The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, is currently in the Presidential Villa after a heated session in the red chamber which resulted in a motion to suspend the screening of ministerial nominee Festus Keyamo from Delta State, The PUNCH reports.
The motion was seconded by Enyinnaya Abaribe, a senator from Abia-South Senatorial District.
The motion to suspend the screening was initiated by Darlington Nwokocha, a senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District.
Nwokocha had accused Keyamo of disrespecting the 9th National Assembly and levelling allegations of corruption against the previous administration.
Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria previously served as the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity during ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Nwokocha claimed that Keyamo was summoned to clarify matters pertaining to a Special Public Works programme during that time but failed to honour the invitation.
The programme was overseen by the National Directorate of Employment, which fell under Keyamo’s ministry.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) has taken a proactive step to curb the spread of Anthrax disease in Lagos State by donating 50,000 doses of Anthrax vaccines to the Lagos State Government (LASG).
The donation aims to protect both animals and humans from infectious zoonotic diseases and ensure the safety of the livestock sub-sector.
During a courtesy visit to the State Ministry of Agriculture at the State Secretariat in Ikeja, Lagos, the Permanent Secretary of FMARD, Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, represented by Dr. Abdulkareem Durosinlorun, the Deputy Director of Veterinary and Pests Control Services, emphasized the significance of the vaccine donation.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Ibironke Emokpae (C), Dr. Abdulkareem Durosinlorun, Deputy Director,(Fourth Person from Right) FMARD, during the Courtesy Visit in Ikeja, Lagos State.
According to a Statement by the Assistant Director of Information, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, the vaccines will expedite the vaccination of animals against Anthrax and promote the sale of healthy meat by butchers, safeguarding the livestock sub-sector in the process.
Anthrax, caused by bacteria, can affect both domestic and wild animals and poses a risk to humans, especially those working closely with infected animals. The bacteria exist as spores and can be found in contaminated soil, wool, or hair of infected animals.
Animals can become infected by inhaling or ingesting spores from contaminated soil, plants, or water, while humans can contract the disease by inhaling spores, consuming contaminated meat, or coming into contact with the skin through wounds while handling infected animals.
Dr. Umakhihe called for robust public awareness and sensitization engagement among stakeholders in Lagos State to prevent and control the disease effectively. He emphasized the importance of surveillance in slaughter slabs, abattoirs, livestock markets, and points of entry to detect the disease early and prevent its spread.
In response, Mrs. Ibironke Emokpae, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, expressed gratitude to FMARD for its support in containing the spread of Anthrax disease in the state. Vaccinations have already commenced, and surveillance and biosecurity measures have been implemented at abattoir entrances to detect any ailing animals. Lagos State is taking the vaccination campaign to urban livestock farmers to protect both rural and urban areas.
During a sensitization visit to the Oko-oba cattle market and abattoir in Agege, Alhaji Abdullahi Lalega, the Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Association, pledged the commitment of cattle merchants and butchers to fight against the disease. They are fully aware of the disease and promise to adhere to safety measures while providing necessary support to curtail its spread.
Dr. Otto Muhinda, the Country Team Leader of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Nigeria, commended the State Government’s efforts in creating awareness and implementing prevention measures. He emphasized the need for further sensitization on a national level to develop a comprehensive strategy to stop the spread of the disease.
The event witnessed the vaccination of animals in the Urban Farmers Association at Surulere, Lagos state. Veterinarians from FMARD, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services, staff of NCDC, Ministry of Environment, and ECTAD-FAO, Lagos State Butchers Association, among others, attended the event to support the initiative.
In a significant move to enhance Food and Nutrition Security, attract private sector investment, and reduce post-harvest losses, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has initiated the distribution of subsidized farm inputs to smallholder farmers across the North Western States.
This initiative is being carried out through the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agropocket (NAGS-AP) under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase One (ATASP-1) of the Federal Government of Nigeria, with funding from the African Development Bank.
