EUROPEAN UNION TO PARTNER WITH NIGERIA’s DIGITAL ECONOMY

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February 14, 2022

PRESS STATEMENT

The European Union (EU) under its Gateway Initiative has disclosed plans to invest about Eight Hundred and Twenty Million Euros in the Nigerian Digital Economy sector over the next three years.

This disclosure was made today Monday, 14th February 2022 by the Executive Vice President of the Union Her Excellency, Margrethe Vestager during a working visit to the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) at the Digital Economy Complex in Abuja.

MrsVestager while extolling the exemplary leadership style of the Minister, noted that this, and the need for stronger partnerships has brought global attention to the country’s Digital Economy sector. She enumerated the Union’s intervention in the sector to include; Digital Infrastructure Investments, Digitalisation of Public Services, Digital Entreprenuership, Digital Skills and Digital Governance.

“Nigeria has immense potential for digitalization and with a combination of One Hundred and Sixty Million Euros in grants and Six Hundred and Sixty Million Euros in loans, the European Union aims to comprehensively support Nigeria’s digitalization strategy” she emphasized.

In his reponse, Professor Pantami while expressing his delight and appreciation for the intervention reiterated the Federal Government’s willingness to partner with the European Union. “Africa has always looked up to Europe in the area of technological advancements and this partnership is a welcome development that will project the digitalization aspirations of our country. Professor Pantami was particular about digital entrepreneurship and the immense impact it will bring to bear on the nation’s economy. “This partnership with regards to digital entrepreneurship, will address the challenge of unemployment and unemployability alongside the Nigeria Startup Bill which also aims to address a myriad of issues within the ecosystem.” The Minister further informed the delegation that Nigeria hopes to achieve the paperless office by the year 2030 and it is on track, taking into cognizance the rate at which public institutions are embracing the digital economy drive.

The Europen Union intervention is in alignment with the Nigeria Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), a digital roadmap initiated and championed by Professor Pantami towards the economic digitalization drive of President MuhammaduBuhari (GCFR).

Uwa Suleiman (Mrs)

Spokesperson to the Honourable Minister

14th February 2022

East West Road: Akpabio Secures N10.4bn Funding From Sovereign Sukuk Issuance

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February 5, 2022

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PRESS RELEASE

Minister, Niger Delta Affairs Ministry, Senator Godswill Akpabio has secured the sum of N10.4bn for the completion of construction work on the East- West Road, from the 2021 Sovereign Sukuk Issuance.

In his remarks before he was presented with the cheque by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr. (Mrs) Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, in Abuja, Akpabio, who spoke through his Permanent Secretary, Dr Ardo Babayo, thanked his Finance counterpart for her support for the Ministry and by extension, the Niger Delta Region.

According to him, “let me acknowledge the support and effort of the Hon Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, for the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the people of the region. The Eleme Junction to Onne, a 15-kilometer section of the East- West was abandoned because of lack of funds and that was why we went to Sukuk through the Ministry.

” We also recall that during the 2021 budget presentation, it was agreed that the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs will contribute the sum of N10bn from its meagre N19bn for capital projects, with the understanding that the Ministry of Finance would add N35bn and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) N35bn, making N80bn for the completion and commissioning of that road by President Muhammadu Buhari this year 2022.”

“Before now, the Niger Delta Ministry had mobilised the RCC for necessary repairs on the collapsed portion of the road, as a stop gap measure, for easy vehicular and human movements. The Eleme Junction had to be redesigned to accommodate the Power Station that was not there when the road was contemplated in 2006,” he stressed.

Speaking further, the Minister said, “we are here today to collect the N10bn of that money from the Ministry of Finance, we are also waiting for the balance of N25bn, while the NDDC would remit its own support when its finance improves”

“Sometimes in October last year, there was a presidential directive that we transfer the road to the Ministry of Works and the Minister, Niger Delta Affairs, has commenced talks with his Works counterpart in that regard. Let me also appreciate the effort of the Debt Management Office (DMO). We hope that the outstanding sum of N65bn would be released in due course,” he stated.

