News Agency of Nigeria
General News

NEDC takes over reconstruction of bridges destroyed by insurgents in North East

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By Muhammad Adam

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) says it has taken over the reconstruction of major bridges destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East.

Mr Mohammed Alkali, the Managing Director of the commission, disclosed this during the inauguration of the commission’s infrastructure reconstruction and rehabilitation projects on Tuesday in Yola.

Alkali said that the 12 years of insurgency in the region had affected commerce, following the destruction of markets, roads and bridges as well as public sector infrastructure.

He said the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing had awarded numerous contracts for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads in the region.

The managing director said that the execution of the projects was very slow due to poor funding and insecurity in the region.

“Under the intervention, the commission has taken up the responsibility for full funding and reconstruction of some major bridges destroyed by insurgency in the region.

“The first project to benefit from this co-funding collaboration is the reconstruction of three bridges at Kudzum, Dilechim and Wuro Ngayandi all in Adamawa.

“The commission will, as part of the collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, also construct additional three bridges on the newly awarded 80 kilometre Jabbi Lamba-Belel road contract,” Alkali said.

He said that the reconstruction of the bridges would restore trade links between Adamawa and Borno as well as boost trades with Cameroon Republic.

Alkali said the commission had apportioned 647 projects across the states in the region in the education, agriculture and health sectors.

The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), said several schemes had been evolved by the current administration to close the funding gap required for road projects in the country.

Fashola, represented by Mr Emmanuel Adeoye, Director Highways Bridges and Design, listed the scheme as Sukuk Funds, Tax Credit Scheme and Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF).

He said the  Chinese Exim Bank loan was one of the schemes, and added that more funds were still needed to cater for road infrastructure deficit across the country.

He said the ministry had approached the NEDC for partnership to improve the quality of road infrastructure in the zone.

“The NEDC an agency of the Federal Government mandated to rebuild the region gladly accepted to collaborate with the ministry to co-fund road projects in the zone.

“This laudable partnership has given birth to the co-funding of any federal highway in Adamawa,” Fashola said.

In his remark, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, described the beginning of the projects as a manifestation of good working relationship between federal and state agencies. (NAN)

Health

Gov. Yahaya provides complementary feeds for children in Gombe

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By Hajara Leman

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has unveiled locally-made infant and young child complementary feeds for the treatment of moderately malnourished children in the state.

The governor unveiled the complementary feeds during the 3rd Science Technology, Innovation, Agriculture and Mineral Resources Expo organised by the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation in Gombe on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the complementary feeds were produced by the state Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation in collaboration with the Department of Nutrition, Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe and other relevant agencies,

Yahaya said that the locally-made complementary feeds would go a long way in combating malnutrition in the state.

The governor lamented that, in spite of the food crops the state produced annually, Gombe State was being rated among the state with severely malnourished children thereby causing high infant and children mortality..

“It was for this reason our administration reviewed upward the budgetary allocation for the production of feeding by 150 per cent.

“Because the future of our state belongs to our children,we are duty bound to ensure that they succeed in our collective goal of building a greater, peaceful and prosperous state.

He commended the ministry for the successful commencement of the production of complementary feeds for management of moderately malnourished children in the state.

Yahaya said the theme of the 2021 Expo Science Technology and Innovation for Economy Recovery and Sustainability amidst COVID-19 challenges was apt in line with critical role of Science Technology and Innovation in finding solution to their development challenges and survival of humanity.

“An exhibition like this would help stimulate activities across all segments of agriculture value chain; enhance collaboration and commercialisation of products; boost the state’s internal revenue generation and provide job opportunities for the youths.

“It is worthy of note that young men and women impressed us by displaying their talents, calling on youth to avail themselves with this opportunity.

“Work hard, ensure speedy development of indigenous technology, which is a catalyst for the socio-economic development of the state and the country in general,” he said.

The governor gave an assurance of government’s commitment to promoting science and technology, agriculture and mineral resources development in Gombe State.

In her speech, Dr Aishatu Maigari, Commissioner for Science Technology and Innovation said Gombe State had been in the news as having a high malnutrition index before the coming of the present administration.

“It is worthy to note that under this administration, Gov. Yahaya approved the production of complementary feeding for moderately malnourished children and increased the budgetary allocation by 150 per cent,” she said.

Maigari said the ministry was conducting further research into producing high energy snacks for school children in furtherance of their mandate on nutrition.

NAN reports that highlight of the expo was the display of a drone invented by a Physics student of the Gombe State University.

There was also production of compost manure from waste by a staff of the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation, Gombe State, amongst other things. (NAN)

Culture & Tourism

Constant training will enhance productivity in tourism sector – NIHOTOUR

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By Priscilla Osaje

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) says constant training of its personnel on leadership and citizenship will go a long way to enhancing productivity in the tourism sector.

The Director- General of NIHOTOUR, Alhaji Nura Kangiwa said this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

Kangiwa said this when he received the Director-General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), Mr Jonah Bawa in his office.

According to him, for any organisation to achieve its full potential in orientation and reorientation, such organisaton must focus on the mandate of the organisation, “which is key and germane’’.

He reiterated his determination in the training of staff and personnel for improvement of quality, efficient service delivery of their jobs in the institute.

He said that such would enable the institute achieve the core mandate for which it was established.

Kangiwa lauded the visit of the D-G of CLTC and the training the centre offered to military, para-military and civil personnel.

He said he would do all possible to explore the opportunity of sending staff of the institute to such training in the centre.

He said such training would acquaint them with the discipline, self-discovery, patriotism and commitment required of them to serve the institute.

He said it would help them to achieve the institute’s aims and objectives to benefit the larger society.

Earlier, Bawa said the centre, which was established to training military and para-military personnel under the name Man-O-War, was later changed for the training of both military and non-military personnel in leadership.

He said the leadership training inculcated the virtues of discipline, civic responsibilities, tolerance, endurance and good character under its current name ‘Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre’.

Bawa said that since the establishment of the centre about 70 years ago, it had trained all Nigerian military and para-military personnel in the course of their careers as a prerequisite for their graduation.

DG CLTC said that the centre had extended and expanded further the scope of its training activities to include all eligible working Nigerians irrespective of their background.

He said this was to enable them fit into and function well in the country for peace, understanding and national cohesion.

“The centre in addition to leadership and citizenship training, also undertakes reformatory and correctional training services for youths.

“The youths are engaged in militancy and restiveness and other social vices that threaten peace in the country,” Bawa said. (NAN)

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)

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