Home Blog Page 761

Nigeria; PLSG Condemns Killings In Jos North, Riyom LGAs .. Directs Security Agencies To Bring Perpetrators To Justice

By
News Editor
-
0
Simon Lalong
Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong

The Plateau State Government says it is deeply saddened by the reccurrence of violence in parts of Dong Kasa in Jos North Local Government Area and Kwi in Riyom on Sunday night where innocent citizens including children and women were murdered in cold blood.

State Commissioner for Information and Communication Dan Manjang in a statement described the act as barbaric, callous and a desparate attempt to rupture the peace and security of the State.

While commiserating with families that lost loved ones and valuables in the two separate attacks, Manjang said the Governor Simon Lalong is deeply distressed by the incident and has vowed to ensure that the cherished values of peace and security and the sanctity of lives remains sacrosanct in the State.

Manjang therefore said the Administration would continue to take measures and work hand in hand with security agencies for the protection of lives and property of citizens.

He said said as soon as the Government was alerted about the attack, it quickly reached out to security agencies who responded immediately and have been in pursuit of the attackers with a view to apprehending them and bringing them to justice.

The Commissioner reiterated that the capacity of the security agencies for rapid response and intervention will be boosted once the approved 50 patrol vehicles and 200 security motorcycles are supplied.

Manjang assures the citizens that the Rescue Administration through the Plateau Peace Building Agency, State Inter Religious Council and other non State actors will continue to strengthen the peace and cohesion of people of the state while criminals are fished out and dealt with according to the law.

He also encourages citizens to continue to provide useful information that will lead to the prevention of crime and arrest of criminals, assuring the Government is resolved not allow anyone or group to return the state to the dark days of sorrow, tears and blood.

 

World Health Assembly: President Ramaphosa Calls For Equitable Vaccinati

By
News Editor
-
0
President Cyril Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has called for equitable vaccine access as poorer countries lag behind in their COVID-19 inoculation drive.

Speaking during the 74th World Health Assembly (WHA), President Ramaphosa said this week’s assembly was taking place in one of the critical periods in recent history as countries grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“At this year’s World Health Assembly, we’re urged to end this pandemic, prevent the next one and build a healthier, safer and fairer world,” he said on Monday.

To achieve this year’s agenda, President Ramaphosa has called on world leaders to urgently address the huge divide in the provision of lifesaving jabs.

“Millions of people in wealthier nations have been vaccinated, while billions of people in poorer countries still wait and are still vulnerable to infection, disease and to death.”

He believes that all leaders need to work together to remedy the situation.

“This is not only a moral imperative. Effective and comprehensive global vaccination is vital to ending the pandemic. None of us can hope to be safe unless we’re all safe all over the world.”

The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of the World Health Organisation (WHO) attended by all Member States.

Increase vaccine production

President Ramaphosa, who co-chairs the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, has also pleaded with the global leaders to continue to support the initiative to raise US$18.5 billion.

ACT Accelerator is a global collaboration accelerating the development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines.

“We must urgently increase vaccine production across the world, including in low-and middle-income countries.”

He also shone the spotlight on the limited waiver on intellectual property rights as a mechanism to promote rapid, equitable access.

According to the President, this will allow countries to allow the use of intellectual property, share technologies to produce vaccines and therapeutics, lower prices and expedite distribution to everyone across the globe.

“As we emerge from the worst of the pandemic, we need to build more robust pandemic response systems.”

He told delegates that countries must invest in national health systems, as they are crucial to the health of people and the sustainability of economies.

“While the pandemic has exposed some of the weaknesses in our respective health systems, it has also required decisive measures to strengthen them.”

Meanwhile, the President said he believes that building healthier, safer and fairer lives is also about delivering integrated services for HIV, tuberculosis, non-communicable diseases and maternal, newborn and child services.

He paid tribute to the contribution of the millions of health workers and other frontline personnel who have demonstrated amazing courage and dedication.

He also thanked the WHO’s Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, and his staff for the “excellent” job done in managing this pandemic.

Vaccine crisis

Director-General Ghebreyesus also shared President Ramaphosa’s sentiments.

He said the ongoing vaccine crisis is a “scandalous” inequity that is perpetuating the Coronavirus pandemic.

According to Ghebreyesus, over 75% of all vaccines have been administered in just 10 countries.

“There is no diplomatic way to say it: a small group of countries that make and buy the majority of the world’s vaccines control the fate of the rest of the world,” Ghebreyesus added.

In addition, he said the number of vaccine doses administered globally so far would have been enough to cover all healthcare workers and the elderly, had they been distributed equally.

