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2023: ZLP Presidential Candidate Pledges to Build Modular Refineries

Confidence Okwuchi
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The Presidential candidate of the Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, Mr. Dan Nwanyanwu, has pledged to build modular refineries in each of Nigeria’s Geo – Political Zones and repair moribund refineries in the country if elected as president.

Mr. Nwanyawu made the promise during the Presidential town Hall meeting held in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital.

He said if elected, his administration would revamp Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt refineries and put them to work simultaneously with the modular refineries to ensure the availability and affordability of the product in Nigeria.

According to him, Nigerians will have no reason whatsoever to experience fuel scarcity, noting that a liter of fuel would be sold at N100 during his presidency.

“Fuel is what God left for Nigeria to enjoy but the leaders have taken it away from you and made it to be more expensive and even beyond the reach of ordinary people.

“We will sell fuel at 100 nairas per liter, it is possible. We will repair all the refineries and put them to work, and also build modular refineries in each of the Geo-Political Zone,” he said.

Nwanyanwu also promised to fight insecurity that forced people out of their farms and return people to farms to continue with their farming activities to ensure food security in the country.

“Today, Nigeria We will build and bring trust back in Nigeria, we will ensure that fertilizers are available and affordable for farmers during my Presidency,” he added.

 

Confidence Okwuchi

Soludo Lauds IGP For Setting Up Investigation Panel In Anambra

Lateefat Ibrahim
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The Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, for setting up a special investigation panel to investigate allegations against some senior police officers serving at the Zone 13 Command, Ukpo-Dunukofia, and the Anambra State Police Command.

 

Soludo urged members of the public to be patient while awaiting the outcome of the investigations which is expected soonest.

 

The governor also vowed to ensure justice if anyone is found culpable, saying that his administration has zero tolerance for criminality.

 

Rapid response

This follows allegations published by an online platform, identifying one CSP Patrick Agbazue, the officer-in-charge of the Rapid Response Squad in the command, as being a member of a syndicate involved in the alleged kidnapping, torture and murder of citizens.

 

The Public Relations Officer of Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo-Dunukofia, SP Nwode Nkeiruka, and Inspector Harrison Akama, who is attached to the RRS in the state, were also fingered, as well as a former governor of the state and a popular billionaire.

 

The governor’s reactions were contained in a press statement made available to journalists by his Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, recently.

 

It stated that the governor had also requested the Attorney-General of Anambra State to immediately call for, and review all the files of cases on allegations of commission of offences created by the laws of the state, being handled by the said RRS.

 

The statement read, “The attention of the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has been drawn to several media reports on alleged criminalities involving some police officers in Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo, Anambra state and the alleged human rights abuses by some officers of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, Anambra State Command respectively.

 

“Preliminary inquiry has revealed that the Inspector-General of Police has set up a special investigation panel to investigate the allegations at the end of which a report would be issued.

 

“Soludo commends the Inspector General of Police for that timely intervention. Consequently, it has become imperative in light of the above to await the outcome of the investigations which is expected soonest.

 

“Soludo wishes to assure the entire public that the government is closely monitoring the situation and would ensure that justice is done at the end of the day if anyone is found culpable.

 

“In the meantime, the governor has requested the Attorney General of Anambra State to immediately call for, and review all the files of cases on allegations of commission of offences created by the laws of our State, being handled by the said RRS.

 

“This will enable the attorney general to give such directions or take such necessary legal actions in line with section 211 of the Constitution and sections 148, 149 and 150 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Anambra State 2022.

 

The governor appealed to the people of Anambra State and the entire public to remain patient and allow the law to take its due course.

 

He urged the people of Anambra State to be rest assured that the administration of Soludo has zero tolerance for criminality and would always allow the rule of law to reign supreme at all times as justice is given to those who deserve it.

