NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
General News

Content, key to success of DSO – Lai Mohammed

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By Rotimi Ijikanmi
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, says the success of Digital Switch Over (DSO) project – a transition from analogue to digital television broadcasting – is hinged on content. 
 
The minister stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the inaugural meeting of the 14-member Ministerial Task Force on DSO.
 
The News Agency of Nigeria  (NAN) reports that the minister on Feb. 23,  inaugurated the task force to drive the DSO process in the remaining 31 states and targeted at creating over one million jobs in three years. 
In his opening address at the meeting, Mohammed stressed that with the right content, the 24 million TV households in the country would embrace the project.
“Even the purchase of the Set Top Boxes (STB) by Nigerians will depend on the richness of the content offered.
“Before now, we either gave out the boxes free or at subsidised rates.
“But now that the project is being commercially-driven, the sale of STBs will depend on the content,” he said.
Specifically, the minister said in order to get Nigerians to buy into the project, sports, especially football and in particular the English Premiership and Champions League would be indispensable.
He added that entertainment, especially Nollywood/Kannywood movies; news, both local and international and children’s programme, including cartoons were also important.
Mohammed said they would also use the opportunity offered by the project to help popularise the local football league.
He said they would work with the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) to have their weekly matches shown live.
The minister underscored the need to ensure massive publicity for the project, contending that millions of Nigerians were still unaware of the true essence of the DSO and the opportunities therein.
“Recently, a newspaper article on the DSO said Nigerians will not be willing to buy STBs because of the cost.
“They have forgotten that the cost of the STB will be offset in the end by the non-payment for weekly or monthly subscription, which is a key selling point for the DSO.
“To prevent this kind of disinformation, we need to widely inform and educate
Nigerians on the project,” he said.
The minister thanked members of the task force for accepting to serve, adding that the success of the project rested on their shoulders, reminding them that they could not afford to fail. (NAN)
Foreign , Health

Commonwealth: Minister urges common measure at combating COVID-19

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By Perpetua Onuegbu

The Minister of Education, Mr Adamu Adamu, has urged members of the Commonwealth of Nations to evolve common measures to fight COVID-19 and protect their natural resources.

Adamu made the call at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja to commemorate the 2021 Commonwealth Day scheduled for March 8.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the 2021 celebration is “Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating and Transforming.”

Adamu said that the theme was a precursor to all the commonwealth activities for the year.

According to him, the members of the Commonwealth of Nations, through inter-related networks would put together their resources and expertise to achieve innovations that would protect their collective natural resources.

“Ensure ocean health, empower women and girls, sustain democratic governance, boost trade and education, and evolve measures to guard against COVID-19 pandemic for the common good of all member countries.

“It is important to note that Commonwealth Day was first used in 1958 to supplant the historic Empire Day which was established in honour of Queen Victoria and England in 1902.

“The same theme was used in 2020, and was also to stand as the motif for the biennial Commonwealth of Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) which was postponed from last year to June this year, due to COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

The minister said that the celebration would commence with a reminder to the 36 states Commissioners of Education and the Federal Capital Territory Education Board on the need to join the commemoration.

He said the activities would include Quiz Competitions which are based on common issues around Commonwealth, English Language, Mathematics, Sciences and current affairs on March 4.

Adamu said winners from the quiz competitions would be awarded prizes on March 8 at the actual commemoration.

Other activities, he said, include a dress rehearsal on March 6, and dramatic procession of the Commonwealth flags representing all the member nations among other activities.

High Commissioners of Commonwealth countries in Nigeria, members of the diplomatic corps and other dignitaries are expected to grace the occasion.

NAN reports that the commemoration is a unique celebration of unity in diversity by the 54 countries colonised by England. (NAN)

