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Residents of Byazhin Across, Kubwa a suburb in the Bwari Area Council of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja who have long clamored government’s intervention to fix their deplorable road have been rescued from their misery by “Able women.”

The group which is made up of 10 women has taken it upon themselves to fix the road which has long been abandoned in an unmotorable manner causing untold hardship on motorists.

In an exclusive interview with African News Today, the group said their action was inspired by the desire to uplift their community in the face of utter neglect by successive governments in the Bwari Area Council of FCT.

The leader of the group who simply identified herself as Mrs. Shita said, “The road has been causing mishap and avoidable accidents to motorists, pregnancies have been lost and our children have been injured at different times. Efforts by our husbands to fix the road have yielded no fruit thereby prompting us to take it upon ourselves to bring the much-needed change.”

Commenting on how they generated money to embark on the project, Mrs Shita said they began collection of money from road users sometime in 2019 after which they started filing of potholes with pebbles but actual laying of concrete started two months ago.

“We collect money in the region of N20, N50 and N100 daily from motorists plying the road,” she replied.

Speaking on the importance of the road, Shita said the road connects Kubwa to Bwari and leads to Minna, Niger State as well. Presently, the women are constructing the road from the St. Barnabas Anglican church to Byzhin police station. They said work will continue towards Byazhin across when the first phase is completed.

In a separate reaction, Kadiyat Yunusa Princess, the group’s engineer who has lived in the area for more than 12 years said, “I am the one constructing the road. After the funds have been raised, I am saddled with recruiting labour force to execute the construction while I monitor them to ensure proper work is done.

“We’re setting example for other communities to fix their road without depending on government. We are equally pledging our services to government to execute any project that the government deems fit. We have the capacity to construct road beyond our locality.”

“We haven’t faced any resistance from any quarters. We have enjoyed the support and goodwill of all residents and motorists alike.  They have all urged us to continue the work.” She concluded.

The Able Women group acknowledged the effort of spirited individuals and churches who have contributed generously to the success of the road project and urged the government to intervene to ensure the completion of the road.


Source: https://africannewstoday.com/politics/exclusive-women-in-abuja-community-take-on-repair-of-abandoned-road-pledge-readiness-to-partner-with-government/

There was no shortage of spectacular scenes as President Muhammadu Buhari’s daughter, Hanan and her groom, Mohammed Turad wedded on Friday.

The lavish wedding which had its planners flown in from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, according to reports by Sahara Reporters saw the rain of naira as guests sprayed money on the couple during their dance.

The extravagant ceremony comes on the heels of increment of the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol by President Buhari’s administration from N145 to N160, causing attendant hardship on many households in the country.

In a video of the lavish ceremony tagged 'The First Wedding' for being the first of its kind to hold inside Aso Villa, Nigeria's seat of power, and seen by AfricaNewsTodays, guests were seen gathered close to the couple and spraying naira notes, breaching the COVID-19 safety guidelines in the process.

The groom, Turad is the son of an ex-lawmaker from Kaduna State, while Hanan, one of Buhari's daughter's, obtained a degree in Photography from Ravensbourne University in England.

Watch video below;


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukv3K0Q-kRo

source: https://africannewstoday.com/entertainment/money-rain-as-president-buharis-daughter-hanan-weds-see-video/

The Nigerian Red Cross Society in Enugu State have sensitised women of Agulu, Umana community in Ezeagu Local Government Area (LGA) on safe pregnancy practices and hygiene promotion on the occasion of their just concluded annual August Conference.

Speaking during the exercise, the Health Coordinator of the Red Cross in the state, Mrs. Jessie Maduekwe admonished the women to imbibe the habit of good personal and environmental hygiene which she said is a "win for everyone except the germs."

Maduekwe who further described safe motherhood as a time of expectation and joy for a woman, her family and the entire community stressed the need for expecting mothers to take good care of themselves during pregnancy by ensuring healthy nutritious diet and ante-natal care.

"Eating nutritious diet is very vital for women and their babies during pregnancy. It ensures that the woman and her baby stay healthy and it also reduces the risk of birth defects, she said.

The health coordinator added that ante-natal can detect and prevent early complications during pregnancy.

She said, "It is also important for expecting mothers to visit the hospital and health centres for ante-natal and routine checkup. This help prevent, identify and treat conditions that may threaten the health of the new born and the mother."

While appreciating the Red Cross, the leader of the group Mrs. Anthonia Onwurah said it was an eye-opening encounter as most women in the community were ignorant of this all-important process.

"I want to commend the Red Cross for the good work they are doing especially in the rural areas. Today we have learnt alot about good hygiene and safe motherhood. In our community, majority of us have not been taking these practices serious but seeing how valuable it is, we will henceforth do the right thing,” Onwurah said.

The high point of the exercise was the distribution of washing soups and face masks to the women.

source: https://africannewstoday.com/health/red-cross-advocates-for-safe-motherhood-as-women-conclude-august-meeting/

The Nigerian Red Cross Society, Enugu Chapter has asked residents of flood prone areas in Enugu State to relocate to safer ground as it aims to avert loss of lives and properties in the event of flood.

The call was made when the group embarked on a sensitization campaign in Enugu along with other stakeholders to educate the residents on flood preparedness, mitigation and response.

It comes after predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) that 2020 will witness heavy rainfall with potential flood.

Speaking during the exercise, the Disaster Management Coordinator of the Red Cross in Enugu, Michael Morris admonished members of the public to be observant and on alert throughout the rainy season and report any flood incident to the appropriate authorities.

Morris said, "From the reports we have, we are expecting a rise in water level any time soon and it is important that we prepare ourselves, to avoid been taken unawares by flood.

"When we know what to do before, during and after flood, it reduces the amount of what could be lost in the process and we advise that communities take this message seriously and report any flood incident to the appropriate authority."

Also speaking, the South-East Zonal Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Fred Anusim said that the exercise was part of the Agency's proactive measures to send early warning messages to communities on the imminent flooding as predicted.

Anusim noted that the essence of the massive sensitization was to save lives and property.

While advising state governments to open up blocked drainage and provide proper waste management practices, Anusim further urged those in flood prone areas to migrate upland to safer ground.



Source: https://africannewstoday.com/africa/nigeria/relocate-upland-to-safer-ground-red-cross-tells-residents-of-flood-prone-communities-as-nimet-raises-flood-alert/

In 2017, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) was established by the NIMC Act No. 23 with the mandate to establish, own, operate, maintain and manage the National Identity Database in Nigeria. The commission was tasked with the responsibility of registering persons covered by the Act, assign a unique National Identity Number (NIN) and issue General Multi-Purpose Cards (GMPC) to those captured

The commission headed by Aliyu Aziz issues National e-ID card, verifies identity as well as harmonize and authenticates data. While the NIN can be assigned to every Nigerian and legal residents without age limitations, the National e-ID card can only be given to Nigerians and legal residents registered in the database who are 16 and above.

