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Oyo Governor receives Booster Shot in Covid-19

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Oyo Governor receives Booster Shot in Covid-19

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State received the Covid-19 booster shot on Tuesday for added protection against the pandemic’s ravaging effects.

The governor received the vaccine while launching the Covid-19 mass vaccination campaign in the state, which was held at the Aleshinloye Market, and urged residents to take advantage of the free service.

He said the flag-off was another logical step taken by the state to stop the virus from spreading, and that it was based on data and scientific evidence that the vaccines were safe in protecting people from the virus’s worst effects.

Read Also:  In two weeks, Nigeria records 500% increase in Covid-19 infections, putting viruses into 4th wave

The governor praised frontline workers who, he said, have been working tirelessly for nearly two years to combat the virus in the state, and promised that the government would continue to provide them with the resources they need to complete the task.

“I want to recognize our development partners in particular because you have given us the vaccines for free, and we are also giving it to our people for free,” Makinde said. This flag-off is just another logical step in our efforts to contain Covid-19 in Oyo State, which continues to be based on data and science that vaccines are safe in protecting us from the virus’s worst effects. Even the data from around the world backs us up.”

He urged residents to take advantage of the free service to get vaccinated, giving themselves and their loved ones an extra layer of protection against Covid-19. He also urged residents who have already been fully vaccinated to get a booster shot and to always follow Covid-19 safety precautions.

“I’m sure most of us saw in the news that more than a million vaccine doses had to be destroyed in Nigeria because we couldn’t get them out.” This is yet another opportunity to mobilize our people and get as many of them vaccinated as possible. Governor Makinde continued, “We need to reach out to everyone, which is why we have come to an open place like this to seek your support.”

Read Also:  Number of new COVID-19 cases in Nigeria has reached 1,584, highest in ten months

Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Bode Ladipo, stated that the event was held to officially launch the Covid-19 mass vaccination campaign across the state’s 33 local government areas in order to stem the virus’s spread. He added that the state has been able to vaccinate over 722,000 people, of whom over 200,000 have been fully vaccinated, and test about 75,000 people, of whom 9,300 have tested positive.

“Your Excellency, with your leadership since the 21st of March when the task force was put together for the Covid-19, we followed your principle of looking at data, examining science, and basing our discretion on logic and decisions going forward,” Ladipo said.

He stated that there had been an expected increase in the last two months due to festivities and the movement of people across borders and boundaries, and that the state had recorded 417 positive cases in the last seven days and 122 cases in the previous two days.

Read Also:  WHO added ninth COVID-19 vaccine to list of emergency vaccines

“So, Your Excellency, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, what we are doing today is actually part of the effort in Oyo State to stem the tide of Covid-19.” Vaccination is free and available to anyone over the age of 18, and I can assure you that we have put in place a lot of infrastructure to ensure that vaccines are delivered on time,” Ladipo concluded.

Muslim group commends Buhari over choice of ‘detrabilised’ NCPC boss, Rev Pam

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Muslim group commends Buhari over choice of ‘detrabilised’ NCPC boss, Rev Pam

 

The Muslim Rights and Peace Assembly (MRPA) has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for fishing out Rev Yakubu Pam to head the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC).

According to a statement signed by its President, Ismail Musa Abu, Rev Pam has proven to be a peacemaker and destrabalised Nigerian loved by all, the reason for yet another accolade as ‘Icon of Peaceful Co-Existence’.

The NCPC boss who was conferred with the awrd by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bade (rtd), was among distinguished Nigerians celebrated at TheNigerian News’ fifth anniversary.

Others included Governors of Kogi, Bauchi and Nasarawa States, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, former Chief of Army Staff, Amb. Tukur Buratai among others.

According to TheNigerian News, the award was in recognition of Rev Pam’s role in fostering national unity, peace and progress.

Congratulating Rev Pam, the group said President Buhari must take the credit for the choice of the respected cleric to lead the sensitive agency.

Musa noted that at this critical time in the country’s existence, the NCPC boss has continued to use his office to preach unity, peace and tolerance.

He said Rev Pam embodies a destabilised Nigerian loved across religious and ethnic lines.

The Muslim group added that Pam actions have helped to douse the tension and suspicion amongst Christians and Muslims in the country.

