Category: News

Schoolteacher Mamadou Junior Diakhaté is on a mission to rebuild a school in Senegal in time for students to pass their exams to enter high school.

The teacher nicknamed “Junior” used his social media accounts to crowdfund the rebuild and has raised about 3,000 euros.

The institution was shut due to the coronavirus pandemic in March and only pupils who were sitting the tests could partially return in June, coinciding with the heavy rain period.

ALSO READ: Superstar actor The Rock reveals he and his family are recovering from COVID-19

“This school must host students on September 14th for exams and look at the state of the classrooms. So we came to give a hand,” said Diakhaté.

“With the money we buy equipment, then we publish on social media the invoices, everything the money was use for. We show before and after photos and regular updates. So people trust us because they see that their donation is used for something and not used for other purposes .”-

Thanks to his popular Twitter page, he has raised about 3,000 euros. But he says one headteacher accused him of playing politics.

But many other schools in the country are in the same state. He’s received about 40 requests from schools in similar conditions.

Africa News

Vanguard

By Ibrahim HassanWuyo

Chairman of Kubau Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, Alhaji Sabo Aminu Anchau, has said that the death of 8 Almajirai in Gilmor river of Kaduna state who were returning from farm work, has made his council to suspend the Almajiri system in his locality

The council boss said henceforth, his administration will not allow any activity that involved child labour and exploitation of minors.

In an interview with journalists, Aminu Anchau said the action became necessary so as to stop the incessant exploitation of children in the name of Almajiri education.

“Some Malams have developed the habit of admitting more than 100 pupils in a school and forced them to work on their farms.

“Last farming season, the council lost 8 Almajiri in the Gilmor River. The Malam took them to work for him on his farm across the river. On their way back, they entered a canoe to cross the river.

“When the boat got to the middle of the river its engine went off and the children were left to the current of the river.

“Some of the Almajirai observed that the boat may capsize; therefore, they jumped into the river, unfortunately, eight of them drowned and died,” he said.

ALSO READ: Why Almajiri system of education can’t be abolished – Jos Imam, others

He said the activities of the Mallams constituted a serious challenge to the Council’s effort to provide basic education to all underage, even as the council was working with the Kaduna state government and other key stakeholders to ameliorate the challenge.

He clarified that they were not banning Quranic education or learning, “but we are trying to make it more effective and decent so that it will be more beneficial to the younger ones’’.

He stressed that there were about 265 schools across the local government area but the major threats were child abuse, child labour and other forms of exploitation of the minor.

“Before now, most pupils in Primary schools including my children were sitting under the tree or on the floor to take  lessons.

“In realisation of this poor learning environment, the council embarked on the construction of classrooms and fencing of so many schools across the local government area.

“We have already distributed over 650 chairs to some primary schools in the local government area and we are involving communities in running the schools,” he said.

Vanguard News Nigeria.

Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams

By Dapo Akinrefon

Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, on Thursday, said the recent increase in the price of fuel and electricity tariff by the Federal Government was most unfortunate, as the government was toeing a dangerous path.

Speaking on the heels of the recent increase of price PMS and electricity tariff, Aare Adams, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, said the Federal Government is insensitive to the plights of the masses.

He added that at a difficult time like the present, when the whole world is still going through the COVID-19 pandemic, even with the closure of our land borders since last year, it was a wrong move.

ALSO READ: FUEL HIKE: Poverty rate will increase in Nigeria ― ActionAid

Aare Adams said: “It is unfortunate that the Federal Government has failed in its responsibility to the ordinary Nigerian. The hardship of unprecedented increase in transportation and electricity tariffs will, for a long time, affect the people of this country.

“This is not the kind of change we expected from a government that rode to power with very much hope and expectations from Nigerians.

“And, rather than cushioning the effect of this outrageous increase, the Federal Government decided to look the other way.

“With this sudden increase, the price of every commodity will definitely reach the rooftops and this is uncalled for, particularly at a time like this when the world is still battling with the COVID-19 impasse.

“Electricity is life. I know how much I pay as electricity bills. So how do you think an ordinary Nigerian citizen could cope with this sudden increase?

“It is killing and the Federal Government must desist from embarking on policies that are capable of destroying the trust reposed in it by the people because the timing for the sudden increase is wrong.

“However, we strongly appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly to reverse the price in the interest of the masses,” Aare Gani Adams added.

VANGUARD

By Funmi Ajumobi

Offenses committed by children can be traced to neglect by parents and society and can be remedied if parents and guardians are educated on how to raise the children.

