Voice of Nigeria Broadcasting Service

Sandra, Theo Traw evicted from Big Brother Titans

Entertainment/Tourism

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January 29, 2023

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The Big Brother Titans held its first live eviction show on Sunday, 29 January 2023 and two housemates were evicted.

The Sandra and Theo Traw, codenamed ‘Santheo’, became the first evictees for the show’s debut season.

Sandra is Nigerian, while Theo Traw is a South African.

The pair of #SanTheo are the first housemates to leave the #BBTitans house.

Sandra with the energyyy, go shine girl.

Theo Traw the stylish man, may opportunities abound.
Proud of you guys #BBTaitans #BBTitians2023 #BigBrotherTitans pic.twitter.com/FVT1Wfavtr

— BloggersFM (@BloggersFM) January 29, 2023

After the first week of the show, the housemates were paired male and female.

According to Big Brother, the paired housemates were to work together in the house, become Heads of House, and face nominations and evictions together.

Each pair was asked to choose a codename and some pairs coined their group names from merging their individual names.

On the nomination process on Monday, the following pairs were put up for possib/e eviction: Sandra and Theo Traw (Santheo), Tsatsii and Ebubu (Royals), Justin and Yvonne (Juvone), and Nelisa and Yemi Cregx (Yelisa).

The Heads of House, Blaqboi and Ipeleng (Blaqleng), had an opportunity, through their veto power, to save a pair and replace with another.

Blaqleng saved Royals and replaced them with Juicy Jay and Olivia (Juiovla).

After the veto save twist, the four pairs of nominated housemates were Juvone, Yelisa, Santheo, and Juiovla.

Following the votes from the fans, Santheo got the least votes and were evicted from the show on Sunday.

Theo Traw on his exit said, “I didn’t get much from them (housemates) in terms trying to have conversations,” while Sandra said, “I was stepping on toes and cracking necks.”

With Sandra and Theo Traw’s eviction, 22 contestants (11 Nigerians and 11 South Africans) are left to compete for the grand prize of $100,000.

O.O

South-West Youths To Mobilise Votes For Tinubu -APC Chieftain

Politics

Nnenna Okoronkwo

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January 29, 2023

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A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, Mr. Tunji Bello is confident that youth in the southwest will mobilise votes for the party’s Presidential candidate, Mr Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming February 25th elections.

While addressing the youths under the aegis of the Southwest Youth Coordinators Mandate Meeting in honour of Tinubu held in Ikeja, Bello said amongst all the Presidential candidates, Tunubu is best suited to harness the potentials of Youths.

He described the APC candidate as a trustworthy individual that has the zeal and capacity to redirect Nigeria on the right track.

Tunji Bello chronicled his first encounters with Tinubu way back in 1989 and up to the present day, saying he has remained relentless in his effort to ensure that Nigeria becomes a better country.

He said Tinubu remains one of the brilliant minds that the country has produced and is attested from the multivarious achievements recorded during his tenure as the Governor of Lagos State with the revolutionary ideas and achievable policies he injected into the system.

Bello commended Tinubu’s struggle against military dictatorships, adding that he remains a leader endowed with noble ideas.

According to him “The youths in the southwest region and beyond should ensure that they resist any form of nagative pressure and vote enmass for the APC candidate for the party to achieve success in the forthcoming elections.”

Also speaking at the event, a former Nigeria’s Minister for Communication, Dr Adebayo Shittu urged the youths to assess all the candidates without sentiments and discrimination, adding that Tinubu remains the best choice as he has in time past supported activities that returned democracy to Nigeria.

He said all his policies had always been geared to forge unity in the country, saying that Nigeria will enjoy unlimited benefit with Tinubu at the helm of affairs.

Present at the meeting were youths and their Coordinators from all southwest States in the Country.

N.O

Semi-Finals Set For 2023 African Nations Championship

Sports

Chidi Uduma Nwoke

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January 29, 2023

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Voice of Nigeria previews the semi-finals of the 2023 African Nations Championship (CHAN), with hosts Algeria set to take on surprise package Niger while Senegal faces a challenge against Madagascar, as they all battle for the golden crown.

The seventh edition of the CHAN tournament has been filled with surprise results, thrills, fantastic goals and celebrations while showcasing a vast majority traditional attires and cultures by fans in the stadiums from across Africa. The tournament is organised for players that ply their trade in their domestic leagues on the continent.

Algeria Vs Niger

Hosts Algeria will square up against Niger at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran on Tuesday, January 31st 2023, for a place in the 2023 African Nations Championship final.

