๐—ฃ๐—ฅ๐—˜๐—ฆ๐—ฆ ๐—•๐—ฅ๐—œ๐—˜๐—™: ๐—ž๐—ข๐—š๐—œ ๐— ๐—œ๐—ฅ๐—˜๐— ๐—–๐—ข ๐—–๐—›๐—”๐—œ๐—ฅ ๐—–๐—”๐—Ÿ๐—Ÿ๐—ฆ ๐—™๐—ข๐—ฅ ๐— ๐—ข๐—ฅ๐—˜ ๐—œ๐—ก๐—–๐—Ÿ๐—จ๐—ฆ๐—œ๐—ข๐—ก ๐—ข๐—™ ๐—›๐—ข๐—ฆ๐—ง ๐—–๐—ข๐— ๐— ๐—จ๐—ก๐—œ๐—ง๐—œ๐—˜๐—ฆ ๐—œ๐—ก ๐— ๐—œ๐—ก๐—œ๐—ก๐—š ๐— ๐—”๐—ง๐—ง๐—˜๐—ฅ๐—ฆ

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The Chairman of State Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee, MIREMCO, Kogi State Chapter, ๐—›๐—ฎ๐—ท๐—ถ๐˜†๐—ฎ ๐—›๐—ฎ๐˜€๐˜€๐—ถ๐—ฎ๐˜ ๐—ข๐˜‡๐—ฎ๐˜ƒ๐—ถ๐˜‡๐—ฒ ๐—ฆ๐˜‚๐—น๐—ฒ๐—ถ๐—บ๐—ฎ๐—ป has called for added inclusion of host communities on issues bordering on solid minerals and mining.

The call was made today at the two-day public hearing on several Bills and Motion on solid mineral development at the National Assembly. The hearing was hosted by ๐—ฆ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐—ง๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ธ๐—ผ ๐—”๐—น-๐— ๐—ฎ๐—ธ๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐—ฎ, Chairman Senate committee on solid minerals, mines, steel development and metallurgy as well as other members of his committee. In attendance was the Senate President, ๐—ฆ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐—”๐—ต๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ฑ ๐—œ๐—ฏ๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—ต๐—ถ๐—บ ๐—Ÿ๐—ฎ๐˜„๐—ฎ๐—ป, the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development ๐——๐—ฟ. ๐—จ๐—ฐ๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—ข๐—ด๐—ฎ๐—ต, as well as other relevant stakeholders in the sector.

Hajiya Suleiman while speaking in support of the Solid Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission Establishment Bill 2021 sponsored by ๐—ฆ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐—ฌ๐—ฎ๐—พ๐˜‚๐—ฏ ๐—ข๐˜€๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ถ representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, said that the commission when created, would be the perfect vehicle to reassess and reposition the importance of host communities in the sector. She opined that compensation and community development agreement, while inclusive, was barely enough to carry host communities along, and added that host communities be made shareholders in mining ventures in their communities, as this will greatly reduce conflicts and bring about harmonious relations between mining companies and host communities.

She further stated that various issues militating against cohesive and sustainable development of mineral producing areas like Kogi State, including the lack of definitive and decentralised data of minerals across the local governments of the country, would be better streamlined should the bill be passed.

The bill is one of many under appraisal including Nigerian Minerals Development Corporation Establishment Bill 2021, Management Establishment Bill 2021, Explosive Act 1964 Repeal and Re-enactment Bill 2021 and the urgent need to investigate the loss of 9 billion dollars annually, due to illegal mining and smuggling of gold.

๐˜ˆ๐˜ฃ๐˜ถ๐˜ซ๐˜ข, 13๐˜ต๐˜ฉ ๐˜š๐˜ฆ๐˜ฑ๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ, 2021

By Maymunah Zubair

We Want to Leave a Lasting Legacy: Nasarawa State University, KEFFI (NSUK) -VC Prof. Suleiman Bala Mohammed

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Education is said to be the bedrock of any nations development, however the education sector in Nigeria has continued to decline over the years.

Today public schools are known for having dilapidated buildings and poor infrastructure, with unending strikes constantly ravaging tertiary institutions thereby keeping students out of schools longer than necessary.