 

Lateefah Ibrahim

Journalists Urge Nigerians To Remain Peaceful Ahead Of Elections

Confidence Okwuchi
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Ahead of Saturday’s Presidential poll, the National League of Veteran Journalists, NALVEJ in Kwara State, has called on Nigerians to comport themselves in an orderly and peaceful manner.

The league specifically enjoined the politicians and their supporters to shun any act capable of disrupting the exercise, reminding them that all eyes are on Nigeria.

NALVEJ, in a statement signed by its chairman, Alhaji Tunde Akanbi, and publicity secretary, Alhaji Abdullahi Olesin, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to remain an unbiased empire by providing a level playing field for all political parties and their candidates.

It equally charged the security agencies to provide water-tight security across the country, before, during, and after the elections.

” NALVEJ, the association of senior journalists is using this forum to appeal to our politicians and their supporters to work towards a peaceful election come Saturday, February 25, 2023,” it said in the statement

The league equally called on parents and guardians to caution their children against engaging in violent acts during the election period and beyond.

“We appeal that the election should not be a do-or-die affair since it’s only God that gives power to whom He wills. We appeal to various stakeholders and political parties to abide strictly by the Peace Accord they all signed.

” We also urge INEC to ensure the conduct of peaceful, transparent, and credible elections as all eyes are on them. 

” NALVEJ is happy about the pledge of President Muhammadu Buhari to provide security for the people during the elections. We, therefore urge our Service Chiefs to carry out the directive of the president and commander-in-chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces to the letter, “, the statement added.

 

Confidence Okwuchi

Leeds United Set To Confirm Javi Gracia As New Head Coach

Emmanuel Ukoh
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Leeds United are set to confirm the appointment of former Watford boss Javi Gracia as their new head coach.

The West Yorkshire club renewed their search for Jesse Marsch’s replacement after a 1-0 defeat by Everton on Saturday, with a crucial clash against Southampton looming this weekend.

They have now turned to Gracia, who has been out of work since leaving Al Saad in Qatar last June.

The Spaniard will come in initially until the end of the season to oversee the fight against relegation.

Under-21s coach Michael Skubala had taken caretaker charge of the past three matches following Marsch’s sacking on February 6 but a poor performance at Goodison Park left Leeds 19th in the Premier League, two points from safety.

Skubala was hoisted into the dug-out after Leeds failed with approaches for Rayo Vallecano’s Andoni Iraola and Feyenoord’s Arne Slot. Subsequent plans to name ex-Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder as boss to the end of the season were abandoned amid a fierce online backlash to the idea.

Leeds announced last Tuesday that Skubala and a caretaker team of Paco Gallardo and Chris Armas would take charge of “upcoming fixtures” but their Premier League status is in serious jeopardy with 15 games to go and Southampton due at Elland Road this Saturday.

Defeat to Southampton would drop Leeds to the foot of the table.

Gracia, who managed Watford in 2018 and 2019, is available having been out of work since his last job with Al Sadd. Other coaching jobs have taken him to Valencia, Malaga and Rubin Kazan.

He was recruited by Watford to lead a successful fight against relegation from the Premier League during the 2017-18 campaign but, after keeping them up the following year, was sacked just four games into the 2019-20 season after Watford took one point from them.

 

 

 

 

The Athletic/Emmanuel Ukoh

50 Soldiers Die In Burkina Faso Attack

Christopher Ojilere
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The army in Burkina Faso says more than 50 soldiers were killed in an attack by presumed Islamists in the north.

It said in a statement that 51 bodies had been found so far, several soldiers were still missing and three wounded soldiers had been evacuated from the scene.

However, the military had said earlier on Monday that eight had died in what it described as intense fighting in Oudalan province.

It claimed it had killed more than 100 of the assailants, though that number has not been independently verified.

Meanwhile, this year has seen an upsurge in fighting in northern Burkina Faso, with more than 100 deaths reported in the first six weeks.

The failure to stem the bloodshed led to two coups last year and the ending of the French military mission to the country.

