The Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria is set to commence a one week online screening of ‘Body Concert’ performance by the popular Ambiguous Dance Company.
Director, Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria, Lee Jin Su, said the online streaming is a delibrate attempt to introduce the trend of Korea art to the world.
According to him; ‘Body Concert’, is a performance which has shocked the contemporary dance world with fresh choreography.
He , however, expressed optimism that the performance will provide dance enthusiasts an opportunity to experience an excellent performance team that has not only won awards at world-class festivals and performing arts festivals but has also recently participated in a promotional video for Korea tourism.
The “Body Concert” by Ambiguous Dance Company was created to show how much the body can express itself through music.
He further explained that the choreographer, Kim Bo-ram selected songs that he once wanted to dance as a dancer to form the choreography.
“From Daft Punk, a pioneer of Electronic music, to Bach’s ‘Goldberg Variation’ representing Baroque music, and ‘Make Me Cry’ of Handel’s opera, ‘Rinaldo’, a symbol of the Classics, this performance involves music and dance, not bound by genre. All work in exquisite harmony.
“‘Body Concert’ received the “Critics Choice Best Work” Award in 2010, listed in the Performing Arts Market in Seoul “PAMS Choice” in 2016, and officially invited and performed at Sibiu International Theater Festival in Romania in 2017.”
In 2019, they performed for five days at the Australian Castle Main Festival, received a five-star rating in the ‘Herald Sydney’ review, and was officially invited to the Berlin Contemporary Dance Festival ‘Tanz im August,’ and sold out all seats for the 4th performance.
An Abuja based Non Governmental Organisation, Helpline Foundation for the Needy, has concluded plans to unveil a scheme tagged: “Adopt a Library Initiative”, aimed at bridging the gap between urban and rural schools in the nation’s capital.
This, according to the President foundation Dr. Jumai Ahmadu was part of activities to mark 2020 edition of the International Literacy Day.
Ahmadu hinted that, the prolonged closure of schools occasioned by the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, has resulted in widening the gaps between schools in urban and rural communities.
She gave this hint at a world press conference in Abuja, while lamenting the absence of online learning platforms in rural communities, stressing that as parts of its scholarship scheme the foundation has concluded plans to launch “Adopt a Library Initiative”.
Ahmadu, however, called for collective commitment to supporting students in rural communities and providing resources to stimulate their interest in learning especially during this period of COVID-19 pandemic.
In her words; “Since the outbreak of this COVID-19 pandemic, we have explored the gap regarding technology integration between urban and rural schools in the territory.
“And in our exploration we are guided by two main questions: Is there any significant difference in terms of technology availability between rural and urban elementary schools?; and Is there any significant difference in terms of students’ attitudes, competence and experiences in technology integration between rural and urban elementary schools?
“Our findings show that there was a significant difference in technology availability between rural andurban schools, including the number of interactive white-boards, desktops in labs, notebooks, netbooks, and tablet-computers. There was also a difference in teacher overall high-tech integration level between rural and urban schools.
She continued; “We at Helpline Foundation for the Needy Abuja and as part of our scholarship scheme has concluded plans to launch the “Adopt a Library Initiative.”
“With the help of friends and partners, we can reach more students with books, computers, internet facilities and other learning materials because from our study the urban schools might be more resourced in terms of ICT infrastructure than semi-urban schools”.
Ahmadu, therefore, called on all stakeholders in the education sector to support the scheme in rural communities across the six area councils in the territory.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, has called on Arewa Youth Council to promote and immortalise the legacies of Late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of Defunct Northern Nigeria.
She made this known when the leadership of Arewa Youth Council (AYC), paid her a courtesy call in her office,yesterday in Abuja, while noting that such legacies would influence the performances of public officers in the country, especially in the north.
The minister who was represented by her Special Assistant on Youths and Women, Simisola Ayoade, affirmed that the level of insecurity in the northern Nigeria was a clear departure of the legacies of Sir Ahmadu Bello, who worked tirelessly to promote unity of northern Nigeria and the country at large.
