Nigeria's Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu.
As part of efforts to ensure a crime-free Eid-el Kabir celebration in the country, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has directed the commissioners of police in all the states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as well as their supervisory Assistant Inspectors General of Police in the 17 Zonal Commands to intensify “confidence building patrols in all nooks and crannies of the country particularly on major highways and around critical national infrastructure.”
Adamu, while assuring Nigerians of adequate security, congratulated the Muslim faithful in the country as they join other Muslims across the world to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival.
Besides, IGP called for “voluntary compliance with the ban on all mass socio-religious gathering and other prevention orders directed at protecting the citizens and checking further spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.”
Adamu, in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, enjoined the citizens to cooperate with the police, noting that the measures have become imperative due to the rampaging COVID-19 pandemic.
Former Nigerian lawmaker and Afenifere leader, late Pa Ayorinde Fasanmi
President Muhammadu Buhari has mourned the passing of the leader of Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Ayorinde Fasanmi, describing his death as a big loss to the nation.
Fasanmi, 94, a pharmacist turned politician,vwho was also the leader of Egbe Ilosiwaju Yoruba died on Wednesday night after brief illness in Osogbo according to his son, Afolabi.
The President condoled with people and government of Osun and Ekiti states, family members, friends and associates of the elder statesman, who served as a legislator in both House of Representatives and Senate, and distinguished himself politically by always standing for the truth, especially on issues related to the uplifting of the downtrodden.
Buhari affirmed that Fasanmi’s “wise counsels borne out of humility, deep reflection, diligent studies and experience will be sorely missed by governments at different levels, as he regularly and willingly listened to leaders, and always had a good advice on going forward.”
“As an ardent follower and prodigy of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo,” the President believed “the fearless and consistent leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation lived to serve his people and the nation, and the progressive ideals that he projected impacted greatly and provided a road map on development at state and federal levels.”
Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, noted with commendation that the “efforts of Chief Fasanmi in the founding and sustenance of Nigeria’s democracy will be remembered, and posterity will be glad for his great sacrifices.”
The President prayed God to receive the soul of the departed leader, and comfort his family.
Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila expressed sadness over the demise of the leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Fasanmi.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker said though the demise of the late patriot would be felt by the nation, the progressives and his family, solace would, however, be taken in the fact that his footprints have been firmly entrenched in the sand of time.
The Speaker noted that Pa Fasanmi’s passionate quest for democracy and good governance saw him leave pharmacy to join politics and later became the leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere.
Gbajabiamila said: “As a federal lawmaker at the national level, first as a member of the House of Representatives and later a Senator, Pa Fasanmi came across as a symbol of humility, selflessness and integrity. These attributes have continued to inspire lawmakers across the country.
“It is my prayer that his soul rests in perfect peace, and may God give those he left behind the fortitude to bear the loss”, the Speaker said.
In the same vein, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu in his reaction to the death of the elder-statesman says Nigeria has lost a valuable nationalist.
Gpvernor Sanwo-Olu described the late Pa Fasanmi as a remarkable Afenifere leader who worked for the peace and progress of Nigeria and Yoruba people.
“Pa Fasanmi was indeed an icon who will never be forgotten in history.
“On behalf of the people of Lagos, I commiserate with the government and people of Ekiti and Ondo States, his immediate family and the political associates of Baba. He will surely be missed”, he said.
Senator, representing Borno South Senatorial district, Ali Ndume
A lawmaker, representing Borno South Senatorial district, Ali Ndume, has condemned the ongoing rehabilitation exercise for ex-Boko Haram fighters, alleging that the terrorists would never repent.
Ndume, instead, challenged the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to train those in IDP Camps in various trades and vocations so that they could start life again.
Nigerian military authorities had in 2016 launched an initiative for the deradicalisation and rehabilitation of ex-Boko Haram fighters, titled: Operation Safe Corridor.
According to the military, the objective of the operation was to reintegrate repentant Boko Haram members into society.
In July, no fewer than 600 ex-Boko Haram members had completed the De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) programme.
Dissatisfied with aim of the exercise, Ndume in an interview on BBC Hausa Service told the Buhari administration to discontinue the programme forthwith.
He said: “The programme by the Federal Government is unacceptable to our people. The right thing is to stop it, forthwith.
“Not that they even apologised to you, they only apologised to the government with the thinking that government has failed and that is why they are being pampered.
