Category: News

Shina Abubakar – Osogbo

For allegedly assaulting a Police Inspector in Ile-Ife, Osun State, one Lawal Segun, 23, was on Thursday, arraigned before a Magistrates’ Court in the town.

The Prosecutor, Insp Sunday Osanyintuyi, told the court that the defendant committed the offense on Aug 31, 2020, around 03:15 pm at Opposite Parakin Junction, Mayfair, Ile-Ife.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Sunday Osanyintuyi disclosed that the defendant assaulted Inspector Akinpelu OlaOluwa at Mayfair Ile-Ife by punching him on the chest while performing his lawful duty.

He added that the Lawal resisted arrest when refused Police invitation to the station extended him by Inspector Morakinyo Joel and Police Corporal Dada Abiodun.

READ ALSO: Osun orders public schools to revert to old names

According to him, the defendant also damaged the wristwatch that valued N10,000 of Sunday Micheal, having assaulted him with a sharp object and inflicted injury on his mouth.

The Prosecutor said that the offense contravened sections 145, 355, 356, and 451 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to four-count of assault, damaging of property, and resisting arrest leveled against him.

The Defence Counsel, Mr J.O. Amole, urged the court to admit the defendant to bail in the most liberal terms, saying he would not jump bail if granted.

In his ruling, the presiding Magistrates, A. A Ayeni admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety and  adjourned the matter until October 15, 2020, for hearing

Vanguard

…N1trn saved from subsidy removal

…To merge PPPRA, PEF

By Michael Eboh

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, Thursday, disclosed that the Federal Government was not currently capable, financially, to pay the subsidy.

Also read: Fuel subsidy: FG clears outstanding N168bn debt to oil marketers — Investigation

Addressing newsmen men in Abuja, Sylva disclosed that since the introduction of the deregulation policy, the country has saved about N1 trillion.

He further disclosed that the Federal Government has concluded plans to merge the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, and the Petroleum Equalisation Fund, PEF, into one agency called The Authority.

Details later…

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Vanguard News

Dr Magic

Akinyemi Mathew better known as Dr Magic, a programmer, recording and performing artist has disclosed why he titled his latest single ‘sinful ways’.

He said this in a recent interview where he also spoke about his music career and upcoming album. According to him, “Sinful ways is one music I was very passionate to record because it defines the very essence of my music.

“Basically, I see music as an opportunity to send important messages when it matters. Now that the music is out, I am relieved that I was able to pass an important message across to everyone in the society.”

He explained that the inspiration for the song came from his experience of a pastor committing adultery.

ALSO READ: Man goes solo, protests increase in fuel, electricity tariffs in Ibadan

“Sinful Ways’ was one music I had to record. This was due to an unpleasant experience I had. The experience of seeing a Pastor sleep with a married woman inspired this music.

“Aside from that, people kill easily for money these days. The moral and cultural decline in our society is alarming. The crave for excessive pleasure is making people lose their minds.

“The pastors and religious leaders have failed to lead the flock of Christ aright. People need to serve God not man, not pastor. People need to fear God, not man or Pastor. I wrote this song with pain in my heart.

“I hope it goes a long way in reawakening our consciousness to moral values that builds a harmonious and prosperous society.

Dr Magic who also has eight other singles to his credit sets his hopes on dropping his debut album next year.

VANGUARD

By Omeiza Ajayi

The Federal Government has relaxed emergency restrictions put in place in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Accordingly, night-time curfew has relaxed and would only be effective between 12 am and 4 am.

ALSO READ: COVID-19: We have not relaxed ban on mass gatherings – NCDC

Also, amusement parks, cinemas recreation centres to operate at half capacity while bars and nightclubs remain closed until further notice.

Details later…

Vanguard

The post (BREAKING) COVID-19: FG relaxes restrictions, curfew now 12am to 4am appeared first on Vanguard News.

….Curfew now 12 am to 4 am

By Omeiza Ajayi

The Federal Government has relaxed emergency restrictions put in place in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Accordingly, night-time curfew has relaxed and would only be effective between 12 am and 4 am.

Also, amusement parks, cinemas recreation centres to operate at half capacity while bars and nightclubs remain closed until further notice.

Details later…

Vanguard News

The post [Breaking] COVID-19: FG relaxes restrictions appeared first on Vanguard News.

Kingsley Moghalu

The Presidential candidate of the Young Peoples Party (YPP) in the 2019 general elections, Kingsley Moghalu, has thrown his weight behind the review of the electricity tariffs in the country.

The Distribution Companies (DisCos) in Nigeria since Tuesday have been informing their customers about an upward review of electricity tariff, but President Muhammadu Buhari has insisted that any review must be based on improved service while poor and vulnerable Nigerians should not pay more in all cases. The President has also ordered mass metering in the country and directed an end of estimated billing.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in an official statement last week said “Following consultations and directions on tariff policy, the Commission (NERC) hereby approves a deferment of the applicable tariffs for customers in service band D and E (that is customers with a service commitment of less than an average of 12 hours supply per day over a period of one month) for the period 1st September 2020 to 1st January 2021.”

