File Photo: DAVOS/SWITZERLAND, 30JAN10 - Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was Managing Director, World Bank, Washington DC; Global Agenda Council on Corruption, is captured during the session 'Zero Option for Corruption' in the Congress Centre of the Annual Meeting 2010 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 30, 2010.
Copyright by World Economic Forum
swiss-image.ch/Photo by Remy Steinegger
Former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Nigeria’s nominee for the position of the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is set to emerge winner of the competitive race to the highly coveted head of the international body.
Reuters on Wednesday reported that a key group of WTO ambassadors proposed Okonjo-Iweala to lead the trade organisation on Wednesday,
The official announcement is expected to be made later today by WTO.
Okonjo-Iweala served as Finance Minister twice, that was during the tenures of former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
She has experience working at international governance bodies as a former managing director of the World Bank and as a chairman at the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization.
Once officially announced, Okonjo-Iweala will be the first African and first female director-general of the international body in its 25-year history.
Ogun State, Gov. Dapo Abiodun, has announced the reopening of all hotels and other establishments providing accommodation for tourists such as guest houses, motels, including restaurants, eateries, fast food, lounges and bars. Also to reopen for business are entertainment centres- cinemas, viewing centres, marquees and event centres.
In a statement announcing the development by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, the Governor was said to be pleased with the drop of COVID-19 infections.
According to Somorin, while businesses can now fully reopen after a long period of lockdown restrictions occasioned by the dreaded virus, the hospitality establishments are to scrupulously adhere to a set of guidelines in order to keep up with the protocols aimed at further flattening the curve of COVID-19.
“Government is aware of the excruciating implications of COVID-19 lockdown but we have emplaced measures and improved on testing to stem the tide. Empirical field research indicates that we have managed to stem community spread and treatment of the virus very well. We are convinced that opening of schools and entertainment centres would not harm our people. We would continue to monitor the development,” Somorin quoted Governor Abiodun.
While reinstating the need to rebuild the economy, the State government maintained that it was irrevocably committed to the successful implementation of the “Building our Future Together” Agenda and as such would do everything possible to ensure that the people have increased prosperity that would place the State on a sound footing towards continued development.
The statement said that government would not hesitate to do selective lockdown should there be any flagrant disobedience to the set COVID-19 protocols.
These conditions set for the reopening of the entertainment centres are:
i. Observance of temperature checks at all entry points.
ii. Compulsory use of face masks within the premises/facilities.
iii. Maintenance of two-metre social distancing by marking the floor to guide their customers on physical distancing.
iv. Owners of business premises are required to offer only 50% of their space capacity to guests.
v. Maintenance of physical distancing with a maximum of four persons per table, while Buffet services are not allowed.
vi. Prior to holding any event, licence and safety clearance must be obtained from the Government.
vii. the operation of all cinemas must not exceed 10pm.
The statement added that all centres are to provide noise-proof equipment in the various facilities to ensure that they do not disturb the serenity of the neighbourhoods where they operate.
While calling on owners of these facilities to cooperate with the State Government, Governor Abiodun warned that facilities that defy these guidelines would be sanctioned.
“Let me say that our Task Force is already on the ground and is moving about to ensure compliance.
“And, if perchance we discover that any of our centres is not complying or adhering to the laid down protocols, we will not hesitate to close down the centre,” he warned.
Violation of these conditions, the statement concluded, would attract severe sanctions including, but not limited to fine and closure of premises.
Nigeria's National Security Adviser (NSA), Major Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd).
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Major Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd) has accused the #EndSARS protesters of using the social media to spread subversive contents that escalated the tension and looting that followed the protest by Nigerian youths, which is widely adjudged peaceful.
The NSA disclosed this when he spoke at the Multi-Stakeholders workshop for the Validation of the Draft National Cybersecurity Strategy 2020, in Abuja.
He said: “We are witnesses to the use of social media to disseminate subversive content to incite violence and heightened tension, causing unrest and sparking widespread looting and destruction across the country.”
The national security chief also revealed that the Federal Government plans to unveil the National Cyber security Policy and Strategy (NCPS) 2020 to check digital threats and enhance national security and economic growth for the over 200 million population.