“They are like Kharajites. Many among those released have since run away. They will never repent.
“The government should know what to do about them. But not re-introducing someone to you, who has killed your parent, or your relations. It can be traumatic.
“If there is sincerity of purpose in government’s rehabilitation exercise, those in the IDP camps should be trained in various trades and vocations so that they could start life again.”
File Photo: Dean of African Diplomatic Corps in the United States of America (USA), Serge Mombouli; President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina.
Dean of African Diplomatic Corps in the United States of America (USA), Serge Mombouli, has congratulated the President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, praising him for his forthrightness.
The Dean, on behalf of the African Diplomatic Corps, also warmly thanked the Independent Review Panel for its excellent work.
It would be recalled that Adesina was completely exonerated of any wrongdoing by a high level panel of eminent persons led by Her Excellency, Mary Robinson, former President of the Republic of Ireland.
The panel was established to review the report by the Ethics Committee of the Boards of Directors of the African Development Bank that had previously reached the same conclusion that Adesina had not engaged in unethical practices or misconduct.
Reacting to the development, Mombouli commended Adesina for his visionary leadership and the outstanding development results attained by the bank under his tenure.
While noting the election of the President of the African Development Bank planned to take place on August 27, Mombouli called for Adesina’s re-election in unison by acclamation.
According to him, “Dr. Adesina is the sole candidate and has received the full endorsement of the African Union.”
The dean also extended his appreciation to the Board of Directors, the Ethics Committee of the Boards of Directors, and the Bureau of the Board of Governors of the African Development Bank for their courage and maturity in establishing an independent and transparent process, which confirmed the excellent governance of the bank.
The African Diplomatic Corps urged USA, the largest non-regional shareholder, and all other shareholders, to continue to strongly support the bank’s President and the African Development Bank Group, going forward, especially at this period of global novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
A screenshot of Africa Energy Chamber website banner.
African Energy Chamber has appointed Managing Director, EnergyInc Advisors and Senior Africa Advisor, IFU Danish Investment Fund, Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani; Founder/Chairman, APO Group, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Genesis Energy Group, Akinwole Omoboriowo II; Managing Director, Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited, Walter Peviani; and Operations Director/President of the Executive Board, IFP Training, Rémi Mouchel; into the chamber’s Advisory Board on Energy Transition Committee to assist in developing new African business models and solutions to the global decarbonisation challenge.
Members of the Energy Transition Committee would act in their personal capacity, and form an integral part of the African Energy Chamber’s Advisory Board for 2020 and 2021.
With their decades of experience and expertise in investments, finance, communications and capacity building across all segments of the energy industry, the appointees would be advising the chamber on a range of initiatives to further push for decarbonisation initiatives on the continent, while developing an African message and approach to energy transition.
“The African Energy Chamber strongly believes that the global energy transition debate has remained absent of African voices.
“One cannot discuss energy transition on our continent without taking into account energy poverty and the need to create an inclusive energy industry that creates jobs and procures goods and services locally.
“As a chamber, we believe climate change is an issue as important as energy poverty. Powering up African homes and industries will require a coordinated approach in the development of all energy sources Africa has to offer, including natural gas, wind, solar, hydro or geothermal,” said Executive Chairman at the African Energy Chamber, Nj Ayuk.
African Energy Chamber is committed to building an energy industry that works for everyone, but remains concerned over the predominance of an international narrative that would be imposed on the continent at the detriment of Africans’ best interests.
As the continent recovers from the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), the chamber would be working on promoting solutions and opportunities that put a priority on securing affordable and reliable energy to Africans, while creating jobs and supporting local entrepreneurship.
The Federal Executive Council has ratified President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval for the release of over 8.6 billion Naira counterpart funding for the ongoing Siemens’ Power Project.
This is contained in the joint memorandum presented by the Ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Hajia Zainab Ahmed, and Power, Alhaji Saleh Mamma.
Briefing newsmen afterwards, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Hajia Zainab Ahmad, said the project would modernize and expand the Nigerian power sector.
She explained that the release of the counterpart fund was meant for the first phase of the project, tagged The Presidential Power Initiative.
Hajia Zainab Ahmad said the counterpart fund had already been captured in the revised 2020 Budget, and that the Federal Government’s intention was to unlend the loan to the electricity distribution network.
She said the government would be working with the distribution companies to restructure an appropriate loan agreement when they were able to close out on the initial phase of the process.
