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NYCN thanks Buhari, Hails Youth and Sports Minister’s Initiative on the Establishment of the National Youth Investment Funds – Challenge Youth to come up with innovative ideas

NYCN thanks Buhari, Hails Youth and Sports Minister’s Initiative on the Establishment of the National Youth Investment Funds – Challenge Youth to come up with innovative ideas

The National Youth Council of Nigeria, led by its President, Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, has commended the Honourable Minister Sunday Dare, for his innovative resourcefulness that has resulted in the  establishment and approval of the N75 Billion naira National Youth Investment Found (NYIF) by President Muhammadu Buhari.   

The Minister, ably represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Gabriel Aduda, while receiving the National Youth Executives at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, noted that the NYCN has taken a bold and commendable step to thank Mr President on the establishment of the NYIF. He stated that the Memo on the establishment of the fund was thoroughly debated and it enjoyed an overwhelming support by members of the Federal Executive Council.

This gesture is to enable the teeming population of the Nigerian youth to be economically motivated for sustainability.   Mr Dare added that it is important to go beyond empowering the youth into investing in the youth of Nigeria with a common pulse that supports entrepreneurship and small businesses as well as provide the environment for youth to fly with their ideas.

He stated that the 75Billion naira  will come in three trenches between now and 2023 nothing that Mr President has given directives to the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning alongside the Central Bank Governor to source for the money. 

According to the Minister, the Ministry through the Technical/Steering Committees that shall be put in place,which will include the youths, shall be  working on modalities to enable Nigerian youth have access to the fund and pay back within a short period with not more than 1 digit interest rate. He implored the youth to come up with innovative ideas that could lead to wealth/job creation and which can as well achieve any of the 9 cardinal goal of the present administration. 

The President, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, in his response, expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minster whose supervision in the youth constituency has recorded massive positive developments including the National Youth Investment Fund recently approved by Mr President. Sukubo noted that Nigerian youth have experienced a breath of fresh air and hope is kept alive owing to the visionary foresight of the Minister for the  growth of the youth of this country. 

‘To all my fellow Nigerian youths, it is a new dawn for us, the sound of hope echoes in the air. The long awaited dream has become a reality and I can testify that there is a song of joy in our lips, he said.  In his vote of thanks, the Hon. Commissioner for Pan Africa Union in Nigeria, Mr. Niyi Oladele, thanked President Buhari for the economic empowerment by creating this National Youth Investment Fund for the Nigerian youth and other programmes of the ministry on social media to keep the youths off the streets. 

He however made a call to the President to kindly direct all youths related activities and programmes scattered in other Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to be redeployed and warehoused in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development for proper coordination.    

Olatunji JohnACIO

For: Director (Press)

Airbus solutions being rolled-out in Kuwaiti government entities to reinforce mission-critical communication system

Airbus solutions being rolled-out in Kuwaiti government entities to reinforce mission-critical communication system

Deployment of Agnet 900 and Tactilon Dabat in line with Kuwaiti Government’s transition from narrowband to broadband networks

With the Kuwaiti Government fast transitioning from narrowband to broadband networks, Airbus has shown strong support for the move through increased deployment in the country of its secure communication and collaboration solutions, specifically Tactilon Agnet 900 and Tactilon Dabat. 

Agnet 900 and Tactilon Dabat are currently being rolled-out across local public safety entities in Kuwait to help strengthen their mission-critical communication systems. Concerned authorities will benefit from Airbus TETRA network and infrastructure by using their advanced multimedia capabilities such as photo and video services to boost collaborative efforts. 

Agnet 900 is a reliable collaboration platform that enables rapid communication among teams wherever they are and whatever devices they use. Kuwaiti officials can fully maximize Agnet 900’s protected voice, multimedia messaging, video and real-time location tracking and reporting services for more systematic and seamless coordination.

Tactilon Dabat, a smartphone and a TETRA radio in one, is for Kuwaiti personnel who require high security in their communication. It operates on both TETRA and LTE/4G networks. Users can optimize the device’s video, text, voice data and location tracking and reporting features to connect with their team members anytime, anywhere. The weatherproof Tactilon Dabat also allows multitasking on its big and bright screen.  

During the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the solutions give local authorities mobility and access to key features, including group tracking and team management, from anywhere as long as internet connection is available. This makes team efforts during these unprecedented times more sound and solid as the government battles the still raging global health crisis.  

