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The Nigeria Labour Congress said it has put machinery in place for a two-day nationwide protest slated for February 27 and February 28, 2024.
The NLC’s National President, Joe Ajaero, said the protest would begin a week after the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum it issued to the Federal Government which will expire on February 23.
Ajaero, who spoke during a briefing with journalists in Abuja, said the decision followed an emergency National Executive Council meeting on the state of the economy and matters related to insecurity in the country.
On February 8, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress gave a two-week ultimatum to the government to meet demands ranging from wage increments to improved access to public utilities and accused it of failing to uphold pledges to soften the impact of reforms.
Ajaero said the Federal Government should not flout the deadline of the 14-day ultimatum.
The organised labour lamented that millions of Nigerian workers are facing hunger, erosion of purchasing power and insecurity due to reforms that drove up inflation.
This followed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to scrap a popular but costly fuel subsidy last May and his administration’s lifting of restrictions on currency trading, which more than tripled petrol prices.
Details later…
President Bola Tinubu has been appointed the African Union, AU, Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership against the backdrop of his ambitious, innovative, and people-focused efforts in the sector.
This was disclosed in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity on Friday.
The Commission of the African Union, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention — Africa CDC, in a letter to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tinubu was appointed on the recommendation of the Committee of Heads of State and Government of Africa CDC, under the leadership of His Excellency, President Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union.
In his new role, the Commission subsequently invited President Tinubu to address the Ministerial Executive Leadership Programme, MELP, under the theme, ‘Impactful leadership in health: a whole government approach’, billed for Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the Africa CDC Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on the margins of the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate upgrade of key health infrastructure and equipment across all six geo-political zones.
In a statement on Friday by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the President said the upgrade aligns with his administration’s vision of overhauling the health and social welfare sector for enhanced service delivery to all Nigerians.
The President said the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), will comprehensively upgrade cancer-treatment infrastructure and other critical developments in six tertiary hospitals across several geo-political zones.
He added the ministry and the NSIA will carry out a full renovation and expansion of prior investments to improve broad-based access to high-quality healthcare in all six geo-political zones of the federation.
The President said six teaching hospitals across geo-political zones have been marked for the establishment of oncology and nuclear medicine centres.
The hospitals are University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, University of Nigeria (Nsukka) Teaching Hospital, Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, University of Jos Teaching Hospital and Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
The statement reads: “Upgrading health infrastructure and equipment is a top priority of President Tinubu’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. To advance this landmark effort, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) will carry out the comprehensive upgradation of cancer-treatment infrastructure and other critical developments in six tertiary hospitals across several geo-political zones, in addition to the full renovation and expansion of prior investments to improve broad-based access to high-quality healthcare in all six geo-political zones of the federation.”
The following teaching hospitals across geo-political zones have been marked for the establishment of oncology and nuclear medicine centres per facility as part of President Tinubu’s bid to ensure that world-class cancer diagnosis and care is accessible across the country.”
The statement added that ten critical healthcare services were also approved for expansion projects across radiology, clinical pathology, medical and radiation oncology, and cardiac catheterization will be carried out in ten hospitals across all geo-political zones.
The ten hospitals are listed below:
– North-West: Reference Hospital, Kaduna — (Radiology, clinical pathology, medical and radiation oncology)
– South-East: Medical Diagnostic Centre Complex, Enugu — (Radiology, clinical pathology, medical & radiation oncology)
– North-West: Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto — (Diagnostic and intervention radiology, clinical pathology, and cardiac catheterization)
– South-West: University College Hospital, Ibadan — (Diagnostic and intervention radiology, clinical pathology, and cardiac catheterization)
– South-South: University of Uyo Teaching Hospital — (Radiology and clinical pathology)
– North-East: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi — (Radiology and clinical pathology)
– South-South: Federal Medical Centre, Asaba — (Radiology and clinical pathology)
– North-Central: Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre Complex, Ilorin — (Radiology and clinical pathology)
– North-Central: Jos University Teaching Hospital — (Radiology and clinical pathology)
– North-East: Federal Medical Centre, Nguru — (Radiology and clinical pathology)
It added: “These critical projects are set to be delivered within 12-18 months and will improve screening and diagnostics for communicable and non-communicable diseases; reduce mortality rates and improve outcomes for non-communicable diseases; create considerable employment opportunities for clinical, administrative, and managerial personnel across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones, all while building the capacity of clinical personnel in advanced procedures, diagnostics and treatment modalities, in accordance with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”
[NaijaNews]
Following the placement of N20 million bounty on two suspected kidnappers terrorising Abuja and it environs by the minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have arrested one of them, Dahiru Adamu, whose real name is Saidu Abdulkadir.
