Kwara Govt Shuts Down Christian Schools Over Muslims’ Veil (Hijab) Controversy

March 8, 2021

The Kwara Government has announced the closure till further notice, of 10 grant-aided Christian (missionary) schools over the Hijab (female Muslims’ veils) controversies.

This position of the government is contained in a statement today, March 8, by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Kemi Adeosun in Ilorin.

“The government therefore directs school children and teachers in the affected schools to remain at home until the contrary is announced.

”The government remains committed to fairness, pluralism, and respect for the law and rights of every citizen at all times.”

The 10 schools was earlier on February 19, closed down temporarily over Hijab controversy in the state. A committee was set up by the government to find a solution to the issue.

However, on February 26, the state government announced March 8 for the reopening of all the closed schools, after stakeholders agreed at a meeting held that Hijab be accepted as part of school uniform in schools .

The affected schools are C&S College Sabo Oke, St. Anthony Secondary School, Offa Road, ECWA School, Oja Iya, Surulere Baptist Secondary School and Bishop Smith Secondary School, Agba Dam.

Other schools are CAC Secondary School Asa Dam road, St. Barnabas Secondary School Sabo Oke, St. John School Maraba, St. Williams Secondary School Taiwo Isale, and St. James Secondary School Maraba.

Source: NAN.

Buhari Thumbs Up For Ex Vice President Namadi Sambo Over Election In Niger

Editorial staff

March 8, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the Vice President of Nigeria under the regime of President Goodluck Jonathan, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Architect Namadi Sambo for the successful conduct of election in the Republic of Niger.

“I am glad you came back with good news,” Buhari told Namadi Sambo, who was at the Presidential Villa to submit a report on the elections in the neighbouring country. The former Vice President is the Head of Mission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on the election in Republic of Niger.

Receiving the report, President Buhari said that Nigeria should be concerned about stability in the Republic of Niger because it shares more than 1,400 kilometres border with Nigeria.

“We are concerned about their stability, and I am glad the elections went well. I am happy it was transparent, as attested to by most of the observers.”

Namadi Sambo said that he met with all the stakeholders before the polls, which went into run-off after the initial exercise in December last year was inconclusive, “and we observed about 400 polling units in five regions of the country, and the process was peaceful, done professionally. Every citizen was given the right to vote and be voted for.”

He described the election as “a great improvement on that of December 27 last year,” and thanked President Buhari for facilitating the transportation needs of his team.

The candidate of the ruling party was announced by the electoral body as having won more than 50% of the votes, a decision disputed by the opposition candidate, who has now approached the constitutional court for redress. It is the court which has powers to declare a winner in an election, according to the Constitution of Republic of Niger.

Why All Nigerians Should Take Coronavirus Vaccine – Prof Ibrahim Gambari

Editorial staff

March 8, 2021

Prof. Gambari taking his Covid-19 Vaccine at the presidential villa today

Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari has encouraged Nigerians to take the vaccine because it is safe, painless and the benefits are immense.

Professor Gambari, who received his first dose of coronavirus Astrazeneca vaccine at the Clinic of the Presidential villa today, March 8, said: “it is not just for the individual but the more Nigerians are vaccinated the more we develop the herd immunity which will keep our country safe and our people healthy.”

“My experience in receiving this was almost painless and I am just following the footstep of my leader, his Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari who has demonstrated leadership at the highest level by receiving the vaccine, followed by his Excellency, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.”

The Chief of Staff described his experience as painless, urging eligible Nigerians to come forward and take the vaccine.

“I want to thank the Permanent Secretary, State House and the frontline healthcare workers in the Clinic for organizing and ensuring this vaccination exercise.

The first phase of the national vaccination drive, targeting frontline health workers, their supporting staff and strategic leaders, was rolled out on Friday at the National hospital Abuja.

Several Presidential aides, as well as frontline State House medical staff were administered with the first shots of the vaccine after the Chief of Staff.

It is expected that senior government officials including the Head of Service, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of paramilitary agencies will also take their shots at the State House Clinic in the coming days.

First Lady, Aisha Warns: Kidnapping Is Having Negative Effect On Girl-Child Education

Editorial staff

March 8, 2021

The Nigerian First Lady, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, has expressed concern that women and girls are daily being kidnapped by all manners of criminals, warning that it is having a negtave effect on girl-child education in the country.

Aisha Buhari, in a message today, March 8, to mark the 2021 International Women’s Day, called for urgent step to address the incessant kidnappings.

“Women and girls in Nigeria have continued to suffer abductions both in the hands of insurgents and bandits. As a mother, I share the sorrow and agony of the victims and their families. I am also not unaware of the impact that these abductions could have in reverting many successes we have hitherto achieved, especially in terms of girl-child education and early marriages.

