Population Commission To Employ 2 Million Nigerians For 2023 Census – Commissioner

November 10, 2022

The National Population Commission (NPC) has announced the move to engage two million Nigerians for the conduct of the 2023 census.

The Commission’s Federal Commissioner, representing Ekiti in NPC, Ayodeji Ajayi, said today, November 10 in Ado Ekiti, during a news conference, that the commission is targeting mainly workers in the state and federal civil services, as well as interested Nigerians, with proven integrity as ad-hoc staff.

He advised interested members to express their interests via: 2023censusadhocrecruitment.nationalpopulation.gov.ng.

Ajayi said that the NPC has taken proactive measures to prevent the exercise from being hijacked by unscrupulous elements through ICT innovations that can safeguard the integrity of the national headcount.

He said that the commission is targeting mainly workers in the state and federal civil services, as well as interested Nigerians, with proven integrity as ad-hoc staff.

He advised interested members to express their interests via 2023censusadhocrecruitment.nationalpopulation.gov.ng.

According to him, the Commission will closely monitor those that are going to be employed, warning that any of the recruited staff found wanting before, during and after the exercise compromising the process would be held accountable alongside his guarantors.

Ajayi, a former Ekiti State Head of Service, said: “The commission will recruit ad-hoc staff in the neighbourhood of two million across the country for this exercise, this includes the staff of NPC and the ad-hoc staff that will be trained and other professionals.

“And any job-seeking youth who participates in the exercise and performs well will be given a certificate by the commission to enhance his employability.”

He said that the Commission has, during the Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD), done a preliminary census about the number of inhabitants in every home, saying that any alteration to the data would be challenged during the main census.

Source: NAN.

Minister Asks Foreign Airlines To Stop Embarrassing Nigeria Over Accumulated Funds

Editorial staff

November 10, 2022

Minister of state for aviation, Hadi Sirika

Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has asked international airlines operating in Nigeria to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty, dignity and honour in their operations under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement that they signed with the country.

He told them to stop embarrassing and threatening the country at random because of the delay in repatriating their funds..

Hadi Sirika said that those airlines need Nigeria just as Nigerians need their services and that they should show respect, patience and understanding with Nigeria, which has promised to clear the back lock of the accrued funds before the end of the year.

The minister, who spoke at a news briefing in Abuja today, November 10, gave reasons for the choice of Ethiopian Airlines as the preferred airline to partner with Nigeria in floating the new entity.

He said that apart from being one of the biggest and most efficient airlines in the world, Ethiopian Airline is the only airline that responded to its requests for expression of interest and fulfilled all the stipulated conditions laid down by Nigeria to be picked.

He said that other airlines in the world ignored Nigeria and refused to join hands with it to float a national carrier despite the fact that he personally went to such airlines and met with them at several air shows and international aviation forums to convince them to partner with the country. Hadi Sirika said that Ethiopian Airlines has proved to the world that it is not only efficient and prosperous by registering over $1 billion profit after tax even in the wake of Covid-19 but has continued to flourish despite the challenges in the aviation sector globally.

“We did not cede Nigeria Air to Ethiopian Airlines. It is the only airline in the world that made $1 billion profit even during Covid-19 pandemic. It is the most prosperous, efficient and leading airline in the African continent and it was the only airline that responded to our request for partnership to run the airline after many months of advertisement of expression of interest.

“Even after some interested persons asked the Nigeria to extend the time of EoI and we did, none of them showed interest. Despite the fact that officials of the ministry of aviation led by me personally visited some of the leading airlines across the world and pleaded with them to take up the partnership with Nigeria to set up the airline, none of them signified interest except Ethiopian Airlines, which has been allotted 49 percent shares while Nigerian institutional investors take up 45 percent while the federal government will take up only five percent.

“The choice of Ethiopian Airlines is good for Nigeria and it is in line with the African Union Agenda and spirit and to take advantage of the over 1.2 billion population in Africa. Our desire is for Africa to come together and lead the African aviation market through our new partnership with Ethiopian Airlines.