According to a press statement signed by the Principal Information Officer, Obe M. Mabel, the distribution of these subsidized inputs was officially launched at a flag-off ceremony held in Bunkure Local Government Area, Kano State.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalem, highlighted the significance of NAGS-AP in achieving food and nutrition security, promoting employment generation, and attracting private sector investments in the agriculture sector. The initiative focuses on rice, sorghum, and cassava value chains.
The program targets beneficiaries from various communities in Bunkere Rano, Bagwai, Dawakin Kudu, Bebeji, and Garun Malam Local Government Areas of Kano State. It aims to support 60,000 farmers across the five states of the ATASP-1 program with highly subsidized inputs, such as fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides, to increase their productivity and contribute to the national agricultural output.
In a keynote address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, emphasized the importance of the event in driving agricultural production and providing access to quality agricultural inputs for farmers.
The government covers 80% of the total cost of the input package while participating farmers are responsible for the remaining 20% at the Redemption Centers. To ensure transparency and efficiency, the government introduced an ICT platform called the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS & AP) for delivering inputs to farmers, making the program more notable than before.
Dr. Umakhihe urged the beneficiary farmers to utilize the inputs effectively to increase their farm output and income, warning against any attempts at input round-tripping, which would be treated according to the provisions of the law.
The National Programme Coordinator, ATAPS 1, Dr. Ibrahim .M. Arabi, highlighted that the global challenges of Covid-19, insecurity, and food insecurity prompted the restructuring of ATASP-1 to provide initial funding for the implementation of NAGS-AP. The primary objective is to improve the production and productivity of staple food crops and mitigate the nation’s food insecurity situation.
The distribution ceremony was attended by the Kano State Commissioner of Agriculture, traditional rulers, and relevant stakeholders, including the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Fertilizer Producers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN), and Nigerian Agro Input Dealers Association (NAIDA).
The commencement of the distribution of farm inputs through NAGS-AP is expected to have a positive impact on agriculture in the North West region, ultimately contributing to the nation’s food security and economic development.
In anticipation of the prestigious 2023 GIS-AWARDS, the convener Amb. James Momoh, CEO of Social Plus Africa Communications Ltd and his team have embarked on a series of courtesy visits, reaching out to outstanding individuals to formally announce their well-preserved recognition for their extraordinary contributions and transformative impact in their respective fields
This series of visits mark the anticipation and excitement building up to the prestigious GIS-AWARDS, a global event scheduled for November 2023.
The global event aims to foster positive change and recognize change makers from around the world.
The team’s first stop was at the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) headquarters in Abuja. The Executive Secretary, Reverend Dr. Yakubu Pam warmly welcomed the team.
The visit holds significant importance as Rev. Pam has been recognized for his unparalleled leadership and remarkable achievements since his assumption of office as the executive secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission NCPC
Delving into the reasons for honoring Rev. Yakubu Pam, the GIS-AWARDS Committee conducted thorough research on his contributions to the nation, and he was found Worthy to be honored for global recognition.
During an exclusive interview with the NCPC BOSS, It became evident that his visionary approach had led to a noteworthy improvement in the bilateral relations between Nigeria and the Jordanian government through pilgrimage activities.
Rev. Pam’s initiatives have not only strengthened cultural ties but also facilitated significant business opportunities between the two nations.
During the interview, Rev. Pam humbly shared his monumental achievements with the committee.
At the forefront of his accomplishments is the initiation of a pilgrimage to Jordan, a legacy that has transcended mere religious significance.
Thanks to his visionary leadership, the pilgrimage has evolved into a catalyst for economic growth and cultural exchange, attracting an increasing number of Nigerians engaging in trade and fostering mutual understanding with Jordan.
Another crowning achievement under Rev. Pam’s guidance has been the ongoing development of the permanent pilgrimage site.
Under his watchful eye, the project has progressed from a mere concept to an impressive 90% completion, making it an enduring symbol of faith and devotion.
This site is expected to become a beacon, attracting the highest number of Nigerians to engage in Pilgrimage activities.
Rev. Pam’s dedication to enhancing staff welfare has earned him deep respect among the staff of the commission.