READ ALSO; Electricity tarrif hike: Labour says increase ‘ll lead to closure of factories

Speaking during a live programme on Channels TV, Politics today, anchored by Seun Okinbaloye, Moghalu said that the hike in electricity “has been a long time problem for Nigeria and it is understandable why there will be a hike in price of electricity prices.

“The estimated cost of electricity in Nigeria is 53 naira per Kilowatt hour and what Nigerians have been paying is 31 naira per kilowatt hour, which means, there is a subsidy of about 22 naira.”

He lamented that the subsidy has cost the federal government of Nigeria this year alone about 560 billion Naira which is about 1.5 billion dollars and that is 7 percent of the budget for 2019. Indeed in the last 5 years the FG has paid over 1.5Trn to close the liquidity problem in the power sector.

“The problem with the tariffs and the subsidy on the tariffs is that it prevents the sector which has been privatized from being commercially viable and increasing its capacity or the capacity of private sector operators to be able to provide more electricity to Nigerians,” he noted.

The former CBN deputy Governor, however, regretted that the effects of Covid- 19 and fall in oil prices has weakened the government in a fundamental way from being able to continue providing subsidies.

Vanguard News Nigeria

…N1trn saved from subsidy removal

…To merge PPPRA, PEF

By Michael Eboh

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, Thursday, disclosed that the Federal Government was not currently capable, financially, to pay the subsidy.

Also read: Fuel subsidy: FG clears outstanding N168bn debt to oil marketers — Investigation

Addressing newsmen men in Abuja, Sylva disclosed that since the introduction of the deregulation policy, the country has saved about N1 trillion.

He further disclosed that the Federal Government has concluded plans to merge the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, and the Petroleum Equalisation Fund, PEF, into one agency called The Authority.

Details later…

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Vanguard News

Ola Ajayi – Ibadan

The Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force, headed by Governor Seyi Makinde, has cancelled the 10 p.m. curfew imposed on the state in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This was contained in a statement by Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa.

In a report of the Task Force which was issued after the meeting held on August 31, 2020, and presided over by the governor, he said the curfew had been abolished after series of reviews.

The Task Force, however, specifically warned operators of Night Clubs to desist from accommodating persons in closed areas within their premises, adding that research has confirmed that the virus spreads faster when people cluster in closed venues.

READ ALSO: Health insurance: Oyo introduces community enrolment

According to the statement, an advisory would be sent to Night Clubs Owners by the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) arm of the Task Force, which will warn operators not to allow guests into their enclosed areas.

The statement further indicated that the Task Force issued another warning to residents of the state to continue to follow the OWN YOUR ACTION initiative of the state’s COVID-19 Task Force, as, according to the Task Force, the state “is not completely out of the woods with regards to COVID-19.”

It explained that the decision by the Governor Makinde-led Task Force to abolish the curfew was premised on the need to reduce the burden on business owners in the state, whom, it said, has been affected by the curfew, especially since the COVID-19 situation has begun to improve in the state.

According to the Task Force, though it appeared that COVID-19 cases are coming down in the state, “the confidence interval could not be determined yet.”

It warned residents of the state not to jettison the guidelines on the prevention of the virus, including washing of hands, social distancing and use of nose masks.

The statement also informed that Governor Makinde has directed the EOC not to relent in data gathering and analysis  in order to appropriately situate the context of the virus within the state.

The statement added that the governor has also approved the conversion of the Aawe Isolation Centre to a Level 3 Primary Health Care Centre (PHC), directing that the facility should be decontaminated and handed over to the Hospital Management Board.

Similarly, the statement confirmed that the Task Force has approved that except for the Infectious Disease Centre, Olodo, Ibadan, other isolation centres in the state could be converted to Level 3 PHC.

It, however, stated that whenever a spike in COVID-19 cases is noticed in the location where any of the facilities is situated, such a facility would be re-converted as an isolation centre or a part of it will be so utilized as an isolation centre.

The statement also indicated that the Task Force has directed the Oyo State Hospital Management Board to identify a Primary Health Care Centre around Olodo axis of Ibadan, which would be upgraded to take care of residents in that axis, as there are no designated government hospital facilities around the Iwo Road-Olodo axis.

While briefing the Task Force meeting, former Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital and Coordinator of the Oyo State Isolation Centres, Professor Temitope Alonge, maintained that upon the decline in the number of COVID-19 patients on admission at the isolation centres, the staff strength of the healthcare workers should be reduced to a tenth of the current size.

He added that the health care workers in the Oyo State service have been adequately trained to manage the reduced cases of infection, saying that health workers from the UCH would be put on the reserved list and called upon whenever the need arises.

READ ALSO: Oyo APC crisis worsens as chieftains disown Akala as party leader

In its briefing at the meeting, the EOC reported that it has, in collaboration with the Information Communication Centre of the state, developed a portal for the registration of NCDC-licensed private laboratories for the conduct of COVID-19 tests.

In all, the Task Force noted that a total of 15,700 COVID-19 tests have been conducted, with 3,118 confirmed cases and 37 fatalities.

The Special Adviser to the governor on Health, Dr Funmi Salami, also hinted that there has been a spike in the cases of stroke among the elderly in the state largely due to being confined to their various homes in order to avoid COVID-19 infections.

