Aliko Dangote Bags National Honour Of The Republic Of Niger

August 3, 2022

The President of the Republic of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum has conferred that country’s Commander of the Order of Merit of Niger, a national Honour, on the President/Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote.

According to the certificate of conferment that was presented today, August 3, to Dangote in Niamey, the nation’s capital, the award was in appreciation of his services rendered to the Republic of Niger and as well as a tribute to his business acumen and philanthropy.

The national award is also in recognition of the various health-related interventions by the Aliko Dangote Foundation, including financial support to the tune of $500,000 to help fight a previous Meningitis outbreak and another cholera outbreak; NGN250 million for the provision of food for refugees and displaced persons; and $1,000,000 (one million dollars) support for enhanced routine immunisation in the three identified regions of Diffa, Maradi and Zinder.

The national award came amidst the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Aliko Dangote Foundation, alongside the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and GAVI the Vaccine Alliance with the government of the Republic of Niger on a collaboration for improving the Expanded Programme on Immunisation in Diffa, Maradi and Zinder regions, which are along the country’s southern border with Nigeria.

Aliko Dangote Foundation and BMGF had played key roles in a historic certification by the World Health Organisation of a polio-free Nigeria and Africa in August 2020. The same successful template which was applied to ensure eradication of polio in northern Nigeria in partnership with six states namely Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto and Yobe, is also being applied by ADF to enhance routine immunisation and adequate vaccination around Nigeria’s borders with the Republics of Niger and Chad.

The three regions of Diffa, Maradi and Zinder share a common border with Northern Nigeria and together make up almost 28% of Niger’s land area and about 40% of the country’s population.

Speaking on the MoU partnership, the Managing Director of Aliko Dangote Foundation stated that “ADF is committing $1 million over 3 years; BMGF are providing $2 million, while GAVI is bringing in $10 million worth of vaccines under this MoU. ADF and BMGF are bringing in the money required to stimulate demand for the vaccines that GAVI is bringing in to ensure maximum uptake and coverage.”

The Foundations are committed to providing technical and financial support to the Government of Niger to strengthen its vaccine programmes gradually and sustainably improve its coverage in the Diffa, Maradi and Zinder regions in order to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases.

Gavi, according to the MoU, will continue its support for immunisation in the selected priority districts in the three regions, in accordance with the agreement already signed with the Government of Niger, the strategic objectives of the Health System Strengthening Project (HSS3) grant and the approved financing.

In order to protect the target populations against poliomyelitis and other vaccine-preventable diseases, the government of Niger is committed to strengthening the routine vaccine programme and to reduce morbidity and mortality in the regions of Diffa, Maradi and Zinder.

The objective of the MoU is to collaborate on strengthening vaccination in Niger to improve the delivery of routine vaccine services in the three regions in order to achieve full vaccination coverage of 90% of the target population by December 2024; to ensure that at least 90% of districts achieve 90% Penta 3 vaccination coverage; to vaccinate 90% of the zero doses identified; to stop poliovirus transmission and maintain polio-free status; and to ensure consistent national funding and procurement of vaccines in order to secure a sustained and steady supply of all routine vaccines throughout the country.

Atiku Promises 40 Perscent Youths, Women Inclusion In His Government

Editorial staff

August 3, 2022

The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Ababakar, has promised youths and women 40 percent inclusion in his government if he is entrusted with the mandate to preside over the affairs of the country from next year.

He also assured them that he is committed to enthroning an enduring legacy to them..

Atiku Abubakar spoke today, August 3, when he received at his residence in Abuja, a delegation of the executive members of the PDP New Generation, led by its Director-General, Audu Mahmud

The PDP Presidential candidate referred to his policy document of 40 percent inclusion of women and youths in government positions if elected, even as he noted that with the 35 percent affirmative action on women as contained in the Beijing Conference document, he would make the needed adjustment to accommodate the youth and the women segments of the population.