Social Plus Africa crew interacted with The Vice Chancellor, Nasarawa State University Keffi, Professor Suleiman Bala Mohammed who says poor funding has been the bane of the Nigerian Education system.

According to the Vice Chancellor, paucity of funds to run programmes and execute projects that will set the institutions up to compete favourably with others in more developed countries is posing serious challenges to them.

He says financing formal education in Nigeria, especially tertiary institutions should be an issue of national concern in the face of economic melt down and world wide inflation.

He further stated that, for institutions to function well, welfare of accademic and non accademic staff should be of utmost concern to the government.

However, despite the poor funding for tertiary institutions in Nigeria, Professor Suleiman has continued to work tirelessly to revive and transform the Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

Today under his leadership, dilapidated buildings on the campus have been rehabilitated, new sets of academic and none academic staff members have been employed, he has also strengthened staff/students relationship, building of a 1000 seater capacity hall, ongoing construction of the faculty of Engineering and Medicine, ongoing construction of senate building, he spearheaded the setting up of a standard studio for Mass communications department, but most importantly, he ensures that academic results are ready on time, and lots more.

He thanked the Tertiary Education Trust Fund TETFUND for their continuous support especially in area of infrastructure development

To him therefore, he has pledged his commitment to continue to work to leave a lasting legacy and build an institution that will compete globally.

Investment Economist, Omale Harps On Imperative Of Private Sector Investments As Panacea To Poverty And Devt

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A United Kingdom-based Nigerian Investment Economist, Dr Samson Agada Omale has identified a private sector led investments as sure way out of poverty and underdevelopment.

Omale made this revelation on Wednesday at Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, while interacting with some women activists, Team Exodus Women.

According to him, Kogi State is so endowed with huge potentials, that if properly harnessed, will discourage monthly cap-in-hand trip to Abuja for handout (monthly Allocation).

“Kogi don’t need federal allocation to develop. All that is needed is a leader with the right attitude, platforms and connections to attract both local and foreign investors into the state.

“Lokoja, the state capital is a huge tourist attraction that can fund the state budget and still have surplus funds. But it takes a leadership with the right exposure and character to deliver on these expectations.”

According to Dr Omale, Kogi State is supposed to be paying private sector wages and not minimum wages. He said when the people are properly motivated, there is no limit to what they can do!

The Investment Economist also identified woman as pillars of every sustainable development initiatives. “There is virtually nothing any government can do to alleviate poverty and accelerate development without, first, empowering women. Women are the anchor of social stability, when they are empowered, the family is empowered. Woman all over the world are proving their mettle, our state cannot be an exception,” he said.

He urged de-escalation of politicking and emphasise character and competence in leadership as the sure way to get a Kogi State of our dreams and aspiration.

Speaking on behalf of the Exodus women, Mrs Victoria Atulukwu, said, the 21st Women should be a potent force in social mobilisation and economic empowerment, urging a discard of archaic practice that subject women to the backroom of political discourse.

“Women Empowerment is a force idea, whose time has come. The women must be given the chance to take their pride of place in the formulation of government policies, because, in the final analysis, women are always at the receiving of wrong priorities of government.”

Women who took turn to air their view, re-echoed Victoria’s view of women empowermemt to contribute meaningfully to the society.

The familiarisation meeting, drew women from the 21 Local Governments of the confluence state.

CREDIT: THE SUMMIT

Medallion, PFS, Cloudflex, Infobip, Konn3ct and more MDAs sign up with CECAD for Worldwide Web Day Celebration

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The invaluable impact of the Worldwide Web to businesses, products and service delivery in today’s world can no longer be overemphasised. Little wonder as the preparations for this year’s global celebration for the Worldwide Web Day 2021 draws closer, more individuals, institutions and the Organised Private Sector have continously confirmed their partnership with the Centre for Cyber Awareness and Development (CECAD), promoter and organisers of the event in Nigeria their endorsements and participation.

According to a statement by Dr Bayero Agabi, President of the leading internet safety, awareness and training organisation top stakeholders and major players within the web ecosystem have consistently signified their interest to be part of the event as CECAD unveils more partners for the event.

