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Photos: Federal Executive Council [FEC] Meeting Underway in Abuja
Buhari-led Government Commences Distribution of N10.9 Billion Palliatives to Households, MSMEs
The Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government on Tuesday says it has commenced the distribution of palliatives worth N10.9 billion to households and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
President Buhari disclosed this at the State House Abuja on Tuesday during his speech, delivered virtually to participants of the first day of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, which has as its theme for this year- This year’s General Assembly has as its theme ‘The Future We Want, The United Nations We Need: Reaffirming Our Collective Commitment to Multilateralism- Confronting Coronavirus Through Effective Multilateral Action’.
The disbursement of the sum is part of efforts to reduce the suffering of Nigerians imposed by the COVID-19, the President said.
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“In order to mitigate its impact on Nigerians, our administration has commenced the disbursement of the sum of N10.9 Billion to households and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises as palliatives,” he said.
In his statement, the President gave the UN community the assurance of Nigeria’s commitment to working with other member states to promote the well-being of citizens.
“I should also state that Nigeria is committed to working with other Member States in the spirit of global cooperation and solidarity to promote human health and general well-being.
“Nigeria will continue to partner with the WHO and some countries to ensure accelerated development and manufacturing, as well as uninhibited supply of safe and effective Coronavirus vaccines to all,” he said.
Furthermore, President Buhari highlighted that his government has established a N500 billion fiscal stimulus package and sustained delivery of humanitarian and social interventions to poor and vulnerable households, while the Central Bank of Nigeria also launched a N3.5 trillion-stimulus package to boost manufacturing and facilitate import substitution.
Read the full speech below.
STATEMENT DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE 75TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 22ND SEPTEMBER 2020
Mr. President, Heads of State and Government, Secretary-General, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen.
Let me on behalf of the Government and good people of Nigeria, congratulate you on your well-deserved election as President of the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). I would like to assure you of Nigeria’s readiness to avail the United Nations all necessary cooperation needed for the fulfillment of your mandate.
- I wish to also thank the General Assembly for the support accorded His Excellency, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande during his tenure as President of the 74th Session of the General Assembly.
- We acknowledge the accomplishments of the Assembly under his able leadership, particularly his efforts on attacking global poverty through the Global Coalition on Poverty Eradication.
- We also commend the tremendous efforts of His Excellency, Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, in steering the affairs of the organization during this challenging period of the Coronavirus pandemic, as well as his strong commitment to making the UN more efficient and responsive in its international responsibility.
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Your Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,
- It is my privilege to use this opportunity to congratulate Member States on the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations. Over the past seven decades, the United Nations, as the People’s Assembly, has helped to stabilize the global community.
- In addition to international peace and security, the UN has undertaken programmes on poverty eradication, women’s empowerment, youth development and humanitarian emergencies.
- The theme of this year’s General Assembly – “The Future We Want, The United Nations We Need: Reaffirming Our Collective Commitment To Multilateralism – Confronting Coronavirus Through Effective Multilateral Action”, is indeed most appropriate and timely, as it captures our common desire for a renewed and revitalized organization in need of multilateral approaches to the many challenges facing the world.
THE FUTURE WE WANT
- As we reflect on the future we want and the United Nations we need, we must realize that the peoples of the world not only look up to us: they count on us. If the United Nations system cannot mobilize the world to marshal out a truly effective and inclusive response to the Coronavirus pandemic, then the United Nations would have failed in its core mission of giving expression, direction and solution to the yearnings of the international community.
Excellencies, - The future we want must guarantee human rights, human dignity, human prospects and prosperity. The principles of “Leaving No One Behind and Doing No Harm” must be expressed through accountability, strategic growth initiatives and elimination of threats of all kinds.
- In our quest to provide a future of hope and prosperity for Nigerians, our administration has embarked on measures to ensure enhanced national resilience. We intend to achieve this through the implementation of the Economic Sustainability Plan and the Medium Term National Development Plans for the period 2020-2025 and 2026-2030. We expect that these ambitious initiatives will deliver sustainable economic growth and development to Nigeria.
