Voice of Nigeria Broadcasting Service

Anambra gov’t takes proactive measures to prevent flooding

News Feature

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February 6, 2023

Anambra states government is taking proactive measures to prevent flooding and to avoid a repeat of 2022 disaster.

Chief Paul Odenigbo, Executive Secretary, Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), advised residents of the state against throwing solid waste into water channels.

“Checking the disposal of solid waste into water channels could prevent flash floods especially in the urban centres.”

He said that if the water channels were open, flood water would freely empty into nearby streams and rivers.

The SEMA boss said, what had compounded flooding in the urban centres before now was poor sanitary attitude of the residents.

According to him, the flood disaster which occurs when rivers overflow its banks is natural, saying there is very little or nothing government could do to prevent such.

He said, to avoid a repeat of the level of devastation experienced by residents of the state last year, the state Ministry of Environment and Flood Committee were cleaning up all water channels.

“The committee headed by Dr Onyekachi Ibezim is working in conjunction with the state Ministry of Environment to ensure that all water channels in Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi and Ekwulobia are cleaned.

“All what we advise is that residents should stop further pouring of solid waste into the water channels,” he said.

A resident of Awka, Mr John Igboka, called on the state government to intensify efforts towards cleaning the water channels.

Nigeria Data Protection Bureau to create Over 500,000 Jobs

Bilkisu Halilu Pai

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February 6, 2023

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Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), says it will create at least 500,000 jobs from its initiative of licensing indigenous institutions to train and certify data privacy and protection experts in the country.

The National Commissioner of the Bureau, Dr. Vincent Olatunji disclosed this at the one-year anniversary and the launch of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulations Report (NDPR), in Abuja.

Dr. Olatunji while speaking said, the bureau has recorded modest progress and has initiated a plan to create at least 500,000 career jobs for the Nigerian labour market.

“We have initiated a comprehensive process for training and certification of data privacy and protection experts in Nigeria. This training and certification is expected to create career opportunities for at least 500,000 persons in the labour market,” he said.

Jobs Creation

On how the Jobs will be created, the national Commissioner explained that, “There is need for NDPB to license an indigenous institution to;

coordinate the development of training materials
certify training providers based on internationally acceptable standards
conduct examinations, provide certification to successful candidates
and conduct research to deepen the knowledge domain and maintain a database of certified persons and others.

He highlighted some of the impacts the Bureau is having on the Nigerian economy to include: creation of 9577 jobs, 1928 verified Data Protection Officers (DPOs), 138 Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs).

According to Dr. Olatunji “the Bureau has recorded modest progress in the areas of Strategic Road Map and Action plan, Capacity Building, Awareness, Institutional collaborations and data protection compliance organisations with National Data Protection Adequacy Programme (NaDPAP), and Data Protection Certification.”

According to the report, these achievements are within a space of two years (2020-2022) and the Bureau hopes to achieve eight objectives in the year 2023 and beyond.

These includes increased awareness, enactment of the data protection bill, transition to commission among others.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami who spoke virtually, congratulated the NDPB saying that NDBP was sustaining the legacy of accountability through this 2022 NDPR Implementation Report.

“It is my hope that this effort will inspire the officers of the Bureau to strive for greater heights in our collective quest for the advancement of data privacy and protection in Nigeria”

He noted that “It is cheering to note that under its National Data Protection Adequacy Programme (NaDPAP), the Bureau has increased its enrolment of Data Protection Officers for data controllers and processors across the country by over 500%”.

Recognition and Awards

Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPR) used the occasion to recognise institutions that have been supportive and awarded them institutional support awards, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), was conferred with an award of “Institutional Pillar of Support” which was received by the Director of IT Infrastructure Solutions (ITIS), Dr Usman Abdullahi Gambo, on behalf of the Agency.

He assured the Bureau of NITDA’s continued support in achieving their mandate and also commended the Bureau on their successes recorded within a year.

The Director General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr. Osita Okechukwu, who presented NITDA with their award said the agency was instrumental in supporting VON as a multimedia broadcasting station under the leadership of the present Minister of Communication and Digital economy, Professor Isa Pantami.

He also said data is the lifeblood of the digital economy hence the need for a Data Protection Law in Nigeria.

Mr. Okechukwu also restated the support of VON to the NDPB in the area of creation of awareness and sensitization through its programmes.

The Chairman NDPB, Strategic Road Map and Action Plan (SRAP), Abdul-Hakim Ajijola, emphasized that the imperative of data protection in Nigeria has become necessary due to the growing dependence on digital systems.