According to Musa, with more of Rev Pam in the country, Nigeria will become a better place.

He, however, urged other public servants to emulate the NCPC boss to preach peace and unity at all times.

Inter-faith group commends Rev Pam on restoration of probity, transparency to pilgrim commission

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Inter-faith group commends Rev Pam on restoration of probity, transparency to pilgrim commission

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace ( NIFROP) has commended Rev. Yakubu Pam for restoring probity, transparency and accountability to the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission.

The inter-faith group gave the commendation on Monday in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Bishop Sunday Garuba, in Abuja.

Garuba said this was in reaction to Rev Pam’s recognition as ‘Icon of Peaceful Co-Existence’ by TheNigerian News Group at an event to mark its fifth anniversary last week.

The NCPC boss who was conferred with the awrd by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bade (rtd), was among distinguished Nigerians celebrated at the ceremony.

Others included Governors of Kogi, Bauchi and Nasarawa States, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, former Chief of Army Staff, Amb. Tukur Buratai among others.

According to TheNigerian News, the award was in recognition of Rev Pam’s role in fostering national unity, peace and progress as well as the new dimension he has given the NCPC.

Congratulating the respected Christain cleric, NIFROP said Pam has gone beyond a mere peace ambassador to become an icon of integrity, transparency and accountability.

Bishop Garuba noted that as the
Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) of the 19 Northern states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Rev Pam’s leadership virtues have never been indoubt.

He said the NCPC Executive Secretary was tailor-made for the job with a rich resume and solid background in the body of Christ.

“To be frank, we are not surprised with the recognition he is getting here and there,” Garuba said. “Rev Pam has always been known as an upright man who has a track-record of selfless service, integrity and accountability.

” As a body of Christ, we are proud of him. It is a testament that a cleric whether Christian or Muslim can indeed hold a political office and remain incorruptable. Just take a look at the NCPC, the evidence is glaring.

“He has made a drastic turnaround in their operations in just a little over a year at the saddle. His staff are more dedicated, committed and purposeful – always with a big grin on their faces. I heard six of his directors accompanied him to receive his latest awards. This means the man is loved.

” We also learnt of the praises he received from the Emir of Lafia. It is indeed a thing of pride for us all”.

Centre commends NSCDC boss on TheNigerian News’ award as Security Icon of the Year

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Centre commends NSCDC boss on TheNigerian News’ award as Security Icon of the Year

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The Centre for Human Rights and Rule of Law in Africa has commended the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi, for emerging ‘Security Icon of the Year’.

Dr Audi was among distinguished Nigerians recognised by UK-based media group, TheNigerian News at its fifth anniversary on Thursday in Abuja.

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammed as well as former Chief of Army Staff, now Ambassador to Benin Republic, Ambassador Tukur Buratai also received honours at the event.

Congratulating the CG, the Centre said since coming on board, Audi has embarked on various structural and institutional reforms in the paramilitary agency, making its operations more effective and highly efficient.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Colins Omita, on Friday, the Centre noted that “the high-point of his strategic reform was repositioning the NSCDC to stepping into the gap in our quest for a better secured Nigeria”.

It added that, ” a gap necessitated by the overstretched security formations across the country. The successes witnessed by the NSCDC in partnering with other relevant security agencies to relentlessly repel bandits attacks across the country has been attributed to the resilience and firm leadership of Abubakar Audi.

“It was also his NSCDC that has continued to fight for a more secured atmosphere for Nigerian students, even as bandits and other criminal elements continue to mount aggressive attacks on schools across the Northern part of the country. It is to the credit of Audi-led NSCDC that so many schools in Nigeria today has continued to learn under a peaceful atmosphere”.

The Centre, however, urged the NSCDC boss to sustain the momentum and not rest on his oars.

“She’s Always RAZZZ” – Reactions to Angel’s Bikini Dance Video

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“She’s Always RAZZZ” – Reactions to Angel’s Bikini Dance Video

Angel Smith, a reality TV star, has received mixed reactions after posting a dance video of herself in a bikini.

The ex-Big Brother Naija reality star, who debunked pregnancy rumors and condemned pointing out others’ weight gain, flaunts her body in a well-fitting bikini.

