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  • A’Ibom makes clarification on confusion over CACOVID palliatives

    A’Ibom makes clarification on confusion over CACOVID palliatives

    Akwa Ibom state government has said that CACOVID palliatives been distributed to residents of the state remained different from the normal Christmas gifts to citizens of the state by government.

    It has also said that the current CACOVID palliatives would only capture People Living with Disabilities, the media, medical workers, security personnel, Labour, orphanages, entertainers and students.

    A statement from the state commissioner for Information and strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong on Friday in Uyo said the categories would be in addition to the different segments already captured by the committees in charge at the local government levels.

    “The State Government had earlier in November this year intimated on the arrival of palliative materials from CACOVID( Coalition against COVID) which is a private sector driven corporate social responsibility contribution to the fight against the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.

    ” It was also announced that when the full consignment from the donors berths in our state, distribution will commence.

    “The structure for the distribution of these palliatives at the LGA level is very inclusive, having representation from people living with disabilities, women, youths, religious organizations, professional bodies and opposition parties under the platform of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee. 

    “This committee supervises the distribution of these palliatives to the people passing through the intermediary ward distribution structure. The distribution, which is largely decentralized to conform with  COVID-19 protocols, has started and is ongoing. 

    “The focus of this batch of palliative distribution apart from the LGAs are media, orphanage homes, medical workers, security personnel, traders, Labour, entertainers and students. This distribution of palliative is clearly different from the usual end of year goodwill gift of rice to different categories of people.” The statement explained.

  • Armed Militia attack LG Chairman in Benue State, kill Orderly, four others

    Armed Militia attack LG Chairman in Benue State, kill Orderly, four others

    By Isaac Kertyo Makurdi   

    At least five persons have been reportedly killed yesterday by armed Militia gang in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, the home town of former Militia Kingpin, Mr Terwase Akwaza, aka Gana.    

    Findings by Day Break showed that the alleged Militia gang stormed the house of the chairman of the local government, Hon Atera and started shooting sporadically to scare occupants of the house, after which they shot dead five people including an Orderly to the local government Chairman.    

    According to informed source, the mission of the assailants was to eliminate Hon Atera whom they accused of being responsible for bringing Gana out of his hiding abode, which led to his killing by military personnel.   

    A source who spoke on ground of anonymity told our correspondent that the militia who are believed to be boys of  the former gang leader were on a revenge mission, which is to attack and kill those who spearheaded the peace process that brought Ghana out of his hiding place during which he was intercepted and killed by military personnel  on his way to Makurdi to embrace amnesty program.     

    Day Break further gathered that many people have fled the area for fear of being lynched by these armed Militia group who threatened to make the place ungovernable.    

    Efforts to contact the Police Public Relation’s Officer, PPRO, for comments failed as she didn’t pick phone calls put accros to her.

  • A Unique Season And A Time To Stay Safe – Tambuwal

    A Unique Season And A Time To Stay Safe – Tambuwal

    By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto

    Being a seasonal message to Nigerians by Sokoto state Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal

    Beloved Nigerians, its Christmas time again and I extend to you all very warm greetings of the yuletide on behalf of my family and people of Sokoto state. May the gracious presence of God fill your home with peace and your heart with joy, in this season and always.

    This season is a unique one, like none before it. Reports from around our country at his time, indicate that our nation is assailed on all sides by poverty, raging inflation, unparalleled insecurity and stories of kidnappings and failings by our security apparatuses to adequately secure and protect our peoples.

    Ordinarily, we should despair or lose the motivation and reason to celebrate this beautiful moments of joy and peace to the world, but we must not!

    However, as we celebrate with our kith and kin in our villages and towns, we must do so mindful of the fact that a second wave and variant of COVID – 19, which medical experts say spreads faster than the one we are still enduring, is here with us.

    I encouraged everyone therefore, to be mindful of these limiting factors and situations. As a result, this is not the time to throw caution to the wind but a time to be cautious of all the COVID – 19 protocols of social distancing, hand washing, wearing of the face mask always and avoiding crowded arenas.

