First Lady, Aisha Buhari, Campaigns For Tax Incentives For Private Hospitals

March 12, 2020

First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari has embarked on campaign for a review of the interest rates associated with loans from both commercial and development banks for the establishment of private hospitals in Nigeria, and the provision of appropriate incentives.

Speaking today, March 12, when she received in audience, the Guild of Medical Directors, at the Presidential villa, Abuja, Aisha Buhari observed that private hospitals are playing a strategic complementary role through the provision of social services that benefit millions of Nigerians.

She therefore emphasized the need for tax incentives to be extended to them to enable them reduce the cost of healthcare. This was even as she commended the patriotic zeal with which doctors carry out their duties, in some cases even at the cost of their lives.

She called for a one minute silence for the repose of the soul of the late Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh who lost her life while saving an Ebola patient in Lagos and two other doctors that died while saving the life of a Lassa fever victim in Kano, saying that they displayed a high sense of patriotism.

Aisha Buhari also used the opportunity of the visit to call on Nigerians to be vigilant and observe the stringent prevention and control measures against the novel corona virus (Covid 19), which has become a pandemic, saying;

“We are meeting today at a time when the entire world is being confronted by the novel Corona Virus covid-19 Pandemic and I would like to use this opportunity to urge you all to be vigilant and to observe the appropriate infection prevention and control measures for your safety and that of others.”

Speaking earlier, President of the Guild, Professor Femi Babalola commended the First Lady for making universal and qualitative healthcare as one of her top priorities, especially the reduction of neonatal and maternal mortality, which she carries out through the Future Assured Programme.

Professor Babalola spoke of the challenges hindering the practitioners from optimal provision of universal health care for the teeming masses, which he said, include non- recognition of private hospitals as an essential arm of the healthcare structure in Nigeria, multiple and excessive taxation and lack of access to reasonable credit facilities. He recommended the establishment of a special private healthcare intervention fund to cater for the services of private hospitals.

United Bank For Africa Launches Campaigns Against Bank Scammers

Editorial staff

March 12, 2020

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has come up with what it called LEO to assist its customer battle bank scammers.

A promotional statement by the bank, which confessed that the scammers are already losing out said: “they are no longer smiling at all.”

It however warned: “they keep coming up with creative ways to steal your money. So, everybody ‘kaaku’ and be one step ahead. No time to lose guard.”

The bank made it clear to its customers that “scammers can’t scam you without your permission. They always need you to give them your account information. That’s why someone will call you on a Sunday posing as your bank and asking for your bank details. Mtscheww!

“Even if it’s almost certain that na your bank call you, immediately you feel uncomfortable with any question, flip the switch. Ask them why they need that information. Put them on the spot. After all, you worked hard for your money. When in doubt, end the call and contact our Customer Fulfillment Center.

“Stay sharp! Make sure you look out for the verified tick on Facebook or use the right number before you transact with Leo. Don’t fall for the tricks of fraudsters. You shouldn’t allow one random person steal your hard-earned money.”

Economy: I Admit Challenges Still Remain – President Buhari

Editorial staff

March 12, 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari has admitted that despite some successes his government has achieved in the socio-economic development of the country so far, challenges still exist to be tackled.

“Apart from the successes we have recorded, I admit that challenges do remain. Given our dependence on crude oil revenues for close to 60 percent of government revenues, the recent decline in crude oil prices affects our ability to meet the infrastructure and human capital needs.”

The President, who spoke at a dinner held after the conclusion of The Going For Growth 2:0 Roundtable Session at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said that with annual population rates, the government is being forced to continue to support growth in sectors that have the ability to absorb the employment needs of our growing population.

“With our vast arable land as well as population, ample room for growth exist in our agriculture and manufacturing sectors.”

President Buhari appreciated the continued collaboration with the private sector, stressing that the recommendations provided at the roundtable session on ways in which the private sector can support growth in key sectors such as Agriculture, Manufacturing, ICT, and Finance are necessary if the country is to achieve double digit growth of its economy.

“I assure you that this government would pay close attention to your recommendations, as part of our efforts towards developing policies and programs that will enable improved economic growth and creation of jobs.”

CBN Vows To Punish Rumour Mongers About Naira Devaluation,

Greenbarge Reporters

March 12, 2020

The Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) has begun a robust and coordinated investigation in collaboration with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and related agencies to uncover the unscrupulous persons and FX dealers who are going about spreading rumours that it is on the verge of devaluing the Naira, thereby triggering panic in the FX Market.