“Data security is extremely important in Nigeria for a number of reasons. Firstly, the increasing reliance on technology and the internet in Nigeria means that personal data is being collected, stored, and processed by a wide range companies and organisations. This data is often sensitive and could be misused or stolen if it is not protected”

He called on all stakeholders to do more, saying: “You have done a lot within this one-year period but you need to do more, all stakeholders must make sure Nigeria ratifies the Malabo convention of data privacy.”

Nigerian Minister inaugurates free medical outreach in Abuja

Health

FELA OLAGUNJU

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February 6, 2023

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The FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Aliyu, has commenced a free Integrated Medical Outreach in Abuja, which will be conducted across all the 62 political wards in the territory.

The minister who kicked off the program on Sunday in Karshi, Abuja stated that the free medical outreach was to dedicated to provide to the indigent residents, particularly women and children, good quality, high impact Primary Health Care (PHC) services including immunisation and nutrition. Aliyu positioned that the routine immunisation coverage and PHC services uptake across the area councils had been sub-optimal, partly due to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic that had further weakened the health system.

“Access to basic healthcare services has been poor due to the presence of hard-to-reach communities, coupled with the rising cases of insecurity and sub-optimal performance of the public health system” she said.

”In this line, the inauguration of the medical outreach for the integration of PHC service delivery and Immunisation in a mobile /outreach strategy is crucial… It is expected to, among others, strengthen immunisation and PHC service outputs through integration, particularly in the underserved, low performing wards of the FCT” she added.

She, however, affirmed that the medical outreach would serve as an avenue for the FCTA to provide the most needed interventions to community members. Aliyu who mentioned that they include health education and promotion of treatment of common illnesses; vaccination of under-five children and pregnant women further said that the outreach would facilitate the distribution of long-lasting treated nets and family planning commodities and screening for non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, routine eye screening and screening for malnutrition; as well as linkages/referral services; among others.

She assured that the FCT Administration would continue to support all programmes and activities geared towards improving the quality of lives and health outcomes of all residents of the Territory particularly women and children.

She said, “our relevant Secretariats, Departments and Agencies had been re-positioned and given necessary supports to perform for better results.

“Working with Development Partners, access would be sustained to the underserved communities with optimal services uptake and utilisation through the activities of community managerial system for PHC in FCT.”

The minister appealed to religious and traditional leaders, stakeholders and other well-meaning Nigerians in the FCT to continue to support the Administration to provide better services.

In his remarks, the acting Executive Secretary, FCT PHC Board, Dr Isah Vatsa, lauded the group for the partnership with the Administration in providing quality healthcare services. He said that the outreach would cover immunization, consultation by medical personnel in three points, and laboratory screening for diabetes and malaria. Also there would be provision of free drugs, eye screening with free glasses for those that need them, blood pressure screening, weight and temperature check.

NAN/S.S

Tems wins, Burna Boy loses both nominations

Entertainment/Tourism

Oluchi Okwuego

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February 6, 2023

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Nigerian Superstar Tems has earned her first Grammy award for her contribution on Future’s hit album, ‘Wait For U’. Tems’ vocals was sampled on the song that also features Canadian megastar rapper Drake.

‘Wait For U’ won the award for Best Melodic rap performance beating ‘Beautiful’ by DJ Khaled Featuring Future & SZA, ‘First Class’ by Jack Harlow, ‘Die Hard’ by Kendrick Lamar Featuring Blxst & Amanda Reifer, and ‘Big Energy (Live)’ by Latto.

Burna Boy was also nominated for Best Global Song performance and Best Global Album. But lost the Best Global Song category to ‘Bayethe’ by Wouter Kellerman, Zakes Bantwini & Nomcebo Zikode, and Best Global album category to ‘Sakura’ by Masa Takumi.

Tems wins the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for
“Wait For U.”

Wouter Kellerman, Zakes Bantwini and Nomcebo Zikode win the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Performance.

