SUBSCRIBE
SUBSCRIBE
Try "researchers"
Home Blog Page 2698

Presidency reacts to Benue State Governor’s claims

Mercy Chukwudiebere
-
0

The Presidency has expressed disappointment over recent remarks made by the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, against it.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu made the Presidency’s position known in a statement he issued on Thursday night.

Governor Ortom, had alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari was working for the Fulani tribe to take over Nigeria.

He made the allegation on Tuesday while reacting to the recent killing of residents allegedly by herdsmen in parts of the Benue State.

Shehu said it was unfortunate to hear the Governor say unpleasant things about the person of President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration.

He said: “The President expresses his condolences to the families of our dear citizens who lost their loved ones in the recent spate of killings in Benue State.

“Furthermore, he states that the rising levels of incidents, especially the killings and violence in various parts of the country calls for further collaboration with security agencies to curb its recurrence.

“He also states his disappointment and sadness to hear Samuel Ortom, the Governor of Benue State make a litany of accusations against his person and his government of following the recent unfortunate incidents in the state.”

He noted that no government rejoices over the death of its citizens because every life matters.

“No responsible government takes pleasure in such events as the killing of the military and that of innocent citizens taking refuge in an Internally Displaced People’s camp. President Buhari is deeply pained by the terrible acts of violence happening not only in Benue State but also in other parts of the country and expects that the law enforcement agencies will go to every possible extent to catch the perpetrators of these heinous acts and bring them to justice.

“The lives of fellow citizens should not be desecrated by deploying them in political diatribe which unfortunately appeared to be the intent of the string of emotional attacks and blame laid at the doors of the President for those killings by Governor Ortom. President Buhari took an oath to defend the life and property of every citizen, a duty he takes seriously and is committed to ensuring.

“Those citizens regardless of their affiliations, who either incite, sponsor or are proven to be abettors of these atrocities will face the law squarely and be answerable for their crimes against our fellow citizens and nation,” he said.

Shehu emphasised on the unity and diversity of Nigerians, saying attempts to divide Nigerians along ethnic or religious lines should be jettisoned.

“President Buhari continuously stresses that the strength of our country lies in our diversity in faith, culture, and traditions and attempts to sharpen the divide between northern and southern Nigeria, between Muslims and Christians, and between communities that have coexisted for centuries should be frowned upon and resisted. As Nigerians, we accuse colonial rulers of the policy of divide and rule. Today, it is our own leaders who put region against region, religion against religion, ethnic group against ethnic group and community against community.

“The future of Benue State and indeed that of the entire country lies in harmony and the respect for law, order, and the constitution. It is the only way to achieve progress and development,” he said.

The Presidential Spokesman assured citizens of adequate security of their lives and prosperity.

Shehu said; “While the President will continue to keep security, Police and the Armed Forces on their toes to be on top of their act in troubled parts of the country, the situation in the states will greatly be helped by everyone working together because that is the foundation on which progress and prosperity can be achieved.

“Benue under the Ortom administration ought to cooperate with the Nigerian Government in the implementation of a number of national strategies programmes in addressing underlying issues militating against peace, progress and development. This can still get done when the interest of the people is placed above all other interests. A government voted into office by the people, should treat the people as its masters and not as its servants.”

 

 

Mercy Chukwudiebere

Indonesia extends charity to Nigerian Community

Mercy Chukwudiebere
-
0

The Indonesian Embassy in Nigeria has expressed it’s readiness to strengthen bilateral relation with Nigeria, in the areas of Education, Security, Economy, Transportation and other sectors for the benefit of both countries.

The Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Usra Harahab stated this in Abuja, where he distributed items such as Rice, Indomie, sophagatte, and other food items to students and parents of the Local Government Education Authority L.E.A Normadic Primary School Lugbe and Aso estate Normadic Primary School Airport Road Abuja.

Ambassador Harahab called on parents to pay special attention in providing quality education to their children as the only way to protect their rights and assist community to develop.

