November 2020 | Page 4 of 12

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#EndSARS: Lagos Assembly plans compensation for victims in 2021 Budget

The Lagos State House of Assembly has promised to include compensations to #EndSARS victims in the state’s 202 Budget currently before the House.

The Chairman, House Ad Hoc Committee on the Victims of Aftermath of the #EndSARS protest in the state, Mr Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni, disclosed this at the end of its three-day public hearing on Friday, November 20, in Lagos.

1st News reports that the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, had on Oct. 26, constituted a nine-member committee to investigate the level of destruction of property and loss of lives as well as to determine compensation for the victims.

Eshinlokun-Sanni, who is also the Deputy Speaker, assured protesters that the House would attend to all genuine #EndSARS victims, adding that the compensation would come as early as possible.

“If your property is insured, LASACO is here to assist you. We will do our best to ensure that you are well compensated.

“We will also make budgetary allocations from the 2021 budget for compensation to be paid. We will do our best and assist you in our own way.

“We want to perform our duty and identify with you about the incident.

“It is the duty of the government to intervene in such situations. You will soon hear from us about the money we want to give you,” he said.

Eshinlokun-Sanni said the compilation and verification of claims were to ensure that compensation was paid to all the affected persons.

“Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu spoke about the issue and went to the president to present the demands of the protesters and they were accepted.

“SARS was disbanded and the government started the process of police reforms. But hoodlums hijacked the protest and started looting, maiming and started burning assets,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, November 19, flagged off ‘Project Zero,’ aimed at tracking and returning over 21,000 pupils who abandoned primary schools post COVID-19.

Sanwo-Olu, during the flag-off in Lagos, noted that those being tracked would also include pupils whose parents had relocated; especially in the aftermath of COVID-19.

Project Zero is an initiative deployed to tackle the menace of out-of-school children; by supporting and re-enrolling children who are out of school or on the verge of dropping out of school.

The initiative, in partnership with Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), is deployed to trace, mobilize, and support children; especially those who have dropped out of school due to the socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Sanwo-Olu: Lawyer petitions Lagos Gov to appear before #EndSARS Judicial Panel

A lawyer for the #EndSARS protester in Lagos, Adesina Ogunlana, on Friday, November 20, insisted that the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, must appear before the Judicial Panel of Inquiry probing last month’s alleged killing of protesters by soldiers in the Lekki area of the state.

Ogunlana issued the petition against Sanwo-Olu at the resumed sitting of the panel on Friday, stating since the military claimed that they were invited by the governor, it is important for him to appear before the panel to demonstrate his professed belief in the rule of law.

1st News had reported the Commander of 81 Military Intelligence Brigade, Victoria Island, Brig. Gen. Ahmed Taiwo, during his cross-examination by the panel, said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, ordered the deployment of soldiers to the tollgate following a request by Sanwo-Olu.

It was on this premise that Ogunlana insisted that Sanwo-Olu must appear before the panel, saying his evidence would put things in the balance.

He said: “Of course, that is taken. Sanwo-Olu will have to come before the panel; he’s a factor and he will come. He says he believes in the rule of law, his Attorney General, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), has come to appear before the panel to just make a short speech and to affirm that the Lagos State government is indeed committed to unraveling the truth about what happened at Lekki on that day; and the military has mentioned him, so, he is a factor.”

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Governor Lalong Empowers 500 Youths, Promise Support For Job Creation and Entrepreneurship

PLATEAU GOVERNOR EMPOWERS 500 YOUTHS, VOWS CONTINOUS SUPPORT FOR JOB CREATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP.
BELOW IS HIS SPEECH AT THE EVENT HELD IN JOS.

REMARKS BY H.E. RT. HON. SIMON BAKO LALONG, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE AT THE GRADUATION 500 BENEFICIARIES OF SKILL ACQUISITION IN PLATEAU STATE 20TH NOVEMBER 2020.