Atiku Abubakar said that it was only in the PDP era that the 35 percent affirmative action plan on women was implemented in the country and that the APC administration never honoured that policy.

He decried the vulnerable situation of the youths today even as he promised to remedy it.

He said that education will be an integral pillar of his policy agenda to empower the youths and advance the practice of democracy in the country.

He regretted that the institutions and policy frameworks the PDP government put in place have been mismanaged by the APC administration.

Atiku recognized the place of youths in nation building, stressing that he will, in tandem with the needs of the times, run an inclusive government that is sensitive to our diversities in all ramifications.

The leader of the delegation, Audu Mahmud said that Atiku Abubakar is a veritable source of inspiration to the youths of the country, and expressed confidence in his ability to fix the broken socio-economic and political fabric of the country to the benefit of all Nigerians.

We’ll Not Ask Our Chairman To Step Down Because Of Gov Wike – PDP BoT

Editorial staff

August 3, 2022

PDP National Chairman, Ayu | Photo credit: Premium Times

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has made it clear that it had no intention of asking the National Chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu, to step down simply because Governor Nyeson Wike of Rivers State gave such action as a condition for the settlement of the crisis in the party.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting at the Wadata House national headquarters in Abuja, the Chairman of the Board, Walid Jibrin and Senator Abdul Ningi, said that the meeting was called to intervene in the crisis involving the presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar, and the Governor Wike.

Leaders of BoT said: “we haven’t discussed anyone stepping down. What we discussed is to raise a committee. It is the Committee of the Whole. All BoT members are in the committee.”

When asked what grievances were discussed in the meeting, Ningi said, “I can’t tell you the grievances. We are going to meet Atiku to start the project.”

Gen. Irabor Wants Press Code For Journalists So They Don’t Become Tools Of Criminals

Editorial staff

August 3, 2022

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, has proposed the implementation of a press code for Nigerian journalists covering conflicts and security matters.

He said that such code of practice would save the journalists from turning into what he called “the tool of criminals.”

General Irabor, who spoke in Abuja today, August 3 at the National Defence College (NDC) graduation lecture, stressed that there is a need for guidelines for reporting difficult stories, including stories of conflict and terrorism.

According to him, the German Press Code for example which says that in reporting actual and threatened acts of violence, the press should carefully weigh the public interest in information against the interest of victims and other people involved.

He said that the media should report on such incidents in an independent and authentic way, but not allow itself to be made the tool of criminals.

He advised the Nigerian media to emulate and domesticate the German Press Code as its guiding principle in reportage.

CDS Irabor identified the need to deepen strategic communication to pursue proactive security measures to reduce the impact of regional dynamics in the country.

He said that there is a need to encourage a Whole-of-Society Approach to security by deepening strategic communication to educate the populace on the fact that issues of security are a collective responsibility.

According to him, everybody in the society ought to be a relevant stakeholder.

“Timely information on suspicious movements of strangers in a community might be the main lead to provide the needed early warning for the relevant government agency to swing into action.”

Why Train On Warri-Itakpe Route Won’t Be Stopping In Ajaoukuta Again – NRC

Editorial staff

August 3, 2022

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has said that it has not suspended train services on Warri-Itakpe route, but that trains will now not be stopping at the Ajaokuta station.

Managing Director of Corporation, Fidet Okhiria, in a statement today, August 3, however confirmed the suspension of the train services on Lagos-Kano route.

“We have not stopped (services), rather what we said was that we are not going to be stopping at the Ajaokuta station.

“This is because yesterday (Monday), while passengers were leaving the station with their private cars and buses, they had people shooting at them. So we said we will not stop there again for passengers.

“The train is still running, but for now we will not be stopping at Ajaokuta because they have some concerns there. We heard that they removed their traditional ruler in that location and the local government chairman there.”

The NRC boss said that apart from the Abuja-Kaduna route, the corporation had also suspended services on the Lagos-Kano route because of security concerns.