”Education is the best legacy that parents should invest in their children to support their community,” Ambassador Harahab said,

“Indonesia will continue  supporting Nigeria in it’s fight against poverty, unemployment and in it’s quest to address lingering insecurity and other forms of criminality “.

The wife of the Ambassador and the leader of the distribution group, Mrs. Nenny Harahab said, women, girls and children are most affected by unfavourable condition in the society hence they need their rights to be protected for socio-economic development in any nation.

The head teacher of Aso  L.E.A Primary Normadic School, Mr. Kenith Addinga, urged governments at all level in Nigeria to prioritise policies and programmes that would boost the Education sector, provide conducive atmosphere of teaching/ learning and easy access to all citizens.

The National Coordinator of Ibn Raji Educational Foundation, Mr. Bakare Quasim, lamented on some of the challenges of the school which include; lack of permanent teachers, education materials for children among others.

Nigeria and Indonesia established diplomatic relation since 1976.

 

Mercy Chukwudiebere

Insecurity: Finance Ministry counters military claims of insufficient funds 

Mercy Chukwudiebere
-
0

The Federal Ministry of Finance has countered the claims of the military that underfunding was a major factor responsible for the rising cases of insecurity in Nigeria.

Consequently, the Senate Committee on Army has summoned the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, the Director General of the Budget Office, Professor Ben Akabueze and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru to appear before it next Tuesday to explain details of the funds so far released to the Nigerian Army to tackle insecurity, from 2019 till date.

According to the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties in the Ministry of Finance, Aliyu Shinkafi who appeared before the Committee showed that a total of N197.84billion had been released to the military authorities from 2019 to date.

Shinkafi  said; “The sum of N75billion was appropriated and released in 2019 while additional N7billion appropriated from the service wide vote was also released 100 per cent. 

“The sum of N2.5billion was also released in 2019. In 2020, N75billion was appropriated but N74.99billon was released. 

“In the current year, N100billion had been appropriated and we have released N19.4billion for the first quarter. Just yesterday (Wednesday), we released N19.95billion for the second quarter…I believe that we are on course as far as releases for these operations are concerned.”

Letter from Defence headquarters
However, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Ali Ndume, brought out a letter from the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor where he said that the military authorities complained that they had shortfall as far as releases from the Ministry of Finance was concerned.

“The letter from the Defence headquarters on the funding of Operations Lafiya Dole is claiming that they have a shortfall of N50billion in terms of releases and requested us to do a follow up on the matter,” Senator Ndume stated.

On the contrary, the Permanent Secretary insisted that all the amount appropriated to fight all forms of insecurity had been released.

It was at this point that the Committee Chairman asked the Ministry officials to come with details of the releases at Tuesday’s meeting.

Senator Ndume had expressed disappointment that the Minister shunned the invitation of his panel despite the importance of the issue at stake.

In his words, “Honestly, we are not happy that the Minister of Finance is not here today despite the fact that she was duly invited and she knew the importance of the issue we invited her to discuss with us.

“There is nothing that is more important that she could be attending to than the serious problem of insecurity all over Nigeria at the moment. We were blaming the military but the soldiers are claiming that they have no equipment, arms and ammunition to work with because there was no money to buy them.

“We have invited the Minister now to explain why her Ministry was not funding the operations of the Army and she is not here. This is not acceptable.”

 

 

Mercy Chukwudiebere

NAF evolves strategies to meet changing security environment

Nneka Oyibo Ukachukwu
-
0

Operational unit commanders of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) converged in Abuja for a three-day retreat to evolve new strategies in view of the ever changing security environment.

The Director Public Relations and Information, NAF Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet said the retreat which commenced from April 27 to 29, 2021 had as its theme, ‘Harnessing NAF Airpower Capabilities for Effectiveness in Joint Operations.’

Gabkwet noted that at the three-day event, operational commanders and some retired personnel acting as resource persons were able to critically scrutinize current efforts by NAF as well as proffer new strategies towards improving the current security challenges in the country.

He said “key areas of deliberation centred on operational, logistics as well as engineering efforts by relevant units towards enhancing operational effectiveness of the NAF”.

