Month: March 2021

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GOV. LALONG INSTALLS 2 2ND CLASS RULERS IN QUA’AN PAN & VISITS BURNT NAMU YAM MARKET

After about 33 years without a substantive traditional ruler, the people of Kwo Chiefdom in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State now have a traditional head. Similarly, the people of Namu Chiefdom of the same Local Government now have a traditional ruler after about 15 years without one.

This follows the installation and presentation of staffs of office to His Royal Highness, Miskoom Fidelis Longtoe Attahiru as the 27th Long Kwo (2nd class ruler of Kwo Chiefdom) and His Royal Highness Safiyanu Allahnana Magaji III, (Long Jan of Namu Chiefdom).

Speaking at the event which took place at Ba’ap, Headquarters of Qua’an Pan LGA, Governor Simon Lalong said the installation no doubt evokes a lot of passion and excitement among the people of these two Chiefdoms for the fact that they have been without substantive traditional rulers for a very long period of time. Within this period, the people have yearned for the peaceful resolution of the obstacles to this coronation.

He said his government refrained from interfering with the selection of the two traditional rulers as a way of ensuring that the will of the people prevails and the atmosphere for peace and tranquility blossoms in all Chiefdoms.

He urged them to do justice to all and shun any act that will destabilise the peace that has been restored in the Chiefdoms and the State.

He said “Your Royal Highnesses, as you carry out your responsibilities, I admonish you to be proactive and work with your people to identify and fish out criminal elements not only for the safety of your jurisdictions but the entire State. Government will support you to carry out this task in collaboration with the security architecture and the Local Government Administration. In addition, we expect that the recently trained and deployed Community Police Constables and vigilante groups will be carried along in intelligence gathering that is vital to addressing criminality”.

On some security concerns over activities of criminals in forests around the Local Government, the Governor said, “I am aware of the security concerns about criminal activities in and around the forests in Quanpan LGA and others. Let me assure our people that the Government is working hard to address this situation and enhance security and safety of the people. Already, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the taking over of the Pandam Game Reserve by the Federal Government as a National Park”.

The two traditional rulers promised to work for the unity, peace and progress of their Chiefdoms and be fair to all law abiding citizens residing in their Chiefdoms irrespective of creed, religion or any affiliation.

Earlier, Governor Lalong visited Namu to sympathise with the people over the inferno that destroyed goods worth millions of naira at the Bwall-Namu Yam Market. He urged them not to be deterred as the fire incident is a setback that they have to overcome.

Apart from making an initial donation of 10 million naira, the Governor said the Government will work out a long term plan to create a suitable market and enhance safety of traders and their goods.

Governor Lalong also inspected ongoing construction projects of Shendam bye-pass road, 100-bed mother and child hospital Namu among others.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor, Plateau State
31st March 2021.

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Salike – Kayi-Mi (Tell me)

Nigerian Fast-rising artiste, ”SALIKE” kick-starts his year 2021 music journey with a big banging AFRO/RNB tune titled “KAYI’MI(Tell me) ”.

Salike growth in the Northwest of Nigeria wielded a great deal of influence on his style of music .

KAYI-MI ( Tell Me) The song merges the sensual strains of a love song This fast paced love song is beautifully delivered with beautiful, sensual, smooth vocals and excellent instrumentals… ENJOY!!!

Download Below:

DOWNLOAD MP3: Salike – Kayi-Mi (Tell me)

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PLASCHEMA: Plateau flags-off basic healthcare provision fund (BHCPF)

Plateau State flags off basic healthcare provision fund on Wednesday, 31 March 2021, promise to start issuing cards to beneficiaries on the 1st April, 2021.

Lalong who was represented by his deputy Prof Sonnie Tyoden said “Already, we have completed abandoned hospitals in Riyom, Kanke and Langtang South Local Governments which will soon be commissioned.

In his words” There is no doubt that out-of-pocket payments for health services have been considered a highly regressive method of healthcare financing globally and it greatly deepens inequity in access to healthcare. 

 As at today, it constitutes over 70% of the methods of healthcare financing in Nigeria. The inequity in access negatively affects the poor and vulnerable among us to a greater proportion. This is because at their point of seeking healthcare, they are squeezed between seeking the care that they need and meeting other basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter.

Operating at such a low financial level has a propensity to tilt them towards choosing other needs rather than healthcare. Such a delay in seeking care can increase the incidence of complications and mortality. Thus, poverty magnifies the predicament that ill-health places on them. 

 This has over time led to unnecessary deaths among our citizens and has placed Nigeria low in health rankings globally.  There is no doubt that out-of-pocket has immensely decelerated Nigeria’s aspiration to attaining Universal Health Coverage.

