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FCTA allocates over N3.7bn to Area Councils, Stakeholders

Business and Tech

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja

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January 27, 2023

The six Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory and other stakeholders have received the sum of N3,736,184,845.78Billion as their share of statutory allocation for the month of December, 2022.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu presided over the 173rd Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), meeting held in her office.

The minister, expressed satisfaction over the minimal increase in the revenue allocation for the month of December, 2022.

However, a breakdown of the figures released during the JAAC meeting indicate that the sum of N1,437,399,379.33bn was made available for distribution to the six area councils, while the sum of N2,298,785,466.45billion was made available to other stakeholders, bringing the total sum to N3,736,184,845.78billion.

Similarly, distributions to area councils shows that the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), received N323,239,942.32million, while Gwagwalada got N221,096,886.83million and Kuje received N254,790,015.02million.

Other area councils include, Bwari Area Council which received N216,913,836.02million, Abaji got N214,107,803.45million while Kwali received N207,250,895.69million, bringing the total sum to N1,437,399.379.33billion disbursed to the six area councils.

Critical Stakeholders

On the other hand, distribution to other critical stakeholders include: Primary School Teachers which gulped N1,927,095,222.79billion, 15 percent Pension Funds took N226,478,989.57million, One percent Training Fund gulped N37,361,848.46million, while 10 percent Employer Pension Contribution gulped N107,849,405.63million, bringing the total sum to N2,298,785,466.45billion.

Those present at the 171st Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting include the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, Mandate Secretary Area Council Services, Hon. Ibrahim Abubakar Dantsoho, and FCT representative in Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Mallam Abubakar Hussain.

Others include the chairman Abaji Area Council, Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi, Chairman of Kwali Area Council, Hon. Danladi Chiya, Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, Hon. Christopher Zaka, Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Hon. John Gabaya, Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Hon. Abdullahi Sabo, Vice Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Saidu Abdullahi, amongst others.

Nigerian Government charges NigComSat to boost Revenue

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January 27, 2023

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Nigeria’s Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami has tasked the management and staff of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) on a new Key Performance Indicator to transform and boost the agency into an opportunity-driven entity of revenue generation.

He said this will enhance its capacity to strive in the fast growing Nigerian Digital Economy sector.

The Minister gave the charge in Abuja, the Nation’s capital at the one day Ministerial Retreat organised by the Federal government for the Management and Board Members of NigComSat.

The retreat was tagged:Management for 4th Industrial Revolution(4IR)and Exponential Growth

Professor Pantami noted that it was counter productive for the Government to pay the salaries of agencies with capacity for revenue generation.

“It’s selfish of me to be defending payment of salaries to you,; government cannot continue to pay salaries of revenue generating agencies and companies. Nigcomsat must come up with new strategies to increase revenue generation.”

Speaking further he said, the Oronsaye report only recommended non performing government agencies or companies for merger or scrapping.

“The Oronsaye report simply recommended retainer, merger, and scrapping based on performance. Government cannot think of scrapping or merging an agency or company that is performing but rather, government will support it at all times,” he emphasised.

Thhe Oronsqye report was from the audit of government agencies set up by the government.

He urged the staff to give the board and management the needed support to make NigComSat a self sustaining government company. “I hope you will assist the board and the management to bring about the desired change.”

Pantami cautioned the company not to exploit customers in their bid to increase revenue as it will kill the goal of Customer Centric goal . “Customer centricity is all about exploration and not exploitation of customers.”

The Minister therefore explained the aim of the retreat.

Re-Engineering NigComSat
The aim of the retreat was to think out of the box and revive the company and make it self-sustaining, the minister added.

The Chairman, Governing Board of NigComSat, Yusuf Kazaire in his remarks stated the need to embrace the industrial revolution.

“This is the 4th industrial revolution which builds on the foundations of the first three revolutions namely the steam engine, the age of science and mass production and the rise of digital technology .

“While most of the developing world like Africa is still grappling with the 3rd revolution, the rest of the world has moved on to the 4th revolution that has brought the need for new skills in both management and leadership.

“We cannot wait until there are massive dislocations in our
society to prepare for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

The Managing Director of NigComSat Lawal Funtua said, the resources and the market is there for NigComSat to explore.

“We have the resources all we need to do is to be customer centric. So that next year when the Minister is giving a score card of the ministry: NigComSat will be visible.

“The satellite market in Africa and Nigeria in particular is large enough and NIGCOMSAT cannot be left out. The launch of NigComSat 2 will further boost our confidence and strengthen the market.