Speaking at the symbolic Cheque presentation ceremony for the 2021 Sovereign Sukuk Issuance, the Finance Minister, said,” today’s event of N250bn disbursement is the 4th in the circles since 2017 that the special funding for reconstruction, rehabilitation of roads and other key infrastructure as directed by President Buhari. I acknowledge the support of the various chambers of the National Assembly to the success of this event of today.”

Deworitshe Patricia

D (Press & PR)

February 3, 2022

𝗙𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗞𝗢𝗚𝗜 𝗔𝗣𝗖 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚-𝗜𝗡.

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February 5, 2022

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I join well meaning Kogites to congratulate 𝗛𝗼𝗻. 𝗔𝗯𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗵𝗶 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼 on his inauguration as the Kogi State Party Chairman of the All Progressives Congress.

Indeed this is well deserved, as Hon. Bello has shown capacity and complete loyalty to the party in his previous run. His commitment has no doubt led to the wideswept victory of the party at the polls; such determination deserves continuity.

Sir, Accept my most heartfelt congratulations on your swearing-in. Your dedicated service to the APC has not gone unnoticed. I therefore charge you to continue to uphold the rubrics of our great party as you have always done.

As a staunch party member and citizen grassroot organizer, I pledge my unwavering support to you and our great party.

Many congratulations sir!

Signed,
𝗔𝗯𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗶𝘂 𝗔. 𝗜𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗵.
Convener, Wasiu Issah Network (WIN)

President Buhari Approves the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) and Appoints Dr Olatunji as the Pioneer National Commissioner

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February 4, 2022

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PRESIDENT BUHARI SWEARS -IN- NEW PERM SEC 0A. President Muhammadu Buhari Addresses the New Permanent Secretaries during thier swearing-in at the Council Chamber, State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 20 2019

PRESS STATEMENT

President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has approved the establishment of the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB).

This followed a request made by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami). The NDPB has been established in line with global best practice and will focus on data protection and privacy for the country, among others.

The successful implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria has significantly increased the adoption of data platforms and accelerated the datafication of our society. This has increased the importance of having an institution that focuses on data protection and privacy.
Furthermore, the issuance of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) in January 2019, as a subsidiary legislation to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Act 2007, has increased awareness about the need for data protection and privacy.

The Bureau will be responsible for consolidating the gains of the NDPR and supporting the process for the development of a primary legislation for data protection and privacy.

President Buhari also approves the recommendation of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Pantami, for Dr. Vincent Olatunji to serve as the National Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau.

Dr. Olatunji hails from Ekiti State and, at the time of his appointment, was the Director of the eGovernment Development and Regulations Department at NITDA. The appointment takes effect immediately.

Mrs Uwa Suleiman
Spokesperson to the
Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy
4th February, 2022

FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTER, KEFFI NASARAWA STATE

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February 3, 2022

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19th January, 2022

The Management of Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, wishes to bring to the notice of the general public of the presence of ten (10) number unclaimed/ unidentified corpses brought in by officers of the Nigerian Police Force and Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) to the centre at various dates, between 2018, 2019, 2020 still lying at the Centre’s Mortuary, thereby, exceeding the time limit of six (6) months as permitted by law.

On this note therefore, the centre is requesting that the morgue is hereby, accessible to the members of the public who lost their loved ones (missing) between the periods indicated herein. You may please, visit this hospital for possible identification.

Meanwhile, going by this notification, it is expected that after two (2) weeks from the date of this publication, the centre will be left with no option other than to give the said corpses mass burial.

Thank you

Muhammed Adamu

PRO FMC, Keffi

For: Management

𝗞𝗢𝗚𝗜 𝗦𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗗 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗦 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗥 𝗙𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗚𝗬𝗕 𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗜𝗫 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗜𝗡 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗘.

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January 27, 2022

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The Executive Chairman of Kogi State Mineral Resources Development Agency, 𝗛𝗮𝗷𝗶𝘆𝗮 𝗛𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗮𝘁 𝗢𝘇𝗮𝘃𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗹𝗲𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗻, has congratulated 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗮𝗵𝗮𝘆𝗮 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼 on the anniversary of his sixth year as Executive Governor of Kogi State calling his ongoing tenure an unprecedented administration.