“I call on all stakeholders to continue to exert their different levels of influence and bring these abductions to an end and to assure us that girls are safe anywhere they may find themselves.”

According to her, the 2021 edition of International Women’s Day offers yet another opportunity for humanity to review and reflect progress made on issues of women and girls.

“This year’s theme: Women In Leadership: Achieving on Equal Future in a COVID-19 World”, is a strong call to appreciate the efforts of women and girls in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.”
The First Lady stressed that the COVID-19 pandemic had adverse effect on women as it
disrupted education and careers, job loss, descent into poverty, and proliferation of domestic violence.

“Many have also died or suffered due to lack of access to basic information on the pandemic, It is therefore important, not just to continue spreading the message of the COVID-19 protocol, but to remember and support those who have been affected negatively by the pandemic in one way or another.”

Aisha Buhari said that despite all the challenges facing women globally: “I extend my best wishes to women all over the world for their resilience, hard work, and commitment to the progress of humanity, happy International Women’s Day.”

Osinbajo Is An Incredibly Patient Politician With Intellectual, Mental Energy – Buhari

Editorial staff

March 7, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo

President Muhammadu Buhari has described Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as an incredibly patient politician who demonstrates remarkable intellectual and mental energy in the discharge of his duties.

He also described him as a reliable and dedicated deputy who is not only admirably competent, but also exudes confidence and passion in the performance of his job.

In a message to celebrate the Vice President on his 64th birthday, coming up tomorrow, March 8, President Buhari said: “I’m proud to have selected Osinbajo as my running mate and he has given a good account of himself since our journey began in 2015.”

According to the President, “the Vice President is a cool-headed gentleman who puts the interest of Nigeria above other narrow considerations.”

Buhari wished his deputy many more prosperous years and Almighty God’s continued guidance, even the national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu also eulogized Professor Osinbajo

He said that the Vice President has exemplified the best traits of a public servant who strives to do his best for the country.

“Prof. Osinbajo has shown great character, intellect, and professional knowledge in serving Nigeria and in supporting President Buhari and his agenda.

“While celebrating his birthday we also urge this man of vision and diligent work ethics to continue ever forward by recommitting himself and his ample talents to the betterment of this nation and its people.

“May he continue to exhibit outstanding patriotic loyalty and singularity of purpose.

May he always work for the good of the nation and do his best to continue to reform the economy as is his mandate as VP so that all Nigerians may drink of the cup of prosperity and hope.

“I pray that your efforts bear the fullest fruit and that history will speak fondly of your efforts and achievements.”

Buhari Lists Women In His Government, To Celebrate International Women Day

Editorial staff

March 7, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has listed women in his government, as the world observes International Women’s Day, starting tomorrow, March 8.

The theme for this year is “Choose to Challenge,” providing ample opportunity to reflect on how President Buhari has honoured the womenfolk.

Here is a checklist of just a few of them:

Zainab Ahmed, Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning
Sadiya Umar Farouq, Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development
Pauline Tallen, Honourable Minister of Women Affairs
Mariam Yalwaji Katagum, Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment
Sharon Ikeazor, Honourable Minister of State for Environment
Gbemisola Saraki, Honourable Minister of State for Transportation
Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, Honourable Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
Folashade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation
Mariam Uwais, Special Adviser to the President
Jumoke Oduwole, Special Adviser to the President on Industry, Trade and Investment, and Secretary of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC)
Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
Hadiza Bala-Usman, Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson and CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission
Chioma Ejikeme, Executive Secretary, Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD)
Patience Oniha, Director-General, Debt Management Office (DMO)
Aisha Dahir-Umar, Director-General, National Pension Commission
Jummai A.M. Audi, Chairperson, Nigerian Law Reform Commission (NLRC)
Yewande Sadiku, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC)
Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator/Chief Executive of New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), Nigeria
Nnenna Akajemeli, National Coordinator/CEO, SERVICOM
Folashade Joseph, Managing Director, Nigeria Agriculture Insurance Corporation (NAIC)
Cecilia Gaya, Director-General, Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON)
Ronke Sokefun, Chairperson, Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC)
Aishah Ahmad, Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
Stella Ojekwe-Onyejeli, Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA)
Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Oge Modie, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Strategic Communications
Toyin Adeniji, Executive Director, Micro Enterprises, Bank of Industry (Oversees the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, GEEP)
Stella Okotete, Executive Director, Business Development, NEXIM Bank
Omolola Abiola-Edewor, Executive Director, Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC)
Imaan Sulaiman–Ibrahim, Director-General, National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)

32.Lauretta Onochie, Personal Assistant to the President on Social Media, and INEC Federal Commissioner-nominee.

