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GB Foods to start production of tomatoes paste in March – Bagudu

GB Foods to start production of tomatoes paste in March – Bagudu

Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State has announced that, the newly established modern tomatoes factory in Ngaski would launch production between 22nd to 24th of March, this year.

The governor broke the happy news, on Saturday, while on a Courtesy visit to the Emir of Yauri, Dr. Muhammad Zayyanu Abdullahi, in his Palace, in Yauri.

He told the Emir that he has already intimated President Muhammadu Buhari on the issue, to seek for his blessings for the event.

He said:” Officials of GB Foods have informed me that plans are underway for the launching and commencement of production .

‘ I have also informed the Presidency about it and sought for permission for the event, between 22 to 24th of March, in Ngaski, so that the President could join us virtually due to Covid-19 protocols. “

The Governor explained that, the advantages of the firm cannot in anyway be over emphasised, as it cannot come at a better time than now when more sources of revenues for the Government were direly needed.

Bagudu explained that, the establishment of the firm and the planned flag off of production would boost the tomatoes value chain in the state, reduce unemployment and bolster the economy of the state and Nigeria, in general .

Bagudu further noted that, the firm would help to reduce capital flight and boost food security in the country , saying that, thousands will benefit from it, down the value chain .

The governor acknowledged the sustained support of the Emir towards the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and that of Kebbi State , and urged him to sustain the tempo.

He told the Emir that, Buhari has honoured the Yauri Emirate and Kebbi State by completing the road construction in the area and appointing two illustrious sons of the state, the Katukan Yauri and Abdurashid Bawa as the Pioneer Managing Director of Hydro Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) and Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) respectively.

Bagudu also said that, the nomination of Professor A.A. Zuru as INEC National Commissioner will also be approved soon by the Senate .

He prayed Allah to give the emir more prosperous and healthy life in his reign.

The emir thanked the governor and his entourage for the visit saying that the Yauri emirate would always remain grateful to the governor for the myriad of developments he brought to the area .

Bagudu was accompanied on the visit by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) , Alhaji Sahabi Lolo, APC Zonal Vice Chairman, Kebbi North and top Government officials.

Earlier, before his visit to the palace of emir of Yauri, the Kebbi State Governor,Senator Abubakar Atiku has condoled with the family of Alhaji Sodangi Mohammad Ngaskai who died recently in Yauri.

Malan Ismail Ibrahim Taraba, one of the family members who received the governor, appreciated the visit and concern of the governor over the deceased.

Signed,

YAHAYA SARKI
Special Adviser (SA) Media to Kebbi State Governor

GOV. HOPE UZODIMMA VOWS TO RECOVER IMO COMMONWEALTH

GOV. HOPE UZODIMMA VOWS TO RECOVER IMO COMMONWEALTH

Gov. Hope Uzodimma has again demonstrated his unflinching resolve and determination to recover imo commonwealth that was looted and stolen in the past by both government officials and public servants. This riot act was read out to imolites during the just concluded Imo State Stakeholders Meeting held at the Eze Imo Palace and the 4th time in a row the meeting is taking place in the state.

There is no doubt that the declaration by the state government to recover all is of the best interest of Imolites as no one person or group of persons can mortgage the collective resources and properties of the state for their selfish reasons. This act has been going on unchecked by previous administrations which questions the essence of governance and how effective it is on the people being governed.

The 3R mantra initiative of the present administration is not in any “foot dragging” on the recovery process as it has already begun and while the affected persons may see it as a witch-hunt or political vendetta, Gov. Hope Uzodimma has exhibited political strength and maturity in recovering the assets of the state government.

It is brazenly clear that the governor in his speech to the Imo State Stakeholders had stated it clearly that;

i. We will use all legal means to recover all imo properties: This is to dispel any form of insinuation that the activities of his government including the recovery process are not legally bounded. Every recovery move is in clear conformity of the recommendations of the panel set to that effect and nothing has been done so far beyond the limits of the law as this present administration will not tolerate any act of lawlessness.

ii. Any man or woman who has Imo property, please bring them out now: This may look like government pleading with the state looters but in contrast to that the shared prosperity government of Gov. Hope Uzodimma do not negotiate with the enemies of the state in all ramifications rather the state government is extending an olive branch to them all and only the wise can cease this opportunity to vindicate themselves. Indeed this government is for all.

iii. Those who took lands from the government and from private individuals will be forced to return it to the owners: This explains the essence of governance whereby even the least person in the society can have the confidence reposed in the government that his or her properties illegally collected will be returned back. Gov. Hope Uzodimma by this singular act has redefined governance and whereby the carrot approach is not appreciated then the use of force will be applied within the detects and supervision of the law.

iv. This is my covenant with my God and my covenant with Imo people. Power belongs to the good people of imo state: This assertion puts it on record that Gov. Hope Uzodimma’s government is divine and works in accordance with will of God for Imolites and nothing done by him is against the people and that is why his activities so far has proven to be people oriented. A leader who believes that power belongs to the people is indeed conscious of how to use the power in a more positive way rather than for personal aggrandizement and Gov. Hope Uzodimma is a purposeful leader.