Speaking with stakeholders in Oshodi and Mushin Local Governments on Diversion Community Rehabilitation Programme, at the Fountain Life Church, Ilupeju, Lagos, recently, the Executive Director, Grace Springs Rehabilitation Home, an (NGO), Mrs Omolara Olawoyin, said children were vulnerable and that many of the offenses they commit were mostly caused by the neglect of parents and society.

According to Olawoyin, who is the coordinator of the programme in Lagos State, “We work with children age 10 to 17 years who are in conflict with the law and those that are likely to commit minor offenses that are anti-social behaviour like truancy, pilfering, fighting, etc.

READ ALSO: Kaduna Govt, UNICEF moves to improve wellbeing of children

When they are in conflict with the law for stealing, fighting, and other minor offenses, they are taken to the Police Station but instead of charging the children to court, they are sent to our organization for rehabilitation.

After rehabilitating them through research on the root cause of the offense, we do counselling and design training programmes for them, according to their need and we re-integrate them into the society after graduating them from our centre”, she added.

She encouraged the stakeholders present, including Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Persons, the Media, Local government counsellors and para-military officers from Neighbourhood Watch and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) to be the watchdog in their communities as they take the information to their various communities on the importance of the diversion where children in conflict with the law are rehabilitated and reintegrated into society.

Vanguard

The front page of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo is seen at a newspapers kiosk in Paris on the opening day of the trial of the January 2015 Paris attacks against Charlie Hebdo satirical weekly, a policewoman in Montrouge and the Hyper Cacher kosher supermarket, at Paris courthouse, France, September 2, 2020. The trial will take place from September 2 to November 10. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann

Fourteen people have gone to trial in Paris for their alleged involvement in the 2015 attacks on the French magazine Charlie Hebdo and a Jewish supermarket.

The suspects, going to the docks on Wednesday, are accused of providing logistical support to the gunmen and could face 20-year sentences.

Three are being tried in absentia as they are believed to have fled to Iraq and Syria, where the Islamic State group at the time declared their “caliphate”.

ALSO READ: We have dealt with terrorists & Bandits; they now operate in trickles ― Military

The attacks spanning three days in January 2015 started at the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, which regularly depicts the Prophet Muhammed, which some Muslims find blasphemous.

The brothers Said and Chérif Kouachi opened fire on their editorial meeting on January 7. They killed 12 people, including France’s most famed cartoonists and police officers.

ALSO READ: PACJA warns big oil firms against plans to flood Africa with plastics

A day later Amedy Coulibaly shot and killed a police officer and killed four Jewish men at a kosher supermarket. The three gunmen were killed in separate police standoffs.

The slogan, Je Suis Charlie, (I am Charlie) went viral and a wave of anti-terror marches took place. The biggest rally was in Paris, with global leaders showing their support. Six African heads of state were at the march.

But with Boko Haram and more frequent jihadist attacks in Africa, some questioned why their leaders did not show the same support back home.

Africa News

Vanguard

Seyi Makinde

The Oyo State Government has expressed readiness to reintroduce Boys’ Scout Club to public primary schools across the state to promote character moulding and sound learning for pupils.

This was made known in a statement signed by Michael Ogunsina for Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Media Team.

The statement said that Dr Nureni Adeniran, Executive Chairman, Oyo SUBEB, said this in Ibadan during an advocacy visit by the State Commissioner of Boys’ Scouts.

Adeniran stated that when reintroduced, Boys’ Scouts would give pupils the opportunity to get first-hand insights on preparedness toward life.

He said it would complement the state government’s efforts in moulding and modelling pupils, adding that this would attest to Gov. Seyi Makinde’s absolute commitment to improve the basic education sector.

The SUBEB boss said when reintroduced, the club would be an improved adaptation of the moribund one, noting that the club would make pupils more responsible toward their academics and extracurricular activities.

“We don’t mind reintroducing the Boys’ Scout club into our public schools’ system, because we realise that this will complement Gov. Makinde’s quality education policy,” he said.

ALSO READ: Protect govt infrastructure in your domain, Kogi Govt urges citizens

He said the doors of the state government were open to suggestions and ideas, from clubs such as Boys’ Scouts that would further better the education system in Oyo state.

According to him, the present government is doing so much to improve pupils’ reading culture and inculcate morals in them.

“The state government is also presently seeking more ways of improving the character and morale of our pupils.

