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Peace Corps CG Retrieves Car Gift From Party Chair, As Benue APC Crisis Worsens

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Dickson Akoh, a party chieftain and Commandant General of the Nigeria Peace Corps, decided to retrieve the Jeep he had given to the state party chairman, Chief Abba Yaro, three years ago, as part of the party’s crisis in Benue state.

The state chairman, according to reports, has returned the Toyota Sequoia Jeep that the Peace Corps chief gave him as a present three years ago after being asked by Akoh.

Our source gathered that , the relationship between the state party chairman and the party chieftain was amicable until after the last APC Ward Congress, which irked Akor, whose candidates had lost in the state, notably in his Senatorial District of Benue South.

On Thursday in Makurdi, Benue’s capital, the state party chairman handed up the SUV to the Nigerian police Area Commander.

On the 18th of August 2021, Akor, through his solicitors, Sule Abakpa & Co., wrote to the Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force for Makurdi Metropolis, demanding “police escort for the return of Professor Dickson Akoh’s Toyota Sequoia Jeep from Comrade Abba Yaro.”

The Peace Corps CG stated that the car was not given to Comrade Yaro as a gift, but rather to allow the party chairman to move around at the time.

The letter read in bits ; “We are Solicitors to Professor Dickson Akoh, of the Headquarters, Peace Corps of Nigeria, Abuja, (hereinafter referred to as Our Client) on whose behalf we make this application.

“Hitherto, our client had availed Comrade Abba Yaro his Toyota Sequoia Jeep and its original particulars for use when the latter was not mobile.

“Comrade Abba Yaro is now mobile and our client demands the immediate return of his vehicle and its original particulars. To avoid skirmishes, we humbly apply for Police Escort to accompany our Client and/or his agent to retrieve the vehicle from Comrade Abba Yaro.

“Thank you in anticipation of your prompt intervention”.

On behalf of Sule Abakpa & Co., two lawyers, Paul Okoliko and PM Okpo, signed Akoh’s letter.

The state party chairman, however, returned the Jeep to the police on August 19, 2021.

He also wrote a letter to the Area Commander of the police force.

Reference to the above complain letter by Professor Dickson Akoh dated 18th August, 2021, I Abba Yaro, have returned the purported Sequoia Jeep to the Area Commander in perfect condition for onward transfer to the Professor,” Yaro writes in his letter titled “Re: Request of Toyota Sequoia Jeep belonging to Professor Dickson Akoh.

While the APC is preparing for the conduct of its local government congresses, several state chapters of the party are still grappling with the problems that surrounded the party’s Ward Congresses.

FCT State Minister Advocates Legislation To Empower Traditional Rulers

By
Toyin Adebayo
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… Presents Staff Of Office To Etsu Wako

Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has urged local, state, and federal governments to establish legislation that recognizes traditional rulers as stakeholders and instruments of conflict resolution and peace building.

While adding that, Traditional rulers in both the pre-colonial and post-colonial eras have made significant contributions to the formation, extension, greatness, and promotion of good relations among various kingdoms and empires across Nigeria.

She made this known at the presentation of staff of office to the Etsu of Wako chiefdom in the Kwali area council of the territory.

As a result, Aliyu suggests that traditional institutions continue to be involved in nation-building activities in ways that will allow for more effective and efficient peace-building, peace-making, and conflict-prevention programs in Nigeria.

The minister, who was represented by FCTA Permanent Secretary Mr. Olusade Adesola, went on to say that the traditional rulers’ staff of office was not only a symbol of authority, but also a tool for promoting peace and conflict resolution, particularly in light of rising insecurity in various parts of the country.

Aliyu, on the other hand, warned that any traditional ruler who aids and abets criminality in his domain would be sanctioned by the Federal Capital Territory Administration, emphasizing that no one has the right to accommodate total strangers or groups of people, especially given the country’s insecurity challenges.

According to her, “It is not in our character, no matter the level of poverty to betray the trust bestowed on you as a traditional ruler and the custodian of our traditions. This will not be acceptable in the seat of government where Mr. President is the Governor General,” she affirmed.

Earlier, the Ag. Secretary Area Council Services Secretariat Mrs. Olanipekun Omolola had earlier praised the kingmakers and other stakeholders for overcoming the challenges that come with selecting a new traditional ruler.

She did, however, warn the new chief that leadership requires sacrifice, patience, and vision for the people, and she charged him with working closely with the security agencies in his domain and traditional council members to anticipate, identify, and prevent any attempt to disrupt the peace.

