COVID19: Nigeria Issues Revised Travel Protocol For People Coming Into The Country

October 15, 2021

Nigeria has issued the revised travel protocol for foreigners and Nigerians in Diaspora coming into the country.

Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID19, who doubles as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, made this known in a statement today, October 15.

He said that the protocol takes effect on October 25 this year.

According to him, travellers arriving in Nigeria must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result conducted not more than 72hours before boarding.

He said that unvaccinated and partially vaccinated in-bound passengers will be required to observe a mandatory seven-day self-isolation in addition to a COVID-19 PCR test on days 2 and 7 after arrival,

Boss Mustapha said that fully vaccinated in-bound passengers will not be required to observe the mandatory seven-days self-isolation but will be required to do a COVID-19 PCR test on day two of arrival.

“Persons arriving on Business trip or on official duty staying less than seven days in Nigeria “must

* be fully vaccinated

* produce negative COVID-19 PCR result 72hours before boarding and conduct a PCR test on day 2 of their arrival.”

It will be recalled that Boss Mustapha had, during the national briefing, promised that a revised travel protocol would be published.

The review of the protocol is based on science, national experience, and global developments.

After 33 Years Of Being Pastor, I Want To Now Try My Hand On Presidency – Pastor Bakari

Editorial staff

October 15, 2021

A renowned religious leader in Nigeria, Pastor Tunde Bakari has said that having pastored a church for 33 years and created new leaders, he would now concentrate on nation building, probably as President if he is called by God to lead

“Every Nigerian, who is of age and who is not disqualified by any means, is free. I’m a nation builder, if God wants me to do that, and the people of Nigeria will appreciate that, why not? (I will be President).

” I’m as free as anybody to do anything with my time. I’ve pastored a church for 33 years, now we raise new leaders. I want to focus on nation building.”

Pastor Bakari, who had a chat with newsmen today, October 15, at the presidential villa, Abuja shortly after a private audience with President Muhammadu Buhari, admitted that since the Office of the President is only one, there are so many other things he can do as person to support whoever is there to make sure that he doesn’t go into retrogression, but begin to make steady progress .

“I have already communicated clearly, my future plans to Mr. President, and it stays between us.”

Pastor Bakari, who clearly does not favour the idea of rotating presidency amongst the regions of the country, said: “it is our immaturity, politically and otherwise, that makes us say power must either be in the North or be in the South, instead of looking for the best, the fittest, the most competent, and people of character, who love this nation.

“If where the President comes from will make the place he has come from to be better, the Northern part of Nigeria should be richest and should be the most progressive and the most developed because out of 61 years, the north has produced either the president or heads of state for 40 to 41 years and yet, see the retrogression in the North.

“If it is from the South, why should a person like President Obasanjo freeze and seize the account of Lagos State in his own tenure? If it’s from South-South or Southeast why couldn’t President Jonathan use all his powers to develop South-South/Southeast?

“Not where they come from, it’s what they carry and what they have to offer. May the best of the best of Nigerians rise, whether they are from the East, from the West, from the North or from the South.

“If there are agreements between politicians among themselves on rotation, a bargain is a bargain. That is between them. But as far as this country is concerned, what we need at this stage is man who can drive us to the Eldorado.”

The Pastor said that one of the best things the present National Assembly has done, especially the Senate, is the legislation on electric voting.

According to him, with that, Nigerians can vote and then results can be transmitted so easily. “Not only that, part of the State of the nation address that I did on October 10, I emphasised how Nigeria youth, especially undergraduates, are disenfranchised in our country.

“22.3 million students are registered, but during election, campuses are shut, they will not be able to return there to vote, therefore disenfranchised. If we can do not just transmitting results, but to be able to vote electronically, that will be wonderful. It will deepen and enhance our democracy.

“Not only that, the Diaspora sends above $25 billion to Nigeria. “Nigeria in Diaspora should also be able to vote like they do in every other country in the world. The more the merrier.

“Yes, democracy is a game of number, but our people should have the final say, so the office of the citizen must be as important, if not more than the office of the governor or the president because they are the people who put them in power. Sovereignty still lies in the hands of the people of Nigeria.”

N20 Billion Bailout: EFCC Withdraws Suit Against Kogi As It Refunds N19.3 Billion

Editorial staff

October 15, 2021

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn its suit seeking the forfeiture of N20billion bailout funds granted to the Kogi State Government by Sterling Bank.

The money, which was alleged to have been domiciled in an interest yielding account with the bank, was meant for the payment of Kogi State workers.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke aneke granted the order of withdrawal today, October 15, sequel to a motion filed and argued by the counsel to EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, leading Rotimi Oyedepo.

Pinheiro listed six grounds upon which the judge granted the prayer, adding that “the EFCC is a responsible body.”