In all, the state government has made bare the essence and means of going about the recovery plan and well meaning imolite will agree that Gov. Hope Uzodimma is a man of law and order and should be supported in getting back our commonwealth which in turn will be used for the development of the state. Let nobody deceive you with counter opinions other than this about the recovery moves of the state government as we are aware that while fighting corruption, corruption will likewise fight back and propaganda is one of its weapons so avoid been weaponized to spread such lies against the state government and her activities.

HopeNewAndElectronicMediaCenter

Bawa hands over in Lagos

Bawa hands over in Lagos

Ahead of taking over as the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has handed over the leadership of the EFCC Lagos Zonal Office to Taufiq Sabir, on February 26, 2021.

Bawa, who exited the position to take up his new appointment as the EFCC Chairman, charged the new zonal head to keep the flag flying.

Earlier before the official handover ceremony, the EFCC boss met with sectional/unit heads, as well as all officers of the Zone to give them his last charge.

In an emotionally charged atmosphere, the EFCC Chairman admonished officers to be disciplined in the discharge of their duties.

He said: “It is just natural, you can’t be fighting corruption, and doing something different yourself at the same time.

“You must be above board at all times, and strive to be better always.”

While commending the officers of the zone for the support given to him in the period he led the zone, resulting in transformation of the zonal office, he urged staff to see themselves as serving the country and to “give my successor all the support you accorded to me”.

He further stressed that under his chairmanship, the EFCC will ensure a proactive approach to the fight against corruption.

“Before the crime is committed, we are going to put in place measures that will help nip it in the bud, it’s going to be the way to go,” he said.

He expressed great optimism that though the challenges and expectations were high, “we are going to succeed and take the Commission to the next level”.

Minister, Stakeholders Affirm Health Safety of 5G

Minister, Stakeholders Affirm Health Safety of 5G

….As Senate Holds Public Hearing

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has allayed the fears of Nigerians on the deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) technology in Nigeria, clarifying that there is no known scientific evidence till date suggesting that 5G poses any risks to public health and safety.

Pantami stated this when he led the heads of agencies under his ministry to an investigative public hearing by the Senate Joint Committee on Communications; Science and Technology; Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Cyber Crimes; and Primary Health Care and Communicable Diseases, at the National Assembly Chamber in Abuja on Thursday, February 25, 2021.

The heads of agencies under the ministry, who were present at the hearing include the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta; Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Abdullahi and the Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellites Limited (NigComSat), Dr. Abimbola Alale.

Speaking at the public hearing, Pantami eloquently affirmed the findings from independent scientific reports published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), both agencies of the United Nations (UN), which clearly indicate that there is no health risks to human lives associated with the deployment of 5G.

The Minister said after the initial approval by the President which led to the commencement, in 2019 of 5G trial in selected locations in the country and subsequent intervention of the National Assembly in 2020, seeking clarifications on probable health risks of 5G deployment, the Ministry had so far undertaken wide-ranging stakeholder consultations to ascertain the safety of 5G networks.

Pantami explained that, having aligned with the ITU and WHO reports and studied 5G deployment situations in many advanced countries where it has been fully deployed without any health risks, the ministry can affirmatively say that there is no health risks to 5G networks.

“To this end, we are also working on a 5G deployment policy that will take care of all security, health and safety concerns of Nigerians and we will get the nod of the President, after all issues have been addressed before we proceed with  our deployment, as we cannot afford to lag behind in the 5G revolution,” he said.

The Minister clarified that 5G is an enhanced technology over the previous technologies of 4G, 3G and 2G, the three of which have more radiations than the 5G technology, adding that the “radiation from mobile technologies such as 5G is internationally certified by ITU and WHO as non-ionising, meaning such radiation does do not have harmful effect on human lives and it is far low compared with radiation from microwave oven that individuals use in their homes.”

Representatives of mobile networks operators (MNOs), telecom equipment vendors, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), especially the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement (NESREA), National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), among several others also spoke at the public hearing.

