Politics

President Buhari’s 62nd Independence Anniversary Speech

By Web News 569

Fellow Nigerians, I address you today, with a deep sense of gratitude to God and a high level of appreciation to all Nigerians whose tremendous goodwill gave me the opportunity to provide leadership for our great country at one of the trying times in her history.

Conscious that today’s address would be my last on Independence Day as your President; I speak to the millions of Nigerians, who believed in me, propelled and stood by me in my quest to bequeath a country where all citizens have equal opportunities to achieve their lives desires in a peaceful atmosphere.

I am honoured to say that my story in the annals of Nigeria’s history is no household secret. My various attempts, failures and eventual success in being elected as a Democratic President in 2015 were made possible by the majority of Nigerians.

When you elected me, I readily acknowledged that the tasks before me were daunting but surmountable because of the growing national consensus that our chosen route to national development was democracy.

This democracy was to be anchored on a clear understanding, application and the principles of separation of powers supported by a reformed public service that is more effective.

I then pledged to Improve the Economy, Tackle Corruption and Fight Insecurity and this was further strengthened by my commitment to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years as the central plank of my second term in 2019.

To the Glory of God and His Grace as well as the commitment and passion displayed by many Nigerian supporters, we have made appreciable progress in these areas but are not yet at our destination.

Mindful of the task before us, we took some time in settling down and we re-positioned the economy by providing strategic interventions in core areas at both the federal and sub-national levels.

Fight Against Corruption

One of the areas where we have made significant progress is in the eradication of deeply entrenched corruption that permeates all facets of our national development.

We strengthened the institutions for tackling corruption and also cultivated international support, which aided the repatriation of huge sums of money illegally kept outside the country.

The increasing number of prosecutions and convictions, with associated refunds of large sums of money, is still ongoing. Furthermore, we would continue to block opportunities that encourage corrupt practices.

Security

In order to address insecurity, we worked methodically in reducing Insurgency in the North East, Militancy in the Niger Delta, Ethnic and Religious Tensions in some sections of Nigeria along with other problems threatening our country.

Economy

Our efforts in re-setting the economy manifested in Nigeria exiting two economic recessions by the very practical and realistic monetary and fiscal measures to ensure effective public financial management. In addition, the effective implementation of the Treasury Single Account and cutting down on the cost of governance also facilitated early exits from recessions.

Oil and Gas

Fellow Nigerians, this administration removed several decades of uncertainty for potential investors in the Oil & Gas sector with the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021. This landmark legislation created opportunities for foreign investments in addition to improving transparency in the management of the sector.

Agriculture

Our administration has given the desired priority to the Agricultural Sector through a series of incentives to Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises that resulted in creating millions of jobs. Leading this initiative, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s intervention in a number of areas as well as the Anchor Borrowers Programme had created the required leverages for Nigerians towards self-sufficiency in food and the necessary attraction for farming as a business.

The growing contribution of non-oil exports, especially in agriculture, information and communication technology as well as the performing arts to our national economy will enhance our foreign exchange earning capacity.

We are confronting current economic challenges such as debt burden, growing inflation, living standards and increasing unemployment accentuated by our growing youthful population. These problems are globally induced and we would continue to ensure that their negative effects are addressed in our policies.

This administration will continue to ensure that our fiscal policies are supported by a robust and contemporary monetary policy that recognises our peculiarities in the midst of the growing global economic difficulties.

This is evidenced by the recent Monetary Policy Committee’s decision to maintain all parameters, especially interest rates and marginally increased the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) from 14 per cent to 15.5 per cent and the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) from 27.5 per cent to 32.5 per cent. It is projected that this would further insulate our economy from overexposure to uncertainties in the international market by restraining growth in core inflation.

As we continue to de-escalate the security challenges that confronted us at the inception of this administration, newer forms alien to our country began to manifest especially in the areas of kidnappings, molestations/killings of innocent citizens and banditry, all of which are being addressed by our security forces.

I share the pains Nigerians are going through and I assure you that your resilience and patience would not be in vain as this administration continues to reposition as well as strengthen the security agencies to enable them to deal with all forms of security challenges.

At the inception of this administration in 2015, I provided the funding requirements of the security agencies which was also improved in my second tenure in 2019 to enable them to surmount security challenges. We will continue on this path until our efforts yield the desired results.

Education

As we put in place all measures to ensure that Nigeria takes her place in the Comity of Nations, we recognise the importance of a well-educated populace as a panacea to most of the challenges we face.

We have, therefore, pursued policies and implemented programmes designed to create a literate and proficient society that ensures that citizens are availed of opportunities for lifelong achievements.

I must confess that I am very pained by the recurring disruption to our tertiary education system and I am using this Independence Day celebration to reiterate my call for the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to return to the classroom while assuring them to deal with their contending issues within the limits of the scarce resources available. This administration has made appreciable progress in redressing these issues that have been lingering for over eleven years.

The Federal Government will continue to mobilise resources both internationally and nationally towards funding education to ensure that our citizens are well educated and skilled in various vocations in view of the fact that education is a leading determinant of economic growth and employment generation.

Health

Fellow Nigerians, we have also improved our health facilities, especially during and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which attracted commendation from the global community.

