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Nigeria: VP Inaugurates Zulum, Others On Blue Economy Project Committee

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By Joseph Edegbo :

The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo on Monday inaugurated 10 Governors, including Governor Babagana Zulum and some Federal officials as members of the National Blue Economy Project Committee.

Governors of Rivers, Lagos, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Ondo, Cross River, Bayelsa, and Edo States, as well as Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Power, Finance, Environment, Trade and Investment, Agriculture and Water Resources, Chief of Naval Staff, Comptroller General of Customs, and heads of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Lake Chad Basin Commission, and the Nigeria Economic Summit Group were among those inaugurated at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja.

The Vice President explained that the Blue Economy Project will offer several opportunities not only for the States where there are bodies of water, but for the entire country.

The VP while inaugurating the Committee spoke on the need for a legal framework that will make the National Blue Economy Project to be more robust than the international maritime conventions.

He further said areas such as ports, terminals, fishing, training, environment, tourism, power, oil and gas will be maximally exploited under the Blue Economy Project.

Osinbajo said: “There is no doubt that the Blue Economy is a new frontier for economic development and a means of diversifying the economy through the use of resources from oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes for the well-being of the people. It also provides positive contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2052 Africa Integrated Maritime Strategy (2052AIM), and the UN 2030 agenda” The VP said.

He added, “This concept for economic diversification is promoted by the international community, and provides friendly means of livelihood in line with this administration’s agenda on job creation. The ocean economy as an emerging economic frontier applies to ocean-based industry activities and the assets, goods and services of marine ecosystems.”

“Countries have to define the scope of their blue economy based on their priorities. For example, in Bangladesh, the ocean economy consists of the following broad and growing economic sectors; living resources, minerals, energy, transport trade, tourism and recreation, carbon sequestration and coastal protection. These industries and ecosystem services do not develop in isolation, but rather interact as an economic ecosystem,” the VP said.

Nigeria :Zulum Inaugurates Borno Advisory Committee on Governance, Development

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By Joseph Edegbo :

Borno State Nigeria :Zulum Inaugurates Borno Advisory Committee on Governance, Development, Babagana Umara Zulum Saturday inaugurated Borno State Advisory Committee on Governance and Development.

It is aimed at creating people’s inclusiveness and opportunity of control over their affairs.

The Committee is headed by Ambassador Usman Sarki as the Chairman.

Others are; Alh. Muhammad Mustapha Bintube, Hajja Kaka Suleiman Gumsuri, Alh. Musa Kida, Prof. Isa Hussaini Marte, Joerg Kuehnel, Prof. Ali Mburza, Prof. Iqbal Asaria, Hon. Alh. Bukar Tijjani, Dr. Mairo Mandara as Members, and Muhammad Bukar Badiya, will serve as Secretary.

Inaugurating the 10 man Advisory Committee at the Council Chambers of the Government House, Zulum said his administration is committed to making Borno a favored destination for businesses, investors, and partners, and will ensure that supremacy of the rule of law is of critical importance.

Zulum noted that his administration will continue to ensure that peace and security are sustained, which he said is critical to attain development in any society.

Speaking further, Zulum listed four specific terms of reference, which are listed below:

1. Advise the Governor on Governance and development issues that will fast track the renaissance and development of Borno State.

2. Explore potential National and Global opportunities including the Private Sector that will support the implementation of the Borno State 25 Years Development Plan.

3. Advise the Governor and explore opportunities on strengthening Government institutions for improved effectiveness and efficiency.

4. Actively champion and seek opportunities for Climate Action and Environmental Protection for Borno State.

5. Be champions for the Borno State 25 years Development Plan, and 10 years Strategic Transformation Initiatives.

Responding on behalf of the Committee, the Chairman, Ambassador Usman Sarki expressed gratitude to the Governor for finding them worthy to serve the State.

He assured the Governor that the Advisory Committee is clear about their responsibilities, and will be committed to bring out collective experiences and knowledge to support the Government.

Nigeria; Attempt To Steal Victory (Justice) From Igala Nation Bursts: By Ohiemi Agbaji

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Yesterday, Friday, one of my brothers informed me of Kogi State Government’s orchestrated plans to steal victory from the hands of the ancient Igala Nation as regards the victory of Igala Nation over Ata Igala/Igala Nation’s overlordship on Ajaokuta, Lokoja and Koto-Karfi lands.
Recall that, Igala Nation reclaimed the said lands in a landmark judgment of the Federal High Court on June 2, 2020.
Since this judgement was given in favor of Igala Nation, a lot of bad blood, evil machinations, deliberate nepotism against the Igala people took center stage in the State.
Barely a month after the judgement, Agaba’Idu Idakwo Ameh Oboni II joined his ancestors in a manner that is suspicious till date.