“But right now, there is not enough supply. Countries that vaccinate children and other low-risk groups now do so at the expense of healthcare workers and high-risk groups in other countries.”

Ghebreyesus said since the assembly started on Monday, almost 1 000 people have lost their lives to COVID-19.

“And in the time it takes me to make these remarks, a further 400 will die.”

The 74th World Health Assembly, which kicked off on Monday under the theme “Ending this pandemic, preventing the next: building together a healthier, safer and fairer world,” will conclude on 1 June 2021. – SAnews.go.za

My First Concern Is Security — Buhari Tells Visiting Central African Republic President

By
News Editor
-
0
President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday hosted Professor Faustin-Archange Touadera, President of Central African Republic at State House, Abuja, telling him that his first concern for his people is their security and well being.

“At all times, that is my first concern, my priority,” President Buhari said. “That is why we are hosting a summit of Lake Chad Basin Commission in Abuja, to discuss the situation in Chad, and the implications for neighbouring countries.

“The recharge of Lake Chad with water from Congo Basin is another issue, as it holds great implications for security, since about 30 million people are affected.”

President Touadera commiserated with his host over the military plane crash last weekend, which claimed the life of Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff, and 10 others.

He said Central African Republic is on the verge of rebuilding its Army, and would need Nigeria’s help, as well as for Nigerian businessmen to come into the country to invest in diverse areas.

“We want closer ties with Nigeria, and that is one of the reasons I am here,” President Touadera said.

 

Borno: Committee Uncovers 21 Health Workers With Fake Certificates, 91 Ghost Staff …Zulum Demands Sanctions

By
News Editor
-
0

Borno Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Monday  directed disciplinary measures to be taken, after a verification committee identified 21 health workers, amongst them some nurses, operating with fake certificates.

The committee had also found 91 ghost workers in different health institutions across the state.

Chairman of the committee, Dr. Joseph Jatau revealed this on Monday in Maiduguri, while presenting the committee’s report to Governor Zulum at the governor’s office annex located in Musa Usman (workers) secretariat.

Dr Jatau explained that among those with fake certificates were some nurses, and other medical and support staff.

The chairman also disclosed that 91 ghost workers were faked from the lists of some health workers in the state, who had either resigned or withdrawn from service, while salaries were being paid in their names.

He noted that, over N23m was discovered as being wrongly spent on monthly basis.

The committee, Jatau further explained, found out that some dead, retired and absconded staff were being consistently promoted with salaries also paid in their names.

In the light of its findings, the committee made 13 recommendations that could help reposition the Hospital Management Board (HMB) for optimal healthcare service delivery in Borno.

Zulum was happy with the discovery but worried that some health workers could use fake certificates, despite the risk of handling the health issues of citizens, without prerequisite training and certification.

“Anyone that fakes certificates in nursing and other medical courses is capable of killing people. Only God knows how many people they might have harmed or even killed. Honestly, we shouldn’t let this go, we should ensure appropriate actions are served to the culprits. I cannot be lenient on matters involving life and death. Importantly also, we have to employ measures to avert future occurrences” Zulum said.

Nigeria: NOK University To Roll Out Admission With 15 Courses — Official

By
News Editor
-
0

The NOK University, Kachia, Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria, has rolled out 2020/2021 academic session with 15 science oriented courses to equip prospective graduates with requisite skill needed for national development.

A  statement by Mr Adamu Marshal on behalf of the University, on Monday in Abuja, stated that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had  approved the commencement of academic activities in the university with the departments of Cyber Security, Physiology and  Anatomy.

Other courses are,  Bachelor of Medical Labratory Science, Bsc. Radiology, Bsc. Health Information, Bachelor of Nursing Science, Bsc. Architecture, Bsc. Quantity Surveying and Bsc. Environmental Management.

Also approved, are Bsc. Microbiology, Bsc. Biotechnology, Bsc. Industrial Chemistry, Information Technology, Bsc and Computer Science,” he said.

The statement therefore, advised interested candidates to visit any JAMB approved CBT Centre to change their institution of choice to Nok university, Kachia, Kaduna.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the university was among the 20 private universities recently approved by the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja.

Following the approval of the university by the Federal Government through NUC, the Board of Trustees of the institution appointed Prof. Ishaya Nock as the institution’s first Vice Chancellor.

His appointment out of 3 candidates, followed the recommendation of the Governing Council at its meeting held in Abuja.

Similarly, the board also approved the appointment of Mr Obadiah Joshua as the pioneer Acting Registrar of the university pending the appointment of a substantive Registrar.

