Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: National

Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu Pay Glowing Tributes to APC Chieftain, Lanre Razaq

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have expressed sadness over the death of a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of Lagos State APC, Lanre Razaq, who passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 74 after a brief illness.

Sanwo-Olu, who described late Razaq’s death as a rude shock, said the deceased was a great politician, a strong party man and an advocate of masses oriented programmes.

Tinubu also described the passing of prominent politician, businessman and APC chieftain in Lagos State as a big loss to the state.

Razaq, Balogun of Epe, died on Saturday at Reddington Hospital in Lagos after a brief illness.

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Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Gboyega Akosile, said the deceased, in his lifetime stood for what is right, always championing policies that would lift the lot of the poor masses.

The governor added that late Razaq, popularly called KLM did not hide his love and support of his administration especially the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda.

“I am saddened by the death of one of our political leaders in Lagos APC, Chief Lanre Razaq. He was a loyal party man and committed democrat, with a deep understanding of the state’s political landscape. He was an extremely loyal politician, who did his best for our party, the All Progressives Congress.

“Chief Razaq served his people and Lagos State passionately as Chairman of Epe Local Government Area and Commissioner of Public Transportation. He brought a lot of development to Epe as a council boss and also made a lot of positive contributions to turn around public transportation in Lagos during his tenure as member of the State Executive Council.

“Chief Razaq was a great politician, a strong party man and an advocate of masses oriented programmes. His support for our T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda was exemplary. He always propelled us to do more for the people of Lagos State.

“There is no doubting the fact that he would be missed by the entire political class, particularly the people of Epe, the Lagos East Senatorial District and the atate as a whole,” Sanwo-Olu said.

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The governor also condoled with the immediate family of the departed, Tinubu, other GAC members, Lagos State APC and the entire people of Epe, praying God to grant the soul of the beloved Razaq eternal rest in Aljannah firdaus.

On his part, Tinubu said Rasaq was a grassroots politician, party loyalist and believer in the progressive cause.

Tinubu, in a condolence message issued by his Media Office and signed by his Media Aide, Tunde Rahman, said: “I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Chief Lanre Rasaq, a grassroots politician, well-known ally and a defender of the progressive cause.

“A member of our Governor’s Advisory Council in Lagos and one of the apex leaders in Lagos East, Chief Rasaq is an important part of our political movement.

“He was a loyal and energetic party man who did a lot for APC, Lagos State and his Epe hometown.

“Since he joined politics to meaningfully contribute his quota to the development of the people and betterment of the society, Chief Rasaq had had his hand on the plough and never to look back.

“He served Epe and Lagos State in various capacities including as Chairman of Epe Local Government Area and later Commissioner for Public Transportation in the state.

“So influential is Rasaq in his hometown that he was gifted the traditional title of Balogun of Epe. His death is a big loss to Lagos and Epe town. Lagos APC and members of the progressive family across the country will deeply miss him.

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“I mourn with his wife and children and the entire Rasaq family. May Almighty Allah give them the strength to live after their father and patriarch.

“I commiserate with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the government and people of the state, particularly the entire people of Epe for the loss of an illustrious son.

“May Almighty Allah forgive the late politician of his shortcomings, reward his good deeds and grant him Aljanna Fridaus. Amin.”

August 16, 2020
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde Tests Positive for COVID-19

Screen goddess, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Nollywood actress, who is also a singer, Saturday announced that she recently contracted COVID-19 but did not disclose how and where.

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According to her, “Hello all, I know most of you have been wondering where I’ve been.

“Well, I contracted COVID-19. I have been ill and now getting better. More on the details of this soon.”

She, however, took out time to also make comments on recent deaths in the country, most especially that of an Assistant Manager at Cold Stone Creamery, Immaculate Okochu, who was reportedly crushed to death by a truck in Lagos.

Jalade-Ekeinde said: “I have been reading on the devastating news of how our youths are needlessly dying getting crushed by trailers/containers! This is disheartening and has made my heart really troubled!

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“This can happen to anyone and enforcements can’t be taken lightly on this. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, please do something!!!”

August 16, 2020
Edo/Ondo Election: INEC fears COVID-19 may cause voter apathy

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is concerned about the tendency for voter apathy during the forthcoming Edo and Ondo states governorship elections.

