Church Believes in Anti-graft War – Bishop Kukah

Church Believes in Anti-graft War – Bishop Kukah

The Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Reverend Mathew Hassan Kukah has restated the Catholic Church’s support for the efforts of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at ridding the country of corruption, economic and financial crimes.

Bishop Kukah reaffirmed this on Thursday, 24 September, 2020 while playing host to the Sokoto Zonal Head of the Commission, Bawa Usman Kaltungo who paid him a courtesy visit.

The bishop revealed that Catholic Church Masses, which incorporate prayers against bribery and corruption are being said on a daily basis.

While praying for Kaltungo’s success in the onerous task ahead of him, Kuka reminded him that “To whom much is given, much more is expected.”

Kaltungo solicited the support, counsel and prayers of the clergy if the country was to win the war against the scourge of corruption, economic and financial crimes.

In a similar visit to the Comptroller, Sokoto Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, B. U Gimba, Kaltungo sought for enhanced collaboration and intelligence sharing between the EFCC and Customs in the state, noting that “exchange of intelligence between agencies helps in breaking barriers and better service delivery”.

While noting that synergy between agencies of government is essential for service delivery, Comptroller Gimba assured the EFCC of his Command’s cooperation and collaboration with the Commission.

HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS MINISTER PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR DEAF AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITY

HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS MINISTER PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR DEAF AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITY

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, has noted that the ministry will continue to support all persons with Disabilities PWD and the Deaf to ensure that their inclusion, rights and participation in the society are given utmost priority.

Sadiya made this known in Abuja on Wednesday 23rd September, 2020, when she held a briefing to mark the International Week of the Deaf and International Day of Sign Languages.

She said that the ministry has been in the forefront of ensuring that the Nigeria Disability Commision is established to assuage the yearnings and aspirations of all persons with disabilities in Nigeria.

“The purpose of the International Day of Sign Languages among others is to promote linguistic identity and culture of deaf people all over the world.

“Let me assure you that the Federal government, through the ministry, will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all persons with disabilities in Nigeria are carried along in governance by removing all barriers which before now posed as hindrance for effective functioning of persons with disabilities”, Sadiya added.

Earlier, the Secretary General of the Nigeria National Association of the Deaf, Chidi Topaz Oluije thanked the minister for marking the day in Nigeria as ten million persons are said to be deaf according to the World Health Organization.

“According to WHO, ten million persons are Deaf in Nigeria. This shows that Sign Language is important for us to be able to mix with both the Deaf and the Hearing world and participate in politics, health or any sector in the country”, he noted.

The celebration stems from the United Nations Resolution A/RES/72/161 adopted in 2017 which recognizes September 23rd as the International Day of Sign Languages. The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Reaffirming Deaf People’s Human Rights’.

The event will be marked from 26th-30th September, 2020 by all stakeholders in Kano.

NNEKA IKEM ANIBEZE

SA MEDIA

Republic of Korea donates 3 Smart Walk-through Booths for COVID-19 Sample collection to Federal Government of Nigeria.

Republic of Korea donates 3 Smart Walk-through Booths for COVID-19 Sample collection to Federal Government of Nigeria.

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health, has received 3 Smart Walk-through Booths for COVID-19 sample collection donated by the Republic of Korea to fast-track the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

The handover ceremony was performed at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)’s National Reference Laboratory, Gaduwa, Abuja, on 24th September, 2020.

The Honourable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora expressed appreciations to the Government of Korea for the donation of the 3 Smart Walk-through Booths for COVID-19 sample collection to the Nigerian Government. He said the gesture has shown that Republic of Korea is a true friend of Nigeria “because a friend in need is a friend indeed.”

The Honourable Minister of State said that these Smart Walk-through Booths are expected to provide medical staff with effective protection during sample collection, support mass screening for COVID-19 in a timely and efficient manner and reduce the usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) during test sample collection.

Dr. Mamora told the gathering that the Booths will be put into effective use at the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja, the Central Public Health Laboratory, and the Nigerian Institute for Medical Research in Lagos. He charged the beneficiaries to ensure decency in the use and also cultivate maintenance culture for the Booths.