Andrew Forbes, Head of Middle East and North Africa region for Secure Land Communications at Airbus, said: “Kuwait is steadily moving ahead with its digital transformation initiatives as part of its development plan. One of the efforts is intensified adoption of secure communication platforms based on broadband technology as the government steadily moves away from the traditional system.”

 “In terms of national defense, public security and emergency management, a digital communication system will help reinforce quick coordination among concerned bodies, most especially during critical moments. Airbus solutions are capable of guaranteeing a smoother connection and facilitating better communication structure for public organizations whose mission-critical mandate is to maintain safety and security,” Forbes added. 

* * *

Airbus

Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2018 it generated revenues of € 64 billion and employed a workforce of around 134,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.

Secure Land Communications (www.securelandcommunications.com)

Secure Land Communications (SLC), an Airbus business unit, offers advanced communication and collaboration solutions enabling its customers to gather, process and deploy intelligence. Its portfolio is tailored to the needs of professionals from Public Safety and Transport, Utility and Industry (TUI). It includes infrastructures, devices, applications and services based on Tetra, Tetrapol and Broadband technologies. As the European leader and a key international player, SLC has customers in more than 80 countries and employs around 1,150 people in 17 countries.

Media contacts

Media Relations

BEYOND Marketing & Communications

Telephone:   +971 4 243 3441
E-mail:  media@beyond-gcc.com

(PHOTO STORY) ST PETER’S SEMINARY, OKIGWE HOMECOMING

(PHOTO STORY) ST PETER’S SEMINARY, OKIGWE HOMECOMING

The Prestigious St Peter’s Seminary Okigwe, Imo State an educational institution known for raising top notch citizens and priest inclusive, established in the 1980s. The school has grown in leaps and bounds having produced notable people in the society from well known Catholic Priest that are practicing their vocation around the world, from Vatican to Germany and also produced technocrats and businessmen.

The school recently buried their foremost Rector who died at a prime age. The Old Boys Association used the opportunity to bid the Rector (Fr. Ilonu) a befitting farewell. A true testament of the impact the late priest has made in their lives.

The association also used that opportunity to give back to the school that made them buy building a befitting chapel for the students. A project worth million, they Old Boys spared nothing in ensuring that the students have a nice place of worship.

With words of encouragement coming from the Old Boys Association, the students of the school where in high morale and ecstatic knowing that they have role models. The home coming was a very successful one, with many of the members making pledges on how they will give back to the school that made them.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

Coronavirus – African Union Member States (55) reporting COVID-19 cases (944,450) deaths (19,920), and recoveries (602,578)

Coronavirus – African Union Member States (55) reporting COVID-19 cases (944,450) deaths (19,920), and recoveries (602,578)

African Union Member States (55) reporting COVID-19 cases (944,450) deaths (19,920), and recoveries (602,578) by region:
Central (48,897 cases; 941 deaths; 34,212 recoveries): Burundi (395; 1; 304), Cameroon (17,255; 387; 15,320), CAR (4,614; 59; 1,635), Chad (936; 75; 813), Congo (3,387; 56; 923), DRC (9,084; 215; 7,030), Equatorial Guinea (4,821; 83; 2,182), Gabon (7,531; 50; 5,223), Sao Tome & Principe (874; 15; 782).

Eastern (77,840; 1,719; 40,902): Comoros (386; 7; 330), Djibouti (5,081; 58; 4,999), Eritrea (279; 0; 225), Ethiopia (17,999; 284; 7,195), Kenya (21,363; 364; 8,419), Madagascar (11,273; 107; 8,109), Mauritius (344; 10; 332), Rwanda (2,042; 5; 1,119), Seychelles (114; 0; 75), Somalia (3,212; 93; 1,562), South Sudan (2,418; 46; 1,195), Sudan (11,644; 720; 6,119), Tanzania (509; 21; 178), Uganda (1,176; 4; 1,045).

Northern (161,197; 6,694; 86,367): Algeria (30,394; 1,210; 20,537), Egypt (94,316; 4,834; 41,137), Libya (3,621; 74; 618), Mauritania (6,295; 157; 4,898), Morocco (25,015; 367; 17,960), Tunisia (1,552; 51; 1,217), Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (4; 1; 0).