“Apart from the Lagos to Kano (train services) that has been suspended because of the fact that the Kaduna route is affected by the activities of bandits; and it (Lagos-Kano route) was stopped because we have to pass through Minna and Kaduna when heading to Kano. So we have to stop it for now.”

Recall that the NRC, on March 29, 2022, suspended train services on the Abuja-Kaduna route after an attack by terrorists which left some eight passengers dead with some others seriously injured and scores abducted.

On Tuesday, the Federal Government hinted that it will fully resume operations for the Abuja-Kaduna train route when it has installed the appropriate surveillance technology for the trains as part of measures to prevent further attacks.

Delta PDP Youths Storm Abuja, Demand Dr. Iyorcha Ayu’s Sack

Editorial staff

August 3, 2022

Young members of the main opposition Peoples Democrat Party (PDP) today, August 3, stormed the National Secretariat of the party, demanding the resignation of its National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu.

The youths, acting under the aegis of Concerned Deltans for Good Governance, were at the Wadata Plaza, to register their displeasure over what they described as the refusal of the party chairman to obey an order of the Federal High Court which sacked Sheriff Oborevwori as the PDP governorship candidate in next year’s governorship election in Delta.

Recall that the court order which was delivered by Justice Taiwo Taiwo declared Olorogun David Edevbie as the lawfully nominated and authentic candidate of the party.

It also directed the PDP to forward Edevbie’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in addition to ordering INEC to accord him the full rights and privileges due to him as the rightful candidate of the party.

But the protesters who trooped out en masse to demand the party’s compliance with the Justice Taiwo’s ruling carried placards with inscriptions, such as “Ayu lacks integrity to push PDP to victory”, “Obey the Abuja FHC judgement,” “BoT help Delta PDP before NWC kills the party” among others.

Addressing newsmen during the protest, the leader of the group, Chris Anthony, accused Ayu of leading the party towards destruction.

“There’s a burning issue in Delta state, and it’s about who is the rightful candidate of the PDP in the state.

“Everyone knows that the PDP in Delta is the majority party, but with the action of the National Chairman of the party, we are beginning to be convinced that Ayu is a mole in the party to trade the fortunes of the party to the opposition.

“We have seen Ayu not just as a mole, but also as an actor playing the script written by the opposition to actualise the emergence of an APC governor in Delta state.

“Ayu lacks the capacity to lead the PDP and so should honourably resign, because he has demonstrated gross incompetence in handling the affairs of the party. He should resign. Ayu should resign, because he cannot manage the affairs of the party well.

“We are talking about defending the democracy that thrives on the rule of law, but Ayu has willfully refused to obey a simple court judgment.”

Pantami, Communications Guru At Telecommunications Indigenous Content Expo

Greenbarge Reporters

August 3, 2022

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami (third from right), with the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Adeleke Adewolu; the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Abdullahi; the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, NCC, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, Special Assistant, Innovation and Technology to Lagos State Governor, Olatunbosun Alake; Chairman, House Committee on Telecommunications, Hon. (Prince) Akeem Adeyemi and Chairman, NCC Board of Commissioners, Professor Adeolu Akande, at the maiden Nigerian Telecommunications Indigenous Content Expo (NTICE) 2022 in Lagos at Lagos recently.

Music Legend, Ebenezer Obey, Launches Ministry On Alcoholism, Drug Addiction

Editorial staff

August 2, 2022

Music legend, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, has launched a new ministry tagged: “Freedom from Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Ministry” (FADAM), as part of his efforts to join forces with the war against alcoholism and drug addiction, especially among the younger generation of Nigeria and in the Diaspora.

The development, according to the music icon, is a separate ministry aside from his popular Decross Gospel Mission and Ebenezer Obey Evangelistic Ministry, to massively enlighten and educate youths on the danger of alcoholism and drug addiction.