Sen. Philip Tanimu Aduda, the senator representing the FCT in the National Assembly, as well as the Chairman of Kwali Area Council, Hon. Danladi Chiya, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders, sent greetings.

The event’s highlight was the administration of the oath of office and presentation of staff of office to H.R.H. Etsu Abdulaziz Usman Ibrahim, the 8th Etsu of Wako chiefdom.

Youth Group ‘7th Republic’ Lauds Gov. Makinde Over World-Class Lekan Salami Stadium Project

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Mr Kazeem Tanimu, the founder of the “7th Republic,” a non-governmental organization made up of Nigerian youngsters from all backgrounds, has lauded Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for transforming the Lekan Salami Stadium into an international and FIFA-approved level.

In a interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja, Tanimu, a young mobilizer and advocate for good governance across Africa, issued the commendation on behalf of the group.

According to him, the ‘7th Republic’ has always hailed and rallied support for every act of selfless leadership directed toward youth empowerment, in accordance with its defining motto for excellent leadership at all levels in Nigeria.

“You know sport is a major unifying factor and an instrument for youths empowerment, so an investment in sport is an investment in youths; the future of any nation.

“Greatness in our continent has always begun with the vision of one dedicated servant leader; from Mandela to Rawlings and in those steps with little drops of leadership in the sands of time.

“Now the governor of a state in the most populous black nation is setting a pace in sports development by remodeling a stadium to world-standard.

“Mandela set the precedence for the world cup in South Africa the first time Africa ever hosted it, and Rawlings was key on sports in all facets and this clearly shows sports could guarantee economic development, serve as a unification point and engage the youth meaningfully.

“As Governor Seyi Makinde, relaunches the Lekan Salami stadium on September 1st, the spirit of unification in healthy competition would light up the city of Ibadan and resonate with Nigerians Nationwide,” he said.

Tanimu went on to say that the renovated stadium will serve as a springboard for the expansion of sports not just in the state but across the continent, as it would be a popular venue for national and continental championships.

He said the restored stadium would play a critical role in the state’s productive involvement of youngsters and, as a result, in reducing restiveness, and asked other state governments to take a page from Makinde’s book.

The renovated Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan will be officially opened on September 1, according to the Oyo State Government.

The Lekan Salami Sport Complex, according to the state government, is being upgraded to FIFA standards, with four world-class changing rooms that can accommodate 25 players and wet areas that can accommodate 11 players at a time.

A Doping Control Room, Clinic, Referee’s Room, Match Officials Room, and a Youth Centre/Ball Boys Rooms are among the other new facilities in the complex.

It was also revealed that the stadium has been outfitted with a state-of-the-art Studio, as well as CCTV facilities that can monitor a five-kilometer radius around the complex and as far as the Ibadan Airport, in accordance with FIFA requirements.

Strike: A Hungry Doctor Is A Dangerous Doctor, As NARD Appeals To Nigerians To Bear With Them

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has said that a hungry Doctor is a dangerous doctor.

Just as they appealed to Nigerians to bear with them for taking the stand on the ongoing strike.

The association is being hopeful that the Government shall do the needful as it pertains the welfare of our members thus curbing the ugly incidence of Brain drain.

Speaking on behalf of the association, the President NARD, Dr. Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi in a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Abuja thanked Nigerians for their show of love and empathy towards
our cause.

According to him; “We are not unaware of the sufferings you all are going through due to government insincerity of purpose.

“It is one hundred and twenty days (120) TODAY since we headed your call to call off our industrial action following government memorandum of action. It is five
(5) years and eleven (11) months since we signed the memorandum of terms of settlement (MOTOS) yet Government has reneged.

“As you are aware, today the Government sued us to the National Industrial Court for adjudication.

“As a law-abiding association, we were in court as summoned, but the ministry of Labour was absent, and only the ministry of Health was present representing the federal government.

“The case was adjourned to 15th September 2021”,the statement further stated.

Effective Policing: Minister Assures FCT Police Command Of Adequate Support

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has offered the administration’s support to the FCT Police Command in its mission of efficiently policing the nation’s capital.

When the incoming FCT Commissioner of Police, Babaji Sunday, paid a courtesy visit to the FCT Administration, he expressed his support.

Bello also asked Babaji, like his predecessor, AIG Bala Ciroma, to work closely with the heads of the various security agencies in the FCT.