The Desert Foxes of Algeria booked its ticket to the semi-finals after a 1-0 victory against Côte d’Ivoire, courtesy of a 96th minute penalty by Aimen Mahious. The match produced two red cards for both teams and became Algeria’s fourth 1-0 result in this year’s tournament.

Algeria, who are yet to concede a goal in the tournament, will now face the tournament’s surprise package Niger. The Menas of Niger have had a great tournament in Oran so far, cruising to its first ever semi-final after beating Cameroon and Ghana. They are also yet to concede a goal in the competition so far.

Niger have been based at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran and recorded a goalless draw against Congo, won 1-0 against Cameroon and beat Ghana 2-0 against. They have consistently grown into the tournament.

Both sides will be seeking to progress as the match promises to deliver another day of goal-mouth action in the 2023 CHAN tournament.

Senegal Vs Madagascar

In the other semi-final, Senegal will battle debutants Madagascar on the same day at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki, Algiers for a place in the final.

Five of Senegal’s goals in Algeria have been scored by five different players including Moussa Ndiaye, Ousmane Diouf, Pape Diallo and Lamine Camara. The other was an own goal from Baggio Siadi. Senegal beat Mauritana 1-0 to progress to the semi-finals.

The Teranga Lions of Senegal are now on course to win the treble as they are the reigning champions of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as well as holding the AFCON Beach Soccer title.

Read more: CHAN 2023: CAF increases cash prize by 60%

To achieve that, they must stop the in-form Madagascar whose run of victories at the tournament has inspired the debutants to a historic semi-final place. The Barea of Madagascar beat Mozambique 3-1 to progress.

Madagascar have overcome all odds to earn the respect accorded to a title favourite and have in more ways than one become the ultimate title favourites.

They are fast in attack and have shown that with determination and hard work, impossible is nothing. Madagascar are fearless no matter the opponent that they are up against. They have scored the most goals in the tournament so far.

Madagascar have scored eight goals in three games, while conceding just twice to demonstrate how balanced they are as a team. They will be seeking victory for a chance to write its name in African football history.

Another thrilling encounter beckons between Senegal and Madagascar, as they battle to claim Africa’s golden crown. The finals is scheduled to hold on Saturday, 4th February, 2023.

Follow Voice of Nigeria for more updates…

NNPP Guber Candidate tasks members on unity in Nasarawa

Politics

Nnenna Okoronkwo

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January 29, 2023

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The members of the New Nigeria People’s Party NNPP have been urged to stay united and promote sustainable peace and development for the party’s victory in February and March elections.

The NNPP Governorship candidate Abdullahi Maidoya made the call during a meeting with the NNPP canvass group and other stakeholders at the party’s campaign office in Lafia the Nasarawa state capital.

Maidoya explained that the meeting was to further strategize ahead of next month’s elections.

He, therefore charged members of the party in the state not to relent in mobilizing support for the success of the party.

Maidoya who expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting charged citizens to be law-abiding towards promoting unity for sustainable peace and development.

Meanwhile, a lecturer with the university of Bradford United Kingdom, Mr. Jatau Makama among others commended Yakubu Maidoya for the positive plan he had for the people and expressed readiness to collectively work in the interest of the party.

In a related development, Maidoya and his entourage were at Adams hospital Lafia, to sympathize with Fulani people who are victims of the recent attack in Rukubi, Doma local government area of the state, and promised to offset the hospital bills of the patients.

Yakubu Maidoya, while condemning the attack called on the government to fish out the perpetrators to face the wrath of law.

Maidoya also paid a condolence visit to the leader of the Fulani (Ardo)to sympathize with them over the demise of their brothers.

N.O

Philippines to offer value-added tax refund to tourists by 2024

Business and Tech

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja

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January 29, 2023

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Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos has approved a value-added tax refund programme for foreign tourists by 2024 to attract more visitors, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said on Sunday.

The government collects a 12% VAT on goods consumed within the Southeast Asian country. The plan is to allow foreigners to get a VAT refund on items they are taking out of the Philippines, similar to what many other countries offer.

The measure is among the proposals a private sector advisory council presented to Marcos recently to boost the tourism industry, including improving airport infrastructure and operations and promoting tourism investment, the PCO said in a statement.

Marcos has also approved the launch of an online visa this year for Chinese, Indian, South Korean and Japanese tourists, it said.