“So, reintroducing Boys’ Scouts is a very brilliant idea,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Adetunji Adepeju, the State Commissioner, Boys’ Scouts, affirmed that the club had been approved by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

He noted that the club, established by Baden-Powell, taught members to be prepared.

“Therefore, the club would teach pupils how to be prepared for learning, adding that the club will also teach them to be prepared for the future,” Adepeju said. (NAN)

VANGUARD

Plans peaceful protest Sept 8

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru – Abuja

The organised labour on Thursday, raised the alarm over what it described as the birth of a new progeny of authoritarianism, industrial tyranny and state sponsored violence and terrorism against workers and citizens by Rivers State Government.

President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, and his counterpart from the Trade Union Congress, TUC Quadri Olaleye at a joint press conference, said there was a F growing act of despotic rule in Rivers State under the administration and supervision of Governor Nyesom Wike.

The two labour leaders said that the unions have no other option than to embark on a peaceful protest in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on September 8, 2020, adding that the protest was to draw the attention of the world to the infractions on workers and trade union rights in the state.

READ ALSO: Rivers would end era of judges retiring without own home ― Wike

According to them, “This is to alert Nigerians on the birth of new progeny of authoritarianism, industrial tyranny and state sponsored violence and terrorism against workers and citizens by the Rivers State Government.

“The events of the past few weeks confirm to us and many right-thinking Nigerians that there is a full-fledged bloom of despotic rule in Rivers State under the administration and supervision of Mr. Nyesom Wike.

“The attack on the leaders of the NLC in Rivers State on Thursday, 27th August 2020 was only the tipping of a well calculated attempt by the Rivers State government to eviscerate, incarcerate and decimate the leadership of Labour in Rivers State. The grand design is to muzzle the voice of Rivers State workers who face a despicable industrial ordeal.

“Fellow citizens, Nigerian workers have never had it so bad under a state governor as Mr. Nyesom Wike who now sees himself as a demi-god. As the demi-god that he believes he is, Mr. Nyesom Wike has no scruples for the rule of law or basic standards of decency.

“He has arrogated and appropriated to himself the powers of both the executive, the judiciary, the legislative and the vicious powers of underground non-state operatives who openly identify themselves as thugs loyal to Mr. Wike.

READ ALSO: Rivers would end era Judges retire without their own home – Wike

“Nigerian workers are not cowed and will never be cowed by the cowardly actions of Mr. Nyesom Wike to cower our voices. Workers will never succumb to his scare tactics. We will continue to demand that the rights of our workers in the workplace, their safety, and the sanctity of their lives must be respected always both by government and private sector employers. We will never shirk from this sacred mandate.

“Nigerian workers under the aegis of NLC and TUC and our civil society allies in the discharge of our constitutional rights will embark on a peaceful protest in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on September 8, 2020. The protest is to draw the attention of the world to the infractions on workers and trade union rights in Rivers State.”

Vanguard

By Ibrahim HassanWuyo

Chairman of Kubau Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, Alhaji Sabo Aminu Anchau, has said that the death of 8 Almajirai in Gilmor river of Kaduna state who were returning from farm work, has made his council to suspend the Almajiri system in his locality

The council boss said henceforth, his administration will not allow any activity that involved child labour and exploitation of minors.

In an interview with journalists, Aminu Anchau said the action became necessary so as to stop the incessant exploitation of children in the name of Almajiri education.

“Some Malams have developed the habit of admitting more than 100 pupils in a school and forced them to work on their farms.

“Last farming season, the council lost 8 Almajiri in the Gilmor River. The Malam took them to work for him on his farm across the river. On their way back, they entered a canoe to cross the river.

“When the boat got to the middle of the river its engine went off and the children were left to the current of the river.

“Some of the Almajirai observed that the boat may capsize; therefore, they jumped into the river, unfortunately, eight of them drowned and died,” he said.

ALSO READ: Why Almajiri system of education can’t be abolished – Jos Imam, others

He said the activities of the Mallams constituted a serious challenge to the Council’s effort to provide basic education to all underage, even as the council was working with the Kaduna state government and other key stakeholders to ameliorate the challenge.

He clarified that they were not banning Quranic education or learning, “but we are trying to make it more effective and decent so that it will be more beneficial to the younger ones’’.

He stressed that there were about 265 schools across the local government area but the major threats were child abuse, child labour and other forms of exploitation of the minor.

“Before now, most pupils in Primary schools including my children were sitting under the tree or on the floor to take  lessons.

