₦airaland Forum

Environmental Degradation: FG Poised to Curb Emission with Deep De-carbonization Project

In a renewed determination to reduce carbon emission by 50% come 2050, the Nigerian Government has launched a Deep Decarbonization Pathway Programme (DDPP). The effort is to meet the eventual goal of net-zero carbon emission levels.

DPP is a national research and capacity-building project for the implementation of a Deep Decarbonization Pathway Programme (DDPP) in Nigeria.

The project according to a report from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), is a collaboration project between the Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria, and the Agence Française de Dévelopment (AFD) with the International Relation and Sustainable Development Institute (IDDRI), as the Programme Coordinator.
Launching the project, Minister of Environment, Sharon Ikeazor stated that the decarbonization of the global economy has long been recognized as an imperative in the fight against climate change.

“The Nigeria Deep Decarbonization Project is, therefore, a very important component in our effort to navigate Nigeria and the global world over the harsh and unpleasant risks of climate change,” she said.
In the last few years. the Federal Government has made several climate change interventions intended to mitigate climate change and increase resilience to avert the excruciating consequences of climate change.

The Minister of Environment also revealed that the Federal Government recently submitted its revised and robust Nationally Determined Contributions that articulate climate actions until 2030 in response to Article 4.2 of the Paris Agreement.

According to the Minister, “The Federal Ministry of Environment also formulated Nigeria Decarbonisation Transition Plan, which enumerated pathways for Nigeria to achieve net-zero by 2050.

“The Nigerian government’s effort to transit to a low-emission economy was also echoed in all the discussions that the Federal Government of Nigeria was involved in at the COP26,” she said.

“The Nigerian government formulated and communicated its Long-Term Low GHG Emission Development Strategies, LT-LEDS and envisioned that by 2050, Nigeria will be a country of low-carbon, climate-resilient, high-growth circular economy that reduces its current level of emissions by 50%, moving towards having net-zero emissions across all sectors of its development in a gender-responsive manner,” the Minister explained.
The National Project leader for DDP Nigeria, Professor Chukwumerije Okereke said what prompted the project is a desire to build a capacity of Nigerian academics, to be able to design high-quality, rigorous, robust climate change models that can guide international climate policy.

“This project was prompted by the fact that year after year, Nigeria designs and publishes nationally important documents and plans around climate change. What about mitigation? What is about adaptation, and more recently, the nationally determined contribution that provides a guideline of how Nigeria can reduce its emissions in the long run while also growing sustainability? However, all of these plans have been designed and written by foreigners, foreign experts, international experts, and the reason is that Nigeria does not have enough capacity on what we call climate modeling.” he explained.

Professor Okereke said the team will be working very closely with the government to make inputs into the long-term strategies; the long-term climate change development strategy that the government will be producing next year, before COP 27 in Egypt.

Having Nigerian academics working in collaboration with other ministries, and guided by the Department for climate change under the Federal Ministry of Environment, we hope that we’ll be able to produce long-term strategies. These strategies will be relevant, specific contexts that will accommodate the uniqueness of our Nigeria and certain that they will help to ensure that whatever is produced will be implemented,” Okereke added.

https://thejournalnigeria.com/environmental-degradation-fg-poised-to-curb-emission-with-deep-de-carbonization-project/

Close to 40 years ago, the Lagos Government was accused of taking fraudulent possession of 549 plots of land belonging to the Adeyiga Family and others who were the former Shangisha Landlords. These lands were used by the State Government to set up the Magodo Residential Area without the families being adequately compensated by the Lagos State Government thereby causing years of protracted confusion and communal unrest in the area.
The matter was taken to the Lagos State High Court in 1994 by the aggrieved landowners, and the Court ruled in favor of the Shangisha Landlords. In a bid to overturn the ruling, the State Government took the matter to the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal in 2001. The Appeal Court validated the High Court’s judgment and mandated the government to return the lands to their original owners.

Unyielding, the state government escalated the case all the way to the Supreme court in 2015 and the Apex Court’s judgment was for the Lagos State Government to allocate the disputed 549 plots of land to the original owners of the land before it was “fraudulently acquired over 38 years ago” which was in line with the subsisting judgment from the High Court and the Appeal Court. But the State Government refused to implement this judgment, which has created a lot of chaos for the Magodo Residents culminating in the pandemonium witnessed today.
The dispute took a dramatic twist yesterday when Court Bailiffs and Police Officers were accompanied by street urchins to enforce the order of the Supreme Court. Residents were shocked to see armed officers escorting thugs as they flooded Magodo, dishing out threats and promises of imminent demolition of buildings in the area. They also went on to mark numerous houses with the inscription, ‘Possession taken today by court order.’
Consequently, the Magodo Residents Association (MRA) announced a joint protest against the court order which could result in possible eviction from their homes. As a matter of high priority, all the residents were advised to show up at both entry gates in solidarity. The memo read as follows: “Please be reminded that due to the planned protest tomorrow 22nd December 2021 as agreed by residents in the Estate due to the recent police invasion, there will be a total closure of both Shangisha and Secretariat gates effective 6am. There will be no going out and coming into the estate. All residents are advised to join the protest at both gates.”

