Voice of Nigeria Broadcasting Service

Senate projects better food security in 2021 last quarter

Nnenna Okoronkwo

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September 13, 2021

Senate has urged Nigerians not to despair over the threat of food insecurity due to the challenges facing the country in the last year.

Addressing Journalists on the state of the nation on Monday, Senator Abdullahi Adamu expressed optimism that the hope of food availability & supply has been brightened by substantial rainfall, & the government’s programmes geared towards increased food production.

Senator Abdullahi Adamu is the chairman senate committee on Agriculture, & he is representing Nasarawa West senatorial district in the 9th National Assembly.

He believes that the challenges occasioned by the covid-19 pandemic, banditry, & recession, were already being addressed by the government to ensure better days for the citizenry in the last quarter of 2021.

In another development, Senator Adamu has called for closer collaboration between the political elites of the northern & southern parts of Nigeria ahead of the 2023 elections.

Describing as unconstitutional, the idea of zoning to determine which region of the country produces the next President, Senator Adamu insisted that such arrangement will not portend any good for the growth & development of Nigeria.

Nnenna.O

FCT Minister lauds Judiciary for strengthening democracy

Nigeria

Nnenna Okoronkwo

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September 13, 2021

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCTA), in Nigeria, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello said Nigerian Judiciary, since the return to democratic rule, has lived up to its responsibilities and adjudicated many landmark cases that have further enriched our jurisprudence, entrenched the rule of law and deepened the democratic ideals of our country.

The Minister gave this hint in his goodwill message at the maiden edition of the Court of Appeal Legal year and Justice Retreat on Monday in Abuja.

Malam Bello said, this innovation undoubtedly signifies the preparedness and determination of the Court to discharge its responsibilities to the nation and people of Nigeria.

He pledged the administration’s continuous cooperation with the judiciary in the discharge of their responsibilities to our dear country.

Bello further stated that “as we confront various social, economic and political problems that stand between us and our goals of building a strong and virile nation, the role of the judiciary in ensuring that we meet our desired objectives has become more profound.

“There is however no doubt that the men and women that sit on the bench will always, rise up to the occasion and ensure that we remain on the path of growth and development.

“The past year has been quite challenging for us in the FCT and indeed the country, due to the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic which tasked us in many unprecedented ways.

“Containing the pandemic in the FCT involved the active participation of virtually all arms of the government alongside several government and non-government organizations.

“It must however be mentioned that the role of the judiciary especially with the use of the mobile court system ensured the enforcement of pandemic rules and guaranteed that we were not overwhelmed”.

He, however, congratulated the President of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem for the first Court of Appeal Legal Year.

Nnenna.O

VP Osinbajo, wife, others attend stage show ‘Awo’

Entertainment/Tourism

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September 13, 2021

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Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, wife, Dolapo who is also the grand-daughter of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. and the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday attended a stage show, “Awo” which was held at Glover Memorial hall, Marina, Lagos.

The play, “Awo the Man, His Jewel and…” written by Mr Makinde Adeniran and packaged by Duke of Shomolu Productions was a celebration of the life and times of late Awolowo and his wife, Dideolu.

Copiously choreographed, the play intended to examine the meaning of leadership, narrating the history of a man devoted to humanity. It is an enactment of the interplay of factors in Nigeria’s struggle for independence with the late Awo as focus.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in his remarks, said he was proud of the work and its significance to Lagos.

“Let’s bring history, culture, entertainment and theatre back to Lagos,” he said.

The governor also added that Awolowo was imprisoned at Ibeju-Lekki, saying that it was his blessings that led to the massive development currently being witnessed in Lekki.

Segun Awolowo, a grandson of Awolowo and Executive Director, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, applauded the script writer and producer for a wonderful performance emphasizing he was captivated with the musical effects in the play.

Also Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, said that people were brought back to life through musicals, drama.

Commending the producers, writer, the musicians and the entire crew, he said the late nationalist was brought to life through the show.

According to NAN reports, Makinde Adeniran, director and writer of Awo, told newsmen that the intention was to begin to reengineer the system of leadership.

“One of the things that we all can testify to today is that Nigeria needs to relearn leadership. So, we chose the person of Awo, representing those old figures,” he said.

P.E/L.O/NAN

Minister Kicks-off 2nd Round Polio Vaccination In FCT

Health

Mosunmola Ore

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September 13, 2021

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The Minister of State, Nigerian Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, has kicked off the second round of the Administration’s outbreak response to the circulating polio virus in the Federal Capital Territory.

The minister who performed the exercise at the Area 2 Primary Healthcare Centre, Garki Abuja vaccinated two new born babies as the chief vaccinator, just as she urged mothers to take the vaccination seriously and ensure proper hygiene.