“In realisation of this poor learning environment, the council embarked on the construction of classrooms and fencing of so many schools across the local government area.

“We have already distributed over 650 chairs to some primary schools in the local government area and we are involving communities in running the schools,” he said.

Vanguard News Nigeria.

…As CJN unveils 20 duplexes Aguma Judges Quarters in Port Harcourt

Governor Nyesom Wike

By Egufe Yafugborhi – Port Harcourt

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State says the State Government under his watch would end the era when judges retire without homes of their own.

Wike made the declaration Thursday in Port Harcourt Rivers State where Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Tanko Muhammad as special guest commissioned 20 owner occupier duplexes build by Rivers government for Judges of Rivers origin serving in State and Federal Judiciaries.

He said, “Given the constitutional restriction on legal practice, post legal service years could be miserable for judges who were unable to buy or build their own homes before leaving the service.

“With our policy, the State now bears the full responsibility to providing befitting accommodation for all judicial officers of Rivers State origin beyond their service years for life.

“The State Government spent N6billion  to build, furnish and landscape this estate. The Government also reserves interest to buy back any flat and reallocate to other judges to preserve exclusivity of the estate for judicial officers alone.

“Twenty-three Judges opted for cash payment and have been given the approved sum of N150 million each to build and have their own houses. Cumulatively,  the State Government disbursed the sum of N3.6billion to the beneficiaries.

“The policy covers all former Chief Judges, Presidents of Customary Courts of Appeal including Justice Peter Agumagu. All retired Judges in service when the policy was made. Current Chief Judge of the state will have her accommodation built before retirement in May, 2021.”

The Governor harped on, “Need to guarantee judicial independence and secure effective administration of justice. These are the overriding considerations for the unprecedented investment we have made in our judicial system.

ALSO READ: Nigerian Universities and INEC: Listen to Governor Wike

“I cannot think of any State Government with similar welfare scheme we have made. This will have profound and positive impact on judicial officers. We have moved our Judiciary from the valley of neglect to an enviable hilltop of independence, capacity and effectiveness,” he stated.

The CJN, Muhammad represented by Justice Mary Odili of the Supreme Court noted that Judges would be more confident to dispense justice if they have good shelter and welfare.

He weighed that, “Lagos and Rivers States rank among the most litigious States. The Implication is that manpower and materials are perennially stretched far beyond limit to attend to the large number of cases filed daily.

“That explains the enormity of work before Judges. A good car, shelter and good welfare package are some of those things that can serve as magic wand to bring out the best from them.

“Whenever we deliberately or inadvertently toil with the welfare of judicial officers, we are unconsciously inflicting a debilitating wound on the conscience of the nations.

“We are not ignorant of Governor Wike’s huge investment to improve infrastructure of federal courts. You are today also giving to Judges a life long accommodation on owner-occupier basis.”

The project was named Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma Judges Quarters in Port Harcourt, in honour of the late Rivers Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

Vanguard News Nigeria.

By Jimoh Babatunde

Dr Franklin Adejuwon, a former Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and natural resources, described those behind the proposed bill on the acquisition of inland waters and their banks by the federal government as having an ulterior motive.

Speaking with Vanguard, Adejuwon called on the proponents of the bill to take into consideration the political, moral, economic, constitutional sensitivity and implications to the entire country especially to the south-west and south-east of the nation.

“Very sad indeed the proposed bill on the acquisition of inland waters and their banks by the federal government, having been rejected twice by the house of assembly has resurfaced again. Why the desperation if there is no ulterior motive behind the enactment of such a bill?

ALSO READ: National Water Resources Bill is a move towards RUGA colonisation ― Soyinka

“Nigerians have cried out and have appealed to those in power to desist from provoking a dangerous situation capable of sparkling disdain in our polity and provoking unwanted unrest.

“The proponents of this bill which is basically the government should hasten to take into consideration the political, moral, economic, constitutional sensitivity and implications to the entire country especially to the south-west and south-east of the nation which lye conspicuously within the geographical zone of the pursuit of this bill.

“Could this be a deliberate clandestine ambition to rewrite the constitution of the country by damaging or even annulling the fabric of our nation as a federation and returning us to the colonial status quo?

Adejuwon, who once served as commissioner for Home Affairs and tourism Lagos State, said there is need to be sympathetic and even sensitive to the interest and fundamental rights of the common man, peace of the nation.

VANGUARD

By Lawani Mikairu

Some international airlines were yesterday denied entry into Nigeria when international flights finally resume on Saturday, September 5th.

