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COVID-19: NYSC vows to sustain enforcement of protocols, warns against complacency

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COVID-19: NYSC vows to sustain enforcement of protocols, warns against complacency

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim has pledged the commitment of the Scheme towards the sustenance of strict enforcement of COVID-19 preventive and safety Protocols in order to guarantee seamless and smooth Orientation Course and Service Year.

The Director-General who was speaking today during a WEBINAR session on COVID-19 measures for safe orientation camp jointly organised by the NCDC/NYSC, and supported by World Health Organisation (WHO), further warned against complacency by the Prospective Corps Members and other members of the camp community, noting that camp courts have been empowered to try and met out appropriate disciplinary measures to violators of the safety protocols.

General Ibrahim stated that NYSC is in partnership with relevant health organisations in the provision of COVID-19 vaccines and urged Prospective Corps Members to avail themselves of the opportunity to be vaccinated during and after the NYSC Orientation Course.

While congratulating Prospective Corps Members for their successful graduation from various academic institutions which qualified them to be called up for national service, the Director General implored them to justify the huge investments of their parents and the Federal Government by making good use of the abundant opportunities for leadership training and self reliance availed by the Scheme.

The NYSC helmsman reiterated the need for Prospective Corps Members to be security conscious and avoid night journeys, stressing the need to reach out to NYSC Secretariats, miilitary and police formations, as well as other security agencies for shelter in a situation where their journeys extend beyond 6pm.

He also enjoined them to desist from negative use of the social media by ensuring that they always verify all information about the Scheme through the NYSC social media platforms. This according to the Director-General would mitigate the increasing spread of fake news with its negative consequences.

In his address, the Director-General Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu appreciated the NYSC for sustaining a robust partnership with the NCDC which has succeeded in strengthening adherence to COVID-19 preventive and safety protocols in the country.

He also observed that the COVID-19 pandemic has made large congregational setting unsafe and commended NYSC for the incredible sacrifice which made the sustenance of the invaluable programme possible in the new normal. Dr. Chikwe called on Prospective Corps Members to prepare for more sacrifices in order to enhance the success of the forthcoming Orientation Course, noting that the WEBINAR is to familiarise them with COVID-19 global protocols put in place for effective management of the pandemic.

In their separate contributions, Dr. Oyeladun Okunromade and Tunde Disu of NCDC dwelt on the online COVID-19 registration processes for Prospective Corps Members, staggered registration in the Camps, the need to strictly adhere to non-pharmaceutical protocols such as constant hand wash, use of facemasks, social distancing and the need to take responsibility in facilitating a COVID-19 free environment in the Camp.

Also sharing his first hand experience in the Camp, a Batch “A” Corps Member; Peter Oludamilare commended NYSC Authority for making adequate arrangements for Corps Members to participate actively in all Camp activities while observing COVID-19 preventive and safety protocols, and called on Prospective Corps Members nationwide to key in and take responsibility.

The 2021 Batch “B” Stream II Orientation Course is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 across 37 Orientation Camps nationwide and would last for three weeks.

Obasanjo has been given a new appointment

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Obasanjo has been given a new appointment

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has been appointed as the African Union’s (AU) High Representative for the Horn of Africa region by Moussa Faki Mahamat, the AU’s Chairman.

Obasanjo’s appointment, according to Mahamat, is part of the African Union’s effort to promote peace, security, stability, and political dialogue across the Horn of Africa.

According to an African Union statement, the former Nigerian President will step up engagements with all relevant political actors and stakeholders in the region in order to establish long-term peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.

Read also: Plateau Killings: As the death toll rises to 42, Sen. Gyang cries out that FG abandoned our people

“The Chairperson of the Commission expresses his gratitude to President Olusegun Obasanjo for accepting this strategic political assignment in the Union’s collective interest,” the AU said.

“The former Nigerian President brings with him a wealth of political experience, impeccable credentials, and a strong commitment to Pan-Africanism, regional integration, and cooperation, as well as a thorough understanding of the current situation in the Horn of Africa.”