In her words; “I am delighted that our youths especially from the north are beginning to come to the full realization that they are critical stakeholders in governance. I want to state unequivocally that the present level of insecurity, social vices and economic backwardness in some parts of the north is a clear departure from the legacies of Sarduana of Sokoto.
“Therefore, continue to promote and immortalise the legacies of Late Sir Ahmadu Bello, because such legacies will in no snall measure influence the performances of public officers in the country, especially in the north,” she stated.
While commending the leadership of AYC for the visit, the Minister identified education as key to breaking the yoke of drug addiction and other social vices among youths in northern Nigeria, just as she called on other youths to build one united nation.
Earlier , the President of Arewa Youth Council, Comrade Dogo Shagari, observed that despite Sardauna’s legacies, northern region has continued to embrace poverty, stressing that the northern states are behind every other states of the federation.
According to him, “We need something that will unite the north regardless of political parties or ethnicity. For many years now, no conscious efforts to fight poverty has been made commensurate to the growing population of the region. “We need to unite to fight poverty and to get qualitative population needed to fight poverty alongside investment in education”.
The highpoint of the occasion was the conferment of “Icon of Peace/Nation Building” award on the FCT Minister of State.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Defence on schools’ safety and security.
The partnership tagged; “UNICEF & Save The Children” was aimed at committing the ministry to ensure that it handles the children and schools “in a manner that their security is ensured.”
UNICEF Education Officer responsible for Education in Emergencies Coordination at National Level, Judith Giwa-Amu said that, “We are looking for ways in which issues concerning school safety and security can be mainstreamed into their strategic document”.
She made this known in Abuja, at an event held ahead of the commemoration of the 2020 International Day For the protection of Education.
The partnership, according to Giwa-Amu was,” For them (Ministry of Defence) to be able to handle the children , the school in a manner that their security is ensured .”
“There is a fear that when the military are invited to protect the schools in the North East, we have the fear that by the time they go,non-state actors then look at the school as one that caters for the need of security in the school, we have fears that they will attack the school,” she further explained, adding that: “The safe school declaration is the one that has been signed by the 104 countries, Nigeria is among the 37 implementing countries.”
Noting that, “they have been identified as the major organs in charge of the implementation of safe school declaration,” she said the implementation guidelines were linked to the military”, explaining that it “recognises their role and the need to support education.”
“Security, education and humanitarian sectors are key sectors that must be engaged by all countries to the safe school declaration,” she declared.
The International Day For the protection of Education is a day set aside to review attention on the importance of protecting education, to ensure that a generation of children are saved. It is marked on September 9th of every year.
“We know that education is the acquisition of knowledge for use to support the socio-economic development of a nation.
“When you have children who are out of school, it is due to the reason that they are afraid or their parents are afraid and because of fear, their parents prefer them being alive than going to school. The next generation becomes an endangered species, where children experience gap and they can never make it up to other children in other parts of the world,” she stressed.
UNICEF and Save the Children collides education sector to commemorate the 2020 Sept 9th Day of Protection of education.
“In our relationship in education emergencies working group, we have found the need to partner with Ministries of Education, Defence and Humanitarian Affairs.
“We realise that the ministry of Defence has a great role to play. In countries of the world and in Nigeria, we know that education will not happen in some areas in the North East if the military is not physically present. However, we see that with military forces,it changes the civilian nature of a school,” she further said.
The Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi, while thanking the organization, said that; “Education is one of the most prized assets of a country.”
” It is so because it provides a solid foundation for the nation’s growth and development. Thus, the survival and future of a nation is threatened when her education is under attack,” he said.
He further noted that forced recruitment of learners or school personnel into armed groups was a crime against a nation, the minister said: “No nation can sleep in the event of the continued attack on her education, likewise the Nigerian military shall not relent in our efforts to protect the integrity of Nigeria and ensure her continued existence and growth in safety and security.”
“We shall continue to make efforts to ensure that education is not stopped even in the face of conflicts, keeping in mind all necessary protocols and guidelines including the Safe Schools Declaration.