One of the grounds was that questions resulting in the commencement of the suit had been clarified, and an intention had been shown to return the sum of N19,333,333,333.36 back to the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Justice Aneke held: “I have listened to the submission of the learned Silk for the application, Mr Kemi Pinheiro SAN vis-a-vis perused the motion to withdraw. My humble opinion is that application is meritorious and ought to be granted

“Accordingly, the application is granted as prayed.”

Justice Tijjani Ringim had on August 31, granted an ex-parte application brought by the EFCC for an interim forfeiture of the N19, 333, 333, 333.36 billion, said to be warehoused in state’s Sterling Bank account number 0073572696.

Justice Ringim made the order of the interim forfeiture after taken arguments from the EFCC’s counsel, Abbas Muhammed.

The judge ruled that the order was pending the conclusion of an investigation or possible prosecution by the EFCC.

Unity Bank Trains 3,000 Secondary School Girls On Self-Reliance Economic Ventures

Greenbarge Reporters

October 15, 2021

No fewer than three thousand girls drawn from Senior Secondary Schools across Nigeria have benefitted from a 3-day capacity building initiative on maritime commerce and National Virtual Maritime Quiz powered by Unity Bank Plc.
The capacity building initiative, which focused on Information Communication Technology, ICT, maritime transportation and logistics ecosystem, was hosted by Ocean Ambassadors Foundation to promote the participation of Indigent Girl-Child in maritime commerce. Unity Bank partnered the programme as part of the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives targeted at the education sector and to draw attention to the imperatives of training the girl-child to participate actively in the relevant sectors of the economy.
This is coming against the backdrop of the negative impact of COVID-19 on the education sector which has affected millions of girls across Nigeria, resulting in “many girls being unable to return to schools and many others becoming child brides,” according to a recent report by the Economist.
The programme coincided with the International Day of the Girl-Child which was marked to highlight how “the pandemic has accelerated digital platforms for learning, earning and connecting, while also highlighting girls’ diverse digital realities”. The Managing Director/CEO of Unity Bank Plc, Mrs. Tomi Somefun represented by the Chief Customer Service Officer, Mrs. Titilayo Abraham officially opened the event. Commenting on the initiative, she stated that: “Unity Bank has maintained its commitment to supporting the girl child by supporting several advocacy initiatives and investing in the education sector. The National Maritime Quiz is yet another opportunity to contribute to the movement to encourage, educate and empower the Girl-Child to participate in the economy while driving access to education.”
“We commend the Ocean Ambassadors Foundation for their initiatives aimed at bridging the gender gap in the ICT, maritime, transportation, and logistics sectors in Nigeria.” Unity Bank has in time past demonstrated commitment to supporting the education sector, especially for initiatives targeted at children.
One of the Bank’s flagship initiatives – One Minute Genius (OMG) and others such as Unity Bank Spelling B Competition, One Day CEO, are annual educational platforms of the Bank aimed at boosting financial literacy among Nigerian children.
The organisers, Ocean Ambassadors Foundation commended Unity Bank, adding that “the sensitisation for the Girl-Child to take advantage of career opportunities in the ICT and maritime cannot be over-emphasised. According to the Group, this also amplifies the “Global Advocacy of the Sustainable Development Goal’s 4, 5, and 14” stating that “Gender equality and women empowerment require deliberate transformative shifts, new technological solutions and integrated approaches”.

NCC Boss Announces 97 Percent Readiness For 5G Deployment In Nigeria

Editorial staff

October 14, 2021

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Garba Danbatta has confirmed that the Commission is 97 per cent ready for the full implementation of the Fifth Generation (5G) technology in Nigeria.

Professor Danbatta dropped this hint at the annual African Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTech 2021) held in Lagos on October 13, with the theme: “Embracing Changes and Digital Transformation in the New Normal.”

Focusing his presentation on “NCC as a Digital Transformation Crusader and Nigeria’s in-Road to 5G Deployment,” Professor Danbatta said that, following the advent of COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a change in the dynamics of people’s interaction, especially on the Internet.

According to him, almost every means of communication has become virtual in one way or the other.

Professor Danbatta said that this paradigm shift in communication has led to significant increase in network connectivity requirements as a result of unprecedented upsurge in Internet traffic, occasioned by the use of a plethora of web applications such as Zoom, Microsoft teams, WebEx, Goto, Webner and so on.

He said this has made remote work, virtual meetings, virtual studies and virtual healthcare delivery, among others, the new normal.

According to the Professor, even though, the network infrastructure in Nigeria has demonstrated some capacity to contain the surge in internet traffic, a lot of work is being done by the Commission to boost network capacity, sensitise the public and ensure accessibility to affordable connectivity during the period of the pandemic and beyond.

Due to the network traffic demand, the Executive Vice Chairman said that the NCC is working with operators to implement a number of initiatives to ensure network expansion.