In compliance with the memo, the gates were locked at the said time which created crowdy gatherings in the latter hours of the morning. Entrance and exit of residents were also prohibited, creating what seemed according to a resident like a hostage situation. Many residents expressed displeasure over the situation, wondering why it was possible for one’s home to be threatened despite the legal process undergone in acquiring it. “If you have an issue with the Lagos Government, you go to them…you did not transact with the current residents,” a resident voiced vociferously.
Regrettably, very little information was available to the hundreds of people outside the gates, most of whom were partly or totally oblivious of what was transpiring.
In response to the situation, the chairman of the MRA, Mr. Segun Shobajo, granted an interview to The Journal. He lamented about the possibility of current residents coming back to meet a demolished home. Corroborating that, he cited the case of a bulldozer which has already been set in place by a certain Adeyiga family. He said, “We had an invasion by the Adeyiga family using the power of the police. They invaded us and took possession as you can see, they took Illegal possession of houses and they wanted to bring in a bulldozer to start immediate demolition of houses which is why we have closed the gate and exit has been disabled, because if you go out you might just come back and meet a pile of rubble instead of your home. That is why we are here.”

The Representative from the State Governor’s Office, Princess Bolanle Bada, arrived at the scene around 10:57am accompanied by Lagos state Special Operations officers to issue an apology from the State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who said that the State Government was unaware of the situation as of last night and is present now to intervene.
The representative from the Governor’s office stated that the State Government was solidly behind the residents, and that the intended demolition actions were carried out without the knowledge of the State Government, emphasizing that even with the Supreme Court Order, such brazen actions were not to be taken without alerting the Governor’s office.
The State Governor’s delegate promised that the issue would be resolved, and that a statement would be issued by the Attorney General of the State in a few hours time in order to calm frayed nerves, assuage the residents and to assure them that the State Government is capable of taking care of whatever happens within the state.



Bolanle Bada further stated that the Governor’s office was not at fault, and came as soon as the information got to them. She assured residents on behalf of the governor that this will not happen again and also apologized for the events that have already taken place. She encouraged everyone affected to return to their regular activities for the day.
For the residents and those who work within the estate, a semblance of normalcy has since been restored due to the government’s prompt intervention but palpable tension is still in the air for all concerned parties, especially house owners in the estate who are understandably restless and anxiously waiting to see what the next line of actions would be as the aggrieved landowners are tired of the State Government’s non-compliance with Court orders and unending dilly-dallying over the matter, appearing determined to recollect their lands by all means this time around.

Source: thejournalnigeria.com

© 2021 – May University Press Limited

Highbrow Magodo Estate Shut Down by Protesting Residents


The vast highbrow Magodo GRA (Phase 2) has been shut down by protesting residents since the early hours of this morning. People have not been able to move in or out of the estate following the protest by residents in relation to a Supreme Court judgment and efforts by one Adeyiga family and the Shangisha Landlords Association to take over fully developed properties on 549 plots of land in the GRA.
The situation stemmed from a case between the Shangisha Landlords and the Lagos State Government that has reportedly been ongoing since the 1980s. The Shangisha Landlords Association gained a court order from the Supreme Court, mandating the State Government to return 549 plots of land to their original custodians.



Truckloads of policemen, bailiffs and thugs numbering about 100 stormed the estate yesterday afternoon to begin executing the judgment of the supreme court. The immediate response of the residents has been to completely lock down the estate, while they await the intervention of the state government and other stakeholders in the matter. Residents and workers alike have been prevented from entering or exiting the estate, and all gates have been under lock. The numbers gathered around the points of entry have already reached multiples of hundreds and steadily increase as the day advances.
A trader within the premises, who chose to be anonymous, disclosed that vans filled with touts and armed policemen stormed the estate yesterday. According to him, one of the touts sent a threat to the landlord of a building, stating expressly that the real owners of the lands are coming to demolish the building, and all the others in the estate.

Yesterday night, a memo was circulated to the members of the Magodo area, informing them of the restriction of movement to be effected today. It read, “Please be reminded that due to the planned protest tomorrow 22nd December 2021 as agreed by residents this night in the Estate of the recent police invasion, there will be a total closure of both Shangisha and Secretariat gates effective 6am. There will be NO going out and coming into the estate. ALL RESIDENTS PLEASE BE ADVISED and join the protest at both gates.”
The situation is still unravelling, and The Journal will offer more details and keep readers updated.