The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun on Wednesday signed Today into law the Revised 2020 Appropriation Bill, which reduced the state’s budget from 449.97 billion Naira to 280 billion Naira.
In a statement by the Governor, the revision of the Budget which was presented to Abiodun by the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, was due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I appreciate our Lawmakers for taking State matters as a priority of office. This, the Executive will work to compensate with a focus on critical sectors that impact positively on our people”, Governor Abiodun said.
Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun during a media briefing at the Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. July, 29, 2020.
The Governor Dapo Abiodun-led Ogun State Government has announced that worship centres would tentatively reopen across the state from August 14.
Giving an update on strategies his administration was employing to combat the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Abiodun explained that the decisions were reached after rigorous deliberations.
According to him, “After rigorous deliberations by the related committee, I can announce that worship centres will tentatively reopen on Friday, 14th August, on the condition that they adhere to agreed guidelines, failing which we shall not hesitate to impose severe sanctions on erring centres.
“These are on the use of face masks and hand sanitisers; distancing; and provision of medical, toilet and hygiene facilities including Veronica buckets.
“Others include: Muslims should perform ablution at home and go to mosque with personal praying mats; certified medical personnel to check worshippers’ temperature before admittance to venues; handshakes, hugs and air conditioners to be avoided in all centres; provision of isolation rooms, as well as digital cameras to record services, in each centre; and adequate medical support to be provided for sick persons.
“Other measures are: duration of services not to be more than an hour and a half, while intervals in the case of multiples should be of the same duration; constant sensitisation on COVID-19, its dangers, preventive measures, and especially the susceptibility of the elderly, to be included in sermons; and large worship centres (with more than 200 worshippers in a given service) to further pursue concurrence with Ogun State Government Committee, towards ensuring ventilation and effective entry and exit management procedure and the avoidance of item sharing during Holy Communion.”
The governor said it’s worrisome that Ogun State, like Nigeria, has been witnessing an increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.
He noted that despite his administration having screened over 10,000 persons and also tested about 5,611 people as at July 28, the state has 1,326 confirmed cases; out of which 1,068 have been discharged; while the state has an unfortunate record of 23 related fatalities; with 227 active cases.
Abiodun urged the residents of Ogun State to adhere to advisories rolled out by health authorities.
On the reopening of schools, the governor said despite having initiated e-classes for students, “we understand the uniqueness of physical classes, so we have made available Risk Assessment Forms on ogmoest.org to public and private schools to evaluate readiness for the adoption of the Federal Government’s resolve to allow SS3 students resume on 4th August to prepare for SSCE (to begin on the 17th).”
He added that “a mandatory virtual training is also being organised for school staff on decontamination, medical equipment, toilet facilities, flexibility of closing times, and special requirements for boarding schools.”
President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday said he would observe the Eid El-Kabir prayers with his family at home, just as he did during Eid El-Fitr a little over two months ago, in line with advisories from the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Presidential Task Force, PTF on COVID-19.
The President disclosed this in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.
While wishing all Muslims a safe and happy Eid, the President reiterated the protocols as issued by PTF that large gatherings, as much as possible, should be discouraged.
“Where small groups choose to hold the Eid together, face masks are absolutely necessary, as is social distancing. Advisedly, such prayers should hold outdoors and worshippers are encouraged to bring their own prayer mats.
“In order to stop the spread of the disease, the President will not be receiving Sallah homages by religious, community, party and government leaders and urges all citizens to observe the occasion as advised by state and local authorities.
“He once again wishes all citizens a safe and happy Eid,” the statement said.
File Photo: Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari during a virtual meeting with the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the council chamber, State House Abuja; Thursday June 11, 2020
The President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government Wednesday said the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) organised by the National Examination Council (NECO) for the students would commence on October 5 and end on November 18.
Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajuiba, disclosed the dates for the examination at the end of a virtual meeting with chief executives officers of examination bodies in the country.
The minister, in a statement by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Ben Goong, said the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) into Unity Colleges would hold on October 17.
The ministry also said the Basic Education Certificate Examinations, (BECE) for JSS 3 pupils also conducted by NECO would start on August 24 and end on September 7.
The statement added that registration for NECO (SSCE), which is on-going, would end on September 10 and that there would be no further extension.
The statement said the National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB) examinations would start on September 21 and end by October 15.
The National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) is scheduled to hold from September 23 to October 17, said the statement.
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