The Executive Chairman of Kogi State Mineral Resources Development Agency, ๐๐ฎ๐ท๐ถ๐๐ฎ ๐๐ฎ๐๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐ ๐ข๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐๐น๐ฒ๐ถ๐บ๐ฎ๐ป, has bemoaned the passing of, ๐๐ฎ๐ท๐ถ๐ฎ ๐๐ฎ๐ท๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ ๐ ๐ผ๐บ๐ผ๐ต ๐๐ธ๐ฎ๐๐ฎ, mother of Accountant General of the State, ๐๐น๐ต. ๐๐๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ถ๐น ๐ ๐ผ๐บ๐ผ๐ต, calling it a great loss.
In an open condolence message to the AG, the Chairman noted that the late matriarch lived an exemplary life in piety and humility.
Hajiya Suleiman also extended her condolences to the extended family, and admonished them to take comfort in the fact that the latlived a fulfilled life and contributed meaningfully to to the lives of many in her family and community at large, while she prayed for God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
Panam Percy Paul is a Nigerian legendary musician, a gospel singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose musical career spans over 40 years. Born (Bakulipanam Percy Paul Mokungah)ย on December 14, 1957,ย to major Paul Harley, an officer in the Nigerian Army, and composer Paulina Paul Mokungah, Panam is a native of Numan, Demsa LGA in Adamawa State, Nigeria, butย lived in Jos, Plateau State for over 35 years. Panam Percy Paul Both of his parents are of the Lutheran Church and he became a born again Christian in June 13, 1976
Widely known by his stage name Panam Percy Paul, he started his musical career at age twenty while he was still in school as an undergraduate in the Kaduna state polytechnic . And while still in the pursuit of his career, he got a job with Radio ELWA Christian Communications as a production supervisor and engineer.
Paulโs kind of music is praise and worship styled in the feel of country music and African high life. Panam may also be a genius (IQ of about 400) as recently presented by himself at the 2019 HEKAN National Youth Convention held in Kaduna from the 28 August to 1 September 2019.
Paul fell in love with Tina and they were married on 1ST JANUARY 1981 when he was 24-years old. Together, they have four children: Leah, Lisa, Harley and Loraine in that order. He however, has three adopted children and they are Jemima Mbaya, Elsie June Adum and Godfrey Gillings Panam ( Godfrey Panam ) 16 grand children, few are only mention here, ( Benjamin and his 2 brothers, Prieston, Petra Panam, Preston Panam and Julian Gil Panam also known as Jasiah Sincere Reaver.
Apart from music, Panam has written a book titled โBring Down the Gloryโ, named after his album. He also has a college called the โPanam College of Music Ministryโ in Jos, Plateau state of Nigeria. His record label Panam Music World serves as an organization to assist the education of musicians.
Panam Percy Paul is a native of Demsa LGA in Adamawa State
Africa most celebrated ICT journalist and President of the Center for Cyber Awareness and Development (CECAD), Dr Bayero Agabi has hailed 2021 as the year the Information and Communications Technology industry witnessed many first for individuals and corporate organisations.
Speaking for himself, he said he personally experienced another first in 2021 with the successful induction into the fellowship cadre of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) last month at this yearโs National Information Technology Merit Awards (NITMA)
Nigeria Computer Society had bestowed on Dr, Bayero a Honourary Fellowship, which is the highest for any professional attainment for his distinguished personality, dedication and exemplary service to IT growth and development in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, going by the policies and direction of the present government with regards to ICT development, Dr. Bayero has predicted the industry will in 2022 witness double of what it witnessed in 2021.
In his own words: โConsidering what I see today with regards to IT development, Africa will soon have a loud voice in tech and innovation just like music and entertainment has done. Just watch, ICT growth in 2022 will double what we witnessed in 2021.โ
The Nigerian information and communications technology (ICT) sector had contributed a significant 17.92% of Nigeria’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the second quarter of 2021. This is a 3.01% increase from the GDP contributions for the preceding quarter, according to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
But Dr, Bayero believes the year 2022 will experience significant increase with regards to ICT contribution to the countryโs Gross Domestic Product. He laced his argument on the fact that the licensing and auctioning of 3.5 Ghz spectrum for 5G deployment, where Nigeria is expected to receive $546m will hugely boost the economic fortune of the country.