These, he said, include ongoing plan to auction spectrum in 3.5 gigahertz (Ghz) band to operators for the deployment of 5G network in Nigeria.

“Consistent with our mandate as enshrined in the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (NCA-2003) and other guiding legislations, we have been working to ensure the penetration of broadband services in line with Federal Government’s targets, as contained in Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP), 2020 to 2025.

“Already, we are set for the auction some spectrum slots in 3.5GHz band. The other day I was at the National assembly, I informed the senate that we were 95 per cent ready for 5G. Today as we speak, I am delighted to tell you that we are already at 97 per cent completion,” Danbatta said.

“The Committee set up to auction the Spectrum has already developed and Information Memorandum (IM) which is already published for inputs and comments from all industry stakeholders. Prior to this, a 5G deployment plan was developed and we have since secured Federal Government’s approval.”

He said that this is in addition to a lot of other initiatives being put in place by the Commission to improve broadband connectivity in Nigeria, adding that the surge in Internet traffic induced by Covid-19 has continued to challenge National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) and other arms of governments to ensure deployment of adequate resources such as spectrum and other forms of support to increase network resilience and accessibility to telecommunication services.

“Emerging technologies such as 5G, which NCC is driving aggressively in Nigeria, Internet of Things (IoT); Cloud Computing; Quantum Computing Augmented/Virtual Reality, and similar emerging technologies are playing a critical role in improving remote communication over the internet with great user experience. The NCC is committed to promoting this inevitable change and enhance user experience through effective regulation of the telecoms sector.”

The NCC boss was represented at the event by Engr. Oluwatoyin Asaju, Director, Spectrum Administration.

Also in attendance was The Director, Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde.

Other key industry stakeholders participated at the one-day Forum, which also featured exhibition by some sector players.

Ex Senate President, Iyorcha Ayu Emerges North’s Consensus Chairman For PDP

Editorial staff

October 14, 2021

A former Senate President and minister, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, has emerged as North’s consensus candidate for the post of national chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Dr. Ayu, a Christian from Benue State, North Central Nigeria, will be ratified as national chairman at the national convention of the PDP scheduled for October 30 and 31.

PDP leaders from the 19 states that make up Northern Nigeria, had converged on the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro and ratified the adoption of Dr. Ayu as the northern region’s consensus candidate.

This was after he was presented to the entire North by the leaders of the party from the North Central zone, following his unanimous adoption on Tuesday at the Benue Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, as the north central zone’s candidate.

Dr. Ayu assured stakeholders that he would run a purposeful party.

He called on the party leaders to join him to reposition the PDP with a view to ensuring that it bounces back stronger and take over the Presidential Villa in 2023.

He said that under his leadership, no one could use money to buy his conscience and no single man would own PDP.

“PDP belongs to all, not one man.”

The PDP had last month, zoned the position of national chairman to the North and furthered micro-zoned it to the North Central.

Sunday Igboho Lands In Hospital Over Suspected Kidney Ailment

Editorial staff

October 13, 2021

Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Igboho Adeyemo, popularly called Sunday Igboho has allegedly been rushed to the hospital on the suspicion of kidney and lungs ailment.

One of his lawyers, Yomi Aliyyu made this known today, October 13. He told BBC Yoruba in an interview that Sunday Igboho possibly developed the illness in Benin Republic prison custody.

“Igboho was not diagnosed with this sickness before he was arrested in Cotonou. It was so critical that they had to rush him to the hospital. I can’t tell if he has been returned to the prison from the hospital but what I know is, he’s battling ill health and it seems his kidney and lungs are already being affected.

“Even though I cannot tell which part of his body the sickness has really affected, I know it has to do with his internal organs.”

The agitator has been in detention in the French-speaking country since his arrest in Cotonou on July 16, 2021. He was about to board a flight with his wife to Germany when he was arrested.

While the reasons for his continued detention remain unclear, the Department of State Services (DSS) in Nigeria had declared him wanted for allegedly stockpiling arms and ammunition after a raid on his Ibadan residence on July 1.

Sunday Igboho was in September awarded N20 billion as damages by Oyo State High Court over the invasion of his residence by the DSS.

Some of the items he alleged were taken during the raid include N2 million cash, one thousand Euros, travel documents including international passports belonging to him and his family members, gold jewellery and wristwatches, two mobile phones, among others.

Source: Qed.ng.

Anambra Election: We’ll Crush IPOB, Other Criminals, Police Boss Assures Voters

Editorial staff

October 13, 2021

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba has assured electorate in Anambra State that his men are ready to crush members of the rampaging Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other criminals thereby securing public space for the November 6 Anambra State gubernatorial election.

The Inspector General gave the assurance, today, October 13, during a strategic meeting held at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, with Commanders of the Police Mobile Force Squadrons in the country, as part of efforts to specifically contain the activities of criminal elements in the South-East and particularly guarantee a safe and secure environment for the elections.

