The death toll in Turkey following Monday’s earthquakes has climbed to 19,875.
READ ALSO: FCT Minister Commiserates With Turkey Over Earthquake
This was disclosed by the country’s disaster management authority.
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said earlier that more than 77,700 people had been injured in the disaster.
The total number of fatalities in Syria stands at 3,377, meaning the combined number of deaths is more than 23,000.
An interdisciplinary professional association for electric mobility has been established in Morocco to foster sustainable transportation in the country.
The Intersectoral Professional Association for Electric Mobility (APIME) is a 14-member executive committee which will oversee the effort to lessen air pollution brought on by thermal vehicles.
Among them are Karim Boukaa, CEO of the solar solutions company Adiwatt, Moulay Hafid Amrani, managing director of the investment firm Afrimobility, and Allal Benjelloun, managing director of the Centrale automobile chérifienne (CAC), which imports the automakers Audi, Volkswagen, and Skoda into Morocco.
The new platform is backed by business people and the National Federation of Electricity, Electronics and Renewable Energy in Morocco.
The Moroccan government is also attempting to put in place an energy transition strategy that supports the decarbonisation of urban transportation.
The Electricity Hub/ Hauwa Abu
The Leadership of the National Assembly says there is need to have another look at the policy on the redesign of Nigeria’s currency and allow the old and new naira notes to co-exist.
President of the Senate Ahmed Lawan made this position known in an interview with Voice of Nigeria soon after he met with President Muhammadu Buhari along with the Speaker, House of Representative, Femi Gbajabiamila at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Friday.
He said doing so will reduce the hardship currently being faced by citizens in accessing the new currency notes.
“For us in the Senate, initially we felt that this policy is not a bad policy but we are also feeling that there is no need for any time limit; allow the old and the new to co-exist until the old is phased out.
“This is not going to be the first country to do it that way. Other countries have been doing it that way. To say that in three months it will be okay, it is not okay. Especially in a country like ours where 80-90 percent of the population have no access to banks,” Lawan said.
The Senate President emphasized that now is the time to take a decision on the matter and have a second look at its mode of implementation.
“We had a private audience with the President after the Council of State meeting where we informed him in detail the resolutions of the two chambers of the National Assembly with respect to the redesign of our currency and the crisis of exchange or swap of the old currency with the new one.
“It is a known fact to everyone how life has been so difficult for the majority of Nigerians especially the most ordinary Nigerians across the country and we felt that this is the time to take a decision that will ease the problems Nigerians are facing with respect to this,” he said.
Ahmed Lawan said they advised that any policy that will be introduced must have a human component that will make it friendly to the livelihood of the people.
PIAK
Head Coach Randy Waldrum has reflected that there is an abundance of talented players in Nigeria’s senior women’s football team, the Super Falcons, as the nine-time African champions continue its preparations for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand this summer.
Each passing week, the Super Falcons squad seems to be bolstered with a number of young talents making waves in Europe and other parts of the world. Such is the strength of the Super Falcons that many football strategists and enthusiasts, including Waldrum, have been pondering how the team will file out at the biggest stage come July.
While speaking with newsmen in Abuja, the American tactician, exuded excitement and optimism with the surge of new talents emerging from within and outside the country in recent times and is optimistic of a good outing at the World Cup.
Waldrum also lauded the efforts of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in getting quality friendly matches and tournaments for the team, such as the Revelation Cup coming up in Mexico this month.
“I think the current Super Falcons squad is loaded with so many talented players. There are a lot of players that have much to offer in the team and I am reasonably excited and hopeful,” Waldrum said. “Asisat Oshoala is in great form and we all know what she is capable of.”
“When you add players like Desire Oparanozie, who is also very much in the mix, as well as Ifeoma Onumonu, Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo, no doubt, we have so many effective weapons offensively. I am confident that we can build something special with this squad.”
“We have also got some bright players like Rofiat Imuran coming in, in her twenties, same with Tosin Demehin, to go along with experienced players like Osinachi Ohale. Ashleigh Plumptre has also been a great addition for us at the back.”
“I think I love the strength of the team; it’s just about getting the best eleven to play on the pitch,” Waldrum concluded.
