Voice of Nigeria Broadcasting Service

Dangote Group invests in Kaduna, Ogun states trade fairs

Business and Tech

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February 6, 2023

As part of strategies to expand market share and reach more customers, the management of the Pan-African conglomerate, Dangote Group has announced its partnership with Ogun and Kaduna states Chamber of Commerce and Industry to stage this year’s International Trade fair with a promise to invest more in Nigeria’s economy.

Subsidiaries under the Group will feature prominently at the two fairs which kicked off at the weekend in Kaduna state and Abeokuta, Ogun state, respectively.

President Muhammadu Buhari declared open, the Kaduna Trade Fair at the weekend with a charge to the people and businesses to make use of the opportunities offered by the fair.

Meanwhile, the Ogun state trade fair organised by OGUNCCIMA wash formally declared open on Monday by the state Governor, Dapo Abiodun.

President Buhari represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Muhammad Mahmud Abubakar, commended Dangote Group for its contributions to national development and dedicated the Kaduna fair to the Group.

While declaring open the Fair, a symbolic Dangote truck, assembled by the Dangote Sinotruck West Africa Limited was presented to the President as a mark of commitment of the Dangote Group to the economic development of the nation and Africa as a whole.

Companies from the group that are exhibiting at the fair include Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, NASCON Allied Industries Plc, makers of Dangote Salt and seasoning and Gata Tradingss and Dangote Sinotruck West Africa Limited.

The Group Chief, Branding and Communication Manager, Anthony Chiejina assured visitors to the group pavilion thatat both fairs will have the opportunity of buying products of the companies at reduced prices, saying there will also be free samples of the products for the visitors.

Chiejina said the two trade fairs are coming at an opportuned time as dealers of the various products are afforded an opportunity to stock their shops noting that the companies under the group had embarked on some strategies as part of the plan to stay above competition in the industry, by constantly meeting the needs of the consumers and the distributors.

He assured the distributors and customers that the company will always strive to meet their expectation and will keep improving on its quality, in line with international standard and also make it available at pocket friendly prices.

It would be recalled that Mr. Chiejina, in a statement recently, said Dangote Petroluem Refinery will be commissioned before President Muhammadu Buhari leaves office in May 2023 while Dangote Cement Plc. signed an agreement with China’s Sinoma International Engineering to build a new Six million tonnes per annum cement plant in Itori, Ogun state, south west Nigeria.

Mr. Chiejina encouraged guests, customers and dealers to visit Dangote stand at the fairs to buy products and for intending distributors to register with the group subsidiaries.

Obafemi Martins’ Son Signs First Professional Contract

Sports

Mosunmola Ore

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February 6, 2023

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Retired Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins’ son, Kevin Mauss- Martins, has signed his first professional contract at Italian Serie A club Monza.

Monza announced that Kevin had signed his first professional contract at the club which will last till June 2024.

Kevin’s father Obafemi Martins had an excellent career. He played in the Serie A for Inter Milan, in the Premier League for Newcastle United, in the La Liga with Levante, Bundesliga with Wolfsburg before moving to the United States of America and China in the twilight of his career.

Martins took to social media to share his excitement.

“Congratulations my son, I’m so proud of you. I wish you a long and successful career at Monza,” Martins wrote.

Kevin, who operates as an attacker joined the AC Milan academy before switching to Inter Milan in 2018. He then rose the ranks before switching to Monza.

It was reported that despite his father’s nationality, Kevin has played for the Italian under-15 team and has a goal to his name after three games.

Kevin can still switch to play for Nigeria.

House may reconvene if CBN fails to address currency swap hardship – Speaker

Bilkisu Halilu Pai

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February 6, 2023

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The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has said that the House would have no option but to reconvene before the February 25 elections if the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), fails to address the hardships Nigerians face due to the currency swap policy.

The speaker said the House would continue to monitor the CBN’s implementation of the policy closely following the Green Chamber’s meeting with the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, on the issue.

