News Agency of Nigeria

LASG sets to inaugurate 377 projects

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The Lagos State Government on Sunday says 377 projects will be inaugurated across the state in the next few months.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu made this known during the Year 2021 Hybrid Edition of the Lagos State Annual Thanksgiving Service, held at Lagos House Ground, Ikeja.

Sanwo-Olu said that all the projects were initiated to positively impact the lives of every Lagos resident.

He said that he had signed the largest budget in the history of the state into law on Dec. 31, 2020.

“The budget for the 2021 year is ready for implementation,’’ the governor said.

According to him, starting this month (January), Lagosians are going to see the renewed effort going into uplifting their welfare and living standards.

“Over the next few months, we have 377 projects slated for commissioning across the state in various sectors.

“All of them were embarked upon to positively impact the lives of every resident of Lagos State.

“These projects include the 52 Tonne Per Hour Imota Rice Mill, in Ikorodu, the Pen Cinema Junction Flyover and Ramp in Agege, the Restored Glover Memorial Hall, Marina, Lagos Island and the Ariyo (Mile 10) – Ira – Muwo Bridge Phase 1 in Ojo.

“Others are the remodelled Youth Centre in Abesan, Ipaja, the Lagos State Affordable Public Housing Scheme in Idale, Badagry, comprising 252 units of 2-bedroom bungalows and the LagosHOMS Housing Project in Iponri, comprising 132 housing units.

“Also billed for the inauguration are the LagosHOMS Housing Project in Lekki Phase 2, comprising 84 housing units and the LagosHOMS Housing Project Phase 2B in Igbogbo, comprising 84 housing units.’’

Sanwo-Olu said that as a government, the driving force was the vision for a Greater Lagos, hinged on the six strategic pillars of T.H.E.M.E.S agenda.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that T.H.E.M.E.S, an acronym for Sanwo-Olu administration’s six strategic development agenda namely, Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology.

He called on Lagosians to continue to pray for peace, prosperity and continuous growth of the state.

“Let us remember that when it is well with Lagos, it is well with us.

“I wish you all a Happy New Year once again and I pray that 2021 will usher in blessings and good tidings for each and every one of us and for our dear state as a whole,´´ Sanwo-Olu said. (NAN)

 

Train accident kills 3 in central Tanzania

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Three people were killed and 66 others injured after a passenger train derailed in central Tanzania on Saturday evening, said the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) on Sunday.

The train was ferrying 720 passengers from the country’s port city Dar es Salaam to up-country regions of Tabora, Katavi, Kigoma and Mwanza when it derailed 58 kilometres from the capital Dodoma, the TRC said in a statement.

It added that six of the 12 wagons derailed at around 7.00 p.m. local time in the Kigwe-Bahi area.

TRC officials, along with security staff, were investigating the cause of the accident, said the statement.

TRC Director-General, Masanja Kadogosa, told Xinhua over the phone that heavy rains in the area could be the culprit. (Xinhua/NAN)

Social housing scheme: FG, cement manufacturers agree on discount –Osinbajo

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By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says the Federal Government and cement manufacturers had agreed on a discount for the government’s Social Housing Scheme, being implemented under the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP).
“They have agreed to give cement for this project at considerable discount, which is a very helpful thing to do, and we really commend and thank them for the contributions they are making. It is a very patriotic thing on their part. They also see the importance of this Mass Housing Programme”, he said.
A statement on Sunday, in Abuja, issued by Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, quoted the vice president as saying that the discount was part of Federal Government’s determination to ensure the success of the scheme meant  for low-income earners.
Osinbajo, who was visiting completed units of the model houses at  Dei Dei, a Federal Capital Territory suburb, observed that it was possible to deliver decent and affordable accommodation that would  be within the reach of many Nigerians.
After inspecting the prototypes of the one-bedroom  and two-bedroom bungalows, Osinbajo expressed satisfaction with the quality of the design and the fact that the houses were very affordable.

According to him, on the average, anyone earning N30,000 a month and was ready to spend a third of that amount, would be able to afford one of these houses, that is the plan.

“From What I have seen so far, there is a one-bedroom unit and there is a two-bedroom unit, both coming under N2 million. I think that this is a very good thing indeed. And a point has been made that it is possible to build good, decent accommodation that isn’t out of the reach of practically everyone.

“We are hoping that we will be able to replicate this not just in Abuja but all over the country.  So far, the Family Homes Fund is in 11 States, and they have given up land for the project.

“We are hoping that this year, we will be able to very rapidly improve the scale and speed of putting these houses in place.

“Once we are able to get moving quickly, we think we can make available several thousands of houses across the country and more people can afford to live in such houses”, the vice president said.

The vice president noted that the job creation component of the ESP would also be actualised through the Social Housing Scheme, as there were young men and women, who are builders, architects, civil engineers, working on the project.

”We are hoping that a lot of the building materials will be locally fabricated, especially the windows, doors and other components of the houses,” he said.

