News Agency of Nigeria
Foreign

Desert locust invasion destroys massive cropland in Ethiopia – UN

Around 365,015 hectares of cropland have been destroyed by a desert locust invasion, the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has disclosed.

“Ethiopia is experiencing its worst desert locust outbreak in 25 years, which exacerbates an already alarming food security and nutrition situation,” the UNOCHA said in a press statement issued Friday.

“The desert locust invasion has so far damaged 365,015 hectares of cropland across multiple regions, devastating crops and livelihoods in at least 76 localities in the country,” the office added.

The UNOCHA report warned desert locust infestation could persist for much of the rest of 2021, with incidences of swarms causing damage to crops and pasture.

The UNOCHA report also disclosed since the first wave of desert locust invasion was detected at the end of 2019, it has spread to more than 170 localities, which are home to more than 16 million people.

Since 2019, Ethiopia has been suffering from the worst desert locust invasion in about 25 years, affecting major crop-producing parts of the country.

The desert locust, which is considered as the “most dangerous of the nearly one dozen species of locusts,” is a major food security peril in desert areas across 20 countries, stretching from West Africa all the way to India, covering nearly 16 million square km, according to the United Nations. (Xinhua/NAN)

Health

Bauchi Govt, UNICEF, others renovate 20 PHCs in Toro LGA

By Ayinde Olaide

The Bauchi State Government has renovated 20 Primary Healthcare Centres in Toro Local Government Area of the state.

Gov. Bala Mohammed, stated this in Toro on Saturday, during the projects inspection visit to Magama Gumau Primary HealthCare Centre, one of the centres recently renovated in the area.

The renovation was carried out in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria State Health Investment Project (NSHIP) and the World Bank assisted projects.

Mohammed, who lamented the deterioration of the state’s healthcare facilities, said he had vowed to revive the sector, hence his pronouncement of a state of emergency on the sector.

The governor promised to work with the people in order to bring initiatives that would benefit all and sundry.

“This maternity was renovated by NSHIP, UNICEF and the World Bank assisted project, in conjunction with our own Primary HealthCare Development Agency.

“We have 20 of such clinics and maternities in Toro local government that are being renovated. We are doing this because our health sector has deteriorated and we have done a total of 190 in the state.

“We promise to work for the people of Bauchi and to bring initiatives that will use little resources to do so much,” Mohammed said. (NAN)

Health

NMA trains members on entrepreneurship skill in Nasarawa

By Sunday John
The Nasarawa State Chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has begun entrepreneurship training programme  for its  members on sustainable income economic after retirement.
Dr Sabo Emmanuel, the State’s NMA Chairman at the  training in  Lafia, said the initiative was aimed at securing better living conditions for  members after retirement.
Emmanuel said  that the leadership of the association had decided to train Doctors in animal husbandry, crop farming, food storage and processing, Information Communication Technology (ICT), among others, in line with the diversification programme of the government.
“This is an idea that we brought to the association to ensure doctors also take good care of their families,  considering the fact that their monthly salaries can no longer meet their increasing demands in the midst of raising economic challenges.
“Even after their retirement from service, they can go on with their businesses to cater for their families”, Emmanuel said.
The NMA Chairman added that the association would assist their members with finances to set up their businesses at end of the training.
Emmanuel , who noted that  60 medical doctors  from Nasarawa South Senatorial Zone were  selected for the training, said  the gesture would be replicated in Nasarawa North and West Senatorial Zones.
He  also  called on the State Government to establish entrepreneurship programme for civil servants.
On his part,  Mr Nicholas Aboki, the State’s  Head of Civil Service, commended the association for the initiative with a promise that government would always support them to succeed.
Aboki also said that  government would study  the mode of the training with a view of replicating it for all civil servants in the state.
Similarly, Dr Hassan Ikrama, Chief Medical Director, Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) Lafia, lauded the association for the initiative.
Ikrama said the training  programme, if properly implemented would go a long way towards improving the living standards of doctors in the state. (NAN)
General News

Gov. Bala commissions N6.2bn Govt House rehabilitation project

By Ayinde Olaide

The Bauchi State Government has commissioned a N6.2 billion reconstruction and rehabilitation of the state government house, at a ground breaking ceremony in Bauchi.

Speaking during the ceremony, carried out on the margins of the 4th North East Governors’ Forum meeting, Gov. Bala Mohammed said that the project was part of his administration’s vision to leave legacies and landmarks as a government and as a people.

Mohammed explained that the project was conceptualized in order to give Bauchi a new impetus by giving them a befitting government house, similar to those in other states.

“This is a legacy project that we are doing as a government and as a people so that we will leave landmarks and legacies behind for posterity.