The Task Force, therefore, approved that advisory messages on how to avoid stroke will be rolled out through designated media outlets.

The statement further said that the state is already designing an advisory guideline on voluntary compliance with COVID-19 protocols, while the Commissioner for Education, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, reiterated that concerted efforts have been made to ensure that schools complied with COVID-19 safety protocols upon resumption.

The statement concluded that so far, the state has received donations in cash, agricultural goods, and health equipment to the tune of N1.273 billion since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the state, while the governor⁷ appreciated everyone who supported the state in different ways during the pandemic.

Vanguard

By Ozioruva Aliu

THE Benin Zone Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU) Thursday called on the federal and state governments to establish Visitation Panels for federal universities to avoid clashes and conflicts among management and staffs.

The Zone made up of University of Benin(UNIBEN), Benin City, Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Adekunle Ajasin University,(AAUA) Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Olusegu Agagu University of Science and Technology,(OAUSTEC) Okitikpukpa, Ondo State, Delta State University, Abraka and the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Efurun, Delta State also lamented the proliferation of state universities and called for checks.

A statement jointly signed by the Zonal Coordinator, Professor Fred Esumeh, Chairman ASUU, UNIBEN, Professor Monday Omoregie, Chairman, ASUU, AAU, Dr Monday Igbafen, Chairman ASUU AAUA, Dr Simon Ehiahbi, Chairman ASUU OAUSTEC, Dr Dapo Akomolafe and Chairman ASUU FUPRE, De Ezekiel Agbalagba said the crisis rocking University of Lagos would have been avoided if there was a Visitation Panel.

The statement also said that ASUU has opted for the University Transparency and Accountability Solution which it said would help curb corruption in the academic system as against the Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System, (IPPIS).

READ ALSO: FG/ASUU faceoff: ASUU calls for adoption of UTAS over IPPIS to end salary irregularities

It said the union rejected the IPPIS as a payment platform because they discovered that it was not suitable for the university system and was not designed to accommodate the peculiarities of academic institutions.

“UTAS is a robost software that is in many ways superior to the IPPIS because it accommodates the nature, character and structure of the Nigerian University System and is guaranteed to operate above the dismal distortions, disruptions and gross inconsistency in the payment of the universities’ staff salaries that have come to be the norm with IPPIS”

On visitation panels, the statement said “The failure to institute Visitation to universities is denying the system the benefit of the time-tested, self-regulatory mechanism. The Union wishes to state that it will closely monitor the activities of the Special Visitation to the University (Lagos)to ensure justice is done. The Union also wishes to remind the government of the need to constitute Visitation Panels to the other Federal Universities”

Vanguard News Nigeria

**Warns Remaining Criminal Elements to surrender before they are smoked out.

**Dislodge-ment of Darul Salam shows no terrorist group will be allowed to operate in Nigeria

**Navy dismantles Illegal Refinery Site, arrest 9 suspects for siphoning 120 drums of PMS in 5 wooden boats

By Kingsley Omonobi

The Military High Command has given troops and other security agencies a thumbs up for the valiant successes so far achieved in the decimation and neutralization of criminal elements across the country particularly armed bandits in the North West and terrorists groups in the North East and North Central, citing the dislodgement of the Darulsalam/Boko Haram group in Kogi and Nasarawa states.

Major General John Enenche, Coordinator, Defence Media Operations who made the disclosure in Abuja, noted that as a result of the relentless assault on the criminal elements from all angles, the bandits are thinning out (withering out) saying, “We are dealing with them now in trickles. When we started, were dealing with them and wiping them out in droves. Today it is 150, tomorrow it is 100, another day it is 80. But now it has reduced to 8 0o 7 or 5 killed.

“We are sending out a message that those of them still remaining should come out and surrender before we smoke them out because we will not stop until they are all neutralized and allow peace in our country.

Enenche expressed the commendation of the military high command for the cooperation troops are getting from Vigilante groups and Local by way of information, which has resulted in fruitful offensives and achievements.

He described the dislodgment of the Darulsalam terrorist group and the capture of over 700 Boko Haram adherents mostly women and children who were being indoctrinated as a pointer to the fact that no terrorist group would be allowed to spring out in any part to threaten its peace and security.

It was gathered that when troops stormed the camps of Darulsalam in Toto, Nasarawa state and Koton Karfe in Kogi state, several of the male terrorists were neutralized in the gunfights that ensued with troops while many escaped with gunshot wounds into the bushes.

“Our aim is to ensure that no terrorist operates in any part of Nigeria. They should not operate either as a hibernating unit of sleeper cell anywhere”, Gen. Enenche said

An account of one of the women captured, on how they are forced into the sect, showed that the terrorist kidnapped she, her husband and two children, killed the husband in her presence and later got her impregnated.

READ ALSO: Niger communities under siege; villagers abducted, residents flee homes to take refuge in bushes

Enenche warned against parents allowing their teenagers and children joining religious groups not recognized by government, who preach heresy and other anti-religious teachings.

