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NYSC collaborates with Bank of Ireland, commercial banks on SAED

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The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has received N3.6 billion in start-up loans from the Bank of Industry (BoI) and partner banks to boost the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program.

The industrial bank made the announcement at the 2021 NYSC-SAED festival closing ceremony in Abuja on Friday.

Read Also:  Nigeria’s debt increased by N2.54tn in 3 month, hit N38tn

“So far, BOI and other partners have donated N3.6 billion in setup loans to over 1000 beneficiaries,” according to BoI.

“Despite the obvious challenges in the business environment, several measures have been put in place, such as inflation of market negatives for an improved framework for effective project monitoring.”

Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, the Special Guest of Honour, urged captains of industry and financial institutions to provide more credit and venture capital to corps members and entrepreneurs.

Mrs. Buhari, who was represented by the Vice-wife, President’s Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, said: “I am especially delighted that the NYSC has sustained the SAED Festival since its inaugural edition in 2017.”

“This demonstrates that the scheme has continued to play an important role in nation-building in its 48 years of existence.”

Read Also:  NYSC Trust Fund bill passes first reading in House of Reps

Promoting national unity, integration, and providing manpower for critical sectors of the economy have all been part of this role.

The SAED’s current focus on youth entrepreneurship has raised the scheme’s relevance to new heights.

“I urge industry leaders and financial institutions to expand access to credit and venture capital for these service members and entrepreneurs.”

The corps members’ level of skill and the quality of their products demonstrated during the festival that Nigeria has the manpower to grow in leaps and bounds.

“I applaud the NYSC Director-General, Brig-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and the scheme’s management for their tenacity in ensuring the scheme’s relevance through the SAD program.”

In addition, the Director General of the NYSC, Gen. Ibrahim, stated that over 1.4 million Corps members have been educated on the importance of self-empowerment.

He went on to say that 764,677 people have completed the full skills and entrepreneurship training, and that up to 18,682 people have started businesses using self-help, bank loans, and grants.

“With the help of partners like the Bank of Industry, we’ve kept moving forward in our efforts to ensure the program’s success.”

Read Also:  How NYSCTF program will boost skill acquisition, entrepreneurship – Brig-Gen Ibrahim

Access Bank, Unity Bank, Leventis Foundation Nigeria, British-America Tobacco Foundation, and a long list of others are just a few examples.

“Parts of the benefits of our collaborations include financial grants and loans to Corps members for the implementation of their business plans, as well as the establishment of zonal skill training centers across the country.”

“I am pleased to report to this gathering that successive batches of Corps members have shown more than a passing interest in the SAED program.

Gen. Shuaibu enumerated the challenges facing SAED, saying:

“As we celebrate our achievements today, I will not overlook the fact that implementing SAED is not without its challenges.”

The lack of training logistics and limited funding opportunities are two of the most significant. Only a small percentage of these Corps entrepreneurs have access to start-up capital.

“This influenced the proposal to establish the National Youth Service Corps Trust Fund in part” (NYSCTF).

Read Also:  Ambassador to UN hails NYSC on contribution to national development

“Aside from assisting with the provision of adequate operational infrastructure for the Scheme’s success, the Fund will make the SAED program more impactful, particularly through the provision of training logistics and start-up funds to help Corps entrepreneurs realize their business plans.”

Nigeria’s debt increased by N2.54tn in 3 month, hit N38tn

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Nigeria’s public debt reached N38.005 trillion at the end of the third quarter of 2021, according to the Debt Management Office (DMO).

According to a press release on DMO’s website, the total debt figure included the federal government’s total external and domestic debts, as well as the debts of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

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

“In line with its practice, the Debt Management Office has published Nigeria’s total public debt as of September 30, 2021,” the statement said. Nigeria’s public debt was N38.005 trillion ($92.626 billion) at the end of Q3 2021, according to data that includes the Federal Government of Nigeria, 36 state governments, and the Federal Capital Territory’s total external and domestic debts.

“The increase of N2.540 trillion when compared to the corresponding figure of N35.465 trillion at the end of Q2 2021 was largely accounted for by the $4 billion Eurobonds issued by the government in September 2021,” the statement continued.

Read Also:  Buhari’s achievements will go down in history – South East APC leaders

“The issuance of the $4 billion Eurobonds has provided significant benefits to the economy by increasing the level of Nigeria’s external reserves, thereby supporting the naira exchange rate and providing necessary capital to enable the Federal Government to finance various projects in the budget,” the statement continued.