He said that “The creation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) through the National Act 2014 and its subsequent operationalization by the current administration signifies Nigeria’s commitment more than ever to the realization of Universal Health Coverage.”

“Indeed, this yearning of ensuring that all citizens of Nigeria wherever they live are able to access the quality healthcare that they need – whenever they need it – without being subjected to financial hardship is viewed by the Rescue Administration as not just a fundamental human right but also a noble task that governments across the federation should embrace and invest in. 

Lalong further said that The BHCPF, an invaluable initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria has laid a solid foundation for our goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage. The creation of the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA) as an implementing institution of the NHIS gateway in Plateau State in the year 2019 presented the Government of Plateau State an opportunity to benefit from the laudable initiative. 

 This Agency is also structured to entrench a more progressive system of health care financing in the State. Together with the Plateau State Primary Health Care Board, the bedrock of health system solidly in place, I can say without an iota of doubt that Plateau State has commenced the journey to attaining Universal Health Coverage.

Among other things, the BHCPF seeks to reduce to the barest minimum out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare; increase fiscal space for healthcare; as well improve the life expectancy of the citizens of Plateau State. With this social investment leaning in the direction of providing succour for the poor and vulnerable population, the Rescue Administration strongly subscribe to it.

 Already, 2% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State and the 17 Local Governments is being set aside as Equity Fund by Law. This is a deliberate effort by the government towards achieving Universal Health Coverage and contributing to the Basic Health Care Provision Fund. 

 This has tremendously increased the fiscal space for health in the State in a greatly sustainable manner through legislation. With this increased expenditure on health in Plateau State and the provision of premiums by the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, it is our undying hope that maternal mortality rates will precipitously decline, and our children will no longer die from preventable childhood illnesses through robust immunization, provision of vaccines, essential medicines and management of these ailments at the Primary Healthcare Centres.

He also said that The Plateau State Government will ensure appropriate and strict management of the BHCPF in accordance with the provisions of its establishing Act and operational guidelines. This will justify the confidence reposed on the State Government by the Federal Government and donor Agencies. 

 With the Covid-19 pandemic and dwindling resources, this initiative has come to help the government of Plateau State increase the fiscal space for health generally; health system strengthening, particularly at the Primary Health Care level, and ensuring access to healthcare for Nigerians particularly the poor, thereby contributing to overall national productivity. It is therefore, only pertinent that the resources committed to this course are utilized efficiently and with results to show.

 In conclusion, the launch of the BHCPF today marks a boost to our journey towards ensuring equity and reduction of inequality in use and access to health services particularly among the most vulnerable group who live with us.  It is our concrete believe that this initiative will lift the people of Plateau State out of poverty and guarantee access to quality health services across the 325 PHCs accredited, one in each of the 325 State Wards and other private Primary and Secondary health care facilities across the seventeen Local Government Areas of Plateau State.

Also, Governor Simon Lalong reaffirmed that his administration remains commitment in completing all the hospitals being constructed under the Lalong Legacy Projects across the three senatorial districts. 

He made this known while speaking at the launch of the basic healthcare provision fund in Jos.

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FG begins collation of out-of-school children

The Federal Government (FG) has commenced the collation of data of all out-of-school children across Nigeria.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq.

Farouq says the initiative is being coordinated by the National Steering Committee on Alternate School Programme (ASP). The Minister made this known in a statement by her media aide, Mrs Nneka Anibeze on Tuesday in Abuja. She quoted the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report; noting that about 12 million children are currently out of school in the country.

“This committee will work with the statistics made available by the NBS to engage these out- of-school children. The ASP possesses the potential for every child to gain access to quality education; irrespective of social, cultural or economic standing. It will also provide a means of improving household incomes for their respective families, through the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programmes.

“It also seeks to equip children with the requisite skills and wherewithal to engage with and contribute meaningfully to the Nigerian economy,” Farouq said.

Furthermore, she explained that the committee had worked closely with the FG and the Ministry of Education; as well as other ministries to refine the concept of the ASP.

“In collaboration with the Ministry of Education; we have spent the last few weeks in engagement with various stakeholders, in a bid to refine and strengthen the ASP concept. The significance of each  member of the committee in providing the necessary leadership for the success of the programme cannot be overemphasised,” Farouq said.

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UK Government offers to help Nigeria end insecurity

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing has expressed worry at the deteriorating security situation in the country, pledging that the UK government was keen on helping Nigeria win its fight against insecurity.

“We are extremely concerned about the deteriorating security situation.

