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Folarin Kehinde

FG suspends passports of over 2,000 travellers

by Folarin Kehinde September 28, 2021

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has said passports of more than 2,000 in-bound travellers have been suspended, for violating COVID-19 protocols.

The National Incident Manager of the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC), Mukhtar Mohammed, confirmed this on Monday at a media briefing in Abuja.

According to Mohammed, travellers found to have violated the protocol have been “penalised”.

He also noted that surveillance systems have been improved at airports, seaports, and land borders.

“We have included the provision of quarantine for passengers who arrived from restricted countries, and people who evaded these protocols have been penalised by publishing their names, as well as by suspending their passports for one year.

“Let me assure you that so far, we have published the list of over 2,000 people who evaded quarantine in our health facilities. And we have gone ahead to ensure that their passports are suspended. So, for every action, certainly, there are consequences,” Mohammed said.

September 28, 2021 0 comments

Headlines

Rivers State To Borrow N25bn For Road Construction

by Folarin Kehinde September 28, 2021

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Rivers State Executive Council on Monday gave the go-ahead for the state government to seek a 25bn loan facility.

The loan, according to the government, is to enable the immediate commencement of another construction on the 27km Chokocho-Igbodo Road, Oyigbo-Afam Road, Nabo Graham-Douglas Campus of the Nigerian Law School, the Judicial Institute, New Magistrate Courts and the Rumuokwurusi-Elimgbu Flyover.

The loan, which has a repayment period of 18 months, is to be repaid before the end of Governor Nyesom Wike’s administration.

However, the loan would be deducted from October 2021 through April 2023 at a monthly rate of N1,547,874,350.66 from the state’s Internally Generated Revenue.

September 28, 2021 0 comments

Headlines

Nigeria @ 61: Nigeria will surmount Current Travails – Adeboye

by Folarin Kehinde September 27, 2021

written by Folarin Kehinde

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, on Sunday cleverly joined in the raging controversy over Nigeria’s increasing debt profile without making his position on the matter public.

The pastor, sounding sarcastic, however quoted an unnamed friend of his, who he said, kept thanking God anytime he heard about increase in the nation’s debt profile.

He said his friend’s argument had been that the nation’s numerous creditors would always be praying for Nigeria to continue to exist so that they could get their money back.

The pastor spoke while delivering his sermon during an interdenominational church service held to mark Nigeria’s 61st independence anniversary and the 45th anniversary of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Abuja.

Adeboye told the gathering that included Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, and other top government officials that he would have dodged the responsibility of preaching at the service if he was told that the event also had to do with the nation’s independence anniversary.

He said the invitation he received only indicated that it was about the anniversary of CAN.

“I have a friend that we schooled about the same time and we were born at about the same time. He is a great optimist. When we heard that Nigeria was owing N55tn, he said ‘praise the lord’, and when I looked at him with a question on my face, he said those who are praying for Nigeria are many and that the creditors know that if Nigeria does not survive, they won’t be able to get their money back.

“When he heard that the interest we have to pay on our debt is 98 per cent of our income and that even the Senate has approved that we should borrow more, he said ‘glory be to God’.

“I said how would you say glory be to God? He said ‘when what you owe is more than what you can pay, the creditors have a choice. It is either they forgive you your debts or you go ahead and declare bankruptcy. They get angry and then they come and seize the most valuable thing you have.’

“He said the most precious thing they can seize in Nigeria is the Aso Rock. When I said, what is there to thank God for in that? He said ‘have you not been listening to the news?’ He said the President said he would love to visit Daura every two weeks.

“So, he said if they seize Aso Rock, his (Buhari’s) request would be granted, he won’t have to visit Daura every two weeks. He will just move the seat of power to Daura.”

Adeboye also urged the public to always thank God despite the challenges in the country, while adding that all would be well.

Osinbajo, on his part, said despite all that had confronted the country, some states in Nigeria had larger economies than 15 African countries.

In his speech titled, ‘The vision undefeated’, he said the vision of the country would come to fruition at an appointed time, adding that the current problems bedevilling the country would not overwhelm the nation.

He said, “We have since become the most educated and the most entrepreneurial in Africa. Ten of our 36 states have larger economies than at least 15 major African countries.”