“The partnership will also reduce cost of operations and air fares for Nigerian and African air travellers as opposed to the current situation. Contrary to what people think, let it be known that Ethiopian Airlines emerged as the preferred partner of Nigeria Air through a transparent and credible process that cannot be faulted because we want the project to succeed so that Nigeria can have an airline that does not suffer the fate of the former Nigeria Airways.”

The minister said that all airports in the country must be built and operated in accordance with the Aviation masterplan that had been developed in order to avoid chaotic situations that have already sprung out in many of the airports including Lagos International airport, where many structures have already been marked for demolition in overall public interest despite the cost involved.

Regarding the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Abuja, the minister pointed out that the entire stretch running from Bill Clinton Way through Gwagwalada has been captured under the Abuja Airport Masterplan and that any development that does not fit into the masterplan would be demolished.

He therefore, cautioned individuals and entities currently carrying out development project along that stretch measuring about 12,000 hectares of land, to pause and await further information to avoid demolition.

Asked to pinpoint what the Buhari administration has recorded as a major achievement under the aviation sector, Sirika mentioned the strengthening of institutions in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation and global best practice and polices that delivered safe, strong and efficient industry as Buhari’s greatest achievement between 2016 to date.

Hoodlums Burn Down INEC Offices In Ogun, Osun; 65,699 PVCs Destroyed

Editorial staff

November 10, 2022

Hoodlums have set fire on the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ogun and Osun States, destroying a total of 65,699 uncollected Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs).

Chairman of the INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, told newsmen today, November 10 that 904 ballot boxes, 29 voting cubicles, 30 megaphones, 57 election bags, and eight electric power generators were also destroyed in the arson attacks.

The attacks occurred separately at the commission’s offices in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State and the Ede South Local Government Area Of Osun State.

Festus Okoye said that both incidents occurred in the early hours of today, November 10, and that while the entire building of its Abeokuta office was set ablaze, a portion of its Ede office was burnt.

The INEC national commissioner said that security agencies have commenced investigations into the attacks.

An emergency security meeting has been convened to get to the bottom of the attacks, which are seen as a threat to the forthcoming general elections.

“The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, had reported to the INEC headquarters that “our office in Ede South Local Government Area was attacked and set ablaze.

“The incident occurred in the early hours of this morning when some unidentified persons attacked the building and set a portion of it ablaze.

“Fortunately, the damage to our Ede South Local Government [office] was limited to a section of the building, and only some furniture items were destroyed.

“The attention of the Nigeria Police Force and other security and safety agencies has been drawn to the incidents, and they have commenced investigation,” parts of the statement said.

Festus Okoye said that the Commission has convened an emergency meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) for Friday, November 11, to discuss the “disturbing trend” of political violence.

“The rising incidents of attacks on supporters of various political parties since the commencement of campaign barely two months ago and the use of hate and incendiary language by some politicians are extremely disturbing,” he lamented.

The INEC office at Iyana Mortuary in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, was set on fire by suspected hoodlums in the early hours of Thursday.

It was gathered that the hoodlums, numbering about eight, reportedly jumped the fence into the premises and set the INEC building on fire from the back.

After invading the premises, the hoodlums reportedly soaked loaves of bread with petrol and threw them into the building at different angles to set fire to the INEC office.

It was gathered that a security guard at the facility, Azeez Hamzat, had made a distress call to the police around 1:00 a.m., alerting them of the fire incident.

Meanwhile, the Ogun INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Niyi Ijalaye, confirmed the incident and described it as shocking.

We’ll Ignore Desperate Politicians Devoid Of Ideas And Campaign On Issues – Tinubu

Editorial staff

November 10, 2022

The Presidential Candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that he and his team will continue to ignore desperate politicians in the opposition who have exhausted ideas on how to move Nigeria forward, but thrive on insults and hateful campaigns.

