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Guinea Coup: Moroccan football team safely departs

Nnenna Okoronkwo
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Morocco national football team made it safely home on Monday after being caught up in an attempted coup in Guinea, where they were supposed to play a World Cup qualifier match.

The game has been postponed after a Guinean army colonel seized control of state television and said the government had been dissolved on Sunday. The West African nation was due to host Morocco in the capital of Conakry on Monday.

No new date has been set for the fixture. The Confederation of African Football said the postponement was “to ensure the safety and security of all players and to protect all match officials.”

There were hours of heavy gunfire near the presidential palace in Conakry on Sunday in developments that bore all the hallmarks of a coup d’etat.

Morocco head coach Vahid Halilhodzic said that they could clearly hear gunshots from the hotel where the team was staying.

Suzan O /AFP

Covid Vaccination: Nigeria Seeks Rotary International’s Support

Ime Njoku
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President Muhammadu Buhari says the Federal Government will continue drawing from the expertise, partnership and consistency learnt from the eradication of Polio in the country to strengthen the health sector.

President Buhari, made the remark in Abuja on Monday, when he received Rotary International’s President, Mr. Shekhar Mehta and some officials, at the State House.

He thanked the organization for various interventions in the health sector, particularly putting in $268 million in the fight against Polio.

“Nigeria has benefitted from your kind support, most particularly in the fight against Polio, with a total sum of $268 million provided by Rotary International.  For this, I say thank you.

 “In addition to support provided by Rotary International in Polio Eradication, I am also well apprised of your other health interventions focused at improving maternal, newborn and child health, infrastructural renewal  of health facilities, data management to improve evidence-based decision making, and the area of improving quality of care for patients,’’ he said.

Invaluable Support

The President noted that the support Nigeria had received from multilateral and bilateral partners, including Rotary International for Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage had been invaluable.

Rotary International equally presented an award to President Buhari.

“I also heartily welcome and receive the award you have given in recognition of the efforts of the administration, in collaboration with our partners, leading to the certification of Nigeria, and the entire continent as being polio-free,’’ he responded. Some pictures below:

The President welcomed the Club’s offer of partnership with Nigeria in effective Coronavirus vaccine management and service delivery.

In his remarks, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, commended Rotary International for supporting health care programmes and improving facilities in the country.

Earlier, Mehta said the historic achievement of eradicating Polio in Nigeria was made possible by the leadership of President Buhari, while highlighting the President’s foresight and diligence in taming spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

 “Mr President, thank you profusely for ensuring that Nigeria became polio free. It has been possible only because of your leadership,’’ he said.

Mehta said the charity organization currently had 1.2 million members in 200 countries, emphasizing that the focus of the year 2021 is on empowering girls by ensuring better health, hygiene and nutrition.

The Rotary International President also said the Covid-19 threw up economic and educational challenges, assuring that the organization would continue to support Nigeria in education, including surrogate teaching, and environmental issues. More pictures;

 

 

 

Ime N

 

 

EFCC boss Advocates for Global Action against Financial Crimes

Ime Njoku
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0

The Chairman of Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has advocated collective and collaborative approach by authorities across the world in dealing with the challenges of financial crimes which, he noted, is a global scourge as no nation is spared its virulence.

Bawa was speaking at Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crime, themed, “Economic Crime-Who pays and who should pay?”, organized by the Center for International Documentation on Organized and Economic Crime (CIDOEC), Jesus College, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.

According to him, economic crimes which are largely illegal acts committed for private gain, “affect the vital structures of global economies, causing significant damage to the Global Financial System and depriving developing nations of the needed resources for sustainable development”.

He noted that developed countries are not immune from the scourge, which has “magnified with the proliferation of Cyber-crimes which threatens the stability of Global Financial Institutions.”

Bawa pointed out that new typologies of economic crimes such as the growth of cryptocurrencies, “portray a far greater danger to the world economy, ” as “criminals now elect to transact or receive illegal monies (such as ransom money) for cyber-attacks in Cryptocurrencies with Bitcoin and Ethereum as the most commonly used medium of these exchanges.”

He commended the choice of theme which he said offers a platform to interrogate the challenges of economic crimes.

 “As the victims of crime continue to suffer globally from the effects of financial crimes, either directly or indirectly as part of a social system, the determination of who pays or who should pay becomes a critical measure of the criminal justice system in place,” he said.

He underlined the imperatives of an impartial judiciary in ensuring that “the perpetrators of acts and not the victims pay for their crimes.”

While highlighting some of the transparency and accountability achievements of the Nigerian Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari including enactment and amendment of relevant laws to enhance public accountability and reforms such as Treasury Single Account and the Whistle Blower Policy among others, Bawa pointed out that the EFCC, as the rallying point in the fight against economic crimes in Nigeria, has recorded important milestones in investigations, prosecutions and assets recovery.