“We urge all mothers to come out and vaccinate their babies, because we want polio to be kicked out or eradicated, and we want the status to be maintained. I know mothers are the most excited people in the world especially with a new born baby. However, follow all the processes as directed by medical personnel.

“Also be reminded that the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over, therefore keep observing all the protocols by wearing your face mask and keeping physical distancing. I am happy you are all wearing your face mask, keep doing that even in market places,” Aliyu cautioned.

The minister assured that FCTA would participate in the October National Immunization Plus Days when under 5 children in the FCT and the 36 states of the federation would have another opportunity to be vaccinated with the potent novel oral polio vaccine.

Aliyu, however, commended WHO in supporting the teams with logistics, Unicef supports in advocacy, communication and social mobilization, while charging the area councils to expand the reach.

The Acting Secretary of FCT Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Iwot Ndaeyo, said the first round was conducted in the 5 area councils of Abaji, Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Kuje and Kwali last month, August, 2021 and all are due for the second round in the month of September, 2021.

He also stated that the first-round report showed Abaji, Kwali and Bwari performing well and passing the end process evaluation at first test, while Abuja Municipal and Kuje area councils had to undertake mop-up exercises to meet the required coverage and eventually passed the end process test.

Met Gala 2021 returns in September

Entertainment/Tourism

FELA OLAGUNJU

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September 13, 2021

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Few more hours till The 2021 Met Gala aka fashion’s biggest night of the year’s events scheduled for September 13th.

The events which typically holds annually on the first Monday in May, returns on September 13th as a smaller, more intimate affair than in years past. After been was canceled last year, and postponed to this September, due to COVID-19.

While it may look a little different this year, there will still be a red carpet filled with fabulous fashions and celebrity sightings.

With the fashion “Super Bowl” having never been aired on TV, Vogue will be in charge of live-streaming the event on Monday evening.

Vogue announced that the first live red carpet coverage in the Met Gala’s history would be hosted by actor and artist Keke Palmer and writer and director Ilana Glazer.

During the live stream, both hosts will be interviewing several designers and high-profile celebrities as they arrive on the iconic Met Gala red carpet.

This year’s theme will be a nod to American fashion under the title “America’s Independence”. As at every Met gala, there will be a lot to watch out for, with a lot of red, white and blue looks to be expected, while stars will be the main decorative element.

However, the 2022 Met gala will return to the traditional date of the first Monday in May.

S.I/VOGUE

2021 Hajj: FCTA refunds N432m to 334 intending pilgrims

Nigeria

Ime Njoku

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September 13, 2021

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The Authority of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory, through it’s Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, said it has refunded N432 million to 334 intending pilgrims, who indicated interest in collecting their 2021 Hajj Fare deposit due to cancellation of pilgrimage for international pilgrims.

The Director of the Board, Mallam Muhammad Nasiru DanMallam, made the disclosure at a news conference on the refund of deposits to intending pilgrims by the organisation on Monday, in Abuja.

He explained that before the Hajj cancellation, the board had registered 1,714 intending pilgrims who had indicated interest to perform the religious obligation through the board in 2021 Hajj.

” These numbers include those who rolled over their deposit from the already cancelled 2020 Hajj. Following the cancellation, the board communicated to the intending pilgrims who may have wished to collect their deposit to indicate interest and get a refund.

” As such, the board has as at Friday, Sept. 10, 2021 refunded the sum of N432 million only to 334 intending pilgrims who have indicated interest to collect their deposit.

” The board made the refund without any deductions and the exercise is ongoing,” he said.

The Director, however, said that not all the remaining 1,380 intending pilgrims have paid the minimum deposit of N1.5 million as instructed by NAHCON.

He further explained that those who deposited below one million Naira could not be captured in the central data base provided by the regulating body against Hajj 2021.

” Therefore, the board advised those that deposited below the minimum amount to migrate from the accustomed method of payment for Hajj seat to the Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS) initiated by the NAHCON to enable intending pilgrims pay for hajj at their own convenience.

” The Hajj Savings Scheme gives them a better chance of gradually completing their payment for Hajj seats and participating in future pilgrimages.

” However, those who have deposited up to the minimum deposit of N1.5 million and intend to rollover their deposit to 2022 Hajj will surely get priority if it turns out that Hajj will take place and FCT gets enough slots for cater for them all.

” But those intending pilgrims should also note that their chance of getting the seat will depend on the number of Hajj slots allocated to the FCT by NAHCON and after having fully accommodated the rolled over depositors.”

DanMallam stated that the board would not collect fresh deposits from prospective intending pilgrims until it received 2022 Hajj allocation from NAHCON and have fully accommodated the rolled over depositors.