In the area of Security, Rev. Yakubu Pam has been actively working tirelessly toward peace in troubled communities, especially in Southern Kaduna.
He has played several reconciliatory roles in addressing the crisis situation in Nigeria.
In addition to his accomplishments, Rev. Pam has been unwavering in his commitment to transparency, accountability, and sound financial management within the commission. He diligently guided his staff in identifying and sealing potential loopholes that could lead to corruption.
“The commission’s projects were executed with utmost precision, and every transaction was meticulously documented to ensure complete accountability”.
“The Commission’s files remain open, reflecting a culture of transparency and integrity” – He said.
Rev. Pam’s foresight extends beyond conventional practices, as he is currently spearheading the digitalization of the commission’s activities.
Under his leadership, the media department was restructured to amplify the commission’s programs and foster strong relationships with stakeholders and state governors.
In addition, he further disclosed that he’s currently working on harnessing the power of data innovations, using technology to streamline the application process for pilgrims worldwide.
However, Rev. Pam remains vigilant about data security and is investing in robust measures to safeguard against data theft and hacking.
Rev. Pam conveyed heartfelt gratitude for the visitors and warmly acknowledged the team’s recognition of his exceptional leadership.
He pledged unwavering support to both the event and the core principles of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, reaffirming his commitment to its noble ideals.
The upcoming GIS-AWARDS promises to be a celebration of change-makers like Rev. Dr. Pam, who have left an indelible mark on society through his selfless dedication and outstanding achievements.
The Nigeria Labour Congress, Thursday, said it would commence a nationwide strike on August 14, 2023, should the Federal Ministry of Justice fail to withdraw the lawsuit filed against the organized labour.
The NLC made the decision during its National Executive Council meeting which was held in Abuja.
According to a statement signed by the national president, Joe Ajaero, the Ministry of Justice and National Industrial Court have continued to allow themselves to be used as agents of “anti-democracy.”.
The centre noted that though it agreed to suspend protests based on its meeting with the President, it will embark on a nationwide strike starting from August 14, 2023, should the government fail to withdraw the lawsuit filed against it.
Highlighting the decisions of the NEC, Ajaero said the NEC resolved “to support and affirm the decision to suspend further protest on the nationwide mass protest; to commit to maintaining the required vigilance needed to hold government accountable on its assurances and governance in general; To commit to the terminal date of August 19, 2023, within which the issues around the Petroleum price hike will be agreed given the assurances of the President and the National Assembly.
“To go on total strike across the country any day labour leaders are summoned to court by the government through the NICN. To demand the immediate withdrawal of this litigious terrorism by the Federal Ministry of Justice before the end of work Friday, the 11th of August, 2023.
“To embark on a nationwide comprehensive strike beginning Monday, 14th of August, 2023 if this contemptuous court summons is not withdrawn by whosoever initiated it.”
Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Niger’s capital, Niamey, in support of last week’s military coup.
They condemned West African countries that have imposed sanctions on the country and also demanded the departure of foreign troops.
Both US and France have military bases in the country to help fight Islamist militants.
A similar protest on Sunday led to attacks on the French embassy but Thursday’s demonstration was peaceful.
France, the former colonial power in Niger, had called on the military leader to ensure there was no repeat.
Previous demonstrations had seen some chanting “Long live Russia”, “Long live Putin”, and “Down with France” – the leader of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group has reportedly described the coup as a triumph.
But organisers had asked people not to wave Russian flags this time, and there were far fewer on display compared to Sunday. People had Nigerien flags instead.
It isn’t clear if this was because Russia has issued a statement calling for the return to power of the ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum, and negotiations, or because Thursday is Niger’s Independence Day.
Mr Bazoum, the first democratically elected president to succeed another in Niger, was detained by his own guards last week.
Correspondents in the country say there are also many people who are opposed to the coup.
The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), a trade bloc of 15 West African countries, has imposed financial and trade sanctions. It has also threatened to use force if President Bazoum is not reinstated by Sunday.