The stakeholders took turns to state their positions on 5G deployment and issues surrounding its health and safety concerns and almost unanimously aligned with the scientific reports from ITU and WHO cited by the Minister.

Earlier in his address, the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmed Lawan, said the Senate resolved on May 5, 2020, that the joint committee conduct the public hearing, following a motion of public importance and urgency by Sen. Uche Ekwunife, Chairman, Senate Committee on Science and Technology to resolve all public health and safety concerns around 5G before NCC can proceed with its deployment in Nigeria.

After listening to all the views and submissions by the various stakeholders, the Lead Chairman of the Senate Joint Committee, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, said that the purpose of the public enquiry is meant to help clarify and allay the fears of any health concerns among Nigerians.

“We hope all the submissions here today which point to the same direction on the safety of 5G to human lives will put the mind of Nigerians at rest that there is nothing to fear. We also hope that Nigerians will be looking forward to having 5G deployed in Nigeria.”

She emphasised the commitment of the National Assembly to always take a neutral position on any issue generating public health, safety and security concerns among Nigerians until more clarifications are sought from concerned stakeholders.

Implementation of National Food Summit Dialogues Critical To Achieving MTNDP, Nigeria Agenda 2050 – Finance Minister

Implementation of National Food Summit Dialogues Critical To Achieving MTNDP, Nigeria Agenda 2050 – Finance Minister

The implementation of the National Food Summit Dialogues is critical to the achievement of the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) and the Nigeria Agenda 2050, according to Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning.

In her opening remarks at the inception dialogue on the United Nations (UN) food systems summit held recently, she stated that the outputs of the various food summit dialogues would form a critical component for the conclusion of the MTNDP and the Nigeria Agenda 2050, and would, as well, contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.

Speaking on the essence of The Nigeria National Food Systems Dialogues (NNFSD), Ahmed said: “The NNFSD is required to improve nutrition security, reduce hunger and prevalence of malnutrition in line with the national food and nutrition policy for Nigeria. It is envisioned to create more inclusive, healthier food systems and encourage a collaborative approach towards building a sustainable food system.”

“In recent years, Nigeria has shown a clear commitment to the eradication of malnutrition. This is happening through the adoption and domestication of policies and costed strategic plans, which emphasise increased reliance on domestic funding; and a well-coordinated multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholders approach (comprising government, CSOs, private sector and donors); backed by sustained high-level political commitment,” she said.
She stated: “These include the national strategic plan of action for nutrition, the national policy on food and nutrition, the innovative national social investment programme (which includes the home-grown school feeding programme), the basic health care provision fund, and the National Council on Nutrition, and the development of various food and nutrition sector plans.”

According to her, “We in Nigeria are at a critical crossroads. While we have seen some improvements in recent years, particularly in the areas of child nutrition and breast feeding, we know that in order for these improvements to yield results, malnutrition (and other public health issues) must be addressed through the implementation of innovative policies and strategies,” she said further.

The implementation of the innovative policies and strategies must ensure that malnutrition is: Appropriately funded, data-driven, sustainable, and that they help to optimise transparency and accountability.

“Further, we must continue to work collaboratively across the federal and state governments, and hand in hand with the private sector, and development partners. This is particularly true given the dual impact of COVID-19 and the drop in crude oil prices.

May be an image of one or more people

The Honourable Minister noted that government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari has been swift and people-oriented.


“It includes a fiscal stimulus package, amendments to the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF) and the 2020 Appropriation Act, and the launch of the multi-sector Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP). Our emphasis has been on protecting the economy and funding the country’s healthcare needs, with the COVID-19 response spurring necessary transformation and innovation in the fiscal space and beyond, she highlighted.

In her words: “This informed the rationale for making food and nutrition one of the key thematic areas in the MTNDP 2021-2025 and the Nigeria Agenda 2050 presently being developed by my Ministry in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.”

Considering the essence of the Inception Dialogue, which is aimed at identifying food systems challenges from multiple perspectives, Mrs. Ahmed said: “The Dialogue is being organised in Nigeria in response to the UN Secretary-General’s call on world leaders to take part in a Summit that will help to establish the future direction for food systems and as well accelerate collective action to that end. This is in line with recognition that transforming food systems is pivotal in efforts to achieving all the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.”​

Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi
Special Adviser, Media and Communications

Nestlé recognized as a Top Employer in Central and West Africa

Nestlé recognized as a Top Employer in Central and West Africa

Nestlé is one of a select group of Top Employers across five continents who have been presented with the prestigious title this year

People in Central and West Africa who are searching for the next step in their career can find inspiration in organizations with exceptional work culture and people-first, HR best practices.