He was arrested when police operatives raided two kidnappers’ camps bordering Nasarawa State and Abuja via Kuje Area Council on February 15, 2024, at about 12am and dislodged the camps.
FCT police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said Abdulkadir was the gang leader and one of the wanted suspects of the kidnapping syndicate paraded by the FCT Police Command on February 14, 2024.
The police further said the bandits on sighting the police operatives, opened fire and engaged the Police in an intense gun duel and were eventually overpowered by the Police, as one Habu Yakubu and Isufu Abubakar, earlier abducted from Kwaita Village via Pegi district of Kuje Area Council, were rescued unhurt and the suspect arrested.
She further said peliminary investigation revealed that the suspect masterminded the kidnap and killing of one Mr Sunday Yahaya Zakwai, the district head of Ketti Village.
While effort was still ongoing to apprehend the other wanted suspect on the run, the FCT commissioner of Police, CP Ben Igweh, has reassured criminals in FCT that there was no hiding place for them.
He equally urged residents to report suspicious activities through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883; PCB: 09022222352.
[Leadership]
Laolu Akande, former spokesman of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, says Nigeria needs bold leaders to confront the country’s multifaceted challenges, especially security and economic problems.
He made this known on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande aired on Channels Television on Friday.
According to him, leaders must be honest and courageous to overcome the challenges in the country.
“The problems as of today, the widespread hardship in the land and the menacing insecurities require courageous leadership at the very top. Our leaders must be bold enough to fire appointed public officials who don’t deliver on their KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).
“We have seen in this country how lack of consequences and impunity have created new problems and made old ones worse.
“For example, we have seen how we have been fighting insecurity for decades now and when it seems we’ve solved it at one point, it comes in another form. The problems re-emerge everywhere. There have been claims of collusion of corruption in certain agencies our leaders should not be shy to thoroughly investigate, discover what is really happening and punish those responsible for the corruption and collusion if that is established.
“How is it possible that more than half of the oil lifted in Nigeria for instance is being stolen and no one has been caught or punished in several years?
“As a nation, we are struggling to meet up with our OPEC quota. OPEC cut Nigeria’s quota to 1.38 million barrels per day from 1.78 million bpd because for years, we have failed to meet our quota.
“A President or a governor or elected senator or assembly member is no use, in the long run, if he or she fails to use the big stick against those holding our commonwealth down. Our leaders must be bold enough, honest and forthright to draw a line in the sand on the issue of corruption. It requires boldness. Corruption is corrosive. A former President said if we don’t kill it, it will kill us.
“In 2015, many Nigerians thought that former President whose campaign spearheaded the ‘Change’ narrative would actually bring the change. I served under that administration but that has not happened wight years after. Our leaders who made the promises are still grappling at the straws. Corruption is worse, economy is biting, insecurity is relentless. We seem to lack the bold leadership to look at the problems eyeball to eyeball and say, ‘No more’.
“But Nigerians have given the same set of leaders – the APC, who made that illustrious promise of ‘Change’ in 2015, another chance now under a new President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who would have spent nine months in office at the end of this month.
“The burden that President Tinubu is carrying is heavier than that of President Buhari and it is important that is said because now President Tinubu is not just carrying the burden of promise but he is carrying the burden of truncated hope. And good a thing he has rightly named his agenda Renewed Hope. Nigerians have placed so much expectations on the promises and now they are wondering how come they believed a lie. So, it is up to President Tinubu to show that those promises made in 2015 were no lies. And that is why we are appealing to him today and all those in authority that the government be it executive, judiciary or legislature, it’s important to apply courage and boldness.”
[DailyTrust]
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF) to re-open the investigation and prosecution of those who murdered the founder of Newswatch Magazine, Dele Giwa, in 1986.