September 27, 2021 0 comments

Entertainment

Gulder Ultimate Search: Organizers Release Official Date

by Folarin Kehinde September 25, 2021

written by Folarin Kehinde

The season’s taskmaster has been unveiled as actor and show alumnus Kunle Remi.

Organizers of adventure reality show ‘Gulder Ultimate Search’ have unveiled the official release date for new season.

According to the show’s official social handles, the anticipated new season will hit the screens from September 26, 2021.

The new season tagged ‘The Age of Craftsmanship’ which returns after an seven-year hiatus will see show alumnus Kunle Remi take on the role of task master.

The actor steps in the shoes of legendary hosts Chidi Mokeme and Bob-Manuel Udokwu.

Recall that the show went away from the screens after 11 successful seasons.

The winner of the new season will take home a whopping N50 million worth of prizes including N20 million cash, a brand new SUV. Other contestants will win over N20 million in cash prizes.

September 25, 2021 0 comments

Headlines

Clean Technology Hub, Susty Vibes takes Clean Up Exercise to Karimo Market

by Folarin Kehinde September 24, 2021

written by Folarin Kehinde

Kenny Folarin, Abuja

As Nigeria joins her counterparts to commemorate the 2021 World Clean Up Day, Clean Technology Hub in collaboration with Susty Vibes over the weekend engaged in a Clean Up and Sensitization Exercise to Karimo Market, Abuja.

Speaking in an interview with LEADING REPORTERS at the event, Coordinator, Volunteer Network, Clean Technology Hub, Onyekachi Chukwu stated that the exercise is aimed at sensitizing the people on the essence of having a clean environment and the implication of dirty environment to their health and to the community at large.

According to Onyekachi, the exercise is in tandem with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13 on climate action
which urge everyone to take action to combat climate change considering its negative impact globally.

She noted the impact of climate change is disrupting national economies and affecting lives, costing people, communities and countries dearly today and even more tomorrow.

Explaining, Onyekachi noted that “What causes erosion is due to blocked gutters which is from waste disposed in the water ways, so we are trying to raise this awareness and tell them that we need to make our environment clean for a better and healthier life and a better society”.

Corroborating, Susty Vibes said they realize that a lot of places in Abuja especially the markets are not used to waste management and clearing their space an act which causes a lot of havoc.

Susty Vibes noted that “There is dump site here and right beside the dump sites are peoples houses, so we are here to sensitize them on how to keep their environment clean and also talk to them on recycling”.

“We have gone to several markets and this is not our last bus stop.

“What we are doing differently is to make environmental activities engaging and fun”. Susty Vibes added.

September 24, 2021 0 comments

Entertainment

20,000 Applicants Jostled for final ‘Gulder Ultimate Search’ 12 slots

by Folarin Kehinde September 23, 2021

written by Folarin Kehinde

The first hurdle to qualify for the 2021 edition of Gulder Ultimate Search has kicked off from September 14, with regional screenings in Abuja, Enugu and Lagos which lasted for four days.

Recall that Gulder Ultimate Search, easily the most anticipated reality survival TV show in Africa, had announced a return on September 1, after a seven-year hiatus.

In response to the call for entry, approximately 20,000 applications were received in eight days through the online registration platform.

From September 14-18, successful applicants were screened at the various regional selection centres in Enugu, Abuja and Lagos with adequate measures in place to ensure full compliance with safety, health and COVID-19 protocols.

At the regional screening, only successful candidates from the online screening were accredited and allowed into the screening centres to participate in the tasks.

They filled the form, underwent medical and COVID-19 tests before trying out the physical tasks. Those who were certified medically fit and who passed the physical tasks then proceeded to the swimming exercises and thereafter advanced to the interview stage.

The regional screening is expected to produce 40 candidates who will proceed to the next stage of the screening where the final contestants will emerge.

They will then head into the jungle to compete and find the Gulder Ultimate Search grand prize, worth over N50 million.

September 23, 2021 0 comments

Headlines

Agribusiness: Massive Livestock Feed Production will transform Animal Feed Sector – FG

by Folarin Kehinde September 23, 2021

written by Folarin Kehinde

Kenny Folarin, Abuja

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Muahammed Mahmood Abubakar, Thursday, said that for Nigeria to champion agribusiness worldwide and transform the animal feed sector, the nation must embark on livestock feed production.