Southern (526,870; 8,642; 352,233): Angola (1,164; 54; 460), Botswana (804; 2; 63), Eswatini (2,706; 43; 1,214), Lesotho (702; 14; 171), Malawi (4,186; 120; 1,914), Mozambique (1,907; 11; 638), Namibia (2,224; 11; 171), South Africa (503,290; 8,153; 342,461), Zambia (6,228; 165; 4,130), Zimbabwe (3,659; 69; 1,011).

Western (129,646; 1,924; 88,864): Benin (1,770, 35; 1,036), Burkina Faso (1,149; 53; 945), Cape Verde (2,480; 24; 1,837), Côte d’Ivoire (16,109; 102; 11,750), Gambia (498; 9; 68), Ghana (37,014; 182; 33,365), Guinea (7,183; 46; 6,404), Guinea-Bissau (1,981; 27; 903), Liberia (1,189; 75; 673), Mali (2,535; 124; 1,937), Niger (1,136; 69; 1,028), Nigeria (43,537; 883; 20,087), Senegal (10,284; 209; 6,822), Sierra Leone (1,823; 67; 1,362), Togo (958; 19; 647).

SOURCE

We are using artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite imaging to map the farms in Nigeria – Adewale

We are using artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite imaging to map the farms in Nigeria – Adewale

In this interview, Adewale Adegoke, the founder of AgroXchange talks about using information technology , drones and geo-mapping to drive crop production and easing access to market for farmers. He also speaks on the role the government must take in order to ensure food security in the country.

What is the unique thing about AgroXchange as a service provider to the farmers in particular and agro allied space as a whole?

The AgroXchange is a geospatial database of farms and farmers that leverages the market penetration of smart devices in Nigeria and the GPS location component of smart phones to facilitate rapid data collection and information dissemination in real-time and near real-time. The main objective of the geospatial database is to reduce the cost of doing business for farmers, aggregators, offtakers, and processors in establishing market linkages.  We are bridging the gap of availability of disaggregated farm data, access to markets, commodity trade facilitation and ensuring traceability. AgroXchange is premised on the principle that every farmer is a business entity and demonstrates Orbital Solutions goal to drive insight.

Why use drone in agriculture?

In the terms of use,   with our technology that we have deployed, we try to address the critical questions of who is producing what, where are they being produced and how healthy are these products.  We try to use technology to answer these critical questions.  We try to bring the farmers and the aggregators together. How do we do these? We deploy drones, and these types of drones are multi spectrum drones that use the photosynthesis via infrared technology to monitor the health of the crop. The healthier (greener) crops give out higher infrared via photosynthesis. We use drones to map these farms.

In terms of funding, are you public sector or private sector driven?

As of now, we are strictly a private sector venture, but we are open to talks with the  government and also we can engage in public private partnership (PPP) is still open to us. As of today, we are private driven, but we are open to government discussion. We believe that government can create an enabling environment and partner with us. We try to present to the government to use our outcome for the people. We believe that we can work with the government and make Nigerian farmer scale up. We have partnered with flying labs.

You have a series of partnerships, one is Flying Labs, and can we know about this?

Flying labs license, we got it to work in Nigeria, it is an international body that is in charge of drone.  This body gives license to operate the drones for either charity purpose or social. We have the license and we are able to apply drone technology and build capacity. We pursued this license to strengthen our capacity for innovation and identify our key prospects. Having such license would expose and introduce one of  many benefits. We do get free software; we are introduced to different partners from government to non-governmental organizations. We are also going to be assembling drones in Nigeria. We also intend to build capacity in this area so that youths can start their drone businesses and earn a good living from this. 

As a new technology in Nigeria, what do you think that government can do to ensure smooth adaption and take of this technology in agriculture?

The critical thing is that the government has to create an enabling environment. There has to be some policies that would support us, we have agriculture transformation agenda (ATA), but that is not enough! We must ensure that more youths come into the picture. Yes, government is trying , but there should be interventions such as aggregator program, policies and laws.  If you look at the aggregator program, it just generates demands and when we have a robust aggregator program in place, People would start seeing agriculture as attractive. But we must know that one person can’t do the mapping in Nigeria. We must start providing drone licenses for people. This is an opportunity for youths to gain employment and these drones in agriculture has the capacity of generating hundreds of thousand jobs for the government and also boost the revenue of the

farmers. 

What about the security of deploying drones in the nooks and crannies of country?