Commenting on how safe it was for internally displaced persons in the North East, to return to their homes, following efforts by the Borno state government to return IDPs to their communities, the Coordinator said, “Safety to return home is not purely a military matter. It involves stakeholders including traditional rulers and other civil institutions. The Chief Security Officer of the state is making efforts to return the people back home, as security agencies; we are ready to support them”

Giving further details of operations across the country, Enenche said, “In the North-East zone, gallant troops working together with other security agencies conducted several clearance operations and repelled BHT/ISWAP attacks on own troops and civilian locations in Yobe State. The operations led to the neutralization of 3 BHT/ISWAP fighters and recovery of caches of arms and ammunition.

“In the same vein, 6 terrorists and armed bandits were arrested and currently being profiled for necessary action. Meanwhile, as the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole intensifies airstrikes against terrorists’ targets in Borno State, some compounds housing BHT/ISWAP fighters were destroyed leading to the elimination of scores at Kaza along GulumbaGana – Kumshe axis in Borno State on 1 September 2020.

“Borno State Government has remained resolute in its efforts to resettle the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the State back to their home communities. In spite of the Boko Haram/ISWAP criminal elements’ attempts to thwart its efforts, the State Government is determined to resettle more of the IDPs to their home communities.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, as always, will support the State Government in its effort to resettle its citizens back to their various communities and ensure they go about their businesses unperturbed. This is considerably evidence of gradual restoration of normalcy in some parts of the North-East zone of Nigeria.

“In the North-Central zone, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, within the period under review, following aggressive intensive kinetic operations at identified bandits’ enclaves at Uttu in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. The successful operation resulted in the neutralization of several bandits, not less than 410 members of the Darul Salam terrorist group, surrendered to the gallant troops and other security agencies deployed.

“This was followed by a robust clearance patrol around the same area which resulted in a raid on a Darul Salam terrorists’ bomb-making factory. In the course of the operation, troops recovered several Improvised Explosive Device making materials, 6 rocket launcher bombs, 10 locally made hand grenades and one Rocket Propelled Grenade bomb fuse.

“The camp was subsequently destroyed. In the follow-up operations, troops mopped-up additional 290 terrorists’ family members, as well as the destruction of their camps and hideouts between Koton Karfe in Kogi and parts of Nasarawa States.

“It is worthy of mention that, these efforts are evidence of the redoubled efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in securing the territorial integrity of our dear country, most especially following recent alerts by the United States Africa Command on the incursion of armed bandits and terrorists into the country.

“Similarly, troops of Operation Safe Haven conducted a robust night patrol within Angwan Duruwa area in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau state. During the patrol 5 suspected drug peddlers were arrested with large quantity of substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa and other illicit drugs. The suspects were duly profiled and have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action.

READ ALSO: Zulum calls on Boko Haram to sheathe swords as IDPs return home

“Furthermore, on 28 August 2020, troops in conjunction with personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) Plateau State Command, conducted a raid at Unguwan Chiroma in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State and arrested 2 kidnappers/gunrunners with various blacksmith tools used in locally fabricating weapons. Both suspects and items recovered have been handed over to the DSS for further action.

“As part Of Civil-Military Cooperation activities within the period, Headquarters Operation Safe Haven held stakeholders meeting with community leaders in various parts of Plateau state. Areas covered include: Bassa, Jos, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State, and Jama’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

“In the South West zone, troops of Operation Awatse have continued to intensify the fight against pipeline vandals, economic saboteurs and other criminal elements. Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft conducted patrols of creeks and discovered 350 litres of Premium Motor Spirit contained in seven jerrycans of 50 litres hidden in the bush at Akimbo and Orita on the Atlas Cove Island. Similarly, the Base discovered 600 litres of PMS contained in 12 jerrycans of 50 litres hidden in a bush at Akaraba.

“In the North-West zone, on 28 August 2020, troops of Operation Sahel Sanity deployed at Mara laid ambush on suspected bandits who attempted to invade Gobirawa village but were repelled by combined effort of troops and local vigilante. During the ambush, troops made contact with the armed bandits and engaged them with superior firepower neutralizing 2 in the process while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

“Additionally, in the course of the exploitation, troops recovered one AK-47 Rifle and one Motorcycle from the fleeing bandits. In the same vein, troops deployed at Zakka acting on credible intelligence arrested 3 suspected armed bandits. Suspects were identified by locals to be members of a syndicate terrorizing the general area. During preliminary investigation, the suspects confessed to their involvements in recent cattle rustling and other criminal activities at Kwaya, SabonBirni and Baure villages.

“All arrested suspects are undergoing interrogation while effort is ongoing to apprehend other criminals in the general area.

“Furthermore, troops carried out several Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities at various communities within the North-West zone. These efforts include Renovation of schools, drilling and completion of boreholes at Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Plans are also underway to renovate more schools in the zone.

“In the South-South zone, troops of FOB Ibaka, Operation Delta Safe, under the subsidiary Operation Silent Heat, on 31 August 2020 while on routine patrol around Parrot Island and Ikang creek respectively intercepted and arrested 3 medium sizes wooden boats laden with 796 bags of 50kg of foreign parboiled rice smuggled in from the Republic of Cameroon.