© 2021 – May University Press Limited

Tuesday, December 21st 2021

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle at this period is important as the dry throat, dusty feet and cracked lips are announcing the arrival of the harmattan season.
Although we can’t chase it away, we’d be giving tips on how to keep your skin fresh and hydrated during this dry period.
1. Drink lots of fruit-infused water
This is a secret to upping your water intake during this season: drink at least four liters of water daily, and to make it easier, you can infuse your water bottle with different fruits like apple, watermelon, pineapple, cucumber, or mint leaves. In this process, you get hydrated and also get the needed nutrients at the same time.
However, doing this should not deter you from getting fruits normally and adding them to your breakfast or dinner plan.
Lots of fruit intake will also boost your immune system and ward off unnecessary flus.
2. Use nose masks
Using nose masks will not only help keep your nostrils safe from the dry air, it also protects you from the dust particles that might contain pathogens carrying flu or air borne diseases with them.
3. Do NOT bathe with hot water
Consider bathing with lukewarm or slightly warm water. This is because hot water dries the skin out and deprives it of the needed moisture, also limiting bath time will aid your skin in retaining moisture.
4. Moisturise
Lotions should be your best friends in this period, get oil-based moisturizers for face and body. For better hydration, ensure there’s still a bit of water on your skin before putting on the lotion, this is to lock in moisture for longer hours.
5. Stock up on vitamin C
Taking vitamin C at intervals will not only boost your immunity but will also minimize your chances of catching a flu and also help retain your beautiful skin.
6. Invest in lip balm
Dry or cracked lips are rampant during this period, and not only are they not pretty to the eyes, they can also get very painful and in extreme cases, bleed. To avoid this, invest in lip hydrating balms or gloss to keep your lips fresh and protected all day.
7. Hair protection
This is the season we advertise for protective styling! Braids are the best option at this period, as your natural hair is kept safe from the harsh air. Also, application of leave-in conditioner is advised. If you opt for weaves, ensure you tend it everyday, applying the necessary oils and moisturizers, to preserve the weave life.
In conclusion, perhaps you are experiencing very mild throat irritation during this period, add honey and ginger into a warm cup of tea, have a relaxing evening drinking this. If it persists with other symptoms, please see your doctor.

Source: thejournalnigeria.com

© 2021 – May University Press Limited

ASUU Shelves Proposed Nationwide Strike


The Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU) has decided to shelve its proposed nationwide strike in order to go for more consultations and to give government opportunity to address all outstanding issues arising from the December 20 Memorandum of Action(MoA).
This was confirmed in a statement made available by the Union President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke during an emergency meeting held in Abuja.

Osodeke confirmed that the efforts of many Nigerians who are patriotic about the educational development of the county and also determined to ensure a gentle man solution of the lingering disputes were taken into account.
It could be recalled that ASUU had last week issued a fresh three-week ultimatum to the Federal Government in which it threatened to embark on strike if its demands are not met.
The Union had however accused the Federal Government of insincerity, blackmail and propaganda.
ASUU further said it will resist attempts to blackmail the union and derail its patriotic struggle for a productive University system “by official propaganda founded on tokenism and crumb-sharing”
The decision which was made at the emergency National Executive Council (NEC) of ASUU held at the National Secretariat at the University of Abuja over the weekend, saw the union reach a conclusion to review the situation on another date.
According to the union President, ” NEC took full account of student union bodies, leading media, traditional rulers, civil society organizations and other interest groups within and outside Nigeria to make government address all outstanding issues arising from the December 20, MoA.”
The President further said the union particularly took pledges made to the by the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) who promised to make further consultations with a view of finding a lasting solution to the lingering crisis.

Source: thejournalnigeria.com

© 2021 – May University Press Limited

Bad Weather May Lead To Massive Flight Disruptions This Season – NCAA
December 20th 2021

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has explained why the country’s airspace may be closed sometimes this Harmattan period and flight operations disrupted.

Director General of the NCAA, Capt Musa Nuhu in a directive titled “NCAA :‘Aviation Weather in Dry Season” which he personally signed, informed pilots that, as a result of the seasonal climate prediction by the Meteorological Agency, the airspace could be closed and flight operations suspended at any relevant time.


He also told them in certain instances. to expect moderate to severe dust haze, early morning fog along coastal areas while in some instances reduced horizontal visibility to less than 200 meters.

Regarding the air-to-ground visibility reduction due to dust haze or fog, the document noted that “Aerodrome visibility may fall below the prescribed operating minima and in severe conditions, dust haze can blot out runways, markers and airfield lightings over wide areas making visual navigation extremely difficult or impossible.”

On how it affects aircraft operations, it says “Flights are bound to be delayed, diverted, or cancelled where terminal visibility falls below the prescribed aerodrome operating minima.
“Pilot, operators and Air Traffic Controllers Responsibility: Closure of the airspace by Air Traffic Controllers vital when any of the conditions above are observed or forecast by NiMet.

Strict adherence to published aerodrome weather minima by Flight Crews/Operators and Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) was demanded.Pilots /Flight Crew Members were directed to “obtain adequate departure-route and destination weather information and briefing from NiMet Aerodrome Methodologist offices and stations prior to flight operations and exercise maximum restraint whenever an adverse weather is observed.”


“Operators shall ensure that necessary measures are put in place to cushion the effects of flight delay or cancellations on their passengers. as action requires Strict compliance to this Advisory Circular by all stakeholders.” The directive added.