Other areas Bayero believes will experience massive is Fintech, where young Nigerians are chopping out cutting-edge technology solutions that are addressing the financial needs of Nigerians, especially the unbanked and under banked.
Dr. Bayero Agabi is one of the very few in the ICT industry, who has in the last twenty years make sure the telecom industry become what it is today by various advocacy.
He is known as one of Africaโs leading ICT broadcast journalists and remains the only African journalist to have won the prestigious UNECA/AISI (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa/Africa Information Society Media Awards) twice for best African ICT reporting, research and local content.
Agabi is a member of the national committee on data harmonization, member National Broadband Council and member senate cyber security expert advisory group. Agabi is the Vice President of Nigeria Internet Group and President Centre For Cyber Awareness and Development (CECAD).
A Pan African advocate for digital economy, Bayero Agabi pioneered technology broadcasting on television in Nigeria over two decades ago with well over 100 local and international awards to his credit. An alumnus of PAU, UNIJOS, LASU and Commonwealth University, Bayero has transverse the world reporting and speaking on ICTand technology issues as it relates to Africa development.
With a degree in Mass Communication, a diploma in Computer Science, PGD, Public Admin, MPA and Doctoral in Public Policy, Bayero Agabi has certifications in business and enterprise management, Telecomms, computer science and public relations.
Agabi is a professional member of the institute of Public Relation Chattered, fellow of Institute of Management Consultancy FIMC, fellow Institute of Information Management Africa FIIM and member Institute of Data Processing Management IDPM.
He presently pioneers ICT broadcast in West Africa with Digivation Network and other running business ventures.
The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam has presented an award to the Executive Governor of Nasarawa state, Engr Abdullahi Sule as the Best Pilgrimage Sponsorship Governor in North Central for the 2020 NCPC Maiden Pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Jordan.
The NCPC boss presented the award to the No 1Citizen of Nasarawa state at Government House, Lafia on 20th December,2020 during a sensitisation visit to the Governor. Rev Pam said the award was a unique one considering the fact that the Governor is a Muslim who is surrounded by Christian Governors yet was able to sponsor such a number of pilgrims to the Kingdom of Jordan. In the words of the NCPC boss,” this award is to show our gratitude to you and to encourage you; only God can reward you,” he said. Rev Pam commended the Governor for his massive infrastructural development in the state. He particularly commended him for his youth and women empowerment Programme in the state which is targeted at meeting the needs of the vulnerable people in the society. The NCPC helmsman further commended the Governor for the Cargo Airport project in the state which he said would be of immense benefit to the pilgrims when completed ,as pilgrims would be airlifted to the Holy Land directly from the state.
In his remark, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa state, Engr Abdullahi Sule, thanked the NCPC boss for the award which he said was an award for the entire state. According to him,” to us it means a lot, it shows we are living in peace.” He urged his people to ensure they participate in worth while ventures that would help to promote the image of the state. He further thanked Rev Pam for his purposeful and innovative leadership at NCPC which had paid off with the success story of the 2020 Maiden Pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Jordan. He noted with enthusiasm that all the pilgrims from the state who participated in the Jordan Pilgrimage returned to the state more satisfied and spiritually fulfilled. He added that they were all grateful for the opportunity to participate at the 2020 Jordan Pilgrimage exercise. The highlight of the sensitisation visit was the presentation of award plaque to His Excellency the Executive Governor of Nasarawa state by the NCPC boss who also presented the 2021 Main pilgrimage package to the Governor.
The award presentation was witnessed by the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa state,Dr Emmanuel Akabe, Chairman and Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, the NCPC Director of Mobilisation, Mr Chris Udegbunam, the Head Media and Public Relations NCPC, Celestine Toruka,the Head Protocol NCPC, Mrs Charlene Makai and other state officials. Signed Celestine Toruka Head, Media and Public Relations 20th December,2021.