Appraisal
In his opening address, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, reiterated that the retreat was aimed at appraising NAF’s current state of effectiveness and efficiency towards contributing to the enhancement of national security as well as in dealing with current and emerging security challenges facing the Nation.

He noted that the Service faced several militating challenges but the onus lies on the NAF to work through those challenges and evolve the best operational strategies to achieve the desired results.

Synergy
Amao also stated that the NAF must look for areas of synergy with sister Services and other security agencies whilst leveraging each other’s capabilities to secure the Nation.

The CAS reminded commanders of their responsibilities to the nation as a fighting force, saying that a huge burden of responsibility has been placed on the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the NAF in particular by the Nigerian people to secure and ensure their security and safety.

According to him, “We cannot afford to let them down. We must therefore use this period of introspection to evolve strategies to improve our operations as well as enhance our logistics support systems and maintenance practices to ensure the serviceability of our air assets for optimal employment of airpower capabilities in joint operations”. 

He also disclosed that the retreat no doubt provided an avenue for the NAF to critically analyse its activities, achievements and challenges in order to enhance the capacity of commanders and potential commanders in the NAF.

Winging of new pilots
As part of the retreat, four newly trained pilots comprising two fighter pilots and two combat helicopter pilots, who recently completed their trainings in United States of America were winged.

The winging of the pilots as ascribed by the CAS marks a glowing testament of NAF’s commitment towards, “enhancing and sustaining critical airpower capabilities required for joint force employment in pursuit of our national security imperatives”. 

He also disclosed that the Service cannot effectively and efficiently employ airpower if there was lack of sufficient number of well-trained aviators and support personnel, hence the importance the Service attaches to the winging of the young pilots.

He revealed that a total of 233 officers and airmen/airwomen were undergoing training courses overseas which cut across several specialties and trades.

“Out of this number, about 35 are student pilots undergoing various stages of training at Czech Republic, USA, United Kingdom and South Africa. All these are aimed at maintaining combat readiness at significantly higher levels to counter both domestic and foreign threats to the Nation’s security and wellbeing”, he said.

While congratulating the young pilots on their winging, the CAS urged them to be relentless in pursuit of excellence and professionalism as operational pilots, while working with their colleagues across other specialties in the Service.

He advised the pilots to remain committed to the successful execution of “our constitutional role of defending the territorial integrity of our dear nation.”

The CAS also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his unwavering commitment to the development and enhancement of the Armed Forces.

Training
The Chief of Training and Operations (CTOP), Air Vice Marshal James Gwani disclosed that two of the winged pilots had completed the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) at United States Air Force training facilities in Mississippi and Texas while the other two went through the Basic Military Helicopter as well as Mission and Tactics Training at United States Army Aviation Flight School, Fort Rucker and Western Army Aviation Training Site, Arizona, United States.

He expressed optimism that the inclusion of the four pilots into NAF’s pilots’ corps would no doubt boost the strength of Service especially as the NAF will soon be inducting new platforms into its inventory.

The winging ceremony and the retreat were attended by several serving and retired NAF personnel pooled from across the nation.

 

Nneka Ukachukwu

Nigerian Exchange Group: Market capitalization rebounds by N355 billion

Amaka Nliam
-
0

After two days of consecutive losses at the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), the market capitalization of equities rose by N355 billion to close at N20.651 trillion as against N20.296 trillion on Wednesday.

 

In the same vein, the All-Share index increased by 679.72 points or 1.75% to close at 39,461.20.

 

A total of 270.681,776 shares worth N2.03 billion were traded in 3,897 deals on Thursday.

 

The market sentiment also closed positive, ending with 24 gainers and 17 losers. Fidson Healthcare led the gainers with N0.48k price appreciation to close at N5.28k.

 

It was followed by Julius Berger Nigeria with N1.90k price gain to close at N20.90k, then Ekocorp, which gained N0.50k to close at N5.90k.

 

On the other hand, Computer Warehouse Group topped the losers’ list after losing N0.25k to close at N2.29k, followed by Mutual Benefit, which lost N0.03k to close at N0.37k; First Bank Nigeria Holdings lost N0.50k to close at N6.90k.