The minister assured the Police Commissioner of the FCT Administration’s support, revealing that the Administration will provide the Command with some operational vehicles to aid in its assignments and reminding him that policing the FCT could be difficult because the nature of crime and criminality in the city center may differ from that in the satellite towns.

He, on the other hand, congratulated the new CP and expressed delight over his appointment, stating that Mr Babaji possessed the necessary professional qualifications, having previously served as a Deputy Commissioner in Charge of Operations in the FCT, as well as other key positions in several state police commands across the country.

While praising the officers and men of the FCT Police Command for their hard work in the FCT, he also urged them to provide the new CP their full cooperation.

Earlier, the new Commissioner of Police stated that he planned to expand on his predecessor’s accomplishments in combating crime in the FCT, which he defined as the seat of the Nigerian government and hence a highly sensitive state.

He also assures people that they will receive high-quality police service while requesting their cooperation.

He advised people to report any suspicious individuals or situations to the authorities.

CP Babaji Sunday also complimented the FCT Minister for creating a conducive climate for collaboration among the FCT’s various security services, and cautioned criminal elements in the Territory to leave, repent, or face the wrath of the law.

Dr Bashir Mohammed, Director, FCTA Human Resources Management Department, Barr. Yusuf Wodi, FCTA Solicitor General, Barr. Yusuf Wodi, Director Department of Security Services, Mr Adamu Gwary, and senior officers on the new CP’s entourage were also in attendance.

Nigerian Doctors Felicitate With IBB At 80

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The President, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Professor Innocent AO Ujah , the National Officers Committee (NOC) and the entire members of the NMA rejoice with the foremost military president and Elder Statesman, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, GCFR, on the momentous occasion of his 80th birthday.

This was contained in a statement signed by NMA president and made available to newsmen in Abuja.

The statement read in bits; “It is memorable that it was he, General Babangida, GCFR (rtd) that created the Medical Salary Scale (MSS) and Medical Super Salary Scale (MSSS) as well as approving the allocation of the land for the permanent site of the Association in Maitama Abuja, in addition to the establishment of the Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in order to bring health care closer to the community and the downtrodden. With all these innovations, the former Military President has made history for which he will ever be remembered

“This not only endears him to Nigerian Doctors and Dentists who appreciate him by awarding him with the highest honour of Fellow of the Nigerian Medical Association (FNMA) but marks him out as a quintessential leader who bold facedly attempted to stem the tide of medical brain drain by instituting a regime of improved welfare of our teeming members.

“Nigerian Medical Association prays the Almighty Allah to endow the General with good health and peace of mind as he lives to celebrate many more birthdays”.

To Address Insecurity, Northern Leaders Launch ‘Abuja Roundtable

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

In order to address the difficulties confronting northern Nigeria, particularly insecurity, some of the region’s most prominent sons and daughters have created Abuja Roundtable, an independent, non-partisan, non-governmental organization (NGO) to address the region’s ever-changing challenges.

The stakeholders intimated that the Abuja Roundtable will be actively involved in resolving the security problem in Northern Nigeria, pledging to launch new and support existing private citizen initiatives to supplement the efforts of the three levels of government.

The former Presidential candidate of the defunct NRC, Alh. Bashir Tofa, stated on Tuesday at the initiative’s inaugural event in Abuja that the state of insecurity in Nigeria is concerning, while adding that the state of insecurity in Northern Nigeria has reached existential proportions, threatening to turn the region hostile to civilized existence.

Tofa, who spoke on behalf of the Initiative, further hinted that, to bring the state of insecurity in Northern Nigeria under control, more and better collaboration among the states across the region and between the states and federal authorities is required.

He equally said that there is also need for more and better coordination among the military and security agencies and between them and the civilian population.

The elder statesman however, stressed that no effort should be spared to bring an end to the wanton death and destruction that have been unleashed on the region.

According to him , “We acknowledge the efforts of the relevant authorities at both the state and federal levels to deal with the difficult, complex and evolving security situation but it is becoming clear on a daily basis that a lot more of these efforts is required.

“The pain, agony and unwarranted suffering of ordinary people across the region has become completely unbearable as agriculture, education, commerce and the normal rhythm of life have been severely disrupted.

” However, the ultimate remedy to the state of insecurity in Northern Nigeria is a collective resolve by all Northern communities to live in peace with each other, in equity and justice, and quality investment by the three tiers of government, as well as the private sector, in human capital, agriculture, healthcare and infrastructure, particularly power, transport and telecommunication.