“Relatedly; between 27 and 30 August 2020, the patrol team also intercepted and arrested 5 medium size wooden boats laden with 120 drums of product suspected to be Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) with 9 suspects around Effiat Waterways and James Town respectively. The suspects and items recovered are currently in custody and will soon be handed over to the appropriate prosecuting agency.

READ ALSO: Anti-Banditry Offensive: Troops neutralize bandits, rescue several kidnap victims

“Similarly, Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder patrol team located and dismantled an illegal refining site at Busonomei Kiriyo. The site had a metal reservoir laden with an estimated 578 barrels of crude oil which was impounded.

“In another development, troops of 16 Brigade Garrison on 27 August 2020, discovered and destroyed an illegal refinery at Abbissa in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

“The Military High Command appreciates the general public for their cooperation in providing credible information which has so far facilitated the successes of these operations. Furthermore, it enjoins the general public to be proactive in the provision of timely information. This is very necessary for the enhancement of operational activities.”

Vanguard News Nigeria

As lawmaker gives support funs to 400 petty traders

By Demola Akinyemi – Ilorin

In order to ensure food preservation and sufficiency across the country, the Federal government has completed arrangements to construct eight solar dryers with four in each of the federal constituencies as two of them have already been constructed.

Chairman, House of Reps Committee on National Planning and Economic Development, Hon Abdulganiyu Saka Cook Olododo said this yesterday in Ilorin, Kwara state capital on the sideline of the flag off of the Training on Pilot Post Seasonal Intervention Programme in his Ilorin East/Ilorin  South Federal constituency held at the  Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute ( NSPRI) ,  Ilorin.

The lawmaker also facilitated the payment of free Support funds by the Federal government, through National Directorate of Employment (NDE)to 400 women in his constituency to boost their petty trading

Olododo who said his intervention in Agriculture for 40 farmers in the constituency is a deliberate action to ensure food surplus and gainful employment for the farmers in the area added that he would fund their take-off of the agriculture after their training.

His words “Federal government is taking intervention in the agriculture sector serious now more than ever before because our dependence on oil is obviously fast waning.

READ ALSO: FG expresses concern over spiral of food prices, blames `corrupt’ middlemen

The era of the oil boom is gone forever and that is why the federal is coming out up with preserving our foods by constructing Solar dryers across the country. Out of the designed Eight, already, two of the solar dryers  are  ready for use in the  federal constituency of the state”

On the training, he said”we cannot be left behind and there is no other time than now to acquire the skills needed in Agribusiness, that is why we involved NSPRI and other consultants to train you people on post seasonal management of roots and cereals and also on how to do business in agriculture.

Olododo said that one of the strategies towards increasing food production is to empower the farmers with skills which include the modern ways of drying agricultural products and that was the reason he brought the intervention programme to his people in Ilorin East/ Ilorin South Federal Constituency.

He stated that “As part of revamping economic activities of my constituency and Kwara state,  increasing agricultural production and post-harvest management would be targeted for poverty alleviation,  job creation,  food security, and improved livelihood.

“One of the failures of agricultural policies for addressing developmental challenges in developing countries particularly Nigeria is the lopsidedness of concentrating efforts on production at the expense of post-harvest activities.

“Yet, it is the agricultural activities such as storage and small scale processing after harvest that involves massive human engagement, which creates more small scale and family-based business.

“Therefore, if agriculture is to be used for the development of the state, effective post-harvest management and value addition must be put in a place to complement the agricultural production activities. This way, agriculture will have a direct bearing on the economic viability of the zone and be beneficial to the nation”

He enjoined the 40 participants to be serious about the training and be free to interact and ask questions.

Olododo, therefore, thanked the management of NSPRI  for organizing this programme for the people and urged the people of the constituency to continue to support the government in its bid to boost the socio-economic growth of the society.

Also speaking,  the Executive Director,  Nigerian Stored Products and Research Institute ( NSPRI)  Dr. Patricia Pessu who stressed the mandate of NSPRI on improved storage, post-harvest processing on perishable crops,  storage facilities for dry product impact on the livelihood of the people, improve economic wellbeing, urged the participants to make good use of the opportunity accorded them.

In a related development, The Director-General, National Directorate of Employment,(NDE)  Dr. Nasiru Muhammed Ladan while disbursing the money to beneficiaries in ilorin on Tuesday disclosed that there are so many existing schemes of the federal government to support small scale businesses and reduce poverty among the teeming populace that are lying fallow in NDE untapped because there were no efforts by the Stakeholders to access them.

According to him, “the government is poised to always be in the forefront of adding values to the society without any hindrance through avoidable strategic fundings that could change their lives for better”.

He said that: “the commitment to embark on the massive reduction of poverty among the populace was also to change the narrative of continuous dependence of populace on one another before they could meet their economic challenges”.

Represented at the event by the Kwara state coordinator of the NDE, Mr. Gabriel Adeyemo, the DG said that, “the nation’s economic growth rests on the individual efforts to develop the economic opportunities that abound in the country.

“This is the reason the NDE is always out to assist the less privileged especially the womenfolk so as to provide a leeway towards having access to funding that can boost their businesses”.