    Let’s keep in mind that we can beat this virus by obeying these simple health instructions as we celebrate. Christmas and New Year are joyful seasons that bring forth new and assured life to all, let’s not make either a season to further spread the virus.

    Today and especially during this holiday season I pay tribute to all our health workers and security agents at the frontlines keeping us safe every day. I bring to them a message of gratitude and salutation for the great service and sacrifice they bear daily to make us a healthy and secure nation. Know you are always in our thoughts and prayers 

    In Sokoto we are turning every stone of development to ensure that the quality of healthcare and security cover for our people is holistic and responsive to the situation in the country today.

    We have in place a Contributory health insurance scheme  for our workers including students. Efforts are on to extend it to our citizens in the informal sector. We are also building massive state – of – art first class teaching hospital to provide modern and tertiary healthcare to our people as our Advanced Diagnostic Centre is nearing completion. For security, we have revamped nearly 19 grazing reserves to check incidents of farmers and herders clashes while supporting the security outfits in the state with logistics to perform better.

    While wishing you all Happy Christmas celebrations, I also extend our best wishes for a New Year of Happiness in a world of peace devoid of incidents of fear and insecurity.

  • Gov Matawalle signs 2021 appropriation bill into law

    Gov Matawalle signs 2021 appropriation bill into law

    From Abba Kabara,  Gusau. 

    Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle of Zamfara state has in the early hours of today,  signed the 2021 appropriation bill after the State legislature passes It into law. 

     
    The document contains a reviewed sum of N142, 779,251,000, about three billion less than what was earlier presented to the assembly by the governor. 


    The budget total body as presented by the Governor was N145, 438,751,000, but the state assembly pegged the amount down to N142, 779,251,000.


    Presenting the Bill for assent by the Governor, Speaker of the House,  Nasiru Muazu Magarya said the budget was reviewed down to make it more realistic in favor of the state in general,  expressing hope that the budget would be duly implemented for the benefit of the citizens. 

     
    Governor Bello Matawalle commended the Legislative arm for the tedious work on the budget,  and announces that henceforth,  budget documents will always be presented to the public for open discussion,  comments and inputs to make it more realistic. 

  • Gbajabiamila condoles Sheikh Lemu, Kwankwaso families

    Gbajabiamila condoles Sheikh Lemu, Kwankwaso families



    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has expressed his condolence to the Lemu family over the death of a renowned Islamic scholar, jurist and educationist, Sheikh Ahmed Lemu.


    The Speaker said Sheikh Lemu, who passed away recently, led an exemplary life.


    He said the life and time of Sheikh Lemu, a onetime Grand Khadi of Niger State, were full of service to humanity, noting that the late Sheikh was an embodiment of peace and unity.


    Gbajabiamila said the late Sheikh Lemu would be remembered for his contributions to Islam as a religion and in the education sector not only in Niger State but also in the entire country.
    Similarly, Gbajabiamila condoled the former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso over the passing away of Alhaji Musa Saleh Kwankwaso, his father.


    He said Alhaji Kwankwaso, who was the Makaman Karaye, lived a fulfilled life, saying it is painful for one to lose his father.


    The Speaker sent his condolences to the Government and people of Niger State, especially members of the Lemu family, as well as Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso over the two separate losses.


    He prayed Almighty Allah to grant the souls of Sheikh Lemu and Musa Kwankwaso eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus.


  • Northern governors mourn Sheikh Lemu

    Northern governors mourn Sheikh Lemu

    The Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF) has expressed sadness over the demise of Sheikh Ahmed Lemu, who died at the age of 91.

    The Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau, Simon Lalong, said this in a condolence message by his Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPA), Dr Makut Macham, in Jos on Friday..

    Lalong described the demise of the renowned Minna-based Islamic Scholar as a “great loss” to the nation.

    He said the deceased, the first Grand Khadi of Niger, made his mark as a model who fostered religious tolerance, cooperation and peaceful coexistence among people of diverse backgrounds.

    “His mediation efforts has assisted in the reconciliation and peace-building, particularly when he was appointed as the Chairman of a Presidential Committee on Post-Election Violence in 2011.