As you are aware, Nigeria was one of the countries that defied global predictions of the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic because of our resilience, commitment and passion with which we individually and collectively managed the pandemic.

infrastructural Development

This administration embarked on addressing critical environmental challenges across the country in order to mitigate the impact of Climate Change manifesting in the form of flood, soil erosion, desertification and air pollution, amongst others

We will continue to ensure that our infrastructure drive remains the key to Nigeria’s economic growth and for which every Nigerian will feel the impact.

The Federal Government is already expanding port operations to ensure that they provide opportunities for the growth of the Nigerian economy.

We have also continued to accelerate our infrastructure development through serviceable and transparent borrowing, improved capital inflow & increased revenue generation by expanding the tax bases and prudent management of investment proceeds in the Sovereign Wealth Fund.

To further open up our communities to economic activities, we have continued to boost our railway infrastructure with the completion of a good number of critical railways and at the same time rehabilitating as well as upgrading obsolete equipment.

I am pleased to inform my fellow citizens that besides our emphasis on infrastructural development with its attendant opportunities for job creation, employment generation and subsequent poverty reduction, our focused intervention directly to Nigerians through the National Social Investment Programme, is also yielding benefits.

There is hardly any ward, village or local government in Nigeria today that has not benefited from one of the following: N-Power, Trader-Moni, Market-Moni, subsidized loans, business grants or Conditional Cash Transfers.

All the aforementioned programmes along with various interventions by the National Social Investment Programme, direct support to victims of flooding and other forms of disasters have provided succour to the affected Nigerians.

2023 General Elections

Fellow Nigerians, no matter what gains we make, without a good governance system anchored on electing credible leaders on the basis of free, fair, credible and transparent elections, our efforts would not be enough.

It is for this reason that I have resolved to bequeath a sustainable democratic culture, which will remain lasting. The signing of the Electoral Act 2021 as amended with landmark provisions further assures us of a more transparent and inclusive Electoral Process.

Having witnessed at close quarters, the pains, anguish and disappointment of being a victim of an unfair electoral process, the pursuit of an electoral system and processes that guarantee the election of leaders by citizens remain the guiding light as I prepare to wind down our administration.

You would all agree that the recent elections in the past two years in some states (notably Anambra, Ekiti and Osun) and a few federal constituencies have shown a high degree of credibility, transparency and freedom of choice with the people’s votes actually counting. This I promise would be improved upon as we move towards the 2023 General Elections.

As we begin the transition process to another democratically elected government, I want to implore all aspirants to conduct issues-based campaigns devoid of hate speeches as well as other negative and divisive tendencies.I also want to express my wish that we see more female and youth participation in the forthcoming electoral cycle. I am sure that our teeming and energetic youths now realise that violence generally mars elections and so should desist from being used by politicians for this purpose.

Reforms in the public sector are already yielding results, especially in the delivery of services. On this note, I urge the general public to demand citizen-centred services from the relevant authorities.

On the international front, we have continued to take advantage of our bilateral and multilateral platforms to explore cooperation with friendly countries and partners whenever these areas of cooperation are to the advantage of Nigeria.

Fellow Nigerians, in the past few years we have witnessed and overcome a good number of challenges that would ordinarily have destroyed our Nation. However, the indefatigable spirit of the Nigerian people has ensured that we overcome our challenges.

It is in this spirit that I call on all of us to individually and collectively bring to the fore in dealing with all our development issues.

I was called to serve along with my team, I saw an opportunity to create a better Nigeria which we have done with the support of Nigerians. Almighty God and the good people of Nigeria supported us in laying a solid foundation for the Nigeria of our dreams.

I thank you all and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

FRCN Abuja/Daniel Adejo/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Health

Monkey Pox: NCDC Reports 21 Cases in Seven Days

By Web News 554

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control , NCDC, has reported 21 more cases of monkeypox in the country within the past seven days.

The NCDC via its official website announced on Sunday that the disease could be spread by close contact and exposure to an infected person’s respiratory droplets, skin lesions or bodily fluids.

The agency also reported that Nigeria recorded six monkey pox-related deaths between January and August and that six states in the country had recorded one death each from the disease.

It listed the six states where monkeypox deaths occurred as Delta, Lagos, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Taraba and Kogi.

According to the NCDC, monkeypox symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever and a rash that may initially be mistaken for chickenpox or a sexually transmitted disease, if in the genital or anal region.

“Between Aug. 15 and Aug. 21, Taraba and Kogi States recorded two deaths,” the agency added.

It said that the total number of confirmed cases of monkeypox in the country had also risen to 241, with 21 new cases reported in one week between Aug. 15 and Aug. 21.

The NCDC said that the 21 confirmed cases were reported from 12 states.

It listed the states as Lagos – seven, Adamawa – two, Ebonyi – two, Imo -two, Akwa Ibom – one, Anambra – one, Edo – one, FCT – one, Katsina State – one, Kaduna State – one, Kogi – one and Ondo  State – one.

“Of the 241 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the country, Lagos State has the highest burden of the disease, with 42 confirmed cases since the beginning of the year.

“This translates to 17.4 per cent of the total burden of the disease in the country.

“Overall, since the re-emergence of monkeypox in September 2017 to August this year, a total of 1,116 suspected cases have been reported from 35 states.

“Of the 1,116 suspected cases, there have been 467 (41.8 per cent) confirmed (309 male, 158 female) from 32 states.