The 2021 edition of the event tagged โ€˜World Wide Web celebrationโ€™, Agabi says more partners in the private sector are signing up including
Medallion Communications, Precise Financial Systems, Cloudflex, Infobip, NCS, NITRA, ITPulse, CKN News, GTech News, Digivation Network on AIT and National Daily newspapers amongst others.

The veteran ICT broadcaster further revealed that numerous other MDAs have also signed up as a way to further foster the Federal government National Digital Economy Strategic master plan. Some of the agencies are; NITDA, NCC, Galaxy Backbone, IXPN , Digital Bridge Institute, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and more to make the event a grand one.

The event, scheduled to hold August 9th in Lagos is meant to discuss the impact of the internet, the opportunities of emerging digital technologies for business, raising constant awareness and exploring the strategies of safety on the web for individuals and businesses, infrastructure companies and innovators.

In his words
โ€œWe will be leveraging the opportunities the World Wide Web celebration presents and look at policies to grow the space and the Nigerian information society through creating a sustainable digital economy. The event provides a platform for sharing organizational vision and strategic plan to drive development and growth. Bayero an avid and passionate technology advocate noted that the objective of the World Wide Web celebration is also in line with the Federal government National Digital Economy Policy aimed at revolutionalising service delivery and improve productivity within the digital space,โ€ he emphasized.

Agabi also disclosed that this is the first time in Nigeria a private organisation is rallying key players within the internet and digital innovation space to mark the Worldwide Web Day and to celebrate the impact of the internet, review its usage in terms of security, entrepreneurship and innovation. Thus, the pacesetting by CECAD to gather best brains in the industry and those using the internet for growth and innovation to deliberate on the success of the internet and the best yet to come. These sectors cut across entertainment, comedy, governance, business transaction, tourism and many more essentially with the covid19 pandemic.
The World Wide Web Day is a global celebration dedicated to web browsing, online activity that brings a wealth of knowledge to your fingertips. It is a chance to celebrate the way the internet has created an environment for collaboration and business growth while also taking a deeper look into its evolution over the past three decades since its invention by Sir Tim Berners-Lee.

According to Dr. Bayero, the Nigeria event celebration will chronicle the impact of the internet, best ways to use the internet for good and economic development, its impact in the media, business, governance, youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.

The event is put together by CECAD and Cyber Africa magazine with support from top organisations.

NCPC HOLDS PRAYER CONGRESS AT MOUNT NEBO, JORDAN, PRAYS FOR NIGERIA, OTHERS.

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PRESS RELEASE

The Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC held its maiden Prayer Congress on 29th July ,2020 at Mount Nebo, Jordan. The Prayer Congress was the first to be held in Jordan for the 2020 Pilgrimage exercise.


All the Nigerian Pilgrims currently in Jordan were on ground to grace the epoch making event.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Yakubu Pam in his welcome address, expressed his profound gratitude to the Jordanian authority. He specially thanked them for the wonderful reception which was accorded to the NCPC delegation on arrival in Jordan. According to him,” this will forever be appreciated”.


He hinted that the Commission had discovered quite a number of Holy Sites in Jordan and would take the good news back home for a sustained relationship with Jordan.
The NCPC boss promised to leverage on this new relationship with Jordan in the area of Agriculture, tourism and ICT for the benefit of our youth.
Rev Pam further commended the Jordanian government for opening their doors to Nigerian Pilgrims at a “perilous time like this”.


He thanked the Nigerian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Jordan, His Excellency, Amb.FarukYabo for making sure that the Pilgrims and members of the delegation are comfortable in Jordan.His words”,
thank you for making Jordan a home away from home”
The NCPC helmsman in his charge, affirmed that there would be peace in Nigeria after this Pilgrimage.He posited that peace and development without love , cannot guarantee peace in Nigeria.


Rev Pam who took his Bible lesson from the book of Psalms, chapter 23 verse one called on Christians to be still in the face of trouble so that the Lord who is a good Shepherd would see them through and deliver them from all their travails.
He admonished them to learn how to forgive one another as Christ would always forgive us.
The Chief Executive of NCPC later created four think tank groups from amongst the Pilgrims to provide advisory services and policy direction in the area of Agriculture, tourism,ICT , policy formulation and spirituality.