General News

Security operatives neutralise 8 bandits in Katsina – Police

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By Zubairu Idris
A combined team of security operatives has neutralised eight suspected bandits in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO),  SP Gambo Isah, made this disclosure in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday in Katsina.
“On the 26 and 28  Feb., Police in collaboration with the Army, jointly raided bandits’ camps behind Guzurawa and Garin-Gambo villages, notorious bandits enclaves, all in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina .
“The operation was successful as the team neutralised eight bandits, burnt nine motorcycles, and recovered one AK 47 rifle with five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition,” he said.
The PPRO also said the police foiled bandits attacks on Zango village, Kankara Local Government Area of the state.
According to him, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Kankara and his team responded to a distress call that bandits in their numbers, attacked the community shooting sporadically.
“The team had a fierce gun duel with the hoodlums and overpowered them.
“Consequently, the bandits fled and abandoned one AK 49 rifle with three magazines,” he said.
He said the police and other security agencies would continue the onslaught against bandits, armed robbers, kidnappers and other criminals in the state.
The PPRO, therefore, urged the public to continue supporting  security agencies with useful information that would lead to the arrest of criminals in their respective areas. (NAN)
General News

Refugees commission distributes relief items to IDPs in Kebbi

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By Ibrahim Bello

The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) on Monday distributed care and maintenance items to 1,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Kebbi.

Sen. Basheer Mohammed, the Federal Commissioner in-charge of the commission, during the distribution of the items in Birnin Kebbi, said the aim was to alleviate the sufferings of the IDPs.

He said: “There is no doubt that the Federal Government, under the dynamic leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, has demonstrated high level of commitment to the welfare of displaced people in the country.

“In this regard, the Federal Government has empowered our commission and is currently carrying out distribution of items to persons of concern in many states of the federation”.

Mohammed, who was represented by Muhammed Sani-Gulmare, NCFRMI Director of Finance and Accounts, said the commission was also embarking on the construction of massive housing units to settle displaced people.

He said the housing project tagged: “IDPs Resettlement Cities” consisted 600 units of two-bedroom bungalows.

He said that Borno, Zamfara, Katsina and Edo were the states that would benefit from the housing project.

According to him, the housing estates will be furnished and equipped with facilities for education, worship, skill acquisition, farmlands, among others.

Mohammed also disclosed that the NCFRMI, with the support of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), had commenced another project for displaced persons.

“The project is known as “Project Reliance” and is aimed at providing IDPs with skills for more meaningful livelihood.

“At least, 50 different skills have been identified for them to choose from,” he said.

The commissioner urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate government’s efforts by making good use of the items to improve the their wellbeing and that of their families.

In his remarks, Alhaji Umar Jega, a member of the House of Representatives representing Aliero, Gwandu and Jega Federal Constituency, explained that the distribution of the items was a collaboration between the commission and the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Jega, who is the House Committee Chairman on IDPs, noted that more than 1,000 people had been displaced from their homes, either as a result of disaster, banditry or insurgency.

He said IDPs were the most vulnerable in the society and that they needed protection, care and assistance.

“That is why the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, in collaboration with  the NCFRMI, came up with the intervention to reduce the suffering of these unfortunate Nigerians,” Jega said.

Also, speaking, Alhaji Bello Kao’je,  representing Bagudo/Suru Federal Constituency, said that apart from IDPs displaced by insurgency from the North-East of the country, the state witnessed huge number of IDPs as a result of floods in 2020.

“Most of these IDPs came from Jega, Aliero, Gwandu, Suru and Bagudo, hence the need to collaborate with the Office of the Speaker and NCFRMI to ensure these vulnerable were assisted with food and non-food items in order to alleviate their sufferings,” he said.

Kao’je thanked the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the refugees commission for the intervention in alleviating the plights of the IDPs in his constituency.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the items distributed included 421 bags of rice, 205 bags of beans, 205 bags of ground maize, 45 bags of millet, water pumps, insecticide, stoves and cooking pots, among others. (NAN)

Health

Nigeria expects 3 types of COVID-19 vaccines – PTF

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By Abujah Racheal

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 says it is expecting three types of vaccines to cater to the needs of Nigerians.

The Minister of State for Health, Sen. Olorunnimbe Mamora, gave the hint at the PTF briefing on COVID-19 on Monday in Abuja.

Mamora said that Nigeria has the option to increase supply if need be.

“For now, there will be no need for ungoverned private importation of vaccines,’’ Mamora said.

The minister said that vaccine deployment would be done by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) until further notice.

The minister said that all manufacturers of vaccines would require an official idemntification to be able to administer their product in Nigeria.

Nigeria, Mamora added, has provided for the COVAX facility.

“Vaccines from any other sources must first have NAFDAC’s Emergency Use Authorisation and they are not covered under the indemnification arrangement.