“In addition, from September 2017 to August 2022, a total of 14 deaths have been recorded, with a case fatality rate of three per cent, in 10 states.

“The states include: Lagos – three, Edo – two, Imo – one, Cross River – one, FCT – one, Rivers – one, Ondo State – one, Delta – one, Akwa Ibom – one, Taraba – one and Kogi – one.”

According to report, monkeypox is an infection, caused by a virus similar to the now-eradicated smallpox virus.

It has been common in some African countries but outbreaks have occurred in other parts of the world from time to time.

In 2022, the World Health Organisation declared a global health emergency after the spread of monkey pox to many countries through social interactions and intimate contacts.

Monkeypox may be most severe in young children, especially if they have poor nutritional status.

In previous years, fatal cases have occurred primarily among children in Africa.

Vaccines can prevent monkeypox, but vaccines are currently in short supply worldwide.

When widely available, the vaccine may also be used to protect at-risk populations, including men having sex with men, bisexual people, commercial sex workers and others who engage in behaviours that put them at risk.

The infection continues to spread but because transmission requires close personal contact, the rate is much slower than that of SARS-CoV-2 virus the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 .

VANGUARD/Taiwo Akinola

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Sport

Nigeria Defeat S’Korea in U-20 Women’s World Cup

By Web News 613

 

Nigeria beat South Korea 1-0 on Sunday in the Group C football match at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.

Esther Onyenezide’s late strike gave the Falconets victory in their second match of the tournament.

The Falconets will face Canada in their final group match on Wednesday.

The match which was scheduled for 9 pm was shifted to 10.15 pm due to heavy rain.

According to report, the Falconets made their first attempt to score a goal in the third minute through Bashirat Amoo, who tried a long-range effort from a free kick but was calmly saved by South Korea keeper Kim Kyeong-Hee.

In the 22nd minute, the Koreans went on the attack again with Lee Soo-In hitting a long-range strike but the ball hit woodwork.

With four minutes left in the first half, Amoo made a long-range strike which went off target.

Five minutes into the second half, Onyenezide tried a long cross into the area on the back of a pouring attack but South Korea’s keeper rose high to claim the ball.

In the 82nd minute, the goal finally came thanks to a brilliant long-range strike from Onyenezide which flew past the Korean keeper into the back of the net.

Punch/Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Culture

Horniman Museum to Return 72 Artefacts to Nigeria

By Web News 728

A London museum says it has agreed to return to Nigeria artefacts looted in the 19th Century from the Kingdom of Benin.

The Horniman Museum said ownership of 72 objects would be transferred to the Nigerian government.

Report says, items include 12 brass plaques, known as Benin Bronzes, a brass cockerel and a key to the king’s palace.

It follows a request by Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments, NCMM, in January.

The museum, in south-east London, says it has consulted with community members, visitors, schoolchildren, academics, heritage professionals and artists based in Nigeria and the UK.


All of their views on the future of the Benin objects were considered, alongside the provenance of the objects,” the museum explained.

The museum’s chair said it was “moral and appropriate” to return them.

In recent years, there had been increased political pressure on European governments and museums to hand back looted artefacts.

These include ivory carvings and metal sculptures known as the Benin Bronzes.

Eve Salomon, chair of the museum, said: “The evidence is very clear that these objects were acquired through force, and external consultation supported our view that it is both moral and appropriate to return their ownership to Nigeria.

“The Horniman is pleased to be able to take this step and we look forward to working with the NCMM to secure longer-term care for these precious artefacts.”

BBC /Taiwo Akinola

Politics

INEC: New Voters Join Electoral Rolls

By Web News 536

In preparation for the upcoming presidential election in February, Nigeria has added more than 10 million new voters to its electoral rolls, the majority of whom are young people.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says 84% of the 10.49 million new voters registered during the year-long exercise that finished on Sunday, were under the age of 34.

The North-West geopolitical zone, which includes the seven states of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, and Jigawa, has the highest number of registered voters, according to INEC, with a total of 22.67 million voters.

According to INEC data, 84 million voters were registered for the 2019 general elections.

FRCN Abuja/Adetutu Adetule

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Politics

Nigeria’s unity, security my priorities beyond 2023 – Buhari

By Web News 494 2

President Muhammadu Buhari says the unity, security, and prosperity of Nigeria would matter most to him, beyond his days in office as President.

He stated this in Abuja while receiving APC stakeholders that paid him a visit.

The President expressed delight that the party was propelling rightly on towards that eventuality.

He thanked the delegation, led by the National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, for the kind words on his role in the processes leading to the emergence of the party’s candidate, and his running mate, for the Presidential election in February, next year.

The President expressed confidence that Shettima would not disappoint the party, and Nigerians at large.

He also commended the party for resolving to further mobilise more Nigerians, particularly the youth, to register, and get their Permanent Voters Cards.

The National Chairman of the party, the Chairman, the Progressives Governors Forum and Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and Senator Shettima, in separate remarks, expressed gratitude to the President for his exemplary leadership, which has strengthened the party in the aftermath of the convention and primaries.

‘‘Under pressure to dictate or suggest, you were determined that the democratic process should be given the opportunity to work and what we have seen is that democratic processes can produce very excellent results.

‘‘We have a Presidential Candidate and a running mate, whom we are all proud of.’’