Waldrum coach believes transfers to bigger clubs and leagues involving some players would also boost the confidence of the players as they prepare to square up with the very best talents globally in Australia and New Zealand.
The Super Falcons will participate in the first edition of the Women’s Revelation Cup, holding from the 15th – 21st February in the city of Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico.
The Nigeria senior women’s football squad will play against the women national teams of Mexico, Colombia and Costa Rica in the six-day preparatory tournament for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army and Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch have neutralised 4 Bandits and others escaping with gunshot wounds in Kaduna State, North West geo-political zone.
The Deputy Director, Public Relations of 1 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya in a statement disclosed that; “The troops in a continuous onslaught against banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other criminal activities in the North Western part of the country, captured one AK 47 rifle with quantity 20 rounds of 7.62mm Special and six motorcycles.
“In an operation that lasted for about 48 hours, troops cleared Manini-Kuriga, Farin Ruwa, Kwanan Yashi, Makera, Dogon Dawa-Maidaro, road Kidanda-Yadi Forest and Sabon Birnin all in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area and Dogon-Dawa-Kidandan in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.”
Lieutenant Colonel Yahaya said during the encounter, troops engaged the criminals and destroyed all the bandits’ enclaves thereby rendering the general area inhabitable for all criminals.
The General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Force Commander of Operation Whirl Punch, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja who expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the troops, commended them for their gallantry and resilience.
He also urged all law-abiding citizens to continue to assist the military and other security agencies with timely and credible intelligence.
Major General Lagbaja appealed to members of the public, particularly health facilities and paramedics to watch out for persons who may be seeking medical attention for gunshot wounds and kindly report to relevant security agencies.
PIAK
The National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has expelled former Enugu state governor Senator ChimarokeNnamani, from the party.
The NWC at its 566th meeting on Friday, February 10, 2023, approved the expulsion of Senator Nnamani and six others from the Party for anti-Party activities and other grave offences in violation of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017)
National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba listed those expelled to include:
1. Senator Chimaroke Nnamani – Enugu State
2. Hon. Chris Ogbu – Imo State
3. Ajijola Lateef Oladimeji. – Ekiti Central
4. Olayinka James Olalere – Ekiti Central II
5. Fayose Oluwajomiloju John Ekiti Central I
6. Akerele Oluyinka – Ekiti North I
7. Emiola Adenike Jennifer – Ekiti South II
Debo Ologunagba said the decision of the NWC is sequel to the recommendation of the National Disciplinary Committee and pursuant to Sections 58 and 59 (1)(g) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).
He said the PDP is charging all its members across the country to remain united and focused on the mission of the PDP to Rescue, Rebuild and Redirect Nigeria.
The expulsion takes effect from Friday, February 10, 2023.
Senator Chinaroke Nnamani is a medical doctor and politician from Enugu State Southeast Nigeria, he was elected governor of Enugu State for two terms from 1999 to 2007 and is a serving senator representing Enugu East Senatorial District for the second term.
He and the others have been at odds with the party and their expulsion indicates an amicable resolution was impossible between the members and the party.
N.O
Senator Emmanuel Bwacha has again been declared the winner of the Taraba All Progressive Congress gubernatorial primary re-election.
Announcing the results after the elections, Lt Gen Buratai (RTD) who is the chairman of the Electoral Committee declared Senator Emmanuel Bwacha winner with a total of 778 votes, 8 votes were invalid, Sen Yusuf Yusuf had 5 votes, while Chief David Kente, Saleh Mamman, Danladi Kifasi, Anthony Manzo, all had zero votes out of 791 votes cast and 783 valid votes.
It would be recalled that Supreme Court in its judgment on February 1 upheld the Federal High Court ruling, which nullified the May 25, 2022, primary election which produced Senator Emmanuel Bwacha and ordered a fresh election within 10 days.
The new primary which was scheduled for 10th February was boycotted by David Sabo Kente, Danladi Kifasi, Saleh Mamma, Sen. Yusuf A Yusuf and Sen. Anthony Manzo making 5 aspirants absent out of the six aspirants contestants.