© 2021 – May University Press Limited

Buhari Not Bound By The Constitution To Make Decision Public On Electoral Bill – Presidency

Thirty one days after the Electoral Act Amendment Bill was transmitted to President Muhammadu Buhari by the National Assembly for assent, the Public is yet to know the situation concerning the Bill.
Speaking on this development, presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, said that, President Muhammadu Buhari is not legally bound to publicly declare his decision on the 2021 amendment Electoral Act Amendment Bill sent to him for assent a month ago.
The bill, transmitted from the National Assembly to the State House on November 19, exceeded its 30-day window for Mr Buhari to sign or withhold his assent to it, on Sunday.
As stipulated by Nigeria’s constitution, the president has a 30-day period to “signify” his decision on the proposed legislation.
As speculations continue to trail the proposed legislation, Mr Shehu, on Channels Television programme “Sunday Politics,” argued that the President owes no obligation to make his decision public despite the provision of the constitution.
Although the section of the constitution does not specify who the president should signify to within the stipulated days about his decision, many believe that Nigerians, who yearn for the provisions in the proposed bill, deserve to know.
The president’s spokesperson further argued that taking such a decision to the public without the knowledge of the National Assembly will amount to “unkind treatment of the lawmakers”.
According to him, “I’m not in a position to tell you, yes or no. But given the way things are done, the president would have completed his consultations some time back. The president would be communicating with the National Assembly on whatever he decides, either yes or no.”
He further stated that; “and as I said, it would be disrespectful of the National Assembly, for me at this time, to say this is the content of the president’s communication, assuming that the communication has been sent to them. So as I said, allow them to resume, I believe that the president will not act in breach of the Constitution. No, he will do what is right.”
“The constitution says the president must sign within 30 days, the constitution did not say that there should be the disclosure of that decision within 30 days to the public when the disclosure to the National Assembly has been made,” Mr Shehu said.
The lawmakers are expected to resume plenary on Tuesday and embark on the Christmas and New Year break soon after.
If any communication concerning the legislation has been sent to the NASS as suggested by Mr Shehu, the bill may not be considered until their resumption in 2022.


© 2021 – May University Press Limited

Turkish President, Tayyip Erdogan on Friday, said his country is ready to assist Nigeria in tackling the issue of insecurity in the country.

The Turkish President made this known while addressing his Nigerian counterpart, President Muhammadu Buhari , shortly before the official commencement of the third Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit in Instanbul.

Erdogan said he was glad to receive President Buhari after recently paying an official visit to Nigeria.

“Turkey understands the challenges facing Nigeria and its needs, and we are ready to assist you to meet those needs especially in the area of defense.

“I am happy Nigeria is stepping up cooperation with other nations in areas of defense and health, and we are ready to grow with you in these areas and more.” The Turkish President said.

While reacting to this, President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledged the experiences of Turkey in dealing with security challenges and Nigeria will love to benefit from that experience.

“Turkey has practical experience in dealing with challenges over the years and Nigeria stands to gain from that.”

The President also gave assurances of continuous relationship between the two countries which will continue to grow for the mutual benefit of the two states.

Buhari also expressed satisfaction with the Turkish offer of support to tackle the lingering security challenges in the country.

“I wish to express my appreciation for the special invitation for this meeting and to express my happiness with your offer of assistance in dealing with the challenges facing us.

“I await the reports of officials and ministers as they hold meetings with their counterparts. I assure you that I will endorse all positive recommendations.” Buhari said.


© 2021 – May University Press Limited

Lawan Celebrates Buhari At 79, Says Nigeria Lucky To Have Him


Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has said that Nigeria is blessed to have Buhari at the helm of its affairs, adding that the president is passionate about the country’s unity, security, and prosperity.
While felicitating with President Muhammadu Buhari on his 79th birthday in a statement by his spokesman, Ola Awoniyi, Lawan acknowledged the president’s purposeful leadership, vision, courage and steadfastness in the pursuit of the right cause and common good.
He said: “I join the multitude of fellow Nigerians and your other well-wishers across the globe in thanking Allah for His great gifts of good health and long life to you.
According to him, “the benevolence of Allah has enabled Your Excellency to continue to provide purposeful leadership to our country in this time of unprecedented challenges across the world.”
“You are a leader who has matched vision with courage and who is steadfast in his pursuit of the right cause and common good.” He added.
He said, your Excellency, like most who have worked with you, I attest that you are passionate about the unity, security and prosperity of Nigeria, adding that, his attribute, with the focussed transformation of the nation’s physical infrastructure, social and economic reforms will enhance your legacy as a unique Nigerian leader.
“Our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is lucky to have you as our leader in this stage of its history. Your selfless and foresighted leadership has brought unity and cohesion to the party and greatly contributed to making the APC the most freely embraced political platform in the history of Nigeria.” He added.
Lawan also disclosed that, “Mr President, your leadership of Nigeria is a blessing to our dear country as it offers our people and institutions confidence in confronting the current challenges and in laying the foundation for sustainable prosperity.”