His Excellency, Maj. Gen. Lee In-tae (rtd), the Ambassador of The Republic of Korea, who was represented by Mr. Woochan Chang, the KOICA Country Director extended his deepest condolences to the families and victims of COVID-19 pandemic, and also commended all the frontline health workers and professionals for their resilience in the battle against COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ambassador stated that the donation of the 3 Smart Walk-through Booths for COVID-19 sample collection marks another milestone in the bilateral relations between his Country and Nigeria which has been established since 1980, adding that as a key bilateral partner, Republic of Korea have continually engaged in the advancement of existing excellent cooperation projects for Nigeria in maternal and child health, education, amongst others, and recently the COVID-19 response. “I believe the donation of the Smart Walk-through Booths has further consolidated the bilateral relations which marks the 40th Anniversary this year’’, he said.

He explained some key features of the Booths which include High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter, High Efficiency Bi-directional Fan Module, Air Conditioning and Heat System to make the environment conducive for Medical Staff to collect sample, Intercom System and LED Control Panel.

The Ambassador requested the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to ensure efficiency and good maintenance of these Booths at the deployed locations in the country.

By Brendan Nwokike

Signed:
Olujimi Oyetomi, Director (Information).

COVID-19: SANWO-OLU LAUNCHES N5 BILLION SUPPORT CAPITAL FOR LOW-COST SCHOOLS

COVID-19: SANWO-OLU LAUNCHES N5 BILLION SUPPORT CAPITAL FOR LOW-COST SCHOOLS

•Gov: ‘Intervention To Help Mitigate Effect Of Lockdown’

•LSETF, First Bank Float Education Loan Programme

Lagos State Government in partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Ltd has launched a N5 billion Post-Coronavirus (COVID-19) Recovery Support capital for education sector to support low-cost private schools across the State in mitigating the negative impact of the pandemic.

The intervention fund, which targets over 2,000 private schools, was formally launched by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday at a ceremony held at the Banquet Hall in the State House, Alausa.

Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) collaborated with First Bank of Nigeria Limited to facilitate the matching fund, which will be given as loan to schools and vocational education centres across the State.

Sanwo-Olu said the intervention was part of the State Government’s sustainable solutions to limit the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on both residents and businesses.

As the State gradually unlocks socio-economic activities, following the impact of the pandemic, the Governor said the loan programme would help the targeted beneficiaries accelerate recovery and give them opportunity of painless return to regular life.

He said: “It is no longer debatable that education is one of the sectors that are severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with schools and vocational learning-centres shut since March when we took the tough decisions meant to disrupt the spread of the virus. Given the incidence of the closure of schools in response to the pandemic, it would not be out of context to note that the challenges presently faced by these schools would increase significantly.

“With access to low-cost funding for privately owned schools and vocational training centres in the state, we are confident that this programme will help accelerate sustainable and painless return to world-class learning and skills acquisition of our young population. As a responsible Government, we are obligated to provide intervention that would enable learners in these schools’ study in line with the new normal.”

Sanwo-Olu said the N5 billion Education Loan Programme was a precursor to many more human development sector-specific support programmes that would be unveiled by the LSETF on behalf of the State Government next month.

The Governor explained that the intervention was necessary, given the importance of education to building human capital. He said his administration took education as critical in building a 21st century economy and realising objectives set out in the T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda.

The beneficiaries, Sanwo-Olu said, will have access to single-digit loan facilities to fund the provision of the amenities and services needed to aid learning.

He said: “It is thus heart-warming to have First Bank of Nigeria electing to be our exemplary partner for this intervention. With their support, players in the education sector would be getting the financial support they need to boost learning at a single-digit interest rate.

“I also commend the Board of LSETF and the management for this significant accomplishment. They have helped the Lagos State Government build an institution that has engendered public trust and elevated the hope of small businesses and young people, irrespective of challenges faced.”

Chairperson, LSETF Board of Trustees, Mrs Bola Adesola, represented by Mrs. Tatiana Mousali-Nouri, said schools that have a minimum of 100 students and have been in operation for, at least, a year are the ones qualified for the loan facility.

She said: “We are confident that this intervention fund, which is complemented by our free professional and institutional support structures, will ensure that education ecosystem in Lagos witness an improvement in the overall learning outcomes for the children, while positively impacting on the local economy through wealth and job creation.”

First Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Adesola Adeduntan, said the Bank went into the partnership, having recognised the role played by education towards the growth of the economy.

He praised the State Government’s efforts towards suppressing the burden caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the education, saying Lagos Government had scored another first.

Adeduntan said: “With the single-digit funding targeted at about 2,000 low-cost private schools in Lagos, we are delighted to demonstrate our commitment to the development of education in the State, thereby contributing our quota to realise the mandate of the State Government and LSETF on economic growth, opportunities for employment and bridging societal gaps in education.”

The loan scheme will be provided to two categories of applicants, which are Micro-Enterprise (ME) and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME). Those in ME category will receive a sum of not more than N500,000, while those in SME will get N5,000,000.

To apply for the loan facility, applicants are expected to submit their applications via the LSETF portal for screening. Details of the successful applicants will be passed on to First Bank for appraisal and disbursement.

ALEX EKUBO TAKES CHIEFTAINCY TITLE IN MBAISE

ALEX EKUBO TAKES CHIEFTAINCY TITLE IN MBAISE

They call him ladies nightmare,while some other folks call him the envy of all players,one thing is that Alexx Ekubo is such a talented , cool and focused actor. A very proud Igbo son form the ancient town of Arochukwu,Alexx has gone home to take a chieftaincy title which is always the norm in igbo land, a well accomplished man in igbo land would have afa otutu.

Not confused with “wokeness” , not confused with fame,not confused with stardom, Alexx understands the nitty gritty of culture and a proud Igbo for that matter. Though he has always acted in silver screen of the urbane and posh guy,leaving the igbotic role for one cute guy they call Yup,but Alexx has demonstrated finesses and desterity in acting,give it to him at the end of the day,folks.

Dude used his Facebook to reintroduce himself, Alex said and wrote ,”Allow me to Re-introduce my self, I Alexx Ekubo of Arochukwu, Abia State – has just been coronated IKUKU Of Amumara Town, Mbaise. IMO State. At the just concluded Iri-Ji (New Yam Festival). “

“Coronation by – Eze Umara 3 of Amumara Town, Mbaise kingdom. Imo State “, He said .

“Special thanks to High Chief Nwachinemere 1 of Mbaise, @vintagedeluxeinteriors for welcoming me & honoring me in his home town among his kindred. I Love you forever & ever Obara’m” He added.

“Pls moving forward when you see me Address me as a CHIEF, it’s official IKUKU is not a “nick name”. #IgboAmaka 🌪🌪🌪”

Born 10th April 1986,Alexx Ekubo is a Nigerian actor and model. He was first runner up at the 2010 Mr Nigeria contest. He won the Best Actor in a Supporting Role award at the 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards for his role in the Weekend Getaway. Mothered by Jane Ekubo Okwaraeke.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

HOW FANI KAYODE DEFENDED HIS VIST TO HIS FRIEND KAYODE FAYEMI – ANTHONY NWOSU

HOW FANI KAYODE DEFENDED HIS VIST TO HIS FRIEND KAYODE FAYEMI – ANTHONY NWOSU

Friendship that has transcended over three decades is what Fani Kayode is defending, this is coming on his visit to his friend who is a staunch member of the ruling party APC. Kayode Fayemi a state governor is a strong member of the APC south west political zone and lately, folks have been asking why host Kayode who is a PDP party member…it is tantamount to anti party activities they defended it.

Rising to the occasion to defend his visit, Kayode said via his social media handle “Governor Kayode Fayemi is a loyal member of the APC whilst I am in PDP. Accusing him of “anti-party activities” & attempting to suspend him from his party simply because I visited him to discuss national & SW issues is absurd.”

He added ” Is it “anti-party” to meet with a friend of over 30 years? Is it “anti-party” to try and find ways to enhance national unity and cohesion?”

“Is it “anti-party” to apttempt to engender peace in our nation & to build bridges across regional, ethnic, religious and party lines? Is it “anti-party” to practice politics without bitterness? ” He questioned.

“We must accept the fact that talking to those thet we do not agree with politically is something that ought to be encouraged. Politics is not war!” He concluded.