African Grammy Winners

5-TIME WINNERS

Angelique Kidjo 🇧🇯

Ladysmith Black Mambazo 🇿🇦

3-TIME WINNERS

Ali Farka Touré 🇲🇱

Owuor Arunga 🇰🇪

Soweto Gospel Choir 🇿🇦

1-TIME WINNERS

Black Coffee 🇿🇦

Wizkid 🇳🇬

Burna Boy 🇳🇬

Richard Bona 🇨🇲

Mamadou Diabate 🇲🇱

Tinariwen 🇲🇱

Oumou Sangare 🇲🇱

Youssou Ndour 🇸🇳

Miriam Makeba 🇿🇦

Wouter Kellerman 🇿🇦

Sikiru Adepoju 🇳🇬

Tems 🇳🇬

Zakes Bantwini 🇿🇦

Nomcebo Zikode 🇿🇦

Pulse/O.O

Oyo State: INEC Affirms Credibility of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System

Politics

Amaka Nliam

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February 6, 2023

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Oyo state says the success of the mock accreditation, held in the state, is an affirmation that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has come to stay.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr. Adeniran Tella, disclosed this while monitoring the conduct of the exercise in 12 polling units across the three senatorial districts of the state.

Tella, who led other management staff of the Commission, alongside the State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Kayode Odedokun, and representatives of security agencies and para military agencies to monitor the exercise, expressed satisfaction at the turnout and awareness of the electorate despite the fact that it was not a real election.

Speaking of the BVAS, the REC said ‘It is the game changer, and we are making use of it in this coming general elections for authentication, verification, uploading and accreditation.’

Tella, however, advised that the electoral process and the ongoing political system should not be left in the hands of election administrators alone and called for inclusive participation of all citizens.

‘We must continue to engage ourselves by seeking solutions to identified problems confronting election processes in the country,’he stressed.

He explained that the enactment of the set of laws embedded in the new Electoral Act, 2022 was to strengthen the electoral process in the real sense but it should not be regarded as an end to the means, because of human problems which is dynamic and multifaceted. He, therefore, urged everyone to come together to proffer the perfect solution such that the cycle would not continue.

‘Going by the fact that we are making use of new technology that guarantees transparency and credible elections, with the enthusiasm of Nigerians, the goodwill of the stakeholders and the commitment of the Commission, we are going to deliver credible elections to Nigerians,’the REC added.

Corroborating the REC, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) director, Kayode Odedokun, said that the BVAS machines were effective in the polling units monitored, assuring Nigerians that the electoral body had fully prepared to deliver transparent and credible elections.

He promised that his agency would continue to support the commission through awareness and sensitiszation of the general public to the need to perform their civic responsibility during the forthcoming general elections.

Among the polling units where the REC and his entourage monitored the exercise are PU 017 (Oba Akinbiyi High School, Mokola), Ward 10 and PU 096 (Methodist Primary School, N5, NTA Agodi), Ward 04, both in Ibadan North local government area.

The INEC entourage also monitored the exercise at PU 034 (Onilearo Junction, Orogun), Ward 08 and PU 01 (Anglican Primary School, Akingbinle), Ward 05, both in Akinyele local government area.

A cross section of the electorate, who showed up for the exercise, lauded the INEC for the effective functionality of the BVAS machines.

Commenting, Mr. Oladeji Adekunle, who was accredited at PU 017, Oba Akinbiyi High School, Mokola, urged the electoral body to intensify efforts in sensitizing voters to come out on the election days.

Adekunle, who observed that the turnout for the mock accreditation was low at his polling unit, however, lauded the INEC for the exercise.

Also, Mr Eleshi Jamiu, who participated in the exercise at PU 006, situated inside the premises of Methodist Primary School, NTA, Agodi, urged the INEC to ensure that the BVAS machines work on election days, exactly as it worked during the mock accreditation.

Mr Olumide Ali, a registered voter at PU 034, Onilearo Junction, Orogun, said the turnout was low, but commended the INEC for the exercise, affirming that the BVAS machine assigned to his Polling Unit performed excellently well.

Edited by Amaka E. Nliam

Agric foundation to sustain gains of PBR cowpea

News Feature

Kamila Bello

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February 6, 2023

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The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), said it had concluded arrangements to sustain the gain of Nigeria’s first genetically modified crop variety, the Pod Borer Resistant cowpea with a second gene.

Mr Alex Abutu, Communication Officer of AATF, announced this on Sunday in a statement in Abuja, that the foundation facilitated the environmental release of the first generation of PBR Cowpea in 2019 after one decade of confined and on-farm trials by the Institute of Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

He said, Dr Jean Bapsite, AATF Regional Representative for West Africa, during a courtesy call to the Director General, National Biosafety Management Agency, said unprecedented testimonies from farmers on the importance of the PBR cowpea had compelled the team to quickly work on the stacking of the gene.

“This would help to protect the cowpea against any possible breakdown, we continue to improve on our successes and leave no gap for any breakdown.