The Kebbi Governor attributed the gradual return of normalcy to the North Eastern part of the country to the spirited interventions approved by the President, acknowledging the rise in agricultural activities and food production in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States.

The Vice Presidential candidate reiterated the willingness of the APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu and himself to serve Nigeria with justice, equity and fairness.

‘‘We want to solicit the support of the President once INEC lifts the ban on open-air campaigns and we want to latch on to your achievements and brand name to victory and consolidate the leadership of the party,’’ he said.

Abdullah Bello/ Abdullahi Lamino

Sport

WAFCON 2022: Nigeria Out of Race

By Web News 571

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have been nocked out of the 2022 Women Africa Cup of Nations.

The team on Monday lost 5-4 on penalty to the host Nation, Morocco in the second semifinals match of the day.

The regular 90minutes and extra 30minutes had ended 1-1.

Morocco will now face South Africa in the final of the competition while Nigeria will engage Zambia in the third place match.

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana defeated their Zambian counterparts by two goals to one in the first semifinals game earlier in the day.

Michael Ogundare

Religion

Clerics Seek Allah’s Face For Nigeria at Arafah

By Web News 474

Some Islamic scholars under the umbrella of National Ulamah Committee have organised the annual National prayer for Nigeria at Arafah ground during the ongoing Hajj exercise.

The Chairman of the National Ulamah Committee,  Professor Gbadamosi Yusuf who thanked Allah for the resumption of the Hajj exercise after COVID-19 pandemic lauded the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria,  NAHCON for sustaining the national prayers during the annual pilgrimage.

National Missioner, Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria,  Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad who led the prayer in English centred his supplications on continuous God’s guidance for President Muhammadu Buhari and peaceful conduct of next year’s election.

The prayers were also led by members of the Ulamah Committee in different Nigerian languages which included Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Edo, Fulfulde and Nupe.

Earlier in a remark,  the Chairman,  NAHCON,  Barrister Zikrullah Hassan said the prayer was necessary in order to seek Allah’s favour to make  next year’s election which will lead to handing over from one administration to another a success.

He said the security challenges facing the country also needed interventions from Allah to restore peace to Nigeria.

” The security situation in the country is alarming.  Just before the Hajj,  intending pilgrims from Sokoto State were attacked on their way. Alhamdulillah,  there was no case of death”.

The NAHCON Chairman who   regretted the inability of the commission to mobilize some pilgrims to the holy land said the last minutes effort to get a rescue flight was not successful.

‘In the case of those who didn’t come,  we tried all we could. We actually had an understanding of a rescue but immediately the gate was formally closed by Saudi authorities,  the flights’ operators  said there was nothing they could do. By the time we got a waiver,  the flights claimed they have dispatched their crews who were from different countries and there was no way they could recall them within that short period. We really regret the development. “

He appealed to the pilgrims participating in the ongoing Hajj exercise to remain calm as the commission was doing all it could to address the lapses.
” You should remember that I said it at the pre-hajj preparations that this year’s exercise is emergency Hajj, therefore,  the pilgrims should bear with us as we are working hard to address noticeable lapses” he said.

Ridwan Fasasi

Politics

Nigeria, Portugal Sign Mou in Key Sectors

By Web News 441

Nigeria and Portugal have signed several Memoranda of Understanding for cooperation in different sectors.

The signing ceremony was done by cabinet-level officials from the two countries and witnessed by President Buhari and the Prime Minister of Portugal, Antonio Costa.

The MoUs signed include Political Consultations; Diplomatic Training, Research and the Exchange of Information and Documentation; Cooperation in the Fields of Culture, Women and Girls Development, Empowerment and Gender Affairs, Youth, and Sports.

President Buhari described the progress in signing the agreements as excellent foundations for increased bilateral trade.

Also, President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed appreciation to the Mayor of Lisbon, Fernando Medina, and City Council Members, for accommodating Nigerians, as well as those fleeing the war in Ukraine.

The President said he was optimistic that the shared features between Lisbon and Lagos, whose etymology is Portuguese, could be harnessed to promote increased trade and people-to-people contact for the benefit of Nigeria and Portugal.

President Buhari stressed that Nigeria had made great strides in diversifying her economy beyond oil and gas, recording successes in agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure development, and invited prospective investors to Nigeria as the next top investment destination.

The Mayor of Lisbon, Fernando Medina, extolled Nigeria’s greatness, especially in her ability to turn diversity into greatness.

He explained that Portugal would want to work with Nigeria and her innovators, stressing that Portugal needed Nigeria and the African Continent.

Similarly, President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and stakeholders in the maritime industry, on the successful berthing of the first ship at Lekki Deep Seaport.
 
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, explains that the vessel, ZHEN HUA 28, delivered three Ship to Shores, STS, and 10 Rubber Tyre Gantries, RTG, cranes to be used in the evacuation of cargoes from vessels to shore.
 
President Buhari recognizes that the nation’s maritime and aquatic resources are critical to the livelihoods of Nigerians and that Government will spare no effort in successfully harnessing the potential of the sector.

Abdullah Bello/Omotola Oguneye

Health

Monkeypox: NCDC Confirms 66 Suspected Cases, One Death

By Web News 1290

The monkeypox situation report released on Sunday by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control revealed that no fewer than 66 suspected cases of monkeypox disease have been reported in Nigeria.