The EFFC boss explained that, “Since its establishment in 2003, the Commission has recorded no less than 3,500 convictions and recovered assets of significant value including properties in Nigeria, the UK, USA, and the UAE. All these have measurably contributed to the national efforts against economic crimes in Nigeria”.

Bawa challenged participants to come up with practical solutions to curb the international threat of economic crimes.

The Chairman of the Symposium, Mr. Saul Froomkin, thanked the EFCC boss for his insightful presentation, and the support received from Nigeria in organizing the event.

Participants at the Symposium were drawn from law enforcement and security agencies, accountability institutions and selected stakeholders from across the World.

 

 

 

Ime N

 

UNDP, Nigeria collaborate to create 20,000 jobs

Ime Njoku
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0

The United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, the European Union and the Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the Nigeria Jubilee Program, NJFP, process to provide 20,000 jobs for young Nigerian graduates.

The programme which was launched by President Muhammadu Buhari on the 2nd of September opened its portal today 6th September, calling on young Nigerians to log onto NJFP website application portal for registration.

The aim of the NJFP is to champion home grown Nigerian talent and opportunities by creating a channel between young graduates in Nigeria and industry.

This is to address the employment gap in the country by creating opportunities where young Nigerians can play meaningful part in growing the private and public sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The six weeks registration process will run from today 6th September 2021 to 20th October 2021 after which submission selection and matching to host organization will last for another 12 weeks and accepted fellows would be placed with interested private and public sector organizations.

Applicants for the programme are required to be graduates (Bachelor’s Degree) from any discipline, not lower than Second Class Lower (2.2), not more than 30 years old and have completed the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) or have a certificate of exemption.

 

 

Ime N

Nigerian Government commends traditional leaders’ effort in healthcare development

Mosunmola Ore
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0

The Nigerian government has commended the northern traditional leaders for playing vital roles in the development of primary healthcare in the country.

READ ALSO: COVID-19: Sultan of Sokoto urges traditional Leaders to support vaccination campaign

The Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Faisal Shuaib, gave the commendation at the Third Quarter Review Meeting of the Traditional Leaders Committee on Primary Healthcare Delivery, in Abuja.

He said that the paternal guidance of the traditional over the years has contributed immensely to the modest successes achieved thus far in primary healthcare.

“The first phase of our strategic COVID-19 Vaccine roll out witnessed complete utilization of all available doses of vaccines, due to your support in the sensitization and mobilization of the community for vaccination.

“The second phase which is currently ongoing, would also require our traditional leaders to champion the cause towards vaccination and ensure Nigeria returns to normal living. We encourage you to use your influence to disseminate the right information and dispel any misinformation on the vaccines.

“This achievement is due to the collective efforts of all of you our fathers, steering the boat of leadership to ensure vaccination is widely accepted by all. “. Dr. Shuaib said.

He also said that Nigeria’s wild poliovirus free certification is not under any threat.

” I would also like use this opportunity to once again, appreciate His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, NTLC members and all traditional and religious leaders across the country for the sustained support and continuous mobilization of the community to ensure that we remain WPV free.

He said that the efforts show that the traditional leaders have the interest of their community at heart and are collaborating with the Government in ensuring basic healthcare services are available to the people.

“With the different disease outbreaks that we are currently contending with, it is imperative that our approach becomes more integrated. This is because they are all interwoven. Amidst COVID-19, we have Cholera, CVDPV2 which is as a result of suboptimal routine immunization in some parts of the country. As we conduct outbreak response campaigns, we need to find a way to integrate our responses for efficient utilization of available resources and to enhance confidence in our people. Integration will also enhance our determination to continue to safeguard our wild polio virus free status. Consequently, Your Highnesses, mobilization, sensitization, advocacy and role modelling efforts should target multiple interventions simultaneously“. Dr Shuaib noted.

In his response, the Chairman of the committee and the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, said that the meeting focused on recent health issues affection the northern part of Nigeria.

” We will also be talking about the Cholera outbreak we are experiencing in the north and some spots outbreaks of Missles in some areas”. HD said.

The World Health Organisation Country Representative, Dr Walter Molumbo, commended the traditional rulers for their involvement in the health and wel being of the people.

He said that the meeting is evidence of the The traditional institutions’ commitment to allignining stakeholders support to National policy.

“The role of the traditional leaders in the eradication of diseases are some of the examples that readily come to mind. You are able achieve these results because of your unique positions as traditional leaders and custodians of our society“. Dr. Molumbo said.

He added that it was hoped that the meeting would rekindle the spirit of volunteerism and caring for each other in the community and sustain improved PHC services.

