Tuesday, June 16

Blog

FG Shifts NIN-SIM Verification Deadline to June 30 as Enrollment Hits 54million
4May By Seun AdamsNo Comments
News

FG Shifts NIN-SIM Verification Deadline to June 30 as Enrollment Hits 54million

By Dwelleth Morountodun The Federal Government has approved the extension of the deadline for National Identity Number (NIN)-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) data verification to the 30th of June.   The extension was as a result of the virtual meeting chaired by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Ibrahim Pantami, and attended by the Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Adeolu Akande, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Dambatta and the Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Aliyu Azeez.  The postponement of the deadline was also based on the request by stakeholders for an extension till 30th of June in order to make it easier for all citizens and leg...
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Finance Minister Commends Nigeria Export-Import Bank
4May By Dayo OmoogunNo Comments
Business, News

Finance Minister Commends Nigeria Export-Import Bank

The Abba Bello –led Management of Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), has been commended by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, for returning the bank to profitability and reduction in its stock of non-performing loans. The Minister gave the commendation while inaugurating two newly appointed Non - Executive Directors- Mallam Kabiru Hassan and Ede Dafinone- into the Board of the Bank, in her office. She also noted that the bank’s return to profitability and reduction in her non - performing loans had impacted positively on the bank’s statutory mandate adding that she was delighted with the bank’s Intra – African Trade Initiatives in readiness of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA). Mrs. Ahmed commended the President for f...
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WPFD: MRA Exhorts FG on Ease of Information, Journalists Safety
4May By Dayo OmoogunNo Comments
News

WPFD: MRA Exhorts FG on Ease of Information, Journalists Safety

In commemoration of this year’s World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on the Federal Government to make a commitment to put mechanisms in place to ensure ease of access to information for citizens and create a conducive environment for journalists and media workers to safely carry out their professional duties. In addition to enabling the government fulfil its legal obligations, such a commitment, MRA noted, would signal the government’s genuine belief in the theme of this year’s WPFD, “Information as a Public Good”, which according to Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, "underlines the indisputable importance of verified and reliable information.” A statement signed by the group's Programme Director, Mr Ayode Longe, said: "Although Nigeria ...
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Yinka Odumakin and the Unfinished Work of Nation Building
4May By Amb. Godknows IgaliNo Comments
News

Yinka Odumakin and the Unfinished Work of Nation Building

In William Shakespeare's classic Julius Caesar, the chief protagonist, a Roman statesman and general boasted deafeningly to his wife Calpurnia and by extension to Cassius and Pompey, the other power brokers with whom he formed a triumvirate that "Of all the wonders that I have heard, it seems to me most strange that men should fear; Seeing death, a necessary end, will come when it will come". So do society view the rather dreary phenomenon called death. But whenever it occurs, either for the youngest or oldest, all express a great "aww", instinctively. The news of the death of one of Nigeria’s most outstanding social critics, civil rights activists and non-conformist, Yinka Odumakin on the night of Friday, 2nd April, 2021, was received by great portions of the society with a deep "oh n...
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Alleged Criminal Conversion: Lawyer Denies Giving Signed Will to Anambra Judge
3May By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments
Recent Stories

Alleged Criminal Conversion: Lawyer Denies Giving Signed Will to Anambra Judge

Prominent Onitsha-based Lawyer, Mr.Frank Nwankwo has insisted before the police that the affidavit purportedly deposed to by him in support of a lawsuit filed by Justice Ifeanyi Nweze of Anambra State Judiciary, is false in its entirety. Nwankwo told the police in Abuja after his arrest that he stood by the first statement he made to the Police on November 29, 2014, in which he affirmed that he did not give any signed Will to Justice Nweze. Nwankwo stated this in his written statement to the police dated March 15, 2021 in respect of investigation into alleged criminal collusion between Justice Nweze and one of his siblings, Chika Reginald Muoghalu. Justice Nweze, who is engaged in a tussle with his elder brother, Micheal Nweze, a medical doctor, over their late father’s estate, h...
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FCT Not Under Attack by Boko Haram, Says Police Commissioner
3May By Skye ZacharyNo Comments
Top Stories

FCT Not Under Attack by Boko Haram, Says Police Commissioner

The attention of the FCT Joint Security Team has been drawn to a viral publication in the social media purporting that the ‘Federal Capital Territory is under the attack of Boko Haram Terrorists. ASP Yusuf Mariam, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in a statement, quoted the FCT Police Commissioner, Mr. Bala Ciroma, as saying that the Joint Security Team of the FCT wishes to refute the mischievous publication targeted at creating palpable tension amongst the well-spirited residents of the territory. Contrary to the speculation, the Heads of Security Agencies (HOSA) in FCT in the bid to address security concerns within the FCT, held a strategic meeting on Thursday 29th April where the team resolved to deploy alternative proactive crime-fighting measures within the FCT particular...
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Perm Sec Overseeing NCC, NITDA, NIPOST, Others Bows Out
3May By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments
Recent Stories