The agency also noted that while 21 had been confirmed, only a single death had been reported.

Report says, monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the Monkeypox virus which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae.

The disease, according to the World Health Organization, is endemic to West and Central African countries.

However, it has surfaced in other parts of the world such as the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy among others.

“A total of 66 suspected cases have been reported between January 1st to May 29th, 2022. Of the suspected cases, 21 were confirmed from nine (9) states – Adamawa (5), Lagos (4), Cross River (2), FCT (2), Kano (2), Delta (2), Bayelsa (2), River (1) and Imo (1) – with 1 death recorded. This was in a 40yrs old man with renal co-morbidity and on immune-suppressive drugs.

“The twenty (20) new suspected cases in May 2022 were reported from 11 states – Lagos (5), Bayelsa (2), Adamawa (2), Rivers (2), Niger (2), FCT (2), Delta (1), Oyo (1), Kaduna (1), Edo (1) and Gombe (1).

“This is a 100% increase in case reporting as compared with April 2022, when 10 new cases were reported, and is likely due to ongoing efforts to increase awareness and improve surveillance.

“The six (6) new confirmed positive cases (out of the 20 suspected cases) in May 2022 were confirmed from four (4) states – Bayelsa (2), Adamawa (2), Lagos (1), and Rivers (1),” the agency stated.

According to report, from September 2017 to May 29th, 2022, a total of 578 suspected cases have been reported from 32 states in the country.

The NCDC noted that it had activated the National Multisectoral Emergency Operations Centre at level 2.

“This EOC will continue to coordinate ongoing response activities in the country while contributing to the global response.”


Punch/Taiwo Akinola

Crime

EFCC arrests Ahmed Idris, Accountant General of the Federation for N80 billion fraud

By Web News 704

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, May 16, 2022 arrested serving Accountant General of the Federation, Mr Ahmed Idris in connection with diversion of funds and money laundering activities to the tune of N80 billion, Eighty Billion Naira, only.

The Commission’s verified intelligence showed that the AGF raked off the funds through bogus consultancies and other illegal activities using proxies, family members and close associates.

The funds were laundered through real estate investments in Kano and Abuja.

Mr Idris was arrested after failing to honour invitations by the EFCC to respond to issues connected to the fraudulent acts.

EFCC Facebook page

Transportation

Airline Operators Announce Flight Cancellation

By Web News 537

Airline Operators of Nigeria have announced plans to disrupt scheduled flight operations over the scarcity of aviation fuel.

The announcement was contained in a statement titled, ‘Public notice: Disruptions in flight operations this week monday.

In the statement signed by AON’s spokesperson, Prof. Obiora Spokesman, the operators lamented that aviation fuel scarcity would lead to flight rescheduling and cancellations.

The notice read, “The Airline Operators of Nigeria wish to alert the public of impending disruptions to scheduled flight operations of members of the association.

This development is being forced on members by the growing scarcity of aviation fuel popular as Jet-Al.

“The scarcity is impacting negatively on the seamless conduct of air transport operations and would lead to flight rescheduling, and, or, cancellations.

Over 2,000 flights cancelled worldwide as Omicron hits holiday travel.

“However, the association and its members are working very hard, and in alliance with product marketers, government and relevant stakeholders, to ensure availability and proper pricing of aviation fuel in the country.

“While pleading the understanding of the flying public in the face of this reality, we also promise to do all that is necessary, and within our powers, to restore normal flight schedules as soon as possible.”

Punch/Opeyemi Olugbenga

News

UN Secretary-General begins two-day mission to Nigeria, 3rd May

By Web News 1251

The United Nations Secretary-General Mr Antonio Guterres will on Tuesday 3 May, begin a two-day mission to Nigeria.

This will be the first mission of the ninth United Nations Secretary General to Nigeria.

A statement by the UN information centre indicates that, during the mission, Mr Guterres will have an audience with President Muhammadu Buhari; the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; Religious Leaders; Women and Youth Leaders; the Private Sector and the Diplomatic community.

It says, the Secretary-General will visit the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, in Maiduguri, on Tuesday, 3 May and thereafter proceed on a field mission to meet families deeply affected by violence and instability in the North-East, including people internally displaced and refugees.

Those accompanying the UN Secretary General includes the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and other top officials of the UN.

He will also perform Wreath laying ceremony at UN House in honour of victims of the bomb blast at the UN House in 2011, on Wednesday 4th.

This is part of the Secretary-General’s annual Ramadan solidarity visits, and he will go to Nigeria, Niger and Senegal, during which he will also highlight the impact of the Ukraine war on the African continent.

The Secretary-General began annual Ramadan solidarity visits when he was High Commissioner for Refugees, but the tradition was interrupted by the pandemic.

This year, he will also use the visit to express his solidarity with victims of terrorism in the region.

Hamza Alkali

Religion

Eid-El-Fitril is on Monday- Saudi Arabia, Saad Abubakar

By Web News 1075


The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced that the moon of Shawwal which will mark the end of Ramadan 1443 has not been sighted.

Subsequently, the month of Ramadan will continue and end tomorrow which is the 30th day of the month.

“The Crescent for the month of Shawwal 1443 was NOT SEEN today, subsequently: Monday, 2nd May 2022 will be the day of Eid Al Fitr,” the Saudi Arabia announcement read. 