Also speaking on the meeting, the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Mr Peter Hawkins, said that immunization is not only critical to children but adults as well as the COVID-19 vaccination is the way out of the pandemic and to return Nigeria back to normal.

He urged the traditional leaders to continue to use their good offices to encourage the people to get vaccinated.

“Nigeria has a very good immunization infrastructure across the country and an exceptional leadership. In areas with poor sanitation, this excreted vaccine virus can spread to other children. This can actually be good because it then immunizes them. When the strain no longer finds susceptible children, it dies out,” he said.

The country Representative also warned against the dangers of undermining routine immunization.

“The problem occurs in areas of low vaccination. There, such vaccine-derived strains of the virus can continue to circulate as long as they continue to find unvaccinated or otherwise susceptible children. While they continue to circulate, they mutate. Eventually, if they are allowed to circulate long enough, at least 12 months, they can mutate into strains that are strong enough to cause paralysis“. He added.

Also, the Nigeria Vice President of the National Polioplus Committee of Rotary International, Mr. Ndanusa Yakubu, said that the royal fathers have shown immense commitment to the eradication of diseases.

While the representative of the US CDC, Dr Omotayo Bolu, said that the traditional leaders can help in pushing women to take their children out for vaccination and help in reducing the rate of diseases.

Nassarawa Assembly to synergise with government on food security

Nnenna Okoronkwo
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Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources has pledged more collaborative efforts with the state government to boost food production and enhance food security in the state.

The Chairman of the Committee Dr. Peter Akwe, gave the assurance when Managements of the state Ministry of Agriculture and Nasarawa Agricultural Development Programme ( NADP) appeared before the committee for their 2021 Budget assessments today in Lafia.

Dr. Akwe said that the importance of agriculture to human and societal development could not be overemphasized, hence the need for the committee’s continued readiness to support the ministry and NADP to succeed.

” Agriculture is the life wire, back borne of every nation as, without agriculture, life and survival will be difficult.

” Agriculture provides food, employment opportunities and generates revenue to the individual and government among other benefits.

” We will continue to work together with the government to boost food security in the state 

” We will also continue to support your activities to succeed as the majority of our people are fully into agriculture, ” he said.

Peter Akwe urged the management of the ministry and that of NADP to be up and doing in ensuring that they educate farmers on government policy and programs on agriculture for food sufficiency.

The issue of fertilizer distribution to farmers was also brought forward where the committee and the ministry discussed extensively the successes and its challenges.

Meanwhile, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Sunday Emmanuel, and the Programme Manager of NADP, Emmanuel Allahnana,  while presenting their 2021 budget performance appreciated the committee for supporting their activities.

They have also commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule for prioritizing the agricultural sector in the state and called for its sustenance.

The duo, however, appealed for more funding to boost food production and for the overall development of the state.

 

Nnenna.O

South-East Thanks President Buhari For Mega Projects – Governor Umahi

Nnenna Okoronkwo
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0

Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi says the people of the South-Eastern part of Nigeria are grateful to President Buhari for the number of projects his administration is executing for them.

In an interview with State House Correspondents after he visited President Buhari, the Governor said such projects, when completed, will have a great impact on the people of the South-East.

He said: “I came to see the President and thank him very highly for the number of mega projects that he is doing in the South-East.  The second Niger bridge is fast becoming a reality. Each time we visit that bridge location, it is always like a dream and so we the people of the South-East are very grateful to the President for this.

“But I also reminded the President that one of his Cardinal objectives is to integrate into South-East or the state capitals, but in putting together the project through South-East that the capital of Ebonyi state, which is Abakaliki and capital of Anambra state, which is Akwa, were omitted. And I reminded him that the South-East Governors had requested that I write, which I did, but not yet approved to the Minister of Transport, to which Mr. President said he will find out why they were omitted in the first place. I am very hopeful that the President is going to give approval to those two locations. And also the limestone granules to fast track the fertilizer presidential initiative, which has helped the country Nigeria so much in food sufficiency.”

Fertilizer Initiative
He also commended President Buhari for introducing a fertilizer programme that will help the country attain food sufficiency.

“Let me point out that without the effort of President Buhari through this fertilizer initiative and other programmes in the agricultural sector, it would have been a very difficult time for this country. And so that project is supposed to produce a large set of granules to enable us to produce fertilisers to serve the South-South, South-East and part of North Central.

“Mr President has already approved the funds and released them to the Solid Mineral Development Fund. But part of the requirement is that there must be SPV integration or private sector initiative. They have applied to Mr President for approval through the chief of staff. So we had to remind Mr President,” he said.

