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Insecurity: Niger State CAN commends Sheikh Gumi

Zainab Sa'id
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The Niger state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has commended Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s efforts at interfacing with bandits with a view to bringing an end to the ongoing banditry activities in parts of the country.

The Chairman of the Niger State Chapter of the Christians Association of Nigeria, Rev Mathias Echioda, who mentioned this to Voice of Nigeria on Sunday, urged traditional and religious leaders on the need to borrow a leaf from the Islamic cleric in curtailing the menace bedevilling the society.

“We’ve identified, supports Sheik Gumi’s mission; we are at the same page with him as far as bringing lasting solutions to insecurity is concerned”. Rev Echioda said.

Rev Echioda further encouraged opinion leaders in the country on the need to always partner and support the government in the fight against insecurity, urged Nigerians to prayed for the immediate release of all abducted persons especially students from Kagara and abducted NSTA bus passengers.

“We also pray that God will touch the armed bandits so they can have a change of mind, lay down their arms, and be safely integrated into the society so that we can all have peace, and progress in Niger State and Nigeria in general”. Rev Echioda said.

Echioda however called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, and politicians to play their different roles in the fear of God so as to curb the security challenges in the State.

 

Zainab Sa’id

Nigeria’s exit from recession indicates success of ESP – Presidency

Zainab Sa'id
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Nigeria’s prompt exit from recession is a key indicator of the success of the ongoing Economic Sustainability Plan approved by the Federal Government and Nigerians should expect more as the implementation of the Plan is gathering even greater momentum.

This indication was given over the weekend by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity in the Office of the Vice President, Laolu Akande, in a release on Sunday.

Akande noted that right from the 2020 third quarter, the economy was already on a rebound adding that the latest fourth-quarter figures show that indeed the recovery of the Nigerian economy is a steady one.

“Like we explained late last year after the release of the third-quarter figures, the Economic Sustainability Plan, which was a calculated intervention by the Buhari Presidency, is driving the Nigerian economy in the right direction-upwards, and Nigerians can expect more because the administration is unrelenting in its determination to pursue the steady recovery and growth of our economy,” Akande stated.

The Presidential spokesperson said the Economic Sustainability Plan is entering into an even more potent phase with the revving up of plans to install 5 million solar installations across the country and social housing plans that will result in hundreds of thousands of houses. Both aspects he noted will yield several hundreds of jobs besides giving the national economy a significant spur, like never before.

He explained that so far, the Survival Fund is making waves with MSMEs, artisans, transport workers hundreds of thousands receiving cash stimulus and the payroll support where an equal number of people running into hundreds of thousands employed by businesses are collecting N50,000 monthly. He said the payroll support covers three months salaries for beneficiaries.

Already about 311,000 employees have received the payroll support coming from 64,000 businesses nationwide and over 165,000 artisans have also benefited from the Survival Fund. In all the Survival Fund is on course to safeguard at least 1.3m jobs

Underway, according to him, is the Government Off-take Scheme (GOS), where the Federal Government will pump additional N15bn to support Nigerian owned businesses by off-taking many products in a bid to keep businesses alive and create jobs.

Also Read: President Buhari gets Economic Sustainability Plan’s report from VP Osinbajo

The GOS will cover such products such as Face-masks, Liquid Soaps, Disinfectants, Hand Sanitizers, and other processed foods and spices. Altogether the GOS will benefit 100,000 MSMEs, while an additional 100,000 Nigerians will also be benefiting from a one-off N50,000 MSME grant different from those already paid to artisans, transport workers and separate from the payroll support.

Commenting on the quarter 4 GDP figures, Akande quoting a Presidency review on the latest GDP figures, said that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 0.11% in Q4 2020 following two consecutive quarters of negative growth showing an exit from the pandemic induced recession. This positive quarterly growth in Q4 2020 contributed to overall GDP, which contracted by -1.92% for the full year in 2020.

“This GDP report is important for a number of reasons. It is a reflection of the growing importance of the Non-oil sector, as its contribution to GDP has increased from 92.68% in Q4 2019 to 94.13% in Q4 2020. The Non-oil sector performance was mainly driven by growth in Information and Communication, as the pandemic meant greater use of ICT services.

“Growth in Agriculture, Manufacturing, Mining, Construction, and Real Estate also contributed to the improvement of the Non-oil sector,” Akande said.

The Presidency review noted that however “in contrast, the oil sector fell by -19.76% in Q4 2020 (6.36% in Q4 2019) as average oil production declined to 1.5 million barrels per day (1.5mbpd) in. This can be attributed to Nigeria’s compliance with OPEC+ quotas.”

