Month: August 2021

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Coalition of Ethnic Youth Nationalities fumes at the destructions of lives and properties in Bassa and Riyom villages

Coalition of Ethnic Youth Nationalities fumes at the destructions of lifes and properties ongoing in Bassa and Riyom villages says as gate keepers, it is time to unite and flush the terrorist within our Lands.

The Coalition of Ethnic Youth Nationalities Northern zone were today in Miango in a solidarity visit to irigwe Youths and Nation over the last Monday ugly and barbaric attacks on their villages.

The Youth Leaders were raged and alarmed over what they say it is a full blown war against the people of plateau North.

The umbrella body of Youth Leaders on the Plateau strongly called on Youths to rise up and defend their people and the Land as they are the gate keepers of the society.

Receiving the delegation onbehalf of the Paramount ruler of Irigwe Nation, the District of kwall and other chiefs appreciates the position of the Youths and thank the Youth Leaders for identifying with irigwe Nation during these hard times.

The Leader of the delegation and chairman of the Coalition Comr Song Muru presented some relief materials onbehalf of the group, that as Youths and gate keepers, this should be the last time such will happened to any Ethnic group on the Plateau.

The group proceeded to the Gbong Gwom Jos palace for a similar visit to identify with the Riyom people over such attacks and destructions of farmlands worths millions of naira.

The group is calling on Government and security agencies to dealt with this attacks on these vulnerable communities and ensure immediate relief materials so as to resettle all displacement people.oalition of Ethnic Youth Nationalities fumes at the destructions of lifes and properties ongoing in Bassa and Riyom villages says as gate keepers, it is time to unite and flush the terrorist within our Lands.

The Coalition of Ethnic Youth Nationalities Northern zone were today in Miango in a solidarity visit to irigwe Youths and Nation over the last Monday ugly and barbaric attacks on their villages.

The Youth Leaders were raged and alarmed over what they say it is a full blown war against the people of plateau North. The umbrella body of Youth Leaders on the Plateau strongly called on Youths to rise up and defend their people and the Land as they are the gate keepers of the society.

Receiving the delegation onbehalf of the Paramount ruler of Irigwe Nation, the District of kwall and other chiefs appreciates the position of the Youths and thank the Youth Leaders for identifying with irigwe Nation during these hard times.

The Leader of the delegation and chairman of the Coalition Comr Song Muru presented some relief materials onbehalf of the group, that as Youths and gate keepers, this should be the last time such will happened to any Ethnic group on the Plateau.

The group proceeded to the Gbong Gwom Jos palace for a similar visit to identify with the Riyom people over such attacks and destructions of farmlands worths millions of naira.

The group is calling on Government and security agencies to dealt with this attacks on these vulnerable communities and ensure immediate relief materials so as to resettle all displacement people.

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‘PRICE OF PETROL SHOULD BE N256 PER LITRE’ – NNPC BOSS, KYARI

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, has said the cost of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, in the country should be N256 per liter.

Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director, GMD, of NNPC, disclosed this while appearing on Channels Television yesterday.

Kyari noted that there is nowhere in the world where Diesel sells more than petrol.

The NNPC boss stated that the petrol pump price is meant to reflect the current crude oil price which stands at $74.40 per barrel at the international market.

He said: “Today we are paying N162/liter (for petrol). I am sure many people buy AGO (Diesel) in the market and it is selling at N280/liter in the Market today.

“So (there is) nowhere in the world diesel sells more expensive than PMS. That means that the price of petrol anywhere in the world, assuming you are going to sell it at the market, you are going to sell it above that price you have seen.

“Today, from what I can remember, I checked the number two days ago; what would we sell if we are at the filling station today and recover our cost fully is around N256/liter.”

Kyari also disclosed that the government was negotiating with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) over the cost of petrol.

Meanwhile, Kyari had stated that the inability to find a suitable price for petrol is responsible for the continued subsidy scheme.

The NNPC is presently the only official importer of petroleum products into Nigeria.

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Exposed: How Some Private Oil Marketers Exploit The Nigerian Government Through Fuel Subsidy

The removal of Oil Subsidy in Nigeria has always been a tough decision for every administration to take. In 2012, The Goodluck Jonathan Administration removed oil subsidy, this action sparked a nationwide protest, calling for the return of the oil subsidy especially as the price of fuel in the country subsequently went up, there by increasing the cost of every commodity in the country.