 

First Bank Nigeria Holdings recorded the highest volume of 51.5 million traded shares followed by Transcorp with 42.7 million shares.

 

Out of the five indices tracked, two closed in green, while the rest moved in mixed directions:

 

The Insurance index rose by 1.36% and the Industrial index rose by 3.58%. On the other hand, the Consumer goods index fell by 0.22%, while the banking index fell by 1.35% and the Oil and Gas index closed flat.

 

Amaka E. Nliam

Ogun State Governor commissions 10.25km industrial road

Nneka Oyibo Ukachukwu
-
0

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commissioned the 10.25km Lusada Junction-Igbesa-Ogun Guangdong FTZ Road, a project undertaken via a Public-Private Partnership.

He also turned the sod for the reconstruction of the Atan-Lusada-Agbara Road, with a promise that the road will not be abandoned.

Ease of doing business
Flagging off the 19km Atan-Lusada-Agbara Road, Abiodun said the commencement of rehabilitation work on the road would impact positively on the ease of doing business along the industrial corridor.

The Governor said the road will be completed in 15 months and though the road, which is part of the Sokoto-Badagry Expressway, belonged to the Federal Government, his administration decided to embark on the reconstruction of the road in order to give succour to the residents and industries along the axis.

The governor assured that all roads leading to industrial areas and farm settlements in the state will be prioritised to boost economic growth and development.

“No doubt, today’s twin event of turning of sod of Atan-Lusada-Agbara road and commissioning of the Lusada-Igbesa road is part of our administration’s commitment to provide infrastructure in order to continue to open up our border communities along the axis. 

“It is in fact, an assertion of our strategic and deliberate approach to reposition all our industrial hubs in our dear state. And no doubt, Ogun West, especially the Agbara Industrial Estate, which is one of the biggest industrial estates in Nigeria remains key to the development of Ogun State. 

“In this direction, the completion of Atan-Lusada-Agbara, which is expected in the next 15 months, will go a long way towards improving the quality of life and advancement of commerce in Ogun West and other industrial hubs in Ogun state.

“And I am very optimistic that, at completion, this Atan-Lusada-Agbara Road will not only improve ease of doing business in this area but bring a wholesome development to the entire Ogun West District”, Abiodun stated.

Construction and rehabilitation of roads
Abiodun, who reiterated that his government would not develop any part of the state at the expense of another, disclosed that over 172 kilometres of road had been constructed while 120 kilometres had also been rehabilitated across the length and breadth of Ogun State within two years of his administration.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government for the prompt approval of the request for the transfer of the rehabilitation, reconstruction and maintenance of Atan-Lusada-Agbara road to the Ogun state.

He, however, urged the residents along the axis to take charge of the project, disclosing that the youths in the area would be gainfully engaged during the construction of the road.

Inclusion in 2022 budget
Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Adamu Aliero assured the Ogun State Government that the committee would ensure that the reconstruction work on Atan-Lusada-Agbara road is included in the 2022 appropriation bill.

The Senator noted that the Abiodun-led government had thought it wise to reconstruct the federal government road because of concern for the people of the state.

He described the initiative as a symbol of good governance which must be appreciated while urging the governor to ask for reimbursement from the government at the centre upon completion of the project.

“This road is a Federal Government road; because of concern you have for your people you decided to embark on the reconstruction of the road due to its economic value, not only to the state, but to the country. This is what good governance is all about. 

“I want to urge you to ask for reimbursement from the Federal Government upon the completion of this project. This project is much more important to Ogun State and by extension Nigeria. I appreciate you for this initiative; it is a right step in the right direction for the benefit of the country.

“We’ll give the necessary support to ensure that this project is included in the 2022 budget”, Aliero stated.

Commendations
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, lauded the governor for taking the bold step to rehabilitate the industrial road, assuring that his ministry would continue to collaborate with the state in the areas of trade and investment.

In their respective remarks, Senator Olamilekan Adeola and a former senator who represented Ogun West at the National Assembly, Akin Odunsi, expressed their delight at the decision to reconstruct the road after years of abandonment.