Africa Day :  Africa Should Unite To Achieve Economic Recovery – AU Chair

By
News Editor
-
0
President, Cyril Ramaphosa

With Africa Day set to be celebrated on Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and Chairman of African Union, has called on the continent to deepen its efforts to achieve a sustainable and lasting social and economic recovery for its citizens.

“Ours must become a continent that is thriving and prosperous, not one from which its people are dying in an attempt to leave,” the President said on Monday in the latest instalment of his weekly newsletter.

The statement was in the wake of African Heads of State and Government last week converging in Paris when French President Emmanuel Macron convened the Financing of African Economies Summit last week.

“While we celebrate the progress we have made towards building a peaceful and prosperous continent, events in faraway North Africa show that we still have a long way to go.

“Life is so difficult for millions of people on our continent and opportunities so few that they would risk their lives crossing the sea in pursuit of a better future,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said the COVID-19 pandemic has made people already suffering from the effects of conflict, under-development and poverty even more vulnerable.

“African economies have been severely damaged and growth prospects are greatly diminished. Many of the continent’s developmental gains may be reversed as the fight against the pandemic takes precedence over other national priorities like poverty eradication. Although low-income countries are especially vulnerable, middle income countries like our own have also been severely hit,” he said.

Support and economic recovery

To support the continent’s economic recovery, African governments have been working through the African Union (AU) to mobilise significant financing to meet their developmental goals.

At the Summit, South Africa reiterated its support for a comprehensive and robust economic stimulus package for Africa to aid the recovery.

But, said the President, this should not be a substitute for official development aid.

“We welcomed the steps taken by financial institutions like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) to support low- and middle-income countries, and called for further measures to support vulnerable countries.

“This would include an allocation by the IMF of what are known as Special Drawing Rights, where on the basis of membership quotas, around $33 billion will be released to increase the reserves of African countries.

“African leaders have however argued that an amount of $33 billion, while welcome, is not sufficient to meet the challenges that the continent faces. As the more developed economies are set to receive much of the $650 billion of Special Drawing Rights to be issued, we believe that 25% (which equates to $162.5 billion) should be made available to African countries.”

He said other measures would include increased concessional financing by international institutions and development agencies, and additional measures led by the G20 countries to provide African countries with debt relief.

In what was described as a New Deal for Africa, leaders and international organisations recognised that the continent shares a collective responsibility to implement financial relief measures for African countries in distress.

The President said the international experience with COVID-19 has been a lesson in the importance of collaboration between African countries and with our international partners.

“Our gains as a continent have been because we have both drawn on our own capabilities and worked with the international community.

“As African countries, we want to help ourselves and not be told what is good for us. The principle of ‘nothing about us without us’ should be applied. It is important that we affirm our sovereignty as free and independent states capable of determining the destiny of our continent,” he said.

While countries have immediate financing needs, President Ramaphosa said a sustainable economic recovery can only be assured if the continent increases levels of investment on the continent.

“Investing in African economies will contribute to making Africa the next champion of global growth,” he wrote

“The African Continental Free Trade Area will play a key role in the continental recovery. We also envisage a greater role for the continental network of African public development banks to mobilise funding to support key projects in health, education, infrastructure, green growth and other sectors.”

African leaders acknowledge the centrality of good governance, public debt management, financial integrity and creating a more favourable climate for private sector investment in their economies.

Unity and cooperation

President Ramaphosa said the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented levels of unity and cooperation between African countries.

“It has seen the continent strengthen its ties with the broader international community and global institutions.

He reiterated South Africa’s commitment to deepening Africa’s efforts to achieve a sustainable and lasting social and economic recovery for the citizens of Africa.

“Ours must become a continent that is thriving and prosperous, not one from which its people are dying in an attempt to leave. What happens in one part of our continent affects us all, and so we must work together to recover from this crisis, and to ensure that our continent grows and thrives,” he said.–SAnews.gov.za

TUCN MUST SAVE THE TRADERS OF KADUNA STATE

By
News Editor
-
0

BY HAULATU IDRIS

The purpose of this write up is to send a message to Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUCN) because I and almost all the traders of Kaduna state have forgotten that we have a Union formed and saddled with the responsibility of our affairs.

I believe, in Kaduna state, no marketer has confidence that Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has capacity to intervene and come to their aid from ongoing wanton destruction of markets, until the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) showdown took place in Kaduna state. May be because of lack of orientation or experience, but at this time, we (marketers) believe it is time for our National Union to say enough is enough of the daily sabotage on traders of Kaduna state, because our state unions are afraid to come to our aid and can’t test the waters.