It’s however possible to realize that most people do not realize what fuel subsidy entails. Fuel subsidy in its simplest explanation means that a fraction of the price that consumers are supposed to pay to enjoy the use of petroleum products such as fuel, is then paid by government in a bid to ease the price burden on the buyers or consumers.

Let’s give a practical example on how Fuel Subsidy works in Nigeria;

Nigeria is an Oil producing country, however we do not have the resources needed to process the raw crude oil into finished products like, fuel. So the raw crude oil is now exported for refining.

When this refined crude oil which has now become fuel is being imported back to the country, it comes with a price, a price which is determined by the global index.

Now assuming the total open cost of fuel is 300 naira, the government’s part in paying for subsidy now slashes the price to 150 naira. Evidently while Nigerians enjoy fuel at the cost of 150 naira, the government pays the remaining 150 naira.

This arrangement has been a long standing structure between the Nigeria government and it’s citizen, the payment of fuel subsidy by the Nigeria Government has always been a benevolent gesture of the government done with a vision of alleviating the burden on Nigerians. If Nigerians resort to paying for the original cost of fuel, this will impoverish the populace in the country, the cost of every other commodity evidently sky rockets.

However it has become obvious that corruption has threatened the continuance of fuel subsidy in Nigeria. Overtime high level officers in the government and other top officials who oversee the subsidy arrangements have been faulted for siphoning and embezzling the subsidy paid by the government.

Independent Marketers have also been blamed for being corrupt, and exploiting the government, how do they do this, let’s paint a picture for you.

Following the deregulation of the oil sector, the Federal Government isn’t the main supplier of Petroleum Products in the country, encouraging private sector to takeover the role of supplying Petroleum Products in the country.

If these petroleum products which already have their subsidy paid for by the government, is made available to these private individuals and companies, they monopolize the market, setting prices on their free will, thereby making enormous profits. By implication, if the landing cost of fuel is 300naira, Government does it’s duties by paying for the subsidy bringing the price to 150naira, this should then bring the price at 150naira/liter for Nigerians to enjoy.

However, these private markets further increase the prices they sell, so rather than sell at N150/liter, they may then sell at 170/litre so as to make profit. Evidently while the government is paying billions in subsidy to make fuel affordable for Nigerians, private marketers and companies receive the commodity at a subsidized rate and then sell at a high rate, begging the question, What’s the essence of Federal Government paying for subsidy.

This explains why in times of fuel scarcity only Federal Government owned companies such as Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) sell at a subsidized price, hence causing enormous queue at NNPC stations all over the country.

Also with the Deregulation, some top privately owned companies are in the position of exporting petroleum products to nearby countries. After receiving subsidized prices of petroleum products, these companies now export the petroleum products at a price they choose, technically robbing the federal government.

The Federal Government has spent trillions of naira paying for fuel subsidy, yet the availability and affordability of fuel in the country, yet there is arguably no tangible improvement in affordability of fuel in the country.

There are recent moves to remove the payment of oil subsidy by the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration. The Federal Government spends around N34 billion everyday on the payment of oil subsidy, funds which will be better invested in other sectors of the country.

The removal of oil subsidy will not imply that the Federal government will relegate full control to private marketers, rather with the removal of fuel subsidy, the government would leave the procurement and price determination to market forces. The Government will now play a regulatory role of enforcing price regulations, ensuring that Nigerians do not have to pay exuberant prices for fuel in the country.

This move will help in putting an end to the endemic corruption that has plagued the fuel subsidy scheme in Nigeria, saving billions of naira for the Federal government.

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Operation Safe Haven Visit Jebu Bassa, Tamborong, Byei and Rafiki -Donate Relief Materials As New Commander Warn Invaders

The Special Task Force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of Kaduna and Bauchi states, has promised to discharge its constitutional duties of safeguarding lives and property of all citizens in the areas of its joint operations.The Commander of the task force, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, stated this when he visited Brra Nggwe Rigwe, Rev. Ronku Aka, the paramount ruler of Iregwe nation, on Monday in Miango.