The events were attended by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo; Chairman, Senate Committee on Works and former governor of Kebbi State, Senator Adamu Aliero; Senator representing Lagos West and Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Olamilekan Adeola; Senator Ayo Akinyelure, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and Senator Michael Nnachi among other dignitaries.

 

Nneka Ukachukwu

Magajin Garin Sokoto buries Mother

Mercy Chukwudiebere
-
0

The remains of Hajiya A’ishatu Bello, has been laid to rest, at the historic Hubbaren Shehu, in Sokoto, according to Islamic injunctions.

She was the eldest daughter of late Premier of the defunct Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello (Sardauna of Sokoto) and the Mother of the Magajin Garin Sokoto, Alhaji Hassan Danbaba, the Chairman, Board of Directors, Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority(SRRBDA).

Hajiya Bello, 75, died on Friday, April 23, 2021, in Dubai Hospital, after a prolonged illness.

The Senate President, Dr Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, said that the deceased lived a good and decent life .

“Death is one of the phases in our lives and all mortals must taste it. Her death is a national loss.

” We will miss her forever as she was a proud Mother to all Nigerians ,” Senator Lawan said.

Her funeral prayer was conducted at Sultan Bello Juma’at Mosque, Sokoto, after the Zuhur prayer and it was led by the Chief Imam of the Mosque, Sheikh Malami Liman Akwara.

It was attended by a  mammoth crowd of muslim faithfuls,  including the Senate President, Dr  Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, Senate Leader, Dr Yahaya Abdullahi; Senators Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Ibrahim Gobir, Danjuma Goje,  Abubakar Shehu Tambuwal and Senator Garba Ila Gada.

Others were Governors;  Maimala Buni of Yobe State,  Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto, Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, former Deputy Governor, Ahmad Muhammad Gusau, former Deputy Governor and Executive Secretary Police Trust Fund, Alhaji Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, the eldest son of the deceased , Alhaji Hassan Danbaba, Wazirin Sokoto, Professor Sambo Junaidu, Sokoto State Acting APC Chairman, Alhaji Isa Achida and his executives, as well as the Secretary to the Sokoto State Government, Alhaji Sa’idu Umar.

Others were: Ambassadors Sahabi Gada, Shehu Malami, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal and retired General  Aliyu Gusau, former Vice Chancellor, Usmanu Danfodiyo University,  Sokoto and now an INEC National Commissioner, Professor Abdullahi Zuru and Vice Chancellor,  Sokoto State University, Professor Muhammadu Sani Dangoggo, among other numerous top government functionaries, lawmakers, politicians and businessmen, traditional and religious leaders, from within and outside Nigeria, who also paid their last respect to the deceased.

She was the wife of the Chairman of the defunct Northern Nigeria Housing Corporation and one of the members, who  represented Sokoto Province at the House of Representatives in the 1960s, Alhaji Ahmad Danbaba, Marafan Sokoto.

She is survived by five children and a younger sister, who is the last daughter of the late Premier and wife of the late Marafan Sokoto, Alhaji Umaru Aliyu Shinkafi.

Among her children is Magajin Garin Sokoto, Alhaji Hassan Ahmad Danbaba and the wife of Ambassador Shehu Malami, Sarkin Sudan.

 

 

Mercy Chukwudiebere

 

JAMB introduces USSD code for Examination registration

Nneka Oyibo Ukachukwu
-
0

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has introduced a USSD code for the easy conduct of 2021 Matriculation examinations.

The Registrar JAMB, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, said that the creation of a USSD code is meant to further simplify registration process for the 2021 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Oloyede said the USSD code which would be launched on Friday would help candidates get their codes just by dialing *55019*1*NIN#.

According to him, “we came together as a team to proffer solution by creating a USSD code which will start functioning from Friday April 30. The USSD code would be available to students who are yet to send their NIN number to the number requested; they can send the USSD code which consists of *55019*1*NIN# and then get the Pin needed for further registration.”

Oloyede said before the USSD, the registration was seamless but attributed hitches to errors by parents and candidates.