The Chairman of State Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) Kogi Chapter, ๐๐ฎ๐ท๐ถ๐๐ฎ ๐๐ฎ๐๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐ ๐ข๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐๐น๐ฒ๐ถ๐บ๐ฎ๐ป, has charged stakeholders in the Mining Sector to maintain neutrality in the discharge of their duties in the sector, to ensure sustainable development.
The remark was made in a meeting between MIREMCO, Representatives of Ogbagebe, Ika District, Ankpa LGA, Sybstec Nigeria Ltd and representatives of Zuma 828 Coal Ltd, domiciled in Kogi State.
The meeting held at the instance of the Federal Mines Officer in Charge of Kogi State to curtail lingering issues between Sybstec Nigeria Ltd and Zuma 828 Coal Ltd where the latter complained of encroachment into their legal Title Area.
In attendance were the commander in charge of mining of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Muhammad Sambo and officers from the Department of State Security Services, among others.
Hajiya Suleiman in her statement urged the representatives of the community to forster peace and welcome every investor into their land for the purpose of growth and development. She also admonished them to allow government officials to carry out their duties, as empowered by prevailing law. She went further to say that preventing officials from carrying out their legal duties might attract sanctions from the appropriate channels.
In a related development, the Committee rejoiced with ๐๐น๐ต๐ฎ๐ท๐ถ ๐๐น๐ต๐ฎ๐๐๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ถ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป who until retirement, was a director in the Federal Ministry of Environment and a statutory member of the Committee. A brief ceremony was held in his honour where a meritorious service award was presented to him
Lokoja. Friday, 17th December, 2021.
By ๐ ๐ฎ๐๐บ๐๐ป๐ฎ๐ต ๐ญ๐๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ฟ.
The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam was among the eminently qualified Nigerians who were honored with the prestigious awards in their different capacities and callings by the Nigerian News, an Online Magazine which celebrated its fifth year anniversary in Abuja on 16th December, 2021.
In his goodwill message at the event, the NCPC boss thanked the Online Media Platform for their consistency in promoting the activities of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission and also for using their medium to promote peace in the country through their reportage.
Rev. Pam affirmed that the problem of Nigeria could only be solved by the people of Nigeria. He added, โNigeria is the best country to beโ. He further reiterated that Nigeria would rise above her current challenges, stating that the โunity of Nigeria is non-negotiableโ.
Presenting the award to the NCPC Boss, the Royal father of the day, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Lafia, Hon.Justice Sidi Bage 1, acknowledged the fact that the event was special because of the calibre of awardees like Rev. Pam whom he said had consistently preached and continued to preach for the peaceful co-existence of Nigeria.
The retired Justice of the Supreme Court further urged him to keep on the good work and continue to make this country united.
The award which was presented to the NCPC Boss reads in part โan ICON OF PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE IN NIGERIA for committing resources and energy into peace building across religious faith to ease ethnic and religious tension across the country towards a united and stable Nigeria for all citizensโ.
Earlier, the Publisher/CEO of the Nigerian News, Chief Philip Agbese said in his welcome address that he conceived the idea of an Online Media five years ago.
He described the 2021 awardees as eminently distinguished personalities who had contributed in no small measure in the growth and development of the country.
Responding on behalf of other awardees, the former Senate President, President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Distinguished Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, GCON stated that the Nigerian News deserves to be encouraged for their developmental Journalism.
He further affirmed that there was need for the convocation of intellectual resources in Nigeria with a new dream, โwe are now operating like a nation without dreamโ.
Distinguished Sen. Anyim, described his fellow awardees as โmen and women of honorโ. He further stated, โI am proud of all my colleagues who have benefitted from this awardโ.
He congratulated the Nigerian News for their five years anniversary celebration.
Some of the recipients of the Nigeria News Award 2021 includes: the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who was represented by his deputy Dr. Edward Onoja, Executive Governor of Nassarawa State, Executive Governor of Bauchi State, inter-alia
Federal Ministry of Women Affairs Press Release. 13th December, 2021
ย The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, OFR, KSG has disclosed that she has not missed any National Council on Education Meeting for the reason of her love for the education of Girl-child being dear to her stating that โthat is the meeting for initiating the policies for ensuring that the education of Nigeriaโs children โ girl-children and boys as well as that of young women.โย โEducationโ, the Honourable Minister stated โempowers the girl-children and womenโ and โwhen you educate a woman, you empower her, because an educated woman will ensure that her children are educated and by so doing, are empoweredโ, Dame Tallen declared.
