No One Can Use Insecurity To Dampen My Focus To Reposition Nigeria, Buhari Vows

December 31, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has reassured Nigerians that no amount of insecurity contrived to derail his focus will work, saying “I assure you that we will remain resolute in our commitments and shall continue to press ahead with our programmes and plans.

“The persistent insecurity in certain parts of the country may have threatened to becloud the incremental gains achieved in the real sectors of the economy and in the administration’s overall objective to position the nation on the irreversible trajectory of sustainable growth and progress, but we remain undaunted.”

The President, in his New Year message to Nigerians today, December 31, expressed gratitude to God for yet another Year attained “as a country, united by a common destiny and resolute in our determination to overcome the several challenges along the path to build the great and prosperous Nation of our dream.”

Buhari also saluted the courage and resilience of all Nigerians, which he said, was evident in 2021 “as this nation, like other countries of the world, faced significant challenges that occurred as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the efforts to restore the global economy and social order.”

President Buhari comforted the citizens, saying: “the path to nationhood is often fraught with unpredictable difficulties and challenges.”

According to him, most tried and tested nations have often prevailed through dogged determination, resilience, concerted commitment to unity, and the conviction that the whole of the nation, standing together against all odds, is by far greater and would ultimately be more prosperous and viable than the sum of its distinguishable parts.

Buhari Queries National Assembly Over “Worrisome” Changes In 2022 Budget

Editorial staff

December 31, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has raised eyebrow over what he called “worrisome” changes which the National Assembly made in the 2022 national budget.

The President, who signed the budget into law today, December 31 “for its implementation to commence in January 2022” said he would revert to the national assembly soon to correct all the anomalies.

Buhari complained that most of the projects inserted into the budget by the national Assembly “relate to matters that are basically the responsibilities of State and Local Governments, and do not appear to have been properly conceptualized, designed and costed.”

The President listed other “worrisome changes” to include the following:

“Increase in projected FGN Independent Revenue by N400 billion, the justification for which is yet to be provided to the Executive;

Reduction in the provision for Sinking Fund to Retire Maturing Bonds by N22 billion without any explanation;

Reduction of the provisions for the Non-Regular Allowances of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Navy by N15 billion and N5 billion respectively. This is particularly worrisome because personnel cost provisions are based on agencies’ nominal roll and approved salaries/allowances;

Furthermore, an increase of N21.72 billion in the Overhead budgets of some MDAs, while the sum of N1.96 billion was cut from the provision for some MDAs without apparent justification;

Increase in the provision for Capital spending (excluding Capital share in Statutory Transfer) by a net amount of N575.63 billion, from N4.89 trillion to N5.47 trillion. Nevertheless, provisions for some critical projects were reduced. These include:

Reduction of N12.6 billion in the Ministry of Transport’s budget for the ongoing Rail Modernisation projects,

Reduction of N25.8 billion from Power Sector Reform Programme under the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, and

Reduction of N14.5 billion from several projects of the Ministry of Agriculture, and introducing over 1,500 new projects into the budgets of this Ministry and its agencies.

Inclusion of new provisions totaling N36.59 billion for National Assembly’s projects in the Service Wide Vote which negates the principles of separation of Powers and financial autonomy of the Legislative arm of government.

The changes to the original Executive proposal are in the form of new insertions, outright removals, reductions and/or increases in the amounts allocated to projects.

Provisions made for as many as 10,733 projects were reduced while 6,576 new projects were introduced into the budget by the National Assembly.

Reduction in the provisions for many strategic capital projects to introduce ‘Empowerment’ projects. The cuts in the provisions for several of these projects by the National Assembly may render the projects unimplementable or set back their completion, especially some of this Administration’s strategic capital projects.

Many more projects have been added to the budgets of some MDAs with no consideration for the institutional capacity to execute the additional projects and/or for the incremental recurrent expenditure that may be required.

It is surprising that despite the National Assembly increasing projected revenue by N609.27 billion, the additional Executive request of N186.53 billion for critical expenditure items could not be accommodated without increasing the deficit, while the sum of N550.59 billion from the projected incremental revenues was allocated at the discretion of National Assembly.”