The Philippines recorded 2.65 million international visitors last year, who brought in an estimated $3.68 billion in revenue, exceeding its 2022 target of 1.7 million tourists, according to the Department of Tourism.

Last year’s total comprised of 2.02 million foreign nationals and 628,445 Filipinos based abroad, which compared with only 163,879 tourists recorded in 2021 and was still significantly lower than the pre-pandemic annual level of 8.26 million.

The government aims to boost visitor arrivals this year to 4.8 million tourists.

Reuters/Hauwa Abu

We Are Ready To Host President Buhari- Kano Governor

Aisha John-Mark

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January 29, 2023

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Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Gandujr, says the State is ready to host President Muhammadu Buhari on a State visit slated for Monday, 30th January, 2023.

The Governor was speaking to Journalists in at the President’s home in Daura, Katsina State, after he led a delegation of critical stakeholders from the State to meet President Buhari on Sunday.

“We are very much ready to receive him and we have a lot for him to commission including federal government projects and state government projects.

“They are state-of-the-art projects,” he said, when asked whether the state was prepared to host Buhari on Monday.

Ganduje, had in an interactive session with stakeholders in Kano, including scholars, legislators, political leaders and business community revealed that his government had requested the President to postpone the trip, saying that the state was deeply concerned about the hardship principally induced by the ongoing cash swap from old to redesigned notes.

He said the decision was taken to avoid any unforeseen circumstance.

Consequently, the State government wrote a letter to the President outlining the reasons why the planned visit is no longer auspicious at this time.

According to a press statement issued on Saturday by Abba Anwar, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the decision to advised the President against the visit was endorsed by the stakeholders of the State.

Despite Ganduje’s objection, President Buhari had, however, insisted on going ahead with the Monday visit.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by the commissioner for information and internal affairs, Malam Muhammad Garba said President Buhari will commission the 10 megawatt federal government, Kano Grid Solar Power, multi-billion naira Dala Inland Dry Port in Zawachiki, Kumbotso local government area.

He listed other projects to be commission to include Kano state Data Centre at Audu Baki Secretariat, Tier Data Centre and office complex at Galaxy Backbone Limited Project at Ahmadu Bello Way.

The rest are commissioning of Cancer Treatment Centre at Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital, Giginyu; Muhammadu Buhari Road Rotary Interchange at NNPC Station, along Maiduguri Road; Aliko Dangote Ultra-Modern Skill Acquisition Centre, Zaria Road and a Federal Government Housing Units at Gandun Sarki, Darmanawa.

Currency Swap

During Sunday’s visit to Daura, Governor Ganduje also affirmed that he led the delegation to Daura over the issue of the ongoing currency swap and was happy with the assurances they got from President Buhari.

He said: “Seeing is believing. You can see that I have led a powerful delegation from Kano State on the issue of new naira notes and we have seen Mr. President. We have laid the complaints of the Kano people and we are very happy.

“He explained to us and also he assured us that the time is extended and the quantity of new naira (notes) will increase so that the suffering of the people will be reduced.

“We informed him that Kano is the most populous state in the federation and also the commercial nerve centre of the northern part of Nigeria, second to Lagos.”

The Governor added that the State was in short of commercial banks this, the need for intervention.

“In terms of cash transaction, Kano is much higher than Lagos because Lagos has gone far in terms of cashless society, cashless transaction. But Kano State being comparatively a rural state, so to say, still we have 24 local governments without banks. Most of the banks are concentrated within Kano metropolitan.

“So, you can imagine the suffering of the rural areas, rural people in terms of cash transaction. But we are happy that the time has been extended and also the quantum of the naira notes will be increased.

“So, we are so grateful to the President for his effort,” Ganduje added.

IMF Attributes Global Inflation to High Shipping Costs

Business and Tech

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja

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January 29, 2023

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TheInternational Monetary Fund has attributed the current global inflationary pressure to the continuous increase in shipping costs.

In a new report titled “the costs of misreading inflation,” the IMF said as at October 2021, indicators of the cost of shipping containers by maritime freight had increased by over 600 percent from their pre-pandemic levels, while the cost of shipping bulk commodities by sea had more than tripled.

According to the report, as manufacturing activity picked up following extended COVID-19 lockdowns, demand for shipping intermediate inputs (such as energy and raw materials) by sea increased significantly.

At the same time, shipping capacity was severely constrained by logistical hurdles and bottlenecks related to pandemic disruptions and shortages of container equipment.