Addressing the press on his victory, Bwacha said the other aspirants boycott the primaries due to fear of losing out. “Most of the aspirants are working with the state government to see that I don’t emerge or APC fails to appear on the ballot, I have that information, they wanted a fresh primary but run away from participating,” he said.
N.O
Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari has approved a work plan for the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC).
The President conveyed his approval on Friday at the inaugural meeting of the Council chaired by him, with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as Vice Chairman and the Director-General of NCCC, Dr Salisu Dahiru, as Secretary, among other members.
The President also approved the deployment of staff from key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to the Council to ensure its effective take-off.
Responding to a number of requests by the Director-General of the Council, on ensuring a smooth take-off and operationalization of the Council, President Buhari approved the proposed Institutional Arrangement, (Organogram) for the Council, as presented.
He also okayed the operationalization of the office space to provide a conducive working environment for the Council and the development of the Open Market Carbon Trading Framework and Infrastructure (Phase I) in collaboration with M/S Rosehill Group Limited.
At the meeting, the President approved that the Energy Transition Plan and Office be subsumed into the NCCC to ensure the continuity and sustainability of the initiative in accordance with the Climate Change Act 2021.
The President also endorsed the Council as the Designated National Authority for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the DG, NCCC as the UNFCCC National Focal Point, in line with the Climate Change Act 2021.
Commending the management for their dedication to duty, the President urged the team to work diligently toward finalizing the National Climate Action Plan.
He noted that the Plan would provide a sustainable framework for all climate-related activities in Nigeria and also provide the surest tool for engagement with the global community.
The President recalled that he had assented to the Bill setting up the National Council on Climate Change, which was followed by the appointment of the Director-General and subsequent inauguration of the Council on the 28th of September 2022.
“Today with this inaugural meeting, and in line with the objectives of the Act, also in tandem with my commitments both in Glasgow COP-26 in 2021 and Sharm el Sheikh COP-27 in 2022, we are stepping up commitments by considering the consolidated memorandum presented by the Director-General.
‘‘Accordingly, I have examined the requests by the Director-General and have agreed to the general terms of the intent of the memorandum on the need to operationalize the Council.
“You will recall that during the inauguration of the Council in September, 2022, I gave directives for the amendment of the Act establishing the National Council on Climate Change, to include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Federal Ministry of Science & Technology and Innovation as members of Council, also to reduce the number of offices across 36 States of the Federation to avoid bureaucracy and ensure a smooth and faster process in achieving the purpose of the Organization.
‘‘I also noted that the Act takes out the State Commissioners of Environment as members of Council or their representatives. There is no transitional provision capturing the work of the Inter-Ministerial Working Group on Energy Transition.
‘‘Furthermore, there is provision for the establishment of an Executive Management Structure at the Secretariat to support the Director-General in running the Council Secretariat etc.
‘‘I however note the update earlier presented by the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation on the amendment efforts and hereby direct the Attorney General to liaise with the Honourable Minister of Environment to proceed on the amendment processes and report back to Council,’’ he said.
The Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi, said with the steadfast support of the President, Nigeria is set to take the lead on climate change issues, biodiversity, wildlife conservation and energy transition plan implementation in Africa in line with her commitments under the UNFCCC.
He thanked the President for his strong leadership of the Pan Africa Agency of the Great Green Wall (PAGGW), the Sahel and Sahara Initiative, the Climate Commission of the Sahel Region and the Lake Chad Basin Development Authority.
Dahiru, the Director-General of the Council, while presenting the first memorandum of the agency that is leading Nigeria’s response to Climate Change acquainted members on the need to operationalize the body.
According to him, since the inauguration of the 23–member Council by the President, the Secretariat has developed a draft Institutional Arrangement (Organogram) for the Council; proposed vision and mission of the Council; inclusion of the Council in the 2023 National Budget and harmonised Nigeria’s response to climate change for COP27.
PIAK
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it is seeking continuous cooperation with Voice of Nigeria (VON).
The NAF’s new Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Wap Magida made this known when he led his team on a courtesy visit to the Director General, Voice of Nigeria, Mr Osita Okechukwu in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
According to him, Voice of Nigeria is instrumental in projecting the image of the country internationally.
“We are in the organization to partner in projecting the operations and activities of the Nigerian Air Force internationally.