It was observed that the report indicates that Nigeria’s responses to the COVID-19 induced shocks, the Economic Sustainability plan and the timely revision of the Federal Government budget, were effective.

Besides, he explained that “the Nigerian Economy outperformed various analysts’ expectations like the IMF and World Bank.

“In addition, Nigeria’s quarter on quarter growth of 9.7% surpassed China (2.6%), USA (4%), and Japan (3%) despite these countries having larger stimulus packages.”

He pointed out that the Nigerian economy performed reasonably despite the earlier lockdown, trade disruptions, ENDSARS protests, and oil price volatility.

“There is optimism as oil prices continue to stabilise, COVID-19 cases reach a plateau, success of an imminent vaccine rollout, and continued effective implementation of the Economic Sustainability Plan,” he stated.

 

Zainab Sa’id

Federal Govt. commends Kano State on Ease of Doing Business

Amaka Nliam
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The Federal Government has commended the Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, for creating, securing and promoting ease of doing business in the State and by extension, in the country.

 

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Richard Oni and his counterpart, the Minister of State in the Ministry, Maryam Yalwa Katagum, expressed the position at the official commissioning of Mamuda Food and Confectionery, a subsidiary of Mamuda Group of Companies at Challawa Industrial area, Kano over the weekend.

 

The two ministers made it clear how the State government under Dr. Ganduje has created good and peaceful atmosphere for businesses to flourish.

 

“This administration of Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, means business in making sure that Kano bounces back in the area of industrialization. He is doing his best in creating good environment for business to flourish,”  Katagum said.

 

She, therefore, called on the people of the State not to relent in making sure that they benefit from the National Small and Medium Enterprises Support project meant to empower businesses among Nigerians.

 

“Yes, Kano and Lagos States were given higher numbers, looking at their population size. The way Kano State government is responding very positively in creating ease of doing business environment, the State deserves all support,” she said.

 

While speaking, Governor Ganduje expressed appreciation for the support the Kano State is getting from the federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime:

 

“If you look at President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts in pushing many encouraging and viable projects to Kano State, you will agree with me that Kano has no option than to create opportunities and peaceful atmosphere for businesses to thrive.

 

“We are very grateful that President Muhammadu Buhari is giving us all the courage in making a reality the industrialization of our dear State, Kano.

 

“This, will make the State to bounce back in a very effective and efficient way,” Governor Ganduje acknowledged.

 

Amaka E. Nliam

 

Plane Crash: President Buhari mourns Airforce personnel

Zainab Sa'id
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President Muhammadu Buhari is deeply saddened by the fatal crash of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft on Sunday in Abuja that claimed the lives of seven personnel.

The Nigerian leader made his feeling known in a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

According to Adesina, “On behalf of the Federal Government, President Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to family members, friends and colleagues of those who died as a result of this tragedy.  

“The President joins the Nigerian Air Force, the military and other Nigerians in mourning the unfortunate loss of the dedicated and courageous personnel, who died in the line of duty.  

Also Read: Seven die in Nigerian Air Force jet crash near Abuja

He further said: “President Buhari notes that while investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, the safety of the Nigerian airspace remains a key priority of the government.

“He prays that God will comfort the bereaved families and nation, and grant the souls of the departed peaceful rest.”

The officers met their death on Sunday afternoon on their way back to Abuja, after reporting a faulty engine.

 

Zainab Sa’id

Storm Dujuan hits Southern Philippines, over 5,000 flee homes

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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More than 5,000 people have fled to temporary shelters in the southern Philippines as tropical storm Dujuan brought heavy rains, submerging dozens of villages, the country’s disaster risk reduction and management agency said.

Two regions were hit by the storm, including the country’s nickel mining hub of Caraga, with floods damaging some houses and bridges in the province of Surigao del Sur, according to the agency’s initial report.

Dujuan was packing maximum winds of up to 65 kilometres per hour (40 miles per hour) and gusts of up to 80km/h (50mph) as it moved northwest over the southern Philippines, the weather bureau said.

Dujuan was forecast “to maintain its strength in the next 12 hours”, the weather bureau said in a bulletin. “However, the likelihood of weakening into a tropical depression before it makes landfall is not yet ruled out.”

It was expected to make landfall over the eastern provinces of Dinagat Islands-Eastern Samar-Leyte on Monday morning, it added.

Electricity was cut off in several towns as a safety precaution, said Alexander Pimentel, the provincial governor of Surigao del Sur.

More than 18,000 people were preemptively evacuated in the province, according to the provincial engineer.

The bad weather also prompted the cancellation of at least 36 domestic flights.

Rough seas caused coastguard officials to suspend ferry trips, leaving more than 2,000 passengers stranded in various ports in the eastern Philippines.

The Southeast Asian archipelago sees approximately 20 tropical storms annually.

The strongest typhoon to hit the country was Typhoon Haiyan, which killed more than 6,300 people and displaced more than four million in November 2013.

Aljazeera

Humanitarian Minister grieves over NAF plane crash

Zainab Sa'id
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The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq has noted with grief the crash of a Nigerian Air Force Beechcraft KingAir B350i Aircraft on Sunday, in Abuja.

The plane developed an engine problem six minutes after take-off and crashed nine minutes after the problem was reported.

Umar Farouq described the crash as unfortunate while commiserating with the Government and people of Nigeria.

“I am deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic occurrence. I sympathize with the Nigerian Airforce and the families of those who lost their lives in the crash.

“The Nigerian Airforce has been of immense help to our humanitarian activities since the creation of the Ministry. They have helped to airlift humanitarian relief for Persons of Concern (POCs) especially during the lockdown period to curtail the spread of Covid 19 in 2020 and to victims of flood, banditry, communal clashes and other disasters. 

“We appreciate the services of the aircrew especially the pilots who have put in hundreds of hours of flying us to and from areas affected by disasters and other humanitarian issues.

“We pray that God will console the families they left behind and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss of their dear ones”, Umar Farouq said.

Seven passengers were reportedly onboard the ill-fated aircraft including two crew members. The plane was en-route Minna when it crashed short of the Abuja runway.

 

Zainab Sa’id

Kano State to roll out metropolitan mass transit service

Zainab Sa'id
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Kano state government has concluded plans to roll out a Mass Transit Service with 200 buses in the metropolitan area as part of an effort to create an integrated transport system for the emerging megacity.

The state commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba said in a statement that Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje had directed the engagement of private investors and the Kano State Transport Authority (KASTA) for the immediate supply of 100 buses for the commencement of the first phase of the programme before the end of the year.

“The measure is aimed at lessening the suffering of commuters in the absence of a strong private transport system as well as check the excesses of tricycle operators whose reckless form of driving has become a nuisance in traffic management and control,” he said.

Malam Garba pointed out that it was also part of the state government plan to reforming the transport system and management of transport infrastructure to meet the demand of the teeming population.

The commissioner stated that in recognizing the need to improve the transport sector, the state government is envisioned to provide a strategic planning platform to address the transport needs of the metropolis.

 

Zainab Sa’id

Iran continues with plan to cut UN nuclear inspection

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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Iran has brushed aside European calls to suspend its plan to cut back on UN inspections of its nuclear sites and will impose a new restrictive regime this week, including stopping weapons inspectors from accessing camera feeds at nuclear facilities.

Snap visits to sites by UN inspectors will also be banned, Iranian foreign ministry officials said.

Iran says the action, mandated by the Iranian parliament two months ago, is in response to the Biden administration’s failure to lift sanctions cumulatively imposed on Iran by Donald Trump since 2018.

Iran’s foreign minister, Javad Zarif, said in an interview with the state-owned Press TV that Iran was waiting for action from the US, not promises, and said the cutback in inspections had been mandated by Iran’s parliament and could not be overridden until sanctions were lifted.

Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), held technical talks with Iranian officials on Sunday in Tehran to discuss the implications of the Iranian statement that it was withdrawing from the additional protocol, the agreement that gives nuclear inspectors access to Iran’s sites.

He will hold a press conference in Vienna on Sunday and report to the remaining signatories of the nuclear deal on whether he thinks the inspections can still be effective under the new constrained regime.

Zarif said: “The IAEA will definitely not receive any more videos recorded by these cameras. Previously, the agency had access to these films automatically.” He said potential additional measures to be taken by Iran would be discussed.

The US has offered to attend an informal diplomatic meeting hosted by the EU, also attended by Russia and China, the other signatories to the deal. The US state department has hinted that at this meeting the US would map out an offer on how sanctions and other economic restrictions could be lifted or suspended if Iran returned to compliance with the nuclear deal, including over uranium enrichment stocks and use of advanced centrifuges.

Zarif said Iran would need to know how, if the US returned to the deal, it would not simply walk out again. He said the issue of compensation for the $1tn (£710bn) damage inflicted on the Iranian economy would also have to be discussed.

Hardliners are demanding that any sanctions suspension would need to be verified, something that would prolong a complex process.

China and Russia appear keen for the meeting to go ahead, a factor that will weigh on Tehran as it considers how far it can risk brinkmanship with the Biden team.

The new US special envoy on Iran, Robert Malley, would attend on behalf of the US.

