Month: March 2021

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Fake COVID19 vaccines from China, FG raises alarm

The Federal Government has raised alarm over three thousand doses of fake COVID19 vaccines sent to Africa from China.

The Director of Hospital Services of the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), Dr. Adebimpe Adebiyi, made this known in a letter dated March 26, 2021, to the Chief Medical Directors/Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Health Institutions.

The letter in part reads

“The Ministry is in receipt of a letter from the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 regarding the arrest of about 3,000 doses of fake COVID-19 vaccines which were Africa-bound from China.

The report further indicates that the fake COVID-19 vaccines are already in circulation in Africa.

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

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 unauthorized institution. Please accept the assurances of my best regards.”

However, a top source in the FMoH confirmed to The Nation that the letter is authentic, and emanated from the Ministry to the CMDs and MDs of Federal Tertiary Health Institutions across the country.

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Burna Boy gets a piece of land and money to build from Governor Wike

Nyesom Wike, Rivers State Governor, has described Grammy award-winning Afrobeat artiste, Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy, as the pride of the state.

The Governor said this when Burna Boy, his parents, and management team visited him at the Government House in Port Harcourt, on Saturday.

Wike, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebiri, congratulated Burna Boy on the Grammy, saying the entire state was thrilled.

“There is no Rivers person that will say he or she is not happy with the kind of pride you’ve brought us. I am very happy and I can tell you, whatever you think we can do to promote you, we will continue to do it,” he said.

“You’ve done us proud and we owe you a duty to show you love. Wherever you are, your people appreciate you,” Wike added, urging Burna Boy not to rest on his laurels.

Governor Wike gifted Burna Boy a piece of land and money to build. He has also committed to giving every artiste who performed at the singer’s homecoming concert N10m each.

Responding to the governor’s comments, Burna Boy said he had been applauded all over the world after winning the Grammy.

However, he said being honoured in Rivers, his home state, was his biggest honour ever.

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Dula – “If I Be You I Fit No Like Dula” [Coming Soon!]

Nigerian remarkable rap maestro DULA is about to hit the music airwaves with yet another controversial sound to entertain all music lovers

This super amazing project is tagged “If I Be You I Fit No Like Dula”

In this nice piece of tune, Dula talk about the journey so far, when no one was there to support or cheer him up saying hip hop don’t sell, but now that his music is been appreciated, everyone wants to attach to him, record label wants to sign him….

Enough of the long story, you can’t afford to miss this release

Wait for it
Dropping 1st April, 2021

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Methodmilez Ft Niks – Mon Bebe

Fast rising artists/rapper Methodmilez comes through with a super cool sound as he deliver Mon Bebe featuring Niks.

Methodmilez a young Jos vibrant rapper with no doubt has taken over from Nigeria top Rapper M.I Abagba as he keeps his fans always in the mode and wanting to get high on his songs.

Coming through with Mon Bebe featuring Niks gives more joy to fans as it a super blast.

Mon Bebe was produced by Grinbeatz.

Download and enjoy.

STREAM ON AUDIOMACK

DOWNLOAD MP3

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GOVERNOR LALONG APPOINTS NEW HEAD OF SERVICE/PERMANENT SECRETARIES

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has approved the appointment of Engr. Sunday Chong Hyat as the new Head of Service for the State.

This follows the retirement of the Head of Service, Mr. Izam Azi, mni, having attained the mandatory age of 60.

The new Head of Service Engr. Hyat was until his appointment, the Permanent Secretary, General Administration in the office of the Head of Service.

Engr. Sunday Chong Hyat, mni, was born on 3rd February 1963, in Ganawuri, Riyom Local Government Area. He attended Boys Secondary School Gindiri before proceeding to the Federal University of Technology Minna where he graduated with B. Eng. Civil Engineering. He has a Diploma Computer Application from the University of Jos.

He was one time Chairman, Nigeria Society of Engineers Jos branch, and later served as the Council Member representing North Central on the Board of COREN. He is a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers and is registered with the American Society of Civil Engineers.

An alumnus of the prestigious National Institute for policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, Engr. Hyat has been Permanent Secretary in various ministries including and Works, Lands, Survey and Town Planning.

Meanwhile Governor Lalong has expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Civil Service, Mr. Izam Azi for his patriotic and diligent service to the State.

