Voice of Nigeria Broadcasting Service

President Buhari to create more space for women in politics

Nnenna Okoronkwo

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March 19, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari says he remains fully committed to seeing more Nigerian women in leadership positions, both at national and international institutions, assuring that access to credit will be further eased, and more space will be created for women to participate in politics.

Speaking on Friday at the State House, where he received National and International Working Groups of the Supporting Advancement of Gender Equity (SAGE) Initiative to commemorate the 2021 International Women’s Day, President Buhari commended women for their invaluable contributions in sustaining the socio-economic fabric of the country, from the corridors of decision making to rural communities.

“This administration places a premium on promoting women’s inclusiveness in National Development as we have demonstrated with those holding key portfolios in this administration. They include: Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Minister of Women’s Affairs, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Minister of State for Environment,’’ he said.

The President said other positions given to women include: Minister of State for Transportation, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Chair, Federal Character Commission and Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

“I am very proud of the achievements of my former Minister for Environment and United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Fatima Mohammed Kyari as the African Union Permanent Observer to the United Nations and the newly elected Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

“We will continue to support them to succeed. And we shall continue to advocate for our women who qualify to lead international fora,’’ the President noted.

He said women are a credible force in strengthening democracy and promoting the culture of peace and food security, adding: “I am most grateful for the role women have played and continue to play in our Government.’’

President Buhari noted that the theme for 2021 International Women’s Day, “Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 World”, calls for more concerted efforts and Nigeria will be more than ever committed to join in raising the bar for women’s representation at all levels.

“This administration has demonstrated this by engaging in intense diplomacy to support the aspirations of Nigerian women to provide leadership at the global stage.

“In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant problems, including the spike in gender-based violence, this administration promptly responded by declaring zero tolerance to Gender-Based Violence in the country.

“I have since directed the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice in collaboration with the Minister of Women’s Affairs to immediately inaugurate an Inter-Ministerial Gender Based Violence Management Committee to address all forms of violence against women and children in the country. This body is already in place and running,’’ he said.

The President also said he had approved that 45 percent of the Small and Medium Scale Enterprise Funds be reserved exclusively for women, while five percent go to other vulnerable groups, apart from the immediate palliatives targeting them.

“We have also expanded our social intervention programs to further address the needs of the most vulnerable women in our society.

“Education of the girl child and the empowerment of mothers are fundamental to achieving an increase in the number of female leaders in the country and our objective of lifting 100 million of our citizens out of poverty in 10 years.

“At the commissioning of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs Headquarters Building in January 2020, I had pledged to address child marriage and boost girl-child education across the country. This is borne out of my concern on the increasing number of out-of-school children in the country. This Government would sustain on-going efforts to address this issue,’’ he added.

President Buhari said the twin evils of limited access to education and poverty, and gender-based violence remain a strong inhibitor to women’s participation in politics and governance.

“However, our resolve remains unshaken in tackling these issues. Despite the spike of incidents of abduction of school children and other security challenges, this Government remains resolute in its pursuit of a just and credible society devoid of inequities and promotion of the rule of law. Let me assure you all that we remains committed to working with groups such as yours to address these challenges.

“As a leader of the governing party, I will lend my voice to the amendment of the party constitution which is ongoing now and is the entry point for effective and meaningful participation of women in elective offices. Once again thank you for your efforts and support to our women,’’ the President noted.

He gave the assurance that the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Justice will work with the National Assembly to ensure necessary reforms are passed in the ongoing constitutional and electoral reform processes.

In her remarks, the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, thanked the President for his support in ensuring that Nigerian women gain more recognitions and positions within the country, and across the globe.

Tallen said women needed more, particularly in economic empowerment, quality education and legislation that will favour participation in politics.

APC party chieftain and former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, said the governing party already had an opportunity of leaving a legacy as the political party that gave women the greatest chance to rise in the history of the country, adding that it will also improve the party’s fortunes in elections.

Nnenna.O

EU Medical Regulator declares AstraZeneca Vaccine safe

Health

Lantana Nasir

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March 19, 2021

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The European Medical Agency (EMA) has released the findings of its report examining cases of blood clotting, and determined that the AstraZeneca vaccine is not associated with higher risk of blood clots.

Following a thorough and scientific investigation, the EMA reaffirmed that the vaccine is safe and effective.

It also says countries across Europe including Germany, France and Spain are resuming administering the AstraZeneca vaccine.

The World Health Organization also reaffirmed the safety and efficacy of the AstraZeneca vaccine, along with the UK medical regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

The UK also reports it has not observed increased rates of blood clotting, and the UK has administered the highest number of AstraZeneca vaccines globally by a significant margin, to more than one-third of its population.

According to the Executive Director/CEO National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, EMA’s findings and the restart of AstraZeneca use in Europe is very good news which Nigeria hopes will entirely reassure all Nigerians who have been concerned in recent days as we followed the developments in European countries.

France’s Prime Minister Jean Castex has announced he will receive the AstraZeneca vaccine today, Friday. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also announced he will receive the AstraZeneca vaccine today, Friday.

The Head of the EMA, Emer Cooke, has personally and publicly confirmed that the AstraZeneca vaccine is safe and effective.

Dr. Faisal reaffirmed that the health and safety of Nigerian citizens is the priority, adding, “Administering safe and effective vaccines is a vital component in solving the COVID-19 pandemic.”

He further noted that “Regulators and vaccine safety experts have a duty to investigate if an adverse effect is detected in order to determine whether it is caused by the vaccine.”

The Executive Director thanked the European Medical Agency for conducting their work effectively and transparently.

COVID-19 vaccination: NPHCDA appeals to Religious Leaders to lead campaigns

Health

Lantana Nasir

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March 19, 2021

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The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency has continued with the sensitization of Nigerians on the need to accept the COVID-19 vaccination.

The latest in the series is the sensitisation of Muslim Scholars and Imams at a meeting in Abuja.

Speaking at the meeting, the Secretary to the government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said that the government would ensure that leaders at all levels take the vaccine as an example to the people they lead.

He also commended the Islamic scholars on the support being enjoyed by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

“As leaders of Islamic faith and custodians of Islamic principles, we enjoin you to sensitize your people that the vaccine is safe and effective as confirmed by the European Union and the World Health Organisation,” Mustapha said.

He also said that Nigeria hopes to vaccinate about 70% of the citizens between 2021 and 2022.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said that there’s the need to reassure Nigerians on the safety of the vaccine.

He noted that the suspension of the AstraZeneca Vaccine by some countries does not disqualify the vaccine.

“The side effects are not unusual. Every medication has side effects. But the positive effects of the vaccine outweighs the negative effects. With this vaccine, the reaction is not universal,” Ehanire said.

He added that the vaccine is what will help to protect lives.

The Sultan of Sokoto and the President General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, urged the scholars to go back to their various constituencies an discuss the safety of the vaccine.

Gombe set to host North East rice festival

News Feature

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March 19, 2021

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Gombe state in peparation for the maiden edition of the North East Rice Festival are building pyramids for the unveiling, there are 11 large pyramids already errected with over 300 thousand bags of parddy rice.

The Gombe State Commissioner for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Alhaji Muhammadu Magaji Gettado, along with his directors, national and state officials of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, RIFAN and officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, visited the premises for the event, where RIFAN has aggregated all recovered rice from beneficiary farmers of the Anchor Borrowers programme in the zone.

The parddy rice pyramids are expected to be commissioned by the six North East Governors, the CBN, RIFAN President and other dignitaries from around the world.

Alhaji Gettado said the development showcased the successes of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration’s Agricultural Policies and Food security for the country.

“All the rice, as you can see above was produced in the North East through the CBN/Unity Bank/RIFAN Partnership under the Anchor Borrowers programme,” said Alhaji Gettado.

He said Gombe was chosen for the rice festival because it was in the centre of the North East and for being in the forefront of rice production in Nigeria, saying, “this will definitely justify the successes of the current administration’s agricultural policies in Gombe State and Nigeria at large.

Kanye West not America’s Richest Black Person – Forbes

Entertainment/Tourism

FELA OLAGUNJU

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March 19, 2021

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Forbes On Thursday debunked the news that Kanye West is the richest Black person in America, worth as much as $6.6 billion. The news came after Bloomberg reported that his sneaker brand, Yeezy—as well as Yeezy Gap, have a combined value of as much as $4.7 billion. The publication mentioned, without going into full detail, an additional $1.7 billion in assets.

” It’s not true, based on our calculations. Forbes estimates he’s worth less than a third of that, or $1.8 billion. That’s a big jump from last May when Forbes first pegged his net worth to be $1.3 billion, but nowhere near as much as the purported $6.6 billion.” Forbes stated.

“Vista Equity’s Robert F. Smith remains the richest Black person in the U.S., worth an estimated $6 billion, while Aliko Dangote of Nigeria, worth $11.8 billion, is the richest Black person in the world.” they added.

“Yeezy Gap has brought in no revenue, let alone any profits. As for Yeezy sneakers, they’re selling crazy well. The company’s revenue grew 30% last year. and its most recent limited drop, the 450 in Cloud White, sold out in under a minute. Analysts who we spoke with agree there’s growth left in the business, and if that occurs, his net worth will continue to climb. But even that’s not 100% certain, so for now, we are sticking with 2020’s numbers.”

Kanye Omari West, 43 is an American rapper, record producer, fashion designer and politician. He is influential in mainstream Hip hop and Pop music in general.

Troops neutralise scores of bandits in Zamfara

Nnenna Okoronkwo

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March 19, 2021

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The Troops of Sector 3 Operation HADARIN DAJI have neutralised scores of bandits while others escaped into the forest with bullet wounds at Kabasa village in Magami Local Government of Zamfara State.

The troops also forestalled deadly kidnap and plundering operations by armed bandits which were underway.

A statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, one soldier paid the supreme sacrifice and three others who sustained various degrees of injuries during the encounter are currently receiving medical treatment.

“Troops have dominated the general area with aggressive patrols and have continued further exploitation and pursuit of the bandits into the forest,” he said.

Similarly, on the same day, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI responded to a distress call that armed bandits were attacking Gidan Goga village in Maradun LGA of Zamfara state

“The Troops swiftly mobilised to the area and engaged the bandits with superior firepower, killing 3 while others fled in disarray, some with gunshot wounds”.

In another development, troops conducting fighting patrol have rescued two female kidnapped victims in Birnin Gwari area. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were kidnapped 22 days ago from Kuyallo village Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna state. The victims have been given medical treatment while waiting to be reunited with their families” the Army Spokesman said.

Voice of Nigeria reports that the Chief of Army Staff has already congratulated the gallant troops while charging them to keep up the momentum until the entire North West zone is rid of armed bandits, cattle rustlers, kidnappers and sundry violent crimes. He also thanked the villagers for the credible and timely information they provided the troops which made their operations successful.

The COAS said the patriotic action of the villagers who saw something and reported to the troops should be emulated by others so that the activities of bandits will be nipped in the bud.

Nnenna.O

Champions League Quarters: Two Legged Encounter Begins April 6

Nnenna Okoronkwo

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March 19, 2021

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The much awaited draw for the quarterfinals of the Champions league took the front burner Friday with the first leg billed for April 6/7.

The return leg otherwise called the make or break tie will be played between 13 and 14th of April.

Liverpool face a daunting test in the Champions League quarter-finals as they travel to Spain to play Real Madrid in the first leg. Chelsea will come up against surprise package Porto while Bayern Munich and PSG are to go head-to-head once again. Manchester City, one of the strong favourites to win it, will face Borussia Dortmund.

In what is set to be a mouthwatering clash, Bayern Munich will meet PSG again in a repeat of the Champions League final in Lisbon last year.

There is also the prospect of an all English semi-final after Chelsea were drawn to play Porto with the prize for the winners a clash with Real Madrid or Liverpool.

The quarter-final first legs will take place on April 6/7 before the return matches on April 13/14. The semi-final first legs will be held on April 27/28 and the second legs on May 4/5.

The Champions League final will take place at Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul on May 29.

Haaland race hots up as Dortmund set price – Euro Papers

FULL DRAW

Quarter-finals

Manchester City v Borussia Dortmund

Porto v Chelsea

Bayern Munich v PSG

Real Madrid v Liverpool

Semi-finals

Bayern/PSG v Manchester City/Borussia Dortmund

Real Madrid/Liverpool v Porto/Chelsea

Final

Winner of semi-final 1 v Winner of semi-final 2

REMAINING CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DATES

Quarter-finals first legs: April 6/7

Quarter-finals second legs: April 13/14

Semi-finals first legs: April 27/28

Semi-finals second legs: May 4/5

Final: May 29 at Ataturk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul

NiMet predicts 3 days dust haze, thunderstorms

News Feature

Mosunmola Ore

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March 19, 2021

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The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted dust haze and thunderstorms for 3days starting from Friday to Sunday

This was stated in a weather outlook released by NiMet in Abuja Today, predicted dust haze condition to prevail over Nguru, Katsina and Borno

It further predicted other places in the region to be in partly cloudy to sunny skies with slim chances of isolated thunderstorms over Southern parts of Adamawa and Taraba in the afternoon and evening period.

“The North Central cities should be in partly cloudy to cloudy skies with chances of morning thunderstorms over parts of Kwara and Niger.

“Later in the day, there are slim chances of thunderstorms over parts of Abuja, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi and Kaduna State during the afternoon and evening period.

“Cloudy skies are anticipated over the Inland cities of the South and the coastal cities with chances of morning thunderstorms over parts of Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Cross River and Akwa-Ibom,” it said.