“I mean, Nigeria is facing a lot of problems everywhere – in the Northeast, terrorism; in the Northwest, banditry, kidnapping; in the Middle Belt, the farmers-herders conflict; also in the South, the Niger Delta conflict everywhere.

“And the secession movements in the Southeast. So, Nigeria is really struggling,” Liang noted.

Laing expressed these views while speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a reception held to welcome home the 2019/2020 UK Chevening Scholarship beneficiaries. She stated that the UK government had been helping the Nigerian military in the areas of training; campaign planning, and how to counter IEDs.

“Well, we are here to support and help. We have the military team here, who came here after the Chibok girls were kidnapped actually. We are still here, training the Nigerian military; helping them to do campaign planning, how to counter IEDs,” Laing said.

Further, she said the recent visit of the UK’s Minister of Armed Forces; during which he interacted with the Nigerian Government at the highest level, including the Service Chiefs; also showed the commitment of the UK Government to Nigeria.

However, she urged the Nigerian government to be a bit more precise about the support they needed from the UK and what the UK can offer.

“So, we are here for the long time. This is a Nigerian partnership. Your insecurity becomes our insecurity if we don’t help you tackle it. So, we are here and we are trying to do our best to support you,” the envoy said.

Commending the Chevening Programme, Lang said it was an initiative by the UK government aimed at preparing future leaders; who would not only excel in academic qualifications, but be ready to return to their respective countries to give back. She disclosed that Nigeria already had 1,300 Chevening alumni, currently occupying important positions in power; thereby providing the UK both access and influence.

On her part, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson, Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), urged the Chevening scholarship beneficiaries to impart the knowledge and skills gained to Nigeria’s development.

Dabiri-Erewa, who was represented by Sule Bassi, Secretary of the Commission; appreciated the UK government for the scholarship opportunity which many Nigerians had benefitted from.

“Your return to Nigeria should make a meaningful impact; as you are expected to contribute your own quota to Nigeria’s development and polity,” Dabiri-Erewa said.

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Xiaomi has launched a range of new smartphones — The Mi 11 Ultra, Mi 11 Pro, Mi 11 Lite and Mi 11 Lite 5G

Xiaomi launched a slew of new smartphones on Monday, with one high-end device aimed at international markets as it looks to push into the premium segment; and fill the void left by rival Huawei’s troubles.

The devices are:

  • Mi 11 Lite and Mi 11 Lite 5G
  • 11 Pro
  • Mi 11 Ultra

The Mi 11 Ultra is the smartphone aimed at international markets in the premium segment.

It will start at 5,999 yuan ($914) and go up to 6,999 yuan ($1,066) for a higher spec version.

Xiaomi has not yet said what markets it will be available in outside of China.

With the Mi 11 Ultra, Xiaomi is entering into stiff competition with leaders Samsung and Apple, but also Chinese rivals including Oppo and Vivo; which have looked to boost their high-end credentials and expand into more mature markets such as Europe in the last few years.

“Early last year, we started to move into the high range market,” Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun said at a launch event on Monday.

“I think we have found a foothold in the high-range market.”

The CEO spent a lot of time talking about the camera on the Mi 11 Ultra which boasts three sensors.

The camera takes up a large amount of real estate on the back of the phone.

Lei talked up the low-light photography and zoom as well as the algorithm behind the camera.

Other features include:

  • A 6.81-inch display
  • 5G connectivity
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset inside

“These days, the camera makes the phone. Xiaomi knows it and went all-out with the Ultra,” Bryan Ma; vice president of client devices research at IDC, told CNBC.

“Xiaomi may be thumping its chest after tonight’s launch; but the competition from rivals is so intense that it can’t sit comfortably for long.”

Xiaomi will likely be hoping to take advantage of some of Huawei’s issues in the smartphone market; that have come as a result of U.S. sanctions on the telecommunications equipment giant.

In 2019, Huawei was put on a U.S. blacklist known as the Entity List which restricted American firms from exporting technology to the Chinese company.

Google had to cut ties with Huawei meaning the Chinese firm could not use the Android operating system on its devices.

That’s not a big deal in China where Google services such as Gmail; and search are blocked. But overseas, consumers are used to using such apps.

And Washington also moved to cut Huawei off from the chips it needed for its smartphones.

The U.S. maintains Huawei is a national security threat, a claim the Chinese company has repeatedly denied.

Xiaomi has also faced scrutiny from the U.S. The administration of former President Donald Trump designated Xiaomi; a “Communist Chinese military companies” or CCMC.

That restricted American investors from buying shares or related securities of Xiaomi.