THE UNITED NATIONS WE NEED
- Predicated on the values that inspired its creation, the United Nations we need has to remain an agent of progress, by giving expression to the tenets of multilateralism, solidarity and international cooperation. It is within the context of this rules-based multilateral order that the world can find solutions to its many problems.
CONFRONTING COVID-19 THROUGH EFFECTIVE MULTILATERAL ACTIONS
- The world is currently in the grips of the Coronavirus pandemic. Regrettably, our communities and countries are losing lives. The Coronavirus pandemic has devastated the world economy and strained the capabilities of the health system of many countries, including our own country.
- In the aftermath of Coronavirus outbreak in Nigeria, we prioritized vulnerable groups, including women, children, older persons and the unemployed, in our efforts to provide medical and social assistance to cushion the socio-economic effects of the disease.
- Accordingly, we have expanded our National Social Register, to include an additional 1 million Nigerians. Our National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) has been the vehicle for reaching out to the poor and vulnerable members of the Nigerian population, as well as providing cover for over 22 million households.
- I use this opportunity to commend the efforts of the United Nations and the World Health Organization in combating the Coronavirus pandemic.
- I note, with appreciation, the $2 Billion United States Dollars Global Humanitarian Response Plan launched by the UN Secretary-General to fund the Coronavirus response in the poorest countries of the world.
- I also commend his call for cease-fire in conflict areas, to enable humanitarian assistance reach groups vulnerable to Coronavirus.
Excellencies, - I should also state that Nigeria is committed to working with other Member States in the spirit of global cooperation and solidarity to promote human health and general well-being. Nigeria will continue to partner with the WHO and some countries to ensure accelerated development and manufacturing, as well as uninhibited supply of safe and effective Coronavirus vaccines to all.
POVERTY ERADICATION
- In order to mitigate its impact on Nigerians, our administration has commenced the disbursement of the sum of N10.9 Billion to households and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises as palliatives.
- In addition, we have established a five hundred billion (N500 billion) fiscal stimulus package and sustained delivery of humanitarian and social interventions to poor and vulnerable households, while our Central Bank has launched a N3.5 trillion-stimulus package to boost manufacturing and facilitate import substitution.
- The international community will need to cooperate in addressing the scourge of poverty, particularly in developing countries. It is in this regard, that we commend the President of the 74th General Assembly for launching an Alliance for Poverty Eradication in June.
- We encourage global leaders, particularly leaders from the global North, to support the Alliance at this time when the COVID-19 pandemic is reversing gains made in the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and is pushing an additional half a billion people into extreme poverty.
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SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Mr. President,
- As we mark the beginning of the UN Decade of Action for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, Nigeria has made significant strides in domesticating the SDGs.
- There is an ongoing re-alignment of the National Statistical System (NSS) with the requirements and indicators of the SDGs. This is expected to ensure effective tracking and monitoring of the SDGs and guide SDG interventions across the country.
- Nigeria has also developed its home-grown Integrated Sustainable Development Goals model (iSDG Model) – an analytical framework for assessing how policy-making can better address the indivisible nature of the SDGs.
DISARMAMENT, INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY
Excellencies,
- Nigeria remains deeply concerned over the illicit trade, transfer, and circulation of small arms and light weapons, particularly on the continent of Africa.
- We urge the international community to renew efforts to stem this traffic and promote the Arms Trade Treaty in order to codify accountability in the on-going battle against trans-border crimes, including terrorism and acts of piracy.
TERRORISM/COUNTER-TERRORISM
Excellencies,
- The litany of sophisticated terrorist attacks across the globe is a harsh reality of the challenges the world is facing today. We must therefore redouble our efforts to ensure collective security.
- In Nigeria, we are still facing violent extremism from the insurgency of Boko Haram and bandits. We continue to count on our strong cooperation with UN Counter-Terrorism bodies and neighbouring countries to overcome the terrorists in the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel Region.