PROTOCOL

It is with great pleasure that I address you today at the graduation of 500 beneficiaries of skills acquisition here in Plateau State who have undergone training by the Plateau State Micro Finance Development Agency (PLASMIDA) and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).
This program represents the continuation of our administration’s efforts at developing manpower in the State and empowering the people towards self reliance and job creation. Indeed this event gladens my heart as we are clearly making progress.
The first phase of this particular training commenced in February 2019 where we trained over 7,500 on financial literacy and entrepreneurship and each beneficiary accessed grants of 12,000 naira each.
We are today adding this number of 500 who have recieved training in the following Trades:
Poultry
Catering
Tailoring
Cosmetology
Aluminium Works
Welding and Fabrication
Leather Works
Fishery
Barbing
Hair dressing
ICT
These initiatives are gradually becoming the hallmark of the implementation of the Rescue Administration’s agenda of Economic Rebirth. As a Government, we are determined to ensure that our people embrace self reliance rather than looking up to Government for white colar jobs which do not exist.
Such determination has seen us also retool our education to focus on skill development as we are building two more Technical Schools in Shendam and Pankshin in addition to the one we have in Bukuru. That is why I was deeply distressed when hoodlums hijacked the ENDSARS protests and vandalised BUTES.
In spite of this setback, we are determined to ensure that we use every opportunity to teach our people particularly youths how to make money using their gifts takents and energies. We cannot be deterred nor intimidated.
We are happy that our efforts in skill development, innovation and training have put Plateau State in a leading position at the local and international stage. As it stands today, we are the State to beat in the National MSME Awards which began 3 years ago.
In all the annual competitions, Plateau has always presented candidates who emerged top with quality innovations. Right from Jerry Mallo who emerged overall best at the maiden edition to Luka Zang Bot and this year Mafeng Gwalson, we have affirmed to Nigeria and the world that we are a State of hardworking and ingenious people.
That is why I have continued to impress on the DG PLASMIDA and his team that Plateau State should always be involved in all empowerment programmes of the Federal Government, Donor Organisations and Non governmental bodies.
We are currently implementating the Survival Fund where over 4000 beneficiaries from Plateau State will have access 30,000 each to assist their businesses. For the payroll support under the survival fund, we have captured over 24,000 target beneficiaries.
Also in response to the COVID 19 pandemic, I ordered the Director General of PlASMIDA to carry out sensitization to our MSMEs on the N75 billion Targeted Credit Facility Stimulus fund of the Central Bank where a number of our businesses benefitted.
Because PLASMIDA is handling the implementation, we are guaranteed that Plateau youths will benefit from this program which is aimed at cushioning the effects of the pandemic on businesses.
Plateau State has also qualified to access $20 million dollars to empower communities through Infrastructural development, provision of farm inputs to farmers, strengthening MSMEs capabilities, conditional Cash Transfers, Public Work force programs among others, all intended to reduce the negative consequences of the pandemic on our people.
For today’s beneficiaries, I want to appeal to you to get to work and create opportunities for yourself and others so as to avoid poverty. I expect that within the shortest time possible time, you will be employers of labour as you make progress.
Like the Bible says, do not despise the days of little beginnings. This means that you should not allow people to discourage you as you begin your businesses. The journey can be rough, but when you endure, you will smile at the end of the day.
Put into practice all that you have been taught here and always refer to PLASMIDA and the ITF if you have any challenge that is beyond you. They have all it takes to give you the right counsel and also resolve some of the issues.
At this point, let me register once again our profound gratitude to the Director General of the Industrial Training Fund Sir. Joseph Ari for partnering with Plateau State and ensuring that our citizens benefit from the intiatives of the Fund. We look forward to more collaboration and support.
I want to use this opportunity to again appeal to our youths to take advantage of programmes such as this to get empowered for productivity. Rather than engage in criminality such as the one we witnessed last month, you can engage in lawful activities to create wealth.
Our doors will always remain open to dialogue and engage with our youths on measures to alleviate their challenges. Do not be deceived by false narratives by those who do not wish this administration well, always creating the impression that Government does not care about you. At least this event discredits that falsehood.
Finally I call on investors to take advantage of the improved business climate and peace to invest in Plateau State. We are open for business and shall continue to welcome all to do business with us.
Once more I congratulate the beneficiaries and wish you well.
God bless Plateau State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG
Executive Governor of Plateau State.
20th November 2020.

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Sika Boi – Mad

Talented Nigeria fast rising Artiste Sika Boi hits back the industry with a new released single tittle Mad.

Sika Boi has been putting more effort and looking forward to be a great star in the music industry for better tomorrow.

This hit song tittle MAD was produced by JOSTOPAC and mixed by ONLYONEZAX.