There are things we must understand, yes, I totally understand the security perspective but we have organizations like Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) that can give drone licenses to people for strictly farming purposes, there can be collaborations with the ministry of agriculture or interior, ours is to ensure that we have food security and maximum yields using the drone technology to map out arable lands in Nigeria. It would serve as data for planning in the future. We must start looking at this type of technology as a nation and we are here to offer that. We have to open up this drone space.  The regulatory bodies must start upping their game here. This is a huge market and more attractive to the youths. We can have requirements such as providing flight logs etc.

 How have you been able to impact on  the lives of farmers etc.?

The aggregator program generates demands through mapping, Nigeria is a huge nation and we can train different youths to key into this emerging technology.  We are developing artificial intelligence (AI) solution with satellite imaging that would be used to map the farms in Nigeria and this would help in productivity in agriculture.  We have developed partnerships that would cascade to the farmers. We are using this to map the farm plots; we are innovating to make the farmers have better yield and access to market. In some cases when we do mapping we collect the names of farmers if government wants to collect land use charges.

So what are collaborations with academic institutions?

Nigerian academic institutions are not serious people, they just want to sit down and write papers, they don’t have the capacity to see the future. We have written to many academic institutions, yet their attitude is lukewarm. We focus on innovation and the academic community ought to be involved here, but unfortunately, they don’t look serious. Though, we have partnered with foreign universities like the one in Minnesota and foreign ones are more serious. I have to be frank here; the Nigerian academics are not serious people. There was a time we wrote a document that is about the alliance for food security in Nigeria, this document is a tripartite one that has the government, private sectors and academic community in it. It should have been a collaborative one, but unfortunately, the academic didn’t come through, they don’t care how the student would benefit.  If for us to deliver value we have to partner with institution that recognize value and it seems that Nigerian academics don’t recognize value and we really want to partner with them especially in the agro exchange platform.

Do you facilitate business for farmers and end users such as big firms and ease access to market for these farmers?

Yes, that is why we do mapping, with mapping; clients can see what they want and where they are. We have the database and these are what end users want and for the farmer we have eased their access to market. One of the critical things that affect the income of farmers in Nigeria is value chain and we try to bridge that through partnership.  We are profiling over two hundred and seven thousand farmers and we the mapping, clients come to us. It is technology and we don’t hide this.

Are the farmers ready to key into this program considering factors like culture and education?

Well, some are reluctant, they have the mentality that government wants to collect their lands, it takes a lot of efforts to convenience these guys because over time people have gone to these farmers to collect money from them under the auspices of intervention programs yet they don’t and also the government factor. Then politics, the leaders of farmers association are tied to political affiliations.  The issues of cultural factors are there. It is much easier in the North than the  South. We are currently working in Borno, Akure, Ondo, Gombe, Kaduna Yobe, Jigawa , Kebbi  and Sokoto states.

Want are the challenges that you face in this job?

Climate change has been an issue for us here I mean the extremities of weather patterns in the South which is flooding, in the North, high temperature and desertification. Also uptake, uptake can be slow especially when it has to do with government and donors due to interest. This mitigates the swift deployments and it creates a barrier for us. The educational attainment of small holders’ farmers is a challenge because they don’t understand IT and how it works and that is why we work with aggregators. Security is not much of a problem. We are used to it.

We are moving into 2020. What would be your contribution to agro allied sector?

We are looking at data as a service to those that are interested in our data, commodities trading and also strengthen our partnerships. We hope to increase the income of farmers by partnerships with aggregators and research institutions.

There was a time we wrote a document that is about the alliance for food security in Nigeria, this document is a tripartite one that has the government, private sectors and academic community in it. It should have been a collaborative one, but unfortunately, the academic didn’t come through, they don’t care how the student would benefit.  If for us to deliver value we have to partner with institution that recognize value and it seems that Nigerian academics don’t recognize value and we really want to partner with them especially in the agro exchange platform.

Encomiums as Sonny Aragba-Akpore bows out of NCC

Encomiums as Sonny Aragba-Akpore bows out of NCC

…He served NCC creditably well, says Danbatta

It was encomiums galore recently as Management and Staff of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) bid the Commission’s Head of Media Management and Public Relations, Sonny Aragba-Akpore, farewell following his retirement.

Aragba-Akpore, former Information and Communications Technology/News editor at the Guardian Newspaper, joined the service of the Commission in 2014.

Speaking at the valedictory party held in his honour on Thursday, July 16, 2020, which was attended physically and virtually by staff of the Commission, the Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta, appreciated the level of professionalism Aragba-Akpore brought to bear on his work at the Commission.