Dele Giwa was murdered on October 19, 1986 in his Lagos office through a letter bomb.
Delivering judgment on Friday in a suit against the AGF, Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo held the Chief Law Officer of the Federation is under obligation to prosecute and penalize killers of media practitioners in the country.
Apart from Dele Giwa, the court ordered that the killings of other journalists in the discharge of their lawful duties must be investigated and perpetrators brought to book in line with the provisions of the law.
The Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda, MRA, had dragged the AGF before the court for the enforcement of fundamental rights of media practitioners to safety as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution and African Charters on Human Rights.
Justice Ekwo in the judgment ordered the Federal Government to ensure adequate protection and safety of lives of journalists as enshrined in sections 33, 39 of the Constitution and Articles 4 and 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.
Details later...
[DailyPost]
Less than 24 hours to the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to elect its flag bearer for the September 21 governorship election in Edo state, a frontline aspirant of the party, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has withdrawn from the race.
He announced his withdrawal on Friday, February 16, in a statement made available to journalists.
The withdrawal notice was addressed to the national chairman of the party, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the Acting State Chairman of the party, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe.
Full text of the withdrawal letter reads: “Few months ago, after extensively interacting with family, friends, political associates, and supporters, I joined the 2024 Edo state gubernatorial race as a result of my passion and commitment to the cause of rescuing Edo state from the current condition of decrepitude.
“I entered the contest as a progressive democrat, with an open mind to keenly contest and accept the result of a process that is fair, credible and transparent. I appreciate the commended the effort made by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to correct the erroneous impression maliciously created by certain persons that some aspirants, including myself had been disqualified from the gubernatorial contest. The NWC constituted the authentic screening committee and all twelve aspirants who purchased and completed the nomination forms were successfully screened and subsequently issued clearance certificates. This step was praise worthy and helped in restoring our integrity in the eyes of the public.
“Having being cleared to contest, I regrettably wish to announce my withdrawal from the race. Although painful, this decision has become imperative after an exhaustive consultation with my family, friends, political associates and supporters. I make this sacrifice in the interest of the peace and unity that the party desperately requires at both state and national levels.
“I humbly appeal to the good people of Edo state to accept my decision which I very personal and I promise to be there for them at all times.
“Thankfully, I acknowledge the fatherly role of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the party’s national leadership for the fairness and commitment to the democratic process. Likewise, I remain grateful to the state working committee for their principled stand to allow a level playing field for all aspirants. I am extremely appreciative to my family, friends, supporters, well-wishers, and the extraordinary hardworking men and women of our campaign organization who were prepared to stop at nothing to see me fly the party’s flag. I salute your great works, your steadfastness and courage.
“Finally, as a loyal party man, I wish to pledge that I and my teeming supporters shall support any candidate that emerges in the primary election holding tomorrow.”
[TheNation]
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, on Friday, sealed Sahad Store, a popular supermarket in the Garki area of Abuja.
The FCCPC said the store was sealed for lack of transparency in the way it is fixing prices for products.
This is coming twenty-four hours after President Bola Tinubu unveiled plans to tackle factors responsible for the food crisis across the country.
The Federal Government in collaboration with state governors had on Thursday agreed to set up a committee to tackle the issue of hoarding of products in the country.
This, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed after the meeting President Bola Tinubu held with governors, heads of Security Agencies and some ministers at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.
Idris, who accused some traders of hoarding food products, stated that the security agencies had been mandated to liaise with governors to tackle the menace.
“Mr. President has agreed to set up a committee to deepen the conversation that has happened at the just-concluded meeting. Of course, you know that it is impossible to complete most of the issues that were raised at the meeting so it is going to be a continuous one.
“The National Security Adviser, the Director General of the state services, and the Inspector General of Police have been directed to coordinate with the state governors to look at the issue of those hoarding commodities.
“At this point, the nation requires foods to be brought out to the people so that we can control prices and put food on the table of most Nigerians. Other commodity traders are busy hoarding these commodities so that Nigerians will suffer or they will make more money as a result.
“So the governors and Mr. President have taken this decision that security agencies will collaborate with the state governors to ensure that this ends.”
However, the Federal Government has accused the management of Sahad Store of shortchanging customers by charging prices other than the price tag on the shelves.