For a commission that plays such a critical role in national development, a lot is desired from the agency. Just like most government and private sector businesses, NIMC has had a fair share of the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic. This development has forced it to shut down some of its offices in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. This has made the process of registering for the NIN more difficult than usual.

A visit to NIMC headquarters at Wuse Zone 5, will expose one to a mammoth crowd waiting to be enrolled in the database.  The delay caused by the long queues is worsened by constant network glitches faced during capturing. Given the relevance of the NIN and the far-reaching use of the Electronic Identity Information (e-ID) which the commission issues to Nigerians, it is not hard to fathom why a lot of Nigerians seek to enroll and acquire the e-ID card.

However, the crowd at the NIMC headquarters which can be attributed to closure of some of its branches in the FCT has forced people to seek alternative. One of the few alternatives is the commission’s office at Zone 3, Wuse. The office complex which NIMC shares with the Federal Character Commission (FCC) set up to provide succor to people who are unable to access the service at the headquarters seem to be doing little to help the situation

The office has proven itself to be an avenue for corrupt practices and unethical behaviour by staff of the commission. A visit to the office on a typical day would expose one to a huge number of people seeking to enroll. For one to be considered to gain entrance into the capturing hall, security personnel stationed at the entrance have to be tipped. Often times, defiant citizens who fail to comply are either denied access or forced to wait for extended hours.

People who are willing to offer tips are given expedited service while non-compliant citizens are made to wait in queue and sometimes made to return on a later date, citing network glitch as challenge. This has made the process more tedious for the ordinary citizen to be enrolled in the database.

Added to the challenge of evident corruption in the processing of getting enrolled in the database is the delay of the commission in issuing e-ID cards to qualified citizens who have been captured. Most times, people have to wait for ages before being issued the original cards. Individuals captured are usually issued paper bearing their NIN, which ought to be temporary.

These challenges are defeating the rationale behind establishing such a commission that has the capacity to unify Nigerian database. As a country that is yet to adopt a unified system of database for its citizens, the filling of loopholes in the NIMC should be prioritised and addressed for the growth of the commission. Nigerians should not be made to pass through such stress or left at the mercy of corrupt civil servants who are been paid to carry out a mandate.

The e-ID card doesn’t just have the capacity to be used for financial transactions but could be used for travel purposes. As a result, registration and collection centres should be increased not just in the FCT but across the federation. The commission should equally engage in sensitization to inform the masses of the usefulness of the NIN as well as make the process less strenuous.

With multiplication of database in Nigeria such as the voters’ card, International passport and Bank Verification Number (BVN), it has become imperative that Nigeria adopt a unified identification database. NIMC if well positioned could serve the purpose. It is unexpected that civil servants who are on the payroll of the government should exploit the masses for selfish interest.

The management of the NIMC should take urgent steps at repositioning and setting it on a path of development. NIMC if effectively managed hold a massive potential for the growth of Nigeria. Being an alternative means of identification to international passport which costs a fortune to procure, it is necessary that NIMC would critically look at its organization and redress.



Source: http://africannewstoday.com/politics/nimc-and-the-corrupt-process-of-obtaining-a-national-identity-number-need-to-reform-commission/

It is sad how human life is regarded in Nigeria

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has claimed that 21 of its members were killed in a violent clash with security operatives and 47 others arrested in Emene, Enugu State on Sunday.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has also alleged that two of its operatives were killed by members of the IPOB.

The claims were made by the IPOB and SSS in separate statements on Sunday.

The clash  left residents of the neighborhood gripped with fear as armed police officers and soldiers were deployed to ensure normalcy returns to the area.

DSS: IPOB killed two of our operatives

Department of State Services in a statement by Peter Afunanya, its spokesperson, accused the IPOB of attacking its patrol team in Emene, leading to the death of two of its personnel.

Afunanya said, “The Service lost two personnel in what was clearly an unprovoked violent attack launched by IPOB on the team,” Mr Afunanya said.

The service expressed grief at the death of the operatives while condoling with their families.

According to the spokesperson, “However, all measures have been put in place to ensure that their killers and everyone involved in this dastardly act are promptly apprehended and brought to justice. Consequently, a full-scale investigation will be carried out with regard to the incident.

“Once again, the Service reaffirms its commitment to assiduously work with other security agencies to maintain public safety and order. It, therefore, urges law abiding citizens and residents to go about their normal businesses without fear.”

IPOB: “Security Operatives killed 21 IPOB members and arrested 47 for just no cause”

IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful in a communique claimed security operatives killed 21 of its members and arrested 47 others in the bloody clash.

African News Today could not verify the claims on casualty but a video obtained from an eye witness shows dead bodies who are claimed to be victims of the clash.

Powerful said, “The Nigerian government and her security agencies have once again exhibited another crude round of killing and massacre against the peaceful and unarmed IPOB family members in Enugu State”

“We are surprised how Nigerian security agencies in their respective formations like army, police and DSS will be slaughtering our people without any provocation.

“This rampant killing of innocent members of IPOB will be reciprocated in due cause. IPOB members have been slaughtered and arrested in their numbers across different locations in Enugu State today Sunday 23rd August 2020”

“We MUST warn and put the whole world on notice that Nigerian Government and her security operatives should stop killing our people because we are peaceful organisation with the mandate of restoring Biafra sovereignty within shortest period,”

The spokesperson went on to recount IPOB’s version of the cause of the clash.

Powerful stated security operatives invaded a building when IPOB members were holding a meeting, shooting sporadically.

“Today, the Nigerian security personnel stormed IPOB meeting ground in Enugu and started shooting sporadically which consumed lives of 21 members and 47 arrested for just no cause or provocation,” Mr Powerful said.

He added that bodies of killed IPOB members were taken away by the security personnel.

Powerful dismissed claims made by DSS that the group killed its operatives, stating that IPOB members are peaceful and unarmed.

“It is laughable for DSS to be claiming that they lost five personnel in the hands of unarmed and Peaceful people. It is clear to all that IPOB doesn’t indulge or carry arm or involve with any object. IPOB is a peaceful movement and we must remain so till Biafra is totally achieved”, he added.

“The security in the whole world must understand that keeping quiet and following the rule of law should not be construed as weakness on the part of IPOB.”

“IPOB is a well rooted movement committed fully on the pursuit for Biafra freedom and independence from Nigeria. We are not a violent group and there is nothing they can do to change our resolve to maintain peace and order in our land.

“The efforts of the Nigeria government and her partners in crime in trying to push IPOB to change their tactics will amount to vanity”.

“We are warning and asking Nigeria government and her security operatives to stop this atrocity immediately. Why have they refused to confront Fulani terrorists herdsmen, Boko Haram terrorists, Ansaru group, Fulani bandits, ISIS and other groups ravaging the country and busy killing innocent and unarmed citizens of IPOB?”

Mr Poweful said “those responsible for this barbaric killing in Enugu today must pay for their actions against IPOB at the appropriate time.”



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E15--1ZkQNs

Source: http://africannewstoday.com/politics/violent-clash-in-enugu-claims-lives-of-21-ipob-members-two-dss-operatives-see-video/

Aswear!

