ASUU Donates Food Items To 320 IDPs In Katsina

The Academic Staff of Universities Union (ASUU) has donated food items to about 320 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Katsina State on Sunday. Dr Lawalli Alkali, the association’s national resource person represented its National President, Prof. Victor Emmanuel, at the distribution of the relief materials. He said the gesture was not the first of its kind by the association as it had been a long-standing programme. He said also that the foodstuffs included rice, cooking oil, spaghetti, noodles and seasoning cubes. “ASUU has always identified with vulnerable groups and the most seriously vulnerable Nigerians like the Internally Displaced Persons IDPs. “ASUU regards IDPs as manifestation of a serious problem. “When you see IDPs across the country, it shows that we still have a lot to do on security matters,’’ he said. Alkali appealed to President Bola Tinubu to adopt necessary measures to tackle security challenges in the country to enable IDPs to return to their homes. According to him, ASUU has been monitoring events in Katsina State, and appreciates the commitment of Gov. Dikko Radda on security issues. “We pray that he remains focused to do the needful to ensure that IDPs returned to their homes. And resume their farming and other business activities,’’ he said. Some of the IDPs, mostly women, expressed appreciation of ASUU’s gesture and appealed to the state government and wealthy individuals to also assist. Those who spoke said they were in need of serious assistance, adding that staying in uncompleted buildings was not their desire. They also called on governments at all levels to redouble efforts at tackling security challenges in their communities. 

EU To Support Africa’s Infrastructure Drive With €150bn In 4 years

The European Union (EU) through its Global Gateway initiative has promised to disburse 150 billion Euros to Nigeria and other African countries to enhance infrastructure in over eight sectors. The disbursement of the fund which commences from this year to 2027, aims to enhance connectivity, promote sustainable development, and strengthen economic ties between the EU and its partner countries, including Nigeria. The EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, who revealed this at the launch of the Global Gateway initiative in Abuja, added that the bloc would support Nigeria to achieve enhanced infrastructure connectivity, including transport, energy, digital networks; support agriculture, economic growth, health and education. She said: “It will also promote sustainable development and environmental protection; and foster cooperation and partnerships with Nigeria and other partner countries. “We are living in an increasingly fragmented world. The war that Russia started against Ukraine last year, the military takeover in Niger in July, and the escalation in Israel-Palestine conflict are just stark reminders of that. “In such a world, the Global Gateway strategy is our positive offer to build resilient connections in the world through strategic partnerships to jointly address the challenges of our times from fighting climate change to improving health systems. “Together, we intend to mobilise 300 billion Euros in investments by the year 2027, and half of them for Africa; it is 150 billion Euros by the year 2027; Nigeria features prominently in the Global Gateway investment package”, the commissioner added. Urpilainen further clarified that the EU would support the 5G rollout in Nigeria, as part of its efforts to support the digital economy as well as also working on a potential loan to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the digital and print sectors. According to her, the EU had committed financial resources to support the energy sector, including the setting up of mini grids and small hydropower plants for productive and public purposes. “In 2022, we launched a digital economic package for Nigeria. With EU and European Investment Banks, investments worth 820 million Euros, it is a lot of money,” she added. The EU commissioner described education as “the most transformative investment anyone could make. So, an empowerment project is being launched in North Western Nigeria in cooperation with government to promote quality basic education in the northern regions.” Urpilainen assured that the EU’s long-term commitment would support investments in key sectors of the Nigerian economy, namely Agriculture (€42,000,000), Energy (€37,000,000), Health (€45,000,000), Digital (€55,000,000), Education (€45,000,000), and Social Protection (€46,000,000). In his remarks, Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said that the Global Gateway initiative was aimed at achieving collective regional and global prosperity was in full alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. He explained: “The core of this administration’s agenda is a developed Nigeria that is not only for a few, but for all, providing the Government the opportunity to actualize its plans in sectors that it wants to focus on. “Africa’s relationship with Europe has deep historical roots, and has been built on years of shared values, collaboration and mutual respect. “While we enjoy geographical proximity, we also have increasingly intertwined culture, and more importantly, a shared future,” the minister added. Tijani pointed out that working with the EU gave Nigeria the opportunity to leverage its structure and historical resources for global development, particularly for Africa.