He added that “if the money is properly channelled to what it is meant for  instead of social outings, there is a propensity for such business to grow and thereby adding values to families and the nation in general”

READ ALSO: Buhari expresses worry over high price of food items

While advising the beneficiaries to shun frivolous things of life, the DG noted that the development would also help them to make use of the loan to make a higher turn over of their businesses in order to boost their socio well being.

Also speaking, the lawmaker representing Ilorin East/Ilorin south at the national assembly, Hon. Olododo said that his determination to reduce poverty and creating wealth in the constituency necessitated the facilitation of the loan scheme.

He said that “apart from legislating laws for the good people of the nation, it is the responsibility of every lawmaker to see to the new lease of life of the people of their constituents and this has prompted my desire to facilitate the funding to the people”..

Olododo however urged the beneficiaries to judiciously used the money to grow their businesses to become better people and boost the economic growth of the constituency, the state, and the nation in general.

The legislator who told the beneficiaries that the money personally belongs to them, as they were not sent to distribute the same to anyone, assured others that in about two weeks another empowerment scheme that would benefit them will take place.

Vanguard

By Godwin Oritse with agency report                                 

THE Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, PACJA, has called on Africa and its people to rise against any trade deals and plans that may render their streets and communities a dumping ground for US waste.

The Alliance, with at least 1,000 civil society organizations in 48 African countries under its fold, has especially condemned any plans by oil companies to have a trade deal that would benefit them but weaken Kenya’s rules on plastics and imports of American trash.

READ ALSOFG/ASUU faceoff: ASUU calls for adoption of UTAS over IPPIS to end salary irregularities

In a statement, PACJA’s Executive Director Mithika Mwenda said any such plan to  flood Africa with plastics would be diabolic and the oil companies and governments behind this endeavour must be shamed and stopped.

Mithika also said that Africa already receives millions of tonnes of waste from western countries annually as the  World Bank estimates that by 2050 waste generated in Sub-Saharan Africa will triple.

He said: “Right now, 80 per cent to 90 per cent of plastic waste is inadequately disposed of in many countries across Africa adding that this posed threats to rivers and oceans.

The activist explained that waste mismanagement has been projected to increase on the African continent, as  any additional burden of plastics imports would make it difficult for people and nature to thrive.

“We cannot let this happen.” he said.

He called upon the US government to be transparent in its dealings with African countries, noting that it was a glaring concern that already the American leadership had aided the country’s withdrawal from the 2015 Paris Agreement, yet it was responsible for 18 per cent of the total global emissions.

“It is, therefore, wicked and immoral for the US government and its corporate interests to pursue actions likely to cause further havoc and exacerbate existing environmental crises in African countries,” Mithika said.

 He urged the US government to ensure any of its dealings in Africa were in line with or supported through continued investments in healthcare, sustainable food systems, water, infrastructure to mention a few.

He urged big oil investors to begin redeeming themselves by redirecting their resources towards supporting de-carbonized growth in Africa through investments in renewable energy uptake and access.

“Fossils fuels account for nearly 90 per cent of global emissions of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which with other greenhouse gasses, is responsible for climate change,” Mithika noted.

Despite contributing only 4 per cent to global emissions, Africa is among the most vulnerable regions to the impacts of climate change and the least capable to either adapt or contribute to mitigating it.

“Big Oil investors should support strides towards an Africa powered by renewable energy and not work to hamper or reverse them,” said Dr Mithika.

“Big Oil investors should support strides towards an Africa powered by renewable energy and not work to hamper or reverse them,” he added.

PACJA and the African civil society are closely monitoring the unfortunate development and has vowed to hold to account “all parties accountable for any trade deals that put the African people and environment in harm’s way”.

By Boluwaji Obahopo, Lokoja

ActionAid Nigeria on Thursday condemned the new hike in fuel prices, saying the development will leave more Nigerians poorer.

Country Director, Ene Obi in a statement said with the effects of COVID-19 putting Nigerians out of job; increase in the fuel price becomes an additional burden on an average Nigerians.

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

According to her, “We are not out of COVID-19, a lot of citizens are losing their jobs, people are getting poorer, more responsibility with school closure, young people roaming the streets unemployed and fuel hike at this time is shocking.

“Governance is about easing the pain and burden of the common man, but it seems the Nigerian government is not in touch with the reality on the ground.

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“We are dealing with too many increases at the same time and this is introducing so much inflation into our lives. Governance is about people. Instead of dealing with insecurity, we are taking actions that will further heighten insecurity because as the inflations go up and more people are plunged into poverty, there will be more conflict in our society.

“With the volume of energy we have in the country, it is disappointing that we are still not refining crude locally.”

The organization said it will liaise with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and relevant stakeholders to amplify the voices and demands of the common man, stressing that the fuel hike is a disappointing move at this time.”

Vanguard

By Wole Mosadomi

Niger State Government has appealed to residents of Kagara town in Rafi local government area of the State to remain calm over the invasion of bandits on the town and immediate Communities between Wednesday and Thursday.

A statement signed by Chief Press Secretary, Mary Noel-Berge to the state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello said the government was shocked to see a video clip showing residents of the area running “helter-skelter in panic and during the attack calling for intervention from the state government and the army”.