 

Nnenna.O

Kwara NUJ flags off 5-day digital training for members

Nnenna Okoronkwo
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The Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kwara state Council, Mr. AbdulLateef Hammed has urged Journalists to go digital in their profession, to enable them to work faster and more efficiently.

The NUJ Chairman made the call during a 5-Day Training on Digital Marketing for NUJ members, in collaboration with Mohammed-Ajia Ibrahim Foundation (MAI Foundation), at NUJ Press Centre, Offa Road, Ilorin.

He said that the advent of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) was a blessing, notwithstanding the attendant of negative impacts on the larger society.

Hammed said that the blessings of ICT were more felt in the media industry, as it was used as a watershed and revolution of some sort.

He said that ICT has eased the way information was disseminated instantaneously as it breaks, for the consumption of society.

The Chairman, however, said that journalists appeared not to have totally grabbed the opportunity with open arms, but need to be acquainted and in turn be financially independent, to some extent.

“You would be marveled to still see some of our colleagues with a penchant for writing and reading news stories, from papers in broadcasting stations, when the operation in the industry is becoming paperless.

“For those in print, except you want to jot down, it is just inexplicable for one to be seen still writing on papers, be it feature articles and news stories.

According to him, the time is now, to be digital in our general operation, as ICT makes our work seamless and also helps us to be financially independent.

Hameed urged journalists to also explore genuine and legitimate windows of opportunity that abound in the facility, to wriggle them out of the lingering scarce resources in the media industry.

The chairman said that the ICT consultant engaged in the training would expose the participants to numerous areas in digital marketing, that would stimulate our interest in wanting to go the way of ICT.

“Whether we like it or not, it is the new paradigm away from the micro-culture of our economy, that is oil-driven and heavily dependent,” Hammed said.

He thanked the sponsor and founder of MAI Foundation, for taking it upon himself to put down funds for the exercise.

The state Commissioner for Communication, Mrs. Abosede Buraimoh urged the beneficiaries to make use of the opportunity and build themselves in line with their work and become professionals.

She also thanked the MAI Foundation for their initiative and financial support in making journalists more efficient.

Alhaji Mohammed-Ajia Ibrahim, Sponsor and Founder of MAI Foundation said that the foundation had carried out activities that involve human development and wish to extend the kind gesture to journalists.

He urged journalists to maximize the opportunity and be able to compete with other journalists around the world, through learning how to use the internet.

According to him, the training programme will open the minds and broaden their horizons towards diversification of their profession as the world is fast becoming an ICT-driven world.

Meanwhile, the 5-day training programme has commenced with journalists from various chapel’s participating in courses such as Digital Marketing, User Interface/ User Experience and Web Experience.

 

 

Nnenna.O

Ex-France International Dies After Almost 40 Years In Coma

Chidi Uduma Nwoke
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Former France defender Jean-Pierre Adams has died aged 73 after almost 40 years in a coma, his former club Nimes announced on Monday.

Adams made 22 international appearances in the 1970s for France. He was admitted to hospital for knee surgery in March 1982 but never regained consciousness after an error with his supply of anaesthetic.

Born in Senegal, the defender made more than 140 appearances for Nice and also played for Paris St-Germain.

“We learned this morning of the death of Jean-Pierre Adams,” Nimes wrote on Twitter, extending their “sincere condolences to his family.”

 

Chidi Nwoke/Nimes.

Ogun State moves to curtail outbreak of Gastroenteritis

Mosunmola Ore
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0

The Ogun State government says it has stepped up efforts to curtail the recent outbreak of gastroenteritis in Magboro, Ofada Ward of Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state.

READ ALSO: Minister advocates urgent response to Cholera out break 

This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, in a statement on Sunday.

She said that the reported case of the outbreak is predominant among okada riders and scavengers in the area.

” The index case who was reported to have returned from a trip outside the state had been linked to the source of the outbreak, while the common public toilet used had been the channel of transmission.

” The causative agent cannot be confirmed yet because appropriate sample could not be collected as there were no active case yet to commence antibiotics.

“A number of people are currently receiving treatment to control the number of casualties,” the statement read.

The Commissioner also noted that an unregistered clinic run by a quack had also contributed to the outbreak, as the cases were being managed unreported.

Dr. Coker, however, said a treatment centre has been set up at the Magboro-Akeran Health Centre where treatment items have been made available by The Department of Public Health, Ogun State Ministry of Health.

She added that neighbouring communities have equally been sensitised on steps to take and where to seek care or report any suspicious cases, while the suspected public toilet had been sealed for sanitisation.

Traditional rulers in the area, according to Coker, have also been engaged for their support in keeping their communities safe and calm, while healthcare workers continue active surveillance in the affected community.

MTO/The Sun

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