the area where the incident occurred with a view to track down and deal decisively with the attackers.

An investigation is also in progress to identify the circumstances that led to the attack, he said.

Musa however, said that the attach was an isolated and most unfortunate incident owing to the fact that normalcy had since been restored to Baga with socio-economic activities picking up.

Nigerian Army wishes to inform the general public that it will continue to discharge its responsibilities professionally with respect for the fundamental human rights of all Nigerians and in compliance with the extant rules of engagement.

The good people of Baga town and indeed the entire Borno State are enjoined to continue to provide credible information that will assist the security agencies to successfully combat terrorism as well as apprehend and flush out the perpetrators of the attack, he said.

Source: NAN News

Most Rev. Matthew Audu

By Peter Amine
The Archbishop of Jos Catholic Archdiocese, Most Rev. Matthew Audu, on Thursday distributed some rice to the Muslim communities in Plateau as they celebrates Eid-el-Kabir.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Archbishop was represented by Rev. Fr Blaise Agwom, Director, Dialogue Reconciliation and Peace (DREP) Centre Jos.

Audu said that the gesture was a token of his appreciation for the peaceful coexistence between Christian and Muslims in the state.

It is an appreciation of the collaboration between Christians and Muslims communities that has entrench peace and peaceful coexistence.

I am talking about the Catholic Archbishop of Jos and particularly the DREP Centre. I wish to felicitate with you as you celebrate and pray for a peaceful sallah in good health, he said.

He said that the rice would be distributed to groups including; the Jamaatul Nasril Islam (JNI), Hausa Community, Miyetti Allah, The Federation of Muslim Womens Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) and JIBWIS among others.

Alhaji Sani Mudi, on behalf of the groups, appreciated the Archbishop and DREP for the gesture.

Mudi said that it was not the quantity that matters but the spirit behind the giving.

We are not surprise by this gesture by DREP, we are critical stakeholders and have been part of DREP since its inception.

The gesture strengthens our hope in enduring collaboration for fruitful result. We will continue to work for peace in Plateau and indeed Nigeria, he said.

Source: NAN News

President Muhammadu Buhari

By Ismaila Chafe
President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the sacrifices of Muslims and Christians in abiding by the COVID-19 guidelines for the good of society.

Malam Garba Shehu, the Presidents Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

He said that Buhari gave the commendation in his Sallah message to Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Buhari assured Nigerians that, On our own part, we shall continue to provide economic reliefs to the people to minimize the unintended hardships these guidelines have inflicted.

The president reminded worshippers that COVID-19 is worldwide affliction with Churches and Mosques closed and social distancing imposed to safeguard public health.

He, therefore, reiterated his call on Nigerians to continue to exercise patience and understanding over the inconveniences created by the precautionary measures taken, especially the regulations on places of worship.

He said the outbreak of coronavirus had made it difficult for people to gather in places of worship as they are used to, urging worshipers to follow the guidelines for the safety of their lives and loved ones.

The coronavirus has had devastating adverse impacts on our social, economic and spiritual lives.

The preventive guidelines we have introduced to contain the spread of this deadly disease have unfortunately limited peoples freedom to gather and worship in large numbers in Mosques and Churches.

Every measure that has been introduced to contain this disease may have its unintended consequences on the daily lives of our people, and I, therefore, call on Muslims and other faiths to continue to show more understanding with the government as we take correct steps to protect our people through the social distancing.

No elected government would intentionally take away its peoples religious freedom by limiting the number of people that will gather in worship centres at the same time.

These guidelines are dictated by necessity in order to safeguard public health and should therefore not be perceived as infringement on peoples right to worship, he said.

While wishing Muslims a happy celebration, the President called on worshipers not to forget the symbolic significance of the sacrifices of the Eid-el-Kabir.

Muslims should imbibe the noble virtues of our great prophets in order to establish closer connectivity between religious teachings and practice.

We can create the greatest impact by putting into practice the noble teachings of our religion. In whatever we do in life, we must put the fear of God in our daily activities in order to make our society better.

The president reminded the people of his efforts to root out corruption in the country, stating that the efforts had so far brought a lot of changes in country.

He, therefore, appealed for support and understanding as investigations are carried out into both legacy cases and fresh cases.

Source: NAN News

FIRS

By Mustapha Sumaila
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has extended the deadline for filing of returns in some tax categories by one week.

Mr Abdullahi Ahmad, Director, Communications and Liaison Department of the service, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

Ahmad said the gesture was in the spirit of the festivities and the palliative measures rolled out by the Service in support of the Nigerian taxpayers against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He quoted the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Mr Muhammad Nami, as saying the management wishes to felicitate with Nigerians on this occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

In addition to a number of COVID-19 palliatives already in place, as well as in the spirit of this Eid celebration, we hereby grant a further one-week extension from the 31st July 2020 deadline for companies with December accounting year end to file their Year 2020 annual Income Tax Returns.

Nonetheless, the service will continue to identify with the challenges of the times, which the taxpayers are going through.

For the purpose of clarity, companies that fall within this category will not be penalised for late submission, if they file their Year 2020 Income Tax Returns within the grace period, that is, August 1, to August 7 as herein granted.

We thank the Almighty God for sparing our lives to witness yet another Sallah festival, especially in this year that has been very difficult for individuals and businesses.

In a similar vein, the one-week grace period is extended to regular monthly obligations that become due at the end of July, for example, Petroleum Profits Tax instalmental Payment, Withholding Tax and Value Added Tax Returns.

FIRS will continue to respond proactively to the realities of these times, towards easing the burden of our esteemed taxpayers Nami said.

Source: NAN News