Senegal on Thursday said it would send troops if the bloc decided on military intervention. Foreign Minister Aissata Tall Sall said there had been one “coup too many” in the region. The army has seized power in neighbouring Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea in recent years.
“Senegalese soldiers, for all these reasons, will go there,” she said.
Niger’s electricity company says that neighbouring Nigeria has cut electricity supplies, leading to widespread power cuts, although this has not been confirmed by Nigeria.
On Wednesday evening, coup leader Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani warned against “any interference in the internal affairs” of the country.
Gen Tchiani, a former chief of the presidential guard to Mr Bazoum, seized power on 26 July.
In a televised address on Wednesday, Gen Tchiani said the military regime rejected the Ecowas “sanctions as a whole and refuses to give in to any threat, wherever it comes from”.
He labelled the sanctions “cynical and iniquitous” and said they were intended to “humiliate” Niger’s security forces and make the country “ungovernable”.
Hundreds of foreign nationals have been evacuated from Niger. The US has ordered a partial evacuation of its embassy and more than 1,000 French and Europeans have been flown out of the country.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has made significant strides in its mission to achieve a digitally literate population of 95 percent by 2030. According to the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, the agency has successfully equipped over 3 million Nigerians with relevant digital skills.
Inuwa shared this accomplishment during the Council on Global Partner Summit held in Orlando, Florida, United States. He highlighted the various multi-sectoral capacity-building programs initiated by NITDA, including Stem Bootcamp for Kids, digital skills training for students, public servants, journalists, Digital Marketing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Programming, and Digital Entrepreneurship, among others.
He said, “NITDA has empowered 3.3 million Nigerians with several digital literacy and skills through multi-sectoral capacity-building programmes such as Stem Bootcamp for Kids, digital skills training for students, public servants, journalists, Digital Marketing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Programming, Digital Entrepreneurship and many more.”
The agency’s focus on massive digital literacy training for Nigerian youths aims to position the country as a global Information Technology hub capable of addressing the worldwide digital skills shortage. NITDA is dedicated to developing policies, regulations, and initiatives that will further deepen digital literacy and skills across the nation.
Inuwa also advocated for the inclusion of Mobile Information Literacy in future versions of Certiport’s IC3 Global Digital Literacy Standard, recognizing the significant number of Nigerian and African citizens who rely on their mobile phones to access and engage in the digital economy.
As part of its commitment to ICT education in Nigeria, NITDA celebrated the participation of six Nigerian students in the Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship (MOSWC). These students were selected during the Nigerian National Championship organized by the ReadManna Empowerment Initiative (REI). Inuwa praised their achievements, which not only made Nigeria proud but also showcased the country’s potential in digital literacy and skills on the global stage.
The founder of ReadManna Empowerment Initiative, Edna Agusto, represented by Ms. Efeoma Olotu, reaffirmed that MOSWC is open to students aged between 13 and 22 years enrolled in academic institutions. Interested institutions seeking to participate in future editions of MOSWC can contact the initiative for successful participation.
Nigeria’s abundance of human capital and their excellence in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector has earned the country recognition on the global stage. With continued nurturing of talent, unwavering spirit for success, government support, and the dedication of key stakeholders like ReadManna, Nigeria is poised to lead in the digital sphere during this technology-driven era.
During the summit, NITDA introduced Nigeria’s recently launched National Digital Literacy Framework to global experts, while also seeking insights into successful digital literacy implementations from other countries. The agency received valuable support and offers to help Nigeria achieve its ambitious goal of attaining 95% digital literacy by 2030.
On Thursday morning, Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, warmly welcomed Prince Shaibu Audu Abubakar, the ministerial nominee from Kogi State.
During the meeting, Governor Bello acknowledged that Shaibu Audu’s nomination as a minister-designate was a result of his loyalty, patience, and patriotism towards both the state and the nation.
He praised Shaibu Audu for displaying a remarkable quality inherited from his late father, Prince Abubakar Audu when he accepted the outcome of the APC governorship primary in April and withdrew his case against the candidate in the state’s best interest.