The enforcement team was led by FCCPC Acting Executive Vice Chairman, Adamu Ahmed Abdullahi.
While briefing journalists after sealing the store, Abdullahi stated that the commission’s preliminary investigation revealed that the management of the supermarket was short-changing customers.
The FCCPC noted that the store would remain sealed until the completion of further investigation, saying, “What we have found out that these people are doing is misleading pricing and lack of transparency in the pricing, which is against Section 115 (3) of the law that says a consumer is not required to pay a price for any good or service higher than the one that’s on display.”
“Section 155 states that any corporate person that contravenes is liable to a fine of 100 million naira or even more and the directors of the company themselves are liable upon conviction payment of 10 million naira each or imprisonment of six months or both.
“What we have done today is to make sure that they comply with the law. We initially called them to come and defend themselves but failed to show up. In the long run, they sent a lawyer whom we asked if he was familiar with the facts of the case. He said he wasn’t.
“To unseal the store, they have to make sure that they do what is required to be done.”
Details later…
[Punch]
Russia’s top opposition politician Alexei Navalny, who died Friday in an Arctic prison according to Russia’s penitentiary service, survived a poisoning attack in 2020 only to be sentenced to 19 years in a penal colony.
Here are 10 key dates in his campaign against Russian President Vladimir Putin:
– 2007: anti-corruption campaigner –
Navalny begins buying shares in state-owned oil giants to access company reports and scour them for evidence of corruption, which he documents on his blog.
The same year he is excluded from the liberal opposition party Yabloko for taking part in “nationalist activities”.
– December 2011: leads election protests –
Navalny sets up the Anti-Corruption Foundation, which gains a huge following with exposes about the vast riches amassed by Kremlin elites.
In the winter of 2011-2012, he leads huge protests after parliamentary elections won by Putin’s United Russia party, a vote marred by allegations of fraud.
– July 2013: embezzlement conviction –
He is convicted of defrauding the government in the Kirov region of 16 million rubles ($500,000) in a timber deal while acting as an advisor to the governor.
He denies the charges, claiming they are an attempt to silence him.
– September 2013: Moscow mayoral bid –
Navalny finishes a strong second behind Kremlin-backed incumbent Sergei Sobyanin in the race for mayor of Moscow.
His calls for a recount are dismissed.
– March 2017: Medvedev ‘duck’ expose –
Navalny’s video about the lavish lifestyle of then prime minister Dmitry Medvedev, which includes a claim that one of his estates has a duck house in the middle of a pond, sparks rallies.
– December 2018: barred from presidential election –
He is blocked from running for president against Putin because of his embezzlement conviction.
He urges Russians to boycott the vote, which nonetheless sees Putin secure a fourth term.
– August 2020: poisoning –
Navalny is hospitalised on August 20, 2020, in Siberia and placed in a medically induced coma after losing consciousness during a flight.
He is transferred to a hospital in Berlin, where tests show he was poisoned with Novichok, a Soviet-era nerve agent.
He accuses Putin of being behind his poisoning, which the Kremlin denies.
– January-February 2021: arrested and jailed –
He returns to Moscow, where he is detained shortly after landing at the airport.
Tens of thousands of people demonstrate across Russia for his release.
In February, he is handed a two-and-a-half-year sentence for breaching the conditions of a suspended sentence while recuperating in Germany, and sent to a penal colony.
– August 2023: 19 years –
Navalny’s sentence is increased to nine years after a conviction on new charges of embezzlement and contempt of court.
A gaunt Navalny, who has experienced major weight loss in prison, is then sentenced to an additional 19 years at a harsher “special regime” facility on charges of “extremism”.
He goes missing for over two weeks in December 2023, before being located in a remote penal colony north of the Arctic Circle.
– February 16, 2024: dies in prison –
Navalny dies at the Arctic prison colony, Russia’s federal penitentiary service says in a statement.
It says Navalny lost consciousness after going for a walk and could not be revived by medics.
“The causes of death are being established,” it said.
[Vanguard]
More...
…Says LASG is intentional, unrelenting in addressing traffic issues
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, said the much-anticipated Red Line rail will be commissioned on Thursday, February 29 by President Bola Tinubu.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the announcement at the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) Stakeholders Forum themed: “Parking in Lagos, the journey so far – Assessing the social and economic impact of the industry” held at GRA, Ikeja.