Similarly, the Governor has approved the appointment of 14 new Permanent Secretaries in the State civil service.
Those appointed include:

  1. Ishaya Turba
  2. Istifanus John
  3. Ibrahim Kam
  4. Alfed Zaman Datoel
  5. Jacob Bitrus Keng
  6. Ambrose Danjuma Allaburah
  7. Annastesia Dongjur
  8. Jesse Nimyel Miri
  9. Alexander Plangnan
  10. Kande Gotom
  11. Fanto John Nanghin
  12. Selfa Dashe
  13. Nanlop Gupiya
  14. Sunday G. Biggs

The new Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries will be sworn in on Monday 29th March 2021.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
26th March 2021

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Nigerian Tourism Development to Partner with Plateau State

The Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Mr. Folorunsho Coker has assured the Plateau State Government that his agency will work with the State in harnessing the abundant tourist potentials in the State.

Mr. Coker was speaking when he visited Governor Simon Lalong at the New Government House, Little Rayfield Jos.

He said, Plateau State known as the Home of Peace and Tourism has both the natural and human advantage in terms of tourism and hospitality. All that is needed according to him are proactive and firm initiatives to tap into the endowments.

He praised Governor Simon Lalong for restoring peace in Plateau State which has again restored confidence in the citizens as well as reassured investors, tourist and other visitors to return to Plateau State for business and leisure.

Coker announced that the NTDC will carry out its intervention in one of the tourist sites in Plateau State, the Kurra Falls as it has made provisions in its 2021 budget. He also promised to ensure that Plateau State is rebranded and marketed on the national and international tourism platforms and calendars so as to reinforce and repackage the natural gifts of weather, people and alluring sites.

Governor Lalong while welcoming the DG NTDC and members of his entourage to Plateau State, said the State has continued to work towards developing its tourism assets which are key to the economic blueprint of the State.

He said the choice of Kurra Falls is very timely considering the recent visit of HYPADEC to the State where they are also going to intervene in various areas around the communities of the Falls which is the first place where hydropower was generated in Nigeria.

Lalong assured the NTDC Management that his doors were open for further collaboration in many areas that will assist in bringing more people to the various tourist attractions across Plateau State.

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Angry mob beats man to death for stabbing his friend in Oshodi

A young man identified as Segun Afuye was allegedly beaten to death by angry mob in Oshodi, Lagos after he reportedly stabbed his friend on the neck at a bar located in Oshodi, Lagos State.

4wardwego gathered that the sad incident happened on Wednesday evening, March 24.

Segun Afuye, a 35-year-old man Lagos resident infuriated the onlookers when he walked into a bar and confronted his friend identified as Elewure Sodiq for allegedly having an affair with his girlfriend named Kafayat.

Eyewitnesses claim that the confrontation quickly escalated into a brawl that led to Sodiq’s unfortunate passing. He was allegedly stabbed on the neck with a broken bottle by his friend, Segun.

The angry mob in the scene quickly grabbed the culprit, Segun before he could get away.

Segun was beaten to a pulp immediately after his friend, Sodiq was confirmed dead.

It was also reported that Segun died before he could be rescued by police officers on that fateful night.

In another developing story, Yusuf Buhari, son of Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is set to marry Zarah Nasir Ado Bayero, daughter of the Emir of Bichi, after the next Friday prayers.

Sources say the two teens met in England where Yusuf Buhari completed his undergraduate studies; while she and Zarah are still studying.

“Both parties have agreed to postpone the ceremony until after the prayers; possibly after the fasting prayers or prayers,” the source said.

Yusuf is the third son of Aisha Buhari to get married since Muhammadu Buhari became president in 2015.

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Plateau State today inaugurated members of the governing board and council of PSIRS

Plateau State Goverent today Inaugurates the Plateau State Revenue Council and the Governing Board of the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service as today marks another milestone in their journey towards improving revenue generation and self-sufficiency

Below is the full speech of the Executive Governor of Plateau Stat e, HE, RT, HON Simon Bako Lalong.

