Eid-el-Kabir: Saraki canvasses Muslims on complying with COVID-19 regulations, patriotism

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July 30, 2020

Saraki prays — A file photo of former Senate President Bukola Saraki and Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness (HRH), Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari during prayers at a Eid Prayer Ground in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has stressed that it is important for Muslim faithful to avoid huge gatherings and other conduct which may lead to the spread of Covid-19 as they celebrate Sallah.

In a statement issued by his Media Office in Abuja on Thursday, Saraki, while he felicitated with Muslims across the country on the celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival, canvasses adherence to COVID-19 regulations.

“We should also stick to the use of face masks, wash our hands from time to time, apply hand sanitizers and maintain physical distance. This is important to avert a situation where after Sallah, there would be increased cases of people infected with the virus”, he stated.

The former lawmaker called on Muslims to pray for the unity, development and security of Nigeria because the nation is facing many challenges which pose serious threat to her unity and progress.

He also noted that citizens need to rededicate themselves physically, spiritually and intellectually to the cause of saving and serving the country.

He added that a period like that of Eid-el-Kabir, a season of sacrifice and demonstration of faith, provides an opportunity for such renewal of patriotism. The Eid-el-Kabir festival, he stated, symbolizes the voluntary obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (ASW) to the commands of Allah and the demonstration of his faith in his maker.

He urged Muslims to also remember that Allah commands them to obey the laws of their land, comply with lawful directives from the government of the day, live in peace with their neighbours and commit their affairs into the hands of the ultimate controller.

“There is no time that we need to demonstrate all the lessons of Eid-el-Adha than now. Apart from the economic and security problems, the unique challenges imposed on our environment by the Covid-19 pandemic demand that we all work together to reduce the spread of the virus, maintain peace in our society and help to channel the lean resources of state to funding of priority issues.

He urged Muslims to use the Sallah period to intensify prayers for the country. “We should seek for Almighty Allah (SWT) to heal her, restore full security, prosperity, peace and strengthen her unity. We should pray for victory for our soldiers fighting against insurgency and banditry in different parts of the country and protection for our health officials on the frontlines striving to prevent the spread of Covid-19 across the country”, Saraki stated.

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FG commits to assisting 177 stranded Niger returnees

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 30, 2020

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Niger returnees 1 — Photo: Tersoo Zamber/Radio Nigeria

The Federal Government has assured the 177 Nigerians repatriated from Niger Republic of protection and support as well as respecting their dignity and rights as citizens of the Country.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar-Farouq who gave the assurance in Abuja while receiving them said, the Federal Government had assembled an inter-ministerial team to ensure that arrangements were in place to cater for the returning citizens.

Represented by the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugee, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Senator Bashir Muhammed, the Minister said the Federal Government sympathised with them as the President deemed it fit to assist all Nigerians who wished to return to the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eid-el- Kabir: Gbajabiamila urges leaders to keep their contract with Nigerians

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 30, 2020

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Speaker of House Femi Gbajabiamila — Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has called on Nigerian leaders to keep their contract with the Nigerian people as that is the only way they can make meaningful impact in the lives of the citizens.

The Speaker made the call in his Sallah message to Nigerians, which was signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, on Thursday, urging Nigerians, irrespective of their differences, to embrace one another and be united for the progress of the country.

Eid-el-Kabir: IGP orders intensified patrols nationwide, advises Nigerians on COVID-19 protocols

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Abuja Bureau

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July 30, 2020

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IGP-Adamu1 — 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.

Buhari, Gbajabiamila, Sanwo-Olu mourn as Afenifere leader, Fasanmi dies at 94

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 30, 2020

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Pa Fasanmi — 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.

REAS ALSO: FEC ratifies approval for over N8.6bn Siemens Power Project

“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.

Idowu Sowunmi

Tobiloba Kolawole

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Stop rehabilitating ex-Boko Haram fighters, train IDPs instead, Ndume tells FG

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 30, 2020

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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.”

Idowu Sowunmi

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African Diplomatic Corps in USA congratulates Adesina over exoneration of wrongdoings

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 30, 2020

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Africa Diplomatic Corps USA serge And Akinwunmi Adesina — 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.

Idowu Sowunmi

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Energy Poverty: African Energy Chamber makes key appointments into advisory board

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 30, 2020

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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.

Idowu Sowunmi

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FEC ratifies approval for over N8.6bn Siemens Power Project

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 30, 2020

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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.

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Ogun revises 2020 budget from over N449b to N280b

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 30, 2020

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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.

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