In support of his position ,Emmanuel Orjiakor said “The fact that two people have different political views and hence are in different political parties doesn’t mean they’re enemies, well let them go ahead and sanction him like they did to Obaseki, it may turn out to be a blessing in disguise, so that the governor will come to pdp where he rightly belongs”

On advisory note, Lily Rose opined that ” Must you react to everything? Know that the NUJ is at war with you so this is expected. Chill! Stop responding to every incited post they’ll overcome their vindictive pettiness. Your response fuels. What else do you expect when you announce to the whole world that you have a short fuse, you don’t expose weakness to people who lack compassion they’ll use it against you.”

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

Seyi Makinde Hands over Pacesetter Fruits Factory To Private Hands

Seyi Makinde Hands over Pacesetter Fruits Factory To Private Hands

This afternoon, Gov. Seyi Makinde officially handed over the Pacesetter Fruit Processing Factory, Oko, Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The Pacesetter Fruit Processing Factory was commissioned in 2007 under the administration of former Gov. Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and has not been operated since then.

The Governor in his remark during the official and symbolic handing over of the factory to AGVEST Limited made it known that there are big opportunities in Oyo State, as the state is blessed with human and natural resources.

He noted that the moribund Pacesetter Fruits Processing Factory is expected to be completed by AGVEST Limited in six months at the cost of N350 Million.

He maintained that the company is expected to add value to the economy of the state through the production of fruit juice, as it will be producing up to 2,500 bottles of juice per hour.

The Governor who was accompanied by his Deputy, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan and other top government functionaries reiterated that the current administration understands that the only business government has in business is creating a conducive environment and the needed support for private enterprises to thrive.

The official handing over was witnessed by the Oloko of Okoland, Oba Solomon Olagoke, other traditional rulers in Surulere LGA and Caretaker Chairmen from Oko and Ogbomosho axis of the state.

ANAMBRA STATE:THE ARREST OF TWO ROBBERY SUSPECTS OF SAME PARENTS

ANAMBRA STATE:THE ARREST OF TWO ROBBERY SUSPECTS OF SAME PARENTS

The police operatives attached to B’Division Awka arrested two Robbery suspects as follows,
(i). Chigozie Simon ‘m’ aged 21years native of Aguata but resides at Kenfrank Lodge UNIZIK Tempsite Awka and,
(ii) Onywka Simon ‘m’ aged 22years of same address.

The Suspects who are brothers from same parents as well as undergraduates at Paul University and UNN allegedly entered a jewellery shop forcefully at Tempsite Awka,tied the sales girl and covered her mouth with cello tape.They also threatened to stab the sales girl on her neck if she scream and thereafter carted away 33 wrist watches,14 necklaces valued over three hundred thousand naira (N300,000) and cash sum of thirty seven thousand Naira(N37,000)

Consequently, as the suspect were escaping, the sales girl loosened the tape and raised alarm which led to the arrest of the suspects after a hot chase.

Meanwhile,exhibits recovered in their possessions includes 33 wrist watches,14 necklaces, cash sum of N37,000 Naira and a wrap of dried leave suspected to be Cannabis Sativa following a search at their residence. .

Suspects voluntarily confessed to the crime and investigation is ongoing after which they would be brought to book.The Command urges the public who were victims of similar robbery incidents to report at B’ Division Awka in order to enable the Police conduct discreet investigation into the matter please.

SP Haruna Mohammed,PPRO Anambra State Police Command,
For-Commissioner of Police Anambra State Command.

LASWA LAUNCHES FUEL STATION FOR BOATS

LASWA LAUNCHES FUEL STATION FOR BOATS

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has launched its first-ever fuel station located at the Agency’s Office in Falomo-Ikoyi, with the primary aim of boosting water transportation activities, through the selling of PMS to boats on the inland waterways.

The General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, explained that the initiative will further promote water transportation safety by discouraging the use of jerry cans and kegs for fuel storage on board.

While adding that the filling station will be operated by Ibile Oil and Gas Company (IOGC), being the agency of government in charge of the downstream sector, Emmanuel disclosed that the outlet commenced operations on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020, with fuel being sold to operators at the official pump price.