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) have asked Muslims to look out for the new moon.

According to the Islamic rulings, the sighting of the new moon on the 29th of Ramadan will mark the end of the month. However if it is not sighted, the month will proceed to complete 30 days.

According the Saudi Arabia astronomers, the moon of Shawwal was not sighted today the 29th of Ramadan and the 1443 AH (2022) Ramadan will complete 30 days and Eid-il-Fitr will hold on Monday May 2, 2022

In the same vein, His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Saad Abubakar has declared Monday the second of May 2022 as the first day of Shawwal 1443 after Hijira.

In a statement signed by the chairman Advisory Committee on religious affairs Sultanate council Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee says the declaration followed a report from the various Moon Sighting Committee across the country confirming the non Sighting of the crescent of Shawwal 1443 after Hijira on Saturday the twenty ninth of Ramadan equivalent to the thirtieth of April 2022

The statement says tomorrow would be the thirtieth of Ramadan and Monday would be the first day of Shawwal.

Intel Region/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

Sport

2022 AWFCON: Nigeria Draws South Africa

By Web News 1439

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have South Africa as their Group C rivals in the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), as well as Botswana and Burundi.

They were drawn in the same group at the official draw ceremony held at the Complex Mohamed VI in Rabat, Morocco on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Group A of the women football competition billed for July in Morocco has the hosts, Burkina Faso, Senegal and Uganda.

Group B has Cameroon, Zambia, Tunisia and Togo.

NAN reports that it is the first time 12 teams will be participating in the tournament with Togo, Burundi, Burkina Faso and Botswana as debutants.

The tourney kicks off in Rabat on July 2 with the final match to be played on July 23.

NAN/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

Lifestyle

“He has made a sacrificial exit for Nigeria” – Peller mourns Alaafin

By Web News 664

A lawmaker representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa federal constituency at the lower chamber of the National Assembly and the Ayedero of Yorubaland, Honourable Shina Peller, has described the passing of a revered Yoruba traditional ruler, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo, as a sacrificial exit for the entire Yorubaland and Nigeria at large.

Honourable Peller stated this in his tribute to the late Alaafin of Oyo, where he described him as a father, motivator and youth-driven monarch who would always encourage the youth to rise up to the challenge of taking the lead in the rebuilding process of Nigeria.

The federal lawmaker, who expressed his heartfelt condolences to the entire people of Yorubaland and Nigeria at large, recalled his relationship with the late monarch stating that he grew up knowing the Alaafin as his father and a close ally of his biological father, the late Professor Moshoood Abiola Peller.

In the same vein, the Ayedero of Yorubaland revealed that it was the late monarch that advised him in 2018 to join politics and vie for an elective position even when he had no intention. He added that the late Oba Lamidi challenged him again in 2020 to take up the task of promoting peace and prosperity in the land, hence the conferment of chieftaincy title of Ayedero of Yorubaland on him by the Alaafin of Oyo.

“It was with a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of our revered monarch, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo. His exit is so painful. However, it is God’s promise that every soul must have a taste of death, and we take solace in the fact that our royal father lived a fulfilled life.

“I was very close to the Alaafin, and my relationship with him could be described in different ways. He was like a father to me because I grew up knowing him as one. He was a very close ally of my late father, Professor Peller; they were very good friends.

“Also, the late Oba Lamidi, a youth-driven monarch, was a great motivator to me. He would always tell me about the need for the youth to rise up to the challenge of rebuilding Nigeria. It was on this note that he advised that I joined the political race in 2018, even when I had no intention. I remember vividly how he prayed for me that my people would vote for me as their representative at the lower chamber. And behold, it happened.

“Moreover, sometimes in 2020, the royal father called to inform me of his decision to confer on me the traditional chieftaincy title of Ayedero of Yorubaland, the promoter of peace and prosperity in the land. He explained that our society was witnessing a very critical and challenging period citing the COVID-19 pandemic and insecurity as instances. He added that there was need for me to take up the challenge of promoting peace in the land, adding that my youthfulness, influence, experience and exposure informed his decision.

“So, Alaafin’s exit remains a great loss not just to the entire Yorubaland and Nigeria, but to me personally as his son. He believed so much in me, and I will miss him. I pray that God overlooks his shortcomings, and may his soul find peace with God both in the grave and on the day of Judgement. I also pray that God consoles his immediate family, loved ones, close relatives and associates that he has left behind. My father, the Alaafin, has made a sacrificial exit for us all, and may peace reign in our land even after his demise. Amen.”

PR/Adewumi Faniran

News

Insurgency not about Religion, Ethnicity – President Buhari

By Web News 572

President Muhammadu Buhari , Wednesday in Abuja, said the Boko Haram insurgency has neither religious nor ethnic underpinning, and with adequate education, majority of Nigerians now know the truth.

The President spoke when he received the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karin Khan, at State House, Abuja, saying that with concerted public enlightenment, it had become clear to the people that Boko Haram was a perversion of religion, rather than Islamic ideology.

According to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Buhari said, “To say Western education is unacceptable (Haram) is very fraudulent. That is why we are fighting them, and educating the people. Education is fundamental. Religion and ethnicity are out of it. Some people have just made it a lifestyle to cause confusion, destruction, and death.”