The list of the airlines denied entry and those given approval to operate into the country was released yesterday in Abuja by the Aviation Minister, Senator Hadi Sirika

Also read: Lagos Safety Commission seals 33 bars, gyms, others over alleged COVID-19 violations

According to Sirika, some of the international airlines denied flight approval include,  Air France, KLM, Etihad, Rwandair, Lufthansa, TAAG Angola Airlines and others.

He, however, said some airlines were denied approval because international flights were yet to resume in their countries. The two affected airlines are Cape Verde and South African airlines.

The airlines gave licence to operate include: ” British Airways, Delta Airline, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Egyptair, Air Peace, Virgin Atlantic, Asky, Africa World Airways (AWA), Air Cote-d’Ivoire, Kenya Airways, Emirate, and Turkish airlines”.

The Minister also warned that the approved airlines are expected to operate within COVID-19 protocols. Sirika also issued further guidelines for arriving and departing international passengers.

Recall the country’s international airports had been closed to international flights since March due to the outbreak of the dreaded coronavirus.

The resumption of international flights had once been postponed before the September date was agreed upon

Vanguard News

…As CJN unveils 20 duplexes in Port Harcourt

Nyesom Wike

By Egufe Yafugborhi

GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike says Rivers State Government under his watch would end the era where judges retire without homes of their own.

Wike made the declaration Thursday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State where Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Tanko Muhammad as special guest commissioned 20 owner occupier duplexes built by Rivers government for Judges of Rivers origin serving in State and Federal Judiciaries.

He said, “Given the constitutional restriction on legal practice, post legal service years could be miserable for judges who were unable to buy or build their own homes before leaving the service.

“With our policy, the State now bears the full responsibility to providing befitting accommodation for all judicial officers of Rivers State origin beyond their service years for life.

“The State Government spent N6billion to build, furnish, and landscape this estate. The Government also reserves interest to buy back any flat and reallocate to other judges to preserve exclusivity of the estate for judicial officers alone.

“Twenty-three Judges opted for cash payment and have been given the approved sum of N150 million each to build and have their own houses. Cumulatively, the State Government disbursed the sum of N3.6billion to the beneficiaries.

“The policy covers all former Chief Judges, Presidents of Customary Courts of Appeal including Justice Peter Agumagu. All retired Judges in service when the policy was made. Current Chief Judge of the state will have her accommodation built before retirement in May, 2021.”

ALSO READ: Buhari approves 5,000mts of maize to support poultry industry

The Governor harped on, “Need to guarantee judicial independence and secure effective administration of justice. These are the overriding considerations for the unprecedented investment we have made in our judicial system.

“I cannot think of any State Government with similar welfare scheme we have made. This will have a profound and positive impact on judicial officers. We have moved our Judiciary from the valley of neglect to an enviable hilltop of independence, capacity, and effectiveness,” he stated.

The CJN, Muhammad represented by Justice Mary Odili of the Supreme Court noted that Judges would be more confident to dispense justice if they have good shelter and welfare.

He weighed that, “Lagos and Rivers States rank among the most litigious States. The Implication is that manpower and materials are perennially stretched far beyond limit to attend to the large number of cases filed daily.

“That explains the enormity of work before Judges. A good car, shelter and good welfare package are some of those things that can serve as magic wand to bring out the best from them.

“Whenever we deliberately or inadvertently toil with the welfare of judicial officers, we are unconsciously inflicting a debilitating wound on the conscience of the nations.

“We are not ignorant of Governor Wike’s huge investment to improve the infrastructure of federal courts. You are today also giving to Judges a life long accommodation on owner-occupier basis.”

The project was named Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma Judges Quarters in Port Harcourt, in honor of the late Rivers Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

VANGUARD

President Muhammadu Buhari joins governing party, All Progressives Congress (APC) and Federal Executive Council (FEC) to celebrate with Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Gidahyelda Mustapha, on his 64th birthday, Sept 4th, 2020.

President Buhari sends warm greetings to family, friends, professional and political associates of the legal luminary, party stalwart and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, whose visionary and inclusive leadership style continues to strengthen the governing party and the administration, with remarkable results.

Also read: Edo 2020: Oba of Benin meet Oshiomhole, Ize-Iyamu, Oyegun, Obaseki, Shaibu (FULL VIDEO)

As the SGF turns 64, the President notes, with gratitude, his sacrifices and selfless service to the nation for close to four decades, taking a stand for democracy and good governance at an early age, and working assiduously to raise structures and support causes that project the ideals of a liberal and accommodating nation, like serving in the Constituent Assembly in 1989, working on many committees and heading several government agencies.