In his keynote address, the NSA said the government has been proactive to develop policies that will check threats from the use of cyberspace.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Special Services in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Aliyu Ganda Mohammed, the retired General recalled that his Office inaugurated a multi stakeholders committee on September 10, 2020 to review the NCPS 2014.
He noted that the review is aimed at strengthening the existing cyber policy, which is meant to be reviewed every five years, as stipulated.
Monguno further stated that: “There is no gainsaying that cyberspace has become an engine for the enhancement of Nigeria national security, economic transformation and national development.”
While he admitted that the sophistication of cyberspace comes with inherent challenges, the NSA said: “The threats posed by cyber terrorists, and the use of the internet has brought social media circulation of hate speech and seditious messages. It is almost impossible to overstate the challenges.”
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami who was represented by the Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Inuwa Abdullahi, said never before has cybersecurity become more critical than it is today and that it was due to convergence between offline and online lives.
“Anybody that uses any device that connects to the internet needs to understand and protect himself and have to join the cyber security campaign.”
He said the agencies under the ministry are leveraging on this to protect people. “We can collaborate to do it together,” he urged the participants.
Also speaking at the Multi-Stakeholders workshop, the Chairman of the NCPS 2014 Review Committee, Mr Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola, warned that a non-regulated cyberspace, as exemplified in recent times with fake news in the social media, could result in civic unrest.
“The current draft document is a result of multi stakeholder efforts with due cognizant of a whole of society approach while leveraging technology for the well-being of Nigeria and for Nigerians.
“I assure our commitment and resolve to delivering an implementable policy for Nigeria”, Ajijola stated.
Senate Committee, ICT and Cybercrime Chairman, Hassan Ibrahim Hadejia, who also spoke at the event expressed excitement that Nigeria is taking the issue of cybercrime very seriously.
“In ICT, if you are reactive, you are finished, you always have to make sure that you are one step ahead”, he said.
in order to effect change in the sector, he proposed that both government agencies and the private sector collaborate.
A screengrab from the video that shows Corps Assistant, Illiya Ibrahim, the dismissed NSCDC operative carting away looted food items in Abuja.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dismissed a Corps Assistant, Illiya Ibrahim of the Gwagwalada Division Abuja, who was caught in a viral video carting away some items that were stored in a warehouse as Covid-19 palliatives.
The NSCDC Tuesday night disclosed this In a statement issued by the Media Assistant to the Commandant General NSCDC,
Gbenga Ekunola, and made available to journalists.
According to Ekunola, the NSCDC had punished the officer identified as Illiya Ibrahim by dismissing him from the service in relation to the looting of Covid-19 palliatives discovered in a warehouse in Gwagwalada, Abuja on Monday.
The warehouse containing COVID-19 palliatives was discovered by residents around the area who stormed the facility belonging to the Gwagwalada Council Area to loot the items.
The dismissed officer was seen to have joined the looting spree as the video trending online clearly reveals him carrying away in his hands some items to the cheers of invading crowd.
Ekunola said in the statement that: “The Commandant General Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu has approved the recommendation of the Junior Staff Disciplinary Committee for the dismissal of Illiya Ibrahim of the Gwagwalada Division for joining hoodlums in looting Covid-19 palliatives discovered in a warehouse in Gwagwalada, Abuja. The recommendation was given after the officer was charged under the public service rule which is related to unbecoming conduct of officers.
“This disciplinary measure was taken after series of investigations and deliberations by the junior disciplinary committee and recommendations were made to the management,” Ekunola said.
The Media Assistant also disclosed that the NSCDC Commandant is appreciative of officers and men of the Corps including members of the public for providing useful information that has continued to assist the Corps in identifying unfit individuals within the ranks for appropriate action.
File Photo of Nigeria's Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at his State House office, Abuja, during a virtual roundtable dialogue organised by the Justice Research Institute.
As part of the Federal Government’s Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), a total number of 333,000 artisans across the country has been paid the sum of N30,000 one-time grant.
This was disclosed in statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Mr Laolu Akande, who explained that the payments were made to verified beneficiaries of the Artisan Support Scheme, which is implemented under the MSMEs Survival Fund.