Speaking, the Nigerian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Jordan, His Excellency, Amb. Faruk Yabo said he was excited for the opportunity to receive the Nigerian delegation to Jordan.
He stated that Jordan had been able to discover incredible Holy Sites which means that Pilgrims would have the opportunity to visit more Holy Sites in Jordan.
He appreciated the dynamic and pragmatic leadership of the NCPC boss for making sure that Jordan Pilgrimage became a reality.


He stressed that Jordan had been spectacular in achieving peace and unity as such “is an excellent example of peace and unity.”
He affirmed that there exist a strong bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Jordan.He further expatiated that Nigeria would continue to appreciate what Jordan had been doing in the area of counter terrorism and military cooperation.
Amb.Yabo was optimistic that the Christian Pilgrimage operation in Jordan would be sustained.
He intimated that the Nigerian Embassy under his leadership had developed a mobile application for Nigerians in Jordan to enhance effective information technology drive.
In his sermon,the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN,His Eminence, Dr Samson Ayokunle preached on love as symbolised by Christ.
Reading from the book of Acts chapter17, Collosians 13 verse 14 and Romans chapter 12 verses 1 to 12.


He affirmed that the spiritual experience of the people cannot stop. He posited that without Jordan the Israelites would not have been able to reach the promised land.
Dr Ayokunle thanked the Ambassador for allowing himself to be used to be part of this historic moment. His words,” We thank you because you can read the minds of God and acted well,” He added,”the Ambassador also opened his full hands to receive Nigerian Pilgrims even when he belongs to another faith.”
He explained that because of this Pilgrimage experience in Jordan, Nigerians would know and appreciate Jordan better.
The N o 1 Christian leader in Nigeria further stressed that true love overcomes everything and we should be devoted to one another in love .
Prayers were offered for Nigeria, the state governors, pilgrims and Jordan.

Signed
Celestine Toruka
Head , Media and Public Relations NCPC
30th July,2021
Amman, Jordan

NIGERIAN AMBASSADOR TO JORDAN COMMENDS THE PROACTIVENESS OF THE NCPC BOSS, REV. PAM

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PRESS RELEASE

The Nigerian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Jordan, His Excellency, Amb. Faruk Yabo has commended the proactiveness and drive of the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam for his dynamism and initiative of actualizing the maiden pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Jordan.
He gave this commendation on 27th July,2021 in his official residence in Amman, Jordan during a dinner organised in honour of the members of the official delegation of the 2020 Pilgrimage to Jordan.
The Ambassador who was highly enthused with the visit said he was very grateful to Almighty God for allowing him and his team to witness this very milestone in the history of Nigeria and Jordan.
According to him,” it is the proactiveness of the Executive Secretary of NCPC that led to this milestone”. He explained that Jordan was deeply excited to receive the Nigerian Pilgrims and as such did not take it for granted.
He added that the entire Jordanian tourism sector came out with pomp and pageantry to receive the first ever Nigerian Christian pilgrims’ contingent and by extension the government of Jordan were excited and overwhelmed.
His Excellency further reaffirmed that Jordan” is a city that is receptive to Pilgrims”.
He hinted that Jordan as a country is sorounded by a lot of events which had placed her in high esteem in the comity of nations.
The No 1 citizen of Nigeria in Jordan further stated that Nigeria had a strong nexus with Jordan which explains why they are helping Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.
He stressed that because of the robust bilateral relations between both nations, President Muhammadu Buhari undertook a state visit to the Kingdom of Jordan in 2017 and. 2019 respectively.
His Excellency formally welcomed the high profile delegation to the Nigerian House and pledged that him and his team would take adequate care of the Nigerian Pilgrims in a more dignify way.
He expressed confidence and optimism that the Christian Pilgrimage operation in Jordan would be sustained.
Responding,the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam described the appointment and posting of the Nigerian Ambassador to Jordan as divine. He affirmed that Amb.Yabo ” is the pride of Nigeria”.
He thanked him for the colourful and red carpet reception accorded the Nigerian delegation to Jordan.
In the words of the NCPC boss,” the future of His Excellency is very bright; I believe God has so much in store for you”.He added that his tenure in Jordan would be glorious.
Also, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN His Eminence Dr. Samson Ayokunle thanked the nation Jordan for allowing the Nigerian Pilgrims to come in at a time like this despite the ravaging effect of the COVID 19 pandemic on nations. His words,” thank God for Jordan that opened their border for us”.
He equally commended the proactiveness and creativeness of the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam.
The No 1Christian leader of Nigeria also thanked God for the life of the Ambassador as the right person whom the Lord had prepared at a time like this to give us a red carpet reception.
His Eminence affirmed that the Lord had used the Ambassador to bring ownership and oneness that Nigeria is one irrespective of our faith.His words, “we are very grateful to you for your large heart and openness”.
The CAN President prayed for the success of the Pilgrimage operations in Jordan,the well being of Nigeria and the Ambassador that God would lift him higher than where he is presently.
The NCPC delegation to the official residence of the Nigerian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Jordan comprised Archbishop John Praise, the Chaplain Aso Villa Chapel, Pastor Seyi Malomo, CAN Assistant General Secretary as well as members of the NCPC board–Rev . Dr Emmanuel Ebomuche, Federal Commissioner, South East, Rev Dr Jida Musa, Federal Commissioner North East, Barr. Forgiven Amachree, Federal Commissioner South South, the Ex- Officio member representing the Federal Ministry of Aviation, the Director of Mobilisation NCPC, Chris Udegbunan and the NCPC Legal Adviser, Barr. Rev Garba Isibambi.