Truly, if there is any group of people in Kaduna state that deserves support, solidarity and sympathy on their problems, they should be the traders of Kaduna state, because I am a victim of the more than six (6) million circumstances of lawlessness order and arbitrary of court, on demolition of markets and shops in the State.
It is on record that many demolitions took place while the cases were before courts. And, it was for such evidences of contempt of court, the name of Governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai was removed from attending the 2020 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association.

The Governor of Kaduna state during his 2015 governorship electioneering campaign, promised to make business in the state comfortable and progressive, and it was for that reason the Market Traders Association of Nigeria (MATAN), Kaduna State branch supported his candidature as the governor of Kaduna state.

For the 2019 election. the marketers contributed from their pockets and purchased a Governorship Form for Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s re-election for ‘we’ thought the days would be brighter even though the cloud was thicker.

There are more than sixteen markets in Kaduna state  occupied by more than six (6) million traders that were demolished.

Unguwar Rimi market has 6000 traders, Kasuwan Barci Market has more than 20, 000 traders, the Palladan Market, Zaria has 1000 shops with over 15 thousand traders, demolished Barnawa market has 600 shops with an estimate of 5000 traders, two markets were demolished in Unguwar Sanusi, Kawo market has more than three hundred shops with more than 10, 000 traders, Kasuwan Magani market was also demolished with more than two hundred shops, the Kantin Kwari Market with more than 6000 traders was demolished after renewal of Ownership Registration in less than two months, Hayin Rigasa market was the first market to be demolished in 2015 and the construction is abandoned.

The Royal Market popularly known as the 740 Garage was demolished with almost 30 shops and the plaza which occupied more than 400 shops is on notice, some parts of the 60-year-old Panteka Market was demolished and the marketers are on notice to vacate, Abubakar Gumi Market; the Central Market of the state is on Privatization after the governor revoked their allocation and the Unguwar Shanu Market is on notice for demolition. There is no market in the state that is not facing demolition threat.

In Kaduna state, no market is spared and no marketer is sleeping comfortably  because at any time notice of demolition may be distributed and followed with bulldozer .

Many traders have died because of this terrible situation, and no proper documentation of traders before demolition or shortlisting of shops’ ownership, indicating no one has right to his/her shop.

It is time for TUCN to answer the call of its members with the respondibilty of protecting the lives and businesses of the traders.

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUCN) which is an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was established in 1942. TUCN is the federated Trade Union and the first Union to receive government approval to operate on a national basis.

By law the Union has these mandates:
1. Protect members from unfair or unjust action of proprietors of business (and government).

  1. Intervention between the powerless and voiceless members and management.

  2. TUCN is mandated to provide its members the opportunity of coming together to consider, pursue and promote common job-related interest, and also help workers to socialize with others.

  3. Negotiate with management on other work benefits and misunderstandings.

  4. Ensure the maximum security of traders and their goods.

In all the aforementioned responsibilities of the TUCN which was given by the constitution of Nigeria and the Union miscellaneous acts, no one among the traders benefitted since 2015 because of fear of demolition.

The TUCN has positioned itself to the government side and look at the sabotage of law on traders which continues to unfold in Kaduna state.

The withdrawal of TUCN to partake in the just concluded NLC Warning Strike in Kaduna state has uncovered the skeleton in the cupboard of the TUCN on the lawlessness acts upon traders of Kaduna state.

However, the closed-door meeting that TUCN had with the state government of Kaduna state before the NLC Warning Strike has fished out the smelling rat on the table of the two parties, and this is the time for TUCN to identify its true members and operate within its confines.

I remember how Kasuwar Barci traders suffered in court when they were left alone to fight the battle of the titans. Their market was demolished, while the case was proceeding in the court of law. TUCN cannot say it didn’t hear about the prolonged saga that affected its members.

TUCN should know that under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) every group  has the right to protest against unsatisfied actions, and it is a fundamental Human Right for every marketer in Nigeria to enjoy the services of TUCN, because traders pay levies and charges to the Union, and for these all and sundry must be carried along in their services.

But, if TUCN felt that silence is the best answer to the traders of Kaduna state then history and God will never forgive and forget leaders that run away from their responsibilities on which they sworn to be objective and justifiable.

If NLC can show its true love to sacked workers of Kaduna state that were not up to 40,000. TUCN should have the concern and love of more than six (6) million marketers that their shops were demolished and privatised in huge whooping amount that they cannot afford. Marketers in Kaduna state see the Privatization as a system of capitalism, aimed to seize what is for the poor and give it to the rich.

All the demolished shops’ allocation prizes hitherto ranged from N5, 000 to N25, 000 but now the prizes range between N2 million and N15 million which is pathetic and unbearable to the rightful owners of the demolished shops.