The first stream of payments, which started on Tuesday, included beneficiaries from the FCT, Lagos, Ondo, Kaduna, Borno, Kano, Bauchi, Anambra, Abia, Rivers, Plateau and Delta States. The paid beneficiaries from the first batch of the applications for the scheme submitted between October 1 and October 10.
The MSMEs Survival Fund scheme is a component of the Nigerian Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP), which was developed and implemented by an Economic Sustainability Committee established by President Muhammadu Buhari in March 2020, and headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
The ESP-Survival Fund is aimed at supporting the vulnerable MSMEs and averting job losses in the face of the coronavirus pandemic that has created critical economic shocks across the globe.
States under Stream 2 include Edo, Ogun, Ekiti, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Enugu, Ebonyi, Adamawa, Taraba, Bayelsa
The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the full resumption of operations of both food markets and non food markets. They are now to open daily.
In a statement announcing this, the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Dr Wale Ahmed, said Mr Governor took the decision to further enhance trade and commerce as well as mitigate the hardship of recent times and ensure that Lagosians can recover fast.
The Federal Government has declared Thursday October 29, 2020 as public holiday to mark this year’s Eidul-Mawlid Celebration in commemoration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).
In a declaration, the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated Muslim faithful at home and abroad for witnessing this year’s occasion.
Aregbesola’s declaration was contained in a statement by the Director of Press in the Ministry, Mohammed Manga, who quoted the Minister to have enjoined Muslim faithful to imbibe the spirit of love, patience and perseverance, which are the virtues of the Holy Prophet.
Furthermore, the Minister admonished Muslims to follow the teaching of the Holy Quran in Chapter 4 Verse 59 which says: “O you who believe! Obey God and obey the Messenger, and those from among you who are vested with authority; and if you are to dispute among yourselves about anything, refer it to God and the Messenger, if indeed you believe in God and the Last Day. This is the best (for you), and fairest in the end”.
Minding the situation across the country, the Minister urged Nigerians, particularly Muslims, Eidul-Mawlid Celebration, to abhor violence, lawlessness, and wantonness and daylight robbery.
Ogbeni Aregbesola added that Nigeria is the pride of the black race and should provide responsible leadership for the greatness and development of the African continent and all black race.
File Photo: Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai
The British High Commission (BHC) has expressed concern over the continued looting of private and public properties, including pockets of violence in some parts of the country.
In its statement of concern, which was posted on twitter, the BHC said: “We remain concerned by acts of looting and violence in Nigeria and urge security services use restraint as order is restored. Working with all stakeholders, judicial panel of inquiry must investigate all incidents, including #Lekki and ensure accountability for crimes. #EndPoliceBrutality”
Meanwhile, in an effort to bring back normalcy and stop continued looting in some part of the country, men of Nigerian army have deployed more soldiers on the streets.
The Army High Command decided on Monday stating that troops will prevent the continued looting of public and private properties by miscreants and criminals across the country, a situation that was a fallout of the #EndSARS protest hijacked by hoodlums.
The decision was taken during a meeting between the Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai and principal staff officers, General Officers Commanding and field Commanders at the Army headquarters on Monday.
In a chat with newsmen after the meeting, Acting Director of Army Public Relations Col. Sagir Musa, disclosed that Gen. Buratai recalled that “the events of the past few days in our dear nation have shown the determination of some unscrupulous individuals and groups to destabilise Nigeria by all means having hijacked the peaceful #EndSARS protest marches resulting to widespread violence, acts of wanton destruction and looting of public and private properties in many parts of the country. These acts led to the imposition of curfew in many states”.
Musa stated further that Gen. Buratai directed its men and officers to respond “quickly and decisively” to any attempt by “elements or destabilising agents” to cause a breach of the law and order.
In a charge, the Army attempted to disabuse its personnel not to fear being reported to the International Criminal Court (ICC) as they are performing their constitutionally-assigned duty of defending the nation and its citizens.
For the avoidance of doubt, the army gave assurance that it remains committed to democratic governance “as the only panacea for development and progress.”
Gen. Buratai said the military had lost 10 AK-47 rifles and personnel to the violence, adding that the Army was aware of efforts to drag it into the protests with a view to “discredit” it and the government.