While visiting some registration centres in Lagos, he was able to troubleshoot issues for some candidates.

He said there was a N50.00 charge to get the code after candidates send their NIN as SMS to 55019.

Challenges
Many students received error messages because they had no airtime or did not input the NIN with required spacing between the numbers.

“Some of the students didn’t know that after you have sent the code with a number at first then the number would be registered. So if he or she attempts another number it won’t go unless they resolve the issues with the number and then attempt again with the registered number. The Pin will then be generated for the registration process”, Oloyede said.

Solution
“We have an open ticket on www.jamb.com so the student could also check for the reasons why the NIN number isn’t been processed with their phone.

“If there are problems we will know because we are also receiving the company of the process on the database of the JAMB,” he said.

Warning to Parents
Oloyede accused parents of causing some of the problems by not allowing the candidates to register by themselves.

According to him, “many parents input the wrong data on behalf of their ward then claimed the process was not working, while on the contrary candidates were registering successfully on daily basis”.

More Students Registered
According to the data on the JAMB website, 11,296 candidates had registered.

No Fake Admission
The JAMB registrar debunked claims on social media that the admission process at the University of Ibadan was fraught with fraud.

He said the University was the most compliant in the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) set up by JAMB.

“The fake story on social media concernimg admission malpractices in the University of Ibadan was false allegations.
We have checked thoroughly and monitored the process. So far the University of Ibadan has been the most compliant. The complaints are false”, he stated.

Zero Tolerance for fraudulent practices
Professor Oloyede assured that if candidates are picked up for examination malpractices and if institutions are caught in the act, thorough investigations will be conducted and security agencies will be brought in to prosecute offenders and the University.

APNews/Qasim

 

 

Nigeria switches on Free Digital TV in Lagos 

Mercy Chukwudiebere
-
0

Nigeria has taken the Digital television experience to the commercial city of Lagos, South-west on Thursday.

At the official launch, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said ordinary Nigerian must reap the benefits of the digital television without having to break the bank.

 “Once a TV household acquires the Set-Top-Box and pays the once-a-year access fee, which is a token, it’s free viewing all the way. Our FreeTV brand is not a fluke. There is no monthly subscription payment,’‘ he said.

The digital switch over experience enables millions of Nigerians who cannot afford to pay the rising subscription fees being charged by the Pay TV platforms to enjoy the benefit of digital television.

The Minister said the switch-on of Lagos is unique and epochal, because it marks the first time that the DSO project would be beaming 60 choice channels to television households.

Mohammed said; “This is not by accident. Lagos is Nigeria’s creative hub; hence it is important to harness the creative talents that abound in the state through this project.

”Also, the DSO provides us with a great platform to key into the Lagos Smart City Project, which seeks to use technology to enhance service delivery in all spheres of life.”

According to him, ”the DSO was not just about high fidelity sound and picture, it is also about creating jobs, especially for our teeming youth, stimulating local content and empowering channel owners.

“We acknowledge the power and the extensive reach of modern broadcasting, which makes it a veritable tool for national development.”

ALSO READ: Nigeria Pledges Better Collaboration With Zambia

The democratisation of digital television in Nigeria, which is what DSO is about, fits into the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari for a digital economy in the country.

Mohammed said; ” Mr. President’s vision is that of national technological development driven by Nigeria’s very vibrant and creative young people; who are among the most dynamic in Africa and indeed the world.”

DSO benefits
While the DSO television platform, branded as FreeTV, offers its viewers about 60 digital channels, including sports, music, movies, and news, it also provides Value Added Services, such as; Enforcement & Collection of TV Licenses, Premium PayTV channels, Push Video on Demand, Information Services, Audience Measurement.

The Minister said the project would therefore enhance the Lagos Smart City Project while revolutionising television viewing for more than 5 million TV households in the state.

“In addition, a large number of the 1 million jobs to be created by the DSO project in the next three years will come from Lagos.

”Since FreeTV helps to provide Value Added Services, the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 LCDAs in Lagos State will be supported in the collection of Television & Radio Licenses from residents.