ODJ124:
Let FG initiate this in all parts of Nigeria.... Make boys they get some change..

I think every state of the federation should look at adopting this measure

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Ramatu Tijani has launched a waste management initiative tagged “Cash 4 Trash” recycling hub in Nyanya, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC)as part of effort to rid the city of indiscriminate refuse disposal.
The minister while flashing off the project, stated that the scheme was introduced to encourage healthy environment and control erosion in the city, noting that blockage of drainage systems has been the bane of flooding in some parts of the territory.
Tijani lauded the effort of WASTE Africa and the FCT Satellite Towns Development Department for what she described as a laudable initiative.
According to a statement by Austin Elemue, Special Adviser on Media to the FCT Minister of State, the minister said, “This scheme will go a long way in controlling blockages on our streets and drainages by ensuring that waste is exchanged for cash. Trash to wealth will also empower our youths to earn legitimate income.”
“The era of sitting down and doing nothing has gone. The Federal Capital territory Administration through the Satellite Towns development Department is partnering with all these bodies and more to ensure that you can pick up some litres and get some money”.
“The scheme will empower the youths and at the same time clean the environment. This is an igneous way of getting money through trash. So, I want to congratulate Nyanya women and youths and also call on them to ensure that they use this scheme judiciously by picking up some litres that can be exchanged for wealth”.
In her remarks, the Convener of WASTE Africa, Ms. Funto Boroffice noted that Abuja lacks recycling plants, hence the need to introduce it in the nation’s capital.
She stated that WASTE Africa has been able to establish seven recycling hubs in the country with support of Coca Cola Foundation.

source: http://www.africannewstoday.com/politics/cash-for-trash-recycle-hub-fct-launches-waste-management-initiative/

Mutinying solders have reportedly arrested Mali’s President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse.

Clips have surfaced on social media showing a convoy of vehicles surrounded by troops with a statement by a leader of the mutinying soldiers confirming the arrest.

"We can tell you that the president and the prime minister are under our control," the leader, who requested anonymity, told AFP. He added that the pair had been "arrested" at Keita's residence in the capital Bamako.

Earlier, Cisse urged mutinying soldiers to stand down and called for dialogue to resolve the situation.

Reports of the mutiny first emerged after gunfire was heard at an army base outside the capital, Bamako.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in a statement condemned the mutiny, saying it will derail the gains it has been making at bringing lasting peace in the country.

It said, "This mutiny comes at a time when, for several months now, ECOWAS has been taking initiatives and conducting mediation efforts with all the Malian parties," the 15-nation bloc said in a statement. "ECOWAS calls on all soldiers to return to their barracks without delay."

The mutiny has also been condemned by France and the U.S.

The latest occurrence comes amidst a political crisis in Mali, where thousands of protesters had taken to the streets of the capital city, calling for the resignation of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.

Disputed local election and perceived corruption prompted protests in June, led by opposition coalition.

Source: http://www.africannewstoday.com/politics/mutinying-soldiers-arrest-malis-president-and-prime-minister/

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has justified government’s borrowing to finance infrastructure, saying there is nothing bad with it.

He disclosed this while on an inspection tour of the Lagos-Ibadan railway project.

According to Mohammed, “We didn’t borrow money for services.”

“We didn’t borrow money for overhead expenditure. We borrowed money for capital projects – rail, road, bridges, power, general infrastructure.

“There is nothing bad in borrowing, provided that borrowing is invested in infrastructure, especially when it will create jobs, create an enabling environment for the economy.”

The Minister expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done on the Lagos-Ibadan rail project.

“I am very excited,” he said. “When I got into the train this morning, it was as clean and modern as any coach anywhere in the world.

“I was also quite impressed with the passion of the Honourable Minister (of Transportation). You can see that every point in time, he is pushing the contractors, saying ‘look, I can’t wait till October, I will come back in four weeks’ time,’ because we want to be able to deliver this kind of infrastructure to Nigerians.”



Source: http://www.africannewstoday.com/politics/lai-mohammed-justifies-borrowing-to-finance-infrastructure/

Says it will deploy all lawful means to protect national security asset
Aviation Minister applauds Buhari, Ugwuanyi’s intervention


The federal government, on Thursday, vowed to apply all lawful means to prosecute one Arch. John J. Emejulu, who was responsible for the destruction of the concrete perimeter fence, covering about 2km, being erected at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, as part of the ongoing rehabilitation of the airport.

Speaking to newsmen after inspecting the site to ascertain the level of destruction, the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, expressed deep sadness that the perpetrator could take such an unlawful act by destroying a “national security asset”, at a time the federal government was in the course of delivering the Enugu airport, on August 30, as promised.

Narrating what transpired, Sirika disclosed that “while the procurement (of the Enugu airport rehabilitation) was going on, a certain cantankerous individual by name Arch. J.J. Emejulu came with bulldozers and hundreds of armed thugs and destroyed more than 2km of our fence”.

The Minister, who described the action as unfortunate, unbecoming and unacceptable, said that “he (Emejulu) has given the government the opportunity to show how not to willfully destroy public asset belonging to over 200 million people”.

While reiterating the commitment of the federal government to the reopening of the Enugu airport on August 30, as earlier promised, Sirika, expressed dismay that in spite of the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari, to bring the airport back to its glory, with the nation’s limited resources and “at this very austere time”, to contribute to trade and commerce as well as guarantee safety of air travelers, “a certain cantankerous individual appeared from nowhere with bulldozers and destroyed this national security asset”.

“It is a wrong time to test our resolve. The individual will certainly be dealt with maximally without recourse. I am sure he will regret doing this and of course this is also an opportunity for government to show that no one can take the law into his hands and willfully destroy national asset belonging to 200 million of all of us.

“This will certainly be the end of this kind of recklessness. We will not forgive him. The Chief of Air Staff, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General, DSS, others, will be directed to do the needful and bring him to book, so that anybody who would contemplate doing something like this in future will have a rethink.

“We are government in place; we are not a lawless country; we are not in a banana republic, we are in the Federal Republic of Nigeria governed by laws. Certainly, this is not acceptable and I am sure that we are equal to the task of rising in defence of our national asset”, the Minister maintained.

Sirika who thanked President Buhari “for his wisdom to allow this procurement to continue by providing the money, also appreciated the South East Governors, especially Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who he said “has helped us in this procurement and has responded to all our requests for the actualization of this laudable project”.

He noted that Gov. Ugwuanyi visited the site of the destroyed fence earlier and was at the airport to meet with him over the matter, stressing that it shows his level of commitment to the realization of the Enugu airport project.