NGF Backs State Of Emergency In Education

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has expressed support for a call of a state of emergency in the education sector. Speaking at the National Conference on the Learning Crisis in Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday, the Chairman, NGF, Governor Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman of Kwara, said resources must be provided for sustainable and promising education. The conference, organised by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund, has the theme: “Scaling Foundational Literacy and Numeracy in Nigeria.” Represented by the Vice Chairman of NGF, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Abdulrahman said education is in crisis and a state of emergency should be declared in the sector. He stressed the need to remove all barriers such as gender, poverty, location, disabilities, language and ethnicity, that could hinder children from accessing foundational literacy and numeracy. “We must follow UNESCO standard for education system that is progressive and sustainable, Governors at the various states must commit above 15 per cent above of our budget to education. “I support the call for state of emergency but it must be backed by actions, the resources must be provided and we must look at issues that have mitigated against achieving that sustainable growth. “It is one thing to declare a state of emergency but it’s another thing to put all the resources and elements that will allow us to achieve it. “So, I support putting the resources in place to allow us move fast at it. Our education is in crisis and a state of emergency should be declared in all the sector. We need solid roadmap and I believe it is a collective involvement,” he said.  Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, said learning crisis had been a challenge the education sector is faced with which needs urgent solution. “The consequences of learning crisis are far-reaching and profound as we risk widening the already significant education gap, perpetuating a cycle of poverty, illiteracy, diseases and stifling innovation and progress. “Education is the cornerstone of societal progress and individual empowerment, yet the challenges we currently confront demand our immediate attention, dedication, and action. “In recent years, Nigeria has been grappling with a severe learning crisis that hinders our youth from achieving their fullest potential. “A significant portion of our school-aged population, especially those in underserved communities, face barriers to access quality education. “The factors contributing to this crisis are multifaceted and include inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortage, unequal distribution of resources, outdated curricula, and socio-economic disparities,” he said. Sununu said the country must rise to protect the potential and aspiration of the youths, saying they are the greatest asset and hope for a prosperous future. He expressed the political will of President Bola Tinubu to raise education budgetary allocation from 8 per cent to 25 per cent in the next few years. He said the gesture would be a major breakthrough in addressing the learning crisis issues. In the same vein, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, said the conference was from outcomes of UN General Assembly in September where countries were urged to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goal 4. Munduate said this is to regain ground lost during the COVID-19 pandemic that saw unprecedented school closures globally. “For Nigeria, convening a conference on the learning crisis is opportune as government defines its priorities for the education sector in the new Ministerial Strategic Plan (MSP). “Just as Nigeria has galvanised significant support around the out-of-school problem, so too must it give attention to the learning crisis that is in fact fueling the out-of-school problem in Nigeria. “Three out of four children in basic education in Nigeria cannot read with meaning or solve simple maths problems. “When children fail to learn to read in the early years, they fail to read to learn in the subsequent years. Failure to learn begins to alienate children from the curriculum and their peers. “This contributes to the staggering drop out rates each year between the first and last year of primary school,” she said. She, therefore, called for serious attention to the learning crisis saying learning is not just important for education outcomes, it is key to finding a higher paying job, for achieving better health outcomes and for navigating community and social life. Also, the Chief Education, UNICEF Nigeria, Saadha Panday-Soobrayan, said the learning crisis in Nigeria begins in early childhood education, saying only half of the children are developmentally on track in early childhood. She said that learning gaps persist across the life course and most severe in the north part of the country. According to her, by the end of grade nine, only 74 per cent of pupils demonstrate foundational literacy and 69 pee cent foundational numeracy. She, therefore, said that all hands must be on deck to finding a lasting solution to the country’s learning crisis.