- We will vigorously sustain the rehabilitation, reconstruction and resettlement of victims of terrorism and insurgency in the North-East. The North-East Development Commission has been established for that purpose.
NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT
Mr. President,
- Nigeria is committed to universal nuclear non-proliferation. In this connection, we recall the adoption of the landmark Treaty on The Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which opened for signature on 20 September 2017. Nigeria participated actively in the processes leading to its adoption and was an early signatory and ratifier.
- With less than ten ratifications needed for the TPNW’s entry into force, we urge other member states who have not done so to quickly ratify the Treaty for the actualization of its important objective.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Excellencies,
- Climate Change is an environmental crisis which requires urgent action. Our Administration is conscious of the fact that the attainment of national development targets would be greatly impeded unless the consequences of climate change are addressed holistically in line with the Paris Agreement.
- To this end, Nigeria has intensified climate action through the upward review of reduction in greenhouse gas emission under the Nationally Determined Contributions, which are climate change targets under the Paris Agreement.
- Nigeria remains steadfast in our commitment to the revitalization of Lake Chad. We are convinced that recharging the Lake will improve the living conditions of our people in the area, promote inter-state cooperation, strengthen community resilience, and assist in addressing environmental and security challenges threatening the region and its resources.
- Let me, therefore, reiterate the call for international support for the sub-regional efforts to raise the $50 billion USD required to actualize this initiative.
MIGRATION
Excellencies,
- Nigeria experiences high internal and external migration due to the size of its population, economic situation and climate. We are therefore fully committed to migration management and prevention of irregular migration and human trafficking.
- I enjoin the international community to also communicate the positive contributions of migrants, particularly in countries of destination, in order to combat racial discrimination and xenophobic attacks, and facilitate the social integration and protection of migrants.
ILLICIT FINANCIAL FLOWS
Mr. President,
- The global aspiration to recover from the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic will not be fully met without addressing existing structures that make it more difficult for countries to generate and retain their financial resources.
- It is in this regard that I thank the immediate past Presidents of the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, Ambassador Tijjani Muhammad-Bande and Ambassador Mona Jul, respectively, for jointly launching the High-Level Panel on International Financial Accountability, Transparency and Integrity for Achieving the 2030 Agenda.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Mr. President,
- In the area of human rights, Nigeria has passed a number of human rights-related bills into law. The bills include: the Anti-Torture Act, the Comprehensive Treatment and Care for Victims of Gun-Shot Act, as well as the National Senior Citizens Centre Act. In addition, Nigeria has launched a National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism.
- This measure is designed to strengthen institutions, coordinate the prevention of violent extremism, enhance the rule of law, access to justice and human rights as well as engaging communities and building resilience and integrated strategic communication.
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WOMEN EMPOWERMENT/GENDER PARITY
Mr. President,
43. The United Nations has made progress in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment through initiatives such as the Beijing Declaration and Programme of Action and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. The creation of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN-Women), in July 2010, was an important milestone.
- Nigeria acknowledges the importance of gender equality and recognizes the critical role that women play in development. We also recognize that the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and other internationally-agreed Development Agenda depend largely on the empowerment of women. Nigeria will sustain its affirmative stance through women empowerment initiatives.
QUALITY EDUCATION
Mr. President,
- Quality education for all is the cornerstone of sustainable development.
- In this connection, I am happy to announce that the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will be hosting the 4th International Conference on Safe Schools in 2021.
- I invite you all to Nigeria to participate in the Conference which aims to advocate for the protection of education from attack as we work together towards the future we want.
UNITED NATIONS REFORM
Mr. President,
- As we urge and strive for inclusion within our societies, we must also ensure inclusion prevails in our collective action as members of the International Community. Nigeria supports the expansion of the UN Security Council to reflect the diversity and dynamics of the 21st Century. Africa deserves permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council.