© 2021 – May University Press Limited

Lawan Celebrates Buhari At 79, Says Nigeria Lucky To Have Him


Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has said that Nigeria is blessed to have Buhari at the helm of its affairs, adding that the president is passionate about the country’s unity, security, and prosperity.
While felicitating with President Muhammadu Buhari on his 79th birthday in a statement by his spokesman, Ola Awoniyi, Lawan acknowledged the president’s purposeful leadership, vision, courage and steadfastness in the pursuit of the right cause and common good.
He said: “I join the multitude of fellow Nigerians and your other well-wishers across the globe in thanking Allah for His great gifts of good health and long life to you.
According to him, “the benevolence of Allah has enabled Your Excellency to continue to provide purposeful leadership to our country in this time of unprecedented challenges across the world.”
“You are a leader who has matched vision with courage and who is steadfast in his pursuit of the right cause and common good.” He added.
He said, your Excellency, like most who have worked with you, I attest that you are passionate about the unity, security and prosperity of Nigeria, adding that, his attribute, with the focussed transformation of the nation’s physical infrastructure, social and economic reforms will enhance your legacy as a unique Nigerian leader.
“Our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is lucky to have you as our leader in this stage of its history. Your selfless and foresighted leadership has brought unity and cohesion to the party and greatly contributed to making the APC the most freely embraced political platform in the history of Nigeria.” He added.
Lawan also disclosed that, “Mr President, your leadership of Nigeria is a blessing to our dear country as it offers our people and institutions confidence in confronting the current challenges and in laying the foundation for sustainable prosperity.”

© 2021 – May University Press Limited

The Nigeria Startup Bill (NSB) which has been worked on by the Presidency and leaders of the Nigerian technology industry has now been approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and is being sent to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The landmark Nigeria Startup Bill (NSB) when passed into law will further deepen the country’s technology ecosystem and lead the sector on the way of exponential growth.
The Bill will ensure regulatory support as Nigeria continues to attract hundreds of millions of dollars of international investment and create an enabling environment for Nigerian startups to thrive.
This piece of legislation addresses challenges such as disruptive regulation, weak infrastructure and difficulties accessing capital, particularly for non-fintech businesses.
The NSB, whose key objectives include regulatory certainty, local content and providing an enabling business environment, also aims to provide a platform where startups can continuously engage regulators.
The bill will attract more support for local angel investors, funds and incubators, alongside national co-investment schemes and incentives for investing in early stage startups.
The Bill was made possible through a Big Tent Approach –partnership between the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, the Nigerian Export and Promotion Council, other government bodies with almost 300 volunteers and private sector players, including venture capital investors Future Africa and Ventures Platform, legal firms TLP Advisory and Aelex, policy advisors Advocacy for Policy And Innovation (API) and Innovation for Policy Foundation, and media organisations TechCabal and Wimbart.
Meanwhile, Google Nigeria and the UK-Government, through the West Africa Research and Innovation Hub and the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub, have supported the bill.
Commenting on the Big Tent Approach, Adaeze Sokan, Country Director at the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub said the inclusive and collaborative process is laudable and can serve as a framework for policy formulation in the country.
Additionally, the policy which is designed to reduce currency constraints will have broad reaching impacts on the ability for startups to raise and expand internationally.
In the aspect of infrastructure, the Bill will lead to tech parks, subsidised local data facilities, better broadband connectivity and open-source data.
Currently, Nigeria ranks below countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Tunisia in terms of business friendliness despite having the highest number of startups on the continent, currently estimated at 750.
Meanwhile, Kenya and Tunisia have passed their Startup Bills into law and South Africa is in the process of passing theirs, in the quest to boost business friendliness.
Nigeria has also served as the potential market for five of the continent’s unicorns (Interswitch, Andela, Jumia, OPay and Flutterwave) and is the giant of African tech in terms of the country’s ability to attract foreign investment.
Nigeria has also in just two decades promoted two indigenous unicorns [companies valued at over $1Bn], despite the country’s infrastructure and regulation not keeping up with the pace of disruption by the tech sector.
Nigerian startups were the most funded on the continent between 2016 and 2020, raising $1.58 billion in venture capital and representing 27% of the overall deal volume, closely followed by Kenya.
The NSB therefore is expected to accelerate this progress and lead to many more Nigerian unicorns in years to come.
Oswald Osaretin Guobadia, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Transformation and the NSB Lead said “The NSB is one among a series of key activities the Presidency is using to drive the building of a more sustainable ecosystem for young people in Nigeria to thrive and scale.”
The NSB, he said is aimed directly at fostering new talent in the growing technology and start-ups sectors, providing for regulation around startup registration, tax incentives, talent development, university-industry collaboration, and increased public tech procurement as well as ease barriers to entrepreneurship and innovation.
Kola Aina, Founder and General Partner of Ventures Platform Fund, explained that the bill is being proposed to provide an enabling environment for the growth of startups and guard against different challenges faced by startups.
According to him, the bill will address the seemingly disruptive regulations, lack of regulatory certainty and weak infrastructure like broadband, open data, and digital platforms that limit the optimization of the many benefits of the digital economy.
Consequently, the NSB will serve as common ground for the tech community and regulators, enabling founders to build with more confidence as well as providing regulators with the tools to ensure that consumers are adequately protected.

SOURCE: thejournalnigeria.com

© 2021 – May University Press Limited

The Journal

The United Kingdom (UK) has confirmed that Nigeria will be effectively removed from its travel red list, allowing free entry of flights and travellers with minimal conditions into the UK. However, the federal government is yet to receive an official memo that puts the agreement into practice, as of this morning.

The travel ban, which lasted 10 days, limited the travel of thousands of Nigerians, some of whom had already paid air tickets for trips to the English country.