The apex bank made it clear that the full weight of its rules and regulations will be meted out to those responsible for the rumours, including, but not limited to, being charged for economic sabotage.

A statement from the bank insisted that the rumours are false, unwarranted and calculated to serve their dubious and selfish ends.

“We therefore wish to state as follows:

We have begun a robust and coordinated investigation in collaboration with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and related agencies to uncover the unscrupulous persons and FX dealers who are creating this panic, and the full weight of our rules and regulations will be meted out to them, including, but not limited to, being charged for economic sabotage;
For nearly four years, the CBN has successfully maintained relative stability in all segments of the foreign exchange market, which has enabled investors, households and other economic agents to plan and to conduct their genuine foreign exchange transactions with relative ease;
The introduction of several foreign exchange management measures side-by-side with complementary interventions in food production and manufacturing has drastically reduced food importation, which hitherto constituted a large chunk of the pressure on the foreign exchange market;
Although the outbreak of the Coronavirus led to global economic slowdown, fall in the price of crude oil, and less inflow of dollars into Nigeria, the associated public health concerns have also led to factory closures in China, substantial drop in imports, widespread travel restrictions around the world, and cancellation of many conferences, sporting events, business travels, and FX orders;
The size of Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves remains robust and comfortable, given the current realities of Nigeria’s genuine and legitimateFX demand. As such, the CBN remains able and willing to meet all genuine demand for foreign exchange for legitimate transactions; and
For the avoidance of doubt, the CBN is also working with the fiscal authorities to properly and accurately dimension the immediate and expected impacts of the Coronavirus in order to respond comprehensively and at the same time, ensure a sound and stable financial system conducive for job creation and inclusive growth.”

The statement emphasized that in light of current circumstances and macroeconomicfundamentals, the CBN has not devalued the Naira.

It said that the CBN will invoke the full weight of applicable sanctions on any persons and authorized dealers found to be involved in such disruptive and speculative market behavior.

Sultan Abubakar Unhappy With Insincerity Of Christian Leaders In Nigeria

Editorial staff

March 12, 2020

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has expressed sadness over what he called insincerity of the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other Christian leaders, that Christians in Nigeria, particularly in the northern parts, are being persecuted and denied certain privileges because of their faith.

Sa’ad Abubakar, who spoke today, March 12 at the first quarterly meeting of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) meeting in Abuja, expressed concerns over the level of sincerity and commitment by members of NIREC to religious peace and tolerance in Nigeria.

The Sultan, who was apparently responding to recent prayer protests by CAN and Catholic Bishops against what they perceived as deliberate attempts by state and non state actors to eliminate Christians in northern Nigeria, said: “it pains me when we gather at NIREC or other meetings and agreed on measures that would promote religious peace, unity and tolerance. But shortly after, you will begin to hear stories of persecution here and there.

“If we go out shouting, marching, dancing and singing that people of a particular religion are being persecuted and killed, you also forgot people of other religions are also affected in the killings by same enemies of the state.

“We must not allow terrorists to come in between us and divide us. If we mistakenly do, then we are finished. There is nothing wrong with any religious organisation marching on the street to call for God’s interventions in a particular issue. But we shouldn’t make show of such things because we want to be visible and therefore bring more problems to the nation.

“We have been reading and hearing reports about persecution of Christians in Nigeria and I keep asking myself, how? Christians are being killed, Muslims are also being killed and they are all lives created by God.

“For me there is no persecution of anybody in this country. If you claim there is persecution of Christians in Nigeria, there would also be claims of persecution of Muslims, but that would not solve the problem.

“People claim they are denied places to build Mosque, Churches in some parts of the country. But the right thing to do in such case is to approach relevant authorities and not to make claims of persecution.

“I can quote from now till the next 100 years, of things that have been done or not done to Muslims, but we usually approach relevant authorities in ways that we believe would bring solutions to the problems”.

Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, insisted that there is nothing like persecution of Christians in Nigeria, particularly in the north, as claimed by some religious leaders.
He appealed to religious leaders to be properly guided in their utterances and not to make statements that would incite the people against themselves.

He reminded them of their positions as religious leaders with massive influence and loyalty from Nigerians, appealing to them to use their positions to preach peace and unity among Nigerians irrespective of religious belief.