“We shall allow the desperate, devoid-of-substance campaigns of others engage in divisive identity politics and the promotion of untruths and ugly rumours.

“We, the APC, shall continue to stand before the Nigerian people to discuss the real issues of the day and offer insight into the policy solutions we intend to deploy to solve them. In this, we remain the best and only hope for progressive good governance in Nigeria.”

Tinubu , who spoke today, November 10, at a townhall meeting with mining and agro-processing stakeholders in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital emphasized that he would prioritize the resuscitation of the nation’s economy through the development of the solid mineral sector.

According to Tinubu, the nation is richly blessed and can cater for itself, saying: “few nations are as well-endowed as Nigeria, given our industrious, energetic population and our vast inventory of land, water and natural resources.

“Our beloved nation has abundant, commercially viable solid mineral deposits such as coal, limestone, iron ore, bitumen, lead, zinc, gold and a variety of gemstones.

“It is the obligation of government to use these gifts wisely to benefit the nation and improve the living standards of the average Nigerian.”

On his plans for the sector, Tinubu promised to make the Ajaokuta Steel Company fully operational again, adding that the sector would contribute more to the nation’s economy by building the GDP.

“We seek to turn this economy into a more active engine of growth, productivity, jobs and income. We seek to establish a broad-based economy that ensures broadly-shared prosperity for all.

“Solid minerals and mining will play key roles in our campaign toward prosperity and our economic offensive against poverty and underdevelopment.

“The solid minerals sector contributed less than 1% to our GDP in 2020. We need to increase this amount every year. My administration will develop the solid minerals sector, establishing policies that will encourage investment for growth in that sector.

“My administration will ensure the full completion and operation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company under a viable Public-Private Partnership structure.”

The APC Presidential hopeful said that his administration would enact legislative reforms and forge strategic partnerships with private sector investors with requisite skills and proven capacity to support investment in the mining sector.

“My government will continue the progress and, in particular, shall focus on expanding the development of agro-industry to boost domestic food production and enable our farmers and industrialists to add value to their products.

“My agricultural policy encompasses the creation of storage facilities, affordable farm loans and mortgages, creation of modern agricultural hubs in each geopolitical zone amid other measures.”

This was even as the Nasarawa State Governor, Sule said that Tinubu’s engagement with the mining community would also afford the opportunity to know the economic potentials of State in mining and agricultural. The Governor listed 20 solid minerals in commercial quantity in the state which include lead, gold, Barite, mable, and zinc among others.

“I thank Asiwaju Tinubu for visiting our states and our people have always wanted to see you to ask you questions and you are here to answer their questions.

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau state described the Lafia Town Hall meeting as another worthy engagement between APC Presidential candidate and critical stakeholders in Nasarawa State after similar events in Kano, Lagos and Niger States.

He said Nasarawa is the home of huge solid mineral deposits that have remained untapped with attendant insecurity caused by illegal miners promising, Tinubu as next President of Nigeria would squarely address during his tenure

‘Tinubu is a man with untainted records of solving challenges. We are lucky he is ready to serve our country at this time,” said Lalong.

Also speaking at the session, APC National Chairman, Adamu charged Tinubu to get ready to lead Nigeria to the Promised Land. He re-echoed the position of President Muhammadu Buhari that all indicators and indications point to the fact that the APC Presidential candidate is the next President of Nigeria.

“On mining sector, every local government in Nasarawa State has a solid mineral deposit. I can say this with authority as former Governor of this state and Chairman of Senate Committee on Solid Minerals. I don’t want to say Nasarawa has potentials but I will say the huge opportunities are here.

“We are tired of potentials in this country, we want to see the real things. Nigerians need to see the Action Plan of our candidate and they will see in details what Tinubu and our party want to do. We are convinced our tomorrow will be better than our today,”he said.

Yes, We Negotiate With Kidnappers For Obvious Reasons, Police Boss Confesses

Editorial staff

November 10, 2022

The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has confessed that the police and other security agents used to negotiate with kidnappers to secure release of victims for one reason or the other.