As Nigerian Military continues to step up efforts towards protecting our national assets including education. I call on communities, groups and individuals to avail us all necessary cooperation. It is in our togetherness that we shall protect education from all forms of attack and save a generation,” he added.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has expressed the determination of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to partner with the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, for strict enforcement of road safety laws in the nation’s capital.
Bello made this known when he received a delegation from the FRSC, led by the new Zone 7 Area Commander, Assistant Corp Marshal, Jonas Agwu on a courtesy visit to the FCTA, stressed the need for the Corps to massively deploy men and equipment to ensure enforcement of road safety laws on the roads.
Congratulating the Zonal Commander on his new command position, the Minister placed a lot of emphasis on the need for enforcement of traffic and road safety laws saying, “Enforcement is key. You have to massively deploy men and equipment on a very, very sustained level. Not just one week or two weeks but a sustained level, even if it takes months”.
The Minister in a press statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Anthony Pinkeye stated that, particular attention should be placed on the traffic congestion that occurs regularly at the Lugbe axis along the Airport Road especially in the evenings where unauthorized trading take place usually under the pedestrian bridges.
The Minister, however, emphasized that the laws establishing the FRSC were explicit and very strong, and called on the FCT Sector Command of the FRSC to put the laws to good use.
The FCTA, he said, will support and partner with the FRSC with the effective use of the Mobile Court system. The Airport Road, the Minister emphasized further, is the gateway into the City and should at all times reflect orderliness.
Pledging the support of the FCTA for success in the discharge of his duties, the Minister urged Agwu to leverage on the good working relationship that already exists between the FCT sector of the FRSC and the national Headquarters of the Corps.
Earlier in his remarks , the Assistant Corps Marshal Jonas Agwu had commended the Minister for his openness and support for the FRSC, which he said, had contributed to the successes achieved by the Corps in the nation’s capital.
He also appreciated the good working relationship amongst the various relevant agencies in the FCT involved in management of traffic and curbing insecurity in the Territory, attributing it to the hard work and effective leadership of the Honourable Minister of the FCT.
Agwu also pledged to build on the existing structures available in the FCT to meet the effective road safety and traffic management objectives of the FCTA, adding that the creation of more designated bus stops and deployment of more high capacity buses will further aid traffic flow in the city.
Present at the meeting were the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Malam Bashir Mai Bornu, Director, Department of Human Resource Management, Alhaji Mohammed Bashir, the FCT Sector Commander, FRSC, Mr. Ayuba Gora Wobin, the Director, Directorate of Road Traffic Services, DRTS, Alhaji Wadata Bodinga and other management staff of the FCTA.
The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly Of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) has declared its intention to embark on seven-days warning strike by mid-night of September 13, 2020 if Federal Government fails to meet up with its demands.
While adding that, JOHESU has placed red alert across the states local government health institutions for their readiness if federal government foot-drags in attending to their demands.
Speaking on behalf of the association, the National Chairman, JOHESU Comrade Biobelememoye Josiah made the declaration known in Abuja while briefing newsmen on the state of the Nation and outstanding welfare packages for JOHESU members.
Josiah said the Federal Government did not ensure total and full implementation of the July 1, 2020 agreement between JOHESU and the Federal Government when it disbursed the third tranche of the allowance for June 2020.
He added that some of their demands which are specific court judgements, collective bargaining agreements and MoUs have been treated with levity and outrightly violated for almost a decade in some instances.
On their demands he added that, “At the peak of negotiations with this federal government team, it offered #6.5billion which was rejected because it was grossly below the #22.6billion prepared by National Salaries Incomes and Wages Commission as agreed in the 2017 terms of settlement”
On the state of the nation, he rejects the recent hike on patrol price, describing it as insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians.