The commander was reacting to reports alleging the task force’s refusal to respond in stopping the recent killings and wanton destruction of properties in Miango chiefdom of Bassa Local Government Area of the state.Ali, who is also the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army Rukuba, near Jos, described the allegation as false, futile, malicious and an attempt to discredit the efforts of troops of the operation in achieving lasting peace in the state.He reiterated the commitment of the task force toward securing the lives and property of all residents within its areas of joint operations devoid of ethnic or religious affiliations“There are reports making the rounds alleging that our troops told residents that they had instruction not to repel invaders during attacks in some communities in Bassa.“

This allegation is not only false and baseless but malicious and futile attempt to once again malign the good works the troops of OPSH have been doing to restore normalcy to troubled areas in line with its operational mandate.“I did not and will never give such instruction; it didn’t come from me, because every soldier has the constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property of all Plateau citizens. “It is pertinent to note that OPSH is committed to safeguarding lives and property in line with global best practices of adhering to rules of engagement, standard operating procedure and respect for fundamental human rights of the citizenry.“

So, it is practically impossible to issue out orders to troops that they should not respond to any distress situation aimed at saving the lives and property of law abiding citizens, considering that they are drawn from all the security agencies, cutting across ethnic, religious divides and under oath to maintain peace and security in the nation,”he said.

The commander also explained that every soldier of the task force was deployed to a location with a clear code instruction of ensuring a peaceful society, which was the sole mandate of OPSH.He, however, assured that the task force would thoroughly investigate the allegation, adding that any soldier found wanting would be dealt with.He said that the visit was to commiserate with the paramount ruler of the Iregwe in Miango chiefdom, over the recent unfortunate incident.“

This visit is very necessary if we want to make headway in our peace building process in Plateau.“We are not happy over the recent happenings but I want to assure you that we will ensure it doesn’t happen again,”Gen. Ali said.He called on all citizens of the area and the state to be law abiding and cooperate with the military and other security agencies by providing credible information that would aid them toward ensuring lasting peace in the state.Responding, the traditional ruler, Aka, thanked the commander for the visit and urged him to intensify efforts to restore lasting peace in the area.Aka, who decried the consistent killings and wanton destruction of farmlands and other properties in his chiefdom, also called on the military to help displaced people to return to their homes.“We are peaceful and loving people but we have suffered in the past years.“I need your assistance; please deploy additional personnel to the affected communities to enable my people to return to their homes.“

I will continue to pray for you to succeed in your assignment,”he said.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commander also donated some foodstuff and other items to residents displaced by the recent unrest in the area.The items include bags of rice, salt, cartons of seasoning, noodles, sleeping mats, blankets, bathing and washing soaps. (NAN)

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NORTH CENTRAL PEOPLES FORUM VISITS GOVERNOR LALONG, EMPHASIZE SECURITY AND UNITY

The North Central Peoples Forum (NCPF) has maintained that there must be more proactive measures to address the security situation in the country and particularly in the North Central region.

The group made the call when they visited Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State to condole with in him over the recent spate of attacks in some communities of Plateau State and other States of the North Central part of Nigeria as well as introduce the body to him.

The Forum was led by its BOT Chairman, Lt. Gen. Sen. Jeremiah Timbut Usaini who said they are in the office on behalf of the people of North Central Zone of Nigeria to assure the Governor and the people of the State of their readiness to support and encourage and partner with his administration. He said the Forum comprises of people of different religions, ethnic and political leanings, cutting across the North Central States of Nigeria. These include, Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara, Kogi, Niger and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Useni further explained that the purpose of the group is to unite its people in ensuring that peace and stability is sustained; rapid industrialization is facilitated; sound policies and process that will ensure that the massive minerals and agricultural endowment are adequately harnessed; and good policies are embraced for good governance, stability and progress of the region and Nigeria as a whole.

He also said the North Central Peoples Forum is a platform with men and women from different works of life who have had the opportunity of serving this nation in various capacities and are ready to serve its people by giving it a voice to be heard.

The Forum commended Governor Lalong for all the efforts he has been making in keeping Plateau and thereafter inaugurated him into the college of PATRONS of the Forum that comprises of former Presidents, Head of State, Governors, Senate Presidents, Deputy Senate Presidents and Deputy Speakers of House of Representatives.

In his response, Governor Lalong thanked the Forum for not relenting despite the challenges faced in seeing that the forum came into existence and stable.

The Governor Lalong described Gen Usaini as a man with the interest of Plateau and the Nation at heart, patriotic in nature who keeps political differences aside for the good of mankind, North Central and the Nation at large.

He said it is timely to have the North Central Peoples Forum because other zones have equally formed their forum for the purpose of cooperation.

He called on all to imbibe the principle of peace which are anchored on justice and fairness without which there will be no peace, tolerance and goodwill that could stimulate the sharing of ideas on comparative advantage for the development of the North Central Zone.