Now, to current update:

It is no longer news that our brothers from the other side through the State Attorney General, an Ebira man, acting on the instruction of the Ebira led Government in the State, challenged the judgement of the Federal High Court at the Court of Appeal, Abuja.

This they did behind the scene without serving the Igala Nation and or the Counsel in the case; notices to prepare their defence.

Please, note that, earlier before the June 2, 2020 Judgement, the Igala Nation sued Kogi state at the State High court and they abandoned their case and applied to be joined at the Federal High Court court. Counsel to Igala Nation objected to the application but the court later joined them. When they (Ebira via State Government) lost the case, they proceeded on appeal at the Court of Appeal. Then, Agaabaidu suddenly joined his ancestors.
Ordinarily, the case should not go on because Ata’s name has to be substituted for a new one. Ata’s coming was delayed and while the delay was going on, the proceedings in the appeal continued without notice to the Ata’s palace.

Proceedings of the Appeal Court went on in secret and the Court of Appeal, Abuja was to give Judgement suspectedly in their favor yesterday, 14th January, 2022 thereby upturning the victory. But, luck ran out of them when one of the Counsels in the case representing the Great Igala Nation got wind of the plot and stormed the Court premises as early as 8am since judgement was to be delivered by 9:30 am. The Justices of Appeal Court were shocked to see the man who some mischievous elements acting in unison with some dubious Igala slaves claimed is dead and hence has abandoned the case.
In line with professional etiquette of the law profession therefore, the Justices ordered a reintroduction of the case to accommodate the Ata Igala and Igala counsels having been duly informed and served accordingly. The Justices, I learnt ordered investigation into the evil plot against the Igala Nation.
The whole world is requested to note that, Igala Nation neither sued the Kogi State Government nor any other sister tribes within or outside the State. The case which was instituted was purely against the British Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria being an entity who took over both the Assets and Liabilities of the British Colonial Government in 1960.
This evil act/intention of the Kogi State Government can therefore be best described as deliberate provocation on the peaceful and law abiding Igala people.
Nigeria Government and the international community are therefore invited to take note.

Now, questions begging for answers:

1. Who are those Igala slaves working with these self righteous people from the other side to subvert the interest of the ancient Igala Nation?

3. What locus or mandate has the Kogi State Attorney General to file an appeal against citizens of the State who by all standards are the overwhelming majority?

4. Will it be safe to say that the current Ebira led Government in Kogi State is completely anti-Igala?

Ohiemi Agbaji – Itodo Aduga,
Writes from Idah LGA (Headquarters of Igala Nation), Kogi State.

Gov Lalong Honours Nigerian Fallen Heroes, Urges Citizens To Acknowledge Their Sacrifices By Embracing Peace.

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By Joseph Edegbo :

Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has paid tribute to Nigerian fallen heroes who have made sacrifices for the unity, peace and stability of Nigeria, urging all citizens to honour their courage by living in peace with one another and exposing criminals.

Lalong stated this Saturday during the laying of wreaths to commemorate the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the tomb of the unknown soldier, Joseph Gomwalk Secretariat, Jos.

Lalong who spoke with journalists after the event said Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies have made sacrifices to not only keep Nigeria one, but also ensure that its territorial integrity is kept intact.

The Governor said Nigeria has in recent years been confronted by internal security threats that are compounded by lack of harmony and tolerance among Nigerians which has further stretched the security architecture.

He also said unless Nigerians deliberately work towards building a peaceful society by respecting one another, obeying the rule of law and exposing criminals, the security challenges will not be resolved because the capacity of the security agencies will continue to be overstretched.

Lalong said the security agencies have continued to do their best to confront the challenges and must be supported by all Nigerians in order to motivate them to put in their best to make further sacrifices.

He also appealed to Nigerians to be generous towards the families of fallen heroes as well as retired soldiers who are battling with many health challenges and carrying responsibilities of dependants.

The Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda, Acting Chief Judge David Mann, GOC 3rd Amoured Division Gen. Ali and other dignitaries laid wreaths in honour of the fallen heroes.

Nigeria: CSOs Harmonize Strategies To Track Kaduna 2022 Budget Implementation.

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By Joseph Edegbo :

Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL), has tasked Civil society groups and other stakeholders in Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria to prioritize tracking of resources allocated in the 2022 budget for MDAs  to ensure appropriate implementation.

The State team Lead of  PERL, Funded by  Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office(FCDO), UK, Mr. Abel Adejor made the call at a one day Postmortem session with Various Accountability Mechanisms group in Kaduna.