This political understanding, he said, showed that the new minister-designate believed in the will of God regarding leadership.
Governor Bello also highlighted the legacy of Shaibu Audu’s father as a proponent of an indivisible Kogi State and expressed confidence that Shaibu Audu’s role as a minister would further strengthen his father’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s detribalized politicians.
Assuring Shaibu Audu of his unwavering support and encouragement once he assumes the ministerial position, Governor Bello emphasized that his nomination aligns with his politics of equity, fairness, and justice, which recognizes and values every individual in the state regardless of tribe or religion.
He expressed certainty that Shaibu Audu’s impressive Curriculum Vitae and sound academic background would lead to success in any ministry he heads.
Shaibu Audu, who flew from Lagos to Abuja for the visit, expressed his gratitude to Governor Bello for his support and commitment toward his ministerial nomination.
He credited the governor for his nomination and visited to show his appreciation to the governor for always standing by him.
Commending Governor Bello for his politics of inclusivity and forward-thinking approach to politics, Shaibu Audu pledged his loyalty and cooperation in advancing the state and national development.
He requested the governor’s continued prayers and support to enable him to excel as a minister in the Federal Republic of Nigeria once he undergoes the screening process.
It’s worth noting that Prince Abubakar Shuaib Audu, the ministerial nominee from Kogi State, has an impressive background as an executive director with Stanbic IBTC, holding an MBA from the University of Oxford and an MSC in international securities and investment banking from the ICMA center of Henley Business School, University of Reading.
The country’s external reserves lost $167.2m in July, as the naira fell further to the dollar.
Figures obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria on the movement of external reserves showed that the reserves which ended June 30, 2023, at $34.12bn, fell to $33.95bn as of July 28, 2023.
In the past two weeks, the naira fell from 820/$ to 868/$ at the parallel market on Monday.
At the I&E window on the FMDQ, the naira trading commenced at 784.91/$ and reached a high of 830/$ before closing at 756/$.
A Bureau de Change Operator in Lagos, Mr. Abudul Ahmed, said, “We bought and sold the dollar today (Monday) at 860/$ and 868/$.”
Speaking on the forex pressure with The PUNCH, the President, Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria, Aminu Gwadabe, said, “Optimism is giving way to pessimism with continuing lack of confidence in our local currency. This has led to an increase in Fx’s holding position, hoarding, and speculation.
“The core objectives of the harmonization of the multiple exchange rate is to discourage arbitrage and rent-seeking, however, the recent trajectory does not seem to achieve that.”
He added that “The increasing demand of oil marketers, investors backlog, school fees, and travelers have continued to mount demand pressure on the limited dollar availability in the market.”
To immediately address the looming situation of the local currency, he said, “We need to ensure additional foreign finance either bilaterally or multilaterally to enhance liquidity.”
At the last Monetary Policy Committee meeting in Abuja, The acting Governor, of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Folashodun Shonubi, said the bank would address the demand pressure on the country’s exchange rate, as the naira continued to slide against the dollar.
The accretion to external reserves remained weak while foreign exchange demand pressures persisted, he said.
Shonubi said, “The market needs to find its level. There is pent-up demand which the market cannot cater to. Once we clear this demand, the volatility will normalize. We have started intervening, and we would continue to intervene until the market gets to our level.”
Four people narrowly escaped death on Tuesday after a helicopter crashed in the Oba Akran area of Ikeja, Lagos State.
The incident happened on Tuesday afternoon close to a branch of the United Bank for Africa in the area.
It was gathered that the chopper was used for training when it crashed into a building and went up in flames.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services confirmed the incident.
The spokesperson for the agency, Amodu Shakiru, said the occupants sustained varying degrees of injuries.
He said, “The helicopter crashed into a building but nobody died. The helicopter was used for training and it has four occupants on board. They had an escort motorized team that was following them on the ground during the training routine exercise which is the standard protocol.”
“The motorized team was the first to arrive at the scene. The occupants sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention. We will provide more details later”