“VON through their programme, Beyond Bullets is also projecting the activities of Armed Forces.”
While commending the good relationship between NAF and VON, Air Commodore Magida assured Nigerians that the upcoming elections will be peaceful as the Nigerian Air Force would be in charge of the logistics for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC for the movement of materials.
“The police are the lead agency while the Armed Forces will support the police to make sure that the country has peaceful elections.”
The Director General, Voice of Nigeria, for his part assured NAF of VON’s support at all times adding that experience, performance and rating in the military are what is needed in making an impact in the fight against insurgency in the country.
Mr Okechukwu who congratulated the new Director on his appointment also applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his effort in taming Boko Haram in the North East of the country.
On short-wave radio, the Director General said; “VON did elementary study sometime ago and discovered that the majority have migrated out of short waves.
“VON will not wait for the audience to return back, if radio is not given the best, people will start listening only to other visual stations.”
He, therefore, urged the Air Force to support VON to achieve their mandate in terms of equipment to go to the cloud which the Director NAF promised to deliver the message to the Chief of Air Staff.
PIAK
The Women’s Rights and Health Organization WRAHP has partnered with Journalists in Ebonyi State Southeast Nigeria, to work towards ending Sexual and Gender Based Violence SGBV.
The WRAHP Program Manager, Mr Francis Umah who disclosed this in Abakaliki, the State capital explained that the partnership aims to effectively document reported SGBV cases in the State
“Globally, it is estimated that 1 in 3 women experience either physical or sexual abuse in their lifetime. These figures are mirrored in Nigeria, with 30% of girls and women aged between 15 and 49 reported to have experienced sexual abuse alone. Nearly 3 in 10 Nigerian women have experienced physical violence by age 15. According to the United Nations, 11, 200 Nigerian women and girls were raped in 2020
“As part of efforts to address this challenge, WRAHP with support of Open Society Foundation (OSJ) implemented a 21 months project on “Enhancing Gender equality and Protection from Gender Based Violence for Women and Young Girls in Ebonyi State.”
He explained that the initiative would improve the protection from SGBV for women and young girls through the Violence Against Persons Prohibition VAPP Law in Ebonyi State,” adding that; “Specific objectives were to: increase awareness of the provisions of the VAPP Law among 5000 community members in 2 LGAs in Ebonyi State; and to strengthen reporting pathways for survivors of SGBV through mandated reporters in 2 LGAs in Ebonyi State
“A crop of 38 committed community SGBV advocates raised in Ebonyi State, who are engaged in community sensitization sessions on VAPP law and working to protect women and girls from SGBV.
“Availability of the Simplified edition of the Ebonyi State VAPP Law to members of the community, both adults and young people. 5,000 copies produced and distributed using multiple community channels.
“Increased understanding on the provisions of the Ebonyi State VAPP Law and other SGBV related issues among 14,877 (5,334 males and 9,543 females) community members, both adults and young people.
“Networking and partnership for effective and comprehensive SGBV response in Ebonyi State with key State and Non-State Actors such as (the State Police Command, Ministry of Justice, Ebonyi State GBV Task Force, National Human Rights Commission, NAPTIP, International Federation of Women Lawyers, Child Protection Network, the media.“
Some recommendations highlighted to effectively address violence against women and girls in Ebonyi State were:
“Establishing Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARCs) to provide psychosocial, legal, and medical support for survivors of SGBV in Ebonyi state. Creating and strengthening coordinated GBV response structures at the local government and community levels. Provision of hotlines for ease of reporting of cases of violence against women and girls. “Increasing capacity building opportunities by way of trainings and retraining to equip agencies and ministries tasked with the duty of implementing these laws, and the members of the judiciary with necessary skills. Provision of necessary logistics to the Police to respond promptly to reported cases and ensure speedy dispensation of justice. Set up monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the funds are used for the purpose they were given.
“Setting up shelters for abused women to provide temporary safe place for women and girls running from abusive environments and to protect survivors from allies of perpetrator/ and or perpetrators whose cases are currently in courts. Providing economic empowerment for adult survivors of GBV and scholarship program for children who are out of school because of abuses among others.”
PIAK