Nestlé Côte d’Ivoire, Nestlé Nigeria and their parent company, Nestlé Central and West Africa Region (CWA) (Nestle-CWA.com) Limited have been certified as top employers by the global authority on rewarding excellence in people practices, the Top Employers Institute (Top-Employers.com).

The global certification program awards organizations based on the results of the institute’s rigorous HR Best Practices Survey, which covers topics such as people strategy, work environment, talent acquisition, learning, well-being, and diversity and inclusion.

Nestlé’s latest Top Employer awards in the region, come on top of the company’s inclusion in the 2021 Bloomberg Gender Equality Index (GEI) (bit.ly/3pKR4hN) for transparency in gender reporting and advancing women’s equality in the workplace.

This has not come without substantive work – Nestlé has attained this leadership position through a series of bold, industry-leading management decisions.

In 2019, the company announced the launch of a comprehensive global parental support policy (bit.ly/37WbazR).

Manchester United announces partnership with StarTimes to offer MUTV in Africa

Manchester United announces partnership with StarTimes to offer MUTV in Africa

StarTimes will distribute MUTV to subscribers in over 30 countries across sub-Saharan African, representing the biggest agreement of its kind by Manchester United in the region

Millions of Manchester United fans in Africa will gain access to MUTV under an agreement with StarTimes (StarTimesTV.com), the continent’s leading digital TV operator.

StarTimes will distribute MUTV to subscribers in over 30 countries across sub-Saharan African, representing the biggest agreement of its kind by Manchester United in the region.

Viewers in countries including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and Ghana will receive exclusive Manchester United content 24 hours-a-day via StarTimes platforms.

We are delighted to share MUTV with football fans across Africa as part as our commitment to enhancing our subscribers’ experience

MUTV is the world’s leading football club TV channel, featuring first team and Academy games, live manager’s press conferences, player interviews, award-winning documentaries and news.

StarTimes has 13 million subscribers through its DVB digital TV service and 20 million users of its OTT streaming service, widening access to top-quality digital entertainment throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

Phil Lynch, Chief Executive of Media, Manchester United, said: “We are proud to have hundreds of millions of passionate fans in Africa and this long-term agreement will allow them to get closer to the club through MUTV’s exclusive, round-the-clock content from Old Trafford and the AON Training Complex.

“MUTV is one of our most important channels for engaging with fans around the world, whether through linear or direct-to-consumer streaming platforms, and we are excited to be significantly increasing its reach through our new partner, StarTimes, in Africa.”

Kristen Miao, Sports Deputy Director, StarTimes, said: “Manchester United is one of the most iconic football clubs in the world. We are delighted to share MUTV with football fans across Africa as part as our commitment to enhancing our subscribers’ experience.”

Danbatta, Others Endorse Book on Telecoms Law, Regulations

Danbatta, Others Endorse Book on Telecoms Law, Regulations

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof, Umar Danbatta was among eminent personalities that have endorsed a new book on Nigeria’ telecommunications industry’s legal and regulatory ecosystem.

The book, “Nigerian Telecommunications Law and Regulation”, which is co-authored by Quasim Odunmbaku, a telecoms regulatory professional at the NCC and Rotimi Akapo, a lawyer, who specialises in Telecommunications, Media and Technology (TMT) practice, is written in 18 chapters and over 600 pages.

Speaking at the virtual public presentation of the book on Thursday, February 25, 2021, Danbatta, whow as the Chairman and Lead Presenter at the event, said that law and regulation are two critical pillars, which influence the speed and impact of innovation in the telecoms sector.

“As important as these two factors are, they typically lag behind technology – it, therefore, behoves on all legal and regulatory practitioners in the sector to keep abreast of developments so that knowledge gaps do not stifle innovation and/or deny consumers of the optimum value,” he said.

Represented by the Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Management at NCC, Adeleke Adwolu, the EVC acknowledged that there is a noticeable paucity of well-researched books and reference materials on the legal and regulatory regime governing the telecommunications and indeed the ICT sector in Nigeria.

“I am, therefore, delighted that the authors of “Nigerian Telecommunications Law and Regulation” have taken up the challenge and have produced a comprehensive reference material which touches on practically every aspect of the subject.”

The official public presentation of the book was done by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, who, who incidentally was a former ECSM at NCC, and had worked closely with one of the authors. Dare described the book as “a compendium that will greatly enrich the level knowledge needed to enhance telecoms growth.”