Delivering his keynote address at the 1st National Animal Feed Summit with the theme: “Developing a Road Map for Animal Feed Security,” in Abuja, Abubakar stated that Nigeria must embark on livestock, industrialization, feed value chain development to transform agribusiness.

He also opined that development of national animal feed and feed safety policy, establishment of national strategic feed and feed ingredient reserve centre, national alternative feed ingredient development, promotion and commercialization of ruminant and micro-livestock feeds, will create platforms to transform animal feed sector.

Abubakar who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry Of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Ernest Umakhihe, highlighted that animal feed accounts for over 70 percent of the cost of animal production, adding that it engages over five million Nigerians directly and indirectly as technical or skilled personnel, distributors, fabricators of tools and machinery, input suppliers.

According to him, investments in livestock feed production generates massive employment across various value chains and strengthens the national social safety net with copious contributions to food security, household income and poverty reduction.

He said: “According to 2016 data, Nigeria feed industry produces an average of 5.5million metric tonnes of animal feed per annum comprising 85% poultry feeds, and with commercial ruminant and swine feed coming up in the industry, it will produce not less than 50 million metric tonnes per annum.

“Even with this, feed sector has the potential to engage over 20 million Nigerians, as the industry is yet to reach 25% of its market size.”
He further noted that from the year 1957, Nigeria had only two feed mills, saying that the country now has over 1,000 feed mills and is recognized as the 40th leading country in livestock feed production in the world.

“This potential notwithstanding, the industry expansion remains tilted to the South West which accounts for not less than 75 percent of total installed and operating feed mills in Nigeria.

“The importance of nutritious animal feeds for full development and productivity of animals cannot be overemphasized. Nigeria’s animal feed sector is faced with non readily available feed resources, largely due to high cost of production, which in turn makes feed almost unaffordable by an average farmer,” he stressed.

To this end, Abubakar lamented the impact of COVID 19 pandemic, stating that it has negatively affected many sectors particularly the livestock sub-sector, through reduced availability of animal feed ingredients, labour, processing facilities, inputs and services.

“The pandemic reduced access of animal feed to markets and consumers. This is why the National Animal Feed Summit, a platform to engage key players and major stakeholders in the feed industry to develop a roadmap for animal feed security in the country at a time like this is apt,” he added.

Speaking in the same vein, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Ernest Umakhihe, said for the nation to recover fully from the coronavirus pandemic, government must be ready to embrace livestock feed production.
Umakhihe, who was represented by the Director Special Duties, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Fausat Lawal said

“As you are all aware, there is the dictum of ‘we are what we eat’. Nutritious animal feeds are essential for development and productivity of animals, especially food animals.

“In Nigeria, the animal feed sector remains a challenge to animal husbandry practices, largely due to high cost of animal feeds, which are not readily available and where they are, they are not easily affordable by an average farmer.”

September 23, 2021 0 comments

Headlines

UNIDO, FG move to eliminate Mecury at Nigeria’s Mining Sites

by Folarin Kehinde September 23, 2021

written by Folarin Kehinde

Kenny Folarin, Abuja

The United Nations Industrial Development Organizations (UNIDO) in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria and Global Environment Facility on Thursday met to develop a proposal for Nigeria on how to eliminate mercury in Nigeria’s Artisanal and Small Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector.

Regional Director, UNIDO, Jean Bakole, represented by Environmental Expert, UNIDO, Oluyomi Banjo while speaking in Abuja at a Validation Workshop of Project Document for the Global Environment Facility (GEF) PlanetGold in Nigeria stated that
artisanal and small scale gold mining is responsible for 37% of the entropogenic emissions and releases of the mercury into the environment makes it the largest source of entropogenic source of mercury globally is a threat to health and safety of the country.

According to Bakole, over 90% of Nigeria’s mining sector is characterized by artisanal and small scale mining and because of the rudimentary ways of carrying out mining and mineral processing activities there are lots of indiscriminate use of chemicals and its exposure in an around mining sites and mining communities.

Read Also: FG Project more Plastics than Fishes in Oceans

Bakole explained that the GEF Planet Gold Project which will be piloted in four states which include Kebbi, Niger, Kaduna and Zamfara seeks to enhance formalization in the ASGM sector, enhance access to finance and financial inclusion and responsible supply chain, enhance uptake of mercury free technologies and improve knowledge sharing communication and local capacity building.