He said the Red Line rail, which runs from Agbado in Ogun State and terminates at the Oyingbo area of Lagos, is one of the integrated mass transit corridors in the state in line with his administration’s THEMES+ Developmental Agenda.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration, which is intentional and unrelenting in its efforts to address all traffic issues in the state, has identified indiscriminate parking as one of the major challenges of the free flow of traffic.
He said the Lagos State Parking Policy, which came into being with the establishment of the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) was to regulate all forms of parking by adopting innovative, adaptable, and sustainable operational systems and technologies.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, while reiterating his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for the flouting of rules and regulations guiding the Lagos transport sector, urged all stakeholders in the sector to comply with the Lagos State Parking Policy in the renewed and intentional effort to curb indiscriminate parking in the State.
He said: “We have adopted a model that ensures a win-win situation between the State and Local Governments. Lagos has already shown that this kind of state-LGA partnership can work, through the establishment of LASAA, and the Land Use Charge, and we are now set to showcase the same with the Lagos State Parking Authority.
“Therefore, the Local Governments in Lagos State, under the Conference 57 umbrella, and Mr. Kolade Alabi, the National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), are our strategic partners in this renewed effort to regulate parking across the State.
“Just recently, we approved the On-Street parking scheme, to regulate the existing roadside parking and checkmate haphazard parking in line with global best practices. We are utilising existing major roads suitable to accommodate On-Street parking, and to create additional parking spaces, especially in areas with high parking traffic.
“The On-Street parking scheme, as with most of our projects, is being done in partnership with the private sector, and we will continue to explore the Public Private Partnership model to benefit from its effectiveness in delivering high-quality service to meet the needs of our increasing population.”
Speaking earlier, the LASPA General Manager, Mrs. Adebisi Adelabu, said parking management was on the centre stage towards meeting the target of traffic management of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
Adelabu urged all stakeholders to work with LASPA in its effort to rid Lagos of parking-induced gridlocks, through the effective implementation of the Lagos State Parking Policy.
She said: “As you are all aware Traffic management and Transportation is the first pillar of the THEMES+ agenda of the Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu-led administration. It might interest you to know that Parking management takes centre stage in the actualisation of this objective, as it is practically impossible to venture into traffic management without putting into consideration the issue of parking management.
“Our mandate is clear and we are resolute in pursuit of excellence in its actualisation in line with global best practices. We are fully empowered and also intentional about operating a more efficient and sustainable parking management system in line with the administration’s THEMES+ agenda to move Lagos State towards a 21st-century economy.
“We have a vision and are not unaware of the challenges to achieving it, but we are resolute in the pursuit of our goals and objectives towards the actualisation of this vision. This vision aims to achieve excellence in how Lagos State parking policies are envisioned and developed in line with the best global practices for a modern, efficient and sustainably managed parking system towards reducing congestion, disruption, improved road safety and changing travel behaviour.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
14 FEBRUARY 2024
The Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo has said that the promotion of sustainable agriculture and food security is crucial for the well-being and survival of the nation at large.
Owotomo stated this during a retreat organized for the management of the Ministry of Agriculture, with the theme; "Achieving Agriculture and Food Security in Ogun State: The Place of Public Servants", held at Grand Inn & Suites, GRA, Ijebu 0de, Ogun State.
He said that the state government in line with federal government objectives has been encouraging dry season farming to ensure all year round planting, adding that the state has been able to reach out to 500 farmers within one week with input and other materials needed for dry season planting with support from the Federal Government, Development Partners and other stakeholders.
He also assured the residents of the state government readiness to produce more agricultural inputs to the markets, saying that efforts are on top of gear to encourage more youth engagement in agriculture through improvement on mechanized farming.
Owotomo said that the importance of agriculture cannot be overemphasized appealing to all stakeholders to contribute their quota towards achieving food security in the state, as he emphasized that the retreat would give more insight into the activities of the ministry and allow for cross fertilization of ideas.
Speaking on the theme, the resource person, Prof. Kolawole Adebayo advocated the need for inter-ministerial collaboration, especially between the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), for the food system to be sustainable.