This incident was reported as France officially marked the end of its military operations in the country where French soldiers have been based since 2015 to help fight militants.

 

BBC/Christopher Ojilere

Students Association Inducts PenCom Boss Into Hall of Fame

Confidence Okwuchi
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The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS has inducted the Director General, DG of the National Pension Commission, PenCom, Mrs Aisha Dahir-Umar, into the Association’s Hall of Fame in recognition of her professional service and purposeful leadership in the pension industry.

NANS also conferred on Mrs Dahir-Umar the NANS Merit Award for her contributions to national development and support for young people and students.

Speaking during the award ceremony in Abuja, the Senate President of NANS, Comrade Attah Felix Nnalue said NANS Merit Award was presented to individuals whose lives exemplifies the ideas of living for the sake of others and dedicate themselves to national building and service to humanity.

Comrade Nnalue said the induction of Mrs Dahir-Umar into NANS Hall of Fame and the presentation of NANS Merit Award to her were in line with the resolution of the 68th Senate Meeting of NANS held on 25 January 2023 at the University of Abuja.

He Commended the Director General for her hard work, exemplary lifestyle, contribution to nation building and the advancement of the pension industry.

Mrs Dahir-Umar has been part of the journey to reform pension administration and management in Nigeria.

Under her leadership as the Director General, PenCom has attained significant milestones in its diligent implementation of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014 through the successful conclusion of several critical initiatives.

Pension fund assets have been on a sustained growth trajectory, increasing from N6.15 trillion in 2016 to N14.99 trillion as of December 2022. Similarly, the number of registered pension contributors grew from 7.41 million to 9.86 million over the same period.

Micro Pension Plan

The launch of the Micro Pension Plan, MPP by President Muhammadu Buhari in March 2019 was another significant step under her towards the promotion of financial inclusion for self-employed persons and workers in the informal sector.

In November 2020, PenCom launched the Retirement Savings Account, RSA Transfer System, RTS. The system is an in-house developed computer Application that enables a pension contributor or retiree to switch from one Pension Fund Administrator, PFA to another. Activating the RSA transfer provision was another essential milestone she recorded in implementing the CPS that has been on the drawing board since the advent of the Pension Reform in 2004.

She also implemented the maiden Pension Enhancement for CPS retirees in December 2017. This initiative enhanced the monthly pensions of most retirees on the programmed withdrawal based on significant incomes earned from investment.

In 2021, the Director General oversaw the recapitalisation of PFAs. As a result, all PFAs raised their Shareholders’ Funds from N1 billion to N5 billion.

In 2022, the Commission issued the Guidelines on Accessing RSA Balance Towards Payment of Equity Contribution for Residential Mortgage by RSA Holders. This innovative policy will enable workers to own residential houses while in active service.

 

Confidence Okwuchi

Sierra Leonean Education Minister Wins Best Minister

Christopher Ojilere
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Sierra Leonean Education Minister, David Sengeh has returned home to a hero’s welcome after winning the Best Minister in the World award at a ceremony held last week in Dubai.

Report says the award recognises government ministers who “demonstrate their excellence in a public sector, their efforts to implement, promote innovation in their domain.”

Mr . Sengeh was recognised for his efforts to impart education to the children of Sierra Leone. He was among 10 finalists.

Staff at the ministry clapped for him on Monday as he resumed work.

In a tweet, Mr. Sengeh appreciated his team as the best in the world.

“I’ll tell you what, I’ve the Best Team in the World! That includes all teachers and students,” he said.

 

BBC/Christopher Ojilere

 

Miracle Baby Pulled from Rubble Adopted

Shakirat Sadiq
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A baby born under the rubble of a collapsed building in Syria, and the only member of her immediate family to survive a massive earthquake, has been adopted by her aunt and uncle.

Thousands of people had offered to adopt the newborn, who was still connected to her mother by her umbilical cord when she was rescued.