Dame Tallen was speaking while meeting the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project Team which comprised of Aisha Garba, the Team Leader; Tunde Adekola, Senior Education Specialist from the World Bank on the Team, Martin Simone, and Education Specialist of the World Bank also on the AGILE Team and Mrs. Leo-Agwoko Nnnena, the National Project Coordinator of AGILE, Mr. John Ellah, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of AGILE Project and the others are Dije Musa Umar and Asabe Musa Sadauki, the representative of Federal Ministry of Women Affairs on the AGILE Project.
AGILE Project is a World Bank Project with the help of international entities created with $500 Billion to increase womenโs secondary education. It aims to help about 6 Million boys and girls with the money by funding 5,500 new junior secondary schools and 3,300 new senior secondary classrooms. As a result of AGILE intervention, 3,400 women will be educated on a host of issues, ranging from climate change to โsafety and gender violence awareness.โ It hopes to provide 500,000 of the lowest income women full scholarships to go to school and empower them to further advocate for s change in social norms.
The AGILE Project is presently piloting with 7 States of Borno, Plateau, Ekiti, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna and Kebbi but with the expected launch and full implementation, a review is to be scaled up to accommodate more States.
The Honourable Minister at the meeting with the AGILE Project Team asked that for her to take leadership of the Project, the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, FNSE should immediately direct relevant Departments of her Ministry to come up with detail work plans for her review and possible adoption by the joint teams of Federal Ministry of Women Affairs with other relevant Ministries like Federal Ministries of Finance, Education, Sports & Youths Development and Health and the World Bank.
Dame Tallen asked that the reviewed and proposed work plan should consider the States where there is high prevalence of Early/Girl-child marriage, Sexual and Gender-based Violence, violation of Child Rights Act and violation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.
The women affairs Minister further disclosed that the strategy to be adopted by her Ministry going forward will be to include advocacy for the AGILE Project with those of VAPP and Child Rights Act while stating the need for community involvement of persons who have to adopt a poor family, child or school in their communities for empowerment.
The Minister also asked that the reviewed work plan of the AGILE Project for the stakeholders and world bank implementation needs to incorporate capacity development for staff of her Ministry who will help in the implementation.
Signed. Olujimi Oyetomi, Director, Press & Public Relations. ย
The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen OFR, KSG has reiterated her commitment and that of her Ministry to the care and welfare of families of fallen military men. โMy Ministry fully committed to supporting the Nigerian Legion to cater for widows and children of fallen military menโ, she said.
Tallen was speaking when Nigeria Legion Emblem Committee towards the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, 2022 came to decorate her and other principal officers of her Ministry with the emblem of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, coming up on the 15th of January, 2022.
The decoration took place at the Honourable Minister, the Permanent Secretary and Directors took place today, 13th December, 2021 at the 5th Floor Conference Room of the Honourable Minister at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.
In his earlier remarks, the Secretary General of the Nigerian Legion, retired Group Captain Kayode Abe expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister for her generous support for the Legion over the years.
According to the Legionnaire, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR had directed all Ministries, Department and Agencies of Government and private organizations to show respect for the demised officers and men of the armed forces and support their widows and families because their supreme sacrifice was to keep Nigeria together as a country.
The Women Affairs Minister disclosed that Nigeria Legion is very dear to her heart as she fully appreciates they sacrifices being made to take care of the dependants of the fallen heroes. She declared further: โI donโt joke with issues of widows either.โ She pledged to always have the widows of the fallen soldiers in mind in all the palliatives being given by her Ministryโ including the upcoming one this December.โ
The Minister reminded her audience to note that part of the mandate of her Ministry is to cater for widows and children.