Let’s Support Tinubu, NNPCL – Civil Rights Group

A conference of civil society groups for good governance (CSGGG) is calling for collective support for the progress and growth of NNPC Limited under the capable leadership of Mele Kyari. They have expressed concerns about the negative efforts to discredit Mallam Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, aimed at removing him from office to gain unrestricted access to state resources for personal gain. The group, represented by its President, Comrade Dominic Ogakwu, is responding to an unwarranted smear campaign against the remarkable achievements and ongoing progress of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) in certain sections of the media. He refuted the claim that there is a secret award of control of Nigeria’s pipelines to a Northern oil cabal, calling it not only baseless and a product of the imagination but also a cowardly assertion. According to Ogakwu, the spreading of gross misinformation and unsupported allegations regarding oil pipeline rehabilitation and surveillance contracts has become a weapon of choice for these unpatriotic elements. He emphasized that these recent attempts lack substance and are mere distractions. He issued a warning to those determined to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s transformative leadership, urging them to reconsider their actions and cease their meaningless agitations and threats. Ogakwu further explained, “To award such a contract, a transparent tendering process is required, involving public notices and invitations for qualified companies to bid. The contracts have been awarded following rigorous procedures consistent with industry norms, and each bidding company underwent a competitive tender selection process, overseen by regulatory institutions such as the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, transaction advisors, Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI), and the Ministry of Justice.”

WhatsApp Will No Longer Support Old Model Phones From October 24

WhatsApp, the world’s leading messaging app, has announced that it will discontinue its support for certain older devices starting Tuesday, October 24, 2023.  In a statement posted on its FAQ page, the app’s parent company, Meta, revealed that it will no longer function on smartphones running Android 4.1 or earlier versions. Likewise, iPhones still operating on iOS 11 or lower will also be impacted by this change. WhatsApp will limit its support to phones running Android 5.1 and higher, beginning on the specified date. However, the messaging platform will continue to provide services for iPhones using iOS 12 and newer, as well as KaiOS 2.5.0 and above.  A message from WhatsApp stated, “Starting October 24, 2023, only Android OS version 5.0 and newer will be supported. Your phone must be capable of receiving SMS or calls during the verification process. We do not support setting up new accounts on WiFi-only devices.  “Prior to discontinuing support for your operating system, WhatsApp will provide direct notifications within the app well in advance, along with reminders to upgrade.” While WhatsApp did not release a list of specific affected phone models, it is expected that Android users with devices from manufacturers such as Sony, HTC, LG, Motorola, and others may be impacted.  Additionally, iPhone users still on iOS 11 are encouraged to update to iOS 12 to continue using the messaging app.  WhatsApp has pledged to keep its users informed by regularly updating its support page with the latest information on compatible operating systems.

NEDC Distributes Palliatives To People With Disabilities In Borno

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has commenced distribution of palliatives to people living with disability in Borno. During the exercise on Saturday in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, the Managing Director of the commission, Mr Mohammed Alkali, said the gesture was in line with the commission’s mandate. Alkali, who was represented by the NEDC Coordinator for Borno, Mr Mohammed Umaru, said the exercise started with the people with disability in Maiduguri metropolitant and would be extended to their members in the 26 LGAs of the state. “What we are doing here today will also be done in remaining 26 LGAs of Borno. “It has also commenced or has been done in other north east states as part of measures to ensure that everyone is given a sense of belonging in line with the NEDC mandate.” Responding, the Chairman of people living with disability in Borno, Mallam Mohammed Abubakar, thanked the commission for the gesture and assured of the leadership’s commitment to ensure fairness in sharing the 50 bags of rice and 50 cartons of spaghetti to its members in the metropolis. Abubakar urged other organisations to emulate the gesture by the commission in reaching out to vulnerable groups in their support to victims of insurgency at this critical period.