“The triple tranche $4 billion Eurobond, issued in September 2021, was for the implementation of the new $6.18 billion external borrowing authorized by the Appropriations Act of 2021.

Buhari’s achievements will go down in history – South East APC leaders

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coic
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On the occasion of his 79th birthday on Friday, December 17, 2021, Southeast leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) evaluated President Muhammadu Buhari’s current leadership and also poured encomium on the Nigerian leader.

President Buhari said on Friday in Turkey that after the 2023 presidential election, he would hand over to his successor and return to his farm in Daura, Katsina State.

The president was in Istanbul, Turkey, for the 3rd Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit, which President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is hosting.

Buhari’s spokesman, Garba Shehu, said Buhari began the day by cutting his 79th birthday cake, which was molded in national colors of green, white, and green, before chairing a planning meeting with officials in his delegation and then driving to the Dolmabahce Palace for a meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Erdogan.

Read also:  Four people killed, one injured In new militia attack in Southern Kaduna

However, in a statement issued on Friday, Nigerian Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development and APC chieftain, Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah, said that history will always be kind to President Muhammadu Buhari and will remember him for his exceptional leadership, adding that the Nigerian leader has left a legacy of accomplishments.

He insisted that Buhari has shown unwavering commitment to developing and uniting the Nigerian nation, and referred to the country’s number one citizen as “boss and leader par excellence.”

Ogah, on the other hand, congratulated the President on the auspicious occasion and prayed to Almighty God to protect and strengthen him so that he can continue to serve Nigeria and her people selflessly.

“As my leader and boss, you have shown unwavering commitment to the development and unity of our dear nation,” the Abia-born minister said in part. Your life has left an enviable legacy of accomplishments that span the entire stratosphere of a typical Nigerian’s life.

“I pray that Almighty God will continue to protect you and grant you many more years of good health so that you can continue to serve and lead the nation selflessly.”

Read Also:  Buhari at 79: Nigerians faced most difficult, challenging times under Buhari’s leadership -Tinubu

On Friday, Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s sense of integrity, patriotism, and devotion to humanity has given Nigerians unwavering confidence in the country’s dignity and well-being.

Umahi also congratulated the President on his birthday, saying he was proud to be associated with his charming personal character and the discipline with which he leads.

“Our prayers and solidarity are with you always,” Umahi says, “and we pray God to continue to give you strength and wisdom as you advance our nation’s cause.”

Senator Hope Uzodinma, the governor of Imo State, praised Buhari in a statement posted on his official Facebook page on the occasion of his birthday on Friday, describing him as a visionary leader who has exhibited uncommon wisdom, remarkable vision, and exemplary leadership in steering the nation’s affairs.

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

He believes that the President’s thoughtful leadership and vision have had a positive impact on every aspect of the country and have dramatically changed Nigeria’s infrastructure development.

Uzodinma went on to say that the President’s abilities and leadership style had elevated democracy to new heights, calling him an inspiration to the country and Africa.

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

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coic
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As the country’s daily COVID-19 tally continues to rise, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported 1,584 new infections.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, the CDC provided an update on the disease outbreak in the country, revealing that new cases had been confirmed in ten states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

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

According to data from the National Center for Health Statistics, the number of cases reported on Friday is the highest in the last ten months.

The last time the country had a single-day tally higher than this was on February 6, when the health agency announced that 1,588 new infections had been confirmed.

This comes as Nigeria’s case count surpasses 1,000 for the third day in a row, following 1,424 and 1,051 cases reported on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

Nigeria had 1,588 cases on February 6, 2021, according to a screenshot.

Authorities in Lagos have declared a fourth wave of the pandemic in the state, citing concerns about a recent spike in the number of cases reported daily.

Lagos had the highest number of new cases with 906, followed by FCT and Rivers with 258 and 217 new infections, respectively.

Edo has 85, Oyo has 50, Ogun has 16, Ondo has 14, Bayelsa has 12, Osun has 10, Bauchi has nine, and Kano has seven.

Read Also:  French President forced to cancel trip to Mali due to COVID-19 crisis

While the states of Ekiti and Sokoto reported no new cases, the NCDC said one more person died, bringing the total number of deaths in the country to 2,984.

Nigeria has confirmed a total of 222,655 cases since the disease’s outbreak in the country in late February 2020, with 211,373 infected people discharged.