Represented at the event by the Director, Projects, Abigail Sholanke, Danbatta commended Aragba-Akpore for using his many years of industry experience and knowledge as a media professional and corporate communication manager to create a robust relationship with both mainstream and online media stakeholders, which, he said, has contributed significantly to the overall positive image and favourable public perception of NCC.

“On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of Commission, we wish you a successful retirement and fruitful engagements in your future endeavours,” Danbatta said.

In his remarks, Director, Public Affairs Department, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, said “within the short time I worked with Mr. Aragba-Akpore, I found him to be a man of uncommon passion for his work,” describing him as a very committed and hardworking colleague. “We, therefore, wish you increased divine favour, as you retire from the services of the Commission.”

Other staff of the Commission, including directors, deputy directors, middle management staff, among others, took turns to talk about the favourable working relationship they had with Aragba-Akpore while at the NCC and wished him well in his retirement life.

Responding, Aragba-Akpore expressed gratitude to the Management and Staff of the Commission for their support and cooperation during his service and for organising a befitting valedictory ceremony in his honour, saying he enjoyed working with the NCC.

“This is one event I will not forget in a hurry. Indeed, I feel I am very lucky and singularly blessed and very appreciative of the privilege to work with a leading telecoms regulator like the NCC. For me, it is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said.

Signed:

Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde

WE CAN DEVELOP WORLD CLASS SOFTWARE FOR ANYONE HERE IN PORT HARCOURT – DAVID JOHNSON

WE CAN DEVELOP WORLD CLASS SOFTWARE FOR ANYONE HERE IN PORT HARCOURT – DAVID JOHNSON

In this media chat, David Johnson the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Rasonad, an indigenous software development company based in Port Harcourt talks on how Rasonad is focusing on next level digital solutions. Anthony Nwosu captured this in an exclusive interview.

Rasonad is a full-stack, agile software development company. With our primary services being web & mobile app development, product design, and software development consulting, brand development & digital marketing. We focus on helping our clients to accelerate their business growth by leveraging the internet and next-level digital solutions. We know that the success of any business rests on its ability to keep attracting new customers and retaining them, that’s why all of our work is centered around building custom digital solutions that make this the constant reality of our partners.

As a software firm, can you confidently say that your software is wholly indigenous?


Yes, our software solutions are wholly indigenous. We build for all kinds of businesses and save local businesses the hassle of relying on foreign software solutions. However, you can rest assured that we build to a standard that is globally competitive. We strongly believe in bespoke solutions, we don’t just dump software on our clients, ours is to engage our clients, know what they want and how they want them, and then we translate this to software. We initiate and develop our software solutions here in our office, from our web solutions to mobile app. We have built capacity in this area, we have the competent skills that will undertake any projects and above all, we have a support system that caters for our clients.

What are the unique attributes of your Enterprise software?


We currently don’t have Software as a Service (SaaS) yet, but we are working on a disruptive solution for business processes automation and edtech. We’re working hard to release the first version of this solution in 2021. We believe that once this comes out, the software is designed to change the narratives on how businesses operate in the country.


Do you think that Nigerian software developers have come of age?


Yes, a lot of Nigerian developers have come of age, although I believe there are greater heights to be conquered. In the Nigerian tech ecosystem, a handful of indigenous software companies are providing world-class solutions. They include the likes of Precious Chukunda of Chigisoft, Mavin of Cloudnetiq, Evans Akanno of Cregital, Tekena of Ispace, etc. who are all doing great exploits.

Do you have footprints in other parts of Africa?


Currently, we don’t have a footprint in any part of Africa but, we have worked with a client in Europe. The solution we built for that client was padidoctor – a digital solution created to help fight drug abuse in Africa. If this can be a stride, yes, we have deployed out of Africa and the client has shown satisfaction. Maybe in the future, we can have a physical presence in other parts of African countries, but as it is now, we can be contracted to deliver solutions at any part of the world and we would do just that.

Why Rivers State? A lot of IT firms are based in Lagos⁷, so why dwell in a state known for oil and gas exploration?