Signed
Celestine Toruka
Head, Media and Public Relations NCPC
28th July, 2021
Amman, Jordan.

NCPC SPECIAL FLAG OFF 2020 PILGRIMAGE TO THE KINGDOM OF JORDAN

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The Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rev Yakubu Pam have lauded the officials of the NCPC and the Federal Government for the successful planning and 2nd flag off ceremony of the 2020 Pilgrimage.

While speaking at the official flag off ceremony which was held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, Rev Pam urged pilgrims to be ambassadors of peace and development.

He charged pilgrims to pray for the peace and stability of the country as prayers he said is never too much for a Christian and God’s children.

The Executive Secretary of the NCPC was overjoyed after inspecting the aircraft which the pilgrims will board to the Holy land, he expressed gratitude to his staff and prayed God’s blessings on them and wished the pilgrims a safe travel and God’s guidance.

Also present at the the flag off ceremony, the representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation who is the Permant Secretary, office of the SGF, Dr Mourice Nnamdi emphazied the need for prayers as he urged pilgrims to be law abiding and civil.

He urged them to see the pilgrimage as a means of strengthening their Christian faith and becoming better Christians and thus better citizens of the Country.
He further called on Christians to ensure that they take part in pilgrimage to the holy land, according to him, the experiences are spiritual and solidifies ones faith in Christ Jesus.

The theme of the 2020 2nd flag off ceremony of the main pilgrimage to Jordan is, PILGRIMAGE FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT.

Highlights of the event includes, special praise and worship session by the NICPC choir, intercessory prayer, the official flag off /commissioning and inspection of aircraft, goodwill messages.

Pilgrims from Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Ekiti state and the FCT converged on Abuja as their take off point.

This is the 2nd pilgrimage exercise organized by the NCPC since the Corona Virus Pandemic.

SOCIAL PLUS AFRICA BOSS TURN 40

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A man of good repute,
God fearing, kind, compassionate, peace loving, hardworking, fearlessโ€ฆ. All these and many more will be identified with the man JAMES MOMOH JIMOH.

He always wears a smile. A happy soul. Spreading humor and laughter wherever he goes. His presence in any gathering brings lots of happiness and laughter. His jokes have brought him good fortune and friendships.

His friends nicknamed him JOVIAL because of his happy and easy going nature.

Born on July 19th 1981, Mr JAMES is from Okene, Kogi State and is of ebira descent,

Though from a humble background, he never believes in limitation and thinking small. He believes in “dream big and achieve big”.

His life is one shining example to young people (especially young boys) who see their backgrounds as a limitation.

If there is a force to reckon with, James Momoh is one of such individuals.