But a judge temporarily blocked that move after Xiaomi brought a lawsuit against the U.S. Xiaomi said at the time that it was “not owned; controlled or affiliated with the Chinese military.”

Huawei saw its global shipments fall 41% year-on-year in the fourth quarter; according to Counterpoint Research.

In Europe alone, shipments plunged 62%.

Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo all saw double-digit smartphone shipment growth in the fourth quarter of 2020, according to Canalys.

Xiaomi was the third-biggest smartphone maker by market share during the same period.

But Xiaomi may not be the best positioned in the premium segment versus some of its rivals, Neil Shah; research director at Counterpoint Research, said.

“Xiaomi is doing well to fill to the void left by Huawei in low-to-mid segments especially in Europe, Latin America.” Shah said.

“The premium segment is still up for grabs. While Samsung and Apple are very well positioned to capture these volumes; among Chinese brands OnePlus & Oppo should be better beneficiaries.”

Shah said that Xiaomi’s Chinese rivals have ramped up marketing and distribution investments overseas.

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Bandits trooping into state reserves, Plateau group raises alarm

local pressure group “Plateau Our Heritage (POH)” has called on the government to investigate the alleged influx of bandits into Pandang Wild Life Park, a State Game Reserve in the Qua’anpan area of Plateau State.

This the group says would douse tensions and guarantee the safety of communities around the facility.

A press statement issued by the group’s convener, Mr. Pam Ayuba Dangwong and Chairman, Mr. Alex Kwapnoe says local communities have suffered “unjustly” due to “carelessness” by authorities on related issues.

The full text of the release reads:

Press release

26th March 2021

The Plateau our Heritage, POH, has been taken aback by a disturbing revelation by the executive Chairman of Quan Pan local government area of Plateau State, Hon. Abdulmalik Yusuf Haruna hinged on illegal movement in to plateau state government’s owned Pandam Game Reserve by unknown Fulani herdsmen.

Though the POH would have ignored the interview he granted a national newspaper, the “Daily Asset” on the discovery, but because of the tension this encroachment had generated and is still generating in a similar reserve in the southern parts of the country, the POH deems it necessary to lend its voice to the concern the council

Chairman had said in the interview that, “We have earlier on sent surveillance team and have alerted Government. We can’t be denied the fact that the movements today, people were been pursued from somewhere and normally they have to seek for safe haven. The issue of Panda, we have been complaining about long ago because it has been abandoned by the State Government for quite a long time. There are Fulanis there we can not be denied that fact, but we can’t say they are plenty or whatsoever but few are there. We have gone there with two surveillance and we have alerted the state government”

While we commend the federal government for its plans to take over the game reserve as was disclosed by the executive governor of Plateau State, Barr. Simon Lalong during his recent media parley,  the discovery of an influx of unknown persons into the forest reserves in their numbers without their wives, children and valuables is the reason for a call for immediate intervention by concerned authorities to halt the trend.

We are equally challenged by the concerns raised by the Pan Youth Association, PYA, in a release signed by Comr. Dama Yonmi, the National President of the association who stated that “It is on record that from the North, South to the Eastern part of Nigeria, the peculiar security challenges has seen  Fulani herdsmen illegally occupying reserve areas and not only that but using such forests as launchpad for series of unusual crimes such as banditry, kidnapping, rape and all sort of terrorist activities connected thereto” and as a responsible body, the POH has no choice but to support this assertion.

And coming from a reliable news medium like the  “Daily Asset” that “There is heavy movement of persons believed to be strange Fulanis into the famous Pandam Game Reserve located in Qur’an Pan local government areas of Plateau State confirmed by locals” is quite disturbing when viewed from the security challenges our people and other Nigerians are going through, it is, therefore, a cause for concern which needs urgent and proactive govt intervention.

And for sources to lament that already some of their women and daughters are being raped by the foreign occupants of the Park whenever they go to look for firewood” is unacceptable and the government must rise up to its responsibilities.

The news quoting a community source hinted that as a vigilant community, “all the time, we have tried our best by informing the security agencies, and the Traditional Council but it seems nobody is taking it seriously even with what they are already doing to our people,” they cried out”, indicating clearly that the matter is beyond them and help must reach them at this critical moment.

The POH is joining all well-meaning and peace-loving stakeholders to call on the Plateau and federal governments to investigate this and rise to the occasion before it becomes late.

Our people have suffered unjustly because of the seeming carelessness of the authorities in the past and we are alerting  on this situation because as the adage says “a stitch in time saves nine”

Signed:

Alex Kwapnoe – Chairman

Pam Ayuba Dangwong – Convener

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COVID-19: FG denies fake vaccines in circulation

The Federal Government on Sunday, March 28, dispelled reports of any fake COVID-19 vaccines; being administered or sold by unauthorised institution in the country.