According to the NCDC, 3,686,403 samples have been collected and tested, with 8,091 cases still active in various states and the FCT.

Buhari at 79: Nigerians faced most difficult, challenging times under Buhari’s leadership -Tinubu

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coic
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Nigerians have faced some of the most difficult and challenging times during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, according to Bola Tinubu, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Despite the challenges, Tinubu said Buhari had continued to steer the country in the right direction.

Read Also:  Four people killed, one injured In new militia attack in Southern Kaduna

In a congratulatory statement on Buhari’s 79th birthday, he made the remark.

The president celebrated his 79th birthday yesterday by cutting a cake in Istanbul, Turkey, where he is attending President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s 3rd Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit.

Former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, on the other hand, praised Buhari as a great reformer and democrat.

“Your legacy as a great reformer and democrat will live long into the future,” Tinubu says.

“You are a man of exceptional intellect and character.

“Your presidency has coincided with some of the most difficult and challenging times this country, and indeed the entire world, has ever known.

“Economic crises, global pandemics, insecurity, and criminality have all contributed to the people of our great country having a difficult time in recent years.

Read also:  Medical doctor kidnapped in Adamawa set freed by bandits

“Yet, despite everything, you continue to steer the ship of Nigeria through the most turbulent of waters, calmly and with uncommon dignity.”

Four people killed, one injured In new militia attack in Southern Kaduna

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coic
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Four people were killed in a new attack by suspected Fulani militia at Zaman Dabo village in the Atyap Chiefdom of Kaduna State’s Zangon Kataf Local Government Area.

The Atyap Chiefdom has been targeted by suspected Fulani militias on several occasions, killing a small number of people, setting houses on fire, and destroying other property, including crops.

According to a source who requested anonymity, the attackers stormed the village at night and carried out their evil plan.

Read Also:  French President forced to cancel trip to Mali due to COVID-19 crisis

“Apart from the four people killed by the attackers, one person was seriously injured and was rushed to an undisclosed hospital for treatment,” the source said.

When contacted, ASP Mohammed Jalige, the State Police Public Relations Officer, promised to contact the Area Commander and get back to them.

French President forced to cancel trip to Mali due to COVID-19 crisis

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coic
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According to AFP, France’s President, Emmanuel Macron, canceled a trip to Mali to meet with the country’s transitional leader, Colonel Assimi Goita, on Friday after the European country announced new measures to combat the Coronavirus.

On Monday, the French president was set to meet Malian strongman Ibrahim Boubacar Keita for the first time since he took office in June after leading the country’s second coup in less than a year.

Read Also:  Twenty-two people died this week in İstanbul, After drinking bootleg alcohol

Macron was also scheduled to pay a Christmas visit to French troops stationed in the country to combat a jihadist insurgency.

“This decision was made to ensure consistency between national-level measures and the president’s international agenda, as well as to avoid exposing our troops” as France battles a fifth wave of the virus, according to the presidency.

The presidency, on the other hand, announced that a Christmas meal prepared by the President’s chef would be flown to French military personnel stationed in the Sahel.

It went on to say that even before the cancellation, organizing the meeting with the Goita had been difficult.

Macron had hoped to meet Goita alongside Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo, and Chad’s leader, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, but Chad declined.

Chad and other neighboring countries are also combating jihadists.

Read Also:  Medical doctor kidnapped in Adamawa set freed by bandits

The visit was timed to coincide with a tense period in France-Mali relations.

As France begins to withdraw its troops from the African country, Paris is extremely concerned about the possibility of Russian mercenaries being deployed there.

BREAKING: In Lagos, Customs intercepts a container-load of guns

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coic
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On Friday, officials from Tin Can Island Command’s Nigeria Customs Service intercepted a 1x40ft container carrying arms. It was discovered…

On Friday, officials from Tin Can Island Command’s Nigeria Customs Service intercepted a 1x40ft container carrying arms.

It was discovered that the container’s owner had declared the contents to be plasma televisions.
It was also revealed that customs officers at the command discovered cartons of guns inside.

Read Also:  Broadcasters back NBC boss, welcome reforms in sector

According to one source, the consignment was sublet to a clearing agent by another, raising the possibility that the clearing agent is aware of the contents.
Mr Uche Ejesieme, the Tin Can Customs’ Public Relations Officer, confirmed the news, saying the container of guns was discovered during a routine inspection at the TICT’s terminal B2 (Vehicle).