In an open message, the Chairman joined her colleagues and well wishers in commending the exemplary leadership of Governor Bello, stating that Kogi had never had it as good till now.

Speaking further, Hajiya Suleiman cited the many transformative policies and programmes spanning various sectors, as well as infrastructural development the state has experienced over the past one and half terms, saying there was more to come for the people of Kogi State in the coming years.

The Chairman also commended her colleagues and fellow appointees for their steadfast loyalty to their leader and dedication to service, while enjoining citizens of the state to continue to support the GYB-led administration.

Hajiya Suleiman also opined that the gender-sensitive Governor was a sure bet to bring about the much needed change that Nigeria needs, calling for fellow citizens to join in the call of GYB to presidential leadership.

By, Maymunah Zubair

HUMANITARIAN MINISTRY RECEIVES ICT EQUIPMENT SUPPORT FROM UN WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME

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January 25, 2022

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The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development received Information and Communications Technology (ICT) equipments from the United Nations World Food Programme to support the successful implementation of the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme in Nigeria.

During the handover of the Items in Abuja on the 25^th of January 2022, the Country Director, United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), Ronald Sibanda said “On behalf of WFP, I am delighted to be here today to handover this ICT equipment and the publication of the Joint Assessment of the National Home-Grown School Feeding Porgramme that we conducted together”.

The items which include; 150 Nos. of Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.4, 8Nos. of Lenovo Thinkpad T480 14 inches, 2 Nos. of Lenovo Monitors 24 inches, 3Nos. HP LaserJet Pro Multifunction M428fdw Wireless Laser Printer, and 3Nos. of Samsung 55 inches LED Smart TV were delivered to the Ministry to help improve, scale up and sustain the School Feeding Programme in Nigeria.

He further stated that since the launch of the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme in 2015, the programme has made commendable achievements by providing nutritious meals to 9.8 million pupils in 56,000 public primary schools, engaging and empowering local smallholder farmers and 107,000 cooks nationwide, adding that the programme is now one of the largest School Feeding Progammes in Africa.

While urging Nigeria to share its experience on the School Feeding Programme with other African Countries, Sibanga reiterated the readiness of the World Food Programme to continue to provide technical support and policy advice to the Ministry to achieve the aims and objectives of the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme.

Receiving the items, the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq who was represented by the National Coordinator, National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) Engr. Umar Bindir Ph.D appreciated the efforts and contributions of the United Nations World Food Programme noting that it is as index of good partnership and cooperation.

He further stated that partnering with the International Organization as a global brand is an indication that the Ministry is implementing the programme the right way in accordance with the directives of President Muhammadu Buhari and his vision of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years. Adding that the Ministry has carefully selected a team of experts in the implementation of the programme which has radiated its success globally. This success has triggered the World Food Programme to partner with us, he added. He reassured the World Food Programme of the Ministry’s commitment to the successful implementation of the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme.

The tablets provided by the WFP includes access to the SMP Plus – a free tool to help state Nutrition Officers design nutritious menus for schools. The hardware will not only support the Ministry’s efforts to digitalize its monitoring and evaluation system, buyt also enable the national roll out of the SMP Plus development by WFP to standardize cost-effective menu development.

Halima Oyelade

SA Strategic Communications.