The President affirms that Mustapha has provided strong and commendable leadership as a rallying point for the Federal Executive Council, and demonstrated high-level patriotism by accepting the onerous position of Chairing the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, congratulating him and the team for steadily guiding Nigerians in the midst of health and economic uncertainties.

President Buhari prays that the almighty God will continue to strengthen the SGF for greater service to the nation and humanity.

Vanguard News

…thanks Kogi people for supporting Gov Bello

Kingsley Fanwo

The Kogi State Government has urged citizens of the State to protect infrastructures put in place in their domains, saying it is a mark of patriotism.

The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo stated this in Lokoja, Thursday while conducting a group of journalists around projects executed within the Lokoja Township, frowning at the rate at which hoodlums vandalize government properties.

“This is quite sad and all of us must join hands to sensitize the people about the need to protect government infrastructure”, he said.

The Commissioner noted with disappointment, how streetlights were vandalized and their batteries removed right at the centre of the town.

His words: “The administration of Governor Yahaya Bello is doing a lot to provide infrastructure. But it is pertinent that the people take ownership and ensure infrastructure put in place to serve them are not vandalized. We have charged security agencies to also do their work by ensuring that infrastructures are safe, but the people have a bigger responsibility because they are the front roll beneficiaries of the infrastructure.

“From Zone 8 roundabout to Nataco, tens of streetlights were vandalized. The administration decided to put in place the streetlights to beautify the town and also ensure safety. This is unacceptable and we shall do everything to stop this trend.

“Our people must rise to the occasion and stop this mindless vandalization. Our Royal Fathers should also use their good offices to help in this direction. We in the Ministry of Information and Communications will continue to sensitize the people about this criminal act.

“When someone decides to vandalize what is used by millions of people just because of his own personal gains, it calls for concern because it is a dangerous attitudinal deficiency occasioned by selfishness and criminality.

“We won’t allow just a few societal enemies to define who we are as a people. We are great people of reputable character in Kogi State”.

Fanwo said some electricity transformers were also vandalized, leading to negative effects on the economy.

ALSO READ: Moghalu backs FG, NERC on service-based electricity tariff review

“This is not the time to engage in activities that are detrimental to economic growth. It is high time we put a stop to this dastardly act and protect every infrastructure aimed at economic stimulation.

“Governor Yahaya Bello will continue to provide infrastructure. He has been doing it since 2016. But it also the responsibility of the good people of this state to put those infrastructures to use and protect them.

“The Governor is committed to completing ongoing projects across the state as well as initiate new ones with direct bearing on the people. His concern at the moment is on evolving strategies at mitigating the impact of Covid-19 on the economics of homes”.

The Commissioner thanked the people of the State for their faith in the Governor, saying, “Yahaya Bello will continue to be their hero”.

“The reception of the Governor yesterday was electrifying and showed his acceptance by the good people of Kogi State.

“You could see the joy on the aged women, market women, excited youth, and the generality of the good people of Kogi State. The Governor is the integrity of the streets. He has remained so rooted politically because of his connection with the people on the streets. That is what leadership is all about”.

On the Kogi State Rice Mill, Fanwo said the people of Okunland are not “doing enough to take advantage of the gigantic Mill”, urging rice farmers across the State to rise to the occasion by producing enough paddy to feed the mill.

“The Rice Mill at Ejiba is a legacy project of the Governor for the people of Kogi State. It is the second-largest in Northern Nigeria. What this means is that our farmers can continue to produce paddy massively and be guaranteed of steady income. It offers a massive opportunity for the youth to turn themselves into millionaires.

“The fact remains that we are not meeting the capacity of the Mill. When we do, the price of rice across the country will crash. We have the capacity to achieve that”.

He said the State Government is ready to help farmers access capital to boost productivity. He thanked the Media for their efforts at reporting activities in Kogi State objectively.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr Wale Adebanjo thanked the Commissioner for conducting them around, saying what they have seen in the State is quite encouraging.

“We were not interested in only what we heard about the state. We have come to see projects and we have traveled to Ankpa, Okene and Ejiba. Let me say this, the Governor is a silent achiever.

“The roads at Ankpa and other places across the State and the Rice Mill are great achievements that must not be blinded off. Yahaya Bello has proven without doubt that he is a true Ambassador of the youth in governance.