Breaking: kidnapped Students from the Zamfara College of Agriculture released

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Breaking: kidnapped Students from the Zamfara College of Agriculture released

The abducted students from Bakura, Zamfara State’s College of Agriculture and Animal Science, have been released.

On Friday, the state’s governor, Muhammad Bello Mutawalle, told reporters in Gusau.

Mutawalle went on to say that they were set free thanks to repentant bandits.

He stated that no ransom was paid in exchange for their release.

Soon, there will be more information…

Interfaith clerics end 3-day prayer to intercede for Buhari’s administration, insecurity

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Interfaith clerics end 3-day prayer to intercede for Buhari’s administration, insecurity

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace, NIFROP has ended a 3-day prayer to supplicate for the success of the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration.

The prayer session which started on Tuesday and ended on Thursday was part of the divine mandate given to the group to intercede for Nigeria and  President Muhammadu Buhari.

NIFROP National Coordinator, Sunday Garuba  in his speech said despite the evil machinations of the kingdom of darkness against Nigeria, the country have remained a strong and indivisible country by the mercies and grace of God.

“God has indeed proved himself faithful to us as a people and as a country over the years and to the shame of the devil.

“My brothers and sisters, I say big congratulations to all of us for the great effort and sacrifices over the years in prayers, fasting and supplication to God on behalf of our great country.  If not for anything, we have done nobly. The bible reminds us in the book of Hebrews 6:10 that “For God is not unjust to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do” I tell you all gathered here today that the blessings of God shall continue to locate each one of us in a hundredfold in Jesus Name.

“My brothers and sisters that we are gathered here today in fulfilment of God’s mandate is an indication that God is about to do something great in our country. And in fulfilment of this divine mandate, I am happy to announce that the National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace shall be carrying out a monthly prayer meeting for peace, unity and stability in Nigeria.

“We target to have not less than 200 clergymen and women from the Unity Church and the Unity Masjid in attendance. Our joy indeed knows to bound as we are set to commence this critical assignment given to us by God in ensuring the sustenance of peace, unity and stability in Nigeria.

“My brothers and sisters, this is indeed the Lords doing, and it is marvellous in our sight. That we are leading the quest for peace, unity and stability in Nigeria is a joyous moment for the Unity Church and Unity Masjid. We must realize that this assignment is necessary for the manifestation of the glory of our country. And for this, I thank you all for this turnout today. It remains our desire that as we begin to gather here every month, the manifestation of God in all critical sectors of our country would be resounding.

” I tell you all today under the sound of my voice that all those bent on disrupting the peace, unity and stability of Nigeria shall be put to shame. The bible tells us in the book Mathew 25: 46, “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

“The bible also revealed to us in the book of Psalm 37:1-10, “Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers.

“For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.

He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your justice as the noonday.

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!

“Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.

For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.

In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.”

“My brothers and sisters, the name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Nigeria is indeed in safe hands, and why God has instructed us to begin this monthly Inter-Faith Prayer meeting for peace, unity and stability in Nigeria.

“My joy indeed knows no bound as we begin this programme, for I know what is ahead for Nigeria through this prayer meeting. For what shall be experienced in Nigeria shall surpass all human understanding, so much so that the world would call Nigeria blessed.

“My brothers and sisters, the Unity Church and the Unity Masjid, has been at the forefront of interceding on behalf of the country for several years. This much we would continue to do as God has granted us the grace to come out in our numbers for different programmes that have been impactful in the life of our dear President Muhammadu Buhari and the country at large” he said

Bishop Garuba said it remains his firm conviction that the launch of this monthly prayer meeting would herald the reign of peace, unity and stability in Nigeria. My faith in God remains unshaken, for I know that evil shall never triumph in Nigeria. Religion and ethnic division shall never triumph in Nigeria, and politically instigated insecurity shall never prevail in Nigeria.

“My brothers and sisters, the promise of God in the book of Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”  is the assurance that we have that Nigeria shall indeed experience peace, unity and stability.