Social media users had mixed reactions after she shared a dance video of herself in a bikini on her Instastory.

“Baby flaunt your natural body with nice skin,” one fan wrote, “not those people showing us take strong yash with Ant leg.”

Read Also:  Lagos issues bond to raise N137.3 billion to fund infrastructure projects

“She always looks RAZZZ,” said another.
Meanwhile, Nkechi Blessing, a Nigerian actress, gushes over Maria Chike Benjamin, a popular reality star, after they met at a concert.

The mother, who had previously expressed regret for breaking her leg at Wizkid’s Abuja concert, went to another music concert in Lagos, where she met the BBNaija ex-housemate.

The actress posted a photo of herself with Maria on her Instagram story, emphasizing how stunning the brand-influencer is in person.

“I saw @mariachikebenjamin, omo.” She’s spotless from head to toe… “Omo,” she penned.

“I met fine girl last night @mariachikebenjamin,” she wrote in another post. Too sweet, I’ll forget about you… Haaa.”

 

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Breaking: House approves the budget for 2022, bringing the total to N17 trillion

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Breaking: House approves the budget for 2022, bringing the total to N17 trillion

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2022 appropriation bill, bringing the total amount to N17.126 trillion.

In October, Buhari presented the Appropriation bill to both chambers of the National Assembly, dubbed a “Budget of Economic Growth and Sustainability,” with a budget estimate of 16.39 trillion dollars.

Read also: Ex-NIPC boss Yewande Sadiku cleares of fraud allegations by the ICPC

The budget was passed after Bill’s report was reviewed and adopted by the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Hon. Muktar Betara.

Later, more information will be provided……

Asaba to host National Sports Festival in 2022

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Asaba to host National Sports Festival in 2022

The National Council on Sports has approved the dates for the 21st National Sports Festival in Delta State, dubbed Asaba 2022, from November 2 to 15, 2022, just as Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, described Delta State as the nation’s sports development incubator.

Speaking at the Extraordinary National Council on Sports meeting in Asaba, Delta State’s capital, the Minister thanked the State for hosting the important sports meeting, stating that Nigeria’s sporting successes would not be complete without the State’s contribution and the giant strides of her athletes.

Read Also:  Nigeria Customs Exceeds Revenue Target for 2021

“As a result, we are on the verge of another National Sports Festival (NSF), which we refer to as our own Olympics.” The National Council on Sports is meeting today to keep the Council up to date on developments and deliberations regarding the hosting of the 21st National Sports Festival, which Delta State won the rights to host in November 2022.”
“It’s worth noting that Delta State took first place in the recently concluded Edo 2020. We are now delighted that they will have the opportunity to not only host, but also to validate their first position. Following the award of the hosting rights to Delta State, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has continued to work with the Host State to fine-tune the road map in preparation for the NSF,” Dare said.

The Minister praised the National Council on Sports for its dedication and perseverance in sports development, as well as the support he and the Ministry have received over the past two years.

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He also thanked the host Governor, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa, for his significant contribution to sports development, noting that the nation’s success at the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics would not have been possible without the 12 athletes adopted by the Governor through the Ministry’s Adopt-an-Athlete initiative.

“He single-handedly adopted the greatest number of athletes, and we are grateful that one of the two medals we won was won by one of the Governor’s athletes.” The Minister stated, “That is Ese Brume.”

The Minister announced that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), has established a Department that is solely responsible for the National Sports Festival and Para-Sports in order to elevate the National Sports Festival as Nigeria’s version of the new Olympics. “As a result of this development, para-sports has also received the attention it deserves,” the Minister concluded.

In his remarks, Governor Okowa thanked the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development for the opportunity to host the National Sports Festival, promising to not only exceed the standards set by Edo 2020 but to make the 21st edition of the games the best ever.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the hosting of the NSF dubbed “Asaba 2022” by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Minister Chief Sunday Dare was the highlight of the event.

Nigeria Customs Exceeds Revenue Target for 2021

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Nigeria Customs Exceeds Revenue Target for 2021

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has deposited N2.3 trillion in the federation account, surpassing its revenue target of N1.679 trillion set for 2021 by over N700 billion.

Timi Bomodi, the NCS’s Deputy National Public Relations Officer, said at a stakeholders and media briefing in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, that the Service had also integrated and automated over 90% of its activities.