“With what we have seen in the State, we now know that the few bad press against the state is political. As journalists, we have to be objective rather than being used for political gains”.

VANGUARD

Hajiya Hadiza Umar Abubakar

Soni Daniel – Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested one Hajiya Hadiza Umar Abubakar for defrauding a job seeker, Nuraddeen Abubakar, of  N3,000,000 with a promise to secure employment for him with the commission.

According to a statement by the Spokesman for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, the woman was arrested at the branch of a new generation bank, as she sent her son to make a transaction unaware that the anti-graft agency had place a Post No Debit (PND) order on all her accounts.

The spokesman said that with the detention of her son at the bank premises, the real suspect showed up and was promptly taken in by EFCC operatives who had arrived the premises of the bank in time to await her arrival.

ALSO READ: We don’t breed criminals, UNIPORT denies 4 arrested by EFCC for fraud

Oyewale said: “The suspect had charged her victim a whopping N6 million, which she claimed would enable her to secure a job for him in the EFCC. A part-payment of N3 million was made into the suspect’s account by the victim on October 29, 2019, while the balance was to be paid after the victim had received his employment letter, which she promised to deliver two weeks from the date of first payment with November 7, 2019, as the due date.”

In his petition to the EFCC, the victim, who revealed that he came in contact with the suspect, through her son, stated that he had not received the promised EFCC Employment Letter from the suspect, nine months after making the part payment to her.

The commission indicated that the suspect would soon be charged to court.

Vanguard

By Demola Akinyemi – Ilorin

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has approved the disbursement of funds to 21,623 beneficiaries of the state’s interest-free micro-finance loans for petty traders

This scheme is a component of the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP).

According to the press statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, on Thursday, operations of the first phase of disbursement will last for five weeks.

The disbursement comes after months of careful enumeration of the potential beneficiaries of the scheme.

The statement, which noted that beneficiaries of the loans cut across the 16 Kwara local governments of the state, said; “The disbursement of funds to the beneficiaries of Owo Isowo begins today. We are looking at disbursing to 21,623 persons for this phase.

“Due to COVID-19 and the need to maintain social distancing, we will be communicating venues to beneficiaries as we get to each local government.

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“Owo Isowo is an interest-free loan of a minimum of N10,000. Beneficiaries are to pay back over six months in bits that are comfortable to them. It is to support our petty traders in upscaling their businesses.

“The processes began early this year. Some of our activities were affected by the COVID-19 lockdown but we are back on the track with disbursement for petty traders that applied as earlier announced.

“The issue of mixed identities does not arise. We have bankable data to guide us. Whoever was not captured or does not merit the funds cannot be given.”

The statement also said that disbursement will be made through digitised payments called mobile wallets.

It enjoined beneficiaries who have been contacted to come to the ground with their face masks.

Vanguard News Nigeria.

By Shehu Danjuma – Katsina

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCO) says that all arrangement has been concluded to commence the preparations of 2021 Hajj Exercise.

Alhaji Zikirla Kunle Hassan, the National Chairman of NAHCO disclosed this during inspection of facilities at Katsina State Muslims Pilgrimage Welfare Board on Thursday in Katsina.

“The Commission is ready to start the 2021 Hajj exercise in good time to avoid the issue of fire Brigade approach.

“We are aware that the task of the 2021 Hajj exercise will be difficult due the non-performance of 2020 Hajj exercise due to the issue of Covid-19.

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“All the intending pilgrims that paid their 2020 Hajj fares will be given to priority in 2021 Hajj exercise.

“The Commission will collaborate with all states pilgrims welfare Boards in the country to avoid encountering problems.” he said

Earlier, the Katsina State pilgrims welfare Board Executive Secretary, Alhaji Suleiman Kuki, said that only 208 persons among the 1,570 of 2020 intending pilgrims collected their Hajj deposits.

Kuki said that the rest of the intending pilgrims had not collected their money and ready to participate in the 2021 Hajj exercise.

He commended the National Hajj Commission for planning to start the Hajj exercise early to avoid entering into difficult situations in 2021 exercise.

Vanguard

By Adeola Badru

THE Management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), has explained that the new tariff review is critical to the provision of more efficient and reliable service to customers, upgrade ageing infrastructure and be more responsive to the complaints of the customers, just as the electricity company commenced the implementation of the Service Reflective Tariff (SRT) from September 1, 2020, as approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Company, Engr. John Ayodele in a statement, on Thursday, said the new tariff is commensurate and aligned with the quality and availability of power supply committed to each cluster of customers under the Service Reflective Tariff.

