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PHC Mobilises Councillors For COVID-19 Vaccine Immunization Campaign In Kogi
By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Despite the non observation of COVID-19 protocol in Kogi state, the Executive Director Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Abubakar Yakubu has called for the Vaccine Immunization Campaign at the grassroot level in the state.
The Executive Director made the call when the Forum of Supervisory Councillors for Health in the state paid him a solidarity visit in Lokoja.
He called on the supervisory Councillors for Health in the 21 Local Government Areas of the state to take the COVID-19 Vaccine Immunization Campaign to their respective Local Government Areas for effective vaccination
Dr. Abubakar who said the COVID-19 Vaccine is safe and posed no threat to human health said there was need for mobilization for effective vaccination.
According to him, the vaccine would be administered on whoever wishes to take as no one would be forced nor prevented from taking the Vaccine.
“The Vaccine is meant to reduce the spread of the virus as it boost ones immunity against the disease, saying that regulatory bodies like WHO and NAFDAC have certified the vaccine for human consumption.”
The Executive Director who underscored the importance of the Forum to the delivery of Health Care services in the state said the Agency would work in synergy with the Forum for effective supervision of Health Programs at the Local Government Level.
In his address, the Chairman Forum of Supervisory Councillors for Health in Kogi State, Hon. Abrahim Attairu thanked the Director for the reception, noting that the Forum would work with the Agency for an effective Primary Health Care services in the state.
March 19, 2021
Food Insecurity Looms In Kogi – INGRA
By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Executive Director of Initiative for Grassroot Advancement Commitment to Rural Development (INGRA), Mr. Hamza Aliyu on Thursday cried out over looming Food Insecurity in Kogi State.
This was contained in a press statement issued in Lokoja on Thursday by Mr. Aliyu who lamented over the high levels of unemployment and under employment, especially among the youth which can ultimately result in crisis and violence.
He, however, enjoined the state government to put in resources in financing the Agriculture sector so as to avert the pending social upheaval in the state.
“For the second time in a row, Kogi State is among the leading states in terms of high cost of food items despite the 70% farming population”
“The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report for February showed that the consumer price index, (CPI) which measures inflation increased by 17.33 percent (year-on-year) in February 2021. This is 0.86 percent points higher than the rate recorded in January 2021 (16.47) percent.”
“The CPI measures the average change over time in prices of goods and services consumed by people for day-to-day living all Items Inflation in January 2021, all items inflation on year on year basis was highest in Kogi (21.38%), Oyo (20.17%) and Bauchi (19.52%), while Kwara (13.96%), Abuja (12.96%) and Cross River (12.22%) recorded the slowest rise in headline Year on Year inflation.
Food inflation”
“In January 2021, Kogi recorded the highest food inflation on a year on year basis with (26.64%), Oyo (23.69%) and River (23.49%), while Ondo (17.20%), Abuja (16.73%) and Bauchi (16.37%) recorded the slowest rise. Some of the reasons for this increase was said to be the rise in the cost of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS). But this does not tell the whole story as the rates are different from State to State.”
He said that he observed that the cost of basic staple foods like Yams, Garri, Vegetables and meat etc has been on the upward trend in the state especially in the State Capital saying is worrisome considering that Kogi State is an Agrarian State.
He therefore advised the State Government to stop paying lip service to the issues of food Security and its effect on the general Insecurity of the State adding that Statistics showed that Kogi State is unable to feed itself and depends on food from other states.
March 19, 2021
Ahmadu Bello foundation lament school children kidnapping in northern Nigeria
…Urge FG to seeks external collaborations as a global practice
By Gabriel Udeh, Kaduna

Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation has joined the rest of the world in condemning in its entirety, the recent wave of abduction of school children in Northern Nigeria.

A release in Kaduna on Thursday by the foundation laments that Kidnapping has fast became the most intractable violent crime in the northern part of the country currently.
Signed by the foundation’s MD/CEO Engr. Abubakar Gambo Umar, the body regretted that scores of school children have recently been kidnapped in various parts of the country. “Several hundreds of students have been abducted from schools in Northern Nigeria, highlighting a worrying development in the country’s kidnaps for ransom crises.
These crimes, targeting schools have become endemic, heightening fear for the welfare of students, and that already, the low level of school enrolment in the region may suffer further”, it stated.