This concern was expressed by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, during a virtual workshop on the commission’s communication policy.

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The National commissioner noted that INEC fears that there might be difficulties to get voters focus on electoral matters due to uncertainty surrounding Coronavirus pandemic.
Okoye stated further that the fears of the electoral commission is that the nation is at a time when the dominant issues people are paying attention to is the Coronavirus and the protocols on how to manage it.

“It is difficult communicating internally and externally, when individuals and groups are facing existential challenges occasioned by a pandemic. It is difficult getting individuals, groups and organisations to focus on the conduct and management of elections in a period of fear, anxiety or worse.

“It is difficult getting people to focus on elections and electoral matters, when there is looming danger that they may be out of job or already out of work or are in Internally Displaced Persons Camps or in a period of uncertainty. Communicating what people may see as non-essential service in a period of a pandemic or uncertainty requires a new form of capacity and skill. It requires new thinking and new methodologies and strategy”, he said.

Okoye however assured that INEC is committed to deepening the use of technology in the electoral process, which is why the commission introduced the INEC party nomination portal; election observer accreditation portal and media accreditation portal.

He explained further that that with a view on transparency as per result transmission process, the commission has developed and deployed the INEC result-viewing portal containing Forms EC8A uploaded for the public to view.

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“We at the Commission will continue to deepen our knowledge of global trends in election management and communication. We will continue to enhance our knowledge of electoral issues and processes. We urge the media, civil society groups and relevant stakeholders to join in deepening the use of technology in the electoral process,” Okoye added.

August 16, 2020
Ohuabunwa at 70: Buhari Praises His Contributions to Transform Nigerian Economy

President Muhammadu Buhari has warmly felicitated with former Chairman of Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Sam Ohuabunwa, on his 70th birthday on August 16, joining friends and family members to celebrate the visionary leader, whose competence and influence have greatly impacted on the Nigerian economy and beyond.

Buhari congratulated Ohuabunwa, who is currently President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, for many years of service to the nation, starting out early as staff of Pfizer, and phenomenally rising to become Chairman/CEO of the pharmaceutical company within 15 years, and leading a management team to buy over Pfizer Inc shares after four years at the helm of affairs.

The President believed “Ohuabunwa’s contributions in the private sector greatly shaped and transformed the Nigerian economy, especially the leading role he played as NESG Chairman, a think-tank that periodically sets development targets for the private and public sectors, and works diligently to harmonise their energy for measurable results.”

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Buhari affirmed that “the recognitions and awards given to the entrepreneur over the years, home and abroad, are well deserved, commending his pivotal leadership in the country, which include President, Nigeria Employers Consultative Association; Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Ikeja; President of the Nigerian American Chamber of Commerce and founding of Sam Ohuabunwa Foundation for Economic Empowerment.”

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The President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, prayed God to greatly increase the wisdom of Ohuabunwa, who is also a Knight of Saint Christopher of the Anglican Communion, and bless his family.

Idowu Sowunmi

August 15, 2020
Bayern Humiliate Barca 8-2 as Pique Says Catalan Club Needs Lots of Changes

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique said radical changes were needed from top to bottom after his side were annihilated 8-2 by Bayern Munich on Friday to exit the Champions League in one of the Catalan side’s darkest ever nights, Reuters has reported.

“We feel devastated, although shame is the real word I’m looking for. We cannot afford to compete like this because it’s not the first, the second or the third time that something like this has happened,” a tearful Pique told reporters after the quarter-final drubbing, their worst ever result in Europe.

“This is very painful but I hope it serves some purpose.”

Pique, one of the surviving members of the team who won the Champions League in 2009 under Pep Guardiola to begin a golden era for the Catalans, said he was ready to leave the club in order to ensure they improve.

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He also appeared to blame the Barca hierarchy, which includes president Josep Maria Bartomeu, for the team’s predicament as he called for changes at the very top.

“We all need to reflect deeply, the club needs lots of changes, I’m not talking about the coach, players – I don’t want to point the finger at anyone but the club needs changes on a structural level,” he said.

“If new blood needs to come for the club to change course then I’m not untouchable and I’ll be the first to leave if needs be, because it seems as if we’ve hit rock bottom.