Reviewer of the book, Dr. Mohammed Suleh-Yusuf, after an insightful review of the book, said, “The book is highly useful to practitioners and lay readers alike. It serves as a window into what shapes the industry and ensures readers are familiar at surface, to the basic rules and norms that influence the industry.”

Other telecoms stakeholders have overwhelmingly endorsed the book, describing it as a good reference material and comprehensive guide, reference material and source-book on the policy, legal and regulatory framework governing the Nigerian telecommunications sector, which, many stakeholders said, will fill a critical contemporary knowledge gap for legal practitioners, investors and the academia.

According to the Head of Sub-Saharan Africa Operations, Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), Akinwale Goodluck, “As an industry practitioner, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and recommend it very strongly for everyone with an interest in the Industry. It also provides invaluable insight for other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to learn from the Nigeria experience.”

Immediate past President, Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Olusola Teniola, and incumbent ATCON President, Ike Nnamani, aligned in their views, saying the authors have challenged the industry by putting together an encyclopaedia behind the growth of the Telecommunications industry from the perspective of legal, regulatory, economic, social and technological impacts.

In his comment, Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, said “the book carefully dissects the policies, rules, regulations and industry best practices which makes the Nigerian telecommunications industry the success story that it is today, despite numerous challenges.”

Other stakeholders, who rated the book very high both in contents and relevance to industry practitioners include Chairman, Section of Business Law, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ayuli Jemide; Director, Legal & Regulatory Affairs/Company Secretary, Airtel Networks Limited, Shola Adeyemi; Principal Partner and Head, ICT Law & Regulation, Sceptre Law, Lagos, Otu Etuk; Prof. Abiola Sanni of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, among others.

The stakeholders were in accord that the book, which sets out with great clarity and in the greatest detail the history, current status and how to navigate the policies and regulation of the Nigerian telecommunications sector in the real world, is a must-read for regulators, investors, scholars and industry practitioners.

OGUN GOVT REVIVES DORMANT IMASAYI CASHEW NUT PROCESSING PLANT

OGUN GOVT REVIVES DORMANT IMASAYI CASHEW NUT PROCESSING PLANT

As part of efforts to boost the processing and exportation of cashew nuts in Ogun State, the State government has revived its cashew processing plant at Imasayi by partnering with an indigenous agro-allied processing company, J22 Concerns Limited, Kajola.

The State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olu-Ola Aikulola who presented the letter of award to the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr.Yinka Akintola at the Palace of the Olu of Imasayi in Yewa North Local Government Area of the State, said the present administration decided to operationalise the plant which has been unused since 2018 to enhance the socio-economic development of the people.

Longe called on relevant stakeholders and the people of Imasayi to support the investor in enhancing cashew nut value chain by increasing production of cashew nuts and selling same for processing instead of selling them raw.

The Chief Executive Officer, J22 Concerns Limited, Mr. Yinka Akintola said the company intends to process 500 kilograms of cashew nuts daily noting that the utilisation of the plant would create employment opportunitues for indigenes of the area and bring about human capital development among the people.

THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION IMO STATE BRANCH LAUDS GOV. UZODIMMA ON ACHIEVEMENTS

THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION IMO STATE BRANCH LAUDS GOV. UZODIMMA ON ACHIEVEMENTS

The Nigerian Bar Association NBA, Imo State Branch commended His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma on the giant strides he made in the last one year in rehabilitation, reconstruction and recovery.

The Nigerian Bar Association which is the watchdog of the society in ensuring rule of law and democracy in the activities of a state, disclosed this during their working visit to the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma at the Exco Chambers, Owerri, Imo State.

The Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma in his address commended NBA, Imo State Branch for their support and mindful observation of his efforts in bringing the dividends of Democracy to Imo people.

Speaking earlier, Dr. Livy Uzoukwu SAN on behalf of the Bar, Imo State Chapter, commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for the wisdom for the white paper report of the Judicial panel of inquiry on lands and related matters and taking laudable steps in the recovery of the commonwealth of the State.

The SAN went further to commend the Governor, Senator Uzodimma for eradicating the use of touts and thugs to collect State revenue and tickets in the streets of state as he stated that the Governor sure understands ways to generate revenue in a civil society.

The Head of the Delegation, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Imo State Chapter, Nze Jude Ogamba called for partnership between the lawyers and the government to allow the rule of law permeate in the activities of the government as he wished the shared Prosperity Administration, a successful reign.

HopeNewAndElectronicMediaCenter