He noted that kidnapping has led to the loss of uncountable lives and crippling of economic activities in the affected parts of the country, with accompanying effects on overall GDP.
“To this end, we are calling on the government and citizens at all levels to treat kidnappings and banditry as issues of serious national security concern. No effort or energy is too much to be deployed towards combating the menace.
“The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation is calling for a more concerted action against kidnapping and banditry. We suggest changes in strategies, policies and most importantly actionable intelligence, such that adequate concentration, resources and manpower are channelled into the war against menace of banditry and kidnappings. “The government may need to seriously consider the role of traditional institutions in the maintenance of law and order by going back to the pre 1976 era. “We should not shy away from seeking collaborations and external assistance, as is the global practice. Joint deployments with neighbouring countries like Niger, Chad and Cameroun has become necessary in view of the situation assuming international dimensions.

“The problem of insecurity has also brought to fore the need for the authorities to consider the options of massively recruiting into the police and the military, to address personnel shortfalls.These calls are necessary in view of the increasingly brazen manner that these crimes are perpetrated”, it noted.
March 19, 2021
Adamawa: 30 Communities protest Sale of Farmlands by LG Chairman.
Musa Isa Ahmed

Residents of 30 communities in Girei local government area of Adamawa have staged a peaceful protest, over what they termed indiscriminate sale of farmlands by council chairman Juda Amisah.

Leading the protest to the state house of assembly, Ahijo Yakubu on behalf of the communities accused Amisa of allegedly selling 10 hecters of the said land to a ward counselor, while another 500 hecters has been demarcated for sale.

Yakubu said, “The land in question are individual farmlands for the use of poor people who are mostly farmers.
“We officially complained to the state Assembly against chairman Girei whose policies are anti people and misleading the state government in respect of our ancestral farmlands.

“The council boss, is of the habit of selling our land to some group and we are been threatened.”
The protesters urged the state Assembly to revoke the land sale which is the only means of livelihood of the communities.

The protesters, numbering over 40 comprises of men, women and youths displaying placards with inscriptions; ‘No to sales of our ancestoral lands, ‘Return back our 500 hecters of land’.
Yakubu listed the affected communities to include, Gawu, Sauro, Daudo, Mokawu, Walare and Surutu among others.