“The Second gene will strengthen, reinforce, and increase the resistance level of the PBR Cowpea against any attack.

”The PBR Cowpea was commercially released to farmers in 2021 and it is currently being planted all over the country with farmers counting the gains of yield increase,” Bapsite said.

The Director General of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr Rufus Ebegba, commended AATF and its partners for developing and releasing a crop variety that benefitted and enhanced the livelihood of farmers.

Ebegba informed the delegation that NBMA had continued to improve its application processes to conform with current scientific realities.

“Science is not democracy. Our regulation is purely scientifically based and we shall not be moved by blackmail or emotions. The safety of Nigerians and the environment is our utmost interest.”

He, however, challenged African scientists to take advantage of the numerous opportunities that biotechnology offered to research more into the technology.

NPFL: Rivers United Suffers Defeat, Akwa United Humbles Remo

Sports

Chidi Uduma Nwoke

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February 6, 2023

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The defending champions of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Rivers United, suffered its first defeat of the season after falling 2-1 against Doma United on Sunday.

Stanley Eguma’s side scored the first goal of the match as Denis Ndasi put Rivers United ahead in the 25th minute. However, the lead lasted only for nine minutes before Usman Musa levelled things for Doma United.

Read more: NPFL: Nasarawa United Management, Coaching Staff Get 3 game Ultimatum

Musa then put the home team ahead for the first time in the game, putting the ball into the net in the 68th minute to give Doma United the advantage in the encounter.

📺 Key moments available now from our trip to Doma United Football Club 👇#NPFL23 || #MD6 || #DOMRIV pic.twitter.com/AdcIHHy8WF

— Rivers United FC (@RiversUnitedFC) February 6, 2023

Following Rivers United’s defeat to Doma United, Bendel Insurance remains the only unbeaten side so far in the NPFL.

Sunday’s NPFL Results

Group A

Enyimba FC 2-0 El Kanemi Warriors

Akwa Inited 3-1 Remo Stars

Plateau United 1-0 Kwara United

Shooting Stars 2-0 Nasarawa United

Group B

Doma United 2-1 Rivers United

Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Lobi stars

Sunshine Stars 1-0 Bayelsa United

Wikki Tourists 1-0 Rangers International

Nigerian travel agencies seek Government intervention over exorbitant air fares

Entertainment/Tourism

Oluchi Okwuego

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February 5, 2023

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The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), has called on the Nigerian Government to wade into the exorbitant air fares currently charged by foreign airlines.

The call was made by the National President of NANTA, Mrs Susan Akporiaye, during a media briefing on Friday in Lagos, said that it was disheartening that a Nigerian traveller would have to pay over 2,000 dollars for an economy ticket.

“As we speak, it is only in Nigeria that a traveller is made to cough out over 2,000 dollars for an economy ticket and also change the date of the flight itinerary for whatever personal reasons with about N1.5m to N1.8m.”

“All low-fare inventories of the airlines have been deliberately blocked to our members and to this market.”

“Airlines, even after various engagements as partners seem not to take such relatonship or business history with NANTA into consderation, but have gone ahead to make the market extremely difficult for members and in fact expensive for travelers.”

“This is the harsh reality bedeviling the downstream sector of the aviation industry which we as NANTA, represent,” she said.

Akporiaye noted that currently, Nigerian travel agents can only own up to selling less than 30 per cent tickets sold in Nigeria while the country continues to lose the five per cent tax on every ticket sold to Nigerian travellers in other countries.

She further explained that with this development, Nigeria is now at a disadvantaged position, since the airlines have mastered the art of expoiting the FOREX issue to their advantage.

She said Nigeria travel market continues to be at the losing end with the airlines being indifferent to the plights of travellers.

According to her, as Nigerian travel agents are disadvantaged to package some foreign tickets, they contact their counterparts in other countries to do same but the five per cent tax the nation is supposed to benefit has been consistently lost.

She said this continues to affect the nation greatly and the federal government must take reasonable steps to permanently put things in shape.

She noted that though airlines continue to blame the exorbitant ticket fares on their trapped funds but that was not justifiably enough.

“As a body, we are left with no option than to call on the government to be more strategic, deliberate and direct in resolving this multifaceted dilemma.”

“Certainly and signficantly, Nigeria travel trade professionals are at crossroads with no help from the federal government either through the Central Bank of Nigeria or the Ministry of Aviation to addressing these challenges and finding solutions.”