President Buhari reiterated that he signed the 2022 Appropriation Bill into law to enable its implementation to commence on 1st January 2022. “However, I will revert to the National Assembly with a request for amendment and/or virement as soon as the Assembly resumes to ensure that critical ongoing projects that are cardinal to this administration, and those nearing completion, do not suffer a setback due to reduced funding.”

Buhari Mourns Security Personnel, Civilians Killed By Insurgents, Bandits In 2021

Editorial staff

December 31, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has remembered and honoured gallant Military, Police Officers and other security agents who have lost their lives in the cause of protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria nation against both internal and external aggressors.

In his new year message to Nigerians today, December 31, the President also remembered and commiserated with civilians who lost loved ones as a result of insecurity in different parts of the country.

He assured their families that their sacrifices would not be in vain, stressing that every life matters and every single death caused by any form of insecurity is a matter of personal concern to him, both as a citizen and as the President of this great country.

“We remain fully committed to upholding the constitutional provisions that protect all Nigerians from any form of internal and external aggression.”

He emphasised that the issue of Security in the country remains at the front burner of priority areas that his Administration has given utmost attention to.

“As a follow up to our promise to re-energize and reorganize the security apparatus and personnel of the armed forces and the police, it is on record that this Administration has invested heavily in re-equipping our military in line with upgrading the platforms and firepower required to tackle the current challenges being faced in the country.

“The net results of these efforts have been the number of insurgents and bandits who have willingly surrendered to our Security Forces and continue to do so through various channels and the Safe Corridor created for that purpose.

“Government, however, realizes that victory on the battlefield is just one aspect of sustainable victory. We know that to fully win this war, we must also win the peace and real security lies in winning the hearts and minds of the affected citizens.

“To this end, working with our international partners and neighbouring countries, we would be deploying multi-faceted solutions that will be targeted at addressing human security at the grassroots, before it leads to insecurity.”

In his government outlook in 2022, the President said that it would intentionally leverage ICT platforms to create jobs, while ensuring that the diversification of our economy creates more support to other emerging sectors.

“I am proud to announce that several foreign investors are taking advantage of our ranking as one of the leading start-up ecosystems in Africa to invest in our digital economy.

“We have given the utmost priority to fighting corruption and other related offenses which have been a bane to the growth and prosperity of our dear Nation. We have made major strides and breakthroughs through the innovative use of technology and forensics in the investigative and prosecutorial procedures with commendable results to show that the anti-corruption drive of our Administration is succeeding.

“In the meantime, the accomplishments that have been recorded so far can be traced to the dedication of the Nation’s anti-corruption Agencies who have received the necessary support needed to effectively prosecute their duties.

“Despite our challenges in 2021, it was also a year in which the Administration executed successfully, key projects, programmes, and initiatives to fulfil the promises made under the Security, Economy Anti-corruption (SEA) agenda.

“As we welcome 2022, let us, with hope, envision a year of continued progress against our combined challenges arising from security and socio-economic issues.

“As it is said, the past is but a story told, the future will still be written in gold. Let us be united in our fight to keep our Nation united against all odds and with gratitude, celebrate life in this new epoch.”

FCT Minister Catches COVID19

Greenbarge Reporters

December 31, 2021

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has tested positive for COVID19 virus.
In a statement today, December 31, posted on Facebook, the Minister said: “I have tested positive for COVID-19.”
He said that after a hide and seek period spanning 21 months (one year and nine months), between COVID-19 and him, the virus finally caught up with him during the dying days of 2021.
“After feeling unwell from 28th December, I decided to do a COVID-19 test yesterday morning. The result came out positive this morning.

“Currently doing fine, with some sore throat, feverish feeling and mild running nose. “Undertaking treatment and isolation at home.
“I salute and wish all the medical personnel in the FCT and beyond who have been in the front line fighting this pandemic a happy and prosperous new year 2022. I pray for the quick recovery of all of us currently afflicted with COVID-19.
“I have been informed by the experts that my case is mild because I took two shots of the COVID-19 vaccine. I appeal to all those who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 to do so.
Thanks and Happy New year to all.
MM BELLO.”

2023 Presidency: Abia Gov Insists Igbos Won’t Get It On Platter Of Gold

Editorial staff

December 31, 2021

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has reminded Igbos of the Southeast Nigeria that becoming the President of the country in the 2023 election would not be on a platter of gold.

The governor said that Nigeria’s presidency in 2023 is a national question that requires negotiation, discussion and conversation with all parts of the country.

