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CHILD PRODIGY: FAVOR OLUMA THE 16YR OLD TYRE FURNITURE MAKER (PHOTOS)

CHILD PRODIGY: FAVOR OLUMA THE 16YR OLD TYRE FURNITURE MAKER (PHOTOS)

At an age when her age mates are thinking of weavons, make-up , boyfriends and new clothes ,Favour Oluma is busy recycling tyres to great art works and furniture. Her works are so aesthetically pleasing that art lovers and collectors have been awed by the work of a 16 year old girl.

With little or no training,Favor has shown a lot of promise for a child of her age. According to Belinda Kendall, she said that this young chap is promising and will go places if she is supported. She has shown a great level of dexterity and maturity in her works and must be commended.

Alabi Antonia said “Go girl, you deserve all the accolades and may Lord bless the work is your hands.”

Cynthia Hector said that the mirrow is so beautiful that she would want to order for it.

Favor is a promising young Nigeria girl that has an eye for environment, knowing the impact of non degradable items to the environment and has taken it upon herself to recycle tyres for wonderful office and home furniture.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

ABIA STATE: SCHOOLS LIKELY TO REOPEN AUGUST 10TH

ABIA STATE: SCHOOLS LIKELY TO REOPEN AUGUST 10TH

The need to get the commercial hub of South Eastern Nigeria ,Abia State running has become imperative. With the closure of schools due to Covid 19, the state is seriously reconsidering reopening of schools next month which is August. This position was made known to the public after stakeholders consultations and meeting.

The state government used the verified social media handle to announce this. In its statement the said “Breaking News
Stakeholders in the education sector in Abia State have tentatively fixed August 10, 2020, for reopening of schools to enable students in exit classes prepare and write relevant examinations.”

“The planned reopening is subject to verifiable compliance with all the proposed COVID-19 prevention and control measures agreed at the summit convoked by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu today at Michael Okpara Auditorium of Government House Umuahia.
Details later”,they announced.

Abia is a state that doesn’t play with education, ranked ammong the top educationally performing states in Nigeria,it is assumed that the state would want to be on the path of educationally advantaged state. Though, some people are asking if this moves isn’t too fast? As it stands now the statement is a tentative one and the citizens would await for an official position to that effect on few weeks time.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

ABIA STATE: OKEZIE IKPEAZU THINKS COMMUNITY POLICING

ABIA STATE: OKEZIE IKPEAZU THINKS COMMUNITY POLICING

Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has inaugurated the State Advisory Community Policing Committee with a charge to the members to be careful about the individuals they nominate into the Committee.
Inaugurating the Committee in Umuahia today, Governor Ikpeazu said this is to ensure that only those with proven character are selected.

He described the inauguration of the Abia state Advisory Community Policing Committee as a milestone in the state’s journey towards protecting its citizens and communities, adding that essence of Community Policing is essentially to ask the people themselves to do the needful through active participation in their own protection from criminals.

Dr Ikpeazu noted that communities have, for too long, now left the issue of security solely in the hands of the police pointing out that the State is now creating a platform for effective collaboration between the Police and the citizens.

He stressed that it is the duty of the citizens to provide timeous and authentic information to the Police and thanked the Inspector General of Police for his vision in establishing Community Policing.
He charged the people of Abia State to give community policing a chance.

Earlier the Inspector General of Police, Adamu Abubakar represented by Deputy Inspector General representing the South East, DIG Celestine Okoye stated that the aim of Community Policing is to ask communities to take active part in their own security, maintaining that once this is successfully implemented, it will be easy to know an invader because every community knows her people.

He made it clear that the Head of the Community Policing in each Community is the Traditional Ruler, stressing that through community policing communities can be secured very well.

Secretary to Abia State Government, Barrister Chris Ezem, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr ACB Agbazuere, Commissioner of Police Abia State, CP Janet Agbede, Heads of Security Agencies in the State, Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders and others were part of the event.

Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

IMO STATE: DANCE PRACTITIONERS PARTNERS WITH SA ENTERTAINMENT

IMO STATE: DANCE PRACTITIONERS PARTNERS WITH SA ENTERTAINMENT

Guild of Nigeria Dance Practitioners Imo State chapter GONDP on Tuesday 28 July paid a visit to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment Hon. Bobby Michaels.

The Leader of the group Mr Kachi Onyekwere in his address noted that they can not function properly without the office of the Governor on entertainment hence the need for partnership with the Special Adviser to enhance speedy achievement.

“This is our office and we are happy to identify with you, since your appointment as the special Adviser God has used you to restore peace among different Waring group, you have changed the narrative with your ideas, vision, and agenda, we are optimistic that soon Imo will reclaim it’s glory as the entertainment hub of Nigeria.”

“In the past we have coordinated ourselves without any assistance from the Government, there is no faction among us, GONDP is the only unifying body of all dance Practitioners in Nigeria and we took it on ourselves to ensure that we registered Imo State Chapter at the National Level, currently we have a plan for a dance production, all we need is where to lean on”, GONDP Spokesperson stated

In his response, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment, Hon. Bobby Michaels described the group as a bonafide member of the Entertainment Industry, added that dance is one of the best things that happened to Entertainment.

According to the Special Adviser, he stated that they are ready to take the group to International level, added that exposure matters a lot in dancing, hence, the change of their routine as they have identified with the Shared Prosperity Government.

Hon. Bobby Michaels, further added that Governor Hope Uzodimma is interested in seeing youths of Imo State grow in Entertainment.

“Every arm of Entertainment will feel at home in this Administration, because we are in the era of Shared Prosperity, so when you identify with us, be rest assured of your success.

Furthermore, the SA commended the group for deeming it fit to partner with the Government through his office added that Imo State Government will continue to support them at any level as well as provide opportunities for them to climb on International Stages.

By Kachy Madukaego

HopeNewAndElectronicMediaCenter

UK APPOINTS NIGERIA MAN PROFESSOR CHARLES EGBU VICE-CHANCELLOR OF LEEDS UNIVERSITY, UK.

UK APPOINTS NIGERIA MAN PROFESSOR CHARLES EGBU VICE-CHANCELLOR OF LEEDS UNIVERSITY, UK.

Professor Charles Egbu has become the first Black VC of a UK University or College, this is following his appointment as the Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Trinity University.

The appointment of Prof. Charles Egbu who hails from Abatete, Idemili North LGA Anambra State of Nigeria, was made public in the early hours of today, Wednesday, 15th July, 2020.

According to the university official website, Professor Egbu who was once a student and later a lecturer in Leads University, will assume his new role on 1st November, 2020.

He will take over from Professor Margaret A House OBE who will step down after seven years as Vice – Chancellor.

Jonathan Osagie

Gov Bagudu signs N99.7bn amended budget for 2020

Gov Bagudu signs N99.7bn amended budget for 2020

Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Wednesday, signed the state’s 2020 revised budget of about N99.7 billion naira.

Bagudu said at the historic event that, the revised budget was down with morethan N38 billion, from the nearly N138.13 billion naira earlier presented to the State House of Assembly, for passage .

The governor stated that the downward review of the budget was occasioned by the negative toll the raging Coronavirus Disease pandemic had taken on the global economy, including that of Nigeria.

Bagudu further explained that, the obnoxious trend had forced the Federal and state governments to effect downward reviews of their various budgets for the 2020 fiscal year.

Bagudu said:” The sad development had necessitated the Federal Government and the members of the Nigerian Governors Forum to reduce their respective budgets.

” This compulsory action had led to the reduction of our expected revenues and the downsizing of our planned activities, sequel to sliding revenues.”

The Kebbi governor however noted that, in Nigeria, the problem was alleviated by the commendable action of the federal government, led by President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to him, in the health sector for instance, the setting up of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 ,had greatly assuaged the negative impact of the pandemic.