“Such vaccines will be illegal and, therefore, subject to be impounded by NAFDAC and Customs.

“All vaccines coming into Nigeria will arrive only through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja,’’ he said.

He warned that arrival vaccines at any other airport will not be allowed but will be confiscated by the Nigeria Customs.

He noted that it was important to have an orderly, disciplined rollout to avoid chaos in the immunisation scene.

“As the expected first batch of COVID vaccines from the COVAX facility arrives from Mumbai to Nigeria, all plans and arrangements have been finalised to ensure a hitch free rollout of vaccination.

“Such arrangements included training of health workers, secured logistics and cold chain equipment to receive vaccines in all wards of the federation.

“The vaccines will be received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport and delivered to the National Strategic Cold Store (NSCS), Abuja where inspection and quality testing will be conducted by NAFDAC and due documentation and certification done.’’

Mamora said that the government would begin the roll out with the vaccination of frontline health workers, who are the first line of defence.

“Our goal is to introduce the COVID-19 vaccine in a phased, equitable manner and ultimately vaccinate all eligible Nigerians within the next two years to ensure herd immunity.

“The World Health Organisation recommendation is not to vaccinate persons under 18 years of age, until more scientific data is available on any effects on growing children,’’ he said.

The minister said that there were countries experiencing the third wave, after surviving the second phase, “a reason for us to beware’’.

“We have just marked the first year since the first case of COVID-19 was imported to Nigeria on Feb. 27, 2020.

“The health sector in Lagos did a fantastic job of identifying the individual, tracing 69 contacts and isolating one other person along with the index case.

“Since then, we have confirmed a total of 155,657 other infections, overwhelmingly by community transmission, of which 133,768 have been treated and discharged.

“As in most countries of the world, our health system has been stretched over the past year and the resilience of our people tested, as have been the commitment and dedication of our health workers, some of whom unfortunately became infected in the line of duty.

“We are relieved that our health has survived the stress up to date and we must thank God also for the lives of all Nigerians, who have survived COVID-19 infection.’’

The minister added that Nigeria has sadly lost 1,907 people, comprising fathers, mothers, grandparents, brothers, sisters, cousins and friends, all very dear to us to the disease. (NAN)

General News

IPPIS: FG inaugurates committee on enrolment of civil servants

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By Okon Okon

The Federal Government on Monday set up the committee on enrolment of “Newly Recruited Civil Servants” on the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), made the announcement  in a statement by Mr AbdulGaniyu Aminu, Director Press and Public Relations, office of the HOCSF.

Yemi-Esan said the inauguration of such committee became necessary to stem wanton impunity, sharp practices and fraud.

According to her, it will also  address irregularities in the recruitment of officers by Ministries, Extra- Ministerial Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“It is disheartening that a large number of fake appointment letters were being discovered in some ministries.

“Such situation, if not properly addressed would lead to the denial of employment to a great number of prospective and eligible law-abiding job seekers in the country.

“The office of the HOCSF is already collaborating with security agencies to investigate and bring to book those behind this fraud,” she said.

Yemi-Esan, however, expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for the support given to her for the implementation of the Human Resource (HR) module of the IPPIS.

She added that her office was committed to a transparent, accountable and uncompromised IPPIS platform that would rid the system of ghost workers, reduce personnel cost and enhance economic planning.

Yemi-Esan further enjoined members of the committee to view the assignment as a matter of national importance, which demanded their wealth of experience and hard work in ensuring a reliable and credible IPPIS platform.

In his response, the Chairman of the Committee and Permanent Secretary, Career Management, office of the HOCSF, Mr Mamman Mahmuda, said the committee would carry out the assignment with all sense of responsibility, with a view to achieving the civil service that would be the pride of all.

The committee’s terms of reference are to identify the challenges associated with the old process to guide the new process, examining the new processes of enrolling newly recruited officers on the IPPIS platform.

Others are identifying the benefits derivable from the new process including cost saving, where possible, initiating the process of enrolling new employees on the IPPIS platform guided by the new procedure.

It is also to treat and capture all backlogs of newly recruited officers based on the new procedure, subject to authentication of appointment letters, approved waivers; financial clearance and Federal Character Commission Compliance Certificate, where applicable among others. (NAN)

Politics

I don’t drink at all – Gov. Ikpeazu

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By Naomi Sharang/Kingsley Okoye

Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, says he doesn’t drink at all, contrary to a statement by a serving senator describing him as a drunk.