In the same way, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has adjusted its stance on welcoming Nigerian flag carrier, Air Peace airline, into the country, with approval of seven weekly slots into the Dubai International Airport, Dubai. This comes as a mighty relief to the population of Nigerians who are optimistic about travelling to the Holy City for Hajj.

However, the offer from the UAE is in contrast to the preferred proposition by the airline, which is currently considering operations at Sharjah Airport. Reliable sources have now confirmed that an amicable resolution has been reached between the two parties.

The emergence of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 had prompted the UK government to reintroduce the red list as a means to avoid another Covid saga, following the harsh impacts of Covid-19 that the country had experienced in 2020. Asides from Nigeria, other countries affected by the ban include Angola, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Botswana, Eswatini, South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Sajid Javid, the Health Secretary, mentioned yesterday that the Covid variant had already spread so wide in the state that such rules, despite its limitation, would have little effect.


“Now that there is community transmission of Omicron in the UK and Omicron has spread so widely across the world, the travel red list is now less effective in slowing the incursion of Omicron from abroad,” Javid told UK Parliament.

“While we will maintain our temporary testing measures for international travel, we will be removing all 11 countries from the travel red list effective from 4 a.m. Wednesday morning.”

As it stands, travellers from the red list countries must pre-book a 10day self-isolation hotel stay. The bills to live in such government-approved quarantine hotels run into thousands of pounds. Yet, complaints abound of a clear dissatisfaction with the hotel’s organization and food.

SOURCE: thejournal.com

© 2021 – May University Press Limited

President Muhammadu Buhari will be traveling out of Nigeria to Istanbul on Thursday to attend the third Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit, hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Turkey.
The theme of the Summit according to the organisers of the event is ‘‘Enhanced Partnership for Common Development and Prosperity’’ and the agenda includes reviewing the cooperation between African countries and Turkey since the last Summit in 2014.
Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, made this known in a statement on Thursday morning.
The third Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit is coming on the heels of President Erdogan’s recent State visit to Nigeria during which several agreements in the fields of energy, defence industry, mining and hydrocarbons were signed to expand existing bilateral ties.
The Turkish leader had during the visit to Nigeria, affirmed his commitment to immediately expand the volume of trade between the two countries to 5 billion dollars and the Nigerian delegation will seize the opportunity of the gathering in Istanbul to enhance cooperation with other partners for more trade and investment opportunities in the country.
It is expected that the Summit would provide guidelines and direction for cooperation with African countries for the next five years.
President Buhari will be accompanied on the trip by his wife, Aisha Buhari; the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Defence, Maj-Gen. Bashir Magashi (Rtd); FCT, Mohammed Bello; Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; Agriculture, Mohammed Abubakar; Industry, Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo; the National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (Rtd); and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.
The President is expected back in Abuja on Sunday, December 19.

SOURCE: thejournalnigeria.com


© 2021 – May University Press Limited

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have struck along the Kaduna-Zaria highway killing a member of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rilwanu Aminu Gadagau, and abducted many others.
It was gathered that the incident happened on Monday night, and that the lawmaker’s body was recovered from a nearby bush where it was dumped.

The Clerk, Kaduna State House of Assembly, Bello Zubairu, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Kaduna on Wednesday.
The late lawmaker represented Giwa West Constituency in the Assembly and was the Chairman of the Committee on Local Government and Rural Development of House before his death.
Reacting to the development, the Speaker of the State House Assembly, Yusuf Zailani described the lawmaker death as devastating and a great loss to the people of kaduna state.
In a statement signed by his Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, Ibrahim Danfulan on Wednesday, he stated that the remains of the lawmaker were discovered in a morgue on Wednesday, among those killed by bandits on Monday night along Kaduna-Zaria Highway.
“He died during bandits attack along Zaria highway. This is tragic and painful. We are in deep grief over this sad incident.
“Our prayers at this time goes to his immediate family. Honourable Gadagau was a young and dynamic lawmaker, who had a passion for his constituency, state, and Nigeria. We will miss his vibrant contributions,” the statement concluded.
Kaduna has been a hub for the activities of bandits with daily reports of attacks and deaths of innocent civilians. The government recently joined neighbouring states like Katsina. Zamfara to shutdown its telecommunications networks in a bid to disrupt the activities of bandits and support the military onslaught.

SOURCE: thejournalnigeria.com


© 2021 – May University Press Limited

Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari has revealed that Assassins were responsible for the murder of Rabe Nasir, the deceased Commissioner of Science & Technology in the state.
Masari who spoke on the incident on Tuesday after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa, described the killing as an “assassination,” saying it had nothing to do with banditry.
According to him“The incident we had last week had nothing to do with banditry attack. It was purely an assassination by unknown killers, which the police and other security agencies are working round the clock to unravel what happened,” he said.
He disclosed that, “because my commissioner was killed by an unknown assassin and not a single pin was stolen in his house, you could see that this was a pure crime that has to be fully investigated for us to know the root causes and why.”
He said the north-west states need to adopt a uniform policy in order to tackle the insecurity bedevilling the zone, adding that, if states continue to adopt different policies, bandits and terrorists will always get away with crimes.
“I think what is most important for us to succeed in fighting these bandits is for all of us in the states, especially the north-western states, to take the pains and work together to make sure that we block all the loopholes,” he said.
He further pointed out that, “if one state has a policy and another has a different one, certainly they (bandits) will always be moving from one state to another. Luckily enough, we are already working closely with states that border us, like Nasarawa and Niger, to bring the problem to a manageable and tolerable level.”
Masari however said the security situation in the state has improved, given the drop in the rate of crime, noting that, I think if we are talking about banditry, certainly we have seen some improvement; we cannot say normalcy has returned but there is an improvement.
“When we had a comparative analysis before the issuance of the security containment order, what we saw in three months when we compared, was a drastic drop of over 100 percent in terms of the rate of kidnappings, killings and their associated crimes with banditry. So, the incident we had last week had nothing to do with banditry.” Masari said.