Adejor said , it is not enough to get the budget approved, but implementation is the utmost He therefore, called on the various Accountability mechanisms  not  to over protect their turf, but seek collaboration among themselves.

He identified lack of tracking as the main problem facing releases and Cash backing of budget, noting budget tracking is not a witch-hunt exercise, but to promote transparency and accountability in governance.

In her remarks, Co-Chair, Citizens, Open Government Partnership (OGP), Hadiza Umar, commended the citizens input in the 2022 approved  budget, saying, CSOs have demonstrated that they are there to serve the citizens of Kaduna State.

She stressed the importance of collaboration between the CSOs and the government through qualitative engagement.

Umar, described appropriating money as a step towards addressing the nation’s citizens challenge and that the release and how it was utilized would determine if actually CSOs could curtail the menace of poverty and underdevelopment.

Presenting the report of the 2022 Budget as it affects the health sector, Secretary of the Kaduna Maternal Accountable Mechanism(KADMAM), Comrade Bako Abdul said N41billion was approved for the health sector in the 2022 Budget.

He explained that N12.34b is for the recurrent and N28.648 for Capital.

Similarly, the Secretary of the Kaduna Social protection Accountability Mechanism (KADSPAC), Philip Yatai said, a total of N29.9 billion, representing 10.7% of the total budget is for Social Protections which is multi sectoral.

He therefore said the  only way to ensure that the Social Protection budget become realistic , is to follow up the amount released to ensure it meets the intended goals.

In the same vein, Cordinator, Civil Society, Scalling Up Nutrition (CS-SUN), Jessica Bartholomew said both Specific and Sensitive Nutrition interventions in Kaduna state are N9.8B and Capital budget is N184.5m.

She informed the gathering the need to track the Nutrition budget in the 23 Local Government Areas.

Speaking on the objectives of the meeting, Secretary, Open Government Partnership (OGP), Mr. Joshua James  said, the meeting is to assess citizens influence in the 2022 approved budget as presented by Accountability mechanisms.

He added that it is also to enhance Civil society and the media partner capacity to effectively engage government with findings from postmortem and to generate next steps and strategy for tracking 2022 budget implementation as well as advocacy to improve releases for sectors.

Source; Procyonnews

Nigeria: Igala Land In Dire Need Of Spiritual Appeasement And Cleansing: By S.M. Ochidi

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Ane Igala (Igala land) is in dire need of cultural, traditional, religious and spiritual appeasement and cleansing.

We need to put sentiments, politics and religion aside and come together to open our heart to God and ask for forgiveness for all our collective misdeeds. No blames, no accusations, no hatred, no exceptions. One goal, one focus, one mind and one direction. Let us pray away politics of hatred and do or die.

The trend of going into politics as the only means of acquiring wealth and not to serve the people is what has destroyed Nigeria, and that is what has robbed Ane Igala of peace, love and harmony. I am weeping because in my time Ane Igala has gone from a land of peace, love and hospitality to a land of hatred, mistrust, hostilities and banditry.

Agaaaaaabaidu!!!, Ogijo dunyi kache ma chimoto, Oli kima buni kia ro tulaka tulaka, I prostrate! History beckons on you at this moment. Go into spiritual retreat sir. Talk to our ancestors, plead for their forgiveness on our behalf, and then as you seat on your fathers’ stool proclaim peace to Igala land.

Warn our politicians to play with clean hands. Tell them that anyone who kills to attain power would die before realising that power. Lay a royal curse on anyone who kills or kidnaps for whatever reason.

Pronounce blessings and unimaginable prosperity on all who sincerely labour for survival, proclaim prosperity and peace on all who honestly go about their lawful businesses, whether indigene or visitor. You will rule forever! Agaaaaaaaabaidu!!!

The Catholic Bishop of Idah Diocese, the leadership of all Pentecostal, Evangelical and Apostolic Ministries, the Chief Imams of Ane Igala!!!

History beckons on you. From your Pulpits, proclaim peace on Ane Igala. Pray away politics of bitterness from Ane Igala. Appeal to the conscience of our politicians to place value on human lives.

They are all Muslims, Christians and traditionalists. None of these religions permit killing of human beings with impunity. They all hold to the tenet of the sanctity of human life. Peace is realisable, peace is attainable and peace is sustainable if we all come together as one and put our minds there.

All Igala Political Leaders at all levels!!! History beckons on you today! Ane Igala is weeping and is looking for shoulders to lean on. Ane Igala needs your shoulders to lean on and sob, and cry away her sorrows.

You have all collectively sold her glory to the Igbirra people. Ane Igala is grieving as you collectively declared that a total stranger is preferable to lead you.