Answering reporters’ questions yesterday, December 30 at the Presidential villa, Abuja, governor Ikpeazu stressed that an Igbo presidency in 2023 cannot and should not be a “matter of right but something that should be achieved through negotiations and conversations.

“The question of Nigeria’s president of southeast extraction is a national question that require negotiation, discussion and conversation with all parts of this country and I am least qualified to determine what happened in 2023.

“I also want to spend my time supporting the incumbent president to do his time and do his best while we wait for what happens to begin to unfold. So, these are my views about the presidency.”

The governor, who believed however that Igbos deserved to be considered for the presidency, said that political parties must consider the yearnings and aspirations of the Southeast in selecting their presidential candidate.

This was even as he dismissed the rumour about his presidential ambition, saying:”I’m not interested in the presidency. I’m very busy as governor and thinking about what I will become now will amount to shortchanging my people who gave me a mandate for an initial four years and renewed it for another four years and it will terminate around May 2023.

“We are yet in 2021 and it will be self-serving for me to begin to think about what I will become instead of concentrating on serving my people for time they elected me.

“May be after 2023, I will begin to think about what next I will do. Having said that, I think that the south easterners have a right to take a shot at the presidency of Nigeria and I dare say that our qualification starts from the fact that we understand and know Nigeria better than the other states of Nigeria.”

COVID-19 Will End In 2022, WHO Boss Assures

Greenbarge Reporters

December 30, 2021

World Health Organisation (WHO) Director General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, has expressed optimism that COVID-19 pandemic will end in 2022.
Ghebreyesus said at a press briefing yesterday, December 29, that it is two years ago, as people gathered for New Year’s Eve celebrations, that a new global threat emerged.
Since then, 1.8 million deaths were recorded in 2020 and 3.5 million in 2021, but the actual number is much higher. There are also millions of people dealing with long-term consequences from the virus.
Right now, Delta and Omicron are driving up cases to record numbers, leading to spikes in hospitalisation and deaths.
Ghebreyesus said that he was “highly concerned” that the more transmissible Omicron, circulating at the same time as Delta, is leading to “a tsunami of cases.”
Earlier in 2020, during meetings of the world’s biggest economies – the G7 and G20 – WHO challenged leaders to vaccinate 40 per cent of their populations by the end of 2021 and 70 per cent by the middle of 2022.
With only a couple of days left in the year, 92 out of 194 Member States missed the target.
He attributed this to low-income countries receiving a limited supply for most of the year and then subsequent vaccines arriving close to expiry, without key parts, like syringes.
“Forty per cent was doable. It’s not only a moral shame, it cost lives and provided the virus with opportunities to circulate unchecked and mutate,” he said.
WHO chief warned that boosters in rich countries could cause low-income countries to again fall short and called on leaders of wealthy countries and manufacturers to work together to reach the 70 per cent goal by July.
“This is the time to rise above short-term nationalism and protect populations and economies against future variants by ending global vaccine inequity.
“We have 185 days to the finish line of achieving 70 per cent by the start of July 2022. And the clock starts now,” he said.
The Director-General had earlier acknowledged that beating the new health threat would require science, solutions, and solidarity.
While elaborating on some successes, such as the development of new vaccines, which he said “represent a scientific masterclass”, the WHO official lamented that politics too often triumphed over solidarity.
“Populism, narrow nationalism and hoarding of health tools, including masks, therapeutics, diagnostics and vaccines, by a small number of countries undermined equity, and created the ideal conditions for the emergence of new variants.”
He said that misinformation and disinformation has also been “a constant distraction, undermining science and trust in lifesaving health tools.”
He pointed out a case where information went round that huge waves of infections have swept Europe and many other countries causing the unvaccinated to die disproportionally.
The unvaccinated are many times more at risk of dying from either variant.
As the pandemic drags on, new variants could become fully resistant to current vaccines or past infection, necessitating vaccine adaptations.
For Ghebreyesus, as any new vaccine update could mean a new supply shortage, it is important to build up local manufacturing supply.
One way to increase production of life-saving tools, he said, is to pool technology, as in the new WHO Bio Hub System, a mechanism to voluntarily share novel biological materials.
He also pointed to the new WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, based in Berlin, Germany.
The WHO chief called for the development of a new accord between nations, saying it would be “a key pillar” of a world better prepared to deal with the next disease.
“I hope to see negotiations move swiftly and leaders to act with ambition,” he said.
Source: NAN.