LASG

ForAGreaterLagos

Oyo Govt re-awards Saki, OyoTownship Roads, expands Energy Ministry

Oyo Govt re-awards Saki, OyoTownship Roads, expands Energy Ministry

…Saki road gets N4.7bn, Gedu-Orodu, Sabo Road, Oyo costs N2.9bn

…state approves procurement of New Fire Truck for Ibadan Airport

The Government of Oyo State, on Tuesday, announced it has re-awarded the contract for the construction of Saki Township Road at the cost of Four Billion, Seven Hundred and Ninety-Six Million Naira (N4,796,000,000,).

The contract was initially awarded at the cost of N8 billion by the immediate past administration of Senator Abiola Ajimobi, but the work has been practically abandoned, leading to residents of the historic city and the traditional ruler, to make representations to Governor Seyi Makinde for a redemption of the stagnated project.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the governor had, during a visit to Saki where he commissioned the Saki Specialist Hospital, two weeks ago, terminated the contract due to what he called inconsistencies and underperformance by the contractor, promising that the project will be re-awarded within four weeks.

While briefing newsmen shortly after the Oyo State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, on Tuesday, the state’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said the contract for the road was re-awarded to Messrs Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Ltd, under the Alternative Project Funding Approach, adding that it would be completed in 12 months.

“Today, the EXCO re-awarded the Saki township road. The contract has been re-awarded to Messrs Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Ltd for the sum of N4,796,000,000, under the Alternative Project Funding Approach. The contract will be completed within twelve months.

“As we know, the last administration awarded that contract for over N8 Billion, and above N3 Billion was paid but nothing much has been done on the job. It has even caused untold hardship to the people of Saki to the extent that the whole town complained that the contract should be re-awarded.

“Having examined the issue of the contract critically, the EXCO re-awarded it to another contractor that will complete it within twelve months.”

In another development, the statement also quoted Attorney-General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, as saying that the State Executive Council approved the expansion of the Ministry of Energy to Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in order to fulfil the objectives, vision and goals of the government with respect to energy and mineral resources.

According to him, “we just finished the 26th EXCO meeting today. Of importance to our ministry is the passage of a bill, which is going to be forwarded to the Oyo State House of Assembly. And that is the bill on Energy and Mineral Resources 2020. This bill will revise the Ministry of Energy Law of 2019. And what this bill has done is to look at the 2019 law, with respect to the function that needed to be carried-on by some other ministries that had to be domiciled in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

“So, the name of the Ministry has been further expanded from Energy, to include Mineral Resources, in order to be able to fulfil the objectives, vision and goals of the government with respect to energy and mineral resources.

“The functions of the bill in section 4 of the 2019 law has been further expanded to ensure there are matters relating to energy, electricity and also the coordination, with respect to inter-ministerial relationship with federal agencies and also intra-ministerial relationship with MDAs, are well captured.

“Furthermore, the departments of the ministry have been quite created to highlight the new vision of the government in creating the Ministry of Energy and Mineral resources.”

Oyewo also stated that the state government approved the sum of Eighty-Four Million Naira (N84 Million) for the purchase of Fire Truck for the Federal Airport Authority, (FAAN), Ibadan Chapter, to improve its facilities for the prevention of fire accidents at the Airport.

“The second item is the approval by the Oyo State Government to enable the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, to improve its facilities for the prevention of fire accident in the purchase of one fire truck, because the one they have in their stock has become old and cannot meet up with the vision of Oyo State to have Ibadan Airport upgraded. So, as part of that, the state has helped in purchasing a particular quality of fire truck, which has been approved for purchase. It will be able to deal with all fire emergencies at the airport, even when it is finally upgraded,” he said.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Barr. Temilolu ‘Seun Ashamu, hinted that the State Executive Council awarded the contract for the construction of Gedu-Oroki, Sabo Asipa Road in Oyo Township for a total sum of Two Billion and Nine Hundred Million (N2,900,000,000) to Messrs AMAC Engineering Ltd, under the Alternative Project Funding Approach, which will see the contractor execute the project with its funds while the state will repay over a period of 28 months.

“The State’s EXCO today resolved to award the Gedu-Oroki-Sabo-Asipa road in Oyo township, under the APFA to Messrs AMAC Engineering Ltd, for a total sum of N2,900,000,000. The contractor shall use their fund to complete the project and the state government shall repay over a period of about 28 months,” Ashamu said.

Signed:

Taiwo Adisa

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde