The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ, South East Zone, has joined in canvassing for proper implementation of violence related laws for protection of women in the country.
The call was made by the newly elected Vice President in charge of South East Zone, Comrade Stella Igboka during the 2020 commemoration of the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Comrade Igboka, who spoke in an interview with VON’s correspondent on laws already existing, made a strong case for proper implementation of VAPP laws in order to get justice for victims and punish perpetrators.
Campaign strategies
Igboka rolled out NAWOJ programmes for the campaign which include Advocacy, Road shows, speak up and virtual campaigns which she hoped would make more impact, adding that NAWOJ as an association through its sensitization programmes would continually ensure that victims of abuses and violence attacks are given the required platform to get justice.
She further highlighted some forms of gender based violence such as child marriage, trafficking for sex and slavery, intimate partner violence, physical punishment, sexual, emotional and psychological violence like rape which she said have been on the increase.
Funding
The Vice President also stressed the need for proper funding of Non-governmental bodies in order to sensitize people on their fundamental human rights, as well as calling for global action to bridge funding gaps and ensure essential services for survivors of these violence.
She also called on NAWOJ Chairpersons in South East Zone, comprising Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, Imo and Anambra to join in the on-going International campaign to ensure proper sensitization of women against violence in their states.
Women journalists seek end to violence against women
Telecoms Sector: Commission advocates Assistive technologies for people with disability
The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has called for promotion and inclusiveness of assistive technologies to help the People Living With Disability, PLWD in the telecommunications sector.
The Executive Vice-Chairman, NCC, Professor Umar Danbatta, made the call at virtual workshop on Developmental Programme on Assistive Technology, in Abuja.
The event was held to address unmet needs in the sector.
The programme was tagged: “Assistive Technology in Telecommunications.”
The NCC Boss explained that to achieve this mandate, ”it would involve paying attention to new media development and in particular on approaches to its availability, accessibility and usability.”
He noted that both accessibility and usability could differ for individuals depending on physical abilities just as it can differ for sectors-specific transactions when searching for assistance.
Professor Danbatta however, said that the underlining design or manufacturing philosophy adopted, was important to meet this wide variety of needs in the original design of telecommunications systems, so that an increasing number of users can benefit from available services.
“For the physically challenged, assistance is not only needed but required to be given. Sometimes also, in national interest assistance is required especially with new media – e.g. in surveillance, immigration, policing, trade and so on. In order to address these unmet needs we turn to Assistive Technology (AT) through universal design in all forms of telecommunications services design”
“Thus, from new technology assessment view point, assignment of Assistive Technology function is an addition and novel regulatory approach towards fulfilling the universal access and service obligation. Besides, AT is in compliance with the recommendations of the International Telecommunication Union (1T0) through Study Group-16 which Working Parties (WPs) deal with Multimedia,” he stated.
”Through its different WPs, SG-16 develops capability to handle different information media and control actions which varies within wide boundaries amongst users of telecommunications and multimedia services,” the NCC Boss reiterated.
According to Professor Danbatta, some objectives of the conference are; to ensure co-ordination of telecoms related services or products with the design-for-all and Assistive technology fields and to promote the role of NCC as a focal candidate in the design-tor-all Assistive Technology. Other objectives are to promote local content contributions and expand knowledge acquisition in developing future guidelines and tools by sector players, among others.
He also urged stakeholders to focus on key areas like the current provision of Assistive Technologies in the field of Communications, with a view to the identification of unmet needs.
The Executive Vice-Chairman, NCC, Professor Umar Danbatta, was represented by the Deputy Director, New Media and Information Security, NCC, Dr Chidi Digwu at the event.
The Director of New Media and Information Security, NCC, Dr Haru Alhassan, explained that the aim of conference was to provide context awareness on Assistive Technology (AT).
Alhassan, who was represented by Mrs Elizabeth Musa, said that the AT was assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for physically challenged people, as well as things of national interest like surveillance, policing and so on.
He also said that ”the conference would ensure the availability of resources targeted effectively to identify areas where NCC could have the greatest potential impact in supporting the future development and application of new AT by way of Design for All (DfA) or Universal Design (UD).”
In his paper presentation titled “Assistive Technology Policy Legislation and Regulations” a Consultant Professor Ken Ife, urged the NCC to develop appropriate policy framework, strategy and action Plan on access for Persons with Disabilities in the telecoms sector.
He also urged ”the commission to carry out comprehensive needs assessment of the different disability groups and the AT related technologies they would need per sector and understand the issues and barriers surrounding them.”
Also, the President of Nigeria Computer Society ,Professor Adesina Sodiya urged the government to put measures in place to ensure people living with disability are secure especially in using smart devices and the cyper space in the area of data use and data privacy through assistive technologies.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
EFCC secures 753 convictions in 2020
The anti-graft agency in Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC says it secured 753 convictions in year 2020 despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Acting Chairman of EFFC Mohammed Umar gave the indication at the World Anti- Corruption day celebration in Kano State laced with the public presentation of the Kano state anti-corruption strategy document.
The EFCC boss who was represented by the Director Operations of the agency Aisha Musa said in the period under review beginning from January to December, 2020, huge sums of money and assets were recovered from convicts and forfeited to the federal government.
“Despite Covid-19, we were able to recover huge amouns of money and forfeited same to the federal government.
“The success story of the EFCC is made possible by the commitment of the federal government through the provision of both human and material resources that enhance operations” Aisha said.
She said the EFCC will always be ready to mentor, collaborate and work with the Kano anti-graft agency especially in the area of intelligence gathering and sharing for them to achieve the set objectives.
“The anti-corruption agency must always work hard to take the lead in the war to eradicate corruption in Kano” Aisha said.
Recovery success
On his part, the Chairman of the Anti-corruption agency in Kano state Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin-Gado said the agency recovered over 100 million naira from January to December 2020.
He said the success being achieved by the agency is because there were non interference from the government, powerful institutions and individuals in its activities.
“Nobody is interfering or meddling in our activities, that is why we are having this remarkable achievements. We thank government and everyone for giving us a level playing field.
“This is why we are far ahead of some federal anti graft agency by way of operations” Rimin-Gado said.
He said the agency has established anti-corruption units in all 44 local government areas of the state, as part of the campaign against corruption and bringing justice to the grassroots.
He said the institute will be used for training and public enlightenment against corruption and will be open for use by other states and African countries.
Providing opportunities to fight corruption
The Kano state Governing Umar Ganduje, represented by the Deputy Governor Dr. Nasiru Gawuna said the regime is providing every opportunity in the fight against corruption in the state.
“Corruption is like cancer that is fast eating into the fabrics of the society which must be fought headlong ” he said.
He reiterated the commitment of his government to keep on supporting the EFCC in the continuous war against corruption.
Emmanuel Ukoh
Nationalists resurgence fires up Kyrgyzstan’s traditional storytellers
Doolot Sydykov, for hours now, has been sitting on a platform in the middle of Bishkek’s main square, half-singing, half-speaking, eyes closed and rocking from side to side.
The sight of Sydykov in a trance-like state, dressed in traditional Kyrgyz garb and a fur hat, is striking. But every Kyrgyz will know that he is reciting the Epic of Manas, a poem half a million lines long about the history of their homeland, and that he is one of the manaschi, the professional storytellers who have passed it down over the generations.
The epic is recited at many public events, including at the political rallies which ultimately toppled the Bishkek government two months ago, bringing nationalist politician Sadyr Japarov to power.
Last month, Sydykov, a well-known manaschi, launched a challenge to promote his art by reciting the Epic of Manas non-stop for over 14 hours on Bishkek’s Ala Too Square. Other manaschi performed similar feats, with one reciting the poem on top of a mountain 4,000 metres above sea level.
The poem strikes a chord with the current mood, recounting the story of a medieval military and political leader credited with reuniting scattered Kyrgyz tribes and reclaiming their homeland in the northeastern part of the Tian Shan mountain range.
“To Kyrgyzstan, Manas is sacred,” Sydykov says.
Sydykov’s campaign to promote Manas coincides with a nationalist resurgence in Kyrgyzstan’s society and politics. Even before Japarov’s rise to power, a right-wing movement gained prominence whose name, Kyrk Choro (Fourty Knights) is a reference to the Manas epic.
Reuters/Olusola Akintonde
Indian government offers concession as farmers intensify protests
India’s government is open to amending some provisions in new farm laws, the agriculture minister said on Thursday, after farmers rejected proposed changes to the controversial laws they said would harm their interests and help big food retailers.
Farmers have been demonstrating since late last month over reforms enacted in September that loosened rules around the sale, pricing and storage of farm produce, which had protected farmers from an unfettered free market for decades.
“The government is open to amend objectionable provisions in the new laws,” Narendra Singh Tomar said, adding the current system of procurement that ensures state-set prices for crops would continue.
Reuters/Olusola Akintonde
UNN Alumni celebrates Founders day,Golden Jublilee
University of Nigeria Alumni Association Awka branch has celebrated this year’s founder’s day and golden jubilee celebration with a call to rekindle the spirit of alumni and curb youth restiveness.
The event held in Awka was tagged Post Covid-19 celebrations: Youth restiveness and the way forward and is aimed at providing directions as it concerns the youth in readapting to the new world in the aftermath of coronavirus.
In her address, the Awka branch President of the Association, Dr Ngozi Dora Ulogu said that the outbreak of coronavirus disrupted all spheres of life, adding that though the country is edging away from the pandemic, there is every need to rise and fight the challenges posed.
The Vice Chancellor University of Nigeria Nsukka, Prof. Charles Igwe represented by the deputy Vice Chancellor Administration Prof. Pat Okpoko lamented that youth restiveness has remained a menace in the country and called for the adoption of all positive measures to curb youths unrest.
Speaking at the eve Vice Chancellor Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Charles Esimone called for more identification and support to the association.
On his part, the national President, Sir Ben Okoronkwo added that though Covid-19 brought woes to the country, there are opportunities it gave to do things differently through new technology.
Dignitaries present at the event were Comptroller Nigerian Correctional Service, Anambra State, Barrister Emmanuel Nwakaeze, Provost College of Education Technical Dr. Tessy Okoli amongst others.
Japan to buy vaccine freezers, Tokyo reports new cases
Japan said on Thursday it will buy 10,500 deep freezers to store novel coronavirus vaccines as it prepares for the “extraordinary task” of protecting its people, while the capital, Tokyo, reported a record number of new infections.
Japan, with a population of 126 million, has agreements to buy a total of 290 million doses of vaccines from Pfizer Inc, AstraZeneca Plc and Moderna Inc, or enough for 145 million people.
Pfizer’s vaccines need to be kept at around minus 75 Celsius (minus 103 Fahrenheit), and Moderna’s at about minus 20C, posing complex logistics challenges in rolling them out.
“An extraordinary task awaits us,” Tokuaki Shobayashi, director general of the health service bureau at the ministry of health, said.
A 90-year-old grandmother in Britain became the world’s first person to receive a fully tested COVID-19 shot on Tuesday.
Though Japan has seen far fewer coronavirus cases than many Western countries, new infections are on the rise as colder weather keeps people indoors.
In all, it has recorded more than 165,000 infections and about 2,500 fatalities as of Wednesday, with Tokyo particularly hard hit.
The capital reported a record 602 new cases on Thursday, with nationwide daily infections at 2,078.
Reports said the situation called for “maximum caution” as the spread showed little sign of easing.
Better late
Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi this week ordered the military, known as the Self Defence Forces (SDF), to send nurses to a hard-hit city in Hokkaido prefecture in the north.
The government will also send nurses from the SDF to Osaka, in western Japan, where the number of coronavirus cases is rising, reports said.
The health ministry said it is too early to say when Japan would get the vaccines, but AstraZeneca has announced that, of the 120 million doses to be allocated to Japan, 30 million would likely be supplied in the first quarter of 2021.
Vaccine operation
The government will oversee the vaccination operation and shoulder the costs. Front-line medical workers, the elderly and people with underlying health conditions will be given priority to get vaccinated.
Doctors and nurses will give the vaccines at clinics and hospitals, while facilities with parking lots such as gyms, shopping malls and community centres were being considered as vaccination venues, the ministry said.
Major Japanese manufactures of freezers include PHC, Nihon Freezer and Ebac. The government also plans to buy dry ice in bulk to maintain cold supply chains.
Norio Sugaya, Infectious disease specialist said coming late to vaccination had its upsides.
“Truth be told, it would have been good if we had been able to have this started by the end of the year,” Sugaya said.
“But we will be able to learn more about potential side effects and about how to build up the whole vaccination system that can maintain minus 70 Celsius.”
Britain’s medicines regulator has advised people with a history of significant allergies not to get the Pfizer vaccine after two people reported adverse reactions on the first day of its rollout there.
Reuters/Olusola Akintonde
EU unveils back-up plans to avoid no-deal Brexit crisis
The European Union’s executive on Thursday laid out contingency plans for a ‘no-deal’ Brexit at the end of the year to limit disruption to air traffic, and road and rail travel after talks between British and EU leaders failed to break an impasse.
The European Commission also proposed that Britain and the EU continue to offer reciprocal access to their fishing waters for up to a year, potentially easing tension around one of the most emotive sticking points in the trade negotiations.
Britain told the EU earlier it should make significant concessions to break the deadlock by the end of the weekend for clarity about the finale to the five-year-old Brexit crisis.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the EU’s chief executive, Ursula von der Leyen, gave themselves until Sunday to decide on their next steps after failing to overcome persistent rifts over a “lively” dinner of turbot on Wednesday.
“There’s still clearly some scope to keep talking but there are significant points of difference that remain,” Dominic Raab, Foreign Secretary said, adding that both sides needed to take stock at the weekend.
“Sunday I think is an important moment,” Raab said. “You never say never in these talks, but I think we do need to get some finality.”
Raab said the main points of contention, fisheries and commitments on a level playing field, were narrow in scope but they were matters of principle for Britain.
Softening the blow
Britain formally left the EU in January, but has since been in a transition period during which it remains in the EU single market and customs union, meaning that rules on trade, travel and business have stayed the same.
That ends on Dec. 31. If by then there is no agreement to protect around $1 trillion in annual trade from tariffs and quotas, businesses on both sides will suffer.
Failure to agree new rules to govern everything from car parts to Camembert would snarl borders, shock financial markets and sow chaos through supply chains in a world already grappling with the economic cost of COVID-19.
Food prices
John Allan, Tesco Chairman has warned that food prices will go up if Britain leaves the EU’s orbit with no deal. Raab, asked about the remark, said there may be some changes in food prices.
The European Commission said it was still seeking a trade agreement by the year-end deadline but it could only soften some of the disruption predicted as Britain leaves the EU’s orbit.
“While a ‘no-deal’ scenario will cause disruptions in many areas, some sectors would be disproportionately affected due to a lack of appropriate fall-back solutions,” reports said.
It proposed keeping “certain air services” between Britain and the EU for up to six months, provided London ensures the same. Air safety measures would continue to be recognised, to avoid grounding aircraft.
Basic connections by road freight and for road passengers would also continue for six months as long as it was reciprocal.
Grant Shapps, British transport minister said in mid-October that the UK would look to reciprocate any basic connectivity measures announced by the EU.
Britain’s Department for Transport did not immediately respond when asked to comment on Thursday.
Johnson portrays Brexit as a chance to give Britain a fully independent, more agile economy. EU powers fear London wants the best of both worlds – preferential access to EU markets but with the advantage to set its own rules.
That, they say, would undermine the post-World War Two project which sought to bind the ruined nations of Europe and particularly Germany and France into a global trading power.
The EU wants Britain to remain tied to the bloc’s labour, social and environmental standards in the future, as well as to state aid rules for corporate state subsidies.
Reuters/Olusola Akintonde
NYSC partners with Agricultural institutes on training
The National Youth Service Corps NYSC days it will continue to explore avenues for training of corps members on modernised farming and deployment of equipment.
The Director General NYSC, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim made this known during separate signing of memorandum of understanding with the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute ARMTI and National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation NCAM at the office in Ilorin, Kwara state.
The Director General said the partnership kicked off with the two agencies was aimed at boosting the schemes agricultural programme and support corps members that are interested in agro-ventures.
According to a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations Mrs Adenine Adeyemi, the Director-General advised corps members to identify their talents and develop them with passion.
Ibrahim said white collar jobs where not easy to come by which informed the decision of the scheme to introduce its skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development programme in 2012.
“We felt the need for us to partner so that you can bring your expertise to bear on our corps members by enhancing their skills in agro-business” Ibrahim said.
He said the synergy with ARMTI would offer professional training in modern agricultural practices for both corps members and NYSC staff.
He also said the input from ARMTI would boost the morale of other NYSC partners and attract more assistance for the corp members.
At NCAM the NYSC helmsman said corps members were gifted with potentials which if properly harnessed would propel the country towards greater economic development.
Youth Empowerment
The Executive Director ARMTI, Dr Olufemi Oladunni in his remarks assured of the institutes readiness to train corps members.
He said theinstitute recently trained and empowered some youths on poultry farming and vegetable production.
“I want to assure you of our full support and we won’t take anything for granted” he said.
Also speaking the Executive Director NCAM Engineer Muideen Kasalli assured of assistance to the NYSC adding that the institute would improve the capacity of corps members in agriculture through mechanization.
He said NCAM had over the years trained different stakeholders including students, youths and women in agriculture.
Nneka Ukachukwu
Security: AIG calls for synergy between media and police
The Assistant Inspector-general of police AIG in charge of Zone 13, Ukpo, Anambra state, AIG Danmallam Mohammed has solicited the cooperation of media practitioners in Anambra state towards the success of Police operations in providing security of lives and property.
He made the request when the leadership of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Anambra state council paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
He said the society would benefit more from Police operations if the media and police work in synergy.
AIG Mohammed called on the Correspondents chapel members to be objective in their reportage, adding that Journalists should not only criticize, but also proffer solutions that could help the police in discharging their duties effectively.
Earlier, chairman of the chapel, Mr. Emma Ndukuba said the visit was to formally welcome the AIG to the state, and to invite him to their forthcoming symposium, tagged, “Anambra 2021: Setting Agenda for a credible leadership.”
He explained that the symposium was in preparation for the forth coming governorship poll in Anambra state
Mr. Ndukuba stated that members of the chapel were committed to contributing their quota to ensuring proper reportage of the governorship polls.
Nneka Ukachukwu