The police boss, who answered reporters’ questions today, November 10, at the State House Media Briefing, organized by the Presidential Communications Team, said that there are several options to explore during kidnap incidents.

“The issue of kidnapping is an issue that borders almost all the security agents, including the military. It is a crime that once it is committed, you have to thread very softly and with all sense of professionalism.

“If you do not rescue the person, save, unhurt, you’ve not done anything and once somebody is in the captivity of an armed person, then you need to do a lot of things, it is not all about guns and other things. There are a lot of other things that can be done.

“We were able to rescue the whole of forestry students in Kaduna through negotiation and many others.”

The Inspector General of Police said that suspects arrested after the travel advisory issued by the United States and United Kingdom in Abuja will be charged to court soon.

The police boss would not give accurate number of those arrested in connection with the threats, said that the security stakeholders picked holes in the advisories because it caused apprehension among the citizens.

“Nobody has dismissed that alarm. Government never dismissed it; but we only said it was blown out of proportion or made in such a way that our people became apprehensive to the situation or to the way it was done.

“The embassies have their own responsibilities to their citizens and they can make their advice and the government has not dismissed what has happened because they have also informed us of what they foresee as threats.

“And we on our part have also looked at what they put as threat as something that has been with us and efforts are being made daily to see they those threats are mitigated or prevented from happening and that is what has been happening in Abuja and all over the country.

“Sometimes, these threats or things happen but nobody has dismissed it as mere alarm and a lot of efforts have been made, like you said to douse tension. Yes, actually arrests have been made for those, we believe are planning to commit crime in whatever form and we have done that arrest and as at when due, those arrested will be charged to court by any of the services which have them.”

Buhari Hails Team Nigeria For Winning Silver At African Archery Competition

Editorial staff

November 10, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Team Nigeria for winning Silver Medal at the African Continental Archery Championship, holding in Pretoria, South Africa.

Rotimi Williams, Olatayo Olasehinde and Damilola Sholademi who represented Nigeria in the men’s 50m compound bow, won silver, coming second behind South Africa.

In the mixed category comprising both genders, Williams Sholademi and Kachollom Enyenihi also won the silver.

President Buhari commended the athletes for demonstrating the Nigerian value of bravery, passion and commitment in the maiden participation of the country in the African Archery Championship, held every two years.

He believed that this worthy achievement marks the beginning of a harvest of more celebrations in their professional career and other endeavours.

We’re Closely Watching Twitter Under New Owner, Elon Musk – Nigeria Information Minister

Editorial staff

November 10, 2022

The Nigeria’s minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed, has said that the Federal Government is closely monitoring the current development of the microblogging platform, Twitter under the new ownership, Elon Musk.

The minister’s pronouncement is coming against the backdrop of recent sharp increase in fake news, disinformation, and hate speech, especially since Twitter changed ownership.

Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, today, November 10, Lai Mohammed said that the federal government has no intention of banning Twitter again, but that it should not fall into the same trap that led to its ban months ago.

He recalled that last year’s suspension of Twitter was due to its use by those elements that are working at destabilizing Nigeria via fake news, disinformation, and hate speech.

The minister said that the federal government has no intention of banning any media platform from performing its duties, however, noted that it would also not allow any platform to be used to plunge the country into anarchy.

Answering a question on whether another Twitter ban is coming following new ownership, Lai Mohammed said: “we have no intention of banning any social media platform again. But we will also not sit by and allow any platform whatsoever to throw our nation into crisis.

“Let me say this, we are closely monitoring the evolving developments at Twitter. It has never been our intention to ban any social media platform or stifle free speech. Not at all!

“Many have called to ask us what will become of our agreement with Twitter given the change in its ownership and they have also asked for our reaction following reports that there has been a spike in fake news, disinformation, and hate speech since the micro-blogging site changed ownership.