CONCLUSION
Mr. President
- I will conclude by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to promoting international peace and security and sustainable development, as well as strengthening partnerships and cooperation with international and regional organisations.
I thank you.
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UN Lauds Buhari for Improving Humanitarian Access in North-east
The United Nations Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mark Lowcock, has commended the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government for improving humanitarian access in the North-east region.
Lowcock said the Buhari Administration “has taken important steps to improve access to people in need” who are in critical need.
This commendation was coming amidst international concerns on the activities of terrorists and violent extreme groups in the North-east.
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Some international humanitarian non-governmental organisations have been worried over their inability to operate effectively and distribute relief materials in parts of the North-east, because of security concerns especially in some remote areas of Borno State.
Reacting to the Buhari administration’s intervention and new arrangement, Lowcock, during a briefing last week, said: “I am pleased to report we have had constructive engagements in recent days with the Nigerian authorities, and the government has taken important steps to improve access to people in need, which we look forward to building on further.”
The UN chief had earlier expressed concern about the unpalatable situation in the North-east.
He said: “In North-east Nigeria, as we told you…violence by extremist non-state armed groups is largely responsible for driving up humanitarian need.”
It would be recalled that in a bid to reverse the trend and ensure effective access to vital food supplies, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, the National Security Adviser and members of the National Humanitarian Coordination Committee, escalated the matter to the Presidency.
The President in turn mandated Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to work with the committee, governors in the region and relevant ministries, departments and agencies, including service chiefs to resolve the matter in conjunction with international concerned organisations and multilateral agencies operating in the region.
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The Vice President held series of meetings, bringing together the governors, all the relevant government agencies and representatives of international agencies and organisations.
This intervention led to a renewed and coordinated effort of providing a new template that supported the activities of the non-governmental organisations and offered a more secured access to the areas in question, explained a statement by Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.
Idowu Sowunmi
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Sanwo-Olu Tasks Cabinet Members to Step up Tempo of Governance
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Monday declared opened the first Lagos State Two-day Ministerial Performance Review Retreat at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, where he said his administration was determined to step up the tempo of governance through innovative and inclusive policies.
He assured Lagosians that his administration was committed to fulfilling all his promises despite disruption occasioned by the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and other challenges that were not envisaged.
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The governor said fulfilling his promises in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S development agenda for ‘Greater Lagos’ would be delivered by his administration, despite reduction in the budget as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, knowing fully that no excuse would be tenable to the residents of the state.
The T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda is predicated on: Traffic management and transportation; Health and environment; Education and technology; Making Lagos a 21st Century economy; Entertainment and tourism; and Security and governance.
According to him, “I want to assure you that despite disruption occasioned by COVID-19 and other challenges that we did not envisage, we are still committed as a government to fulfilling the promises we made to people knowing fully that no excuse will be tenable to our citizens.
“We must be determined to step forward, heighten the tempo of governance and continue to create opportunities through innovative policies that are not only inclusive but provide sustainable solutions for this present administration and lay foundation for future administrations coming behind us.”
Sanwo-Olu also implored members of the state executive council and other public office holders to be committed to the incumbent administration’s effort to meet the yearnings and aspirations of Lagosians, especially the electorates who elected him to govern the affairs of the state.
“Let me emphasise that our yardstick for performance assessment will not be based majorly on the amount of money expended or budget but the outcome of our various interventions that we have had; what measures the impact that touched the lives of citizens that we swore to serve.
“One of the promises we made at the inception of our administration and in line with the principle of continuity was to ensure the completion of projects that were inherited from the last administration. A significant part of our efforts and resources was devoted towards fulfilling this promise and taking government to another level,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, in his address, enumerated the present administration’s achievements in the last one year and four months in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda.
Hamzat said: “We should understand that our focus should be Lagosians, Lagosians and Lagosians because ultimately, they will define what we do and they will grade us. So, we are like in an examination now and examiners don’t have deep knowledge into the operations of how we actually do things but they only measure it by perception and of course by what they see.