Also on the inspection tour were the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command, NAF, Enugu, Air Vice Marshal Idi Amin, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Capt. Hamisu Rabiu Yadudu, the Enugu Airport Manager, Member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Hon. Prince Cornelius Nnaji, Mrs. Cecilia Oguama, the Chairman, South East Governors’ Forum Airport Rehabilitation/Palliative Works Committee, Engr. Chris Okoye, the Enugu State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Greg Nnaji, his Information counterpart, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, and the Chairman, Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, Dr. Josef Umunnakwe Onoh, among others.

source: http://www.africannewstoday.com/travel/enugu-airport-fence-destruction-fg-vows-to-bring-perpetrator-to-book/

Hanan, one of the daughters of President Muhammadu Buhari will organise her wedding ceremony inside the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Sahara Reporters published.

The marriage is scheduled to take place on September 4, 2020.

The wedding will mark the very first wedding to take place inside Aso Rock Villa, prompting the tag of the “The First wedding”.

Hanan will be getting married to Mohammed Turad, the son of erstwhile legislator, Alhaji Mahmud Sani Sha’aban, who represented Zaria in the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007.

Sha’aban is equally contested for governorship position in Kaduna State under the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria.

The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had earlier in June berated President Buhari for holding the National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the Presidential Villa.

The PDP termed the action as corrupt act as well as a desecration of the seat of power and national values.

The party alleged that Buhari could not separate party affairs from government activities, claiming that public funds might have been used in the process.

There had been reports that Wife of the President, Aisha Buhari flew to Dubai, United Arab Emirates to shop for expensive items for the wedding.



source: http://www.africannewstoday.com/politics/president-buharis-daughter-hanan-to-wed-inside-aso-villa/

The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has offered the support of the FCTA for the Niger State Government’s Smart city project at bother town, Suleja.

This was disclosed in a statement by Anthony Ogunleye, Chief Press Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in Abuja.

According to the statement, Malam Bello made the pledge at a meeting with a delegation from Niger State led by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, who expressed delight at the call for a partnership between the FCTA and Niger State.

The Minister, while conceding that the jurisdiction for such a laudable project in a historical city as Suleja, rests with the Niger State Government, however, observed that many of its beneficiaries would come from the FCT, hence the resolve to give maximum support and cooperation to the project.

He said, “We feel highly honoured and delighted that the government of Niger wants to partner with FCT in this project and that is why the entire management team, as well as the political leadership of the Area Council where this is going to take place, are here in today’s meeting.”

The Minister added that the FCTA will give all the needed support to make sure that the project comes to reality, more so because it is in line with President Buhari Muhammadu Buhari’s agenda to bring development to communities, create employment and bring about economic growth based on ICT, in line with global practice.

Applauding the rationale behind the smart city, he described it as a legacy project that will attract engineers of great repute, Malam Bello urged that it should be conceptualized to run on renewable clean energy.

On the issue of Committees to drive the project, the Minister assured that the FCTA was prepared to deploy necessary manpower to ensure its success.

Malam Bello said, “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.

“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,”

In his submission, the Secretary to the Government of Niger State solicited the partnership of the FCTA in the development of a Smart City situated on 11,000 hectares of land in Suleja as well as the establishment of a Suleja Smart Company to develop and manage the Smart City.

He went on to clarify that the land falls within the Abuja-Bwari Planning District as contained in the FCTA Master Plan and the State has already secured a grant from the South Korean Government and the services of an International Consultant to carry out Feasibility Study and to prepare for the Smart city.

On the scope of the project, the SSG said it would include smart buildings and associated infrastructure, an assembly plant for renewable energy systems and components, a training institute for the youth to learn how to assemble, repair and market renewable energy systems and components.

Others, he said, are, IT infrastructure for electric and autonomous vehicle as well as green house and hydroponic farms to produce fresh fruits and vegetable for the residents and for sale to Abuja and beyond.

source: http://www.africannewstoday.com/politics/fcta-to-partner-niger-state-government-on-suleja-smart-city-project/

It would seem a familiar scene in Nigeria to witness a squabble and exchange of punches in a motor park. But the events that took place at Michael Okpara Square in Enugu on Thursday took a different dimension, as medical doctors who ought to be life savers ended up injuring one another.
The case of Nigeria can best be related to that of a patient with varied organ challenges. Nigeria is like a patient whose body system needs urgent medical attention but the physicians who ought to attend to the patient are instead chasing after rats in the bush.
The Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) made a mockery of the medical profession and lent credence to the urgent need for institutions in Nigeria to be put under intensive care, when it turned its supposed election into leadership positions to a free for all fight which led to injury of varied degree to participants. The fight was as needless as it was thuggish and absurd for men and women of the dignified medical profession to resort to violence to settle grievance in their fold.
The NMA being the professional association for Nigerian doctors and dentists founded in 1951 to regulate and coordinate medical practice in the country did not live up to its reputation in view of the electoral theatrics.
Prior to the election, the association had been embroiled in infighting and tussle between camps for the soul of the association. The crisis had led to the suspension of its Chairman, Dr. Ike Okwesili by a section of the association. The faction named Dr. Onyekachi Ugwuonye, Vice Chairman of NMA as Acting Chairman pending the determination of the alleged misconduct by Okwesili. Also, there was a court injunction before the election which restrained the election from taking place but it went on nonetheless.
The aftermath of the insistence on going ahead to hold the election was a fight, akin to that which thugs exhibit at motor parks only that this time, the actors were different, so was the venue and their dressing. In a society where doctors inflict injuries on themselves during physical attacks, who do they run to afterwards for treatment? Do we now advocate for reversal of roles or relocation of thugs to hospitals while doctors occupy our parks or fly the flag of the country at wrestling or bouncing competitions?
With the 2021 Tokyo Olympics in sight, Nigerian doctors are staking a claim to be considered for a place in team Nigeria. The level at which office aspirants in the country descend to in their quest to grab power calls into question their motive and aspiration for seeking such positions. It is hard to fathom while a public office aspirant would condescend so low and resort to disruption of election process in order to make a point.
If such learned individuals could ignore the court as a medium to resolve conflict, what then do we as a society expect from less learned people. When there was already a subsisting court injunction restraining the conduct of the election, it would have been proper, fitting and ideal in a democratic setting that the actors and aggrieved individuals utilise the instrument of the court to seek for redress rather than take the law into their hands to disrupt the election.
The conduct of the election despite a court order which put it on hold calls to question the integrity of the judicial system. Nigerian court have sometimes been known to contradict itself by offering injunctions to whomever knocked on its doors such that sometimes when there are contradictory orders by courts of equal jurisdiction, it posses a challenge as to which to adhere to. A more organised and coordinated judicial system which melts proportionate fines and sentences to erring individuals is needed for the growth of institutions in Nigeria. With reference to Newton’s third law which says that action and reaction are equal and opposite, for the country to move forward, the judiciary has to rise to the challenge of issuing punishments which are proportionate to the crime of offenders. Perhaps, if the actors who pushed on with the election were mindful of the punishment of the court, they wouldn’t have gone on to organize the election.
Also, the faction which took the law into their hands might not have done so if they had confidence in the judiciary to overturn the process and render justice. There is more to be desired from a judiciary which recently issued N100,000 fine to Naira Marley in Lagos for disregarding a presidential directive on restriction of interstate travels and public gatherings to host a concert at Jabi Lake Mall, despite having received a whole lot more money in payment for the show. The same judiciary would sentence a petty thief to several years behind bars for pickpocketing. This does not in anyway imply justifying crime at any level or by any individual but rather a call for proportionate punishments for offenders.
Nigeria is not in any way new to unorthodox behaviour from its ruling class. Lawmakers have at several points in the past turned out to be lawbreakers. The Federal legislative chamber had at some point rewarded a lawmaker who made away with the maze with a dignified position in the hollowed chamber. Just like praise makes good people better, it equally serves to make bad people worse. If Nigeria continues to treat rot in its institution with kid gloves, the future can only get more bleak.
The Nigeria Medical Association as a body of intellectuals had dented the noble profession and actors who perpetrated the shameful act should be duly investigated and brought to book to help salvage what is left of our institutions and for the sake of the country’s global image. Internet has created a world without borders and the world is keenly watching as Nigeria desecrates and make mockery of its systems. The national leadership of the NMA and the relevant government agencies should be firm in its stance against the ignoble act of our life savers who had transformed to predators.