Rivers state is currently gaining traction and attention when it comes to tech, hence it’s not a bad idea for any tech firm to choose to be here. Also, as a digital agency and a service-based company we don’t necessarily need to be in Lagos to do business with anyone around the world. However, we are very happy to collaborate with other developers and tech companies in other parts of Nigeria and the world. We are trying to change the narrative of Rivers State as an Oil and Gas state; you know that in a few years, oil and gas would be a thing that many nations wouldn’t be keen on but capacity building. So, in this age where nations are gearing up for the 4th Industrial Revolution, the need to position Rivers State and Niger Delta for the future IT revolution become very imperative and we are happy to be at the forefront. Maybe, in 10 years, Rivers State would be an IT destination.

What about skills and capacity? How do you source these?


When hiring we lookout for people who are passionate and self-motivated about what they do and also have a growth mindset. We believe possessing a growth mindset is important because we understand that no matter how talented or skillful a person is, there’s always, always a need to keep improving, reskilling and upskilling in order to remain globally competitive. Though, this notion is a bit difficult considering our education system where graduates are churned out so that they would look for a job not to grow with the organization. The growth mindset brings the concept of delayed gratification which is a very good concept and builds competency in the chosen field.

What are the few challenges that you face doing your business in a place like Port Harcourt?


Poor internet connection, erratic power supply, and insecurity have been issues for us. Trying to navigate these challenges has meant we have to spend more money on running the business. However, we’re committed to excellence and as such keep finding innovative ways to surmount these difficulties as the business grows.

Do you think that the Nigerian Government is doing enough in the area of diversification?


Yes, I’d say the Federal government and the Rivers state government are making commendable moves in the area of diversification. The recent press release by NITDA that outlines their TIES Scheme aimed at supporting tech entrepreneurs and technology innovation as well as the Rivers state government’s active involvement in empowering youths with digital skills and competencies both support my stance.

As a stakeholder, what will you tell the government to deepen software development?


The tech industry is becoming the new oil industry. During the pandemic, it became even more obvious as tech and internet-based businesses kept thriving even as other sectors were declining. With what the government is already doing in the area of diversification I believe that it can be taken to another level as the software industry can massively drive economic growth, now and in the future. The Federal government can amplify its efforts by adopting and promoting indigenous software companies and solutions so that indigenous software companies can grow and even become major players within the global software market.

As we are emerging in a post-COVID narrative, what are your plans for the later part of the year?


COVID-19 has caused businesses to see the urgent need to leverage technology in doing business. As a result, we are positioned to help create top-notch custom software solutions for businesses in Africa and other parts of the world to digitize their business processes and taking into consideration the hit on the economy we have decided to give our clients up to 20-50% discount on all our services for August 2020 to skyrocket their business; to take advantage of this visit Rasonad to get a quote and free consultation for your project.

As a result, we are positioned to help create top-notch custom software solutions for businesses in Africa and other parts of the world to digitize their business processes and taking into consideration the hit on the economy we have decided to give our clients up to 20-50% discount on all our services for August 2020 to skyrocket their business; to take advantage of this visit Rasonad to get a quote and free consultation for your project.

ABIODUN SIGN SECURITY TRUST FUND, OGROMA BILLS INTO LAW

ABIODUN SIGN SECURITY TRUST FUND, OGROMA BILLS INTO LAW

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has signed the State Security Trust Fund Bill, passed by the State House of Assembly into Law.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. kunle Somorin stated the Bill was signed by the Governor after it was presented to him by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo at the Governor’s office, Oke-Mosan,Abeokuta.

Similarly, the Governor has also signed into Law the Ogun State Road Mantaince Agency (Amendment) 2019, passed by the State Assembly.

Prince Abiodun, the Statement added, had last weekend inaugurated the Committee of the Trust Fund, headed by Mr. Bolaji Balogun to source for money for the acquisition and deployment of security equipment and such human materials and financial resources that would be necessary to prevent crime and preserve public peace.

The statement said the Committee is also to promote the effect encyclopedia of all security Agencies in the State, hold gifts property and money for the purpose of crime prevention, moblise funding and resources in Cash or kind from the public, private, corporate or institutional or all other sources and manage those resources in a transparent and accountable manner for the purpose of Public security.

It added that the Committee is also to reserve part of the Fund for the training and retraining of security personnel, as well as do and perform other functions for the purpose of public security as contained in the State Security Law 2011as amended by the State Security Trust Fund Law, 2019.

They statement further added that with the passing of the Bill and signing into Law, the Ogun State Road Mantaince Agency (OGROMA), deplorable township and rural roads in the State would soon begin to wear new look as the Agency swings into action.