“We all have to reflect about what is the best thing for the club and for Barca.”

Barca coach Quique Setien is unlikely to survive overseeing such a debacle, although he did not say whether or not he saw himself continuing in charge of the team.

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“I’m not going to go into all that as I’ve only been here for six months but seeing as this is Pique, surely some of what he said is true,” said the coach.

“Right now we feel enormous frustration and all we can do is make conclusions and think about the future. Barca is a club that is so great that this will cause us a lot of damage and obviously some things will have to change.

“The truth is this is a tremendously painful defeat.”

Idowu Sowunmi

August 15, 2020
Nigerian Military destroys ISWAP terrorist camp, eliminates several fighters in Borno

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHq) says its Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole (ATF-OLD) has knocked out another terrorist camp belonging to the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche announced in a statement on Friday in Abuja, confirmed that the raid by men of the ATF-OLD did not only destroy the camp at Tongule in the Lake Chad area of Northern Borno, it also eliminated scores of their fighters.

File photo: Operation LAFIYA DOLE, has knocked out another Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists’ camp. Photo; TWITTER/NIGERIAARMY

According to Maj. Gen. Enenche the air raid was in continuation of the air offensive against terrorist elements in the North East.

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He stated that the airstrikes,which were conducted on Aug. 12, followed credible intelligence reports indicating terrorists’ activities in the village.

The defence spokesman explained that after confirmation of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, the Air Task Force dispatched Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets to attack the location.

He said further that the mission showed the presence of a sizable number of the ISWAP elements at designated locations.

The NAF jets took turns in engaging the location, scoring devastating hits on the designated targets and leading to the destruction of the structures as well as the neutralisation of several ISWAP fighters, Enenche narrated.

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He added that: “The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, commends the Air Task Force for their dedication and professionalism.

“He urged them to intensify the air offensive against the terrorists and all other criminal elements in the country,’’ he said.

August 14, 2020
International Youth Day: Gbajabiamila, Atiku argue for youth participation in governance

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila on Wednesday joined youths from across the country in a webinar to commemorate the 2020 International Youth Day.

In his remarks, the Speaker, while quoting former South African President Nelson Mandela, said: ‘’We must recognize the contributions young people make to our society and build upon the imagination, energy, vibrancy and talents of these our precious national assets’’.

Speaker Gbajabiama stressed that it is an obvious imperative for Nigeria that has “a massive and ever-growing youth bulge” to build its youth.

“Our country will not reach its full potentials until governments at all levels engage with the changing values, needs, and expectations of Nigeria’s youth.

“All our dreams of prosperity hinge on our ability to provide the physical infrastructure, the legal framework, the cultural and social support required to unleash the innovative potential of our young people”, he said.

Speaking further on how to achieve a profound transformation of governance, the Speaker urged those in government and politics to “commit to opening the political space to allow for greater participation by our nation’s youth.

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“My fellow young men and women, I know that on many of the issues that affect our lives, it would appear as if the political leaders have left the room and there is no one left to find solutions to our problems.

“This feeling is at the root of much of the pessimism that young people feel about our politics and has had a negative effect on the willingness of our able youth to get involved in the critical conversations about our nation’s future.

“However, if we all end up thinking that politics is the preserve of the cynical and the mercenary, then nobody will ever believe the political process can change anything or be improved to meet our collective best expectations”, Gbajabiamila emphasised.

He therefore challenged Nigerian youths to resist “the seductive draw of such debilitating cynicism.

“The future belongs to you and
I congratulate all our young people on this year’s commemoration of the International Youth Day”, the Speaker added.

‘I Shall Continue To Offer My Shoulders For You To Climb,’ Atiku Tells Nigerian Youths

Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has assured Nigerian youths of his commitment to supporting them at all times.

File photo of former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar.

In a message to cmemorate the 21st International Youth Day (IYD), which holds every 12th of August, Atiku said: “I shall stay the course and continue to offer my shoulders for you all to climb because as youths, you are Leaders of Today”.

While he commended Nigerian youths for their doggedness and drive towards a better nation, Atiku noted that the theme for the 2020 IYD commemoration, “Youth Engagement for Global Action,” captures the important role of young people in the scheme of things.

“I salute the Nigerian youth in particular for their commitment and perseverance towards the attainment of a greater Nigeria,” Atiku added.