It further noted that ports around the world lacked workers, who had to self-isolate after testing positive for COVID-19, and public health restrictions prevented truck drivers and ship crews from crossing borders.

It read partly, “While skyrocketing food and energy prices were making headlines, the surge in shipping costs seemed to pass largely under the radar, despite its potential inflationary impact. Our analysis suggests that a doubling of shipping costs causes inflation to increase by roughly 0.7 percentage points.

“Given the actual increase in global shipping costs during 2021, the IMF estimates that the impact on inflation in 2022 was more than 2 percentage points—a huge effect that few central banks would dismiss.”

The global lender said its study showed that the effect of the shipping cost shock on inflation was longer-lasting than the effects of commodity price shocks, peaking after about a year and lasting up to 18 months.

“By contrast, the impact of global oil prices on consumer price inflation peaks after only two months.

“Of course, this average result varies across economies and regions, and it depends on monetary policy frameworks, particularly central banks’ track record of stabilising prices and anchoring expectations, as well as on more structural features such as geography (which affects an economy’s remoteness and dependence on goods shipped by sea).

“Our evidence suggests that the impacts of surging shipping costs are likely to be larger and more persistent in countries with less-anchored inflation expectations and weaker monetary policy frameworks. Lower-income countries and some emerging market economies may be more at risk than advanced economies with established price stability credentials,” the statement added.

IMF/Punch/Hauwa Abu

Sanwo-Olu, Amao, others bag Asian-African leadership awards

Entertainment/Tourism

Oluchi Okwuego

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January 29, 2023

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The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Saturday bagged a leadership award in infrastructural development, conferred on him by the Asian-African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AACCI), Nigeria Chapter.

Dr GD Singh, Chairman, AACCI, during the award presentation said that Sanwo-Olu’s leadership had birthed huge infrastructural growth.

Singh said some of such growth was the construction of the Lekki Deep Sea Port; Lagos Rice Mill, Imota; 18.75 killometres Eleko-Epe rigid pavement six lane expressway; first phase of the 13 kilometres of Lagos Blue Light Rail and the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History among many others.

He said these infrastructural developments had further opened the economy of Lagos to boost its mega city status.

“Infrastructure holds the ace for real development and socio-economic growth in any country and Lagos State in the last three years under the leadership of Gov. Sanwo-Olu has seen tremendous growth in infrastructural development in the state.

“This also has birthed new opportunities and economic empowerment in the state.”

Also, Chief Oluwabunmi Amao, Director-General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), got a leadership award in tourism, arts and culture.

Singh noted that Amao in her capacity had been able to promote the Nigerian cultural heritage through diverse programmes, such as celebrating the diversity of black and African traditional music and many more.

Mr Gboyega Isiaka, a politican and Chairman, Edgefield, got the leadership award in nation building and human development.

According to Singh, Isiaka has managed to stay above greed and corruption that has plagued Nigerian politics.

“Having contested three governorship elections between 2011 and 2019, he has not been involved in any scandal till date.

Mr Michel Deelen, Consul-General, Kingdom of Netherlands, bagged the diplomatic excellence award for support of smallholder farmers in Nigeria.

Mr Abiodun Oluseyin, Chief Executive Officer, Bifarmas Ltd. and Abols resources, got the leadership award in extractive industry.

Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, Chairman, Geneith Pharmaceutical Ltd., clinched the leadership award in pharmaceutical industry and Mr Anamene Levi, Founder, Bace and Eclise Nigeria Ltd., got the award as the most promising enterprise (innovation) in information communication technology.

In his response, Isiaka said, “I am happy to be here and this means so much to me, we will do a lot to promote this chamber within the country because our economy and the nation need chambers like this for economic growth.

“As we prepare toward the electioneering period, I urge all of us to partake in it as it will determine the state of the nation in another four years.”

Earlier, Dr Abolaji Anifowose of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Department of Banking and Finance, Lagos State University, Ojo, urged Africans to invest in knowledge economy index to spur economic growth.

Anifowose said there was need for knowledge transformation in Africa.

He said that the future of Africa now depends on the nature and outlook of its economic vision and the realignment of national institutions to reflect major trends in global and regional economic affairs.

“Africans should follow success models of the Asian cointries like Singapore, Korea and India, these nations transitioned from poor agrarian models to become global leaders in technology, innovation and finance in the space of few years.

“It is high time to realise that it is the time for Africa, as it is now well documented that knowledge created through innovation and technological advancement is critical for long-term economic growth,” he said.