source: http://www.africannewstoday.com/politics/thugs-or-doctors-nma-and-another-challenged-system/

On 19 July, 2020 Multichoice Nigeria, organisers of the popular reality television show- Big Brother Naija (BBN) premiered the fifth edition of the show dubbed “Big Brother Naija Lockdown” to the excitement of vast Nigerians who have keenly been waiting for the commencement of the show.
The show which seeks to entertain viewers and reward winners who survive series of evictions decided by the viewers have overcome a barrage of criticism from holier than though audience to last up to the current fifth edition. BBN which was first aired in the Nigerian broadcast spectrum in 2006 took an 11 years hiatus after the maiden edition won by Katung Aduwak to make a comeback in 2017. BBN has been consistent since then. The season one produced the current host of the show, Ebuka Obi Uchendu, who is endeared to viewers due to his exquisite dress style.

14 years after its pioneer and three years after its comeback, the show has advanced from being hosted in South Africa to being staged in Lagos State, Nigeria. Interestingly, MultiChoice Nigeria announced a N25 million increment in cash prize to be won by the winner bringing the ultimate reward to N85 million worth of prizes. Winner of the season four, Mercy Eke had in 2019 claimed N60 million worth of prizes as the winner. The increment represents a N25 million rise. Among the items to be won are N30 million cash prize; a two-bedroom apartment; a top of the range SUV from indigenous automaker, Innoson Motors; a trip to Dublin; home appliances; a trip to Dubai; a year’s supply of Indomie noodles, munch it and Colgate toothpaste; a year’s supply of Pepsi, a branded chiller, trip to watch the UEFA Champions League finale; and a brand new Oppo mobile smartphone.

The added offerings by the organisers could be attributed to increased revenue generation from viewers’ voting through designated channels. The capacity to rapidly grow its revenue should serve as a model to both government and corporate bodies in Nigeria rather than its relevance being called into question. For such a show which relies enormously on viewership to generate revenue to have made so much progress within a short period of operation speaks volume on the inefficiency of government to duly capitalize on its teeming population to grow the economy and upscale job creation.

Despite the economic and financial growth of the BBN, some section of the society opposes the show citing its perceived role in inciting moral decadence. One would wonder which Nigerian would turn down an opportunity to take home N85 million after less than 99 days of lavish lifestyle in a state-of-the-art facility. Pertinent questions are necessary to grasp the rationale behind condemning such a lucrative and relieving reality broadcast, in a country where there are teeming population of skilled youths who are neither unemployed, unengaged nor empowered which alternatives are provided for youths yearning to earn an honest living? How many best graduating students from tertiary institutions have been rewarded with prizes close to that which BBN offers? How often and effective does government engaged in youth empowerment through financing of business plans? How many Nigerians have contributed either sparingly or otherwise to lift a youth out from the streets?

As the questions raised beg for answers, corporate bodies as well as business research institutes in Nigeria should study and adopt the BBN business growth masterplan to grow the stock of their business for better productivity. There is need to capitalize on the gains of the show rather than antagonize and malign a perfectly thought out business idea which has contributed to the empowerment and equipping of youths in the country rathe than promoting mischief and campaign of calumny against the programme.
As clearly stated in the programme guide, BBN is an 18+ parental guidance show which stipulates the age restriction of potential viewers. Parents and guardians who wish to restrain their wards from viewing the show could utilize available restrictive measures by MultiChoice to limit access to the channel.

In a country where there are arguably as many industries as there are churches, it is disheartening to note the level of decadence in values in Nigeria. The energy dissipated in downplaying BBN should rather be channeled towards advocacy for better governance and an end to corruption. If the country could rank 146 in the 2019 annual corruption perception index published by Transparency International, it remains to be seen how BBN has contributed to its plight. If its religiosity could not transmit to economic boom reflected in standard of living of the masses, there is no basis to kick against a show which has empowered more youths than the most administrations in the country. BBN has proven to serve to entertain and distract the masses from its barrage of corruption scandals perpetrated by the political class.

It is equally commendable to note the level of compliance to stipulated guidelines against COVID-19 by the Federal Government. The housemates were kept on two weeks isolation before entering the BBN house while other adjustments have been made to ensure safety. Such changes include barring live audience at eviction shows and discontinuation of use of ninjas.
Before any Nigerian is labelled as jobless for being an ardent follower of the show, conscious effort should be made at providing jobs and means of livelihood to the youths and skilled in the country.

source: http://www.africannewstoday.com/entertainment/between-big-brother-naija-and-the-accompanying-social-benefits/

The Ogun state Government plans a conditional approval for reopening of places of worship across the state from August 14, 2020 in absolute compliance to COVID-19 safety guidelines.
The state government also disclosed that schools will resume August 4, for students preparing for the recently approved senior school certificate examination organised by West African Examination Council (WAEC).
In a chat with journalists on Wednesday in Abeokuta, the state capital, the Ogun State Governor, Mr. Dapo Abiodun said his administration took the decision to reopen schools and worship centres after diligent consultation with relevant stakeholders.
He acknowledged the effort of League of Imams and Alfas as well as the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for standing on the side of government throughout the process.
Abiodun said that his administration’s consultation with critical stakeholders in the education sector has received beneficial recommendations.
“In line with the federal government resolutions, exit classes-strictly SS3 only (public or private schools), will resume classes on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. Then, there will be a two-week revision classes to prepare the SS3 students for the commencement of the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) slated to start on Monday, 17th August, 2020,” he
clarified.
The governor also said that he was ready to invoke the appropriate section of the statute book, which prescribed a six-month jail term on anyone caught not wearing the facemask.
“We have continued to engage the leaderships of the two religious bodies, as represented by Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the League of Imams and Alfas on the modalities for the reopening of the religious houses. And, we thank them for their understanding, support and solidarity.
“We now have guidelines for the reopening of our worship centres jointly developed and agreed with our religious leaders. This was finalised after collaborative and inclusive meeting with the religious institutional representatives and made available on Monday, July 27, 2020. It is in our collective interest to fully comply with the guidelines so that, together, we can further flatten the curve of this pandemic,” the governor said.
He further listed conditions agreed upon for reopening religious worship centres to include that all worshippers must wear their face masks appropriately (that is, No facemask, No entry); adequate provision of alcohol-based sanitiser, which must be used before and after service and that Muslims congregants must perform ablution at home before going to the mosques “with their personal praying mats”.