“This is not about Bala or about PDP or APC and that is why it is very auspicious that the person commissioning this project is a person of pedigree, our chairman of the North-East governors’ forum who is in APC.

“This project was conceptualised in order to give Bauchi renewal a new impetus by giving them a befitting government house of the same level with other government houses in the country,” he said.

The governor also said that he believed the project would gladden the hearts of those who voted for his administration, irrespective of party divide.

He said that it was glaring that his administration and those who voted for him were connected inexorably, by a common desire to make sure legacies and landmarks were left behind.

He added that it would also impact positively on the lives of the people.

Mohammed, who stated that the contract was awarded to a trusted Nigerian, whom he had worked with in the Federal Capital Territory, revealed that the government had received quotations from about five companies.

“We have received quotations from about five companies, the least was N13 billion.

“However, after due process, this project was scaled down to N6.2billion with phase one being the construction of the governor’s office.

“We will completely demolish the current governor’s office and build a befitting one,” Mohammed said.

Speaking earlier, Ruben Okoya, the contractor of the project, who promised to deliver the job within the shortest possible time, said that the government house is the people’s house’.

He appreciated the state government for awarding them the project, sayin: “a new dawn is here in Bauchi state,”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project also included the construction of the International Conference Centre, governor’s residence and residences of key staff.

Others are a clinic, mosque, new roads, drainages and power distribution systems among others.

NAN also reports that the governors at the foundation laying ceremony included Babagana Zulum, Mohammed Yahaya and Umaru Fintiri of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States.

Others included Darius Ishaku of Taraba State, who was represented by Haruna Manu, his deputy, as well as the deputy governor of Yobe state, Idi Gubana, who represented Mai Mala Buni. (NAN)

Data & Analysis

FG empowers 2,510 rural women in Abia

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development says it has empowered 2, 510 rural women in Abia with N20,000 each through its Special Cash Grant Project.
Beneficiaries of the programme are from all the local government areas in the state.
Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, the humanitarian affairs and social development minister disclosed this on Saturday in a statement by the Deputy Director of Information in the ministry, Mrs Rhoda Iliya.
The statement said women living with disabilities also benefited from the empowerment programme.
Farouq, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Bashir Alkali said the same amount would be disbursed to at least 125,000 poor women across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Our target in Abia is to disburse the grant to about 2,510 women across all local government councils.
“The grant is expected to increase income and productive assets of target beneficiaries.
“However, with the complementary effort of the state government, the target beneficiaries will all be adequately covered within the next few days.
“I am optimistic that with the support and cooperation of the governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu and other stakeholders, we will remain on track to improve the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians.
“To the beneficiaries, let me reiterate that this money belongs to you.
“It is meant for you to use in any small business venture you deem fit and that will improve your lives,” the statement quoted her as saying.
It said Farouq urged the beneficiaries to ensure that they used the grant for the intended purpose.
The statement added that minister applauded the state government and the state’s Focal Person on Social Investment Programme, Mr Chinenye Nwaogu for supporting the inauguration of the project in the state.
The statement said Ikpeazu praised the Federal Government for the initiative.
Speaking through the Deputy Governor of the state, Mr Ude Okochukwu, Ipeazu was quoted as saying, “In order to improve the welfare of the rural people in Abia State, the administration prioritised and mainstreamed Social Inclusion and Poverty Reduction in its policy thrust.”
He urged all the beneficiaries to judiciously invest the money in petty businesses as a way of improving their livelihood and growing the rural economy.
The governor assured the Federal Government and its agencies that the state government would continue to complement its efforts in the over all interest of the people, the statement said.
According to the statement, Nwaogu, described  the grant as a seed fund that could be multiplied if properly invested.
Nwaogu added  that the funds came at the time when the people were faced with a challenging pandemic which had ravaged global  economies.
The statement said a beneficiary of the grant,  Mrs Ngozi Nwagu expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for including women with disabilities in the cash grant.
Nwagu, one of the women with disabilities said it was the first time people with disabilities would benefit from such initiative in the state. (NAN)
Health

Buhari urges Nigerians to get COVID-19 vaccination

 

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu has urged all eligible Nigerians to get the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination “so that we can be protected from the virus.”

Speaking after he had received the jab, the President said, “I have received my first jab and I wish to recommend it to all eligible Nigerians, (and urge them) to do same so that we can be protected from the virus.”

He urged all state governments, traditional and religious leaders, to take the lead in the mobilisation effort within their environments and spheres of influence.

‘“The vaccine offers hope for a safe country, free of the coronavirus.

‘“I similarly urge all eligible Nigerians to present themselves to be vaccinated in accordance with the order of priority already mapped out, at the various authorised designated centres ONLY,’’ he added.