Ime N

Nigeria’s Court of Appeal seeks review of Judges salaries

Nigeria

Ime Njoku

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September 13, 2021

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The President of the Court of Appeal, in Nigeria, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem has urged the executive arm of government to review the salaries of judicial officers in the country.

According to her, salaries of judicial officers have been stagnated for over ten years.

Justice Dongban-Mensen made the appeal in Abuja, the nation’s capital, during the opening of the 2021/22 Court of Appeal Legal Year.

She noted that the salary structure for judicial officers and staff in Nigeria have consistently ranked poorly when compared to that of their counterpart in other African and Commonwealth countries.

The appellate Court President said that the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), who is the Head of the Judiciary in Nigeria, as at today takes home N279, 497 as monthly salary, while his brother justices on the Supreme Court bench go home the sum of N206,425.

Justice Dongban-Mensem said as President of Court of Appeal, she receives the sum of N206,425, while other justices on the bench of the Court of Appeal, go home with N166,285 every month.

“I implore the government of the federation and states to urgently review the salaries and allowances of judicial officers and staff.

“The salaries of justices are static with no graduation as in the civil and public service. We have been on one salary grade for over 10 years now.

“May I also call on government to increase financial allocations that will enable us to introduce technical innovations that would improve adjudication”, she said

She further urged the federal and states governments to live up to their obligations under the implementation of financial autonomy of state legislature and the state judiciary order, 2020, known as Executive Order 10.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has assured that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, will review the welfare of judicial officers generally to ensure greater efficiency

He also appealed to the Court of Appeal to maintain the sanctity and credibility of the Court and to ensure that the sacred integrity reposed in them remain unshaken at all times in order to foster and promote public confidence in all their judgments.

Ime N

Nigeria, International Community, unite against attacks on schools

Ime Njoku

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September 13, 2021

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Nigeria and the International Community have presented a united front in the fight against incessant attacks on education institutions, globally.

This follows the resolve to make schools safer and more conducive for teaching and learning.

This was disclosed in Abuja when the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Arc. Sonny Echono, received a delegation of the Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Knut Eiliv Lein, the UNICEF Country Representative, Peter Hawkins; among others.

The delegation visited to follow-up on the preparations being made to host the 4th International Conference on Safe Schools Declaration, SSD.

Echono revealed that adequate plans are underway to successful host the event despite COVID 19 challenges.

In his remarks, the Norwegian Ambassador who commended the arrangements being put in place by Nigeria stated that his country is standing by to lend support towards the success of the Conference.

He added that as a co-host, Norway is concerned about the welfare of foreign participants, (Covid -19 protocols), security measures being put in place, as well as the venue.

The Ambassador who commended Nigeria, being the first African country to host the conference, enjoined the Permanent Secretary to inform Norway on areas it needs assistance.

The UNICEF country representative, Peter Hawkins identified security as the major concern of his organization.

The Conference will focus on the best measures and strategies to make teaching and learning environments more conducive and safer.

Nigeria will host the International Conference on Safe Schools Declaration, SSD between 25th to 27th October, 2021.

And the conference will draw participants from all over the world.

Ime N

Minister Tasks NCC on Speedy Implementation of 5G policy

Ime Njoku

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September 13, 2021

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The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami, has urged the Nigerian Communications Commission , NCC, to prepare for immediate and effective implementation of the Fifth Generation technology ,5G policy.

This Followed the approval of the National Policy on 5G technology deployment in Nigeria by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday, 8th September.

The Director, Public Affairs, NCC,Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde in a statement disclosed that the Minister gave the order when the Management of the Commission, led by its Executive Vice Chairman Professor Umar Danbatta, paid him a courtesy visit in his office at the Communications and Digital Economy Complex, Abuja.

According to Pantami, with the approval of the 5G national policy, which was a product of extensive and wide consultation, “the next big task ahead of the Commission is to begin immediate implementation to push forward the country’s march to increased digital transformation of the economy.

The Minister, who also commended the Commission on the launch of its Strategic Vision (Implementation) Plan (SVP) 2021-2025, the ‘NCC Global Connect’ podcast and compendium of EVC speeches and presentations, added that the SVP would be a veritable vehicle to give the needed impetus to the implementation of the 5G plan.

“The NCC needs to ensure total implementation of the SVP. We should try to have timelines and ensure to deliver on them.

Developing the Vision Plan is commendable but ensuring diligent implementation is even more important. So, the EVC should commit to total implementation of the SVP,” the Minister said.

On the podcast, the Minister said, as a digital communication channel, “I see it as important because we need more sensitisation. We need to reach out to citizens and create awareness about our regulatory activities, change certain perceptions and counter some conspiracy theories against technologies and many more. The podcast is one of the best ways we would be able to achieve this,” he said.