Perm Sec Overseeing NCC, NITDA, NIPOST, Others Bows Out

The Permanent Secretary, overseeing the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and other agencies under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Engr. Festus Yusuf Daudu, on Friday, bowed out of service. Extraordinaire news gathered that he turned 60 years on Sunday 2nd May, 2021; being the mandatory age of retirement from the Civil Service has formally handed over to the most senior Director, Dr.Nonye Nwachukwu in an acting capacity as the Permanent Secretary pending when a substantive Perm Sec will be posted. Daudu in his remarks on April 30, 2021 before signing the hand-over note stated that by the Civil Service Rules, it was incumbent on him to hand over to the most senior Director who will oversee the ...
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Police Say 753 GPMG Ammunition Intercepted in Abakiliki
3May By Skye ZacharyNo Comments
News

Police Say 753 GPMG Ammunition Intercepted in Abakiliki

The operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Ebonyi State Police Command have intercepted 753 live ammunition of General-Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) concealed in a sac being transported in a commercial vehicle from Abakaliki, Ebonyi State to Umuahia in Abia State, Force Spokesperson, CP, Mr. Frank Mba, has said in a statement made available to the media during the weekend. The intelligence-driven covert operation, which led to the interception and recovery of the deadly ammunition, is part of efforts by the Force to identify and crack down on criminal networks and supply chains for weapons and ammunition in and around the country. Comprehensive investigations aimed at bringing to book all persons linked to the crime are ongoing. Similarly, following investigations into ...
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Buhari Charges Nigerian Media to Report Responsibly
3May By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments
Top Stories

Buhari Charges Nigerian Media to Report Responsibly

To mark the 2021 World Press Day (WPD), usually observed globally every May 3rd, President Muhammadu Buhari, recommits to freedom of the press, and urges media professionals to wield freedom responsibly, and without licentiousness.  The Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement made available to the media, quoted his boss as saying that freedom of the press is an irreducible minimum in a democracy that would flourish. Buhari added that freedom must, however, be used responsibly.  “That everything is permitted does not mean that there are no rules of correctness, particularly in a polity seriously challenged as ours now,” President Buhari says. “The media must be sensitive to what we are going through as a country, and anythin...
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NCC Boss, Others Condole with Emirs of Kano over Mother’s Death
3May By Seun AdamsNo Comments
Recent Stories

NCC Boss, Others Condole with Emirs of Kano over Mother’s Death

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Umar Garba Danbatta at the weekend led a high-powered delegation of the Commission to condole with the Emirs of Kano and Bichi, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero respectively over the demise of their mother, late Hajiya Maryam Ado Bayero, Mai Babban Dakin Kano. The EVC was accompanied by the Director, New Media and Information Security, Dr. Haru Alhassan; Director, Human Capital and Administration, Usman Malah and the Director, Public Affairs of the Commission, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde as well as his Chief of Staff, Hafiz Shehu. Danbatta, who also submitted two letters of condolence, one on behalf of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Ali Isa Ibrahim Pantami and the ...
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Fourth Industrial Revolution: NCC Tasks Stakeholders on Nigeria’s Role as Driver/Innovator
3May By Dwelleth MorountodunNo Comments
Top Stories

Fourth Industrial Revolution: NCC Tasks Stakeholders on Nigeria’s Role as Driver/Innovator

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has tasked critical stakeholders across to ensure that Nigeria fully participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4thIR) as drivers and innovators. At a stakeholders meeting organized by the Advocaat Law Firm, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Commission, Prof. Garba Danbatta, said drastic and deliberate measures must be taken by government and stakeholders to position the country at the forefront of the emerging revolution. He said it has become expedient that we (Nigerians) must re-awaken our consciousness to the power of technology in this 4th industrial revolution, where technologically advanced nations are the ones dictating the pace of the global economy. Danbatta, who was represented by Barr. Adeleke Adewolu...
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PTAD Moves to Start Payment of 20 Months Arrears for Pensioners
2May By Dwelleth MorountodunNo Comments
Interviews, Top Stories

PTAD Moves to Start Payment of 20 Months Arrears for Pensioners

The Executive Secretary (ES) of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Dr. Chioma Ejikeme, in this interview with journalists on Friday 30, April, 2021 raised the hope of government’s retirees whose pensions have raised concern in recent times. She expressed hope that the payment will commence immediately.Excerpts: QTN: Kindly explain in clear terms those that should expect the new payment? ANS: All the pensioners under the defined pension scheme. There is no exception. I repeat all our pensioners under the defined pension scheme. QTN: Is there specific date that the payment will commence? ANS: Like as I told you, this particular consequential adjustment is supposed to take effect from April of 2019 and we are going to start paying from the month of May which...
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Day Dr. Yemi-Esan Bagged CIPM’s Icon Award
2May By Felix ShammahNo Comments
Recent Stories