It stated that the administration of Prince Abiodun resuscitated the agency to serve as a quick fix mechanism to address the deplorable condition of township and rural roads.

Kunle Somorin,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ogun State.

A NIGERIAN MAN, OKOLOKO MADE JUDGE OF A SUPERIOR COURT IN AMERICA

A NIGERIAN MAN, OKOLOKO MADE JUDGE OF A SUPERIOR COURT IN AMERICA

Irrespective of the negative vibes that the arrest of Hushpuppy and his gang generated for Nigeria and her citizens globally,we have tons of Nigerians that have been contributing positively to the world. It is no more news that Nigerians are among the most educated immigrant community in the United States of America. This situation has seen a lot of Nigerians taking up positions that are very sensitive and delivering.

The recent appointment of a Nigerian,Ediri as a judge is a testament to this. A Nigerian from Delta Central (Urhobo extraction), Delta state, EDIRIN O. OKOLOKO, being sworn in, as a judge of the Snohomish County Superior Court in Washington State, U.S.A. Okoloko will replace Judge George Bowden who is retiring.

Okoloko bagged his Bachelor of Law from the University of Benin in Nigeria. He also received a law degree from the Seattle University School of Law, and has worked for the past 13 years in the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, where he is a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney working on homicide, sexual assault, child abuse, and elder abuse cases.

Before working as a prosecutor, Okoloko served as a judicial law clerk for former Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Michael Downes. Congratulation to you Edirin Okoloko, may you continue to represent well.

Anthony Nwosu and Chike Ofili

Resumption: Enugu govt moves to ensure workers’ compliance with COVID-19 protocol

Resumption: Enugu govt moves to ensure workers’ compliance with COVID-19 protocol

…Decontaminates offices ahead of August 3

Ahead of August 3 resumption of duty, after four months of lockdown, the Enugu State Government has reminded all civil servants in the state of the need to adhere strictly to the laid down preventive measures for containment of the spread of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

The reminder was made by the state’s acting Head of Service, Mr. Ken Chukwuegbo, when he joined the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Ministerial Affairs, Hon. Mrs. Mabel Agbo and the Chairman, State Civil Service Commission, Chief Martin Ugada, to supervise the decontamination and fumigation of the State Secretariat complex and other offices, ahead of resumption of work on August 3.

Chukwuegbo, who applauded the sustained commitment of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi towards the wellbeing and safety of the workers, disclosed that “the desk officers from the office of the Head of Service have been mandated to ensure strict compliance in addition to what the Permanent Secretaries of the MDAs will be doing from Monday, the 3rd of August”.

Describing the decontamination exercise as a welcome development, the acting Head of Service also reminded the workers “that on Monday the 3rd of August they should walk into their offices with their face masks and maintain physical and social distancing as well as adhere to other precautionary measures as listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)”.

Speaking further he said: “They (workers) should not loiter around; they should remain in their offices and work; they should not move from one office to another, so that together we can have a safe environment and stay safe”.

Chukwuegbo, on behalf of the workers of Enugu State, appreciated Ugwuanyi, who he described as “the workers’ friendly governor” for paying their salaries regularly even when they are at home” as well as pensions and gratuities of retired workers of the state.

Earlier in her speech, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Ministerial Affairs, Hon. Mrs. Agbo, explained that the decontamination/fumigation exercise was approved by the governor to create a safe environment for the civil servants as they resume work on August 3.

She added that the exercise will eliminate reptiles and rodents that must have invaded the offices during the lockdown as well as prevent the spread of COVID-19, saying: “Enugu State is blessed to have a Governor in the person of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who cares for the indigenes and residents of the state by protective means”.

Stressing that the workforce is a veritable organ of government with which it achieves its economic goals, the Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission, Chief Ugada, lauded the governor’s sensibility and wise counsel that the State Secretariat should be decontaminated and fumigated for the safety of the workers and visitors.

On his part, the State Chief Fire Officer, Engr. Okwudiri Ohaa, pointed out that the state government is not only decontaminating the state secretariat but “is equally fumigating it by adding all those insecticides that can kill reptiles and mosquitoes”.

Engr. Ohaa, who handed over 600 Disinfectant Hand Sprayers to Hon. Mrs. Agbo, for distribution to offices as approved by the governor, advised the workers to stay safe and obey all the laid down COVID-19 protocol as adopted by WHO and NCDC.

Ugwuanyi News Update