Buhari congratulated the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19  on the successful multi-sectoral approach to the management of the pandemic.

He also acknowledged and commended the support of governments, donors, development partners, the private sector, traditional and religious leaders as well as critical stakeholders who supported Nigeria’s response to the pandemic, assuring that all the resources provided would be equitably administered.

The president noted that since the beginning of the year 2020, humanity had remained under the burden of COVID-19 pandemic, an unseen but very potent enemy around the world.

“Infection from the virus has resulted in over two million and five hundred thousand fatalities and destroyed several global and national systems.

“The response in Nigeria and the ECOWAS sub-region has been robust, collaborative, and united.

“It was driven by a collective knowledge of the fact that ‘no country is safe until every country is safe.’’

“The speedy development of the COVID-19 vaccines is quite significant and underscores the collective resolve of humanity to overcome the pandemic.

“Similarly, the collaborative effort to ensure equal access has brought relief to poor and developing countries,’’ he said.

Buhari spoke of the assurance by the PTF that the AstraZeneca vaccine which Nigeria has accessed would arrive in batches beginning with the four million doses already received.

The president said the roll out and administration plan would cater to more than 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population in 2021 and 2022.

He had described his decision to take the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination in public as “a demonstration of leadership and faith in the safety and efficacy of the vaccines.’’

He expressed the view after he, alongside Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo had received the first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday in Abuja.

Buhari and Osinbajo received the jabs live on TV, a day after the COVID-19 national vaccine programme began with the vaccination of healthcare and frontline workers at the National Hospital, Abuja.

The Chief Physician to the President, Dr Sanusi Raafindadi administered the vaccine to him while that of the Vice President’ was done by his Personal Physician, Dr Nicholas Audifferen.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the president and the vice-president received the first shots of the vaccine at the New Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja in the presence of members of the PTF on COVID-19, senior government officials, and  journalists. (NAN)

Defence/Security

FG bridging infrastructure gaps in military formations – Mamora

By Oladapo Udom

The Federal Government says it is taking measures aimed at bridging the infrastructure gaps in the Nation’s military formations.

Minister of State for Health Olorunnimbe Mamora, said this on Saturday at the inauguration and handing over of Jetty and Shoreline protection facilities at Underwater Warfare School, Ojo, Lagos State.

The minister said that such intervention projects was necessary in order to respond to emerging trend and sophistication in modern warfare in addressing security challenges.

“This project will also help enhance the professional competencies of the officers and men of the service and by extension, stimulate their aggressive drive of securing the country against criminal acts.

“Also, security challenges confronting the nation like maritime crime, piracy, banditry, oil bunkering, kidnapping and insurgency will be aggressively dealt with,” he said.

Mamora said that the construction of Jetty and Shoreline protection works would also help assuage the fear of menace of erosion and other ecological challenges in the area.

“This is proof that the federal government is keeping faith with the present administration’s promise that no part of the country will suffer any neglect owing to it’s geographical location or political consideration.

“I therefore, implore the Lagos State Government and Underwater Warfare School to cherish this laudable project and protect it from any abuse,” the minister said.

Mamora said that the intervention project was executed through the Ecological Fund Office (EFO), Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for the benefit of the Nigerian Navy.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Awwal Gambo, said that the efficient and effective projection of sea power by maritime forces was dependent on the physical configuration of the harbours and jetties.

“This constitutes a critical interphase connecting the sea with land. Therefore, the shoreline protection and the restoration of the jetty will no doubt enhance Nigeria Navy maritime security operation.

“The timely conclusion of this project has helped to steer off the fears associated with shoreline erosion including the attendant risk of flooding to the entire landscape.

“This is even more worrisome considering that the Navy Town is a strategic naval establishment housing the largest Nigerian Navy barracks as well as other major Nigeria Navy establishment,” he said.

Gambo said that the Nigeria Navy would take ownership of the project and assured the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to ensure the sustainability and maintenance of the project.

“Even as the project is been commissioned some of our vessels have been earmarked to berth at this facility. The only hindrance is the non completion of berthing activities from the approaches of Badagry creek,” he said.

The CNS therefore said that additional berthing operation would be required to facilitate a safe and unhindered use of the jetty.

“Additionally, I will urge further intervention in the area of the shoreline protection from the current 80metres to at least another 400 metres to cover up to the Joint Maritime Security Training centre and the Special Boat Service camp which is currently nearing completion.

“This way, the Federal Government of Nigeria will have had returns of the resources committed to the project and greatly invigorate Nigerian Navy’s response and capacity against the criminal element at sea,” he said.

Gambo appreciated the President Muhammadu Buhari for considering the Nigerian Navy as a suitable beneficiary of the project.