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Mr. Bomodi stated that the achievement was made possible by the Service personnel’s diligence and hard work, as well as the support of key stakeholders.

“Despite the crippling effect of COVID-19, which has had negative effects on the socio-economic lives of people all over the world, the year 2021 has been eventful for NCS, as it has achieved major milestones.”

“The year began with high expectations in terms of revenue generation and fiscal policy enforcement, and was given the onerous task of collecting N1.679 trillion into the federation account based on the 2020 target achieved.”

“Through the diligence and hard work of its officers and the support of key stakeholders, the Service was able to achieve remarkable successes in all of its key performance indexes.” “In the current fiscal year, the NCS has already exceeded expectations in terms of revenue generation by exceeding the government’s target of N2.3 trillion,” he said.

Smuggling prevention

In terms of anti-smuggling, Bomodi claims that the NCS has made significant seizures of prohibited and dangerous items such as arms and ammunition, pangolin scales, and hard drugs.

Read Also:  NCC establishes dollar-based Int’l termination rate for voice calls

“In August, the Service seized 17,137 kg of pangolin scales, 44 kg elephant tusks, and 60 kg of pangolin claws, all worth over N22 billion,” he said.

“This was made possible by active collaboration between NCS, US, UK, and German officials, who assisted in the tracking of the suspicious shipment and resulted in the arrest and prosecution of some foreign nationals and their local collaborators.”

“In October, FOU operatives in Zone A seized 751 bullets hidden in garri sacks, and in September, arms, ammunition, and military uniforms were intercepted at Tincan port Lagos, to name a few.”

“Our warehouses are overflowing with seizures of rice, groundnut oil, used clothing, used vehicles, and other items in all border formations.”

“A landmark seizure of cocaine with a DPV of $54 million was made at Apapa Area 1 Command with the help of other sister agencies and the Nigerian Navy.” The illicit substance was discovered in one of the compartments of a bulk carrier of sugar, making this a one-of-a-kind seizure.

“97 containers carrying illicit, expired drugs and other offensive goods with a DPV of N17.5 billion were seized in the same command.”

According to Bomodi, customs officers across the country make arrests and seizures on a daily basis, highlighting the fact that they work in a highly non-compliant environment.

According to him, the NCS is looking forward to working in an environment that values respect for international trade principles and practices.

“We hope that by 2022, importers, exporters, and their agents will willingly comply and take full advantage of the NCS’s expedited clearance opportunities,” he said.

Project e-Custom

The e-customs project, which is set to launch in 2022, will provide end-to-end automation with the goal of eliminating physical contact, according to Bomodi.

“In collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Service has also launched the National Vehicle Registry VReg portal, which includes an automated vehicle valuation mechanism that authenticates the Vehicle Identity Number (VIN) and validates the make, model, and year of manufacture for easy Customs value assessment.”

“NCS has also introduced mobile applications for law enforcement officers on patrol to verify the authenticity of documents.” “This app will eliminate delays in verifying genuine Customs documents on our highways, making it more difficult for forgers to get away with their illegal acts while making law-abiding citizens’ journeys easier,” he explained.

Comptroller Malanta Yusuf, Controller, Apapa Command, said the Service has deployed tools like the fast-track scheme and provisional release, among others, to enable compliant traders to clear their consignments on time from the port without incurring unnecessary demurrage.

“The NCS is also ensuring that the use of selectivity in the trade supply chain is ensured by the deployment of scanners so that items that are suspicious are deployed for physical examination while those that are not suspicious are released outright or go through documentary checks,” he said.

Read Also:  Omicron Protection Improves with Full Booster Dose -Moderna

Malanta stated that the NCS would only facilitate legitimate trade while urging importers to make honest and transparent declarations.

Omicron Protection Improves with Full Booster Dose -Moderna

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Omicron Protection Improves with Full Booster Dose -Moderna

Moderna claims that a full dose of the COVID-19 vaccine given as a booster shot provides more antibody protection against the Omicron variant than the currently approved half-strength injections.

The results were reassuring,’ according to Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel, who added that the company is still working on an Omicron-specific vaccine.