The Police said that the leadership of the Force has commenced the reorganization, re-equipping, training and re-orientation of the PMF with the goal of strengthening its operational capacity and re-situating the unit to accomplish the task of confronting violent crimes in the country.

He charged the Squadron Commanders to upscale their supervisory roles to ensure their personnel demonstrate high level of professionalism, firmness, courage and respect for human rights while carrying out their duties.

The police boss said that the Nigeria Police Force in the coming days will be implementing a robust national security action plan to refocus the internal security dynamics of the country in addition to securing the electoral processes in the Anambra State Gubernatorial election including the protection of personnel and materials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and critical national infrastructure.

The IGP noted that the Police Mobile Force, will as usual, form a critical component of the operational plan, to deter any subversive elements that could threaten or disrupt the smooth conduct of the election.

He reiterated that the Force will continue to do all within its powers to combat all forms of criminality and violent crimes including banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and violent extremism, amongst others, across the country.

Buhari Announces N600 Billion Loans For 2.4 Million Farmers, At World Food Day

Editorial staff

October 13, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has announced N600 billion loans to support 2.4 million farmers across the country. The loan will be disbursed through the Agro-Processing Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support project (APPEALS).

President Buhari, who spoke today, October 13, at the opening of the National Agricultural Show/Exhibition of the 2021 World Food Day in Abuja, said that his Administration is not resting on its oars in addressing the challenges of the country’s agricultural sector.

The theme of the 2021 edition of the Agricultural Show is: “Our Actions are our Future. Better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life.”

Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammed Abubakar, said: “the Federal Government, through the Agro-Processing Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support project (APPEALS), has set aside N600 billion as loan support to farmers across the country.

”No fewer than 2.4 million farmers are expected to benefit from the loan which has zero interest.

”The gesture will support farmers in the country, to improve their productivity aimed at boosting the country’s food security, improving farmers’ production and increasing exports.

”It is gratifying that the sector is being treated as a business, no longer as a development project, with massive distribution of high quality farm inputs, dissemination of appropriate research results and significant enhancement of the agricultural commodity value chains.

”I would wish to reiterate and it is clear that if the agricultural sector must be made more productive and food systems sustainable, we must all be prepared to invest massively in the sector and rise to the call against looming food crisis as predicted by the World Bank, FAO, AfDB and other key actors in food and agriculture.”

The President said that since the beginning of the 2021 farming season, the Federal Government had distributed inputs to states, across the country to boost food production.

”Nigeria recorded a boost in the production of her major staple crops especially, maize and rice, which rose from 12.8 and 12.3 to 13.94 and 14.28 million metric tonnes (MMT).

”The same is obtainable for cassava, whose production rose from 58.47 MT in 2018 to 73.91MT and is even projected to rise to 93.6 by 2023.

”Growth has also been recorded for groundnut, tomatoes, and sorghum production. Cattle beef, dairy and fish production also rose by 166 per cent, 146 per cent, and 11 per cent, respectively between 2020 and 2021.

”The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the National Bureau of Statistics report indicates that Nigeria’s national agricultural import bill also reduced from 1.2 to 1.1billion Naira.”

Also speaking, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture, said that the Buhari- administration had initiated programmes and policies towards agricultural development and food security in the country.

Adamu, who thanked God for the World Food Day which comes up on October 16, said that it is a very important day on the calendar of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO). Source: NAN.

How Tinubu Helped To Thwart Obasanjo’s Third-Term Moves – Ex Senate President, Nnamani

Editorial staff

October 13, 2021

Former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani, has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, helped in thwarting the third-term moves by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

According to him, Tinubu contributed immensely to the growth of democracy and good governance in Nigeria, which he said are strong factors in his support going forward.

“Your many contributions to the growth of democracy in Nigeria ‘stand strong’. Your role in NADECO and your efforts along with those of others helped in terminating military rule.”

The former Senate President spoke today, October 14, when he visited Asiwaju Tinubu at his Bourdillon, Ikoyi, Lagos residence to extend his good wishes to him after his return from United Kingdom. He presented to Tinubu his new book titled: “Standing Strong: Legislative Reforms, Third Term and Other Issues of the 5th Senate,” due to be presented to the public on Thursday, October 21, in Abuja..

Nnamani said the former Lagos governor’s support was invaluable to him during his time as Senate President, particularly during the bid to stop the Third Term agenda of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“You helped many times in stabilising the country. You assisted me a lot during my time as Senate President and particularly in stopping the Third Term project of former President Obasanjo.”

The former Lagos governor congratulated Nnamani for putting together his experience in office and his ideas and thoughts which he said would be helpful for the country.

He called other political actors to endeavour to write books to document their experiences and efforts which would go a long way in helping the nation to solve problems and in nation-building

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