SOURCE: thejournalnigeria.com

© 2021 – May University Press Limited

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Assassins Killed Katsina Commissioner, Not Bandits – Masari
By Oche Samson on December 14 2021
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Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari has revealed that Assassins were responsible for the murder of Rabe Nasir, the deceased Commissioner of Science & Technology in the state.
Masari who spoke on the incident on Tuesday after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa, described the killing as an “assassination,” saying it had nothing to do with banditry.
According to him“The incident we had last week had nothing to do with banditry attack. It was purely an assassination by unknown killers, which the police and other security agencies are working round the clock to unravel what happened,” he said.
He disclosed that, “because my commissioner was killed by an unknown assassin and not a single pin was stolen in his house, you could see that this was a pure crime that has to be fully investigated for us to know the root causes and why.”
He said the north-west states need to adopt a uniform policy in order to tackle the insecurity bedevilling the zone, adding that, if states continue to adopt different policies, bandits and terrorists will always get away with crimes.
“I think what is most important for us to succeed in fighting these bandits is for all of us in the states, especially the north-western states, to take the pains and work together to make sure that we block all the loopholes,” he said.
He further pointed out that, “if one state has a policy and another has a different one, certainly they (bandits) will always be moving from one state to another. Luckily enough, we are already working closely with states that border us, like Nasarawa and Niger, to bring the problem to a manageable and tolerable level.”
Masari however said the security situation in the state has improved, given the drop in the rate of crime, noting that, I think if we are talking about banditry, certainly we have seen some improvement; we cannot say normalcy has returned but there is an improvement.
“When we had a comparative analysis before the issuance of the security containment order, what we saw in three months when we compared, was a drastic drop of over 100 percent in terms of the rate of kidnappings, killings and their associated crimes with banditry. So, the incident we had last week had nothing to do with banditry.” Masari said.


SOURCE: thejournalnigeria.com

© 2021 – May University Press Limited

Crystal Meth: A Dagger Drawn At The Heart Of The Economy Of Eastern Nigeria

A menace has slammed itself into the atmosphere of Nigeria. It is one of the most threatening monstrous plagues in our civic space right now. It has drained life from thousands of vibrant youths in eastern Nigeria.

Early September, I saw a picture of a substance on social media, the substance looked more like bits of ice to me, but I didn’t take serious note of it until recently when a video showing demented young men in total stupor after consuming this “glassy” substance.


What was this substance? In eastern Nigeria, it is called meth, the Igbo language connotation of shining glass. In actuality, this substance is called Crystal Methamphetamine, a highly addictive drug that affects the central nervous system. It is also commonly called Crystal meth. Sources reveal that there is no legal use for this drug. It comes in clear crystal pieces or shiny blue-white rocks. It is called “ice” as well. It is this look that gave it the Igbo name, ‘meth’.

It is a man-made stimulant that has been around for years now. During World War II, soldiers were given Crystal meth to keep them awake to be confident enough to fight. The effects of this substance are not exact, as different users have distinct episodes concerning the substance. There is no uniformity of effect.

One of the users elucidated that the drug gives a lot of energy to carry out activities he couldn’t carry out in absence of the drug, he said he could walk from a very long distance without feeling exhausted, to be precise, a walk of about 6 kilometers. It is now clear that users feel confident and energetic.

Another user expressed that this drug provokes a lot of pleasure and he wouldn’t want to feel anything without being under the influence of this drug. Plainly, this is an addictive drug, as users get hooked right from the first trial.


According to research by drugfreeworld.org, Crystal meth burns up the body’s resources, creating a devastating dependence that can only be relieved by taking more of the drug. Consequently, it is one of the hardest drug addictions to treat and many die under its grip.

This is a terrifying cognizance and the substance needs to be investigated by relevant authorities such as the NDLEA( National Drug Law Enforcement Agency) and the NAFDAC( National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control).

Albeit the main source of the substance is yet to be confirmed, some have postulated that Crystal meth came in from the northern part of the country while many young people in the east embraced it in their thousands, others feel it was imported into the country through the southeastern border.

Irrespective of the source of the substance, there is an urgent necessity to stop the use of this drug, as the future of the country’s working population, especially in the south-east would depend on such effort.

In less than one year of crystal meth, the southeastern part of Nigeria has lost thousands of vibrant young men to this drug.Gladly, many prominent individuals of Igbo extraction, politicians, celebrities, and community heads, have expressed worries over the effects of this substance and are using their positions to fight this devastation awaiting a generation of Nigerians.