The Chief of Army staff was said to have also warned that troops on internal security or on guard duties outside the barracks to know that they must be at maximum alert at all times in order to be able to ”deal decisively with any attack on their duty locations.”
”Any act of arson or attempt to kill or maim any military or security personnel and other law-abiding civilians must be responded to quickly and decisively,”
He alerted them of potential security threats resulting from the burgling of security armouries by the hoodlums, adding that”the recent activities of the “unscrupulous elements have shown their desire to acquire arms and ammunition at all cost from security personnel.”
“No less than 10 AK-47 rifles have been lost to these miscreants in the past two weeks across the country with attendant loss of lives of personnel,” the COAS warned.
“Right from the onset of the #EndSARS protests, the NA has been aware of the grand design by the sponsors of the protests to draw it into the crisis.
“The plan was to embark on massive propaganda to discredit the military and the government so as to set the people against the NA once it is called out to aid the civil authorities.
“The NA being aware of the devilish plan was careful not to be dragged in and issued the initial warning through a press release on October 14, 2020 of our resolve to secure and safeguard a united Nigeria.
“Now, the detractors alongside their local and international collaborators have mischievously and deliberately misrepresented troops’ efforts to ensure compliance with the curfew imposed by legitimate civil authorities in Lagos and other states.
“These agitators are falsely accusing the NA of being responsible for the activities of the miscreants despite glaring evidence to the contrary. They have continually threatened to report the NA to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and also threatened various forms of sanctions against personnel and their families.”
Buratai said: “despite all these, the NA has continued to exercise restraint by applying all the Principles of Internal Security Operations and fully abided by the internationally recognised rules of engagements….
“The Nigerian Army is determined to ensure democratic stability in Nigeria. The best system of governance is democracy and we must all ensure that Nigeria’s democracy remains stable and steady. We will not allow any force, elements or destabilising agents in or outside our country to set our beloved country on fire.
“We remain resolute in doing everything possible to ensure that subversive elements, detractors and other enemies of this great nation do not achieve their aims and objectives of destabilisation.”
“There is no choice between a democratically united, strong and prosperous Nigeria and a nation disunited in a state of anarchy and retrogression.”
“We must all strive for a united, strong, stable and progressive Nigeria,” he admonished.
He also visited the Bode Thomas police station where he met with men of the Nigeria Police.
Describing the sad events as a harrowing experience, the Speaker said: “I will support all steps of the Lagos state Government to help ensure we rise above this ugly episode”.
File Photo: President Buhari presides over Federal Executive Council Meeting in State House on 23rd Sep 2020
President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with veteran journalist and author, Oloye Lekan Alabi, the Agba Akin Olubadan of Ibadanland, on his 70th birthday, October 27, 2020, joining friends and family to celebrate with the renowned writer, whose contributions continue to inspire.
The President salutes the foremost journalist, who served five governors with his astute communication skills as a Press Secretary, and continues to project the diversity of the country as a Cultural Ambassador of the National Museum, Ile-Ife, working variously as a consultant to private and public institutions.
As a journalist, with experience in both print and broadcast journalism, President Buhari commends Oloye Alabi for also extending his interest into development and educational issues, chairing many foundations that work for the improvement of the lives of Nigerians, like Adegoke Adelabu (Penkelemesi) and Yusufu Olatunji (Baba l’ Egba) Foundation.
The President congratulates Oloye on the launch of a biography to mark the milestone, believing that the material will go a long way in contributing to knowledge in the country.
President Buhari prays that the Almighty God will grant the Agba Akin Olubadan of Ibadanland longer life, good health and wisdom to keep serving the country.
In another development, the president had sent his heartfelt condolence to leading industrialist and business entrepreneur, Chief Eugene Nzom Ojukwu, on the loss of his wife, Fanny, aged 70.
The President urges the Chairman of E. Ekesons Group to take heart at the passage of his long-time companion, who kept the home front, while the husband toiled to build his business conglomerate, ensuring that the children were well nurtured into successful professionals that they are in different walks of life today.
President Buhari enjoins the Ojukwu family to find comfort in the fact that the departed lived a quality life, and positively touched all that came in contact with her.
He prays that God will accept the soul of Mrs Fanny Ojukwu, and give those she left behind fortitude to bear the loss.
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