“On this note, may l also welcome the Board of Directors of NIGCOMSAT Ltd. While we all rub minds on the way forward for our dear company, I assure you that my doors are open, even as we also prepare for our own meeting next month.”

He used the opportunity to call on the Minister to promote an enabling act to fast track the NigComSat vision for the future.

“More importantly, l wish to appeal to the Hon Minister to, before leaving office facilitate an enabling ACT through the national assembly that will not only protect but position us on the pedestal to realise the organisation’s vision.”

NIGCOMSAT is a key player in the Nigeria National Broadband Plan (NNBP 2020-2025) as published by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and launched by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The forum, thus, highlighted the mandate and contributions of NIGCOMSAT Ltd as a national digital economy service infrastructure providing satellite communication solutions to an array of customers.

VP Osinbajo commiserates with Governor Sule over son’s death

Nigeria

Peace Piak Kanu

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January 27, 2023

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Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has commiserated with Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, over the death of his 36-year-old son, Hassan who died on Thursday.

Prof. Osinbajo expressed his condolence when he visited the country home of Governor Sule in Gudi town, Nasarawa State.

He was received by Governor Sule and the Governors of Kebbi and Borno States; Atiku Bagudu and Babagana Zulum.

The Emir of Lafia was also at the condolence event at the palace of the Sarkin Gudi, Alhaji Sule Bawa, alongside other traditional rulers.

“This is a very tragic and sad day indeed for me, as I am sure it is for all of you here in Nasarawa. I want to say to my brother, the governor, and to members of the family as well as your Royal Highness and all those who are here to condole with him, that we pray the Almighty God will comfort him and members of the family. We pray that God who gives and takes will have mercy on him, the family and on all of us.”

On the recent tragic loss of citizens after an incident on the borders of Nasarawa and Benue States, the Vice President said “I also want to condole with you, your excellency, and your Royal Highness, on the tragic occurrence of the death of several citizens of this State a few days ago.

“This is very terrible and tragic thing indeed. I express my sincere condolence and that of the Federal Government of Nigeria. I pray that the Almighty God will comfort this State even as we await the outcome of the investigation going on.”

The Emir of Lafia, who is the chairman of the State Traditional Council, thanked Prof. Osinbajo for the visit and standing with the people of the State at all times, noting that as the Madugun Jihar Nasarawa, he (the VP) remains “Our captain in the course of our journey.”

According to the Emir, “Mr Vice President, you are a friend indeed, you are always here for us, I cannot say of any moment that you are not there for us, in good times and in low times like this.

“This is the act that God has made, we have no right to question Him. It came at a time when the State itself is in a state of tragedy, the tragedy that the magnitude cannot be quantified. I was with the governor throughout since we got the news of the tragedy, we have not slept, making sure that law and order is maintained in the State.”

He noted that the people of Nasarawa State will always stand with the VP both in and out of office, noting that “We are your friends in office, we will remain your friends even after office. We will continue to pray for you. I have said it before you and behind you, that you are one of the greatest that God has given this country.”

Other dignitaries present during the Vice President’s visit besides the governors and the Emir of Lafia, were the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Emmanuel Akabe and the Emir of Awe, HRH Isa Umar II, among other top government officials and traditional rulers.

The late Hassan was buried on Friday morning in Gudi, Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

PIAK

Joint Task Force: Sector Commander assumes duty in Yobe State

Nigeria

Peace Piak Kanu

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January 27, 2023

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The Headquarters of Sector 2, of the North East Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) located in Damaturu the Yobe State capital on Friday 27th January witnessed the assumption of duty of the Sector Commander, Major General Lander Saraso.

This follows the recent redeployment of senior officers across Nigerian Army Formations.

The Commander was conducted around various troops’ locations within 27 and 29 Task Force Brigades by the outgoing Sector Commander.

The outgone Commander, Major General Koko Isoni appreciated the officers and men of the Sector for their support, loyalty and commitment throughout his tour of duty.

General Isono sued for even greater support to be accorded the new Commander to enable him to carry out his assigned task of securing the Sector 2 Area of Operational Responsibilities without hitches.

He noted that the change came at a very critical time when the nation is inching towards the conduct of the 2023 General Elections and therefore urged troops and units under command to remain dedicated to their duties and avoid any form of crime and misconduct.

General Isono further expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya for giving him another opportunity to further continue in the service of the motherland as he was appointed and redeployed as the Deputy Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI.