Download and listen to Sika Boi – Mad below;

DOWNLOAD MP3: Sika Boi – Mad

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Rose & Dj Astro – Set to tie the knot

The wedding bells are beginning to sound louder…..
Come and be part of a new beginning as one of Jos illustrious sons popularly known as D.J ASTRO is ignited into holy matrimony to a lovely Damsel known as ROSE🌹
Save the dates and be part of their joy
DATE: 21 -11-2020
VENUE: CHURCH OF ANNOUNCIATION PASTORIAL AREA
RECEPTION FOLLOWS IMMEDIATELY AT PLATEAU HOTEL ROCK GARDEN, No 2 REST HOUSE JOS

As the two become one may their cup of blessings never run out

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Lawan slams reports over N2bn bribery to confirm INEC Chairman

The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, on Thursday, November 19, slammed allegations he collected N2 billion to facilitate the confirmation of Professor Mahmoud Yakubu for a second term as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to Lawan, these reports are spurious and existing only in the imagination of purveyors of fake news.

The Senate President stated this in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Ola Awoniyi on Thursday in Abuja.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Office of the Senate President has been drawn to a report by SaharaReporters alleging that a group led by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, collected N2billion from Professor Mahmood Yakubu to facilitate the confirmation of his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari to a fresh five-year tenure as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“It is noteworthy that the publication, as always with its ridiculous fabricated reports, could not even expand the entertainment of its readers by providing the names of members of the fictitious group and where the group operates from.

“To be sure, that group exists only in the mischievous imagination of the writer of the fiction.

“We, therefore, wish to enjoin Nigerians to ignore the report as yet another incident of hallucination by the comical characters operating the fabricated news platform. The online medium has long earned its notoriety as a purveyor of fake news with high profile public officials as its targets.

“It is well known that only the President can nominate a candidate for appointment or reappointment as Chairman of INEC. And only the Senate as a body can confirm or reject the appointment, after a due screening of the candidate. The parliamentary process for the confirmation of nominations by the President is open and involves all distinguished senators.

“The Senate President is only a presiding officer of the Senate and does not lead any group in or outside the august chamber that acts in any way to circumvent the processes of the Senate. We reassure Nigerians that the Senate President did not receive any gratification, on his or on behalf of others, to help Professor Yakubu get a second term as chairman of INEC.

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Nigerian Army allegedly killed over 60 in Obigbo Massacre, report reveals

The Nigerian Army is under fresh criticism in the wake of the #EndSARS protests due to the reported killings at Obigbo in Rivers State.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday, November 20.

4wardwego reports that the report was released by the International Society for Civil Liberties & Rule of Law; which expressed “worry and dismay over the continuation of Army massacre operations in Obigbo and global silence trailing same.”

According to the ISCLRL, scores of defenceless Nigerians have been killed in Obigbo.

“The number of slain defenseless Igbo citizens of Obigbo residency and environs in Rivers State; has now risen to at least 60 with between 90 and 100 others shot by the Nigerian Army and deadly injured.

“Dozens have also been permanently disappeared…200-300 others militarily abducted and held in custody only known to the Nigerian Army.

“The Nigeria Police Force, Rivers State Command is also strongly believed to be holding not less than 100 persons. All the surviving victims…held…by the Army and the Police are strongly believed to be undergoing torture; as well as other harsh detention conditions.

“There are also no credible pieces of evidence showing that the sick and the injured detainees are receiving adequate medical treatments; raising serious fears of some dying in Army or Police custody or both.”

The body appealed to the Nigerian Government and Nyesom Wike-led Rivers State Government to immediately withdraw the killer soldiers deployed to Obigbo and environs and all those currently held by the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force in Rivers State and neighboring Abia State must be freed unconditionally or put on fair trial.

Furthermore, it says: “The Obigbo massacre must not only be thoroughly investigated; but also the perpetrators of the dastardly act including Major Gen Olu Irefin (GOC, 6 Division, Port Harcourt); Brig-Gen SB Kumupayi (Commander, 14 Brigade, Ohafia) and Gov Nyesom Wike must be fished out at appropriate time and place and put on local and international trial for mass murder and crimes against property well as crimes against humanity.

“We also wish to state boldly and factually that what is going on in Obigbo is far more devastating and three times murderous than the 20th night of Oct 2020 Lekki Tollgate Army shootings and killings targeted at gathered unarmed and defenseless protesters in Lagos State.

“In other words, the number of unarmed and defenseless citizens killed so far at Obigbo in Rivers State; is at least three times higher than that of Lekki Tollgate in Lagos State.

“While the Lekki Tollgate killings took the lives of about 20 persons; the number of persons so far killed in Obigbo has risen to at least 60; out of which 30 have been verified bodily or by names.