Bagudu also happily noted the evolution of the nearly N2.3 trillion economic stimulus package by the Federal Government.

The governor also lauded development partners like the IMF and World Bank that had offered to assist both the Federal and State governments.

Bagudu explained,” The World Bank is to specifically assist the states with a $750 million stimulus package .

” Part of the conditions are the downward review of budgets, assenting to them and publishing same, on or before July 31,2020, and which we have met today.”

Bagudu extolled the invaluable contributions of the various stakeholders in the state, hence, reduced the effect of the pandemic in the state.

He particularly acknowledged the contibutions of the Task Force on COVID-19, coordinated by the Deputy Governor and headed by the Commissioner for Health, State House of Assembly, traditonal rulers, the security and other key stakeholders.

He also commended his wife, Dr Zainab Bagudu for tirelessly mobilizing drugs, medicaments and facilities from various partners.

The Governor noted that inspite of the economic downturn brought about by Covid-19 pandemic, both the Federal and the state governments have recorded some remarkable achievements.

He spoke about the ongoing laying of gas pipelines from Ajaokuta to Kano through Kaduna, the ongoing exploration and exploitation of oil in Bauchi and Gombe state which will soon make them become oil producting states as well as the ongoing road reconstruction from Koko to Yauri among others.

In Kebbi State, governor Bagudu also stated that his administration has paid leave Grant to certain category of workers as well as payment of gratuity to some retired civil servants.

He also mentioned the ongoing construction of Illo to Bami road and Maga to Unashi. Bagudu announced that the 20 billion naira Tomatoes processing factory has started operation in Ngaski local government.

The governor happily announced that just of recent, he presented 4.5 kilogram gold bar produced from gold deposit mined in Yauri ,Kebbi State worth 719 thausand dollars to Mr. President , expressing optimsm that tones of gold would be produced before the end of the year.

He further stated his administration has signed an agreement with a professional private firm for the construction of 5000 housing units in the state and work will start within a month.

On the revised budget, Bagudu commended the members of the State of House of Assembly for diligently passing the amended budget in record time .

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Samaila Abdulmumin Kamba, said that, the state legislature attached greater importance to the revised budget and that was why it was passed in about two weeks it was submitted to it.

Kamba lauded all the members of the assembly, especially the members of the committees on finance , appropriation, budget, due process, among others.

Present at the budget signing ceremony were the state deputy governor, Alhaji Samaila Yombe Dabai, the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Suleiman Muhammad Ambursa, Deputy Speaker, Muhammadu Buhari Aliero and other members of the assembly.

Others include, the Chief of Staff Government House Birnin Kebbi, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu (Jarman Kabi), the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Babale Umar Yauri , the Acting Head of Service, Hajiya Fatima Sani Ango, Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries and other top government functionaries.

Signed :

YAHAYA SARKI

Special Adviser (SA) Media to Kebbi State Governor

ORTOM SIGNS 2020 REVISED BUDGET OF N108bn

ORTOM SIGNS 2020 REVISED BUDGET OF N108bn

Governor Samuel Ortom signed into law, the revised appropriation bill of N108.8 billion for the year 2020.

The revised budget has a total reduction of N80 billion from the earlier N190.8bn assented to by the Governor. This translates to 43 per cent reduction in the earlier reviewed budget signed by the Governor on 30th December, 2020.

Governor Ortom while performing the ceremony, said the action became necessary following the reduction in oil-related and non oil revenues to the state occasioned by Coronavirus.

The revised budget has reccurent expenditure of N68.6bn representing 40 per cent reduction from the former estimates and personnel cost of N37.3bn, representing a reduction of 26 per cent, while overhead cost and capital projects have estimates of N31.3bn and 40.3bn respectively, representing 51 and 46 percent reduction.

The Governor explained that despite the huge reduction in the current expenditure estimates, government had kept faith with its responsibility to the general workforce by protecting the personnel budget with very minimal reductions in some discretionary allowances.