Gov Sanwo-Olu Sends Delegation To Late Mohbad’s Family

*Pledges To Support His Child’s Upkeep The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has sent a delegation to visit the family of late singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Imole Aloba AKA Mohbad, whilst promising to support his child’s upbringing. The Governor said this on his X account on Tuesday, where he added that the delegation was led by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and other government officials. “Today I sent a delegation led by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat @drobafemihamzat, alongside my Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, Commissioner for Youth, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende @bolajiogunlende, Commissioner for Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso @gbenga_omo, and Special Adviser on Tourism, Mr. Idris Aregbe on a condolence visit to the mother of Ileri Oluwa Oladimeji Aloba aka MOHBAD,” he wrote. “@drobafemihamzat reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring a thorough investigation for Mohbad. I also want to reiterate that we are indeed on top of the situation. “He also assured the family of our support towards the upbringing and welfare of his son, Liam Imole Aloba. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Please, let’s allow the police and DSS do their jobs, and update us as the investigation is ongoing. Let us come together as a community to support one another during this difficult period.” Earlier, Governor Sanwo-Olu had mourned the singer and invited the Department of State Services (DSS) to join the probe into the star’s death. “I would like to assure everyone that I am not oblivious to the sad passing of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Imole Aloba (Mohbad). We have been closely working behind the scenes with relevant authorities, and keenly following the ongoing investigations,” he wrote on his X handle Tuesday. “However, in order to boost the investigations, I have invited the Department of State Services (DSS) to join the investigation and widen the dragnet with inter-agency collaboration and use of best-in-class technology to unearth the truth. “I have instructed that all those who may have played any role whatsoever in any event leading to the death of MohBad be made to face the law after a thorough investigation.”

58 deceased policemen’s families get N22.5m in Kaduna 

In a gesture of recognition and support, the Commissioner of Police for Kaduna State Command, Mr. Musa Garba, presented a total of N22.5 million in cheques to the families of 58 police officers who lost their lives while serving on duty within the state. The poignant ceremony, reflecting the appreciation for the sacrifices made by these officers, was conveyed on behalf of the Acting Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun. The Deputy Public Relations Officer of the command, ASP Mansir Hassan, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that the symbolic presentation aimed to offer financial assistance to the bereaved families in the wake of their profound loss. Commissioner Garba underscored that the emotional weight of the officers’ sacrifices goes beyond the monetary value of the cheques handed out, reiterating that it was a tangible expression of the Acting IGP’s compassion and support. Garba emphasized that the intention behind the financial aid was to alleviate the challenges faced by the families due to their loved ones’ untimely demise. He urged the recipients to utilize the funds judiciously, recognizing the profound impact it could have on their lives during this challenging time. “The pains associated with the loss of our fallen heroes are incomparable to the value of the cheques issued to the families. “It is the Acting IGP’s way of showing support and concern to those families,” Garba said. He added that it was meant ameliorate the hardships being experienced by the families, and urged them to use the money wisely. Mr Pius Luka who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the police management for the gesture, saying it will help reduce some of the hardships they face since the demise of their loved ones.  One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Pius Luka, conveyed gratitude on behalf of the families for this thoughtful gesture extended by the police management. He acknowledged that the financial support would significantly alleviate the hardships that the families had encountered since losing their beloved officers. This poignant initiative, marked by the presentation of N22.5 million in cheques, demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement to honor the dedication and sacrifices of officers who have fallen in the line of duty. Beyond the monetary value, the gesture holds a deeply empathetic message of support and solidarity with the families left behind, recognizing the challenges they face and aiming to provide some measure of relief.

Gov Inuwa rounds-off 1st phase palliative distribution to 420,000 vulnerable persons