He said leaders must demonstrate the prowess and tenacity to evolve thought that would drive economic sustainability and food security.
Prof. Adebayo highlighted factors undermining the attainment of economic, environmental and food security to include continuous strive for global domination by superpowers, multinationals, political instability and inconsistency in policy among others.
Delivering his keynote address at the retreat, the state Head of Service, Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun described the retreat as strategic, as it would afford every stakeholders the opportunity to evaluate the mode of operation and re-strategize for better performance in all critical areas, admonishing them to always think out of the box.
He maintained that the management staff have the responsibility of working directly with the public, to provide solutions to challenges facing the farming community.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Samuel Adeogun noted that agriculture was key in the 'ISEYA' mantra of the present administration, disclosed that there was a need to critically look at responsibilities of each departments and what they intend to put in place to ensure delivery of the mandate.
Adeogun stressed the need for team work among the various departments and units within the ministry, to achieve a common goal in the task to deliver the set target in the sector.
On his part, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimitan, represented by the Chief Estimate Officer, Mr. Musibau Elemide advised that whatever decision taken must be in tandem with the overall vision of the state agricultural policy, saying that all target set must be realistic and achievable.
Olabimitan added that knowledge gained by participants should be cascaded to operational officers in the Ministry, so as to obtain their input in setting targets.
Speaking on behalf of other participants, Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye and Mr. Ibrahim Busi appreciated the leadership of the ministry for putting up such a programme, assuring that the outcome of the retreat would greatly make an impact and helps in achieving the state agricultural agenda.
Highlights of the retreat included presentation by various departments, Aerobic, health talk, medical check up among others.
The United States of America has signed an agreement with the Nigerian government to preserve Sukur’s cultural heritage in Adamawa state.
Speaking at the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing event in Abuja on Thursday, the Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Nigeria, David Greene, announced that the grant had been awarded to the International Council on Monuments and Sites in Nigeria, ICOMOS-Nigeria.
According to Greene, the grant is intended to document, conserve, and improve the cultural heritage of the Sukur UNESCO World Heritage Site in Adamawa State.
He said the “latest grant will support ICOMOS-Nigeria and its local partners to help preserve Sukur cultural heritage through infrastructure enhancements, the revival of threatened traditional crafts, and documentation and preservation of the Sakun language.”
Speaking at the event, Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa, said the Sukur Cultural Landscape is under imminent threat of insurgency and immediate danger imposed by global climate change.
She said: “The project aims at undertaking a 2-year conservation and preservation work in the Sukur Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is regarded as a place of Outstanding Universal Values.
“The work also involves the conservation of the tangible and intangible heritage of Sukur Cultural Landscape, enhancing community capacity, strengthening local, national and international links and networks for conserving the site’s Outstanding Universal Values and buttressing the resilience of the Sukur community in the face of insurgency and climate change.”
Over 150,000 Repentant Terrorists Have Swore By Quran Not To Return To Their Old Ways – Borno Govt
Admin
The Borno State government has said 160,000 repentant Boko Haram terrorists swore by the Quran not to return to their old ways.
The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, made this known on Thursday at an event in Maiduguri, the state capital.
She said over 70,000 Boko Haram fighters have been reintegrated back into their communities and have vowed not to return to the killings of innocent citizens.
Gambo noted that it was untrue that the repentant Boko Haram fighters were reneging on their promise and picking up arms.
She added that the repentant fighters would not dare go back on the oath they swore because of the consequences attached.
She said,“It is completely untrue that the repentant Boko Haram fighters are reneging on their repentance and returning to the bush to continue fighting.
“Out of the over 160,000 who repented, we have already reintegrated over 70,000 in their home communities, and I can assure you that no one will be missing should we decide to gather all of them for anyone to confirm. We operate a transparent process of their repentance.
“We subject each of them to proper oath-taking with the Holy Quran that he or she will never return to the bush to fight, and he or she swears with the Holy Quran in the presence of a committee comprising traditional rulers, religious leaders and government officials.
“No repentant Boko Haram dare renege on the oath because he or she knows what it means to swear with the Holy Quran and renege. And he or she knows that he or she dare not return to the bush because he or she knows that death awaits him on arrival, their commanders in the bush will kill him because they would not trust him.”