Ikpeazu said at the launch of the autobiography of Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe (PDP-Abia) “Made in Aba”, in Abuja on Monday that he doesn’t drink at all.

“Permit me to say that I don’t drink at all and I don’t begrudge those who drink.

“In other places or countries that have lesser problems, their leaders discuss issues of security, big issues of economic development, infrastructure development, they don’t talk about what people do and what they did not do,” he said.

Ikpeazu urged political leaders to serve as mentors to the younger generation, while holding political offices.

The governor who was Special Guest at the event, said leaders must in the course of leading, mentor youths who were the future leaders of the country.

“For us leaders, it is a calling. If you are called to lead, you are also called to be a mentor to the young ones and what you say, how you carry yourself and the things you say and the times you say them, speak a lot about how serious you are as a person.

“I share in the joy of this event because I understand the importance of history of a people and a nation.

“I am happy that we are trying in Nigeria now to return history into the curriculum of our secondary school system.

“Yes, if Abaribe fails to tell his story, by the time others tell the story, he will not be able to recognise himself anymore.

“The caption points to something and that is the tenacity and never dying spirit that Aba exhumes, represents and reflects and that encapsulates the personality of distinguished Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe, “he said.

Also speaking, the former Senate President, Mr Anyim Pius Anyim, described the author of the book as “a colossus”.

“The controversy in the life of Abaribe started as deputy governor of Abia.

“I think I have to say that a public figure without controversy is not complete. “There must be a time you will challenge the status quo.

“There must be time you must take a stand that everybody will not be comfortable with.

“There must be a time you will stand out, whether people like it or not and I think that would have dotted the history of Abaribe.

“It is a history that is dotted with firm convictions or issues, whether the crowd goes the same way with him or against him, he will stand his ground, he will make his point, he will push his point and he will defend his point,“ he said.

Earlier, the author of the book, Abaribe said he desired a country where everyone would be committed to the “Nigerian Project.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book has ten chapters with 241 pages. (NAN)

Business , Economy/Business

Dangote Sugar Refinery reports N26.70bn profit for 2020

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By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc (DSR) recorded profit after tax of N26.70 billion for the financial year ended Dec. 31, 2020.

The company stated this in its audited result released on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange on Monday.

The profit after tax represented an increase of 33.2 per cent when compared with N22.36 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2019, reflecting management’s unrelenting goal to deliver consistent shareholder value.

The company’s group revenue increased by 33 per cent to N214.30 billion in contrast to N161.09 billion in 2019.

Gross profit increased by 40.4 per cent to N53.75 billion, against N38.29 billion posted in 2019.

In spite of the disruptions in the economy due to coronavirus pandemic, Dangote Sugar Refinery recorded an increase in production, which rose by 13.7 per cent to 743,858 tonnes compared with 654,071 tonnes posted in 2019.

The sugar group also posted increase in sales, which rose by  6.9 per cent, from 684,487 tonnes to 731,701 tonnes.

The company attributed the performance to operations optimisation strategy despite momentary disruption caused by civil unrest in the last quarter of the year.

It noted that the growth continued to benefit from sustained efforts to drive the expansion of customer base and several trade initiatives and investments.

Commenting on the result, the company’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mr Ravindra Singhvi, said despite the socio-economic uncertainties occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic during the year under review, the sugar group continued on the growth path with commitments to improve on performance and generate value for all stakeholders.

This, he said, was reflected in the sales of 731,701 tonnes, and production of 743,858 tonnes being 6.9 per cent and 13.7 per cent increase in volumes over the comparative year 2019.

“2020 was indeed very eventful for our company ranging from the weak macroeconomic fundamentals caused by the underlying impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

“This saw to the steady rise in foreign rate, high inflation and the significant rise in our cost of production, to the worsening traffic gridlock on the Apapa Wharf road which led to delays and at times disruption of the distribution and deliveries to customers,” he said.

Singhvi added that the company activated its Business Continuity Management System during the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic and disruptions caused by EndSARS protests.

He said this helped to minimise the adverse impact the situation had on businesses in the country.