“I thank you all for coming out in your numbers, and may God continue to bless us all” he concluded.

Immigration Boss: The E-Border Project Will Boost National Security

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Immigration Boss: The E-Border Project Will Boost National Security

The new E-Border Project, according to Nigeria Immigration Service Controller General NIS Muhammad Babandede, is a good initiative that will contribute to long-term security in the country.

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal officially commissioned the Sokoto State Command’s new office complex, according to Babandede.

According to him, the E-Border Project encompasses 84 Mega, Mini, and Midi border posts.

He went on to say that the 84 border posts would be equipped with surveillance equipment that would be visible for 5 kilometers around the perimeter.

“Police vehicles carrying equipment that can transmit activities online to National Headquarters would be stationed at the posts.

Read also: Group hails NEDC for exceptional service in north east

”This is a significant achievement in terms of national security because we will be able to see what is going on at the borders using digital means and will be able to alert other law enforcement agencies to respond if the need arises,” the Controller General said.

He went on to say that the pilot project had started with the Illela border and that in the next year, all 84 locations across the country would be properly installed and operational, representing a significant investment in national security.

In regards to the new office complex, he stated that when he was appointed as Immigration Chief, he pledged to establish two commands each year.

According to Babandede, providing a conducive environment for employees to efficiently carry out their duties will increase revenue generation for the country.

He also promised to make more commitments to reposition the service by focusing on employee welfare, a housing scheme, and other incentives.

He urged the officers to follow the law and avoid any form of corruption, whether at the land borders or at the airport, in order to protect the country from all forms of criminality.

President Muhammad Buhari was praised by the Controller General for his support and cooperation in helping the Nigeria Immigration Service achieve its goals.

The NIS boss praised the Sokoto State Government and Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, for their continued support and assistance to the agency.

The Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, praised the Controller General for achieving the feast while commissioning the new office complex.

” I applaud the controller general’s foresight, vision, and leadership qualities in not only ensuring that state commands now work and operate from their complexes, but also providing such commands with a conducive working environment,” Tambuwal said.

According to Tambuwal, the new office complex will help improve the command’s efficiency and productivity, particularly in this era of e-border.

“I believe that with this new complex, staff productivity will increase, and revenue will increase not only for the agency, but for the country as a whole,” Tambuwal said.

He praised Babandede for his efforts to transform the service, particularly in the area of information and communication technology, which is now the norm worldwide.

He thanked President Buhari for his support, not only for the Nigeria Immigration Service but also for other paramilitaries, and urged him to do more because they face numerous challenges.

Read also: Senior police officers from Gambia, Ghana and Liberia can attend NIPS training slots offered by the IGP

Tambuwal urged all citizens to pitch in and help the immigration service fulfill its vital role of maintaining peace and security at land borders.

He promised the Sokoto state government that he would continue to support them in carrying out their mandate.

Governor Tambuwal also praised the Immigration Boss for using the Illela border as a test bed for e-border control, noting that it is a strategically important location that contributes to the country’s development.

Fayemi declares, “I will not leave an abandoned project for my successor.”

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Fayemi declares, “I will not leave an abandoned project for my successor.”

Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the governor of Ekiti State, has stated that all ongoing development projects started by his administration will be completed before the end of his term.

Despite the state’s financial difficulties, he said, measures had been put in place to ensure that no ongoing project across the three senatorial zones would be abandoned for his successor in 2022.

The governor, who spoke yesterday in Ado Ekiti at the first edition of Ekiti State Civic Engagement with interest groups, said his administration was still ahead in terms of implementing people-oriented projects that would boost genuine socio-economic development.

Abiodun appoints six perm secs, as well.
Fayemi, who was represented by his deputy, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, credited his administration’s collaboration with development partners for the state’s ongoing massive investment.

Read also: Gains of NYSC scheme supercedes its pains, says Varsity Don

The resurrected Ikun Dairy Farm, Rice Mills in Ado Ekiti, Cassava Processing Plants in the Oke Ako-Irele axis, rehabilitation of major dams, and the ongoing Agro Cargo Airport are among the projects facilitated by the government’s partnership with development partners, he said.