SPEECH BY H.E. RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG, KSGG, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU AT THE INAUGURATION OF PLATEAU STATE REVENUE COUNCIL AND THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE PLATEAU STATE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE HELD AT THE NEW GOVERNMENT HOUSE, LITTLE RAYFIELD JOS, 25TH MARCH 2021.
Protocols

  1. Today marks another milestone in our journey as a State, towards improved revenue generation and self-sufficiency. This event provides me an opportunity to set the tone for the full implementation of the new Plateau State (Consolidated) Revenue Law, also known as the Revenue Law 2020, which I expeditiously assented to, in November 2020.
  2. It is no longer news that there has been a remarkable decline in revenue allocation to States, from the Federation Account. This is primarily occasioned by the continuous fall in crude oil prices in the international market, and most recently, the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic which has ravaged the world for over a year now.
  3. Even before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, our administration has continued to make frantic efforts towards improving the revenue profile of the State by looking inwards for more internally generated revenue. Instructively, experts’ projections indicate that Plateau State has an internal revenue capacity of more than N5 Billion Naira per month.
  4. This explains why before the disruption caused by COVID-19, our administration was able to jerk up its Internally Generated Revenue from about six hundred million naira monthly in 2015 to about nine hundred million in 2019. This shows that the projection by experts is in the right direction and we can actually do far more than we have been doing if we put our house in order.
  5. Over the years, the decentralized operation of State MDAs and other revenue generating agencies have created structural and technical gaps, which reduce the efficiency and effectiveness of revenue generation and collection in the State.
  6. In line with my firm resolve to address this challenge and improve the revenue profile of our dear State, my administration engaged Compliance Professionals Plc. (CPP), a reputable tax consortium, to help steer the transformation of revenue administration across the State, including at Local Government levels.
  7. Our engagement with CPP led to an in-depth assessment of the current state of the IGR environment in Plateau State and the dissection of the 2017 Revenue Law which gave birth to the new Plateau State (Consolidated) Revenue Law, also known as the Revenue Law 2020, which I signed into law at the close of 2020. I want to once again appreciate the Rt. Hon. Speaker and Honourable Members of the State House of Assembly for their thorough and expeditious passage of the bill.
  8. This journey has led to the development and implementation of the plan to effectively transit from the current state to a harmonized internal revenue generation and collection system, thereby improving efficiency and effectiveness and significantly increasing bottom lines.
  9. As a result of this, a new and viable template called Plateau State Revenue Generation Project has been developed by the CPP. This is expected to be a game changer because it seeks to completely rethink the way and manner in which revenues in the state are generated and ultimately make Plateau an example for other States to emulate.
  10. A very vital part of the project approach and organization is the Harmonized Revenue Administration Process Redesign (HRAPR). This approach seeks to Implement the right revenue administration process across all MDAs and LGCs, and ultimately across all main revenue lines with priority on areas of high revenue capture. The main aim is to ensure that changes in this project are institutionalized.
  11. Consequently, the project is broken down into series of goals or waves. The First Focus Wave which covers the period of February to July 2021, recommends the Implementation of a New Administrative Structure and Revenue Council for the State. Today, we are here to usher in part of this new structure that will change the revenue profile of the State for good.
  12. One of the major objectives of the Revenue Law 2020 is to ensure effective and efficient revenue generation, by creating a New Organizational Structure for Plateau State Internal Revenue Service, revenue generating MDAs and Revenue Departments in all the 17 Local Government Areas. With this development, new Revenue Units are to be created to consolidate the efforts of employees of Plateau State Government particularly those in the revenue stream.
  13. That is why within the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service, the reform has provided for 5 Directorates, to be headed by Directors with such qualifications provided in the Scheme of Service for the PSIRS.

Together with the Secretary and Legal adviser, they are to provide support to the Executive Chairman of the Service, in order to carry out all the responsibilities provided for by Section 17 of the Revenue Law 2020.