“The officers intercepted a container loaded with weapons, but as we speak, we have written to the terminal to evacuate the container immediately to the enforcement unit for a thorough examination so that we can determine the quantity and other pertinent information.”

“At this time, we expect the terminal to evacuate the container to the enforcement unit, where we intend to strip it, and the quantity, names of people involved, and other additional information will be available,” he said.

He went on to say that the command would inform the Customs high command in Abuja after the container had been thoroughly examined at the command’s enforcement unit, as per service protocol.

“As a result, we haven’t made an official statement about the seizure.”

“At this time, we don’t have complete information about who is behind the import, the country of origin, or the model of guns.”

“At the conclusion of the investigations, all of these will be made public,” he added.

The customs, on the other hand, vowed to track down the source of the problem and apprehend those involved.

Read Also:  Twenty-two people died this week in İstanbul, After drinking bootleg alcohol

“Most of the time, the suspect you see is those freight forwarders and agents coming in for questioning,” he assured. “However, we are more interested in getting to the importer and everyone involved in that criminal importation to put a stop to it.”

Medical doctor kidnapped in Adamawa set freed by bandits

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coic
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Dr. Saidu Bala, a medical doctor and the owner of a private hospital in Yola, Adamawa State, has been released after being kidnapped by gunmen suspected of being bandits.

Bala was abducted while visiting patients at his hospital in Ngurore, a satellite town on the outskirts of Yola, the state capital, on Monday evening.

According to reports, four assailants stormed the hospital and forcibly took him away while firing shots to scare people away.

According to family members, the doctor was released on Friday evening.

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

They also resisted requests for information about the medical doctor’s release.

According to previous reports, the gunmen contacted the family and demanded an undisclosed ransom payment in exchange for his release.

Broadcasters back NBC boss, welcome reforms in sector

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Toby
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The Digital and Online Broadcasters Association of Nigeria has welcomed the reforms introduced by Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, in the sector.

According to a statement signed by its President, Uche Lucy, on Tuesday, the group said Ilelah’s antecedent in the broadcasting industry is already yielding dividends aplenty.

Recall that Ilelah took over from Prof Armstrong Idachaba who was in Acting capacity since February 2020 following the suspension of Mallam Is’haq Modibbo Kawu.

In barely six months on the job, Uche noted that the DG has sanitized the sector.

She, therefore, thanked President Buhari for appointing Ilelah and also creating a conducive atmosphere for him to thrive.

The group, however, urged all relevant stakeholders to extend their support to Ilelah-led NBC in their quest towards transforming the broadcasting sector.

Read full statement below:

The Digital and Online Broadcasters Association of Nigeria is issuing this press statement given the prevailing circumstances occasioned by the leadership strides at the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

The new leadership of the NBC under Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, whose antecedent in the broadcast industry speaks volumes of a broadcaster per excellence and with vast knowledge of the intricacies inherent in broadcasting in contemporary times.

The Digital and Online Broadcasters Association of Nigeria lauds the new leadership drive at the NBC that aims to reposition the commission to fulfil its regulatory supervision of the broadcast industry in Nigeria.

The reforms introduced by the new leadership at NBC have been noteworthy and indicative of a more conducive atmosphere for the thriving broadcast industry in Nigeria. This, in our opinion, is a welcome development and long overdue due to the strategic importance of the broadcast industry in society-building.

The membership of the Digital and Online Broadcasting Association of Nigeria views the reforms introduced by the NBC leadership towards sanitizing the sector as a step in the right direction that must be sustained.

It is our considered opinion that the DG of the NBC, Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, indeed hit the ground running since his appointment and brought decades of experience in the broadcast industry to bear in the administration of the NBC.

We also wish to commend the management team of the NBC for providing the necessary support towards the actualization of the reforms introduced towards attaining the overarching objective of the NBC.

As critical stakeholders in the industry, the Digital and Online Broadcasters Association of Nigeria wishes to use this medium to express our delight in the leadership stride at the NBC and pledges our support towards the full implementation of the reforms aimed at sanitizing the broadcast industry in Nigeria.
We are grateful to Mr President for the sound choice of Balarabe Shehu Ilelah as director-general of the NBC. This goes a long way to show the commitment of Mr President towards creating a conducive atmosphere for the broadcast industry in Nigeria to thrive.

We call on all relevant stakeholders to extend their support to the Balarabe Shehu Ilelah led NBC in implementing the notable reforms that would see the thriving of the broadcast industry in Nigeria.

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