He also noted that the Minamata Convention Mercury is an international legal instrument which lead to reduce and eliminate entropogenic releases and mercury emissions into our environment.

Bakole affirm that the development of GEF Planet Gold project will further strengthen UNIDOs collaboration with Nigeria’s Mining Industrial and Environment Sectors.

Meanwhile, Bakole noted that if Nigeria is to achieve the 7% contribution from the mining and mineral sector to the share of the GDP by 2031, then the development has to be sustainable.

Reiterating UNIDOs commitment, Bakole said “For us at UNIDO, we will continue to support the country in ensuring that the environment is protected, lives are preserved and our mining industries are sustainably developed and run”.

Director, Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr. Charles Ikeah on his part stated that the advent of GEF Gold project is timely and it’s goal is in line with government’s priority to protect human lives and environment.

Ikeah added that the project will effectively implement the provisions of the Minamata Convention on mercury, and strategically position the mining sector for economic growth and eventually, sustainable development.

He further stressed that the validation workshop is crucial in providing a platform to finalize the project document before submission to GEF for final approval to commence the project.

September 23, 2021 0 comments

Entertainment

Buhari Hails King Sunny Ade at 75, Keeps Silent On Wife’s Death

by Folarin Kehinde September 22, 2021

written by Folarin Kehinde

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday hailed King Sunny Ade on his 75th birthday, describing him as legend in the music industry.

The President in his message said that KSA has been able to bring Nigeria to global limelight through his genre of music.

But the President was silent on the death of Risikat, the wife of Sunny Ade, who died on Tuesday morning, just 24 hours to the birthday celebration.

According to the congratulatory message released by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari extolled the courage, foresight, and innovative spirit of the music artiste

It reads, “President Muhammadu Buhari joins the entertainment industry in Nigeria and world over, particularly performing artistes, in celebrating with legendary juju singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye aka King Sunny Ade on his 75th birthday, September 22, 2021.

” The President extols the courage, foresight, and innovative spirit of the music artiste, who has since graduated into an authority in the literary and theatrical world, sharing his talent as a visiting Professor of Music at Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife and championing many development causes.

“President Buhari believes King Sunny Ade’s several nominations for the Grammy, being the first Nigerian for such recognition, brought the spotlight on Nigeria’s multi-talented artistes, creating opportunities for many nominations and an eventual win that further boosted the country’s image among comity of nations.

“The President notes the focus, discipline, business, and administrative savvy that the guitarist and dancer introduced into the music industry in Nigeria, encouraging creativity and entrepreneurship by setting up a foundation to cater for budding talents.

“As the multi-talented instrumentalist turns 75, President Buhari prays for longer life and God’s blessings on his family.”

September 22, 2021 0 comments

Headlines

Nigeria Police To Fight Insecurity With ‘Tree Planting’

by Folarin Kehinde September 21, 2021

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba has disclosed plans to deploy what he called non-kinetic measure of ‘tree planting’ to tackle insecurity in the country.

He made this know during the flag-off of the “One – Nigerian – One – Tree National Tree Planting Initiative” on Tuesday in Abuja.

Giving his remarks, the IGP said there was a strong connection between climate change and internal security.

He highlighted human activities such as desertification, deforestation and other elements of climate change as major drivers of poverty, crime and insecurity.

In a statement and issued by the Force Spokesperson, Frank Mba, the IGP said intense rivalry and competition for natural resources between farmers and herders was contributing to the country’s security challenges.

According to him, climate change remained a major root cause of some of the violent clashes, not only in Nigeria, but across the sub-Sahara and the Sahel regions.

The statement partly read, “The IGP, therefore, commended the organizers of the program, the Greater Nigeria Initiative, and expressed his belief that the initiative, which constitutes one of the non-kinetic approaches of the Force in combating crime, would assist the Force in proactively responding and addressing the increasingly broadened and complex security threats in the country.

“The IGP pledged the commitment of the Force to the Twenty-Five Million Tree Planting Initiative of the Federal Government, assuring that the exercise would be replicated across all zonal and state commands towards addressing the alarming deforestation challenges occasioned by climate change, building an eco-friendly environment for peaceful co-existence among the citizens and enhancing national security”

September 21, 2021 0 comments

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