“And as such, our job is to make sure that we set that perception right and then we give quality things in dimension; that at the end of the day our integrity will be intact and then they can say the party has done very well and this government has done very well.”
Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Folashade Jaji, said the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected governments and institutions globally, bringing in its wake, a new normal, adding that Lagos State, which is not left out, was the epicentre of the virus in Nigeria.
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She, therefore, commended Lagos State Chief Incident Commander, Sanwo-Olu, and his deputy, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, as well as the entire health sector family in Lagos State for the outstanding management of the pandemic, which was acknowledged statewide, nationally and internationally.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has affected not only the health sector, but also the economic sector and how we work. Therefore, our trajectory for implementation of the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda to achieve ‘A Greater Lagos’ is going to change as we operate within the new-normal to deliver the dividends of democracy to the good people of Lagos State.
“I believe in the capability of the Executive Council members, to prolifically deliver as political heads in our various MDAs and of course with the support of all others present for this retreat. I also believe that when objective feedback is given and taken in good faith, it can only lead to improved performance,” she added.
In his address, the Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, noted the importance of a harmonious and effective working relationship between Permanent Secretaries who are accounting officers of Ministries and the political heads who are members of the state executive council.
He said: “While the Permanent Secretary has overall responsibility for the day-to-day administration of the ministry as accounting officer and in addition to advising the commissioner on public service processes and procedures, it is critically important that the responsibility of the political head for the implementation of government policies is duly recognised and the right balance and conducive atmosphere for a cordial and productive working relationship is established.”
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Okunola also disclosed that “the core objective of this two-day retreat is to conduct a forensic review of the present administration’s scorecard along the six pillars of our strategic development plans in the last one year. We are here to provide a honest and unemotional review of how have we fared sector by sector. Have we achieved our set targets in different sectors? If yes, what are the enabling factors that have been instrumental in the successes recorded? If we have failed to achieve set targets, what have been the factors that militated against attainment of set targets?”
He said the main thrust of the present administration is to make Lagos economy a 21st Century economy.
“In this regard, the state government has invested heavily in infrastructure renewal and roads rehabilitation across the five divisions of Lagos, not forgetting invitation for expression of interest in the 4th Mainland Bridge,” he stated.
Idowu Sowunmi
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Edo Election: Obaseki Offers Oshiomole, Ize-Iyamu Olive Branch
Winner of the just concluded Edo State Governorship election held on September 19, 2020, Godwin Obaseki, has extended a hand of friendship to a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole; and the APC candidate in the Saturday election, Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
Obaseki, currently wrapping up his first term as Edo State Governor, a position he attained under the APC, and contested again as a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, after being frustrated out by his traducers within the broom party, on Tuesday called on the opposition to put their differences aside and work for the betterment of the state.
Obaseki made this call during his speech after the Independent National Electoral Commission issued certificates of return to him and his deputy, Philip Shaibu.
“To our friends and our brothers on the other side of the divide, we are one family in the pursuit to provide services and public good for our citizens.
“Our citizens have decided that as for now, they trust us more to provide them leadership. It does not mean that they do not have a role to play. It does not mean that they are not part of a family.
“I’m using this opportunity to extend the hand of fellowship to my brother, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and his other colleagues in the All Progressives Congress to join us and work with us so that we can move Edo forward.
“On a specific note, I want to use this occasion to call on the former chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, that the fight is over and he should come and join in building the house where he was part of laying the foundation.
“We have no malice, the only thing we disagreed on is in the approach in moving Edo forward.”
The presentation of certificates of return was presented by INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Edo, Rivers, and Bayelsa States, Mrs May Agbmuche-Mbu, made the presentation at the INEC office in Aduwawa, Benin City, the Edo State capital.
Photo:
By Tobiloba Kolawole
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Governor Abiodun Says His Government Will Miss Late Oba Adebowale’s counsel
The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed his condolences to the people of Isheri Olofin and entire Aworiland on the demise of HRM, Oba Nurudeen Adekambi Adebowale.