The Governor in a condolence message to people of the local government said immediate steps will be taken to restore lasting peace to the area adding that no responsible government will fold its arms and allow law-abiding and innocent citizens to be mauled down.

READ ALSO: Niger communities under siege; villagers abducted, residents flee homes to take refuge in bushes

The Governor acknowledged the enormity of the security challenges facing the state but assured the people that the state in active collaboration with President Muhammadu Buhari and the security agencies will restore peace back to the affected communities in the local government areas across the state.

The Governor commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives in the attack and prayed for a speedy recovery for the injured victims.

He solicited the cooperation of the people for their useful information to the security agencies just as he assured them that their identity will be made confidential.

Vanguard News Nigeria

By Harris Emanuel – Uyo

Management of Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing Company Limited, located in Onna Council of Akwa Ibom State has announced plans to go into the production of specialized syringes for COVID-19 vaccines.

Its  Managing Director, Akin Oyediran dropped the hints while Fielding questions from newsmen immediately hosting the House of Assembly Committee on Rural Development and Public Utilities which came on a fact-finding mission as part of its oversight function.

Besides, he said that the company which is producing one million syringes daily was branching out into the West African countries to earn foreign exchange.

READ ALSO: COVID-19 fallout: School owners appeal to landlords over rents

He commended governor Udom Emmanuel for providing the enabling for companies to thrive, disclosing that many companies were on their way to Akwa Ibom state because of its peaceful and secured ambiance as well as other extraneous factors.

According to him, the company (JSM) which is barely three years was breaking even, as a result of the huge market and demand for syringes.

He noted that most companies fold up after a few years because of over-dependent on the government incentives and lack of well articulate sustainability plans.

He said,” we are planning to go into the production of masks, gloves, and syringes for the Corona vaccine. For the vaccination, we will use one and a half mill syringes.

“So, what we are going to do is start producing those syringes and people will come and buy from us. The moment the vaccine is developed for COVID 19, it is going to be very popular because you will need it before you travel just like the yellow fever vaccine.

“JSM is already a success story. We produce one million syringes daily and we can’t even meet the demands in Nigeria. The reason we are focusing on exportation is because of foreign exchange. We want to earn foreign exchange. We have a huge and good market outside the country as well.

“One of the reasons for the reasons most companies fold up is because they rely so much on government incentives. The only thing that we depend on the government is security. We pay our tax on time. We pay our employees taxes on time. We pay our regulatory fees on time. It’s a sustainable business.

READ ALSO: COVID-19: Buhari warns of impact on security

“We are grateful to governor Udom Emmanuel and this administration. The governor has created an enabling environment for us to operate here. Without the governor’s vision, we won’t be here to start the company in the first place.

“On top of the governor’s vision is the enabling environment he has continued to create for companies to come here. A lot more companies are going to come.”

He noted that the company has established an excellent working relationship with the host communities, adding that it has been following the Memorandum of Understanding entered into with them.

“Our CSR is intact. We have an MoU that we work with. We are supposed to provide a kind of service to the people, training, scholarship, and all that.

One of the things we did was to organize training for the people to even be able to get jobs here because they didn’t have the basic skills. We work very well with the youths because they are the ones we are focusing on.”

Vanguard

I’m not aware of any protest ― Counsel

By Ike Uchechukwu

The Cross River State Police Command on Thursday foiled plans by some ex-agitators who wanted to protest into Calabar, the state capital over non-payment of their allowances.

Vanguard learned that ex-militants, who were angry over what they described as levity on the part of the state government in terms fulfilling the MOU that was signed in 2018 before they dropped their arms as well as “surrendered” have become restless and many amongst them are feeling that their leaders have sold out too.

The investigation also showed that they have been restless,as well as making necessary efforts to get government attention by every means including protest.

On Thursday, they ( ex-militants)decided to march to Calabar from their location in Esighi in Bakassi local government area of the state but the planned protest was botched by police based on intelligence.

The state command also dispatched a detachment of the Police to block them as early as 7.30 am at the Arab junction of Atimbo in Calabar Municipality.

When contacted, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abdulkadir Jimoh said the militants were aiming at taking their protest to the city of Calabar and Police got intelligence and had ensured that the protest does not take place at all.

“We got information that the ex-militants were going to protest over non-payment of their allowances and we had to take proactive measures to prevent the break-down of law and order. My men are on the street to ensure that the state is safe for everybody.

READ ALSO: Ex-militants threaten attack over alleged planned to scrap Amnesty Program

“The agitation has become a recurring decimal and we got wind of the protest through intelligence, so we had to act swiftly, although we have also been having meetings with them all in a bid to forestall peace due process must be followed,” the Commissioner said.

He nevertheless appealed to the state government to assist the police with operational vans to enable the Police tackle crime in the state.

“We have been able to reduce crime and criminality in the state since I resumed office, but we need more operational vehicles to enable my men comb all nooks and crannies of the state,” he said.