source: http://www.africannewstoday.com/business/ogun-plans-august-14-worship-centres-reopening-schools-to-resume-august-4/

Hopefully, things will be back to normal soon.

iberrylee:
If he say the ambassador is a thug then he's a Thug, just like ipob Thugs,urchins and hooligans

Guess you are associating smoke with fire here

The Federal Government of Nigeria has said that the Senior Secondary school Certificate Examination (SSCE) organised by the National Examination Council (NECO) will start on October 5 and end on November 18, 2020.
Ben Bem Goong, Director of press and public relations, Ministry of Education announced the date on Wednesday.
The statement said that the Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba disclosed the date on Wednesday on Wednesday after concluding meeting with head of examination bodies in Nigeria.
Nwajiuba said the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for JSS 3, which is equally organised by NECO, will commence on August 24 and end September 7, 2020 while the date for the beginning of West African Examination Council (WAEC) examination will commence in August 17 as announced earlier.
Also announced were the date for National Business and Technical Examination Board, (NABTEB) examination which will commence from September 21 and finish October 15, 2020.
The statement read, “The National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) which is a
one-day NECO examination for intending applicants into Unity Colleges (JSS1) will run in-between the Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations i.e. on Saturday, 17th October, 2020.”
“Registration for the NECO (SSCE), which is ongoing, will end on the 10th of September, 2020 and there shall be no extension for the registration whatsoever.
“The National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) examination will commence on Wednesday, 23rd September, and end by 17th October, 2020.”
The minister directed all relevant examination bodies to announce examination timetables within the next seven days to aid proper planning.
According to Goong, the minister urged Parents and pupils to ensure compliance with compulsory wearing of face masks and carry along alcohol-based hand sanitisers for the examinations.
Present at the meeting which was chaired by Nwajiuba were; Sonny Echono, the permanent secretary, federal ministry of education; Ishaq Oloyede, registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB); Godswill Obioma, NECO registrar; Ifeoma Isiugo-Abanihe, NABTEB registrar; Raji Yusuf, co-director, NBAIS, and J.O. Oke, acting registrar of WAEC.

source: http://www.africannewstoday.com/politics/fg-announces-dates-for-neco-nabteb-national-common-entrance-examinations/

Sad situation. A nation where the masses are at the mercy of rampaging herdsmen, yet there are security forces tasked with ensuring safety...

The United states has summoned Spokesman of the ruling Zanu-PF party in Zimbabwe after his disparaging comments about the US ambassador in Harare.
Patrick Chinamasa, spokesperson of the ruling Zanu-PF party, on Monday labeled US Ambassador Brian Nicholls “a thug” and threatened to expel him. He accused the US envoy of inciting anti-corruption protests in the country.
Tibor Nagy, top US diplomat for Africa said, “Comments from Zanu-PF — while sadly not surprising — are deeply offensive.”
“We have summoned the ambassador of Zimbabwe to explain,” he wrote on Twitter.
The administration of President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been battling with a host of protesters who took to the streets after a call for demonstrations on July 31 in Zimbabwe.
In the course of cracking down, the government has arrested prominent documentary filmmaker Hopewell Chin’ono, who exposed a multimillion-dollar procurement of coronavirus supplies corruption scandal.
The United States has spoken out against the clampdown, Nagy had earlier asked Zimbabwe to “uphold the people’s constitutional rights to freedom of political expression and freedom of the press.”
Zimbabwe’s leaders have long made claims of foreign interference as the country strives to overcome accusations of corruption and a staggering economy that has been on decline.
Expectations in the United States for a change in fortune for Zimbabwe after the 2017 removal of veteran leader Robert Mugabe have withered.
In a rare meeting last year, Nagy encouraged Mnangagwa bring security personnel who clampdown on protesters to book.

source: http://www.africannewstoday.com/security/protest-in-zimbabwe-us-summons-zanu-pf-spokesperson-over-comments/

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has assured air travelers of its readiness to serve Nigerians during the Sallah celebrations.
A statement released through its Twitter handled signed by Henrietta Yakubu General Manager, Corporate Affairs expressed its commitment to ensure safety of its airports and travelers.
The Federal Government is ensuring gradual reopening of airports after closure due to COVID-19 pandemic.
The statement read, “The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) assures all airport users that Nigerian airports under its management are fully ready to play host to air travelers during this Sallah celebrations. As part of our commitment to ensure safe, healthy and seamless facilitation of our highly esteemed passengers during the Sallah celebrations and beyond, the Authority has put necessary safety measures in place in accordance with the COVID-19 protocols of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and the Port Health Service.
“Other operational facilities are also functioning optimal, while our airport security architecture and other logistics have been upgraded and strengthened to provide for the expected increase in passenger traffic and around our airports.
“While we advise the general public and intended travelers to make early preparations towards completing their travel requirements in good time, we will also like to re-state that protocol officers and orderlies of dignitaries will not be allowed into the airports except if they are travelling alongside their principals, as only travelling passengers would be allowed into the airports.”
FAAN also, urged dignitaries and VIPs to ensure compliance with airport protocols for their safety and that of others.

source: http://www.africannewstoday.com/business/faan-speaks-on-readiness-for-eid-el-kabir-celebration/

We do hope to get it right sooner than later.

True talk.

johnykgoal:
When 90% of the graduates are doing off jobs, is it not an exposure already?

As Nigeria battle to contain the spread of COVID-19, the country in line with global containment measure imposed a nationwide lockdown.



The imposed lock down restricted inter-state travels across Nigeria. Surprisingly, Nigerians woke to the news of a concert at Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja which was headlined by popular soapy crooner, Azeez Adeshina popularly known by his stage name, Naira Marley.
The show attracted a massive crowd who neither observed social distancing nor wore face masks as prescribed by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on coronavirus which had prescribed safety protocols to regulate gatherings. The concert was a breach of the safety guidelines which proscribed mass gatherings.



The restrictions which brought religious activities at churches and mosques to a hiatus especially in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun which are worst hit by the pandemic were violated for an entertainment event.



The 29-year-old Agege, Lagos state born singer flew to Abuja from Lagos in a chartered jet operated by Executive Jet Services in company of former Big Brother Naija housemate Kim Oprah who was the host for the show. Nigerians questioned the relevance of the concert for it to have prompted special pass from aviation body.



The management of the flight company was quick to respond to the backlash for its role in flying the singer to the concert in violation of interstate travel ban.



Sam Iwuajoku, the Chairman/CEO of Executive Jet Services in defense said the flight was cleared to convey a judge from Lagos to Abuja but the judge sort alternative means which prompted the company to accept a request which it perceived to be from Babatunde Fashola, Honourable minister of works.