Speaking earlier, Danbatta said the purpose of the visit was to “appreciate the Hon. Minister for his immense support and active role during the recent launch of three projects by the Commission; and to commend him for the important role he played in securing the final approval of the 5G national plan by the Federal Government.”

While describing the Federal Government’s approval of 5G national plan as “a development of unprecedented and profound historical significance to the Commission, telecom industry and other economic sectors,” Danbatta assured of NCC’s determination to diligently implement the 5G plan for the overall socio-economic benefits of Nigeria.

The NCC Boss was accompanied on the courtesy visit by senior Management staff of the Commission.

They include the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Adeleke Adewolu; Director, Legal and Regulatory Services, Josephine Amuwa; Director, Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management, Felix Adeoye; Director, Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde; and the Director, Human Capital and Administration, Usman Malah.

Ime N

KWARA JOINS STATES WITH FARM ESTATES, DONATES 100 HECTARES LAND

News Feature

Hauwa Mustapha

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September 13, 2021

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Kwara state in North Central Nigeria is the latest state in the country to commence the development of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority’s Integrated Farm Estate which is aimed at achieving food security and creating job opportunities for youth and women in rural communities in Nigeria.

The farm estate in Kwara is located on a 100 hectares land in Agbeyangi Community in Ilorin East Local Government Area of the state and it targeted at engaging over 2000 farmers in farming activities and animal husbandry, the estate after completion is expected to generate millions of Naira annually.

The Executive Secretary of NALDA, Prince Paul Ikonne while addressing residents of the community, highlighted NALDA’s plan for the farm estate saying it would be one of the biggest in the cultivation of yam, cassava and maize and a portion of the land would be reserved for goat, rabbit and grass cutter rearing, processing and packaging.

“We are here to inspect and accept officially the 100 hectares of land donated by this community for NALDA’s integrated farm estate which the president mandated us to develop in all the senatorial zones to achieve food security and create Job”

“The contractor has done a very good job in clearing the provided land and the community as well is willing and ready, to be engaged in this commendable landmark of the federal government. This also has afforded us the opportunity to educate the community that this project belongs to them.”

Prince Ikonne noted that the farm estate would also boast of an irrigation system that would enable all year round farming, saying the project would engage not less than 2000 people in the various sections of the farm.

“This will empower the youth and women. The desire of the President is to ensure that our youths are engaged and attracted into agricultural business. Everything that is needed to start this farm is available,

” We will have all year round production. We will produce enough first for the community to have enough to eat, then it goes out to the state then to other states, the benefits are beyond the community.

FARM ESTATE NOT RUGA

On the fears being expressed in some quarters that the Integrated Farm Estate being established in the country is same as the infamous proposed Ruga system the NALDA boss said project is aimed at achieving food security and has nothing to do with Ruga as it is community based.

“This project is not for political reason the president because of his passion wants to achieve food security before leaving office; he does not want to leave Nigeria the way he inherited it, so he wants to use agriculture to reduce unemployment.

“It is something that every community that has land should key into for their benefit, you can see that the place is opening up, it can no longer be a hiding place for criminals when there is development there is hope for the people.” He said

He urged communities to key into the project, saying “the project is not supposed to be used for politics or to distract people from getting involved, rather am encouraging every community to key into it like this community has keyed into it”.

Ikonne noted that if a state does not show interest no matter how willing the community is to give the land, it will be difficult for Federal Government to come in.

He said that with the presence of the Farm Estate in the community, it would first develop the community, create jobs for the people, increase their incomes through agriculture, and increase the GDP such that their standard of living would improve greatly.

VISIT TO COMMUNITY HEAD

Earlier the NALDA boss and other officials visited the palace of the traditional head, the Alangua of Agbeyangi, Aliyu Baba, to brief him of NALDA’s activities and how it would benefit the members of the community.

Responding on behalf of the community, Mr Mohammed Abdulkadir said the land was donated to NALDA by Agbeyangi and Eleyode community so that can be put to use for the benefit of the community and by so doing, end poverty, unemployment, food insufficiency, disease and insecurity from the community and other communities in kwara state.

He said a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed to activate the implementation process of the project.

According to him, the land provided for the project is a plain terrain with rich soil with potential to access surface and subterranean water supply to galvanize all forms of agricultural practices slated for the achievement of the project’s development objective.

“This community promises its cooperation with the government through the NALDA in areas of providing protection for the plant and equipment to be installed to ensure its success.”

Residents of Agbeyangi Community were seen jubilation as they chant songs and dance celebrating the dawn of a new day.

Hauwa Mustapha

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