“Nigeria has recently experienced several challenges including a spike in banditry, insurgency, kidnappings, killings and drugs abuse. It’s time for review of approach and strategy for improved result.”

The SGF reminded them that no religion, community or business will be speared if Nigeria goes up in flames even as he insisted on joint efforts by both religions to strengthen peace and unity in Nigeria.

Buhari To Farmers: You Make Me Proud; I Promise You More Bounties

Editorial staff

March 12, 2020

“For our farmers, fishing communities, those in the livestock sector and agro entrepreneurs, you have truly made me proud. We shall continue to support you all with access to credit, adequate inputs, access to markets and policies that will promote and support your competitiveness.”

These were the words of President Muhammadu Buhari at the commencement of Argungu fishing Festival in Kebbi State today, March 12. The Festival, abandoned about 11 years ago due to insecurity, was revived by the Kebbi State government.

President noted that the return of Argungu Agricultural and Fishing Festival after 11 years of its suspension, and other international festivals across the country, are signs of more confidence in improved security.

This was even as he assured that the Federal Government will sustain investments in security infrastructure to boost cultural tourism, and attract more investments in the entertainment industry.

The President noted that insecurity created a lull in tourism and entertainment for many years, with ripple effects on the economy, by restricting movements, gatherings and investments, promising to promote policies that will stimulate more interest in tourism and entertainment.

“Our presence here today is evidence of Government’s commitment to restoring security and expanding domestic food production as core mandate of our programmes.

“We are all aware that this important cultural gathering was suspended for 11 years as a result of insecurity. Today, by the grace of God, this festival is back and I hope back for good.

“We are not only celebrating the reinstatement of this important gathering, but we are also celebrating the remarkable progress made in restoring peace and security to this region and indeed, our country. It is also noteworthy that yesterday in Abuja a motor rally across five states, which will terminate here in Argungu, was flagged off.’’

President Buhari said many international festivals, such as the Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival, were being celebrated across the country, bringing all Nigerians closer together and improving collective appreciation of the nation’s diversity, while projecting the rich history and culture to foreigners.

“In both instances, massive jobs are created in the tourism sector, which we all agree is still not fully developed. We must therefore continue to encourage, support and promote such festivals.

“Let me use this opportunity to commend Governor of Kebbi State, His Highness, Emir of Argungu, Minister of Information and Culture, Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria and members of the organising committee at the local, state and federal levels for this remarkable event.’’

The President said the government focused on food security by investing in programmes that will stimulate more interest in agriculture, improve system of farming, highlighting some of the achievements since 2015 to include return of paddy pyramids and multi-billion naira rice mills.

“Furthermore, you will all recall that our food security program started here in Kebbi back in 2015. The many products displayed here are also proof of the progress we have made as a nation in feeding ourselves. The farming, fishing and pastoral communities truly embraced our programmes and have proven that we can produce what we need.

“We established the National Food Security Council, which I Chair, supported by the Governor of this State, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, to ensure that all our successes to date are continuously improved upon.

“I thank the people of Kebbi State for your support to the Governor as he embarked on this very important national assignment.’’

He commended private sector sponsors and international development partners for supporting the 60th Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival, adding that Nigerians have the capacity to solve the challenges facing the country.

In his remarks, the Governor of Kebbi State commended President Buhari for his “we can do it’’ spirit in the agricultural sector, which had resulted in rising grain pyramids and employment, and providing an enabling environment for festivals, like the Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival, to resume.

“We are not allowing those who do not wish us well to define who we are.’’

The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, commended the President for the bold step to close the land borders, which clearly showed his penchant to always pursue national interest.

Argungu Agricultural Fair is part of activities at the 60th Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival, which is a UNESCO World Heritage event.

Atiku Advises Federal Govt To Suspend Air Links With Coronavirus Ravaging Countries

Editorial staff

March 12, 2020

Former Nigeria’s Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has advised the Federal Government to temporarily suspend flight links with countries that are currently being ravaged by coronavirus.

In a statement he personally signed today, March 12, Atiku said: “this is a patriotic call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to take every reasonable step to protect the citizens of Nigeria, by temporarily suspending flights to and from such countries, until we build up our ability to contain the corona virus.” Atiku, who was the Presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 election, feared that the economic impact of a widespread infestation of the virus in Nigeria will be catastrophic, and will affect our national security, and status as Africa’s leading economy.