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He said: “The new tariff plan will not only empower us to provide better service, but it will also promote fairness, we, therefore, appeal for the understanding and cooperation of our esteemed customers as we commence the implementation of the Service Reflective Tariff through prompt payment of electricity bills and vending, as we are resolutely committed to delivering improved and better service”

Engr. Ayodele further stated that the tariff review would not affect customers experiencing an average power supply availability of less than 12 -hours per day over a period of one month.

Vanguard News

Buhari and Boss Mustapha

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru – Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Gidahyelda Mustapha, on his 64th birthday.

President Buhari in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu in Abuja on Thursday said; “as the SGF turns 64, the President notes, with gratitude, his sacrifices and selfless service to the nation for close to four decades, taking a stand for democracy and good governance at an early age, and working assiduously to raise structures and support causes that project the ideals of a liberal and accommodating nation, like serving in the Constituent Assembly in 1989, working on many committees and heading several government agencies.

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The President who joined the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and the Federal Executive Council, FEC, to celebrate the SGF.  sent “greetings to family, friends, professional and political associates of the legal luminary, party stalwart and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, whose visionary and inclusive leadership style continues to strengthen the governing party and the administration, with remarkable results.”

“The President affirms that Mustapha has provided strong and commendable leadership as rallying point for the Federal Executive Council, and demonstrated high-level patriotism by accepting the onerous position of Chairing the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, congratulating him and the team for steadily guiding Nigerians in the midst of health and economic uncertainties.”

President Buhari prayed that the almighty God will continue to strengthen the SGF for greater service to the nation and humanity.

Vanguard News Nigeria.

By Adeola Badru

The  Federal Government, on Thursday, empowered 500 women across the 33 local government areas in Oyo State, with N5 million, to boost their businesses.

The money was disbursed through the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to beneficiaries at Donald hall, St Joseph Catholic Church, Oke-Ado, in Ibadan

Making the disbursement in line with the COVID-19 guidelines, Mrs Olayinka Olayemi, Oyo State Coordinator, NDE, said the initiative was designed to help the women start up and expand their own businesses.

Olayemi, who said the programme was under NDE’s Micro Enterprises Enhancement Scheme (MEES), said the gesture was to contribute to the economic growth and poverty reduction.

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According to her, the empowerment was part of the Federal Government’s laudable programme across the country, adding that it was being implemented by the NDE under the leadership of Dr Nasiru Ladan Argungun.

She said: “It is crucial to stress that this disbursement scheme is necessary to cushion the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the country’s economy especially now that globally economy are battling to remain aloof”

“The Federal Government, in an effort to reduce the high unemployment rate and kickstart micro economic activities in the country came up with this initiative so as to bring the economy back to track.”

“It is worrisome that our women , who are nation builders are badly hit by the pandemic, as such, this gesture will help them get back on their feet and contribute meaningfully to the development of the nation’s economy,” the coordinator explained.

She further stated that each of the beneficiaries would get the sum of N10, 000 as financial backing to start up a micro business of their choice or expand on the existing one.

The NDE boss also recalled that over 1,500 women in the state had earlier benefited from the scheme since it commenced last December 2019, revealing that the previous beneficiaries now have amazing testimonies to share, “as they are doing well in their various endeavours.”

Olayemi advised the beneficiaries to judiciously make use of the revolving loan and ensure good turnover for appreciable opportunity in the future.

In her message at the occasion, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, wife of the late former Gov. Abiola Ajimobi, commended the Federal Government for the gesture.

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Mrs Ajimobi, who was represented at the occasion by Mrs Omolara Farinloye, noted that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration meant well for Nigerians, especially the less privileged in the society.

She urged the beneficiaries to see the loan as an opportunity to make good use of the money, thereby enhancing their success in their respective businesses.

In her remarks, the Southwest zonal Director of NDE, Alhaja Aolat Safari, urged the beneficiaries to ensure effective utilisation of the funds and engage in productive businesses.

The zonal director who was represented by Mrs Stella Odunwa, said the directorate had various skill acquisition programmes that could enable unemployed Nigerians, especially youths and women to get trained and be self reliant instead of engaging in social vices.

Mrs Oboge Adeyinka, who spoke on behalf of other beneficiaries, lauded the gesture and promised to make good use of the funds and repay on time for the benefit of others.

Vanguard