  1. Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, today we are taking another giant step towards the full commencement of the “Revenue Law” by inaugurating the Governing Board of the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service and the Revenue Council of the State. Pursuant to section 32 (2) of the Plateau State Revenue (Consolidated) Law 2020, an 18-man Revenue Council was approved, which I am to Chair. The Council shall be responsible for:
    i. Coordinating all revenue activities in the State;
    ii. Making policies, regulations and guidelines on revenue matters;
    iii. Setting up structures for whistle blowing;
    iv. Reviewing revenue rates;
    v. As well as identifying other sources of funding for the state.
  2. We have carefully selected Members of this Council to provide the required leadership in changing the revenue trajectory of the State. Membership of the Council is as follows:
    a. Prof. Danladi Abok Atu, Secretary to the Government of the State – Secretary to the Council
    b. Commissioner for Finance (Member)
    c. Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development(Member)
    d. Commissioner for Lands, Survey & Town Planning (Member)
    e. Commissioner for Commerce and Industry (Member)
    f. Commissioner for Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development (Member)
    i. Commissioner for Tourism (Member)
    j. Commissioner for Transport (Member)
    k. Commissioner for Water Resources (Member)
    l. Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning (Member)
    m. Commissioner for Justice (Member)
    n. Chairman, Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (Member)
    o. Plateau State Traditional Council (Member)
    p. Mr. Ibrahim Puri (Member)
    r. Mr. Miyen Swomen (Member)
    s. Dr. Nancy Katu Ogundimu (representing Civil Societies) (Member)
    t. Bashir Shuaibu Jibrin (representing the Informal Sector) (Member)
  3. We have equally approved the composition of the Governing Board for the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service. Members of the Board include:
    a. Mr. Dashe Arlat Dasogot – Chairman
    b. Prof. Danladi Abok Atu, Secretary to the Government of the State – Member
    c. Barr. Chrysantus Ahmadu, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Plateau State – Member
    d. Mr. Ishaku Dauda (Southern Zone) – Member
    e. Mr. B.S Moltok (Central Zone) – Member
    f. Mrs. Sarah Ishaya Afan (Northern Zone) – Member
    i. Barr. Mrs. Rahila Olu-Silas – Secretary to the Board
  4. While the Council and the Governing Board settle down to business of changing the revenue profile of the State for good, I wish to appeal to all our citizens to cooperate with us in this journey. We have a lot of projects to carry out and the resources need to harnessed. The days of looking up to Abuja are over because the national purse is also depleted.
  5. I am aware of the concerns that trail revenue generation among citizens who sometimes want to know what their resources are being used for. As your Governor, I can assure you that every kobo will not only be accounted for, but used for projects and programmes that have direct impact on your lives.
  6. In order to ensure that revenues do not go into the wrong hands, the new approach will be totally driven by technology where there will be real time monitoring of collections at all levels. We shall do everything possible to make life easier for tax payers in our State.
  7. Already, we have put in place various measures to block leakages, and enhance transparency and accountability in resource management. Some of these include the Procurement Agency; Liquidity Management Committee; Project Monitoring and Result Delivery Unit; Efficiency Unit among others. We have equally redefined our expenditure focus to give more attention to areas that will bring in more income and investment to the State.
  8. Let me also allay the fears of all law abiding citizens over the introduction of new taxes in this new dispensation. Our focus for now is to first ensure that areas that have been neglected in the past are harvested as provided by law. If and when there are new ones to be introduced, we shall ensure that everyone is carried along and it is done in a manner that does not lay a burden on the people or emasculate businesses.
  9. As I congratulate you for accepting to serve in these assignments, I ask you to give your best by deploying your experience and knowledge in ensuring that Plateau State generates more funds to carry out projects that impact the lives of the people. You are to consider it as a trust given you by the people of Plateau State.

[MEMBERS STAND TO BE INAUGURATED]

  1. It is now my honour and privilege to inaugurate members of the Plateau State Revenue Council and the Governing Board of the Plateau Inland Revenue Service to the Glory of God and for the benefit of the people of Plateau State.
  2. God bless Plateau State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
    Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG,
    Executive Governor.
    25th March, 2021.
    Photos; Josiah Jenvulu
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ZANGO KATAF STAKEHOLDERS SUE FOR PEACE, PLEADING OPERATION SAFE HAVEN TO REMAIN

VIOLENT PROTEST: ZANGO KATAF STAKEHOLDERS SUE FOR PEACE, PLEADING OPERATION SAFE HAVEN TO REMAIN

Following the violent protest staged by women and misguided youths of Gon Gora Kataf in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State on 23 March 2021, the leadership of the community has visited the troops of OPSH in the area to tender their unreserved apologies for the misconduct.

The delegation included the community leaders, religious leaders, chairman of Zangon Kataf LGA, traditional rulers, youths and women leaders, retired permanent secretaries, and other eminent citizens of Zangon Kataf LGA.

Speaking during the reconciliation visit, the team leader and chairman Zangon Kataf LGA, Dr Eliaz Manza said they dissociated themselves and the whole community from the activities of the violent protesters, noting that troops presence was for their safety and security, stressing that OPSH is doing much towards bringing the lasting peace in Southern Kaduna in general and Zangon Kataf in particular.

The team leader assured that such violent act would never reoccur again, therefore pleaded that OPSH should remain in their locality. He further assured the operation of their support and cooperation towards achieving the lasting peace in the area.

IBRAHIM SHITTU
Major
Media Officer OPSH
25 March 2021