He pledged commitment to the cause of the Forum and to support all programmes of the Forum with the believe that it will guide the zone through restoration of peace because once there is peace in the North Central Zone, there will be peace in Nigeria.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State &
10th August 2021

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BBNaija 2021: 4 new housemates introduced just before eviction

More surprise was to come on the BBNaija 2021 show after the evictions of Yerins, Niyi, Beatrice. Fans were completely oblivious to this. But in a quick turn of events, four new housemates were introduced to the viewers in between the live eviction show.

Here are the four new surprise housemates:

Michael says he is bringing excitement to Biggie’s house. I’m coming for all the tasks. I am not a good loser and would do anything to win. Michael who is an artist says the housemates should be ready to feel all his good vibes.

28-year-old Kayvee is from Ogba in Lagos state. He is bringing his handsome face to the show…vain like that! He doesn’t like rude people. Also he says he is bringing vibes and positive energy to the house. The photographer says he is going to show the world his view.

Kwara State-born Jumoke says she loves to enjoy herself. She hates bad vibes. She says she is bringing positive energy to the house. The Lawyer says she is going to do everything all the lawyers who have been to show didn’t bring to the show. She wants us to watch out for her dance moves.

Queen who hails from Akwa Ibom state says she is the complete package. She hates gossip and is a nice person. She says she can be good, bad and ugly. The 26-year-old philanthropist says she loves sleeping naked and the housemates should be wary of her ‘bad mouth.’

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3rd Kids in Tech Conference 2021 registration portal opens

As summer coding class takes off in four states of the federation,
the organizers of the Kids Code Club Africa (KCCA), 2021 free kids summer coding class wishes to announce to interested parents that free- registration portal has been opened for aspiring digital savvy kids between the ages of 9-15 for Jos, Asaba, Abuja and Gombe.

The Summer Coding Class; an initiative of Alpha Blue Foundation & Powered by one of Africa’s fastest growing digital tech organisation, the Blue Algorithm Technologies Limited, collaborating with other digital experts and organizations in Africa is a Free Four weeks intense ICT training program in Robotics, Game Programming, Animation, Web Development and Mobile Development.
After the four weeks Coding class, the kids still undergo further training for three years. In our three-years mentorship and leadership training program, the KCCA has the capacity to produce continental digital giants for the fifth industrial revolution and the appropriate human resource for the sustainable digital development of the nation and Africa at large.

The 2021 edition of this training kicks off on the 16th of August 2021, and shall end on the 17th of September in the four targeted states and cities in NIGERIA. We specially stated here that we are well positioned to impact 2000 willing African kids this year, who must be in school and have a laptop and simple ‘to use knowledge’. For this year, there is going to be a grand package for the KCCA participants, where the best amongst them will get an all-expense paid trip to Dubai for a one-week tech tour.

As a tradition, the KCCA Summer coding Class, is usually rounded up with an Annual Kids In Tech Conference and Awards.

THE INTERNATIONAL KIDS IN TECH CONFERENCE AND AWARD (IKITCA) 2021, a special program to round up the 4 weeks KCCA intense training /capacity program is to hold in the Federal Capital Territory-FCT, Abuja by 10am on Thursday, 23rd of September at the Nigerian National Merits Award Conference Hall located at No. 22 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, F.C.T, Abuja, with the theme “The impact of Technology in the Nigerian Economy in the emerging Digital age’.

This shall be a platform to expose, build and market the digital skills of the African child. At this event, there will be Project pitching by the KCCA participants, where the Participants showcase the tech knowledge they have acquired during the course of the training and their inner IQ’s.

There will be unveiling of the kid friendly Talk Tech Magazine and awards presentation, amongst others. A Panel of discussion at this year’s conference is another item being included in the program for this year and during this session, lessons, challenges, gaps and solutions for the digital sector will be shared.

AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS:
Individuals are expected to nominate their favorite Tech Heroes in their respective categories for various awards.IKITCA event shall also reveal some outstanding kids from all states to be impacted this year, who will be interfacing with experts, leading innovators, policy makers and also gain recognition for advancement in the innovations and digital career. Also, at this event notable contributors to the digital development of the nation and continent shall be recognized and issued awards. The portal for nomination is currently open and the categories to be awarded includes.