He, however, solicited for more EFO interventions on other identified sites at the Nigerian Navy bases and establishments namely: Escravos and F, Ibaka and Calabar jetty.

“I assure that the Nigeria Navy by such intervention will be more emboldened in the performance of her statutory role of maritime defense and Security of the nation’s maritime domain,” Gambo said. (NAN)

Economy/Business

CBN unveils N5 incentive per dollar for diaspora remittances

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Saturday introduced a new incentive to encourage inflow of diaspora remittances.

The incentive, tagged “Naira 4 Dollar Scheme”, was announced in a circular signed by Saleh Jibrin, CBN ‘s Director, Trade and Exchange Department.

Jibrin said that the scheme, which would run between March and May, would allow all recipients of diaspora remittances to be paid N5 for every one dollar received.

He said that beneficiaries would get the incentive, whether they collect the remitted dollars as cash across the counter or through their domiciliary accounts.

He instructed all commercial banks and International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) to ensure that the scheme takes effect from Monday.

“In an effort to sustain the encouraging inflows of diaspora remittances into the country, the CBN hereby announces this scheme as an incentive for senders and recipients of international Money Transfers.

“All recipients of diaspora remittances through CBN licensed IMTOs shall henceforth get N5 for every one US dollar received.

“This incentive is to be paid to recipients whether they choose to collect the dollar as cash across the counter in a bank or transfer same into their domiciliary account.

“Having discussed with banks and IMTOs, the scheme takes effect from Monday March, 8 and ends on Saturday May, 8,” he said. (NAN)

Health

Group harps on occupational health, safety in workplaces

By Victor Okoye

National Industrial Safety Council of Nigeria (NISCN) has urged government and all stakeholders to make the issues of health and safety of workers in workplaces a priority in the country.

Its Chairman in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Festus Daniel, made the plea on the sidelines of a one-day workshop organised by ETPM-Reckon Singapore and International Security Organsaation (ISO) in collaboration with NISN on Friday in Abuja.

Daniel said he was really passionate about the issue of safety, most especially in Nigeria, hence the need to organise the workshop.

He said “the safety of workers in an environment and their health, whether in public or private institutions is very important because these are the people building the economy of our nation.

“I therefore think it’s high time the government, Ministry of Labour and Employment, as well as other stakeholders, pick up the baton and begin to run with it.

“They must ensure that as a nation, we begin to attain zero tolerance to workplace accidents, illnesses and ensure that policies are enforced and laws enacted to ensure that workers are safe and healthy during work hours.”

He noted that the aim of the workshop was also to prepare and improve the capacity of workers in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, especially in the area of emerging technologies as it relates to their job description.

“We are having a one day programme in collaboration with International Security Organsaation on Emerging  Issues for factory workers in the Ministry of Labour and Employment basically in the area of the jobs they do like incident inspection, among others.

“So, the aim of the workshop is to prepare them and improve their capacity.

“As a factory inspector, they need to be abreast with today’s technology advancement. That’s why we have put together this programme with the support of  International organisations from Switzerland and Singapore.

“It is also to assess their jobs and evaluate gaps, as well as proffer solutions and steps which can be followed to achieve great success in their jobs/reports.

“It is hoped that the knowledge/skills acquired by the participants will trickle down to every officer in the ministry because their job is pivotal to the safety of our environment and workplaces.”

Anietie Hanson, a certified occupational health and safety professional, noted that what was obtainable today, especially in private institutions was a complete neglect of the safety and health of workers.

He said that some employers were only interested in the money and gains they would get, leaving employees helpless.

He recalled the case of an employee working in a factory whose hand was amputated due to an accident which occurred in his place of work and he was laid off in the process by the organisation.

“This is indeed very wrong and I think it is high time we start creating occupational safety and health awareness in our nation.

“If possible, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) should begin to sensitise people just the same way they propagate safety with respect to the COVID-19  pandemic.

He applealed to the Minister of Labour and Employment to rise up to the challenge and synergise with the various stakeholders to ensure that the health and safety of workers was not compromised. (NAN)

Health

Gbajabiamila lauds health workers in fight against COVID-19

By Zainab Garba

Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker, House of Representatives, has commended Nigerian health workers for being the major contributors to the success in the COVID-19  fight.

He made the commendation at the national launch of the COVID-19 vaccination in Abuja on Friday.

He implored journalists to report the pandemic issues objectively and verify their sources but ignore rumours.

The speaker also urged journalists to assist government in the campaign roll out plan, adding that “the roll out is as important as the vaccination itself.”

Gbajabiamila said “even developed countries are finding the roll out a bit difficult because it is something new.”

He, therefore, stressed the need for all hands to be on deck to help government roll out the COVID-19 vaccination campaign plan. (NAN)

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