He continues to rise through hard work and dedication. He will not allow economic hardship stand on his way, he always believe and continue to rise.

His complete trust in God is his source of strength and inspiration.

As a humanitarian, he is passionate about helping the less privileged and homeless in the society.

He never deny help to anybody in need even if it means giving his last and all.

A dedicated husband and father. He is married with Chilldren

He believe in dreams and building dreams. He believes in starting small and growing big.

@ 40, MR JAMES MOMOH is the CEO of Social Plus Africa Communications Ltd (SPACOM) and Chairman, Jovial Global Services Ltd respectively.

He will never allow his busy schedule stop him from attending church programs. For him, a life without God is a life without purpose and meaning. His dedication in his local church have generated lots of good will and he was appointed, Chairman, building committee.

He has received many awards for his dedication both local and international.

He is a Jerusalem Pilgrim. He traveled to the holy land to adore Jesus alongside other pilgrims.

He is a man of faith.
And his faith have continued to bring him goodโ€ฆโ€ฆ.

May you continue to live long and prosper big. Amen.

You can learn more about Social Plus Africa Communications by visiting:
www.socialplusafrica.com
On YouTube SOCIAL PLUS AFRICA TV

NCPC BOSS MARKS ONE YEAR IN OFFICE

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The executive secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC Rev. Yakubu Pam is calling for peace as a necessary component of any development globally.

Rev Pam who made the call at an event organised by the commission to mark his one year in office said the journey have provided him with greater insight into the rudiments of bureaucracy. He said the experience have been stressful, baffling, time consuming but very interesting and rewarding.

He appreciated management and staff of the commission for their resilience and commitment towards the growth of the NCPC despite the challenges pose by COVID-19.

Speaking further, The Executive Secretary revealed that , upon his resumption to office , he carried out several crucial management meetings with the management of the Commission and discovered that there had not been any pilgrimage for a long time.

He immediately swung into action by meeting with key drivers and stakeholders across the country and his effort has yielded great results as pilgrims are embarking on pilgrimage to Jordan in  month of July 2021.

Highlighting the importance of going to Jordan., Rev Pam said Jordan played an important role in Biblical history being the centre where Jesus Christ began his earthly ministry after the Jordanism baptism.

He attributed the major challenges faced by the commission to COVID-19 and paucity of funds.

He pledged his commitment to work for the development and growth of the NCPC.

Recall that Rev Dr Yakubu Pam assumed office as the third Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission on July 7th 2020.

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFAIRS, PRESS RELEASE, 2ND JULY, 2021.

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Dame Pauline Tallen, OFR, KSG advises members of Arewa Business Group to register online to benefit from Governmentsโ€™ incentive to MSMEs.

An invaluable advice has gone out from the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, OFR, KSG to members of Arewa Business Group to ensure that their group as well as their members are registered online to fulfil the requirements of benefiting from the numerous incentives and soft loans which the present Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR is rolling out to grow many Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Membership of Arewa Business Group comprises of mainly women and some men who paid the Honourable Minister a courtesy call today, Friday, 2nd July, 2021.

The Arewa Business Group which spoke through their Deputy- President, Jamila Makka when they visited the Honourable Minister lamented the devastation of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the businesses of their members, just last year with many not yet recovered, hence they came to solicit the Honourable Ministerโ€™s intervention to benefit from the survival funds and other policies being rolled by President Muhammadu Buhariโ€™s Government to aid the recovery of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises which were badly set-back by COVID-19.

The Group also requested for their members to be captured in social investment programmes of Government โ€“ Loans for Women-in Agriculture/Farming; Loans for Women-in Poultry and Livestock Production; Soft Loans for Women in Manufacturing Industry; Loans for Women in Cottage Industries โ€“ Soya Beans Production, Palm Oil Production, Gari Production and Beverages.  They also invited the Minister as โ€œGuest Speakerโ€ at their oncoming โ€œNigeria Women Business Summitโ€ which they want to hold in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.

The highlight of the visit to the Minister by Arewa Business Group was the appointment bestowed on her as the Life Patron of the Group with an indicative plaque presented to her.

Signed:
Olujimi Oyetomi
Director, Press & Public Relations.