“These investments are necessary for job creation to catch up with our rapid growth in population. So, we will do whatever is necessary and possible to cooperate with the relevant authorities to restore security to the region.”

He continued ,”reasons that we founded Abuja Roundtable and set for ourselves the following objectives: To foster genuine unity among the people of Northern Nigeria

“To use unity as the platform to collectively address the challenges of insecurity and underdevelopment in the region; to move from unity within Northern Nigeria to unity among Nigerians.”

“The they are fully aware attaining the objectives will not be easy as the conditions and forces of division have taken root and have been left to fester unchecked over a long period.

“Abuja Roundtable envisions a united Northern Nigeria in which peace, prosperity and development become the norm rather than the exception, in which the people are defined by the core values of love, honesty, hard work, contentment, sacrifice, humility and good neighborliness.

“We are also hopeful that, as collective victims who have paid the price of division, our people have arrived at the realization that unity is required to resolve other challenges afflicting the region.

“Recent consultations with eminent political, traditional and religious leaders across the North are encouraging. They reveal a strong desire to remove all obstacles to Northern unity and a commitment to overcome its challenges.

“We will widen and deepen these consultations in the coming weeks, months and, if necessary, years in order to attain our objectives.

“The most urgent task, therefore, facing the peoples of Northern Nigeria is to overcome fear and suspicion, jettison unhealthy division and create consensus around common goals and aspirations”, he emphasized.

In attendance were: Former Secretary government of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed, Former Governor of Kaduna state, Ramalan Yaro, former Governor of Sokoto state, Attahiru Bafarawa, former governor of Kwara state, Abdulfatai Ahmed, former Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, former Minister of Interior, Abdulrahaman Dambazau, former FCT Minister, Aliyu Madibo, former INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, Chief of Defense Staff, General Martin Agwa, Senator Abdul Ningi, Hajiya Naja’atu Tijani, Member Police service Commission, former Minister of State Aviation, Dr Idi Hong to mention but a few.

UK Gift Nigeria 699,760 Doses Of AstraZeneca Vaccine

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The United Kingdom (UK) Government on Tuesday donated 699,760 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to the Federal Government.

Dr Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) during the Inspection of the vaccines at the National strategic store in Abuja expressed gratitude to the government and people of the United Kingdom for this gesture.

He stated that the additional AstraZeneca vaccine would be deployed immediately to the States to be administered as a second dose to those who had earlier received only the first dose of the vaccine during the first phase of the vaccination rollout.

He also directed all those who have received AstraZeneca as first dose to visit the nearest vaccination site to receive the second dose in other to have full protection against Covid-19.

Shuaib hinted that by the end of this month, the agency is expecting another additional 801,600 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines from the COVAX Facility, donated By the Canadian Government.

He noted that , the AstraZeneca is a vaccine that we are all familiar with while our health workers are experienced in its administration and management with its storage requirement same as most of our routine vaccines at temperatures of +20C +8oC.

The NPHCDA Executive Director assured all Nigerians, that all vaccines certified by NAFDAC are highly effective against the COVID-19 virus, including the Delta variant.

He harped on the fact that World Health Organization (WHO) does not approve the mixing of different brands of COVID-19 vaccines, which means that the same vaccine must be taken for both first and second dose.

More so, the Acting British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Atkinson, who presented the vaccines to the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, said that the vaccines were donated for the wellbeing of Nigerians.

She added the UK was one of the first countries to back COVAX with €548 million and have consistently pushed for a global effort that help every country receive the vaccine against COVID-19.

Atkinson also expressed happiness to see Nigeria receive 699,760 doses, donated by the UK, in their second batch of the vaccine through COVAX, which is the first trench of the 1,299,760 doses expected to be donated by the UK through COVAX.

She said only by vaccinating more people around the world can bring an end to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

She also said that the UK has donated approximately five million doses to COVAX to be sent to African countries and three million of those doses are sent to Africa.

She added that donating through COVAX helps to increase vaccine coverage, ensure that no dose goes to waste and helps to bring to an end the acute phase of the pandemic.

Meanwhile , the country representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Walter Mulombo, who witnessed the receipt of the vaccine commended the UK government for the donation.

Mulombo noted that WHO is happy that the COVID-19 vaccine portfolio in Nigeria is growing and opening prospects to cover the eligible population towards achieving health immunity.