Are there solutions to this fast-growing problem? The punishment allotted to the users and addicts in most eastern societies is somewhat unnecessary and vile. There are more civil ways to handle specific situations, addiction isn’t an issue that goes away by the use of force, rather it is an issue of mental health, and should be treated as such.

Unfortunately, in Nigeria, we don’t have the basic mental health facilities to handle matters like these.Studies by the American addiction center have shown that using Crystal meth can result in dependence and addiction, and can be harmful to the body and mind over time. It creates changes in the brain that can endure for long periods and most times, they are only partially reversible. With that being explained, Can vile punishments reverse long-term effects? A lot of education would be needed in this area.

Considering that we are truly concerned about our youths, it’s understandable to panic and wants to jump to any kind of help right away but we must also establish that dealing with substance use isn’t so straightforward.


We have seen the lawmaker representing Ideato North in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Innocent Egwim, voice his anxiety that if nothing is done to checkmate this unfortunate direction and get the youths of the state to say no to the consumption of ‘meth’ and other such drugs, the future of the state would be precarious.

The lawmaker opined that the consumption of meth has rendered some of “our youths useless by making them mad and sending some to their early graves as its consumption is often associated with health hazards.

Crystal meth use can also lead to mood swings and behavioral changes, therefore, the first help should come from the family or home of any suspected user. After noticing some symptoms associated with its use, family members must work towards terminating the use of the substance and this should be done gradually.

Secondly, communication is crucial, having a conversation with the addict would make a big difference in the outcome. We tell them how much we care about them and point out our observations with a stance on support and not condemnation.

Basically, listening to them as well is very vital, they might even be open-minded enough to explain why they started using it in the first place, we all know there’s usually a motive behind drug use and abuse. This would give us more insight into how we can best help them.

Additionally, there is nothing as thoughtful as encouragement, reminding the youths of their strengths, achievements and the people who care about them can help them feel more motivated to keep working towards an early recovery.The best solution to a mental health problem is compassionate support and collective responsibility.This is a time to join forces to fight this menace as swiftly as possible, no matter the differences, we all have a common enemy called meth (Crystal meth). If this substance is left unchecked, it will spread to other parts of the country. If the spread continues, we would realize that the current influence of tramadol, cocaine, and heroin would be a child’s play.

Source: thejournalnigeria.com

Last week, a 12-year-old boy, Sylvester Oromoni passed on in the course of nursing several internal injuries reportedly sustained after he was beaten by his fellow students who were bullying him at a boarding school, Dowen College, Lagos state.
Ever since, the incident has concerns about the safety and security of students in boarding schools all over the nation..
Before the incident, a story leading to the death of 14-year-old Karen-Happuch Aondodoo Akpagher of Premier Academy, Lugbe, Abuja, sparked conflict as the school allegedly made attempts at covering the real cause of her death.
Concerned Nigerians, who responded to the reports of an increased bullying of juniors by the senior ones in boarding schools, enjoined the government to delve into the incidents and happenings in our boarding schools, stating that a lot of evil is being perpetrated there.

Reacting, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) said names of students mentioned in the attack that led to the demise of Sylvester should be immediately arrested for interrogations no matter how highly placed their parents are.There must not be any sacred cow as all of them must be arrested, adequately interrogated, and charged if found culpable.
NANS national president, Asefon Adedayo Sunday further said that the principal and the house master of the College whose lackadaisical attitude led to the attack and death of the student and who had allegedly led astray the parents of the deceased victim and the members of the public on the cause of Sylvester should be arrested with an immediate effect for a thorough investigation.
He also enjoined foreign missions in Nigeria not to allow students who had been fingered in the attack leading to the death of Sylvester Oromoni to gain entry into their countries until the investigation is concluded.
“We note that if the allegation against these students is investigated to be true, they must be considered a threat in any country and they do not represent our country Nigeria as we cannot guarantee they will not constitute a greater threat to your country and its people.
“It is therefore important for them to be cleared of any wrongdoing in the death before allowing them access to your countries. Also if any of them has sneaked into your country, it is in the best interest of the security of your country to deport such to first clear their name in Nigeria before given access to stay in your country”

Unlike other schools, boarding students, apart from having classes together, eat and live in the same house. Most times, they are only separated when they all go home to their parents or guardians during holidays.
While there is no way to make a broad conclusion as to whether boarding schools are good or bad, some recent developments in Nigeria have triggered public outrage as many share their experiences.
A parent who identified himself as Justice Ayeni said the recent occurrence at Lagos boarding school where a 12-year old was bullied to death raises the need for the government to look more into the boarding system of our secondary school. “A lot of evil is happening there, it is no longer properly managed like before and Parents should do their own duties, we have a lot of untrained children from these so-called rich parents.The The Toxicity coming out from boarding school now is more than the advantages. I think the mysterious death of Sylvester Oromoni, the 12 year-old student of Dowen College, should elicit a debate on the relevance of boarding school in this age, the horrible stories of bullying, cheating and stealing, perpetrated in boarding schools cannot encourage me to send my children to boarding school no matter how well packaged they are.An environment full of fear, bullying, intimidation and oppression, cannot produce brilliant children,” he concluded.

source: thejournalnigeria.com