She was discharged from hospital after a “DNA test confirmed her aunt was a blood relative.”

Doctors said she was in good health.

“She is one of my children now,” her uncle by marriage Khalil al-Sawadi told the Associated Press news agency. “I will not differentiate between her and my children.“Afraa's (right) aunt and uncle also welcomed a baby girl (left) of their own three days after the quake.

The baby has now been named after her late mother Afraa. Shortly after she was rescued, officials had named her Aya, which means miracle in Arabic.

A video of her rescue shortly after the tremor went viral on social media.

Dramatic footage showed a man sprinting away from the debris as he carried her covered in dust in his arms. She had reportedly been under the collapsed building for more than 10 hours and doctors said “she had arrived to hospital in a bad condition, with bruises and cuts all over her body.”

The building in which her family lived was one of about 50 reportedly destroyed by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Jindayris, an opposition-held town in Idlib province that is close to the Turkish border.

“Her mother went into labour soon after the disaster and gave birth before she died, a relative said. Her father, four siblings and an aunt were also killed.”

“This girl means so much to us because there’s no-one left of her family besides this baby,” Mr Sawadi told Reuters news agency. “She’ll be a memory for me, for her aunt and for all of our relatives in the village of her mother and father.”

 

 

 

BBC /Shakirat Sadiq

Six Killed After Fresh Earthquake Hits Turkey-Syria Border

Shakirat Sadiq
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Six people were killed in the latest earthquake to strike the border region of Turkey and Syria, authorities reported on Tuesday, two weeks after a larger one killed more than 47,000 people and damaged or destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes.

Monday’s quake, this time with a magnitude of 6.4, was centred near the southern Turkish city of Antakya and was felt in Syria, Egypt and Lebanon.

Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said there had been 90 aftershocks. “Six thousand tents were sent to the area overnight for residents alarmed by the new quake.”

The Hatay provincial governor’s building, already damaged in the Feb. 6 quakes, collapsed in the latest tremor, television footage showed.

Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said 294 people had been injured, with 18 seriously hurt and transported to hospitals in Adana and Dortyol.

“Patients were evacuated from some health facilities that had remained in operation after the massive tremors two weeks ago, as cracks had emerged in the buildings,” Koca said on Twitter.

In Samandag, where AFAD had reported one person dead on Monday, residents said more buildings had collapsed, but that most of the town had already fled after the initial earthquakes. Mounds of debris and discarded furniture lined the dark, abandoned streets.

Muna Al Omar said she had been in “a tent in a park in central Antakya when the ground started heaving again.”

“I thought the earth was going to split open under my feet,” she said on Monday, crying as she held her 7-year-old son.

 

 

Reuters /Shakirat Sadiq

WHO Urges Governments To Develop Vaccines for All Animal Influenza Strain

Mercy Chukwudiebere
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The World Health Organisation, WHO has urged governments to invest in vaccines for all Animal strains of the influenza virus as an insurance policy in case of an outbreak in humans.

The incoming chief scientist at the World Health Organization, Jeremy Farrar stated this on Monday.

Countries ranging from the United States and Britain to France and Japan have suffered record losses of poultry in outbreaks of avian flu in the past year.

The recent spread to mammals of H5N1 – commonly known as bird flu, needed to be monitored, but the risk to humans remained low, the WHO said earlier this month.

Farrar said; “he would like to see the pharmaceutical industry at least conduct some clinical trials for all influenza strains such that the world would not have to start from scratch to initiate global manufacturing should the need arise.”

“My concern that we’re in slow motion watching something which may never happen,” he said in a media briefing.

Farrar said; “But if it were to happen, would we look back on what we’re doing at the moment and say, why didn’t we do more?”

Farrar is a clinical scientist who most recently served as the director of the Wellcome Trust. He was appointed as the WHO’s chief scientist in December, and will formally join the agency later this year.

 

 

Reuters/ Mercy Chukwudiebere

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