TUC should know that only 500, 000 people made the workers of Kaduna state while 80% traders made the people of Kaduna state and surely, the traders of Kaduna state need its helpful hand as many of the traders continue to die of hypertension and ulcer.

Traders of Kaduna state have the right to get their shops back after construction of the demolished markets in affordable and accommodating and any change in this is condemnable and considered as moves to confiscate their properties.

TUCN should stop any ulterior motive by the government as all the shops were already allotted to marketers as the rightful owners because we perceived that Nasir El-Rufai is trying to seize what is meant for the poor to give to the rich to enrich the rich and make the poor poorer.

Marketers that owned their shops get their shops back after reconstruction as they have their Certificates of Occupancy and Allocation.

TUCN should hold a group discussion with the genuine marketers to hear from the horse’s mouth because the State union leaders may not offer accurate and clear information regarding the tribulations of marketers because they are afraid of losing their seats.

I believe that this would wipe away the running tears of Kaduna state traders and heal the wounds of their hearts and consequently, see brotherhood and love from our National Union .

Haulatu Idris writes from Kaduna and can be reached via haulat5773@gmail.com

Nigeria; Nimrod Receives Authentic Outstanding Sports  Personality Award, Pledges To Do More

By
News Editor
-
0

Caretaker Committee Chairman of the NIgeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod has once again, received the prestigious AUTHENTIC News Daily Outstanding Sportsman Of The Year Award For 2020.

He was presented with the award on Sunday May 23, 2020, during the Technical Session of the 2021 Volleyball League 1 at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.

Speaking at the presentation, Consulting Editor of Authentic News Daily, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson said that he was given the award for a record third time, following his unrelented contributions to all round sports development in the country.

“Engineer Nimrod is for now, the number one individual contributor to sports development not just in Nigeria, but the entire sub Saharan Africa.

“As we speak, only within this month, several events bankrolled by him have been held in several parts of the country, with some running at the same time in several parts of the country,” he said.

The Consulting Editor of Authentic News Daily said that he was excited that at last they have an opportunity to present this prestigious award, after several months of attempts to reach the well deserving recipient, Engineer Musa Nimrod.

“Engineer Nimrod is a man of several achievements, it would require perhaps 24 hours, or a book to attempt to capture him, his activities and noble interventions that have touched lives of Nigerians all over the country.

“In view of time constraints, I would not bore you with the details, but would assure you that soon, a book on this perfect gentleman would be launched, where an attempt to capture his achievements and interventions would be laid bare,” he added.

On why he was singled out for the 2020 Sports Personality award, Okpani Dickson said that   all can attest to his tremendous contributions to development of the sector in the country, using his personal resources in putting smiles on faces of sportsmen and women, without blowing his trumpet, but doing so diligently and in genuine humility.

“From volleyball to football, beach volleyball to athletics, and several other sports, he has not just sponsored, but has given moral support.

“Besides sports sponsorship, Engineer Nimrod has also played a huge role in the survival of sports writers in the country.

“During the lockdown last year, members of the Sports Writers Association of NIgeria (SWAN), Kaduna State chapter, each benefitted from bags of rice, spaghetti, vegetable oil and other foodstuff,” he added.

Authentic News Daily Boss said that based on his large heart, the palliiatives were not limited to only registered SWAN members, other practitioners from the NIgeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kaduna State chapter who reached out to him, were also presented at a separate ceremony with foodstuff.

“A true friend of the media, the NIgerian masses and sportsmen and women, we congratulate you on this award and pray for God’s blessings to continue multiplying so that sports will continue to get its massive support,” he added.

Nimrod in his response, dedicated the award to the NIgeria Volleyball Federation for supporting him, vowing to do more.you

1...760761762...1,781Page 761 of 1,781

Currency Exchange Rates

USD - United States Dollar
ZAR
0.06
EUR
1.17
CAD
0.73
ILS
0.31
INR
0.01
GBP
1.34
CNY
0.14

About us

Africa Prime News is an online news platform whose mission is to provide high-quality development journalism about Africa.

Company

The latest

Interfaith Unity: Muslims Attend Christmas Service in Kaduna, Nigeria

Religion 0
In what can be described as a remarkable  interfaith...

Okpe Indigenes Gather In Lagos To Showcase History, Language, Social Values

Culture 0
By Henry Ovie, Okpe indigenes will gather in Lagos on...

Alleged Defamation: Dangote Threatens Kaduna Businessman, Kailani With N100bn Suit

Judiciary 0
President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has given...

Subscribe

© 2021 tagDiv. All Rights Reserved. Made with Newspaper Theme.

Enable Notifications OK No thanks