Research Body Floods Nigeria With 300,000 Hybrid Cocoa Seedlings, 500,000 More Coming

Editorial staff

December 29, 2021

The Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan, has flooded Nigeria with 300,000 hybrid cocoa seedlings which it had distributed to farmers across the country this year.

According to the Executive Director of the Institute, Dr. Patrick Adebola, plans have been completed to also raise more than 500,000 high yielding and disease resistant cocoa seedlings in 2022.

He said that the seedlings are being used for gapping up and new cocoa production, adding that they will lead to increased cocoa hectarage in Nigeria, increased cocoa productivity and income of farmers when the transplanted cocoa seedlings start fruiting.

“This will also boost the contribution of cocoa to Gross Domestic Product – GDP.

“Plans have also been put in place to raise more than 500,000 high yielding and disease resistant cocoa seedlings in 2022, in order to meet the increasing demand for hybrid cocoa seedlings by farmers.” Adebola said that the institute had also created awareness on its developed cocoa TC series.

The executive director explained that the TC series were hybrid cocoa with more yield, more resistance to pest and diseases and early fruiting – about 18 months after transplanting.

He said the institute had organised trainings for cocoa farmers on the appropriate ways of carrying out nursery establishment.

“This programme was co-organised with PIND – Foundation for the Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta, at the Owena Substation of Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria.

“We also had training of Extension Officers on Managing Soils for Increased Productivity and Decreased Deforestation in Cocoa.

“It was a collaborative programme between CRIN and Cocoa Soils project.

“We had training of IFAD incubatees on cocoa nursery, cocoa production and cocoa marketing under IFAD/FGN empowerment programme.”

Adebola added that there is also distribution of hybrid cocoa seedlings to cocoa farmers in cocoa producing agro-ecological zones in Nigeria.

“We successfully carried out research work on CRIN mandate crops (Cocoa, Kola, Cashew, Coffee and Tea) in the area of production, processing and marketing.

“The country has been able to witness more cocoa output thereby increasing more cocoa export, CRIN has successfully trained farmers on the most economical ways of combining cocoa as an arable crop.

“The main objective is to increase the overall income of the farmers and more importantly to increase food security status of the farming households,’’ Adebola said.

He said that one of the challenges of the institute was inadequate fund to carry out research activities as and when due.

“There is challenge of inadequate project vehicles, this is really disrupting the effective carrying out of research work occasionally.

“Also, the advent of COVID-19 which necessitated ‘stay at home’ for a substantial part of the year was a challenge to some operations in the institute during the year.’’

Source: NAN.

Centre For Democracy, 50 Other Groups To Observe FCT Council Election Feb. 12

Editorial staff

December 29, 2021

File photo: Electoral commission officers and voters discuss while votes are counted at Shagari Primary School polling station in Yola, Adamawa State on February 23, 2019 | PHOTO: AFP

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has accredited 51 observer groups for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, scheduled for February 12, 2022.

The commission, in its daily bulletin today, December 29, said that the approved list comprised 50 domestic organisations and one international organisation.

According to the bulletin, accredited local organisations include Advocacy for Quality Leadership and Health Awareness Foundation, Africa for Millenium Change Initiative, and Centre for Democracy and Development.

Nigeria Bar Association, and Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre) are also accredited while the foreign accredited organisation as International Foundation for Electoral Systems.

The commission advised the approved organisations to fill and complete necessary documentation online (http://observergroups.inecnigeria.org/) between December 29 and January 13, 2022.

The commission also stressed the need for observers to fully comply with the INEC COVID–19 Policy on Election and Accreditation of Observers.

This, according to INEC, includes signing of the indemnity form and provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for all field observers.

It warned that “failure to comply will lead to immediate withdrawal of accreditation.”

INEC said the distribution of domestic observer kits (including ID cards to individual observers) will be done in FCT- ABUJA INEC office between February 3 and 11, 2021.

Source: NAN.

Super Eagles Get Jose Peseiro As New Foreign Head Coach

Editorial staff

December 29, 2021

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) named Jose Peseiro as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles. His appointment was announced in a statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications.