He stressed that the ravages of coronavirus scourge, which has officially been classified as a global pandemic, must not be allowed to test already fragile Nigeria’s economy.

“I urge that every political and any other differences be put aside. On my own part, on this issue, I am first a Nigerian, and I am willing and ready to work with anybody, at anytime, at whatever cost, to ensure the safety of this country, which is the only country we have to call our home, and her peoples.

“We must act now. We must put Nigeria and her citizens first. We must ensure that our national policy is deliberately tailored to protect our greatest national resource, the great Nigerian people.”

Join In Campaign To Dissuade Youths From Cultism, Drug Abuse, Others – Police Boss

Editorial staff

March 12, 2020

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu as called on all stakeholders to join the Nigeria police Force to vigorously carry out enlightenment campaigns with a view to dissuading the youths from engaging in Cultism, Drug Abuse, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and Other Vices in the Community.

Launching the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices, code-named POCACOV in Abuja today, March 12, the Inspector General said that the campaign is being anchored on the principles of community policing, even as he invited the youths, transporters, artisans, faith-based and community based organizations, traditional Rulers, youths groups, students, market organizations, sister security agencies, the media, development partners and all well meaning Nigerians to join forces with the Police and support the campaign in order to save Nigerian Youths from the claws of cultism and other vices and for a safe and secured nation.

“I appreciate your support and assure you that with your continued partnership, the task of securing the future of our youths and guaranteeing the safety of our nation shall be attained.”

The police boss said that upon his assumption of Office as the Inspector General of Police, he had resolved to run a Police Force that is not only proactive in internal security management, but also people-oriented.

“This is informed by my firm conviction that evolving new initiatives that will address the root causes of crime is a better option than concentrating on its manifestations. Part of these plans is the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) which we are gathered here today to launch.

“The Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) is an initiative that is aimed at saving our youths from the claws of cultism and other vices through advocacy, awareness creation, sensitization and re-orientation, and School and community outreaches, amongst others. The programme is informed, firstly, by the realisation that there is a correlation between cultism and other violent crimes involving our youth population. Secondly, is that deep-rooted and socially-driven crimes like cultism are best mitigated through a strategy that is premised on community policing practices which encourages building partnership towards addressing delinquencies that threaten our communal values.

“The POCACOV represents a new approach by the Nigeria Police in combating cultism and other vices. It is also a way of recognizing the fact that core law enforcement approach is no longer enough in combating these sets of crimes. Hence, the need to work with different stakeholders as well as mobilize the people to aid in getting to the root of the crimes.

He recalled that he officially flagged off POCACOV in Enugu on 29^th August, 2019, adding that since then, POCACOV has increasingly made impacts across different States of the Federation that have keyed into its operational activities.

“The National Launch which we are holding here today is in line with my vision to adopt the initiative at national level while encouraging the States to partner with us in domesticating it at other levels of government. In furtherance to this, it is pertinent to note that we have established a POCACOV Resource Centre in Enugu where resource materials and modules are developed for effective nationwide implementation of the campaign.

“As part of the measures directed at deepening the Campaign, we have also inaugurated the POCACOV Ambassadors scheme with personalities drawn from a broad spectrum of reputable actors, actresses and artistes who shall serve as role models to the youths and are help in carrying out POCACOV campaigns in various states of the Federation.

“In the same vein, we have inaugurated the NYSC/POCACOV Community Development Service (NYSC/POCACOV CDS) to help in deepening the message at the grassroots. In order to further widen the campaign nationwide, we have also, through the support of the Nigeria Policing Programme, developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for POCACOV Ambassadors, NYSC/POCACOV CDS and Police-Students Relations Fora. At Present, all Police Public Relations officers across the country have been sensitized on their roles in the nationwide implementation of POCACOV while all Zonal and State Police Commands have been directed to commence the process of the full implementation of the campaign.”

Open Letter To Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, By Baba Ahmed Joda

Editorial staff

March 12, 2020

My dear Son,

As I write this letter I do not know your address. I am addressing it to you as my son, because I know you understand why. I got to know you when you were a very young person, a boy about to enter Secondary School Before then and, very importantly, I knew your Grand Father, Emir of Kano Sanusi and your uncle the late Ambassador Ado Sanusi. Circumstances had made it possible for me to become very close to both of them. Your late father, Ambassador Aminu Sanusi and I were contemporaries and were also very close. We trusted each other. He was a man of thought, far sighted, kind, considerate and resolute.