A lively debate is under way within Tehran political circles on whether Iran could talk to the US without any sanctions being lifted.

The US has so far taken only two limited steps, lifting the restrictions on Iranian diplomats in New York and abandoning claims made by the Trump administration about the snapback of sanctions. Neither move provides any economic relief to Iran.

The Guardian

COVID-19: Israel gradually reopens as vaccination rate nears 50%

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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Israel is gradually returning to normalcy as the country’s economy began reopening after almost half the population received coronavirus vaccine shots.

Part of the country opened for business on Sunday with shops available to all and access to gyms and theatres limited to those who had been inoculated and others who are immune after recovering from COVID-19.

Access is granted by a “Green Pass” app, designed by the health ministry, which is linked to personal medical files.

Coming exactly one year after Israel’s first documented coronavirus case, Sunday’s easing of curbs is part of a government plan to open the economy more widely next month when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is up for reelection.

Social-distancing measures, however, are still in force, with dancing prohibited at banquet halls and synagogues, mosques and churches required to halve their usual number of worshippers.

The partial reopening of the economy was enabled by an ambitious vaccination drive after Israel became the biggest real-world coronavirus study. The government has signed an agreement with drug-maker Pfizer, promising to share vast troves of medical data in exchange for the continued flow of its vaccine.

Israel has administered at least one dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech jab to more than 45 percent of its population of nine million, the health ministry said.

The two-shot regimen has reduced COVID-19 infections by 95.8 percent, ministry data showed.

The vaccine was also 98-percent effective in preventing fever or breathing problems and 98.9-percent effective in preventing hospitalisations and death, it said.

A promising study published on Saturday on healthcare workers in Israel found that one shot of the two-dose vaccine was 85-percent effective, adding to the debate over the feasibility of spacing doses out further.

Elementary students and pupils in the last two years of high school attended classes on Sunday in Israeli towns found to have contagion rates under control. Middle-schoolers are due back by next month after almost a year of remote learning.

Aljazeera

Myanmar protesters undeterred by worst day of violence

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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0

Huge crowds marched in Myanmar on Sunday to denounce the military coup in a show of defiance after the bloodiest episode of the campaign for democracy the previous day, when security forces fired on protesters, killing two.

The military has been unable to quell the demonstrations and a civil disobedience campaign of strikes against the coup even with a promise of new elections and stern warnings against dissent.

Tens of thousands of people marched peacefully in the second city of Mandalay, where Saturday’s killings took place, witnesses said.

“They aimed at the heads of unarmed civilians. They aimed at our future,” a young protester told the crowd.

Military spokesman Zaw Min Tun told a news conference on Tuesday the army’s actions were within the constitution and supported by most people, and he blamed protesters for instigating violence.

In the main city of Yangon, thousands of mostly young people gathered at different sites to chant slogans and sing.

In Myitkyina in the north, people laid flowers for the dead protesters. Big crowds marched in the central towns of Monywa and Bagan, in Dawei and Myeik in the south, Myawaddy in the east and Lashio in the northeast, posted pictures showed.

At the tourist spot of Inle Lake, people including Buddhist monks took to a flotilla of boats holding aloft portraits of Suu Kyi and signs saying “military coup – end”.

The more than two weeks of protests had been largely peaceful until Saturday, unlike previous episodes of opposition during nearly half a century of direct military rule to 2011.

The violence looked unlikely to end the agitation.

“The number of people will increase … We won’t stop,” protester Yin Nyein Hmway said in Yangon.

U.N. Special Rapporteur for Myanmar Tom Andrews said he was horrified by the deaths of the two, one of them a teenaged boy.

The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper said the strikers sabotaged boats at the city’s river port and attacked police with sticks, knives and catapults. Eight policemen and several soldiers were injured, it said.

Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) condemned the violence by security forces in Mandalay as a crime against humanity.

A young woman protester, Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, became the first death among the demonstrators on Friday. She was shot in the head on Feb. 9 in the capital Naypyitaw.

Hundreds of people attended her funeral on Sunday.

Military media said the bullet that killed her did not come from any gun used by police and so must have been fired by an “external weapon”.

The army says one policeman has died of injuries sustained in a protest.

France, Singapore, Britain and Germany also condemned the violence while U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said lethal force was unacceptable.

The United States, Britain and others have announced limited sanctions, focusing on military leaders, but the generals have long shrugged off foreign pressure.

Suu Kyi faces a charge of violating a Natural Disaster Management Law as well as illegally importing six walkie-talkie radios. Her next court appearance is on March 1.

A rights group said 569 people have been detained in connection with the coup.

Reuters

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