When contacted, Girei council Boss, Juda Amisa told newsmen that, the farmlands in question were demarcated as Government Reserved Area.
He urged the protesters to verify their claims with the state ministry of environment, land and survey.
March 19, 2021
Denmark To Support Plateau State In Revival Of Jib/Barc Farms
The Ambassador of Denmark to Nigeria Jesper Kamp has expressed his country’s desire to work with Plateau State Government towards reviving the Jos International Breweries (JIB) and Brewery Agro and Research Company (BARC FARMS).
The Danish envoy gave the indication when he received Governor Simon Lalong who paid him a visit at the Embassy in Abuja.
He said his Mission will work to facilitate the interface between Plateau State and Danish investors who have a lot of experience in agriculture, Brewery and manufacturing among others.
He said since Danish investors were involved in setting up JIB and BARC Farms which attained national and international many years ago, there is a strong basis for his country to join hands with the Plateau State Government to revive the two companies for Job creation and employment.
On livestock business and dairy production, the Ambassador said his country has enermous expertise in modern ranching practices which it has already committed to share with Nigeria through an MOU that was signed between the two countries.
He said his Mission is particularly interested in joining hands with the Plateau State Government towards actualising the National Livestock Transformation Program. He said having done a pilot ranching program in Kaduna State, the next destination is Plateau where the weather, land, and other incentives are conducive for livestock and dairy business.
Governor Lalong told the Ambassador that his visit was primarily to seek collaboration towards revival of the two moribund companies which have a huge potential for job creation and poverty alleviation.
He said the State Government acquired BARC Farms which was sold many years ago and still maintains majority shares in JIB which it is ready to divest to core investors.
He said the Government has also provided the basic infrastructure, security and incentives for investors, and is willing to go into public private partnerships where necessary to be able to achieve its objectives of boosting the economy of the State.
He expressed excitement of the possibility of Danish companies keying into the National Livestock Transformation Program which will soon be implemented in Plateau State on its reserves in Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas.
The Governor was accompanied on the visit by the Managing Director of the Plateau Investment and Property Development Company, Mr. Chrysogonus Yilzak and some of his aides.
March 18, 2021
Nigeria needs a COVID-19 vaccine management plan to achieve targets, says Yiaga Africa
By Mike Oboh
Yiaga Africa has said for Nigeria to achieve her targets in the fight against COVID 19 pandemic, the country requires developing a detailed plan for vaccine rollout, addressing misinformation on the COVID-19 vaccine, and restoring the people’s confidence in the government.
According to a release signed by Yiaga Africa Director of Programmes, Cynthia Mbamalu, these will directly impact the government’s ability to meet its vaccination targets and effectively combat the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
She stated that there is also a need to strengthen Nigeria’s health sector and systems for efficient vaccine introduction, providing accountability and transparency on the management of funds earmarked by and donated to the government to fight the pandemic, adding that there is a need to create avenues for citizen’s participation and public enlightenment and education campaign that will provide adequate information on the vaccine and the importance of curbing the spread of COVID-19.
She added that after months of waiting, Nigeria has finally received its first batch of nearly 4m COVID-19vaccines via the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) Facility as part of efforts to combat the pandemic which has ravaged the world.
“The Federal Government has commenced the distribution of the vaccines across the country. It has set a target of vaccinating 40% of the population by the end of 2021 and 70% of Nigeria’s estimated population before the end of 2022. It has also announced that it expects 41 million doses of the vaccine through the African Union, which is sourcing them from manufacturers in India.
“So far, about a quarter of the vaccines (1.084 million doses) have been distributed to eight states, with Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory accounting for two-thirds of the number distributed and Nasarawa, Benue, Adamawa, Cross River, Ondo, and Ekiti states accounting for the remaining one-third,” she stated.
According to Yiaga, the vaccinations have begun in Lagos, Nasarawa, Ekiti and CrossRiver states and the Federal Capital Territory while the other states have confirmed receipt of the vaccines.
She however said that there is still little detail about how these vaccination targets will be achieved beyond registration website that provides information on which groups will be given priority.
The groups include frontline healthcare workers and those who work in high-risk areas like entry points and contact tracing teams, and COVID-19 vaccination teams. This group is followed by security personnel, teachers, and the elderly, especially those with comorbidities – cancer, diabetes, asthma, HIV and AIDS, and immune-compromised patients. The general population then follows after the first two groups.
As the Government commenced the distribution of the vaccines across the country, it was imperative to ensure Nigeria achieves equitable distribution of the vaccines across the country, emphasizing gender, disability, and social inclusion.
To this end, Yiaga Africa recent Vaccine Management Policy Brief (Issue 1) discusses amongst other things, the challenges facing the commencement of the vaccination programme and proffers recommendations for improved vaccine management in Nigeria.