  • KCA Start-up Awards 2021,
  • Rising Star Innovation ICT Award 2021,
  • KCA Product ICT Awards 2021,
  • KCA African Digital Personality Of The Year 2021,
  • KCA Women In Tech Awards,
  • KCA Digital Governance ICT Awards 2021 amongst others. (Duration of nomination-1 week)
    KCCA program is open for full or part brand scholarship and it is also open to strategic partnership that will ensure it scales up to reach more African Children who may have the talent but lack the access to hone their technological skills.
    For kids Participation, Parents/Guardians should register their wards at www.kidcodeclubafrica.org/register or call us at 07018245477 and to nominate your best choice of tech Heroes, go to https://www.kidcodeclubafrica.org/nomination

Proudly supported by:

  • KRP Group.
  • COA Media
  • Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
  • National Orientation Agency (NOA).
  • Plateau State Government.
  • Federal Ministry of Science and Tech etc.

KIDS CODE CLUB AFRICA! Raising The Next Digital Heroes!
https://www.kidcodeclubafrica.org/nominate

Signed

Bright Ogor
Convener

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Nigerian Army refute claims alleging Commander OPSH, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Salihu Ali was born in Miango

News has recently been making the rounds on the social media referring the GOC, Major General Ibrahim Salihu Ali was born in Miango, the Nigerian Army has come out to debunk such fake news.

The Nigerian Army has cleared the air concerning the identity of Major Gen Ibrahim Salihu Ali, the General Officer Commanding 3 Div who recently assumed additional responsibility as the Commander Special Task Force Code named Operation Safe Haven. In a Statement issued by the Ag. Deputy Director Army Public Relations Major Lazarus Ali, the army debunked and described as false a content making rounds on social media which he described as”…a campaign a calumny against the person of Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali…”

According to the Army source, the purported post making rounds across social media platforms claimed that the GOC is from Miango community hence he is supporting the Fulanis against the Irigwes among other wild and unsubstantiated allegations.

According to statement, the Army cleared that Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali was born in Nasarawa, Kano Municipal Council of Kano State to family of Late Alhaji Sallau Ali and Late Hajia Aishatu Ibrahim (God rest their souls). He attended Lebanon Primary School Kano in 1974 and proceeded to Saint Thomas Secondary School Kano in 1980. Major General Ali attended the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna and completed his Cadet training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, United Kingdom.

The statement further informed that Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali attended several military courses and served in different theatres of operation within and outside the country. The GOC survived gunshot wounds sustained in 2 separate operations in the past. He succeeded Brigadier General BA Muhammad as the 41st GOC 3 Division Nigerian Army and Major General DC Onyemulu as Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN on 12 and 13 July respectively.

The statement urged the public to discountenance the smear campaign designed to distract the GOC and our gallant troops from discharging their legitimate duties of maintaining peace on the Plateau. The statement further stressed the need for the public to be law abiding citizens and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that would help to curb criminality in the state.

ELI LAZARUS
Major
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations

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Doctors on strike: FG blames state governments

The Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), has distanced itself from most of the demands by striking National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), saying that they were the responsibility of state governments.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, stated this to newsmen on Thursday, in Abuja.

Ehanire, who noted that the striking doctors were using the anxiety surrounding the third wave of COVID-19 to push their demands, stated that seven out of the 12 demands presented by NARD were within the jurisdiction of the state governments.

Further, he disclosed that these were not justifiable cause for a nationwide strike.

“In their notice of July 25, 2021, they mentioned states like Imo, Kaduna, Delta and Lagos. The Federal Government cannot force these states to do anything.

“For the issues surrounding the Federal Government, not all of these issues are for the Ministry of Health. The payment lies within the powers of the Accountant General of the Federation. We are also working with other agencies to sort out some of these issues.”

Ehanire also said he hoped the doctors would understand that the ongoing strike would not give them a good image.

“I believe they will call a meeting and reassess some of the issues they tabled.

“We already have people who have retired coming in to say they want to step in. This is not a good time to go on strike.”

On brain drain of doctors in the country, the minister said; “It is actually difficult to say we want to combat the brain drain of doctors. They see the salaries there as being expensive and most of them do not want to serve in rural areas.

“In Nigeria, we are not the only ones suffering from it. Some other developing countries also suffer it too. Because they studied in English they easily get into those countries.

“We are also working to make sure that working conditions in Nigeria are favourable. That is why we are also working on the issues of hazard allowances.

“I understand that states are now issuing bonding, so, once they are trained, they cannot leave the states. We hope the young doctors understand fully.”