According to the statement, the NFF Executive Committee endorsed the proposal for the appointment of Peseiro at a virtual meeting held today to deliberate on important issues in Nigerian football.

Olajire said that the appointment of Peseiro would take effect after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.

“After careful consideration of a memo presented by Chairman of the Technical and Development Sub-Committee, the Executive Committee endorsed a proposal for the appointment of Jose Peseiro as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles following the end to the relationship with Gernot Rohr.

“However, the Committee resolved that Augustine Eguavoen, named the interim Head Coach, will lead the Super Eagles to the AFCON 2021 in Cameroon with Peseiro only playing the role of Observer.

“It was unanimously agreed that the AFCON is a good avenue for Peseiro to launch a working relationship with Eguavoen, who will revert to his role as Technical Director and Peseiro’s immediate boss after the AFCON,” Olajire said.

He also said the Executive Committee mandated the Technical and Development Committee to organise a friendly match for the Super Eagles when the team arrives in Garoua for AFCON 2021.

This is to be done in conjunction with the NFF Secretariat.

The technical and development committee was also mandated to arrange matches for the Super Eagles and the Super Falcons in upcoming FIFA windows for international friendlies.

Olajire, in the statement, also said the Executive Committee approved the Federation’s Financial Statement for year 2021, as well as the proposed budget of the sum of N13.1 billion for year 2022.

The meeting was attended by Amaju Pinnick (President), Seyi Akinwunmi (First Vice-President), Shehu Dikko (Second Vice-President), Ibrahim Gusau (Member), Yusuf Ahmed (Member), Felix Anyansi-Agwu (Member) and Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande (Member).

The rest are Babagana Kalli (Member), Sharif Rabiu Inuwa (Member), Ganiyu Majekodunmi (Member), Aisha Falode (Member), Mohammed Alkali (Member) and Mohammed Sanusi (Secretary).

Source: NAN.

Nigerian Stock Market Records Loss Of N238 Billion In Profit Taking

Editorial staff

December 29, 2021

The Nigerian stock market has recorded a loss of N238 billion due to profit taking. The market capitalisation which opened at N22.060 trillion lost N238 billion or 1.08 per cent to close at N21.822 trillion today, December 29.

Also, the All-Share Index inched lower by 455.75 points or 1.08 per cent to close at 41,807.10 against 42,262.85 achieved on Friday.

Accordingly, month-to-date loss increased to 3.3 per cent, while the year-to-date gain moderated to 3.8 per cent.

The market resumed trading activities after the public holidays on December 27 and 28 declared by the federal government to mark Christmas and Boxing Day celebration.

The market’s negative performance was driven by price depreciation in large and medium capitalised stocks which are: BUA Cement, MTN Nigeria Communications (MTNN), PZ Cussons, May & Baker and Ecobank Transnational Incorporated.

Market sentiment was slightly positive with 17 gainers relative to 16 losers.

BUA Cement led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent to close at N67.05 per share.

May & Baker followed with a decline of 9.98 per cent to close at N4.06, while PZ Cussons lost 8.96 per cent to close at N6.10 per share.

Jaiz Bank declined 8.06 per cent to close at 57k, while UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust shed 6.25 per cent to close at N3.75 per share.

Conversely, Union Bank of Nigeria drove the gainers’ chart in percentage terms by 9.91 per cent to close at N6.10 per share.

Royal Exchange followed with 9.09 per cent to close at 84k, while Sovereign Trust Insurance rose by 7.69 per cent to close at 28k per share.

Livestock Feeds was up by 6.86 per cent to close at N2.18, while Caverton Offshore Support Group appreciated by 2.99 per cent to close at N1.72 per share.

However, the total volume traded increased by 61.10 per cent with an exchange of 180.182 million units valued at N1.48 billion exchanged in 3,828 deals.

This was in contrast with 111.84 million shares worth N911.92 million traded in 2,072 deals on Friday.

Transactions in the shares of Jaiz Bank topped the activity chart with 17.65 million shares valued at N10.53 million.

Union Bank followed with 16.80 million shares worth N101.83 million, while UACN traded 12.88 million shares valued at N123.52 million.

Transcorp sold 11.39 million shares worth N11.25 million, while Sovereign Trust Insurance transacted 9.99 million shares valued at N2.78 million.

Source: NAN.

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