NAN/O.O

New Theatre Commander takes over, General Musa Leads Infantry Corps

Nigeria

Bilkisu Halilu Pai

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January 29, 2023

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The Theatre Command, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in North East Nigeria, has a change of command and leadership as Major General Christopher Musa hands over to Major General Ibrahim Ali at the Headquarters of the North East Joint Task Force In Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital.

This follows the recent redeployment of senior officers and officers across various Theatre of Operations, Formations and Units across the country.

On Saturday 28 January, 2023, Major General Ibrahim Ali took over the mantle of leadership as the 12th Theatre Commander of OPHK from Major General Christopher Musa who is proceeding to Headquarters Infantry Corp Centre as the Commander, Infantry Corp.

Speaking during the Handing and Taking over ceremony at the Headquarters OPHK, in Maimalari Cantonment, the out-gone Theatre Commander, Major General CG Musa expresses his appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya for the opportunity given to him to serve as the Theatre Commander of OPHK as well as for his redeployment to head the Infantry Corps.

General Musa expressed gratitude to all commanders, officers and troops of OPHK for their unalloyed loyalty and commitment in performing their primary responsibilities as well as sustaining the onslaught against the terrorist. This he said brought about the unprecedented and unparalleled successes recorded in the recent past stressing that the victory is for all.

While calling on all officers and troops not to relent in their efforts in actualizing the mandates of the Operations, he pointed out that the country is counting on the all to end the war against insurgency.

He therefore charged them to keep the faith and fight vehemently to ensure all the remnant marauding elements of the terrorists are completely destroyed so that total peace and tranquility will be restored.

He used the medium to charge the troops to accord his successor, Major General Ali the same cooperation, support and determination shown while he was in the Theatre.

The Theatre Commander OPHK, Major General Ali appreciated the out-gone TC for the legacies he is leaving behind and promised to build upon the legacies towards ending the fight against the insurgents. He added that all hands must be on deck to see to the end of terrorism in the North East.

COMMENDATIONS

The climax of the occasion includes the presentation of Commendation letter to LCpl Timothy Yakubu for exhibiting act of gallantry in the recent onslaught against the terrorists which led to the recovery of MRAP, weapons and saving the lives of other colleagues.

Also the signing of the Handing and Taking over notes, decoration of the incoming TC with the OPHK insignia, presentation of Command Flag, inspection of quarter guards and the farewell address to troops as well as brief interview with members of the press.

Present during the ceremony were the Deputy TC, Major General KA Isoni, GOC 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Major General W Shaibu, Sectors and Component Commanders, Principal Staff Officers of HQ TC and 7 Division Nigerian Army.

NDLEA arrests 5 trans-border kingpins with hard drugs in air compressor

Nigeria

Bilkisu Halilu Pai

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January 29, 2023

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Nigeria’s Anti-narcotic Agency, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), has dismantled a trans-border drug cartel operating in different parts of the world.

In a special operation, officials of the agency arrested five leaders of the syndicates where different quantities of hard drugs as well as air compressors used to conceal and distribute them globally were recovered.

A press statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Mr. Femi BabaFemi disclosed that leaders of the cartel which spreads across Dubai, UAE; Cotonou, Benin Republic, Togo, Oman, Thailand and Europe as well as Nigeria, had on Christmas and New Year holidays coordinated efforts to send their illicit consignments to Dubai and other parts of the world.

He said, “their lid was blown open on Thursday 29th December 2022 when their freight agent, Onyeisue Collins Chukwudi was arrested by NDLEA officers at the SAHCO export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA), Ikeja Lagos for attempting to export three big automobile air compressors to Dubai.”

BabaFemi noted that, a follow up operation led to the recovery of additional five compressors at his home at 24 Legacy road, Ayobo area of Lagos with 27.50kgs of skunk taken out of the air compressors after welding equipment were used to cut them open.

Meanwhile, operatives of the agency have seized 2,601.5 kilograms of cannabis and 102,500 pills of pharmaceutical opioids during interdiction operations across Plateau, Edo, Delta, Taraba, Kogi, Kano, Lagos and Adamawa states in the past week.

In his reaction to the special operation and other seizures, the Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Retired Brig. General Mohammed Baba Marwa, commended all the officers involved in the effort, adding that the feat is a confirmation that his warning to drug barons early this year, is a drive to determination and commitment of the officers and men of the Agency to rid Nigeria of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

He charged the personnel across the country to remain steadfast and focused on the corporate goal of the Agency.

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