The statement is titled ‘With adequate education, people now know that Boko Haram is neither about religion nor ethnicity, President Buhari tells ICC prosecutor’

“God is justice. You can’t kill innocent people, and shout; Allah Akbar, God is great. It’s either you don’t know that God at all, or you are simply being stupid.

“To say Western education is unacceptable (Haram) is very fraudulent. That is why we are fighting them, and educating the people. And we are succeeding a lot. We came to office when things were very bad, but we are educating the people.

Punch/Taiwo Akinola

Politics

Nigeria will be productive If I’m voted for – Obi

By Web News 613

A presidential aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party, Peter Obi, has told party stakeholders in Enugu State that he will rescue Nigeria from its present economic challenges, if given an opportunity to lead the country.

Obi, who stated this during meeting with state Executive members of the party, at the party secretariat in Enugu, lamented the dwindling economic fortunes of Nigeria.

Speaking with the newsmen after the meeting, the former governor of Anambra state decried the country’s debt burden.

“We even borrow to service debts. What we are sharing is finished. We need wealth creators. We need to move Nigeria to become a productive nation.

“The cumulative effect of the failure of our leadership in the past decades is what we are suffering from now. So we just have to do things right. Countries don’t fail overnight.”

The PDP presidential aspirant asserted that the best way to save Nigeria from its present economic challenges was to shoot up the production sector by ensuring that all borrowings are channeled into the productive sector.

Others, he said, were to reduce the cost of running governance, create job opportunities for the teeming population of Nigerian youths and enhance food security for every citizen.

Speaking on the incessant killings across the country, Obi said if given the opportunity to lead he would curtail it to pave way for the production sector to thrive, noting that, food security would be one of the top priorities of his administration.

“Natural security is when human beings know where their next meal will come from. 98 million Nigerians are living below the poverty line. The poverty rate in Nigeria with a population of about 200 million people is far higher than that of China and India with populations of over 2.8 billion people combined.

“Unemployment rate in Nigeria is the highest. More than fifty percent of our young people who are of productive age are doing nothing. We want to move Nigeria from consumption to production “.

Culled/Taiwo Akinola

Lifestyle

Easter: Gov. Abiodun Enjoins Christians to Pray for Nigeria

By Web News 617

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on Christians in the state to pray for Ogun state and Nigeria during this Easter celebration. 
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun  said Jesus had made greatest sacrifice and his resurrection should serve as an assurance that the country would surmount its present challenges.
While calling on Christians to see the Easter period as not only for celebration of triumph of Christ over death, but a period of sober reflection, particularly, at this moment the nation was facing insecurity and economic downturn, the Governor urged them to celebrate moderately.
Governor Abiodun pointed out that the greater love had been demonstrated to mankind by Jesus who  died to give life to the world, nothing that Easter celebration renews hope in mankind.
He also urged Christians to be their brothers’ keepers,  saying that the essence of the celebration was to show love and be good neighbours.
Bolanle Adesida

Politics

Pray for Nigeria during Ramadan – Shina Peller

By Web News 1227

A member of the House of Representatives representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency, Oyo State, Shina Peller has called on the Muslim faithful to leverage the holy month of Ramadan to pray for Nigeria.

Peller made the call via his social media platforms whilst he was congratulating Muslims on the commencement of Ramadan. 

He also observed that the Ramadan period was an opportunity for Muslims to purify their mind, body and soul.

Similarly, the federal legislator argued that most of the challenges that Nigeria was confronted with are attributed to system failure.

He added that in addressing this, it was the duty of every patriotic Nigerian to take part in the rebuilding process of Nigeria, which he said required creating a new functional system that would make the existing one obsolete. 

He wrote: “I wish every one of us a blessed Ramadan as fasting begins. Importantly, we must remember that Ramadan presents to us an opportunity to purify our mind, body and soul as well as an opportunity to pray for our dear country, Nigeria.” 

“Our country is suffering from system failure but God didn’t create Nigeria to fail, our country is blessed with so many natural and human capital resources, so we have no reason to fail. What is required for us at this Holy Month of Ramadan is to pray to God to guide us aright especially in electing the right leaders as the 2023 general election beckons.” 

“As a patriotic citizen, I can’t pretend that all is well with our country presently, truly within the last 3 decades Nigeria has been confronted with so many challenges which are all attributed to symptoms of a system failure, and this is what we all have to address. Our founding fathers didn’t build Nigeria for Nigerians alone, but Nigeria for the whole of Africa! With all the resources that God has blessed us with, what genuine excuse do we have not to make Nigeria work? What excuse do we have not to function as a giant of Africa that we are meant to be?”

“Don’t misunderstand me, I’m not trying to blame anyone in particular for the system failure. In fact, this is not the time for blame game, it is the time to come together as Nigerians and pray purposefully for our country; it is the time to do the needful by participating in the rebuilding process of our dear country. In doing so, we need to create a new functional system that will make the existing one obsolete, and this is a task that we all must be willing to carry out. Once again, let’s seize the opportunity of the Holy Month to pray for Nigeria. Ramadan Mubarak!”.

Adewumi Faniran

Religion

Ramadan Begins in Nigeria – Sultan

By Web News 742

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has announced that 1443AH Ramadan will start in the country on Saturday, April 2.

The NSCIA President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, announced this on Friday in a broadcast.

He said the new moon of Ramadan was sighted in different parts of the country and that reports of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations across the country.