He noted that one of the key highlights of the year was the successful completion of the Scheme of Arrangement – merger of DSR and Savannah Sugar Company Ltd. with effect from Sept. 1, 2020 to operate under one unified entity.

“We are confident the merger will enable us to achieve operational, administrative and governance efficiencies resulting in increased shareholder value.

“We will continue to pursue our Backward Integration Projects, and other key initiatives to grow our sales volumes, market share, optimise cost and operational efficiencies,” he added. (NAN)

Business , Economy/Business

NSE resumes March with N69bn growth amid uptick in BUA Cement

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By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Activities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) commenced the week and month on Monday on a bullish trend, following uptick in BUA Cement, Zenith Bank and UBA.

Specifically, the market capitalisation increased by N65 billion or 0.33 per cent to close at N20.892 trillion from N20.823 trillion posted on Friday.

Also, the NSE All-Share Index which opened the month of March at 39,799.89 rose by 131.74 points or 0.33 per cent to close at 39,931.63.

Consequently, the month-to-date return settled at 0.3 per cent , while the year-to-date loss moderated to 0.8 per cent.

The uptrend was also driven by price appreciation in medium and large capitalised stocks amongst which are; UACN, AIICO Insurance, Veritas Kapital Assurance, BUA Cement and Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals.

Analysts at Afrinvest expected that earnings released and dividends declaration would influence trading activity in spite of weak investor sentiment.

UACN dominated the gainers’ chart in percentage terms with 6.67 per cent to close at N8 per share.

AIICO Insurance followed with 5.22 per cent to close at N1.21, while Veritas Kapital Assurance rose by five per cent to close at 21k per share.

BUA Cement rose by 3.82 per cent to close at N74.75, while Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals appreciated by 2.73 per cent to close at N1.88 per share.

On the other hand, NASCON led the losers’ chart in percentage terms, losing 9.97 per cent to close at N14.45 per share.

Champion Breweries followed with 9.92 per cent to close at N2.27, while PZ Cussons shed 9.43 per cent to close at N4.80 per share.

Lasaco Assurance lost 8.94 per cent to close at N1.12, while Royal Exchange and Sovereign Trust Insurance depreciated by 7.41 per cent each to close at 25k per share each.

Also, the total volume of trades increased by 7.2 per cent to 543.99 million shares valued at N1.89 billion exchanged in 4,673 deals.

This was in contrast with a total of 507.25 million shares worth N2.44 billion traded in 4,465 deals on Friday.

Transactions in the shares of Wema Bank topped the activity chart with 369.68 million shares valued at N240.32 million.

Zenith Bank followed with 20.62 million shares worth N529.07 million, while Transcorp traded 13.02 million shares worth N11.48 million.

UBA traded 11.93 million shares valued at N98.65 million, while United Capital transacted 11.33 million shares worth N69.19 million. (NAN)

General News

Buhari receives briefing on Zamfara schoolgirls’ abduction

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By Ismaila Chafe

Leader of the Federal Government delegation to sympathise with the people and government of Zamfara over kidnapped Jangebe schoolgirls, Hadi Sirika, has briefed President Muhammadu Buhari on the outcome of their mission to the state.

Speaking to State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with the president on Monday in Abuja, Sirika, who is also the Minister of Aviation, expressed optimism that the abducted female students of Government Girls Science Secondary School, Jangebe, would soon be freed from their abductors.

According to him, the government and people of Zamfara have expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the federal government toward addressing the menace of banditry and kidnapping in the state.

Sirika said: “Well, the message we’ve brought back to the President is that the government and people of Zamfara are very appreciative of the efforts of Mr President, including all of the things that the President had done towards Zamfara.

“The governor also said he has an unfettered access to Mr President and Mr President has always given him a listening ear, and they have helped him in so many ways in reaching a peaceful coexistence with his people.

“So he’s very glad and he’s very happy. He asked us to greet Mr President and tell Mr President that he should count him as a partner in this challenge.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sirika had on Sunday delivered Buhari’s message to the people and government of Zamfara.

He said new measures had been developed by the federal government which would bring complete end to all forms of criminality in the nation.

“The President is saddened by the abduction of the students from Jangebe and reassures you that the government has all the resources and wherewithal to contain these criminals.’’

Other members of the delegation were the Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajiya Sa’adiya Umar-Faruk; and Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen. (NAN)

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