*Acknowledges receipt of N2bn from FG Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON says Gombe State has received N2 billion out of the N5 billion relief funds that the Federal Government allocated to states for the purchase of food items for distribution to vulnerable members of the public to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal. He however stated that the government awaits the receipt of the balance as well as the 1 billion Naira worth of maize which the Central Bank of Nigeria is selling to each state from the national strategic reserve. The governor disclosed this while speaking at round-off of the first phase of statewide palliatives distribution exercise embarked upon by his administration.  He applauded the Federal Government for providing the relief funds to each state of the federation out of which 48% is a loan that will be paid back over a period of 20 months at N120,000,000.00 monthly starting from November this year.  Assuring that his administration will ensure effective and judicious use of the funds, the Governor revealed that “We will set up a special committee under the Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau to ensure effective distribution of the FG’s palliatives to the deserving people of Gombe State”. Governor Inuwa also assured of his administration’s continued commitment towards addressing the plights of the people. “This exercise will continue, we will not relent in our efforts until our people are taken out of this difficult situation”, he stressed. He said the palliative distribution exercise was the 8th in the series of interventions carried out by his administration, adding that he will not relent in attending to the plight of his people. “I am not happy distributing palliatives to the people, I will rather be happy if every household in Gombe State would be able to meet their basic needs”, he added. “Our intention is to make sure that the palliatives we have provided reach the most-deserving people at the grassroots. We have provided an effective and efficient framework to achieve this by taking the exercise to the polling unit level. In every polling unit, 10 beneficiaries have been selected from making up the 30 thousand beneficiaries for this phase”, he noted. “Our ultimate target is to help not fewer than four hundred and twenty thousand (420,000) people in in this phase”, he added. He decried the lingering food crisis in the country, describing the ugly trend as a complex problem that calls for comprehensive solutions from all stakeholders, cautioning that distribution of palliatives from the government will only provide a temporary relief. “Despite series of palliatives distribution from the government, the problem of rising cost of food commodities persists, because that is not the way to go. Palliatives will not provide permanent solution to the problem. It is therefore pertinent on all stakeholders to find a permanent solution to the problem. He enjoined the beneficiaries to use the items judiciously, cautioning them about selling the items as this will defeat the intent of the exercise. “Use the fertilisers and insecticides on your farms to cultivate what can sustain your families and avoid selling them out. Look for potential places suitable for dry season farming and venture into irrigation agriculture. This is the way to go as we cannot continue to rely on handouts from the government”, he said. He used the occasion to call on famers in the state to avoid selling their farm produce during harvest period as the practice afflicts more hardships to the farmers and their families in the near future. Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Secretary to the Gombe State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi thanked Governor Inuwa for his magnanimity in attending to the plight of his people at this difficult time. “It is out of his sympathy and magnanimity that Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya moved to rescue his people from the grab of economic difficulties”, he said, calling on people to continue supporting the polices and programmes of the government. In his address, the Executive Secretary, Gombe State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, who is also the chairman state distribution committee, Abdullahi Haruna Abdullahi said the committee has succeeded in inaugurating the LG level teams and flagging off of the distribution exercise in all the 11 Local Governments Areas of the state. Mr Haruna promised to uphold the trust and confidence reposed in them by ensuring judicious distribution of the item across the state, explaining that the exercise will commence in earnest in every LGA that finished setting up its ward level committees. The chairman said, the Items distributed include bags of Fertilizer, insecticides, rice and spaghetti and will draw 10 beneficiaries from each polling unit in the state.

ECOWAS solidly behind Nigeria’s policies, says President Embalo

The Economic Commission for West African States (ECOWAS) says it is in support of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts aimed at repositioning Nigeria as the true giant of Africa. President of Guinea- Buissau and Chairman Authority ECOWAS Head of State and Government, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, said this during a private visit to Tinubu on Saturday in Lagos. He said that the economic steps so far taken would not only be for the good of Nigeria but the entire West African sub-region. Addressing newsmen after the visit, Special Adviser, Special Duties, Communications and Strategy to the President, Mr. Dele Alake said the visit was strictly private. “It was a meeting between two African brother-presidents and it was very cordial. Of course, the visiting president appreciated the steps taken by President Bola Tinubu within the last month. “He said he is ready to cooperate with Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu at all times just as the rest of the world have commended him over his recent policies. “They also spoke of the ECOWAS head of government meeting which is imminently coming up and also spoke on other areas of cooperation,” he said. The meeting was attended by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dele Alake, among others. The Guinea-Bissau leader has left after the over three hours private meeting.