Ane Igala is disillusioned to see you collectively wager away her majority status and drag her down to play the second fiddle. How can Igala be second in Kogi State? Now Ane Igala is wondering whether we are even second in the political matrix of Kogi State at the moment. Ane Igala is calling on you all to put selfish interests, political affiliation, segregations and malice aside, come together as one and purge yourselves of all the crimes you have either committed or orchestrated at any time in your political adventures, ask for forgiveness and submit yourselves to the commitment to work assiduously for lasting peace, harmony and development of all parts of Ane Igala. See all people of Igala as brothers and sisters, see all parts of Igala land as home.

It shall be well with you all if you hearken to this call, come together and do the needful. It is realisable, it is attainable, and it is sustainable.
Finally, all Igala People of goodwill and all friends of Igala people!!! History beckons on you! Tell us the truth.
.
Tell us how we have gone from good to ugly within a short period because of politics of bitterness and do or die. Tell us how barbaric Igala people have become because of politics, money and influence.

Tell us how yester brothers have become arch enemies overnight. Tell our youth that politicians don’t distribute guns, money and drugs to their own children, because they know it destroys.

Tell our youth that the politicians don’t love them, they are only using them. They don’t even want to see them become useful, they only want them as dirty boys for dirty jobs. Please, Igala elders, try and bring your children together to know that their future is better secured if the work honestly for it. Easy money leads nowhere else but to easy death and miserable

Solomon Musa Ochidi Writes From Dekina

Africa’s COVID-19 Cases Show Steady Decline But Vaccinations Lag Behind – WHO

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BY Joseph Edegbo :

The number of new COVID-19 cases in Africa is continuing to decline despite the Omicron variant overtaking Delta as the leading variant on the continent.

World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa Region Emergency Director, Dr Abdou Salam Gueye, has said.

Cumulative COVID-19 cases across the continent have crossed the 10 million mark, with 230,000 people losing their lives due to complications related to the virus.

“Over the past week, cases plateaued as compared to the week before. Infections have also declined in three of Africa’s five sub-regions. Only North and West Africa are currently witnessing an increase in cases.

“Encouragingly, after a six week surge, Africa’s fourth pandemic wave that has been primarily driven by the Omicron variant has recorded its first drop in cases. If this trend continues, this marks the shortest life surge to date in the continent,” he said.

Gueye reported that the Omicron variant has been detected and reported in at least 30 African countries to date.

“In the hardest hit countries, Omicron has quickly become the dominant variant. It overtook the Delta variant within two weeks or less. Comparatively, it took around four weeks for Delta to surpass the previous dominant Beta variant,” he said.

Gueye warned that although the decline in new cases is a good sign, the WHO remains on alert.

“We are still very cautious because the latest data we collected was during the holiday period which is known to under report,” he said.

Gueye said data shows that deaths related to the virus rose by at least 64% but that these fatalities “remain below those in the previous waves” with hospitalisations also at a low as compared to previous waves of infection.

Vaccinations

Gueye emphasised that with only about 10% of Africans on the continent fully vaccinated, Africa needs to rapidly ramp up the number of jabs in arms.

“[Although] Africa seems to be emerging from its peak of the fourth pandemic wave, vaccinations – which are pivotal against this virus – remain far too low. Currently vaccination bottlenecks are less about supply than they are about rollout.

“At the current vaccination rate, Africa is running too far behind. The coming months will be critical in Africa’s effort to improve vaccinations. The continent cannot afford to remain on the fringes of this historic vaccination drive,” he said.

According to Gueye, the WHO is increasing support to countries in order to “fast track and effectively deliver” COVID-19 vaccine doses to its populations.

“Specifically, we are working with governments to resolve operational challenges that include refining and implementing vaccine rollout strategies, pledging funding shortfalls as well as boosting collaboration with communities for increased vaccination uptake,” he said.

South Africa Extends National State Of Disaster On COVID-19

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By Joseph Edegbo :

 

South Africa’s Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has Gazetted the extension of the National State of Disaster on COVID-19 until 15 February 2022.

The extension was in terms of section 27(5)(c) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002).

In a statement, the Ministry on Friday said the extension took into account the need to continue augmenting the existing legislation and contingency arrangements undertaken by organs of state and all other role players to mitigate against the impact of the disaster on lives and livelihoods.

“All people are urged to continue adherence to COVID-19 regulations. Everyone has to wear a face mask at all times, social distance, avoid closed and poorly ventilated spaces, large gatherings and wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

“We urge all South Africans to heed the call by our government to be vaccinated as it is through mass vaccination that we will be able to achieve herd immunity and ultimately protect lives and livelihoods,” reads the statement.

 

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