Fayemi stated that he was always looking for development partners to help the state’s economy recover, and that the airport project would be completed before the end of his term.

NNPC pipeline leaks in Ikotun, Lagos, causing panic.

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NNPC pipeline leaks in Ikotun, Lagos, causing panic.

The leakage of a pipeline belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation caused panic in the Ikotun area of Lagos State on Friday.

Residents reported discovering the leak around 6 a.m. on Friday.

The situation, they claim, caused confusion and fear in the area.

Residents of nearby buildings reportedly rushed out of their homes, with some immediately offloading their belongings.

“When the situation arose, we immediately dialed the Lagos State emergency number. We were terrified, and we sincerely hope that this does not result in a fire.

“Some people have already parked their belongings. “Vehicles have been moved away from the area,” one of the residents told our correspondent over the phone.

The leak was caused by pipeline vandalism, according to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency.

Read also: Leakage: Emergency responders battle to avert pipeline explosion in Mosan area of Lagos

Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Director-General of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), confirmed the incident.

“Upon arrival at the incident scene, Omoboriowo Street, Pipeline Bus Stop Igando-Ikotun Road, Igando, a large volume of PMS was gushing out of the NNPC pipeline,” he said.

“Further investigation revealed that the heavy flow of PMS in the early hours of August 27 was caused by suspected pipeline vandalism and bunkering.

“At this time, no one has died or been injured; however, serious sensitization, public education, and awareness are ongoing throughout the community.

Read also: Oil spillage: Court ordered NNPC to pay N82b to Akwa Ibom communities

“This is to prevent any type of open flame or burning from causing an explosion or other secondary incident.

LASEMA, LRU Fire, Lagos State Fire Service, NSCDC, NNPC, LASTMA, and LNSC are among the first responders on the scene.

“Three fire trucks have arrived on the scene, and the NNPC maintenance team is working to stop the flow so that repairs can begin. The operation is still in progress.”

PDP crisis: Secondus must resign – Tambuwal

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PDP crisis: Secondus must resign – Tambuwal

Aminu Tambuwal, the governor of Sokoto State, has said that Uche Secondus, the suspended National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, must resign.

Secondus must resign in accordance with a court order, according to Tambuwal.

The chairman of the PDP Governors Forum spoke to reporters after the forum’s emergency meeting in Abuja yesterday.

Tambuwal also stated that the Forum is ready to support the party’s acting National Chairman, Yemi Akinwonmi.

“We are a law-abiding political party dedicated to the rule of law. So when a Port Harcourt High Court barred Secondus from claiming to be the party’s national chairman, we decided that was the way to go. That court order must be followed.

“We had Akinwonmi preside over the National Working Committee meeting today, and he came to brief us on their decision, which is in line with the previous meeting of the Governors Forum and the meeting of stakeholders, that there should be a NEC meeting on Saturday, where we will be discussing issues about the national convention, which is still scheduled for October by the grace of God.

Read also: PDP’s crisis worsens as the court prevents Secondus from running for Chairmanship

“The road may be bumpy, but the most important thing is that we remain united, and that is what we assure our members and throngs of supporters across the country.

“We are Nigeria’s hope and the hope of the future, and we have earned Nigerians’ confidence and trust, and we will not betray it,” he said.

Secondus had been ordered to vacate his position as PDP National Chairman by a Rivers State High Court.

Secondus was reinstated to his office yesterday by Justice Nusirat. I. Umar, a vacation Judge of the Kebbi State High Court.

Meanwhile, Yemi Akinwonmi, the opposition party’s authentic National Chairman, has declared himself.

Akinwonmi’s appointment as acting National Chairman was also confirmed by the PDP.

Mbappe will be replaced by an EPL forward by PSG.

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Mbappe will be replaced by an EPL forward by PSG.

Richarlison, an Everton forward, is a target for Paris Saint-Germain this summer as a replacement for Kylian Mbappe.