“It is worrisome that when other countries are offering palliatives as well as reducing inclination towards social dysfunction, our leaders appear to be sowing seeds of hardship and bitter pills to bring depression to the doorstep of citizens”
Two Corps members of batch B 2019, Miss Ilori Ayotola Deborah, batch number FCT/19B/5861 and Mr. Ilozumba Patrick Chiagozie, batch number FC/19B/6140, have gained automatic employment into the services of Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for their outstanding performance during their one year mandatory youth service in the territory.
They also bagged ministerial award in recognition of their immense contributions to rural communities especially during the peak of COVID-19 pandemic.
While presenting the award to the deserving corps members, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, applauded them for exhibiting what she described as “consciousness and selflessness” during their one year mandatory service.
She used the occasion to pledge that the FCT Administration would continue to appreciate those who have worked hard to promote the unity of this country especially during service year, stressing that the NYSC scheme has continued to foster unity among different ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.
Her words ; “Today marks another milestone in the history of our younger ones especially the two outstanding corps members. During the processes of growth, we all look forward to a time when we will be appreciated, a period where someone will tap you on the shoulder and say you have done well.
“Today happens to be the day for these young lads. You will get so many awards and laurels with the way you are going and with your antecedent, the sky is the limit for both of you. From your citations, you have exhibited consciousness and selflessness in service.
“Nobody will hear about you if you choose to carry out your normal duties, but you must do extraordinary things to be treated extraordinary. The Governing Board finds you worthy for this honour, and I have no doubt in my mind that you deserves this award after listening to your citations.
She continued; “You are indeed outstanding. When I listened to the citation of Ilori Ayotola Deborah, I was really proud of a young beautiful lady who is selfless and committed to duty. The administration will therefore continue to appreciate those who have worked harder to promote the unity of this country. The period of youth service, ushers you into a completely new environment, new culture, new faces to cohabit with and understand and learn from each other.
“Once again, we appreciate you for your outstanding performance and to inform you that there is always a space for you in the FCT Administration. We are waiting for your response because you must make FCT proud and I will be the happiest person to see you among those that will be receiving the presidential award. The two corps members, if interested should be engaged in the services of FCT Administration and I believe that it will encourage other corps members to stand-out”.
Earlier in her remarks, the Acting Secretary, FCT Social Development Secretariat, Mrs. Delichukwu Onyedima, said corps member Ilori Ayotola Deborah, who hails from Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti state was born on February 27, 1994. Ilori, had her tertiary education at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state where she studied Linguistics, and served as Welfare Coordinator of the Youth Support Network.
A Nigerian Youth Forum targeted at reproduction health of young adolescents. She was also a member of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) CDs group.
While corps member, Ilozumba Patrick Chiagozie, who hails from Anambra state graduated from Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka where he obtained a degree in Fine and Applied Art and passed out with a Second Class Upper.
He was deployed to the Federal Capital Territory for his youth service and posted to Federal Inland Revenue Service for his primary assignment. He served as a Federal Engagement and Enlightenment Tax Team Officer.
The Federal Government on Friday said it has received samples of Russia’s COVID-19 vaccine.
This is just as whole the world is jostling to find safe and effective vaccine to combat the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic that is ravaging the world.
Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire while receiving the samples vaccine on behalf of the Federal government, stated the vaccine would be “quickly referred” to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) as well as the Nigeria Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), amongst other agencies, for review and possible validation.
He said that, Nigeria has been participating in series of knowledge exchange and contacts with different research bodies and countries to find solutions to the COVID-19 challenge and has contacted the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nigeria for right of access immediately the Russian COVID-19 Vaccine was announced.
Ehanire stated that, a Ministerial Team is expected to be raised to continue further engagement with the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nigeria on the vaccine as well as other areas of interests highlighted at the meeting.
Earlier, the Russia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Alexey Shebarshin, delivered the samples to the Minister of Health said Russian-made COVID-19 Vaccine finally here.’
He further hinted that countries such as U.A.E, S/Arabia, Mexico etc have expressed interest in the Russian COVID-19 Vaccine and requested that Nigeria puts together a team to interface with his Embassy to drive the process of human trials not just for the Russian COVID-19 Vaccine but to explore further disease and health areas where the Russian Federation has expertise to manage with vaccines.