Speaking during a town hall meeting with some ethnic groups in Surulere, Lagos state on Sunday, Gbajabiamila said he was on the verge of signing an arrest warrant against Emefiele following his initial failure to appear before an ad hoc panel of the House.

“The House of Representatives intervened on several occasions. We summoned the CBN governor the first time and again, but he refused to answer, because we had many hard questions for him.

“It was until I issued the threat of warrant of arrest before he came and I would’ve signed that warrant; it would’ve been the first time in the history of National Assembly that a CBN governor would be arrested. I would’ve done it.

“Many have argued on the independence of CBN, the autonomy of CBN. That does not make CBN above the law. The constitution gives the House the power to issue an arrest warrant against anyone, we can summon anybody, and that was exactly what the House was going to do until the CBN governor came.

“So, we are watching, and we are monitoring very closely. If need be, we will reconvene the House, even though we’ve all been away for our elections. I will call the House back, if need be.”

Gbajabiamila also said that amidst the ongoing hardship, the presidential candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has identified with Nigerians and faulted the implementation of the policy at this time, which necessitated the extension of the deadline for the collection of the old currency.

“On the currency swap, let me explain something to you. We are all very intelligent people. Many are suffering, we have paid your salary and you cannot withdraw it; people cannot eat, what kind of thing is that?

“But I have news for you. There’s one man who is running for president of this country and that man has courage and audacity. This man came out boldly and identified the problem, that the fifth columnists, in cooperation with the PDP are the ones trying to sabotage this election.

“Many have said he’s talking about Buhari, but he told them ‘no, I’m not talking about Buhari; I’m talking about fifth columnists.’ If you don’t know the meaning of fifth columnists, go and check your dictionary. Fifth columnists infiltrate people, they even infiltrate families, otherwise how do you explain this type of policy?

According to the speaker, the president, being a compassionate person has asked for a few more days to look at everything that is going on and see if anything could change.

He prayed that things will change but assured of the House intervention if there are no changes.

“So, you have the tale of two presidential candidates: one who stands with the people and says this currency swap must stop; the second one says,’ no, it cannot stop, it’s a good policy. CBN, don’t listen to him. Let the people continue to suffer.’ I leave the rest to you to determine who is with you and who is against you,” the speaker concluded.

Elections: Senator Ekwunife Calls for Issue-based Campaigns

Politics

Amaka Nliam

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February 6, 2023

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The senator representing Anambra Central District, Senator Uche Ekwunife, has called on politicians to focus on issue-based campaigns, evidence of performance, track record and vision for masses instead of indulging in fabrication of lies in an attempt to weigh opponents down.

Reacting to what she termed “Sustained Propaganda And Fake News” targeted against her campaign organization, she described purveyors of such act as lacking the capacity, goodwill and acceptance to occupy public office.

The lawmaker who is seeking for re-election to represent the senatorial district under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) spoke through a press statement issued by her media aide, Kingsley Ubani in Awka, the Anambra state capital.

She underscored the importance of shunning hate speech and other forms of negative media indulgences by political office seekers so as not to overheat the polity, but play by the laid down rules.

While urging media organizations to resist the temptation of being used to misinform the public, she described her three and half years of superlative performance as a federal lawmaker as eventful and impactful on the lives of her constituents.

‘Anyone who is aware of my record understands that the relevance, influence and acceptability I enjoy today stem from my ability to touch the lives of people using instruments within my disposal both as a citizen and public office holder.

‘Since my entrance into politics, I have remained a force to be reckoned with and a rallying point for Nigerian women who are usually written off in politics,’ said the lawmaker.

Senator Ekwunife, who is chairman, Senate Committee on Science and Innovation, noted that during her campaigns and events, she concentrated on how to consolidate on the achievements recorded, urging the electorate to disregard repeated fake, fallacious and malicious statements attributed to her on the issue of preferred presidential candidate.

Edited by Amaka E. Nliam

Anambra gov’t takes proactive measures to prevent flooding

News Feature

Kamila Bello

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February 6, 2023

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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.

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