The Policy Brief will be followed by a policy dialogue on the COVID-19 vaccination program in Nigeria especially as new issues emerge.
This policy brief will be an excellent resource for assisting the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19, healthcare policymakers, legislators, and public health experts to manage the COVID-19vaccination program in Nigeria effectively.
March 18, 2021
COVID-19 vaccines have not shown any signs of side-effects – NGF
The Nigeria’s Governors’ Forum on Wednesday met and deliberated on issues affecting the country, particularly on the roll out of the Covid19 vaccines and the attendant issues that have arisen since the roll out.
Chairman of the forum and governor of Ekiti state, Kayode Fayemi, congratulated his colleagues for accepting to be vaccinated and declared that so far the vaccines have not shown any signs of side-effects as is widely rumored.
Speaking further, the chairman also briefed his colleagues on the visit of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of States’ Universities, the activities of the Governors Spouses around Gender-Based Violence and the VAP Act calling on his colleagues to step up to the plate in support of the activities of the Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum nationwide and the progress made with the States’ Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) project.
Meanwhile, after the briefing by the Chairman, the NGF received a presentation from the British Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) in Lagos, Nigeria, Ben Llewellyn-Jones, on the Accelerated C-19 Economic Support (ACES) programme which is aimed at supporting Nigeria’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. The current focus of the ACES programme in Nigeria is trade facilitation through e-customs and digital jobs booster to activate the digital economy and accelerate the creation of local tech jobs in the country.
Furthermore, following the presentation, the Forum committed to supporting a federal government-led cross-agency trade facilitation as a critical objective of the e-customs programme coordinated through the National Trade Facilitation Roadmap. Nigeria will be able to achieve the objectives of the e-customs programme (i.e., enhanced user experience, and approximately 10% growth in customs revenue to hit the US$176 billion revenue target) with a broader cross-agency scope of reform including fulfilling its Word Trade Organisation (WTO) trade facilitation agreement.
Also, the forum also pledge commitment to encouraging digital infrastructure expansion, accelerator programmes and investment promotion to facilitate job creation in highly potential digital areas such as IT and business processing outsourcing, digital media, e-commerce, start-up innovation and smart manufacturing based
on the comparative advantage of each State. In the light of this, State governments are encouraged to set up one-stop shops to accelerate approvals and harmonize fees for priority broadband infrastructure across the country.
Furthermore, the NGF Secretariat will partner with the British High Commission, the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) as well as partners at the federal level on the workability of the ACES programme and the role of State governments to maximize its opportunities.
The Forum’s COVID-19 Technical Advisory Group (CTAG) led by Professor Oyewale Tomori briefed members on the status of the COVID-19 vaccine roll out across the States including the increasing concerns of the public on the safety of Asta Zeneca vaccines. CTAG recommended that Nigeria should continue to vaccinate all eligible persons with the AstraZeneca vaccine in line with the latest WHO recommendations as available evidence, including findings from research in which some CTAG members
are involved showing that the Astra Zeneca vaccine is safe.
The governors reiterated their belief in the safety of the Astra Zeneca vaccines and commit to continuously encourage uptake of the vaccines by all eligible persons in their States, Governors also encourage the public to report any adverse events noticed following COVID-19 vaccination.
Following a briefing from the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement
Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa on Managing the Drug Crisis in the country, state governors expressed commitment to supporting the logistics and operational activities of NDLEA officials in their States, as well as programmes that will promote drug use prevention in the country.
The forum also received a presentation on the 2018 audited accounts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) from the Facility for Oil Sector Transparency and Reform (FOSTER) led by its team lead, Mr Henry Adigun. The Forum welcomed the fiduciary risk assessment of the corporation. The additional information will support the work of State governments in engaging with the federal government to improve the governance arrangement of the oil industry.
March 18, 2021
PRAWA tasks A’Ibom government on domestication of criminal justice act
The Prisons Rehabilitation And Welfare Action, PRAWA has urged Akwa Ibom State government to domesticate the administration of criminal Justice act of 2015 in the State excluding the errors there in.
It added that such move would ensure that the justice system works for everyone as the 2015 act had made provisions for non custodial measures in administration of justice.
The Executive director of the group, Dr Uju Agomoh made the call yesterday during a consultative workshop and training for non custodial officers held at the federal secretariat Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.
Agomoh noted that the act enacted in 2015 has been domesticated in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and in other States in the country urging Akwa Ibom State government to follow suit in order to boast other platforms that would enhance the administration of justice in the State.
She also called for effective implementation of NCS act of 2019 to ensure that persons who are required not to be sentenced are not sentenced.