He said the contribution today of over six hundred and minty nine thousand AstraZeneca vaccines by the UK government is really a big relief for them knowing that there are Nigerians who got the first and were waiting for the second shot.

Dr Mulombo appealed to Nigerians to willingly receive the vaccine as it is certified safe.

Cote D’Ivoire Begins Ebola Vaccination Of Frontline Workers, First Responders

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Moeti
WHO Regional Director for Africa

Cote d’Ivoire on Tuesday launched Ebola vaccination of high-risk populations, including health workers and first responders in Abidjan, where an Ebola outbreak was declared on 14 August.

Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa said, the country was able to swiftly begin the vaccination on 16 August with the rVSV-ZEBOV Ebola vaccine manufactured by Merck as the vaccine doses that the World Health Organization (WHO) helped secure to fight a four-month long outbreak in Guinea were sent quickly by Guinea to Cote d’Ivoire.

She said the vaccine deployment from Guinea included 2000 doses from Merck that are being used under the “ring strategy” where people who have come into contact with a confirmed Ebola patient are given the vaccine, as well as first responders and health workers. In addition, Guinea sent around 3000 vaccine doses manufactured by Johnson & Johnson which are to be used to boost the vaccination in areas not experiencing active transmission.

Her words; “Guinea has also deployed five vaccination experts and provided monoclonal antibody treatments to Cote d’Ivoire, which declared an outbreak after confirming the Ebola virus in a patient who travelled to Abidjan by road from Guinea. The patient is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Abidjan. Effective early treatment, which currently exists, and supportive care can significantly improve chances of surviving Ebola.

“The Ebola vaccine is a critical tool in the fight against the virus and so it’s a top priority to move rapidly and start protecting people at high risk of the disease”

“The speed with which Cote d’Ivoire has ramped up vaccination is remarkable and shows that with effective sub-regional solidarity we can quickly take measures to extinguish lethal infections that can potentially flare up into large outbreaks.”

“In addition to the confirmed case, one suspected case and nine contacts have been identified and are being monitored. No deaths have been reported. There is no indication yet that the current outbreak in Cote d’Ivoire is linked with the one that was in Guinea. Further analysis and genomic sequencing will help determine any connection, she further noted .

Moeti noted that, to support Cote d’Ivoire’s efforts to control the outbreak, the first since 1994, WHO is deploying experts to join their country-based counterparts to help ramp up infection prevention and control, diagnostics, contact tracing, treatment, community mobilization and cross-border surveillance. The Organization is also assessing whether additional vaccines will be needed to curb the disease.

In Guinea, the health authorities are stepping up surveillance, carrying out further investigations, identifying contacts in readiness for vaccination and readying an Ebola treatment centre.  

Since the Ebola outbreak was declared in Guinea earlier this year, WHO has been supporting six countries, including Cote d’Ivoire, to prepare for a potential outbreak. This included support in disease surveillance, screenings at border crossing points and in high-risk communities as well as setting up rapid response teams, improving testing and treatment capacity and reinforcing community outreach and collaboration.

The outbreak in Cote d’Ivoire is the third this year after the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Guinea.

NFVCB Boss, Visits, Condoles With Shagari Family Over Widow’s Death

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Executive Director/CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Alhaji Adedayo Thomas over the weekend expressed his condolences to the late former President Alhaji Shehu Shagari’s family on the loss of his widow Hadiza Shagari.

Thomas, who made a condolence visit to the late First Lady’s sons and other family members in Abuja, called her death a “Huge national loss.”

He made this known in a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Abuja by Joshua Olomu, media aide to the Executive Director.

The statement read in bits; “Mama was a warm-hearted woman who excelled as a mother and role model to both her biological children and those she mentored throughout her life.

“During the Shagari period, she was a well-respected First Lady who devoted her life as a unifying pillar for the Shagari family, Sokoto State, and Nigeria as a whole.

“May Allah console her loved ones and grant her Jannah Firdaus.”

Thomas, who was joined by several members of his management team, said he was paying his respects to CSP Haruna Shehu Shagari, a friend and son of the late First Lady, as well as his siblings and immediate family members.

CSP Shehu Shagari responded by thanking Thomas and his crew for their concern and love shown during the condolence visit.

“These are extremely challenging times for the whole Shagari family, and we are grateful for the care and concern that Nigerians have given us.

“Nothing is more devastating than the death of a mother, especially our beloved mother, who has kept our family together since our father died.”

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