The social housing schemeis an important aspect of the plan by the Federal Government to address the nation’s housing needs and it entails building thousands of low-cost houses, creating jobs and wealth for youths that will be engaged in the construction of the houses.

Under the ESP, the Federal Government mandated the Central Bank of Nigeria  to provide financing for the housing scheme and already a first tranche of N200 billion had been approved as the first tranche already.

There would also be a ”Rent-to-Own” option as part of the administration’s resolve to impact the common man, in the social housing plan that had been earmarked to generate 1.8 million  jobs and deliver 1.5 million houses Nigerian families.

The implementing agency, Family Homes Fund (FHF) Limited, an agency under the Federal Ministry of Finance, had already mobilised thousands of Cooperative groups across the country to participate in the scheme.

Individuals would also be eligible for participation in the scheme, by applying through the portal: www.nshp.gov.ng.(NAN)

NiMet forcasts sunshine, haziness

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The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forcast sunshine and haziness from Monday to Wednesday across the nation.

NiMet’s weather outlook issued on Sunday in Abuja forcast sunny and hazy conditions over the northern region and the north central states with partly cloudy skies over Kwara and Kogi throughout the forecast period on Monday.

According to NiMet, partly cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine are expected over the inland cities of the south throughout the forecast period.

It forcast coastal cities of the south to be mostly cloudy with chances of few thunderstorms over the coastal parts of Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers in the afternoon and evening hours.

” For Tuesday, sunny and hazy conditions are expected over the northern region and the
north central cities within the forecast period.

“Partly cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine are expected over the inland and coastal cities with few thunderstorms over Rivers, Cross river, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa during the afternoon and evening period, ” it said.

According to the agency, sunny and hazy conditions are anticipated over the north and north central regions during the forecast period on Wednesday.

NiMet forecast partly cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine over the inland cities of the south throughout the forecast period.

It anticipated coastal cities of
the south to be mostly cloudy with light shower in the morning.

“Later in the day, we expect partly cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine throughout the forecast period, ” it said.(NAN)

 

Martinez scores hat-trick as Inter Milan go top of Serie A

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Lautaro Martinez’s first hat-trick for Inter Milan helped his side crush Crotone 6-2 to earn their eighth successive Serie A win on Sunday.

This result has sent Antonio Conte’s team to the top of the standings above AC Milan.

With their local rivals in action later on Sunday, Inter Milan knew a win would see them go top, if only temporarily.

But it was not looking promising as second-bottom Crotone took a shock 12th minute lead through Niccolo Zanellato.

However, Romelu Lukaku sent strike partner Martinez through to level eight minutes later, before an own goal from Luca Marrone put Inter Milan in front.

A Vladimir Golemic penalty kick then levelled things up once again.

With the quality Inter Milan possess upfront, it was only a matter of time until they put Crotone to the sword in the second half.

Martinez brilliantly gave Inter Milan the lead in the 57th minute, before Lukaku added another seven minutes later.

Martinez completed his first Inter Milan hat-trick 12 minutes from time.

This was before Achraf Hakimi put the icing on the cake with a late sixth to put Inter Milan top on 36 points.

They are however only two points clear of AC Milan and seven clear of Roma, who also play later on Sunday.

Crotone remain 19th with just two league wins all season. (Reuters/NAN)

Manchester City’s Garcia tests positive for COVID-19

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Manchester City defender Eric Garcia and a member of staff at the club have tested positive for COVID-19, the Premier League club said on Sunday.

“Both personnel will now observe a period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and UK Government protocols on quarantine,” Manchester City said in a statement.

On Friday, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said five first team players had tested positive for the novel coronavirus and would not be involved in their game on Sunday at Chelsea.

The club said last week that striker Gabriel Jesus and defender Kyle Walker had tested positive, though Guardiola did not name the other three infected players.

A surge in infections at Manchester City among players and staff forced the club to lodge a request with the league to postpone Monday’s game at Everton.

Manchester City are eighth in the league table with 26 points after 14 games. (Reuters/NAN)

2020/2021 NPFL: Rangers International beat Akwa United 1-0

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By Nicholas Obisike

Rangers International Football Club of Enugu on Sunday defeated Akwa United FC of Uyo 1-0 in a Match Day 2 of the 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Isreal Abia scored the only goal in the 60th minute of the match played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the victory gave Rangers their first three points of the new season having lost their Match Day 1 fixture 1-0 against Rivers United in Port Harcourt.

Speaking after the match, Rangers’ Technical Adviser, Salisu Yusuf, praised his players for picking the three points at stake.

Yusuf said the match lived up to its billing, noting that his players gave their maximum attention throughout the match.

”It is our utmost desire to win every match we play in the league and I believe this will boost the players’ confidence,” he said.

The coach added that the three points won from the game mattered a lot.

”It is not the number of goals at this point in time. We need the points and not the goals for now.”

He however urged the players not to let the victory get into their heads because they still have a lot to do in the league.