Clinical trials for a targeted vaccine are expected to begin in early 2022, according to the statement.

Read Also:  In two weeks, Nigeria records 500% increase in Covid-19 infections, putting viruses into 4th wave

The Omicron-neutralizing antibodies were measured in blood samples from 40 people who had low levels of these antibodies before receiving the booster.

For protection against COVID-19, it is currently recommended that 100 micrograms of the Moderna jab be given as a first and second dose, followed by a 50-microgram booster.

Antibodies were measured 29 days after booster participants received their third jabs, half of whom received a 50 microgram dose and half of whom received a 100 microgram dose.

According to preliminary data, antibody response to Omicron increased 37-fold at 50 micrograms, but antibody levels increased 83-fold when the dose was doubled.

“Real-world evidence is needed to determine protection against transmission and illness,” experts say.

A real-world study from South Africa published last week found that two shots of a similar mRNA jab from Pfizer/BioNTech provided around 70% protection against severe Omicron disease.

Read Also: Number of new COVID-19 cases in Nigeria has reached 1,584, highest in ten months

BioNTech CEO Ugur Sahin said in an interview published Monday in the French daily Le Monde that after a third injection, the vaccine seemed to provide between 70 and 75 percent protection against any form of the illness.

In March, he added, his company should be able to offer an Omicron-specific vaccine, pending regulatory approval.

NCC establishes dollar-based Int’l termination rate for voice calls

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NCC establishes dollar-based Int’l termination rate for voice calls

Effective January 1, 2022, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has set the new International Termination Rate (ITR) for voice calls at $0.045.

The new rate was published in the Commission’s “Determination of Mobile International Termination Rate” on November 25, 2021.

The floor price for ITR services is $0.045 and must be paid in dollars.

“No licensee shall charge and/or receive effective rate per minute below determined ITR floor rate,” NCC Director Public Affairs Dr. Adinde Ikechukwu said in a statement. As a result, payment discounts, volume discounts, and any other concession that lowers the effective ITR below the rate determined will be considered a violation of the new determination and will be subject to sanctions under the Nigerian Communications (Enforcement Process, etc.) Regulations, 2019.”

Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), said that in arriving at the new ITR of $0.045, the Commission carefully considered information provided by stakeholders and reached a decision on parameters and regulatory measures based on relevant information such as international experience, cost model results, the state of competition in the sector, and the Nigerian macroeconomic environment.

He went on to say that the process of obtaining the ITR was carried out in a transparent manner in order to provide maximum clarity to all parties while maintaining the confidentiality of commercially sensitive data.

“We are confident that the review’s findings will contribute significantly to the development of Nigeria’s telecoms sector, benefiting subscribers, operators, and the country as a whole,” he added.

The EVC expressed the Commission’s gratitude to all operators and industry stakeholders who submitted information relating to the regulation of interconnection rates and costing models, as well as the consultant, for their participation in the process leading to the Determination on behalf of the Board and Management of the NCC.

“The ITR Floor is the absolute minimum that can be charged,” he continued. Operators will be free to negotiate a rate that is higher than the floor, and this will be entirely up to commercial negotiations between operators and international carriers/partners.

“However, because the ITR only covers the cost of bringing traffic into Nigeria, Nigerian operators will continue to pay the regulated Mobile Termination Rate (MTR), which is the local termination rate, among themselves.”

Read also: Lagos issues bond to raise N137.3 billion to fund infrastructure projects

“Until a new rate is determined by the Commission pursuant to its powers as enshrined in the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003, the ITR of N3.90 for generic 2G/3G/4G operators and N4.70 for new entrant Long Term Evolution (LTE) operators determined in 2018 will continue to apply for local call terminations,” he stressed.

The N24.40k regime of 2016, according to the statement, has come to an end, adding that if it was priced in naira, it would be unfavorable to telecom operators.

“The existing interconnection rate regime was sustained by the Commission’s Mobile (voice) termination rate issued on June 1, 2018,” it continued.

“The ITR of N24.40 determined in 2016 will continue to apply until a new determination is made,” the determination reads.

“Because the ITR was denominated in naira, it had multiple negative effects on local operators, which were exacerbated by episodes of naira depreciation, which eventually turned Nigeria from a net receiver of international minutes to a net payer.”

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