“We have also been asked if there is going to be another ban. What happened in the case of Twitter is well-known to all. Twitter became a platform of choice for those who want to destabilize Nigeria, using fake news, disinformation, and hate speech.

“No nation will allow any social media platform to plunge it into anarchy, definitely not Nigeria! But we have continued to engage positively with the different social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.’’

Recall that in June 2021, the federal government suspended the operations of Twitter indefinitely in the country, citing double standards by the microblogging and social media platform, and the persistent use of the platform for activities that were capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.

However, in January 2022, President Buhari approved the lifting of the ban on the micro-blogging platform.

Elon Musk earlier in October completed the $44 billion Twitter acquisition deal and has since then introduced controversial new offering such as selling Twitter verification status.

Nigerian Govt Moves To Build Aviation Medical Centers In All Airports

Editorial staff

November 9, 2022

Information Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed

The Nigerian Federal Government has moved to build Aviation Medical Centers in all the airports in the country.

This hint was dropped today, November 9, by the minister of information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, while briefing newsmen shortly after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential villa, Abuja.

He said that procurement of medical equipment and furniture are being scheduled to be made for the ongoing construction of one of the prototype Aviation Medical Centers at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport in Abuja.

“In other words, we are building Aviation Medical Centers in all the airports and this is the first prototype at Abuja and the contract was approved for the supply of medical equipment and furniture, to the tune of N1,000,684,789.32.”

Lai Mohammed said that Tasodic Sodica Limited, the company that is to carry out the supply, was given six months from now to complete the job.

Atiku’s Campaign Rally Attacked By Hoodlums In Borno

Editorial staff

November 9, 2022

The Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign rally, under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was attacked today, November 9, in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Information reaching us said that the rally, the first to be held in the North East region, was attended by a large crowd and many notable leaders of the PDP.

A statement by the Media Adviser to Atiku, Paul Ibe, alleged that the attackers were wielding the flag of the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that they destroyed the convoy of vehicles conveying dignitaries to the venue.

“It is rather unfortunate that the APC in Borno State mobilized some of its members to attack the convoy carrying dignitaries who had earlier paid a courtesy visit at the Shehu of Borno palace to the venue of the rally.

“While it is well understood that such barbaric behaviour is typical of the APC, it must be noted that, this time around, it is specifically the last kick of a dying horse.

“The APC, apparently overwhelmed by the large turn of supporters to greet our presidential candidate, resorted to anti-democratic actions to scare the crowd away from the rally.

“It is a similar pattern to what happened during our rally in Kaduna State and it is important to call the attention of all stakeholders in peaceful elections in Nigeria to the dangerous actions being undertaken by the APC to disrupt our rallies, especially in the North,” Ibe said.

Paul Ibe said that Atiku, at the rally, said that if elected president in the election next year, he will ensure that the problem of insecurity is properly addressed, as well as bringing activities at the Lake Chad Basin back to life and continue with the exploration of crude oil in Borno State.

“There are three major issues that are important to everyone in Borno State. The most important is that we must return this state to the true meaning of its title as the ‘Home of Peace’. Therefore, my major agenda as far as Borno is concerned is to deal decisively with insecurity and return peace to this state and everywhere else.

“Secondly, I know that there has been an abandonment of activities around the Lake Chad Basin and this comes with attendant problems of people losing their means of livelihood. So, I am going to provide a sufficient amount of resources in both security and infrastructure that will guarantee the safety of lives and property around the Lake Chad Basin.

“Thirdly, given the enormity of security challenges, the business of crude oil exploration in this state has been put on hold. I will activate the necessary machinery that will ensure that crude oil fields in Borno State are explored, which will in turn make this state more economically viable.”

King Charles III Hosts President Buhari

Greenbarge Reporters

November 9, 2022

His Royal Majesty, King Charles III of England, welcoming President Muhammadu Buhari today, November 9, at the Buckingham Palace, United Kingdom, during the visit by Buhari.

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