Mbappe appears to be on his way out of the Ligue 1 club in the closing days of the transfer window.

PSG has rejected a second offer of £154 million from Real Madrid for the 22-year-old, according to Sportsmail, but the transfer is still expected to be completed before August 31.

Richarlison’s representatives are now believed to be in Paris, negotiating a deal if Mbappe joins Real.

Read also: Plateau Killings: As the death toll rises to 42, Sen. Gyang cries out that FG abandoned our people

After Messi joins PSG, Mbappe informs the club that he wants to leave for Real Madrid.

Negotiations over a Richarlison to PSG deal have stalled due to uncertainty over Mbappe’s future, so talks between PSG and Real are expected to pick up on Friday.

Everton are aware of PSG’s interest in the Brazil international and have had a tense few days worrying about one of their star players’ future.

Group hails NEDC for exceptional service in north east

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Group hails NEDC for exceptional service in north east

…solicits international donors’ support for commission

The North East Peace Foundation (NEPF) has commended the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for its laudable intervention initiatives introduced in the region.

The group gave the commendation on Friday in a statement titled ‘NEDC: A Trajectory of Exceptional Service in North East Nigeria’ and signed by its Executive Director, Achenyo Ogu.

According to Ogu, the Commision’s impact has been visible, fulfilling its mandate in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of insurgency as well as tackling the menace of poverty, illiteracy, ecological problems and any other related environmental or development challenges.

He noted that the NEDC has shown the capacity to undertake humanitarian activities with its record of excellent service delivery.

The NEPF, therefore, called on international partners and donor agencies to support the NEDC with more resources.

It noted that with enhanced partnership, the Commission will be able to achieve more and reach more Nigerians.

While applauding the leadership for their commitment towards meaningful infrastructural development in the region, the group urged them not to be distracted by mischief makers.

It noted that should this tempo be sustained, the region would experience tremendous growth and development in the years ahead.

Read the full statement below:

The North East Peace Foundation, a critical stakeholder in the entrenchment of peace and stability in North-East Nigeria, commends the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for the laudable intervention initiatives introduced in states in North-East Nigeria.

As a partner in the developmental project in North-East Nigeria, we are stating in unequivocal terms that the various interventions of the NEDC in North-East Nigeria have been impactful. They resonate with the mandate of the Commission in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of insurgency as well as tackling the menace of poverty, illiteracy level, ecological problems and any other related environmental or developmental challenges in the North-East states.

We wish to state that since the establishment of the NEDC, it has carried such quantum projects across states in North-East Nigeria, that by all indications, dwarfs the humanitarian adventures of International Non-Governmental Organizations in North-East Nigeria.

It is sufficing to add that the NEDC has indeed proven that it has the capacity to undertake humanitarian activities when the records of its numerus engagements are scrutinized.

The implication is that if all stakeholders extend to the NEDC the needed cooperation, the country, particularly the northeast, will be liberated from the destruction caused by the insurgency.

It is also a statement that the NEDC, since its establishment, has hit the ground running. This is laudable and a demonstration of the emphasis on excellent service delivery by the management of the NEDC.

The North East Peace Foundation uses this medium to call on international partners and donor agencies to support the NEDC with resources to enable the Commission to do more in its various interventions in North-East Nigeria.

It is our considered opinion that given the proper support from the government and development partners, the impact of the NEDC would be felt across the nook and crannies in North-East Nigeria.

The North East Peace Foundation sees the NEDC as a trajectory in service in its contribution to peace and development in North East and Nigeria at large.

We commend the leadership of the NEDC for the rare display of commitment towards bringing about meaningful infrastructural development in North-East Nigeria. It is, therefore, our candid view that should this tempo be sustained, North-East Nigeria would experience tremendous growth and development in the years ahead.

We advise the leadership of the NEDC to stay focused and not distracted by activities of mischief-makers who have constituted themselves as clogs in the wheel of progress in the operations of the NEDC.

The North East Peace Foundation would continue to render the necessary support to the operations of the NEDC in North-East Nigeria.

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