“This global picture, which has been on my mind, informed my decision of 40% youth inclusion in my 2019 presidential campaign; a promise I am committed to keeping for the futuristic benefit of our great Nation.”

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“Indeed, the survival of humanity rests largely on the shoulders of the youths, as vigour is required to wear out this plague,” the former vice president explained.

“The vigour and spirit that you embody as youth will play a crucial role in the socio-economic survival of the world, and its rejuvenation, post-COVID19.”

The former Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) charged that as future leaders, young people should preach and embrace peace, patriotism, and promote competence thereby shuning nepotism.

“Only then can we truly have the Nigeria of our dream,” he said.

According to the United Nations (UN), the 2020 International Youth Day theme is to further emphasise the “ways in which the engagement of young people at the local, national and global levels is enriching national and multilateral institutions and processes, as well as draw lessons on how their representation and engagement in formal institutional politics can be significantly enhanced.”

Tobiloba Kolawole

August 13, 2020
Buhari Signs Instrument of Agreement Towards Establishment of African Trade Insurance Agency

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday signed the instrument of accession of the agreement for the establishment of the African Trade Insurance Agency.

The Agreement and the Agency are registered with the Secretariat of the United Nations in accordance with Charter of the United Nations and is in cognizant of the fact that lack of adequate political, non-commercial and commercial risk insurance is a significant impediment to the availability of finance for investments in Africa and the expansion of African foreign trade and intra-Africa trade.

The Agency when executed would acknowledge previous multilateral efforts made by African states towards regional economic integration through co-operation in trade liberalisation and development so as to attain sustainable growth, promote economic activity and create an enabling environment for foreign trade, as well as cross-border and domestic investments.

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Recalling the economic objectives and aims of the African Union, there are several African Treaties on regional economic integration, including the Treaty Establishing the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, the Treaty Establishing the Southern African Development Community and the Treaty Establishing the Economic Community of West African States.

A memorandum from the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, Abubakar Malami, stated that the request for the President’s signature on the agreement was sequel to the directive of the Federal Executive Council, that the instrument be prepared and forwarded for execution, said a statement by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.

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The ratification was adopted at Grand Bay in the Republic of Mauritius on May 18, 2000. The object and purpose of the Agency is to provide, facilitate, encourage and otherwise develop the provision of, or the support for, insurance, including coinsurance and reinsurance, guarantees, and other financial instruments and services, for purposes of trade, investment and other productive activities in African States in supplement to those that may be offered by the public or private sector, or in cooperation with the public or private sector.

Idowu Sowunmi

August 11, 2020
Putin: World’s First Vaccine against COVID-19 to Be Registered in Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin Monday disclosed that the world’s first vaccine against the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) would be registered in his country in a few days.

Putin, who stated this on his Facebook page, explained that Russian scientists have passed necessary test stages and proved the safety and effectiveness of the drug.

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According to him, “The world’s first vaccine against coronavirus will be registered in Russia in a few days.

“Russian scientists passed necessary test stages and proved the safety and effectiveness of the drug.

“Our medicine has adequately coped with the epidemic and now gives hope not only to our country, but to the whole world.

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“Once the Soviet satellite paved the way for humanity into space, now the Russian vaccine will pave the way to the future without COVID-19, masks and social isolation.”

August 11, 2020
Buhari-led Federal Govt announces multi-billion Naira ‘survival fund’ for MSMes

The Federal Government has announced that it is rolling out a “survival fund” that will make payroll support available in order to save jobs and sustain local production.

The support initiative, which was announced on Monday is a part of the National Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP) that was presented to President Muhammadu Buhari by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo-led committee in June.

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The NESP, a policy response of the Buhari-led Federal Government to saving the country from a COVID-19 induced recession, include support schemes for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide, a Guaranteed Offtake Scheme (guaranteeing off-take of priority products) among others.

According to the Federal Government’s announcement, details on how to access these MSME Support initiatives will be unveiled soon, by the Implementation Committee.

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The leadership of the implementation committee comprises, Chairman, Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Amb Mariam Katagum; and Vice Chairman, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Founder, Chair Centre LTD., also Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria.

Below: Federal Government’s document containing intervention plan for MSMEs.

August 10, 2020