25^th January, 2022

CASEWORK OFFICERS TO ACQUIRE NEW KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS – FAROUQ

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January 24, 2022

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The Honorable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, has urged Casework Officers in the Social Development Department to stay informed, acquire new knowledge and skills as well as maintain an improved standard of practice.
She disclosed this at the capacity building workshop on Counseling Strategy for Casework Officers in Abuja.
Speaking, the Minister, represented by Mr. Mansur Kuliya, Ag Director said, “Continuous improvement of skills of an organization’s work force, provides an opportunity for the workforce to enhance and increase their capacities to perform their jobs in effective and efficient ways”.
“Casework is focused on enhancing human wellbeing to meet the basic human needs of people with particular attention to needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed and living in poverty.”
The Minister said that the main objectives of the workshop are;
I. To train and enhance the skills of Case Workers on the basic steps of case work management.
II. To understand and apply social work principles and ethical conducts on counseling strategies in Nigeria.
III. To share experience and equip the officers with improved skills on social work practice.
The Minister said, “The Ministry handles series of case work such as marital disputes, financial and medical assistances as well as provision of economic empowerment materials for the poor and vulnerable in the country”.
“Social Service is very dynamic, fast growing and puts pressure on the need of continuous training i.e building and strengthening capacity of Social/caseworkers. Training is important to social workers to enable them stay informed, acquire new knowledge and skills as well as maintain an improved standard of practice”.
Mr. Emmanuel Udoh, Deputy Director in the Social Development department expressed gratitude to the management of the Ministry for giving approval for the workshop to be held. He said, “I also wish to thank the resource persons who would bring their wealth of Knowledge to bear on the training”.
Present at the training were the Facilitators Professor Ekundayo Ocholi, from the University of Abuja, Dr. Maijama Kwassu a retired Director and Mr. Valentine Ezulu Director in the department of Social Development.

Grace Osuji
Principal Information Officer
For: DD (Information)
January 24, 2022

FAROUQ CONDEMNS KILLING OF HANIFA; COMMISERATES WITH FAMILY AND KANO STATE GOVERNMENT

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January 24, 2022

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The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, on behalf of the Federal Government, has condoled the family and the Kano State Government over the killing of the five-year old pupil Hanifa Abubakar, who was allegedly kidnapped and murdered by her teacher, Mr Abdulmalik Tanko, at a private school Noble Kids School, located in Kwanar Dakata in Nasarawa, Local Government Area of Kano State.
The Minister in a press statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali, says the Federal Government condemns in totality the inhuman act done to the five- year old pupil and similar incidents in other schools across the country, assured that all the perpetrators must face justice.
Farouq saddened by the circumstances of the girl’s death prayed for Allah to accept the soul of the departed and grant the parents the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
She said the Federal Government will ensure that justice is done in the matter.
The Minister commended the prompt action taken so far by the Kano State Government on the withdrawal of the licenses of the two schools named in the tragedy and the constitution of a ministerial committee to ensure justice is done in the matter.

Bashir Nura Alkali
Permanent Secretary

APC PLATEAU STATE EXCO PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO NCPC BOSS

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January 22, 2022

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The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam received in audience members of the working committee of the All Progressive Congress, APC Plateau State chapter, who paid him a condolence visit on 21st January, 2022 in his residence in Jos over the passing on to glory of his mother, Ngo Zimi Pam who died on 15th January, 2022 in Jos .
Rev Pam thanked them for their show of solidarity and love in this moment of his bereavement. His words,” I am highly humbled this morning for bringing the entire EXCO to my house on a condolence visit.
He explained that their visit had brought relief and comfort to him and the entire family.
He recalled with nostalgia the invaluable role played in his life by his late mother whom he said he would greatly miss her exit . His words,” I will definitely miss a counsellor and a friend”, he said.
He noted that in terms of spirituality, his late mother was his backbone. He described her as ” a woman who believes in prayer, fasting and intercession” . He added, ” I have seen divine interventions in various times through her”.
The NCPC boss further affirmed that her late mother was instrumental in the actualization of his dreams in life.
He commended the APC leadership in the state for their visionary leadership. He explained that the Plateau State Governor, RT.Hon.Simon Lalong is happy with the activities of the party in the state .
He thanked the members of the APC working committee for their words of comfort and consolation.
Earlier, the APC chairman in Plateau State, Hon. Rufus Bature stated thus: “we are here to commiserate with you over the loss of your mother”.
He explained that even though the late Ngo Zimi Pam died in her ripe age, but the entire family would greatly miss her wise counsel.
Hon. Bature further reiterated that “death is a passage that everyone must pass through, God,s time is always the best,” he said.
He prayed that God would grant the NCPC boss and his entire family the heart to bear the irreparable loss.
The chairman thanked the NCPC boss on behalf of the party for all his support to the party, the government of Plateau State and his support to the people of Plateau State.
Signed:
Celestine Toruka Head Media and Public Relations
21st January,2022.