The ongoing Obigbo Army massacre has also resulted in permanent disappearances of dozens and 200-300 Army abductions.”

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Gbajabiamila confirms killing of newspaper vendor by his security detail

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, says he is “personally distraught” over the killing of a newspaper vendor, Mr Ifeanyichukwu Elechi, by one of his security details.

Gbajabiamilia expressed his regret over the incident in a statement issued early on Friday, November 20.

Specifically, he said that his “deepest sympathies” are with the family of the victim; as well as all vendors in Abuja over the incident which occurred close to the Federal Secretariat on Thursday.

The speaker explained that the incident occurred when he stopped his convey to exchange pleasantries with the vendors as was his usual practice after work.

According to Gbajabiamila, “many of them have known me since I first moved to Abuja and it was a friendly exchange.

“Unfortunately, after the convoy set out in continuation of our movement, unidentified men obstructed the convoy which got the attention of security men in the convoy who shot into the air to disperse them.

“Some hours later, after getting to our destination, it was brought to my attention that someone was hit by a stray bullet, contrary to an earlier report by men in the convoy that they applied their security discretion to shoot in the air.

“My value for human life and my respect for all people, irrespective of social economic status, is what endeared me to these vendors and these are the reasons why I stop my convoy quite often to connect with them.

“For one of them to have been shot by my security detail is horrific… I cannot begin to imagine the grief and loss Ifeanyi’s family must feel on this sad day. No family should have to go through this.

“I am personally distraught about this incident…My deepest sympathies go to the victim, his family, and all Abuja vendors,” he said.

He said that the matter has been reported to the local police station and an investigation has commenced.

Gbajabiamila, however, said that the officer who fired the fatal shot had been suspended from the convoy; pending the conclusion of the investigation.

1st News reports that the sad incident occurred at a time when the House of Representatives is championing police reforms; following the #EndSARS protest.

The House, under the leadership of Gbajabiamila insisted it would make laws and budgetary provisions to compensate victims of police brutality; affected officers and to hold police officers accountable for their actions.

In its reaction, the Abuja Newspapers Distributors Association (ANDA) said newspapers will not be shared until 10am on Friday; noting that this was in protest against the killing.

President of ANDA, Benji Obute, called on all members to converge at the distribution centre in Area 1. He disclosed that they would embark on a peaceful protest to draw the attention of the Speaker; as well as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to the incident.

“Sequel to the sad incident that happened this afternoon at the Federal Secretariat; which resulted in the death of one of us, Mr Ifeanyichukwu Elechi; a mass action will be carried out between the hours of 6 am and 10 am.

“A peaceful protest to call the attention of the Speaker of the House of Representatives; whose security detail fired the shot, and the IGP to the brutal murder will be staged within that period.

“By this arrangement, papers won’t be shared until 10am…All distributors and vendors are to converge at Area 1 as no paper will be allowed on the streets until after the protest.

“Media Houses are enjoined to cooperate with us and ensure that no single paper is leaked out as any paper that defaults will be sanctioned. We must join hands to get justice for the fallen vendor,” he said.

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Plateau trains 85 DFS , DPM Workers on procurement law

To improve transparency at the Local Government level, the Plateau state Bureau of Public Procurement has trained 85 workers on how to implement the Public procurement law .

Speaking at the occasion on Wednesday in Jos , the Permanent Secretary Plateau state local government service commission Henry Laankwab ,said that the main objective behind the workshop is basically to x-ray certain loopholes and hiccups militating against the basic dynamics inherent in procurement procedures and practices which was characterised by widespread corruption which we believe can only be effectively tackled through the promotion of the culture of accountability and transparency .

He said that the commission considered it very necessary to engage by ways of synergy with the Plateau state Bureau of Public procurement to organize the training as a critical stakeholders who are directly involved in Public procurement processes at the local government levels to ensure that efficiency and transparency are strictly adhered to for effective management of public resources .

“Training for Local Government personnel is an important contribution to our efforts at human capital development.
Indeed, it relates directly to a major concern of this administration”.

He said that the commission has made quantum leaps in the actualization of it’s mandate through the periodic training and retraining of it’s workforce ,most especially critical stakeholders in the day to day running of administration at the local government level to meet up with the challenges of the 21st century most especially in the area of accountability in the provision of essential services at the grassroots level .

Peter Dogo the Director General of the Plateau state Bureau of Public Procurement who spoke earlier said that the agency is willing to train more state government workers on how to strength the procurement law in the state .