He said the bulk of the reduction were made on non-critical overhead costs, stressing that overhead provisions that are critical to the COVID-19 response had been retained or increased in some cases.

The Governor reiterated his determination towards provision of infrastructure, security of lives and property of Benue people and the general welfare of the people despite reduction in the budget estimates.

By Jimin Geoffrey

REPORTED SPIKE IN COVID-19 CASES IN ANAMBRA: A CLARIFICATION

REPORTED SPIKE IN COVID-19 CASES IN ANAMBRA: A CLARIFICATION

Thanks for the inquiries about the reported dramatic increase in the number of Covid-19 infections in the state which some people, relying on the latest figures from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) consider very high. A lot of people have innocently assumed that as many as 20 persons were infected in Anambra state in one day, fearing that the situation in the state is worsening rapidly.

The true situation is far from the impressions some have as a result of the figure. There is no dramatic increase in the number of COVID-19 infections in the state. The 20 cases reported by the NCDC yesterday were based on samples taken in over three weeks across the state. Some of the samples were even taken outside Anambra State, but were ascribed to our state because the people tested chose, for different reasons, to identify with the state. Only seven out of about 100 samples tested at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Awka, turned out positive. Therefore, the COVID-19 prognosis of our state is still good, one of the very best in the country.

It is important to bear in mind that many of the 20 reported cases came from Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, which most unfortunately lost one of its key officers to reported complications arising out of COVID-19. His contacts in the medical college, teaching hospital, his private hospital, family and community have been traced comprehensively.

The relatively low positive results which Anambra State has been getting, despite the fact that a large number of our people travel extensively to all parts of the world for business and other legitimate pursuits and the fact that we have some of the largest open-air markets in West Africa patronized daily by millions of people from West Africa and beyond, show that many of our people have embraced our relentless message on COVID-19.

It is reassuring that the state has the capacity to manage cases should there be a spike. Apart from having teams of accomplished doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab scientists, ward cleaners and ambulance who play vital roles in the COVID-19 case management value chain. There are 600 beds in different protective care units in our state, otherwise known as isolation centres. The facility at the Onitsha General Hospital, with 58 beds, is the first centre in Nigeria to meet World Health Organization (WHO) standards.

Still, we should not rest on our laurels. The disease, which is highly contagious, is far from over in our state. In fact, we expect a spike in infections soon. With the commissioning of the Mega Laboratory at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, capable of testing 470 samples for COVID-19 simultaneously, there is likely to be a rise in the number of infections. What is more, with the aggressive community search just initiated by the Governor Willie Obiano administration which saw the government set up a COVID-19 Task Force in each of the 326 wards in the state so as to reach the grassroots in a radical manner, there is likely to be an increase in positive cases.

We, therefore, have a responsibility to continue to guide our people to imbibe the habit of wearing face masks any time they come out in public, and wear them appropriately by covering their nostrils and mouths always, as opposed to the current practice where people wear the face coving on the chin and jaw. We also need to encourage our people to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with running water and soaps and sanitizers. In addition, we have to observe social distancing by keeping away from people by at least six feet.

The Anambra State government has recently started a campaign on ways to boost our immunity as part of the strategy to fight COVID-19. Our system needs plenty of vegetables like bitter leaf (onugbu) and pumpkin (ugu) and fruits like lemons, oranges, avocados, etc, which are available in large quantities throughout the state and beyond in the rainy season and now sell at affordable prices. Our system needs things like Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Zinc for fortification. They are affordable.

It is important to pass on this message to our people in different ways. Preventing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic is far better than managing the cases by experts who have, in spite of all odds, demonstrated inspiring confidence, dedication and competence. History will be kind to them.

Anambra State has in the last few years become exemplary in a lot of ways. The leadership has shown the light, and the people are finding the way. Each of us has to continue to make Anambra remain the safest state in Nigeria.