NAN reports that Rangers International FC will on Jan. 10 visit Jigawa Golden Stars of Dutse in their Match Day 3 fixture.

Following are the results of other Match Day 2 fixtures played on Sunday:

Kano Pillars 2-0 Katsina United

Heartland FC 1-2 Nasarawa United

Dakkada FC 2-1 Jigawa Golden Stars

Sunshine Stars 1-0 FC IfeanyiUbah

Lobe Stars 1-0 MFM FC

Warri Wolves 1-0 Adamawa United

Played on Saturday:

Abia Warriors 0-1 Rivers United

Postponed till Jan. 4, 2021:

Wiki Tourists vs Plateau United

Postponed till Jan. 20, 2021:

Kwara United vs Enyimba International. (NAN)

Return to God for fruitful 2021, Cleric urges Nigerians

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By Jessica Onyegbula

The General Overseer, All Christians Fellowship Mission (ACFM), Rev. William Okoye has urged Nigerians to pray and trust God for a better and fruitful 2021.

Okoye, who stated this during the New Year service of his church in Abuja, said that to save the country, people needed to start doing things right and be more sincere.

He added that the new year could only be better when things began to happen differently and positively.
According to him, Jesus Christ is the only way to a good and peaceful life.

“The new year is just an opportunity to continue from where we stopped in the previous year.

“However, if we do not change from our evil ways, turn to God and start correcting our mistakes, the new year will not be different from the previous year and things may not get better.

“Nigerians should repent of their sins and be their neighbours’ keepers for peace to reign in the country.

“At a time like this, Nigerians must trust in God. Do not be afraid because the Lord, who has been with us throughout these challenging times, will see us through and we will overcome.

“We are moved by what God can do. It is good for us to know that God is with us and He will not leave or forsake us,” he said.

Okoye emphasised the need for Nigerians to unite and rebuild the country for the benefit of all. (NAN)

I never knew I would be governor – Diri

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By Shedrack Frank

Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa, on Sunday, joined other Christians in the state to offer praises to God for witnessing the first Sunday of 2021.

Diri, who worshipped at St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Sampou, his hometown, told the congregation that he never knew the community would produce a governor, while he was supporting the governorship aspiration of others.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Daniel Alabrah, quoted Diri as saying that when it was time for God’s destined purpose, it would surely manifest.

He said: “Sometimes I wonder that all the time I had been supporting the governorship aspiration of others, I did not know that God had destined me, even before I was born, to be governor. So when your time comes, nobody can stop it.

“If the same God could do this for me, He will do it for you. Just be faithful, have free mind and He will do it again and again,” he said.

The governor urged Christians to be faithful to God in order to unlock more earthly blessings, just as he called on the people of the state to always give thanks and pay less attention to their worries.

“Let me commend the people of Bayelsa for taking out time across the state to thank God today. What can you offer to God other than to say ‘thank you’ to Him?

“He has the gold and the silver. He also has the power, as power comes only from Him.

“If not for God, I will not be standing here as governor. So we must continue to thank Him with everything we have daily.

“I, therefore, join the rest of the people of Bayelsa to say thank you Lord for keeping us to see this first Sunday of 2021,” Diri said.

He also urged the citizens to realise that they were special in the sight of God, adding that He always manifested Himself in the affairs of the state, whenever the agents of evil tried to plunge it into darkness.

“For us in Bayelsa, we are a special people, and until we realise that we are special, we will continue to give room for darkness,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the service was attended by members of the state executive council, traditional rulers, other appointees and dignitaries from across the state. (NAN)

NEPAD D-G moves to reconcile APC members in Imo

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By Ikechukwu Iweajunwa

Princess Gloria Akobundu, Chief Executive Officer of New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), has begun moves to reconcile aggrieved members of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Isiala- Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State ahead of the party’s congress.

Akobundu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Owerri that she convened a meeting of party loyalists to reconcile aggrieved party members from the local government area.

Akobundu said that  the party leaders discussed important issues of differences and possible ways to chart a new roadmap that would reconcile aggrieved members and end misunderstanding in the party.

“This meeting will address the 4-point agenda which were the resolution in the recent APC South-East caucus meeting.

“We have been given a directive to reconcile members, register more members, plan for the state congress and the national convention.

“We are going to embark on aggressive grassroots mobilisation and to canvas for more members in the state,” she said.

She advised members of the party to shun acrimonious attitude and embrace unity and peace.

“We want to bring back peace and unity in Imo APC because misunderstanding and rancour among members is affecting the party’s progress in the state.

“We must respect party leaders at all level, only such respect can translate to lasting peace in the party,” Akobundu said.

She also related President Muhammadu Buhari’s new year message and assured of continued financial support to the party for grassroots activities in Isiala-Mbano.

Also, APC state caretaker committee Chairman, Mr Marcelinus Nlemigbo, said that the only way to guarantee the future of APC was for the party to strengthen succession plan.

Nlemigbo advised party members against anti party activities, while urging members to participate fully in the ongoing party registration. (NAN)

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