”With FreeTV’s push system for information services, its platform can be used to broadcast information about Lagos State activities to all viewers.

 ”It will also help Advertisers in Lagos to target which programmes and channels are being watched by the audience, while Lagosians can also cash in on the Push Video-on-Demand capability of the FreeTV platform to access premium blockbuster Nollywood movies from the comfort of their homes, ”the Minister explained.

The Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu  is committed to the project for many reasons.

“First, it would enhance job creation and content development. Second, it would be of immense benefits to the residents. Third, it would empower many of our youths, especially those in the entertainment and tourism industry,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said.

Furthermore, he said ”the DSO would also provide opportunity for the government to use the content to inform and engage the citizens as well as bring governance closer to the people.”

The Governor who described the DSO as the real definition of bridging the digital divide also urged the Ministerial Taskforce on the DSO to make the FreeTV box and after sale support easily accessible.

He said; “I am convinced that making the FreeTV Set Top Box a one-off payment with an annual renewal will provide opportunity for millions of Nigerians who cannot afford to pay the subscription fees being charged by the PayTV platforms to enjoy the benefit of digital television.”

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information and Strategy.

The Ag Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Professor Armstrong Idachaba stated that the Digitisation of broadcasting brings a whole gamut of opportunities for Nigerians.

 “It is perhaps without doubt the fastest and safest way to leap frog those at the lower rung up the digital divide.

”With this roll out in Lagos, a projected 5 million Lagosians are instantly going to access digital television services not only for broadcasting but with converged opportunities to Telecom and other ancillary services.

” Jobs will be created for creative, Engineers and technicians, small scale business activities are going to be stimulated around the proposition, sale of boxes, installations, content production and the like,” Professor Idachaba said.

So far, Nigeria’s Digital Switch Over have been launched in the cities of Jos, Ilorin, Osogbo, Kaduna, Enugu and today in Lagos.

Going forward, the DSO train heads to Kano State on June 3rd; Rivers on July 8th; Yobe on July 15th; Gombe on August 12th; Imo on August 24th; Akwa Ibom on August 31st; Oyo on September 9th; Jigawa on September 23rd; Ebonyi on October 17th; Katsina on October 21st; Anambra on November 4th and Delta on November 18th.

 

Mercy Chukwudiebere

India COVID-19 crisis is a wake-up call for Africa – AU

Kamila Bello
-
0

The disease control agency of the African Union (AU) said on Thursday, India COVID-19 crisis is a wake-up call for Africa that its governments and citizens must not let their guard down.

The head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), John Nkengasong said, If cases surged in a similar way, the continent of 1.3 billion would be even more overwhelmed than India.

“African nations generally do not have sufficient numbers of healthcare workers, hospital beds or oxygen supplies.

“We are watching with total disbelief, what is happening in India cannot be ignored by our continent,” he said.

With 1.35 billion people, India has a similar population size to the African continent, yet Africa has weaker health systems and unlike India does not manufacture significant quantities of drugs or vaccines.

Nkengasong urged Africans to wear masks and avoid large gatherings.

“We cannot and should not find ourselves in India’s scenario because of the very fragile nature of our health systems.”

“All political and religious gatherings and parties should be banned for the time being as they give the opportunity for the virus to spread,” he added.

Nkengasong said, AU will convene a meeting with all African ministers of health on May 8, to put everybody on alert.

 

READ ALSO: India’s COVID-19 death toll surpasses 200,000- Official data

 

 

Kamila/Aljazeera

 

1...2,6972,6982,699...3,354Page 2,698 of 3,354

HEALTH

ENTERTAINMENT & TOURISM

WORLD

NEWS COMMENTARY

NEWS FEATURE

Voice Of Nigeria Mission is “Reflecting Nigerian and African perspectives in our broadcasts, winning and sustaining the attention, respect and goodwill of listeners worldwide, particularly Nigerians and Africans in the Diaspora … making Nigeria’s voice to be heard more positively in the shaping of our world.”

More from CN

Contact

© Voice of Nigeria Broadcasting Service