According to her, sentencing people who committed minor offences is no longer tenable as it could be counter productive stressing that such persons could be asked to do community service or asked to pay fine as the case might be.
She said, “Our message is clear, we are asking for the effective implementation of non custodial measures in Akwa Ibom State, that is the Nigerian Correctional act of 2019, that means utilizing custody to only those required to be there in the custodial centre.
“Having people who need to spend their sentences in their communities, to do so because by so doing they are giving back to the society and the custodial facilities will not be overstretched, also the correctional officers will not be overwhelmed by excessive inmates
PRAWA is also asking for the domestication of administration of criminal justice act of 2015 by having the administration of criminal justice of Akwa Ibom which should also include the provisions for the non custodial measures and every other platforms that will enhance the administration of criminal justice of 2015″
She however solicited support from relevant stakeholders to enable Non correctional officers to supervise non custodial measures carried out by offenders.
“This time, we want the non custodial officers of the NCS to supervise those that will be sentenced by court to non custodial unit.” Dr. Agomoh said.
She also advocated for restorative justice where the interest of victims is protected and taken into considerations
In his remarks the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, CP Andrew Amiengheme represented by Sunday Ogar promised to ensure the implementation of non custodial measures in the State
Guests at the event included high court judges,justice A.E. Archibong, Justice Theresa Obot, Justice Bennet Ilaumo, Police representative, and management staff of the Noncustodial unit of NCS.
March 18, 2021
$1.5bn to renovate Port Harcourt refinery suspicious — Atiku
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has faulted the Federal Government’s approval of $1.5 billion for the renovation of the Port Harcourt refinery.
According to him, budgeting the amount for the renovation of a refinery at a critical period of increased unemployment and inflation “would appear to be an unwise use of scarce funds.”
He said this in a statement titled ‘$1.5 Billion To Renovate The Port Harcourt Refinery Is Suspicious At The Least.’
The statement read, “That Nigeria’s economy is in dire straits is a fact well known both to the nation and to our international partners. Unemployment has just reached an all-time high of 33%, while inflation has hit another record high of 17%.
“At this critical period, we must as a nation be prudent with the use of whatever revenue we can generate, and even if we must borrow, we must do so with the utmost responsibility and discipline.
“To therefore budget the sum of $1.5 billion to renovate or turn around the Port Harcourt Refinery would appear to be an unwise use of scarce funds at this critical juncture for an assortment of reasons.
“First, our refineries have been loss-making for multiple years, and indeed, it is questionable wisdom to throw good money after bad. At other times, I have counselled that the best course of action would be to privatise our refineries to be run more effectively and efficiently.
“Moreover, the cost appears prohibitive. Too prohibitive, especially as Shell Petroleum Development Company last year sold its Martinez Refinery in California, USA, which is of a similar size as the Port Harcourt refinery, for $1.2 billion.
“We must bear in mind that the Shell Martinez Refinery is more profitable than the Port Harcourt Refinery.
“Given this discrepancy, might we ask if there was a public tender before this cost was announced? Was due diligence performed? Because we are certainly not getting value for money. Not by a long stretch.
“We cannot as a nation expect to make economic progress if we continue to fund inefficiency, and we are going too deep into the debt trap for unnecessarily overpriced projects.
“Our national debt has grown from ₦12 trillion in 2015 to ₦32.9 trillion today. Indeed that is shocking enough to cause us to be more prudent in the way we commit future generations into the bondage of bonds and debt.”
March 18, 2021
Be proactive and dedicated to your duty, ACG Adeyinka enjoins officers of the NSCDC, Osun Command
By Richard Ayinde, Osogbo
The new Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Abubakar Ahmed Audi Ph.D, mni, has reiterated his readiness to improve on the betterment of the entire Corps’ personnel.
He also stated that payment of arrears arising from promotion, as well as training and re-training of men and officers would receive due attention.
This was disclosed in a press statement issued by the Public Relations Officer, PRO, NSCDC, Osun State Command, Adigun Daniel Akintunde, during the official visit of the Zonal J Commander, ACG Fasiu Adeyinka Ayinla on Thursday.
According to the Zonal Commander while addressing officers of the State Command, in Osogbo the Osun State capital, he enjoined the personnel to improve on their service delivery in order to make the country a safe place for all and sundry.
ACG Adeyinka, appealed to the personnel to demonstrate their support the new Commandant General who is committed to repositioning the Corps, by being innovative, creative and professional in service delivery.
He encouraged the personnel to be diligent and punctual at their various posts, charging them to continue to uphold integrity in service delivery.
The ACG also charged under-cover officers to be proactive in intelligence-gathering so as to contribute meaningfully to ongoing efforts to curb the menace of kidnapping, banditry and the perennial conflict between farmers and herders across the country.
Speaking on the activities of illegal miners in Osun State, he called on the personnel to step up their operations in order to tackle such illegal activities, so as to facilitate the economic prosperity of the country, the statement concluded.
March 18, 2021