By Ewaoche Ameh (Senior Information Officer)
Signed. Olujimi Oyetomi, Director, Press & Public Relations.
On behalf of the President Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency MuhammaduBuhari GCFR, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Nigeria, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) FNCS, FBCS, FIIM, MCPN is pleased to welcome the President of the Republic of CoteDโIvoire, His Excellency AlassaneQuattara to the 60th extraordinary session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority Heads of State, holding in the nationโs capital Abuja.
As Nigeria stands tall and proud to play host to leaders in
the sub region, it is with utmost sense of duty that the Honourable Minister
chaperones His Excellency at this epoch-making session of ECOWAS on behalf of
the Federal Government as assigned by the President.
In the same vein, the Honourable Minister on behalf of the
President and the entire people of Nigeria, extends our sincere congratulations
to the President and people of CoteDโIvoire on the historic building of its new
Chancellery in Nigeria’s capital. This will in no small measure, strengthen
diplomatic relations between the two countries and the sub- region at large.
In discharging this national
assignment as His Excellency’s official chaperone, Professor Pantami
will be supported by the Honourable Minister of Power EngrAbubakarAliyu, and accompanied by the
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Digital
Economy Mr BitrusBakoNabasu, mni and
the Director General of the National
Information Technology Development Agency. (NITDA) Malam KashifuInuwaAbdullahi,
CCIE
The Honourable Minister,
on behalf of Mr President, and
indeed, all Nigerians, wishes His
Excellency a most successful session.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission NCPC, Rev. Yakubu Pam met with the State Pilgrimage Leaders and Managers, comprising the State Chairmen and Secretaries of State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards and FCT recently in Abuja, to chart a new course for the 2021 general pilgrimage to Israel, Jordan and Rome. The Executive Secretary who recently visited the State of Israel met with Israeli Minister of Tourism as well as the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria. He informed the State Pilgrimage Stakeholders that the meeting was very fruitful as it centered on the forth coming 2021 pilgrimage exercise to Israel and the issue of COVID 19 protocols.
The NCPC helmsman said the Israeli Minister of Tourism was very eager to receive the Nigerian Pilgrims as soon as possible but with a caveat that the intending pilgrims from Nigeria would have to receive the first and second dozes of the COVID 19 vaccine. He added that Nigerian Pilgrims would also be subjected to 5-6 hour isolation until the result of the PCR test is released. He explained that the Israeli authority had agreed to look into the possibility of procuring a 3 months group visa for Nigeria Pilgrims that would cover the pilgrimage period as against the 2 weeks visa policy. Rev. Yakubu Pam also stressed that Nigerians visiting Israel for pilgrimage should be treated with respect and dignity like other countries. The NCPC Chief Executive also informed the Pilgrimage Leaders that the Israeli authorities were favorably disposed to commence direct flight from Nigeria to Tel-Aviv during pilgrimage, promising that the activation of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the State of Israel was discussed. He hinted that Israel as a nation is taking the fight against the spread of COVID 19 seriously, hence it had shut its doors on 29th November, 2021 to prevent entry into Israel by foreigners, the ban according to him, โIs to prevent the spread of COVID 19 Omicron virus discovered in South Africa recently.
The NCPC boss further informed that the Commission would embark on the State of Readiness visit to Israel and Jordan from 10th -17th January, 2022 to ascertain the level of preparedness by the host country and also to inspect facilities at the Holy Sites and Hotels. The Executive Secretary expressed his desire to commence full sensitization visit to State Governors in order to canvass for support and sponsorship of intending Pilgrims for 2021 pilgrimage exercise. It was unanimously agreed by the NCPC and the State Pilgrimage Leaders that the 2021 General Pilgrimage to Israel, Jordan and Rome would commence in February, 2022. Most of the pilgrimage Leaders who spoke during the meeting commended the Executive Secretary of the positive outcome of his meeting with the Israeli authorities and promised to go back and commence strong advocacy and sensitization on the need for intending pilgrims to be fully vaccinated with the COVID 19 Vaccine. It is instructive to state that the meeting was held with strict compliance to the COVID 19 protocols and members who could not attend participated and contributed virtually.