The new Commander Sector 2 JTF NE OPHK Major General Lander Saraso while appreciating the efforts of the outgone Commander in the area of operations and infrastructural developments, promised to continue with the good legacies. He equally assured officers and men of the Sector of his zeal to build upon the successes recorded by his predecessor.

PIAK

Congo, World Bank launch Digital Acceleration Project

Africa

Hauwa Mustapha

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January 27, 2023

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The view of a cybercafé is commonplace in The Congo, Gloire Ness a 21-year old from Bacongo in Brazzaville managesa small business.

On a daily basis, he has to deal with issues ranging from blackouts to poor access to Internet.

“The difficulties primarily from the Internet connection. Customers often say it’s a little slow. It’s not the quality we want. Still you’ve got to deal with it anyway.”

In order to positively impact at least 2 million Congolese, the Digital Transformation Acceleration Project was launched, Local authorities took out a multi-million-dollar loan to fund it.

The World Bank contributed 100 million dollars for a five-year period.

“The World Bank is pleased to contribute to the financing of this strategic pillar as part of its Digital Economy initiative for Africa, which aims to support countries in their digitalization efforts,” Franz Drees-Gross, the Director of Infrastructure in the World Bank’s Africa West region said.

The project aims to ramp up the government’s ability to providing more efficient digital public services and to increase access to Internet for underserved populations.

The community aspect includes what are called “dead spots”, that is to say areas where economic operators, based on their specifications, are not bound to provide band with coverage because it is not profitable for them.

“Therefore, the State, which has the obligation to provide universal service, must ensure the connectivity of all citizens,” project coordinator Francis Seck Mangouani explained.

The Digital Acceleration Project launches as another one is currently being deployed.

For several years now, the Congo has been trying to improve its interconnection with other countries in the sub-region, notably Gabon, Cameroon and the Central African Republic.

africanews

Railway Corporation suspends Abuja-Kaduna Train services

Nigeria

Peace Piak Kanu

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January 27, 2023

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The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has suspended the Abuja Kaduna Train Service temporarily after confirming the derailment of its train on the Abuja -Kaduna rail track.

In a statement signed by the NRC, Director of Operations, Mr Niyi Alli, the AK3 and KA4 experienced disruption as a result of the derailment of KA4 at Kubwa station in Abuja.

“The Board and Management of Nigerian Railway Corporation regrets to inform the general public, particularly our passengers of AK3 and KA4 of today 27th January 2023 that the disruption experienced on our Abuja Kaduna Train Service was as a result of the derailment of KA4 at Kubwa station.”

Mr Alli further disclosed that there was no casualty recorded and apologised to passengers whose planned trips were affected by the incident.

“The NRC rescue team has mobilised to the site to re-rail the rolling stock and repair the track.”

The Director of Operations also assured passengers that additional Operational Measures are being introduced nationwide to ensure safe train operations.

PIAK

Court Disqualifies Labour Party Senatorial Candidate In Anambra State

Politics

Nnenna Okoronkwo

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January 27, 2023

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The Federal High Court 1, Awka in Anambra State, presided over by Honourable Justice H. A. Nganjiwa, on Friday, disqualified Chief Victor Umeh from contesting in the February 25, 2023 Senatorial election for Anambra Central.

The court, in a 3- hour judgment which was described by legal practitioners as “erudite”, disqualified Umeh on the grounds of noncompliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act as it concerns the membership status of one to contest a party primary.

The court noted that there was no evidence that, the resignation letter by Chief Umeh to the leadership of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was actually received by the party.

Hence his name was still in the register of members of APGA as at September 30, 2022,when he was said to have contested the party’s primary.

And that his (Umeh’s) name was not in the register of members of Labour Party (LP) as at June 3, 2022, date of the primary election of LP.

The court, therefore, declared null and void the publication of Umeh’s name as a candidate earlier by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as he failed to comply with the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act and the LP constitution.
The court also declared the publication null and void and of no effect.

Justice Nganjiwa further issued an injunction restraining Umeh from parading himself as Senatorial candidate of LP.

The injunction also prevented the LP from accepting or presenting Umeh as her candidate.

The court ordered, amongst others, as follows:

That INEC should delete the name of Chief Victor Umeh as the candidate of Labour party in Anambra central senatorial zone from lost of candidates for 2023 General Elections.

That INEC should not print any ballot paper with Labour party’s logo in Anambra central senatorial zone.

That Labour party should no longer introduce Chief Victor Umeh as the candidate of the party for Anambra central senatorial zone for February 25 general elections.