Obey, as he is fondly called, said that FADAM will also become an avenue to assist parents and families of alcoholic and drug-addicted children and youths as it will allow them to overcome the challenges and make their children better citizens of society.

The octogenarian musician, who received the news of the demise of his son, Olayinka Obey-Fabiyi, during his short vacation in the United Kingdom, stressed that the reason behind the launch of the new ministry is paramount to turning the pains of the death of his son, Olayinka Obey-Fabiyi into a solution ministry to parents and families of such children and youths passing through the same experience.

Obey, also expressed sadness over the death of his son, Olayinka Obey-Fabiyi aged 48, despite trying all he could as a father to help the deceased fight against his weakness, but to no avail.

“The doctors called me six months ago to inform me that Yinka has less than six months to live, this was very painful and bad news that a father must not hear about his son, since then, “l went back to the Holy Spirit to teach me what to do and the result of my communication with the Holy Spirit is the launching of this ministry.

“I have received several condolence messages from all and sundry, l appreciate and thank you all for your love and concern. l also thank Yinka’s friends for their effort and support and l must thank Shina Obey-Fabiyi (my eldest son) for coordinating all his younger brothers and sisters, for extra and special care for Yinka till the end of his life. I also thank the pastors, elders, and the entire Decross family for everything.

“Once again! I appreciate all condolences, but let us rather turn further condolences to prayer support of this new ministry to help those who are in pain of alcoholism and drug addiction. Job 22:21: “Acquaint now thyself with God, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. Get out of Alcoholism, Get out of Drugs. Jesus loves you.”

Obey assured his fans and music lovers that the incident, though sad, would not in any way affect all his pending performance engagements adding, “Note, all engagements and commitments remain valid and unaffected.”

I Have Given Security Forces Full Freedom To Deal With Terrorists – President Buhari

Editorial staff

August 2, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has made it public that he has given security forces in the country full freedom to go all out and deal with the terrorists that have been ravaging most parts of Nigeria.

“I have given security forces full freedom to deal with, and bring to end this madness,” the President, who is the Commander of the Armed Forces of Nigeria emphasized.

The President was reacting today, August 2, in a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, to the killing, by the bandits and terrorists, of many citizens in Sokoto, Kaduna and plateau States in particular and Nigeria in general.

“The President, Tuesday, reviewed the situation following reports on the loss of several lives in the attacks, and assured all possible support from the federal government to the states.

“We have given security forces full freedom to deal with, and bring to end this madness.

“I condemn these barbaric attacks on the country. I wish to assure the states of all possible support from the government of the federation.

“My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly.”

You Are On Your Own, NDIC Warns Those Investing With Fund Managers

Editorial staff

August 2, 2022

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), has warned Nigerians who invest their money with Fund Managers that the law setting it up does not cover such investments under the Deposit Insurance Scheme.

A statement today, August 2, by the Director of Communication and Public Affairs, Bashir A. Nuhu, said that the Corporation only insures deposits of financial institutions licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to accept deposits from the public

The statement said that with the recent increase in investment channels arising from innovative products, there has been an increase in illegal fund managers who have been using different platforms soliciting public to invest their funds with them, promising excessive returns on such investments.

The NDIC said that it has become necessary for it to continue sensitizing the public on the high risk associated with investing funds with illegal funds managers.

“As the deposit insurer, the NDIC would like to inform members of the public that contrary to claims by some of these funds managers, the Corporation does not insure investments with them.

“The NDIC insures only deposits of financial institutions licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to accept deposits from the public.

“To confirm whether a financial institution is covered by the deposit insurance scheme of the NDIC, please visit our website at www.ndic.gov.ng and click on Who We Cover for the complete list.

“You can also address any other enquiry to the Director, Communication & Public Affairs Department, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation.

“Members of the public are also advised to report any entity suspected to be involved in illegal deposit mobilization to the law enforcement agencies.”

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