When contacted, Counsel to the ex-agitators, Bakassi Strike Force, BSF, Ozinko Ozinko Esq told Vanguard that it was quite unfortunate that since the MOU was signed in 2018 nothing has been done and many of the ex-agitators were not happy.

He said:” Many of the ex-agitators feel betrayed by their leaders because they feel they have sold out by taking an appointment from state government and ignoring their demands as signed in the MOU before they “surrendered” in November 2018.

“Although the leader, Benjamin told me that he is not aware of any protest by the ex-agitators on Thursday but appealed to government to look into the issue of allowances because a lot of the boys are not happy,” he said.

Vanguard News Nigeria

Five children were found dead in an apartment in western Germany on Thursday, police said, with local media reporting they were murdered by their mother who later tried to kill herself as well.

The children were found in a private apartment in the city of Solingen in North Rhine-Westphalia state, police told AFP without giving further details.

They were one, two, three, six and eight years old, according to a report in the Bild daily.

The mother later threw herself in front of a train but survived with serious injuries, the report said. She has been taken under police protection.

According to Bild, the children’s grandmother called the police and reported that her daughter, 27, had killed five of her children and was possibly on the run with another child with the intention of killing herself.

ALSO READ: Man goes solo, protests increase in fuel, electricity tariffs in Ibadan

The woman’s 11-year-old son was later found unharmed, it said.

The mother later travelled to the main station in Duesseldorf, some 35 kilometres away, where she jumped in front of a train, according to Bild.

She was rescued from between two track beds and taken to a local hospital for treatment, national news agency DPA reported, citing emergency services.

Investigations are ongoing, police said.

[AFP]

Vanguard News Nigeria.

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule

By David Odama – Lafia

Worried by the disturbing number of ghost workers in its payroll at the local government, the  Nasarawa state government is to embark on the verification of staff to ascertain the authentic number of workers in its payroll.

State commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs,   Yusuf Aliyu Taraki who disclosed this Thursday in lafia said that his ministry in collaboration with the local government council’s in the state would embark on a forensic Audits to ascertain the number of workers in the 13 local government Councils in the state.

Turaki said Governor Abdullahi Sule is seriously Disturbed with the increase in the number of staff on the local government payrolls despite the retirement and deaths of if the staff of local government staff…

READ ALSO: Gov. Sule lauds Buhari, IGP for PMF training college in Nasarawa

The commissioner who expressed concern over huge wage bills of local government, attributed the situation to neglect on the part of the previous administrations at the local government council’s to authenticate the number of staff at the local government payrolls.

Turaki further explained that since he assumed office as commissioner about a year ago, local government council’s in the state have been battling with the payment of salaries where the state government had to argument before payment could be made.

He, therefore, appealed to the local government chairmen, NULGE officials as well as the local government staff to report any ghost worker found in the payroll to the appropriate authority for necessary action.

“I Am appealing to the staff across the 13 council areas to expose the ghost workers to enable us to ascertain the actual number of staff in the payrolls of the local government Council.

Vanguard

Matthew Agbroko

A coalition of youth associations under the auspices Idjerhe Youths Political Vanguard (IYPV) yesterday drummed support for the Chairmanship  ambition of a Comrade Irikefe Matthew Agbroko

Agbroko is a Chairmanship aspirant under the platform of the People Democratic Party, PDP, in Ethiope West local government area of Delta State.

The group’s Convener Comr. choice Imirihre in Jesse Town described Irikefe Matthew Agbroko as a noble man who has empowered youths in Ethiope West.

READ ALSOOnitsha economic empowerment programme to take off soon

 Imirihre noted that, their support for Agbroko is as a result of his contribution toward the development of youths in Ethiope West.

“We have analyzed Aspirants contesting for the Chairmanship position in Ethiope west and we have decided to support Hon. Irikefe Matthew Agbroko.

Our support for Agbroko is for the interest of everyone living in Ethiope West.

Over the years Agbroko has differentiated himself from others by empowering the youths

He has supported our women in the agricultural sector and have sponsored alots of our youths through Education. “

Imirihre also described Agbroko as a youth friendly Aspirant noting that the group will not turn their back on him.

By Dirisu Yakubu, Abuja

Foremost integrated container logistics company, MAERSK has directed its commercial department to stop applying the peak season surcharge from 1st September 2020.

This is in response to protests by the industry regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, which recently convened a meeting of the Organized Private Sector to deliberate on the astronomical peak season surcharge levied by shipping lines companies in Nigeria.

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

In a statement signed by Rakiya Zubairu, MAERSK’s Head of Operation, the Union of African Shippers’ Council, UASC, has thrown its weight of support behind NSC’s call for the immediate suspension of the peak season surcharge calling it a violation of previous UASC/European Community Shipowners Association, ECSA, agreement requiring prior, mutual and reasonable notification of UASC and the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa, PMAWCA by individual shipping companies before any such imposition of the new tariff, surcharges or increase in transport cost.

The statement referenced a letter signed by Lara Lana, MD of MAERSK Nigeria and addressed to the Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, as noting that “our principals in our Head Office have informed us of your letter with subject reference increase in peak season surcharge”. We would like to thank you for the supporting document you shared shedding light on the meeting between the ECSA and UASC”.

Vanguard