Iwuajoku said the passenger manifest which he relied upon to approve the flight had a name similar to that of the minister. He went on to describe Naira Marley and his crew as “a bunch of useless people”.



Naira Marley responded through posts on his social media handle saying, “Lool they asked for our names on the jet though and looooooooool ur pilot is a Marlian and everybody there is a Marlian too.. My name is Azeez Adeshina Fashola and my lil brothers name is Moshood Babatunde Fashola��� and u was (sic) begging me to tag y’all.”



He went on to ask his fans to boycott the airline by saying, “Do u know that over 20,000 Marlians travel with executive jet a month. We won’t be using your useless airline again for calling us useless. Thank God we didn’t crash on that flight sha because we nearly did. BTW We didn’t book the flight ourselves.”

The fallout of the concert led to closure of the mall and indefinite suspension of Executive Jet services. A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Magistrate has since ordered reopening of the mall owing to its economic impact on employers and tenants. The Jabi Mall showpiece was not the only time during the lockdown that the singer contravened safety guidelines. Prior to the event, he was pictured as one of the guests at a house party organised by Funke Akindele. The actress threw a birthday house party for her husband, Abdulrasheed Bello, professionally known as JJC Skillz.



Though government threatened to prosecute Naira Marley after the concert, more than one month after the July 13 concert, no legal action has been instituted against the musician while other key actors have been reprimanded. This begs for answer to the question, does the failure of government to prosecute the singer after so long suggest that laws in Nigeria are made for a few?



The imposed lockdown caused a whole a lot of hardship on Nigerians who depend on daily income to feed their families. It is therefore, absurd that the government would slide such an issue under the carpet. For an individual to host a party at a time when many others were denied access to their source of daily bread, yet remain escape the scrutiny of the law, calls into question the integrity of people in power.



For the sake of rule of law, the case should be tried at a court of competent jurisdiction while the law should be allowed to take its due course.

source: http://www.africannewstoday.com/entertainment/more-than-one-month-after-abuja-concert-naira-marley-yet-to-be-prosecuted/

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was developed by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration in pursuant of a concerted effort at genuinely developing the Niger Delta region which is blessed with natural resources. Nigeria has built its revenue generation around the income generated from crude oil such that sectors like agriculture have been sacrificed on the altar of oil.

During the administration of former President Obasanjo, agitation heightened in the Niger Delta due to what they perceived as neglect of the region in spite of its contribution to the treasury of the nation. Youths in the area rose in arms destroying pipelines and vandalizing oil installations to attract the attention to the people of the region who were facing underdevelopment and threat to health due to oil spills and harmful waste which contaminated rivers in the region. It was for the purpose of addressing the genuine needs that were raised that the Obasanjo regime established the NDDC to ensure development of the entire Niger Delta region.

Sadly, twenty years down the line, it could be safe to adjudge that the commission is yet to live up to its mandate. President Muhammad Buhari had last year ordered a forensic audit of the account of the NDDC from 2001 to date. The President had claimed that the projects in the region do not reflect the billions of naira that Nigeria allocates to the commission in yearly budgets. The country allocated N80.881 billion to the commission in the 2020 budget prior to its review to N44.200 billion as a fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic which has affected the economy of Nigeria, just like that of most other countries. This gives credence to the claim by the president. For a region that receives such huge sum in budgetary allocation, there should be more impact on the people of the region.

To entrench a new purposeful leadership with a sincere vision to develop the region, the president appointed a new Interim Management Committee (IMC) in October, 2019 headed by Joy Yimebe Nunieh, a lawyer from Ogoni, Rivers State. Nunieh’s take over from Dr. Akwagaga Enyia as the Managing Director of the NDDC would end up lasting four months as she was removed in February, 2020. After her removal, she made some grievous allegations against the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio.

The former MD claims that her removal was prompted by her reformatory policies. She alleged to have stepped on toes when she instituted the contract verification exercise in January 2020 which required contractors to go to the states where the contracts they executed took place, register it and be clarified by an interim panel which was setup for the purpose. Nunieh claims the verification irked bigwigs who got contracts from the commission but never executed them. She credits her removal to such elements who opposed her resolve to stamp out dubious contract execution. Not a few were angry she claims.
She fired shots at Akpabio for masterminding her removal due to her resistance to consent to his acts of corruption. She accused the minister and her successor Pondei of misappropriating fund to the tune of N40 billion naira, an amount that almost equals the 2020 budget of the commission.

Since then, Akpabio has been in a war of words with the former MD after the legislature setup a panel of inquiry to investigate the alleged mismanagement of fund. Akpabio denied any involvement in the management of fund during the tenure of Nunieh claiming she never gave him financial briefings. Just yesterday, the country was greeted with a sight which no longer appears surprising from its political actors, when the current Acting Managing Director of the NDDC, Kemebradikumo Daniel Pondei, a medical doctor by profession fainted on live Television during a hearing by the House of Representatives Ad hoc committee. Pondei fainted while entertaining questions from lawmakers on the spending of the commission under his watch.

The Bayelsa State Professor who has since been discharged from the hospital claims he attended the hearing against the advice of his doctors. NDDC says Pondei has been ill for the past two weeks but felt the need to attend the hearing to clear his name. Akpabio who took to the podium shortly after Pondei was rushed out for medical accused the lawmakers of being the biggest beneficiaries of contracts awarded by the commission. When quizzed by a lawmaker on his claims, Akpabio said, “I just told you that we have records to show that most of the contracts in the NDDC are given to members of the National Assembly.”

The failure of the NDDC to live up to its mandate goes a long way to buttress the many challenges stagnating the growth of Nigeria. Just recently, the chief anti-corruption officer, Ibrahim Magu was embroiled in a corruption scandal which he is yet to be absolve of. It will not be surprising to see the NDDC inquiry go in the direction of Dasukigate and Maina saga which till date remain inconclusive. Given the role which the lawmakers are claimed to have played in contract execution, it won’t be unheard of in Nigeria for the actors to resort to roundtable agreement to settle the discrepancies.

However, if the NDDC is to fulfill its mandate, this inquiry should be followed up to its conclusion and the looters, if any, brought to book.

source: http://www.africannewstoday.com/politics/nddc-gate-another-gory-exposure-of-an-ailing-nation/

The Federal government of Nigeria had on 29 June, 2020 permitted the resumption of schools by students in graduating classes to enable them adequately prepare for examinations.

It came as part of guidelines to ensure gradual easing of the lockdown that was imposed across Nigeria to control the spread of novel COVID-19 virus which has forced closure of schools at all levels since March. Bulk of students in the country have been spending time at home since then without access to education.

Though the government directed and implemented to a reasonable extent, teaching through radio and television, the measure has been with inherent obstacles. Parents have complained of the inability of children to maintain concentration levels while learning through broadcast channels at home.