Shebarshin, however , said he was in the Federal Ministry of Health to formally hand over the Russian-made Vaccine against COVID-19 to Nigeria with an aide memoir which explains the details for Nigerian teams to study and get ready for further researches, patronage and application.
It would be recalled that, one of the National dailies had earlier reported that Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, saying, his country approved a vaccine offering “sustainable immunity” against the lethal coronavirus.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Yusuf Tukur Buratai on Thursday expressed the determination of the Nigerian Army to end armed banditry and terrorism that has bedeviled some parts of the country.
He made this known during a courtesy visit on Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, while on operational tour of army units and formations in Gombe to those areas within the theatre of operation lafiya dole in the Northeast and the Northwest.
He, however, applauded the government and people of Gombe State for being proactive in maintaining peace in the zone that has been battling with security challenges.
Buratai also thanked the government of Gombe State for appropriating a large portion of land for the construction of the permanent site of the 301 Artillery Brigade Barracks.
He added that, the Nigerian Army is determined to end all forms of criminality in the country and called on the people to partner the Army towards achieving the goal.
He, therefore, appealed to the Governor not to relent in supporting the Nigerian Army, particularly the Nigerian Army University Biu which he said was established to address the educational needs of the people in the North East and the country as a whole.
In his response, the Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya lauded the Nigerian Army for its relentless war on terror as well as other forms of criminality bedevilling the nation.
He said that the Nigerian Army has contributed immensely in restoring peace in the North East and the country as a whole adding that, prior to the appointment of Lieutenant General Buratai as the Chief of Army Staff, the security situation in the region was precarious.
According to him, “As a matter of fact, the Chief of Army Staff has done a lot and we must express our happiness and pride that our son has reached the zenith of his career and has done so very well to Nigeria and the whole world”.
Yahaya informed the visiting Army Chief that Gombe has been a home for individuals fleeing crisis from neighbouring states of Borno, Adamawa, Yobe and Taraba, adding that the State Government has been providing succour to everyone who seeks refuge in the state.
He added that, in the spirit of support to the Nigerian Army and Nigerians, the Gombe State Government sacrificed its NYSC permanent Orientation Camp for use as a rehabilitation centre for repentant Boko Haram insurgents.
The Governor stated that, his administration will continue to support the Nigerian Army in carrying out its constitutional mandate of maintaining peace and protecting the nation’s territorial integrity.
On the Nigerian Army University Biu, Governor Inuwa Yahaya assured the Chief of Army Staff that his administration will partner the institution for the benefit of the people of the state.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, has said that it has refunded the sum of Seventy Four Million, Five Hundred and Forty Nine Thousand Naira (N74,549,000.00) to 2020 Intending Pilgrims who requested to collect back their deposit.
The Spokesperson of the Board, Muhammad Lawal Aliyu gave the revelation in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja.
According to him , a total of 74 intending pilgrims who made deposit to the Board in respect of the 2020 Hajj that could not hold due to Covid-19 pandemic have so far collected their money.
The Public Relations Officer, however, advised Intending Pilgrims who have made deposit and are still willing to collect their money to do so before the end of this month as the Board is finalizing arrangements for the commencement of registration for 2021 Hajj exercise from 9th of September as directed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
He further stated that , the refund of money collected is a continuous exercise but emphasised the need for early declaration of interest in order not to derail preparation for the forthcoming Hajj operation.
He also disclosed that all deposits not claimed would automatically be rolled-over as deposit against 2021 Hajj exercise.
Lawal added that, prospective Intending Pilgrims who wish to perform the 2021 Hajj through the Board can deposit a minimum of N1,000,000.00 (one million Naira) only via a Bank Draft payable to the “FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board Abuja” before the release of the actual fare by the Federal Government.
The statement also warned all intending pilgrims who are yet to return their completed application forms or submit their International Passport to do so to enable the Board facilitate early registration formalities and process their travel documents.