C. Don Adinuba
Commissioner for Information & Public Enlightenment, & Member, Anambra State Task Force on COVID-19.

RIVERS STATE IS ATTRACTING MORE INVESTORS- Wike

RIVERS STATE IS ATTRACTING MORE INVESTORS- Wike

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says more companies are relocating to the state because of the attractive investment climate.

He told journalists after an inspection tour of on-going projects in the state that a deliberate implementation of strategic policies has brought the investments.

The governor stated that the improvement in the State’s security architecture with the help of security agencies and the provision of critical infrastructure are responsible for the turnaround.

He also reiterated the resolve of his administration to return Port Harcourt to its garden city status.

“I can tell you now that more companies are coming into the state. The security has also improved so much with the help of security agencies and people feel safer to invest in the state.

“I am also resolved to leave Port Harcourt far better than what I met on ground. Every body can see that it is not easy, considering the present economic situation in the country.

“To sustain the execution of infrastructural development projects and also fight COVID-19 when most of my colleagues are complaining of paucity of funds shows political will and strategic leadership.

“People are wondering how we are doing it. But we determined not to disappoint our people and they will be happy when I have served out my tenure that they had a governor that really came to serve,” he said.

The governor also announced that the contract for the expansion of Rumuola flyover project has been signed.

He said work would soon begin on that flyover and the dualisation of Ezimbu Link Road popularly called Mummy B Road and the Tombia Extension Road.

Governor Wike stated that the urban renewal programme of his administration is achieving its purpose particularly with the commitment shown by the contractors handling the three flyovers at Rebisi, Rumuogba and Okoro nu Odo.

” We are impressed at the pace of work the contractors have maintained. We are happy that we are fulfilling the promises made to the people. There are road projects in other areas like old GRA and new GRA and we cannot but say we are overwhelmed with the level of commitment they have shown.

“That is what we have promised that whether there is COVID-19 or not, we will continue to do the work they expect us to do. This is so, because at the end of the day the virus will go and the people will be here. It is necessary for infrastructure to be put in place.

“As long as we continue to fight and tackle the pandemic, we are also resolved not to abandon any project,” he added.

The projects inspected include, Olumeni Road in Old GRA, Rebisi flyover, Woji Road and Elelenwo Street both in the new GRA.

Paulinus Nsirim
Commissioner for Information and Communications

LASG Urges Residents to Observe Low-Key Eid-el-Kabir Celebrations

LASG Urges Residents to Observe Low-Key Eid-el-Kabir Celebrations

The Lagos State Government has appealed to Muslim faithful in the State to celebrate the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir on a low-key in order to abide by the existing guidelines on the prevention of COVID-19 spread among residents.

The Honourable Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, who disclosed this in his office on Monday, admonished Muslims to maintain moderation even as they celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir, which comes up on Friday, July 31st, 2020, warning that the coronavirus pandemic is still very much in an aggressive stage, hence the need to be more cautious in order to consolidate the gains so far achieved by the State Government.

Prince Elegushi prayed that the celebration should be done within families as earlier observed during the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations three months ago, while the Eid-el-Kabir prayers should be observed at home as Mosques and Churches are still on lockdown in the State.

While reiterating the State government’s determination to flattening the curve of the ravaging pandemic, he noted that the religious rites of slaughtering of animals will be carried out through a live broadcast by the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Suleiman Abou-Nolla on Friday, July 31st, 2020 by 9:00 am on LTV while all other Imams in the State are to follow suit thereafter.

The Commissioner reassured all residents of the State that the siege will soon be over as government is leaving no stone unturned in containing the spread of the COVID-19, while anticipating the eventual reopening of businesses in the shortest time possible as will be advised by medical experts.

Elegushi, however, enjoined the general public to continue adherence to the culture of maintaining physical distance, wearing of facemasks, constant handwashing with soap and water as well as the regular use of hand sanitiser to further prevent the spread of the virus.

He wished all Muslim faithful a blissful celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir and enjoined them to remember Lagos State and Nigeria in their individual prayers to the Almighty Allah.

LASG

ForAGreaterLagos