Day Dr. Yemi-Esan Bagged CIPM’s Icon Award

By Olufunke Akinwumi For Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and her teeming admirers, it was a day that will never be forgotten in a hurry and indeed a glorious night full of pomp and pageantry when the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), the apex regulatory body for Human Resource Management practice in the country, honoured her with a well-deserved iconic award. In her usual down-to-earth humbleness and candour, Dr. Yemi-Esan, who was visibly elated said she was overwhelmed and short of words to express her appreciation, adding: ‘‘I give God all the glory. It’s God that has helped me so far” in acknowledgement while receiving the award from the Minister of Labour, Dr. Chris Ngige. Known for her advocacy for team ...
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Akpu sellers commend Kwali council boss over construction of special market
2May By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments
News, Recent Stories

Akpu sellers commend Kwali council boss over construction of special market

Some sellers of Cassava paste, popular known as Akpu t in Great and Big Sheda communities in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have commended the Chairman, Mr Danladi Chiya, for constructing special markets for them to operate. The sellers who made the commendation in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kwali, said the special market construction was a step in the right direction. Mrs Godiya Shekwolo the Leader of Akpu Sellers Association, said the gesture would not only boost the personal income of the sellers, who are predominantly women, but would also create job opportunities for others. Shekwolo, described the action of the chairman as a “giant move”, adding that it has improved economic activities in communities,...
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Head of Service Office Trains 1,367 Staff for Optimal Productivity
29Apr By Dwelleth MorountodunNo Comments
News

Head of Service Office Trains 1,367 Staff for Optimal Productivity

The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has successfully trained 1,367 of its staff to enhance their knowledge, skills and attitudes for optimal productivity in their various work schedules.  Speaking at the closing ceremony of the workshop on:  “Capacity Building and Skill Development” in the Public Service Institute on Wednesday,  the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan said the workshop was a rare opportunity for staff to amplify their knowledge on organizational behaviour and management processes as it relates to the Civil Service which is the engine room of Government. According to her “The Human Capacity needs of staff are dynamically evolving in the federal public service of today in the realities of a ra...
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FG Declares May 3rd Public Holiday to Mark Workers’ Day
29Apr By Seun AdamsNo Comments
News

FG Declares May 3rd Public Holiday to Mark Workers’ Day

The Federal Government has declared Monday, May 3, 2021, public holiday to mark this year's International Workers Day Celebration. The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated Nigerian Workers for witnessing this year’s celebration. He commended them for their patience, understanding and support in driving the policies and programmes of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration in its determination to move the country to the next level of socio-economic development. The Minister called for more dedication and patriotism from all Nigerian Workers and the Labour Unions, saying the challenges of the moment will soon be over as the government is committed to the security of lives and prop...
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Rethinking Technical and Vocational Education for the Jobs of the Future
28Apr By Felix ShammahNo Comments
News

Rethinking Technical and Vocational Education for the Jobs of the Future

“I feel strongly that we have to have an education system that starts with preschool and goes through college. That's why I want more technical education in high schools and in community colleges, real apprenticeships to prepare young people for the jobs of the future.” Hillary Clinton The future of jobs lies in rethinking what we do now and how we do them, particularly when it comes to education. The prism with which we look at what we tag as education needs to change, and this must happen very quickly. We do not need to re-invent the wheel; all that is required of us is to place less emphasis on ‘education for degree/certificate acquisition’ and ‘embrace education for applicable knowledge acquisition’. Education should be looked at beyond what transpires only within the four walls...
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Minister Urges Nigeria’s Organized Private Sector to Invest in Bitumen Production
28Apr By Dwelleth MorountodunNo Comments
News, Recent Stories

Minister Urges Nigeria’s Organized Private Sector to Invest in Bitumen Production

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has called on the country’s organized private sector to invest in the production of the abundant resources in the country. This is coming even as he said that the  importation of bitumen from different countries into the country must stop, even as he added that continuous importation makes no sense. The Minister made the disclosure at the 2021 Nigeria Building and Research Institute (NBRRI) conference which held in Abuja with theme: Circular Economy in the Built Environment for Enhanced Performance of the Nigerian Construction Industry. He said the country is blessed with an estimated 42 billion barrels of bitumen deposits in Edo, Ondo, Ogun and Lagos States. Onu called for more investment from the Organised Priva...
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