“After due verification and authentication by the national moon sighting committee and states committees’ confirmation, as well as routine scrutiny, I hereby announce the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan signifies the end of Sha’aban 1443 AH.

”In accordance with Islamic law, Muslim ummah is to commence fasting on Saturday accordingly,” he said.

The Sultan enjoined Muslim faithful to devote themselves fully to the worship of Allah throughout the holy month, urging them to use the period to pray for the progress, peace and prosperity of the nation.

He called for sustained prayers for leaders to enable them to lead the country to prosperity.

“We further call on Nigerians to continue to live peacefully with one another irrespective of religious and tribal difference,” he added.

Abubakar further urged wealthy individuals to assist the poor and stressed the need for increased religious tolerance and brotherhood in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan also starts on Saturday in Saudi Arabia and some Arab countries.

Punch/Olaolu Fawole

Sport

Eguavoen Steps Down as Super Eagles Head Coach

By Web News 698

Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles, Austin Eguavoen has stepped down following the failure of the Super Eagles of Nigeria to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

A statement from the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF says, the Federation has in the meantime withdrawn the two-and-half years contract offered the coaches and terminated the appointment of the entire technical crew of the team with immediate effect.

It notes that a new crew will be announced after a proper review to lead the new charge of reinvigorating the Super Eagles to face future challenges appropriately.

According to NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, “We thank the coaches and team officials for their service to the nation and wish them success in their future endeavours,”

Olaolu Fawole

Exceptional Africans News

Uncommon Surgical Feat By A Nigerian Doctor

By Web News 2126

In recent years, a number of Nigerians have projected the country in the limelight of the medical profession.

These outstanding individuals have through hard work and dedication to duty, projected themselves and earned the respect of their contemporaries in countries of across the globe.

These Nigerians have left indelible prints in the sands of time in countries including; America, Canada, Australia and Europe.

One of such people is Dr Oluyinka Olutoye.

Dr. Oluyinka Olutoye is a renowned fetal and pediatric Nigeria born surgeon based in Texas, USA.

In 2016, he successfully operated on a baby-in-utero. 

The mother, at the 23rd week of pregnancy had gone for a routine ultra-sound and it was discovered that her baby had a rare birth defect known as sacrococcygeal teratoma, a large tumor located on the fetus’ tailbone. 

“This is a very opportune time to be joining the organization as we build upon the already impressive success of our surgical services to help children around the country and increasingly around the world,” he said.” 

Dr Oluyinka Olutoye

“I look forward to the privilege of leading and collaborating with this team in the next phase of our journey.”

Olutoye led a team of 21 doctors to remove the tumor. The five-hour surgery involved removing the baby from the uterus for 20 minutes so as to remove the tumor and then placing the baby back into the womb for the remainder of the gestation period, after which she was safely delivered.

For this groundbreaking feat, Olutoye was appointed surgeon-in-chief at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in the US. 

He now leads one of the largest children’s hospital surgery departments in the world.

Olutoye received his medical degree from the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. In 1996, he went on to earn his PhD in anatomy from Virginia Commonwealth University. 

He completed his residency in general surgery at the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals, Virginia Commonwealth University, and his fellowships in pediatric and fetal surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr Olutoye is certified in surgery and pediatric surgery by the American Board of Surgery. 

He is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the West African College of Surgeons. Olutoye is a member of the American Surgical Association, the American Pediatric Surgical Association and past president of the International Fetal Medicine and Surgery Society.

In 2019, Olutoye was appointed Professor and the E. Thomas Boles Chairman of the pediatric surgery at the Ohio State University College of Medicine.

He has not ceased blazing the trail in this chosen career of his.

Olaitan Oye-Adeitan

Sport

Super Eagles Vs Black Stars: FG Declares Half Working Day For Civil Servants

By Web News 851

The Federal government has directed all offices to close by 1pm, on Tuesday, March 29.

A circular issued by Permanent Secretary (Service Welfare Office) Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe, for Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, says this is to mobilise Nigerians for the 2nd leg World Cup qualifier between Ghana and Nigeria at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.

The circular notes that there is need to ensure massive support for the Nigerian Team and consequently all offices will be closed by 1 O clock in the afternoon on Tuesday.

The Circular

It calls on Permanent Secretaries to give the circular wide publicity to achieve the desired result.

Olaolu Fawole

Lifestyle

IWD: Scholar Calls for Improved Celebration in 2023

By Web News 646

Coordinator of Education, Gender, Youth and Family Network says this year’s International Women Day Celebration has contributed to the self realisation, progress, and development of women in Nigeria.

Professor Helen Bodunde in a Statement made available in Abeokuta noted that the day as celebrated in Ogun state by Men and Women was signifying that Nigerians are getting enlightened on issues relating to the female gender.

The coordinator of the Non-governmental body, EDUGUF-N stressed that women have for long proved to be a tool for progress, and development of the society having operated as mother, wife and daughter in the family settings while women have also proved to be successful as workers business partners, and political office holders.

Professor Bodunde hinted biases for women in governance, schools and the workplaces are expected to reduce due to the enlightenment and publicity given to the issue of bias against womenfolk.

The professor of English as second language noted that EDUGUF-N was determined on improving issues affecting women and commended the 2022 year’s International Women’s Day calling for an improved celebration in 2023.

Wale Oluokun