This is contained in a circular regarding the COVID-19 signed by Dr Adebimpe Adebiyi, the Director, Department of Hospital Service, Federal Ministry of Health, on behalf of the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire in Abuja.

The circular followed a letter from the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19; regarding the arrest of about 3,000 doses of fake COVID-19 vaccines destined for Africa from China.

The minister, who acknowledged receipt of the PTF letter; however, stated that “I am, therefore, to bring this to your notice and dispel any possibility of COVID-19 vaccines; being available for sale or being administered by any unauthorised institution.

“To prevent the importation of fake vaccines, kindly note that the Nigeria Customs Service has designated the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja; as the only Point of Entry (PoE) for imported COVID-19 vaccines.”

He then called the attention of chief medical directors and medical directors of federal tertiary health institutions to the fake COVID-19 vaccines destined for Africa; noting that it had been arrested in China.

Meanwhile, competent sources in the ministry confirmed the information to the media in Abuja.

One of the sources said: “the ministry issued a circular to inform the medical directors of federal hospitals about the fake vaccines.

“It is just to let them (medical directors) know that fake vaccines are on the way to Africa; but is not in Nigeria.

“Nigeria is not even taking vaccines from China, so there is no way fake vaccines can get into the country; because it is only the Federal Government that is authorized to import COVID-19 vaccines for now”.

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Meet – DiceKid

PROFILE:

Victor Joseph Gotip! Popular known as DiceKid a recording and performing arts @LMG music,CEO @DiceyWears and producer @savagebeats was born in pankshin local government in plateau state Nigeria on the 22nd of april 2000 to the christian family of mr and mrs Joseph(Gotip).

Growing up as the first son amidst 4 elder sisters and 3 younger brothers! Dicekid started his early school life at our lady of fatima primary school in pankshin and later on got admitted into lankguk memorial comprehensive secondary school he studied theatre and creative arts and also was a good and active member of the schools social club.

His music career started in the year 2013 the same year his father died!!! Since from then he has been writing songs under the management of K CITY ent alongside @KheengJay,Kennyclever.

Dicekid had been a vary hardworking kid since he dropped his first song titled Bad Gbedu which was then sponsored by his first management @SIR DON under *KIJ MUSIC GROUP.

On Graduating from his secondary school, he moved in to jos to pursue his music dreams as result of poor financial stats to further his educational background.

since then! Dicekid has been to shows uncounted, Recorded and has received awards of merits (Next Rated artist of the year 2020) and hard work, featured from some of the top acts in jos city, been to Radio tours and interviews and has also produced a lot of good songs containing the best in Nigeria Entertainment industry and far beyond

He is now working on his unreleased Ep(Son of Sounds) and first debut album which is tagged the GENESIS OF DICEKID (GOD)under the management of PADREBEATS and has released a couple of Songs which seems to gain him more ears and attention to the spotlight ie STRANGER, BROKEN, MORE LUV, TRUTH, BELLA And SPRAY BAD FOR GOOD AND HIS NEWLY RELEASED HIT SONG #SATIVA

Dicekid is also the brand owner of the clothing line @DICEYWEARS…
He is also into shoe making and fashion styling, Modeling and also a business tycoon trying to pursue out his dreams!!!!

GALLERY:

SONGS:

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES:

Facebook: Dicekid sos

Twitter: @Dicekid_Official

Instagram: @dicekid_official

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Daniel Friday Egga emerges NANS Zone C Director of Special Duties

Comrade Daniel Friday Egga, A student of Security and Strategic Studies, Nasarawa State University, Keffi (Nsuk), has emerged the Zone C Director of Special Duties of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone C.

The Convention /election held yesterday at the Open University of Nigeria, Otukpo Study Center Benue State.
The convention was attended by Stakeholders and Students Union Presidents from the 11 states of the Zone including the FCT.

After the election, Comr Daniel Friday used his social media page to express his gratitude to the Convention Chairman Comr Odunjo Adio from Kwara State who made sure the election process was handled properly and also to other stakeholders for attending the convention.
He also pledged his loyalty to Nigerian Students and promised to keep fighting for the welfare and interest of Nigerian Students in the Zone till the end.

Comr Daniel Friday Egga was a former Vice President, North Central of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), and also the Immediate past SSA Media and Publicity to the former president of Nans Comr Danielson Bamidele Akpan.

NANS Zone C comprises of all tertiary institutions in the North East and North Central States including the FCT.