That Chief Victor Umeh should no longer organize or attend any campaign as the candidate of the Labour party in Anambra central senatorial zone.

That Umeh should no longer parade himself as candidate of Labour party for Anambra central senatorial zone.

That Chief Senator Victor Umeh is still a member of APGA and not a member of the Labour party and cannot contest election on the platform of the party.
The court also stated that the list of Labour party members who filled Umeh’s nomination form showed that they signed the form less than 30 days to the Labour Party primaries which violates the electoral act.

With the judgement, Umeh is completely out of Anambra Central Senatorial Zone as the Court of Appeal will possibly not deliver judgement before February 25,2023.

N.O

Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ Hit New peak on Billboard Hot 100

Entertainment/Tourism

Oluchi Okwuego

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January 27, 2023

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The song “calm down” by Afrobeat superstar Rema has ascended a new height on the Billboard top 100.

This week, Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ remix feat Selena Gomez continues its fine showing on the chart as it reaches a new peak position of No. 35, on the Billboard Hot 100.

The international smash hit moved up 3 places from its NO. 38 position last week as it extends its stay on the chart to 20 weeks.

US Afrobeats Songs Chart: Rema extends his stay at the top of the chart to 21 weeks as it continues to lead Afrobeats songs in the United States.

The top 5 remain unchanged with Libianca’s ‘People’ retaining the 2nd spot, Tems’ ‘Free Mind’ remaining at NO. 3, Burna Boy’s ‘Last Last’ staying at NO. 4, and Wizkid’s ‘Essence’ retaining the 5th spot.

CKay’s ‘Love Nwantiti’ and Fireboy’s ‘Peru’ remain at NO. 6 and NO. 7 respectively thus extending their stay on the chart to 44 weeks.

However Ayra Starr’s ‘Rush’ moves up two places to NO. 8 while Oxlade’s ‘Kulosa’ drops to NO. 9, and Burna Boy’s ‘Alone’ drops to NO. 10.

Pulse/F.K

Venita Gets signed into Hollywood Based Pan-African Company

Entertainment/Tourism

Oluchi Okwuego

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January 27, 2023

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A Nigerian actor, reality Tv star and influencer, Venita Oghenekevwe Akpofure, has recently been announced by the management and staff of BSK STUDIOS, the mother company of BSK STREAMS, as the first brand ambassador of the company.

BSK STREAMS is a multi-functional streaming platform where you can enjoy multiple services including: MOVIES, 24 HOUR NON-STOP RADIO BROADCASTING, LIVE STREAMING OF YOUR FAVOURITE CONCERTS/EVENTS and much more. With its headquarters based in Maryland USA, BSK STREAMS is set to project PAN-AFRICAN content globally.

Set to launch summer 2023, subscribers will have access to content such as movies, tv shows, podcasts, and documentaries.

Subscribers also can switch to the live radio station where you can listen to non-stop music and radio shows from top radio DJs who bring the best of afrobeat sounds. BSK’s live streaming of events will be a dream come through for our subscribers. Any afrobeat event, anywhere in the world, you’re unable to attend will be streamed live to you on our platform. Making you feel like you are right there at the venue!

“Our goal is to take pan-African culture and entertainment to the world with our newly signed brand ambassador and others that will be joining us soon”.

Pulse/F.K

Currency Swap: Kano Governor, Clerics Seek Extension Of Deadline

Business and Tech

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja

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January 27, 2023

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Kano State government has called on the CBN to extend the deadline for the exchange of old Naira notes for the newly redesigned currency in the country.

A group of religious leaders at a stakeholders meeting in Kano noted that non availability of the redesigned naira notes has crippled economic activities in Kano state the most populous state and the second biggest commercial center in Nigeria.

A statement by Malam Hassan Fagge, the Chief press Secretary to Kano state governor, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna stated that the stakeholders meeting also had in attendance the Governor of the State, Dr.Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his deputy and APC Gubernatorial Candidate Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna.

Malam Fagge said that the meeting noted that economic activities have been paralysed in Kano due to hardship caused by the shortage of the new Naira notes.

According to him, the meeting urged President Muhammadu Buhari to “out of his magnanimity to consider the suffering caused to people of the State due to the shortage of the new Naira notes and myand extend the deadline set by the Central Bank of Nigeria.”

Others in attendance at the meeting which held at Government House on Thursday are Dr. Gawuna’s running-mate Murtala Sule Garo, the Kano APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas and the Islamic Clerics

Hauwa Abu

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