“We hold the stand that government still retains the responsibilty to commit to agreements with airlines to protect the

sector and call airlines to order when there are obvious excesses from the airlines that put the entire industry in jeopardy.”

“The current fare structure and practices are exploitative to the Nigerian travellers, we strongly request the airlines to open inventories to tally with what obtains in similar markets,” she said.

Akporiaye explained that in the aviation downstream sector, businesses were currently folding up, aggravating the unemployment challenge that the federal government had been wrestling with.

She warned that if urgent and precise actions were not taken to control the situation, the economy of the nation would be greatly affected.

“The Nigerian travelling public are groaning over this exorbitant fares, the foreign airlines know that we are fantastic travellers and are taking advantage of that.

“The suffocating profiteering practices by majority of the foreign airlines is unbelievable and unexplainable.

“This is the Nigerian market that is ranked by many indices of IATA as one of the best in Africa and with the best post-COVID-19 recovery rates across Africa and Middle East,” she added.

NAN/O,O

Boomplay Celebrates African Music Excellence at the 65th Grammys

Entertainment/Tourism

Oluchi Okwuego

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February 5, 2023

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Africa’s most expansive music streaming and download platform, Boomplay, has announced a campaign to celebrate one of its biggest nights of the year, the global music industries- 65th Grammy Awards with African artists receiving landmark nominations across different categories this year.

The streamer is providing its users with a free subscription to enjoy and discover music without any barriers, and at no cost for the whole day on Monday, 6th February 2023, with announcement of any African artist winning their category.

Africa boasts eight nominations at this year’s event, and at least one African artist is anticipated to bring home the coveted Grammys trophy at the end of the ceremony, setting up Boomplay users across the continent for a fitting celebration on the streaming platform.

Boomplay’s Director of Artist & Media Relations,Tosin Sorinola, noted that, ‘‘Boomplay has always been at the forefront of supporting African music and artists, and the free subscription initiative is another proof of our commitment to our mission to keep empowering the African music ecosystem to unlock its full potential.“

“We are offering a free subscription to all our users for the celebration of African excellence in music at the 2023 Grammy awards.

With the one-day free subscription, music lovers can access our catalogue of over 95 million songs to stream ad-free content and download for offline play —a perfect opportunity for music lovers to support and celebrate their favourite artists. We are very proud of the great strides African acts are making, putting African music on the map globally, and this is our way of cheering them on and showing our support.”

African music was duly represented when the Recording Academy released its list of nominees for the 65th Grammy Awards.

Nigerian Superstar Burna Boy, and Beninese legend Angelique Kidjo are nominated in the Best Global Music Album category, while Ghana’s Rocky Dawuni, Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo, South Africa’s Wouter Kellerman, Zakes Bantwini and Nombeco Zikode and Burna Boy are all up for Best Global Performance.

Remarkably, outside the Global Music categories, Nigeria’s Tems is nominated in the Best Melodic Rap Performance and Best Rap Song categories for her collaboration with Drake and Future on the charts-topping “Wait for You” song. Angelique Kidjo is also nominated in the Best Song Written for Visual Media category for her Woman King Song, “Keep Rising”.

Noted for its easy-to-use features and high-quality audio streaming, Boomplay offers an extensive library of songs and podcasts, as well as specially curated playlists from various genres and artists, updated regularly to ensure the latest hits are available.

Boomplay users can create playlists, discover new music through personalized recommendations, and listen to songs offline. The streaming platform offers ad-free and offline playback of downloaded songs via affordable daily, weekly and monthly subscriptions and data bundle packages following its strategic partnerships with related telecommunication companies.

Pulse/F.K/A.C

Jaypee, Lukay evicted from Big Brother Titans

Entertainment/Tourism

Oluchi Okwuego

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February 5, 2023

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The Big Brother Titans held its second live eviction show, on Sunday, February 5, 2023.

Jaypee and Lukay became the second evictee from Biggie’s house, the two housemates were kicked out of Biggie’s house and told to leave the house immediately.

Recall Big Brother introduced a twist to the show, when he announced that the housemates would be paired up for the rest of the show; hence, if they win, they win together, and if they get evicted, they bid the show goodbye together.

This development has forced Jaypee and Lukay to leave the show together.

Jaypee expressed her feelings about the eviction with co-host Ebuka, the ex-housemate, and said she doesn’t think there was anything she could have done differently to prevent it.

Speaking about his eviction, Lukay opined that his eviction shows that he is a threat in the house and had to be removed quickly.

Pulse/O.O

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