Governor Abiodun In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, described the death of the first-class monarch as a loss of monumental proportion to Aworiland, the traditional institution in the State and the Nation.
“Oba Adebowale was a true statesman who served his people with distinction. He was also very accommodating, as his town became a melting point for all Nigerians and foreigners during his reign,” the Governor stated.
“His peaceful, gentlemanly and statesmanly approach to issues will also be missed at the Egba Traditional Council and the State Council of Obas and Chiefs to which he belonged,” he added.
Abiodun said his Government will surely miss his counsel, maturity and interventions on issues concerning his people.
While recalling that Oba Adebowale ruled with compassion, fear of God and wisdom, the Governor conveyed his deepest sympathy to the people of Isheri Olofin and Aworiland, offering a prayer that “the examplary leadership, candour and progressive works of Kabiyesi Olofin Adimula be enough consolation for all Isheri Olofin and Awori sons and daughters.”
Governor Abiodun prayed that the Almighty Allah forgive him his mortal sins and grant him Aljanah Firdaous. He also prayed for grace for his immediate family members, chiefs, brother, Obas in Aworiland and the State to bear the irreparable loss.
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CBN to Sanction Banks Over Fund Disbursement Delay to Farmers
The Central Bank of Nigeria says it will now sanction banks involved in delaying disbursement of Anchor Borrower’s Program funds to farmers.
The apex bank gave the threat when the Director of Development Finance, Mr. Yusuf Yila spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting involving Anchor, Processors, Commodity Associations and Banks.
Yila disclosed that the CBN has been receiving complaints on late disbursement despite having released the funds to the participating banks, thereby threatening the success of the Federal Government’s Anchor Borrower’s Programme.
He noted that the CBN will be more involved in the selection of input suppliers, to ensure that only reliable ones are engaged.
He added that suppliers will be put on stand-by to replace those that were found wanting.
Mr. Yila described the 2020 dry season as the biggest yet since the commencement of the Anchor Borrowers’ Program in 2015 and sought the co-operation of all stakeholders to make it a success, to save the country from a food crisis.
Radio Nigeria
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COVID-19 Still Present, Danger of Community Spread Looms – IPCR Warns
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on the general public to adhere strictly to the NCDC protocols on COVID-19 with a view to preventing the spread of the pandemic in the country.
The Director General of the Institute Dr. Bakut T. Bakut made the call on Monday 21st September, 2020 in Awka, Anambra State at the occasion to mark 2020 World Peace Day celebration.
The Director General who was represented by Grace Awodu, Chairlady, local Organizing Committee, World Peace Day, said that because of the COVID-19 pandemic, celebration of the 2020 World Peace Day was low-key.
He said the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution through South-East Zonal Office is collaborating with people and Anambra State Government to organize “Peace Summit” in Awka, Anambra State to mark the Day.
Dr. Bakut further observed that COVID-19 is still present in the country, the danger of community spread still looms large and as such all efforts must be in place to resist further spread through adhering to the preventive measures prescribed by Nigeria Centre for Diseases Control (NCDC).
The IPCR Boss enthused “I appeal to all to embrace the advice on physical distancing, wearing of facemask, sanitizing or washing of hands and caution in social gatherings.”
Dr. Bakut further explained that conflict is a major distraction of efforts being made at combating the COVID-19 Pandemic and other diseases in Nigeria. He said resources, energy and time are wasted in quelling conflicts at the expense of facing the COVID-19 and other health related diseases.
The Director General call for an end to all forms of violence, armed banditry and criminality in Nigeria. He advocated for the use of dialogue in the management of conflict.
While speaking on the theme of the event “Shaping Peace Together” Dr. Bakut called on State Government and non- governmental organization to mark the day by spreading compassion, kindness and hope in the face of the pandemic.