The agency forecast chances of localised thunderstorms over parts of Imo, Oyo, Edo, Enugu, Abia, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom, Delta and Lagos states later in the day.

NiMet envisaged partly cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine over the Northern region with chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Southern Taraba and Southern Yola during the afternoon and evening period on Saturday.

According to it, partly cloudy to cloudy skies are expected over the North Central cities with chances of few thunderstorms over parts of Kwara during the afternoon and evening hours.

The agency predicted cloudy condition over the inland cities of the South and the coastal cities with chances of morning thunderstorms over Rivers, Lagos, Edo, Cross River and Akwa- Ibom.

According to it, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Osun, Bayelsa, Edo, Ondo, Enugu, Imo, Cross River, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom and Lagos State later in the day.

“For Sunday, sunny skies with few clouds are expected over the Northern region with chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Taraba during the afternoon and evening hours.

“Sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected over the North Central cities with slim chances of few thunderstorms over parts of Plateau, Abuja and Benue state in the afternoon and evening period.

“The Inland cities and the Coastal belt of the South should be predominantly cloudy in the morning hours, with good prospects of thunderstorms over Edo, Ondo, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Lagos, Cross River, River, Akwa-Ibom, Delta and Bayelsa during the afternoon and evening period.

MTO/PremiumTimes

Pillars Reclaims Lead After 2-0 Victory Against Kwara United

Sports

Nnenna Okoronkwo

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March 19, 2021

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After their humiliating 1-4 loss at Abia Warriors in week 15, Kano Pillars yesterday returned to the top of the 2021 NPFL log after a convincing 2-0 victory over visiting Kwara United.

Before the loss, Kwara United led the table with 27 points from 15 matches.

However, two second half goals, one each from captain Rabiu Ali from the spot and Usman Babalolo gave Pillars the much needed lift to the top of the table.

However, their reign will be short-lived, if Enugu Rangers who are already on 27 points will win against hosts Katsina United this afternoon.

In Uyo, Akwa United’s leading goal scorer, Ndifreke Effiong scored the all important goal from the penalty spot to give his side 1-0 victory over FC IfeanyiUbah to return to the top four.

At the Adokiye Amesiamaka, Rivers United also scored two second half goals to overcome MFM 2-0. They are now one point behind the leading trio of Kano Pillars, Enugu rangers and Kwara United.

For the once whipping boys of the season, Adamawa United, the visit of inform Abia Warriors was bad business as they were forced to 1-1 draw in Gombe.

In Owerri, two first half goals off the boots of Emeka Atuloma and Maduforo were enough to condemn Wikki Tourists to 2-0 loss in the hands of Heartland who are back into the top half of the table.

However, at the Federal Polytechnic Ozoro sports complex, Warri Wolves shared the spoils in a goalless draw with Jigawa Golden Stars.

Meanwhile, NPFL Matchday 16 battles continue today as Nasarawa United host Dakkada FC in Lafia, Plateau United welcome Sunshine stars in Jos just as Enugu Rangers will aim to dislodge leaders Pillars with victory over Katsina United at the Muhammadu Dikko stadium.

Arinze Asuzu/ Daily Trust.

Afghan government, Taliban agree to accelerate peace talks

World

Bilkisu Halilu Pai

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March 19, 2021

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The Afghan government and the Taliban agreed on Friday to try to accelerate peace talks, at a meeting in Moscow that followed an international conference there on the peace process, a senior Afghan official was quoted as saying.

The United States, Russia, China and Pakistan called on Afghanistan’s warring sides to reach an immediate ceasefire at the conference, held in Russia just six weeks before a deadline agreed last year to withdraw U.S. troops.

“We expressed our readiness to accelerate the (peace) process,” Abdullah Abdullah, chairman of Afghanistan’s High Council for National Reconciliation, told Russia’s RIA news agency. “They (the Taliban) did as well.”

Abdullah said the sides had not discussed any specific issues when they met in Moscow on Friday.

Moscow hosted the international conference on Afghanistan on Thursday, at which Russia, the United States, China and Pakistan released a joint statement calling on the Afghan sides to reach a peace deal and curb violence, and on the Taliban not to launch any offensives in the spring and summer.

The conference aimed to reinvigorate negotiations which have been taking place between the Afghan government and the Taliban in Qatar’s capital Doha, largely stalled over government accusations that the insurgents have failed to halt violence.

The Moscow conference was the first time the United States had sent a senior representative to talks on Afghanistan under a format launched by Russia in 2017.

Washington agreed last year with the Taliban to withdraw its troops by May 1 after nearly two decades, and is looking for support among regional powers for its plans for the peace process.

Reuters

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