Since the home is not a school environment, children are challenged by distractions which come from being at the comfort of their homes without physical presence of their teachers which serve to ensure better focus. Added to the challenge of concentration is the issue of teaching being tailored to specific needs of each child, considering the age and educational level of students.
The hurdles led to low subscription to the broadcast tutorials. It is safe to say that while students in government schools are constrained to learning through broadcast stations, their counterparts in elite private schools seem better placed. Private schools were quick to adopt a mix of Zoom and other e-learning platforms to ensure well-tailored and systematic learning models for their students.

The announcement of a waiver to restart schools may be construed to imply best intentions for pupils who haven’t had access to traditional mode of learning but there arises need for pertinent questions on the issue of health safety- has COVID-19 been defeated? Have government put in place safety measures to guarantee property hygiene and physical distancing? Have school personnel been trained to implement outlined measures? Do private schools have the capacity to acquire the needed devices? Will government make implement necessary adjustments in crowded government schools?

While the questions raised are pondered upon, Oyo state government pioneered resumption. It is interesting to note that the state government planned a resumption that preceded the announcement of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 headed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.

On June 19, the Oyo state governor Seyi Makinde, had announced a June 29 resumption date for students in critical classes- Primary Six, JSS 3 and SSS 3.

However, the state’s task force in a communique asked students to resume one week later on July 6.

Announcing the guidelines for resumption in the state, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olasunkanmi Olaleye in Ibadan stated that various trainings have been given to categories of school heads, principals and teachers on how to monitor and report any sign of illness that showed symptoms of Covid-19 to the authority.

He said, “Throughout last week, what we have been doing was to train school heads and teachers of public and private schools, preparing them for this task of taking firm control of preventing the spread of Covid-19 into our schools as we resume.

“Each school has been mandated to strictly enforce social distancing and observe other protocols against Covid-19 among teachers and students as laid down by NCDC.

“Students are to come to school with their facemasks and follow instructions on the guidelines from the management, these are imperative the government cannot lock down forever and education is an aspect of life that should not be allowed to suffer backwardness.

“I can boldly tell you that with these measures in place, the children are more safer with us in school than even many homes, imagine situations whereby students are asked to go to private lessons that provided no safety measure, many follow their parents to the market and workplaces where possibility of contracting the virus is high, so they are rather better kept at school than home,” he observed.

Now that schools have resumed in Oyo, the handling of the resumption could prove either a master stroke or a miserable attempt at rushed restart. The state government has to strictly provide the manpower and resources needed to implement the measures it proposed and diligently monitor compliance.

All schools in the state have to be given maximum attention, consideration and guidance required to not just curb but ensure zero case of the virus in any of its schools.

If the resumption is handled properly by the state, it could serve as model for other states as they plan to resume academic activities at all levels. Haphazard approach on the hand could cause massive spread of the virus in the state. Children are fragile, in the event of ineffective measures and the students contact the virus, onward transmission to grassroot level would be imminent.

The decision to reopen schools could be questioned given the daily spike in cases. Oyo state has at last release by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on 7 July, confirmed 1,530 cases of COVID-19, 19 deaths and 809 discharged patients. Nigeria at large has confirmed 29,789 cases, 669 deaths and 12,108 discharged.

More so, the state governor, Makinde had on 30 March tested positive to the virus with his recovery announced on April 5, five days after being diagnosed with the virus.

Perhaps, Makinde having fought and conquered the disease is convinced the virus is not as lethal as feared. On the contrary, he could have planned effective measures using his experience of contacting and overcoming the virus.

Nigeria has shown great commitment to fighting coronavirus. This could serve as a step in the right direction towards returning to the status quo or a reminder that Nigerians have got to accept the new normal while making conscious effort at adopting technology in teaching and other sectors.

As Oyo state takes the lead, Nigeria and Africa is watching for lessons.

source: http://www.africannewstoday.com/politics/oyo-schools-resumption-laudable-or-laughable/

Prolific Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang set a new record at Premiership side Arsenal by becoming the fasted player to reach 50 the goal mark fastest for the Londoners.

He achieved the feat after his brace in midweek against Norwich City in their first home game since the restart of the English topflight. Aubameyang took his tally to 51 in the 4-0 thrashing of relegation bound Norwich City.

Aubameyang rose to sixth in the Premier League standings of fastest players to reach 50 goals.

It took the Gabonese 79 league games to surpass the record initially held by Arsenal’s French legend Thierry Henry who took 83 games to reach 50 goals, closely followed by Ian Wright at third.

Arsenal’s second all-time goal poacher, Wright congratulated Aubameyang on twitter for his milestone.

He tweeted, “50 goals in 79 games!!!! Legendary stuff. Elite striker. Congratulations Aubameyang.”

Africa is equally represented in the elite list by Liverpool’s Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah, who is placed joint-fifth after reaching the feat with seven games fewer.

Manchester United’s Former striker Andy Cole holds the record of the fewest number of games to reach 50 goals playing in 65 games, followed by former Newcastle United striker and Premier League all-time top scorer Alan Shearer (66 games) and another former United great Ruud van Nistelrooy (68 games).

source: http://www.africannewstoday.com/sport/football/gabons-aubameyang-breaks-arsenal-record-as-player-to-reach-the-50-goals-mark-fastest-in-pl/

The government of Kenya has concluded plans to reintroduce taxation of betting companies within six months following a public outburst over cancellation of the 20 percent duty in the Finance Bill 2020.

Ukur Yatani, Treasury Cabinet Secretary heaped blame on the Parliament, referencing lobbying of government for the removal of the taxes.

Mr. Yarani said, “The players in the industry have been petitioning the government to reduce taxation in the industry,”

“The removal of this tax happened during the committee stage of the bill…The National Treasury will be proposing to the National Assembly the re-introduction of the excise duty on betting within the next six months.”

Kenya ceased taxing betting firms after a proposal on May15 by an unclear stakeholder group, identified only by a non-existent website shade.co.ke.
The parliamentary committee said the reversal became necessary after it has been noted that the industry was impacted by the taxes which has caused the closure of local companies while international players continue to thrive.

In recent times, betting has become prevalent in Kenya due to technological advancement such as mobile payments and digital applications which have enabled emergence of a multi-billion industry.
According to its financial statements, SportPesa Global Holdings, a foremost betting company reported an after-tax profit of Sh1.6 billion in 2018

In 2018, the National Treasury introduced a 15 percent tax on betting companies and 20 percent withholding tax on all winnings.

Last year, the government again introduced additional taxes in the, by way of a 20 percent excise duty charge on any amount staked.

This saw the government and the betting industry face off in a move that led to SportPesa losing its betting licence last July before it withdrew from Kenya last September in response to what it called “the hostile taxation and operating environment in the country”.

Their withdrawal resulted in 400 job losses and cancellation of its local sports sponsorships.

The withdrawal of the excise duty tax has coincided with restructuring of ownership at SportsPesa sparking insinuation the company is about to reemerge.

source: http://www.africannewstoday.com/business/kenya-plans-reintroduction-of-betting-tax/