ISWAP Suffers Heavy Causalities, Loses 4 Camps In Borno, Yobe

Editorial staff

March 7, 2021

Boko ISIS-affiliated Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) has suffered heavy causalities in the hands of soldiers in 4 camps in Borno and Yobe States.

The locations attacked by soldiers in were identified as the ones being used by the terrorists in coordinating attacks on Marte, Dikwa and Geidam local government areas in Borno and Yobe States.

It was gathered that the airstrikes were conducted at Madayi, Arge and Arijallamari in Abadam Local Government Area. Several weapons and gun trucks belonging to the terrorist were said to have been destroyed during the operation.

A ground assessment revealed that a number of ISWAP unit commanders and high-value fighters were also eliminated during the air raid.

Operation Lafiya Dole’s Air Task Force, 199 and 198 Special Forces Battalion as well as the Artillery Fire Units of Sectors 3, Multi-National Joint Task Force(MNJTF) were also actively involved in the success of the operation.

Source: PRNigeria.

No Fire Outbreak Inside Aso Rock Presidential Villa – Garba Shehu

Editorial staff

March 7, 2021

Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu has said that there was no fire outbreak in the presidential villa as was being published in media.

In a statement today, March 7, Garba Shehu emphasised that there was no fire inside the Presidential Villa.

“In the evening of Saturday, March 6, a fire broke out burning shrubs between the outer wire fence and walls surrounding the Villa, precisely in the area between the Villa and the Barracks, towards Asokoro.

“The fire, as being speculated, might have started from a passerby dropping a burning cigarette. The Federal Fire Service will ascertain the reason for it when they complete their investigation.

“It suffices to say that this bush fire, which started and ended outside the perimeter walls of the Villa, was seamlessly contained by fire stations of the State House and the one nearby from the Federal Fire Service. No loss of life, no loss whatsoever to building and property was recorded.

“We thank well-meaning Nigerians for expressed concerns.”

Ghana’s Court Sentences 2 Nigerians To Death For Kidnapping, Murder

Editorial staff

March 6, 2021

A High Court in Ghana, presided over by Justice Richard Adjei-Frimpong, has sentenced two Nigerians to death for kidnapping and killing of four girls in Takoradi, Ghana.

The two Nigerians, Samuel Udoetuk Wills and John Oji, were sentenced after they were found guilty of kidnapping and eventually killing the four girls: Ruth Quayson, Priscilla Blessing Bentum, Priscilla Koranchie and Ruth Abekah, aged 18 years in Takoradi, Ghana.

The bodies of the girls were said to have been discovered in their apartment in 2019 following months of a national search for the victims. The two Nigerians have been in detention since then.

According to reports from Ghanaweb, a Ghanaian online news agency, the two Nigerians were found guilty by the seven-member jury at the Sekondi High Court yesterday, March 5.

They were charged before the Sekondi High Court on eight counts of conspiracy to commit murder and murder even as they pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

They have been given 30 days within which they can appeal the sentence.

Source: Nigerian Tribune on Saturday.

Nigeria’s Economy: CBN Shifts From Direct Foreign Investments To Remittance Flows

Editorial staff

March 6, 2021

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a shift from Direct Foreign Investments in Nigeria’s economy to what he called: “remittance flows and Diaspora investments.

“Consistent with the global trend, Nigeria aspires to ensure that remittance flows and Diaspora investments become a significant source of external financing.”

The CBN Boss, who spoke today, March 6, at the Fidelity Bank’s Inaugural Diaspora Webinar on the Implications and Impact of the New FX Policy on Diaspora Investments, said that over the years, foreign direct investments and portfolio flows to Nigeria have exhibited volatilities, the reversals of which exert enormous pressures on Domestic Market conditions, hence the need to boost remittance flow.

“Today, the World Bank data shows that Nigeria, with a total flow of US$21billion, was the seventh largest recipient of remittances in 2019.

“This is behind India, China, and even Egypt. Though official remittance flows declined in 2020 due largely to the undermining impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, it maintained its dominance over FDI inflows.

“Accordingly, the CBN strives to constantly improve our remittance infrastructure, ease the process of international money transfer and simplify the experience for senders and recipients. In this regard, we note that the efficiency of remittance services, especially as provided by the international money transfer organizations(IMTOs) are critical to our aim of boosting inflows.

“We would constantly seek to fine-tune our policies to mitigate factors that affect the quality-of-service customers face when using IMTOs.”

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