He urged Nigerians to stand against any attempt to use the virus to promote stigmatization, conflict and criminality in Nigeria.
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Lagos Judiciary: Sanwo-Olu Reiterates Commitment Towards Quick Dispensation of Justice
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday reiterates that fairness and justice is the foundation for peace, stability, growth and development.
This was said by Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his wife, First Lady Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, at a church service marking the New Legal Year Service of the Lagos State Judiciary held at Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina.
Mrs Sanwo-Olu in a statement said: “Mr Governor seized the opportunity of the service to congratulate His Lordship, Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba and the entire member of the Judicial arm on the successful completion of the 2019/2020 legal year inspite of challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Governor recognises that fairness and justice is the foundation for peace, stability, growth and development, and this is why he reiterated the commitment of his administration towards providing the right atmosphere for quick dispensation of justice”, First Lady Sanwo-Olu said.
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Ekiti: Governor Fayemi Inaugurates Multi-Stakeholder Initiative for Open Governance
Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi on Monday further demonstrated his administration’s commitment to open governance, transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement with the inauguration of the steering committee of Open Government Partnership (OGP).
Dr. Fayemi, who inaugurated the Committee at the Governor’s Office, Ado- Ekiti, said the OGP initiative was in consonance with his restoration agenda as clearly spelt out in the Five Pillars of his administration.
The OGP is an international multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at promoting open governance, citizen’s empowerment, fight corruption, and harness new technology to strengthen governance in member states.
The steering committee which is to be coordinated by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Femi Ajayi, had the Director-General, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD), Prof. Mobolaji Aluko; Special Adviser, Bureau of Public Procurement, Mr. O’Seun Odewale; Permanent Secretary (Finance) Mr. Folorunso; Permanent Secretary (Budget) Mr. Adeleke Adefolaju; Accountant General, Mrs. Titilayo Olayinka and Special Adviser (CSO), Mr. Biodun Oluleye.
Others include Prof. Oluwadare CT, Olafunsho Olajide from Disability Not a Barrier Initiative; President Ekiti Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Chief Kola Akosile; and Representative of the Institution of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Mrs. Agbaje.
Members of the steering committee, according to the Governor, were selected from civil society organizations, professional bodies, youth parliaments, public service, and other interest groups in order to ensure more commitment from government to promote open governance, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technology to strengthen governance in Ekiti State.
The Governor explained that his administration has always prioritised inclusion of the needs and aspirations of towns and communities in the State’s annual budgets, adding that the OGP initiative would increase collaboration between government and other stakeholders to improve the standard of living of the people in the state.
He said: “The Open Government Partnership initiative will also promote more collaboration work within government by promoting mutual accountability, information sharing, and coordination among MDAs. This will promote efficiency in government and delivery of the goals of the five pillars.”
Fayemi explained that OGP would further strengthen his administration’s reforms in open budget, open contracting, revenue transparency, beneficial ownership transparency, assets disclosure, access to information, citizens’ engagement, and empowerment.
Noting that Ekiti was the first State to join OGP in South-western Nigeria, Governor Fayemi expressed delight that his administration’s efforts at deepening good governance and embracing inclusive participation are gaining recognition not only in the country but at the international level.
He said; “As a responsible government, we have always insisted that all government functionaries demonstrate the understanding of accountability and transparency in their various activities. The policy areas are the right to information, gender and inclusion, digital governance and rights, protection of civic space and natural resources, and fight against corruption.
“The OGP was launched in 2011 with eight (8) founding member government. In July 2016 Nigeria, through the efforts of Open Alliance, joined the partnership as a 70th member country. To deepen on-going institutional and policy reforms in Ekiti State, we applied for membership of Open Government Partnership in October 2019, the application was graciously approved.”
Earlier, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Femi Ajayi stated that the initiative involves engaging citizens in issues of government adding that the benefits of the partnership were enormous.
Ajayi said that such a partnership if well-coordinated would cement the already cordial relationship between the government and the civil society.
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