You have always, from the first day we met, called me Baba: when you were younger but as the years rolled on you called me Baba Joda. I accept the courtesy and value the respects it conveys. As a very young person, at our very first meeting, the questions you asked me and the points you raised were far and beyond your age and I thought that you possessed a great deal of potential. Your record in the public domain is proof enough of this assessment. Your departure from the Throne of Kano, was predictable from your very beginning and from the moment you ascended to it. For Kano and for Nigeria, it may well be a blessing in disguise that you may now be able to address issues that are now urgent for our society as a person not encumbered by the burden of office.

I believe that your father, a gifted and far sighted man, understood what the future politics of our country portend and decided early not to be part of it. The purpose of this letter to you is not to commiserate with you, because I know that you must have known the likely consequences of the principled position you have taken. The reality we must face in Northern Nigeria is that the evil forces of feudalism that have kept us in bondage for so long are still there and fighting. You have been the only voice that has been telling us this truth. These forces will fight you and you know it Also, within me, I feel that you have always known of this possibility and that you would be fully prepared for the consequences. Very often in the years since your accession to the Throne of Kano, I have tried to imagine what would be the best way for you to disengage from the suffocating burden you have inherited that of service to the people you have chosen to lead better. I believe that the reason for my trend of thought is that, from what I know of your grandfather, your father and your uncle Ado and, of course you, it was most likely that you cannot change your beliefs in order to survive in an environment that is alien to all that is fair, good and responsible. I believe that for the good of the Kano people, the people of Northern Nigeria and, of course, Nigeria you are now better placed to bring into service to humanity, the intellect that you are endowed with, the education in both the Western and Islamic endeavors to bear in the emancipation of the Talakawas of Northern Nigeria. Your courage and your wide experience in many areas of endeavour place you in an excellent position to influence the effort to emancipate people who, for so long, have been subjugated and deprived by leaderships that are conservative and feudal; unable, unwilling and incapable of seeing the writing on the wall. Leaderships that cannot understand or appreciate that this world we are in is a world that is led by knowledge, by science and technology; none of which cannot be achieved without sound education which were are denying our people.

I suggest to you that, if you are contemplating the legal route to right the wrong that has been done to you; you should abandon the thought. The Judiciary is not the way to go in this country when you are seeking justice. For evidence you have a living example in Jokolo, the Emir of Gwandu.

In the circumstances of the present, I suggest that you only take full advantage of the Fundamental Rights guaranteed to all Nigerian citizens by the Constitution and only go to court to enforce those Fundamental Human Rights. Even this route can be frustrating it can serve keep unjust system in the public mind and in the Peoples’ Court. You must protect your right to hold and to express your views; your right to associate with others and to propagate any views that are consistent with the laws of the Federation of Nigeria. I believe it is possible for a platform to be created by you and people of like minds to propagate the ideas and ideals that can emancipate Northern Nigeria from the shackles of the visionless leaderships that we have endured for so long. We need a moral leadership that is founded on sound and honest principles; of good education and of justice and fair play. I believe you have the courage and all that it takes to accept the challenge that your new situation has imposed on you. I look forward to your accepting this challenge and to your helping to create such a platform that you can lead towards the moral revolution that we so badly need and deserve. I wish you well.

Your affectionately,

Baba Ahmed Joda.

Police Rescue 4 NYSC Corps Members From Kidnappers In Zamfara

Editorial staff

March 11, 2020

Nigeria Police have announced the rescue of four corps members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were kidnapped on 9^th March, along Funtua-Gusau Road on their way to NYSC Orientation Camp, Gusau in Zamfara State.

A statement by the Force Headquarters in Abuja said that the successful rescue operation came as a result of diligent and intense intelligence gathering and sustained coordinated operations.

The names of the corps members were given as Oladehin Paul, Ojo Temitope, Ojewale Elizabeth and Adenigbuyan Adegboyega.

It said that the rescued youths have since been handed over to the Zamfara State Director of the National Youth Service Corps.

“Mohammed Ardo, a co-traveller from Gusau who was also kidnapped along with the corps members has also been rescued and successfully reunited with his family.”

The statement said that the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed A. Adamu commended the Commissioner of Police in charge of Katsina state Command, Sanusi Buba, his operatives as well as good citizens of the State who supported the police operations.

The police boss, assured Nigerians of the unrelenting determination of the Force to rid the nation of all forms of crime and criminality.

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