    “His deep involvement in Islamic and humanitarian activities as well as advocacy for the rights of women had also contributed to involvement of more women in the development of Nigeria, particularly the Northern region.

    “This nation will miss his good works and selfless service,” he said

    Lalong prayed that God would grant his soul eternal rest and comfort the family he left behind.

  • Nollywood veterans mourn “Mr Prolific”, Chico Ejiro

    Nollywood veterans mourn “Mr Prolific”, Chico Ejiro

    Veterans Nollywood actors on Friday mourned the death of veteran filmmaker, Chico Ejiro, saying that the movie producer would be missed by the industry.

    Ejiro died on early on Christmas Day, throwing the industry into mourning.

    Speaking on the passing of Ejiro, the President of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Fred Amata, said the departed producer would be missed greatly by Nigerians, Nollywood, DGN and his immediate family.

    “Yes, it’s been confirmed, the worst has happened. Chico Ejiro is dead. He has passed on. It is a very sad day for Nigerians, Nollywood, DGN and his family.

    “You know the Ejiros and the Amatas are like family, so we are really pained but to the Glory of God. Chico Ejiro has lived a life and has impacted on the development of the industry.

    “Many pioneers of great influence have passed through Nollywood but not many of those that pioneered Nollywood can be said to have influenced the development as much as Chico Ejiro.

    “In creating jobs for directors, actors, scriptwriters, marketers, Chico Ejiro has achieved all this.

    “In fact, his office has become a Mecca as everyone troops to his office to do their businesses and his office is always open to all.

    “Chico’s office became a centre of the entire industry in Lagos and from his office, he reached out to Jos, South- East and North. Chico touched everyone so it is a painful loss.”

    Amata noted that the DGN would be doing more than lip service as some provisions of the Guild’s Constitution had already covered Chico.

    “Although he just died but there are certain provisions of the constitution which already covered him.

    “We will also come up with a proper celebration of his life. He died quite young but his influence is huge,” Daybreak quotes Amata as saying.

    Also, Don Pedro Okojie, the Chief Executive Officer of Don Pedro Media, an entertainment promotion outfit, expressed his sadness over the demise of the veteran filmmaker.

    Okojie said that the passing of Ejiro had made his Christmas celebration a sad one.

    “I can never have a good Christmas. This is not the best of Christmas. This is not the time and this is not the person that should be leaving us now.

    “You cannot be the foundation of building and after erecting all the pillars that can take it to the highest top and not be there to see it thrive.

    “Chico Ejiro stood the test of time at the time Nollywood was at zero level, when you couldn’t call people producers or directors, a time when it took the perception of pure intelligence to put together a story.

    “At a time when we don’t have good writers, producers or directors but rare people like this to come out from the blues to build what a lot of us are benefitting from today.

    “It is a wonderful 2020 but it has become the worst for taking such a pure soul.

    “I am not believing that Chico is gone because I don’t understand why. I am not saying death should not happen to anyone but this is a man that is full of life.

    “He has so many productions still in the pipeline. So many stories to tell So many directions he wanted to make and then this.

    “I don’t know what to say to the Ejiro family, one great family of the film industry that has gifted us so much. I don’t know how else to describe their contributions to the movie industry.

    “I am yet to believe that Chico Ejiro is really not with us but because of our faith in Christ, we believe that nobody really dies in Christ and there is still life after death in Christ.” he said.

    Similarly, veteran film director, Lancelot Imasuen also said he was devastated when he got the news, adding that Chico Ejiro would be sorely missed by the movie industry.

    “I just got the news of his death and I am devastated. This is to say the least as my frustration for this country has gotten to the highest of all time.

    “Oh my God, this is an unbelievable news. I really can’t express this. How can there be an emergency situation and there is no adequate response.

    “This is beyond expression. Chico Ejiro will be greatly missed by the movie industry.”

    Nicknamed Mr Prolific, Ejiro was popular for his blockbuster movies in the 90s, some of which are Scores to Settle, Outkast, Silent Night, Blood Money, Deadly Affair, among others.

  • Ekiti Assembly Speaker felicitates Christian faithful

    Ekiti Assembly Speaker felicitates Christian faithful

    The Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr Funminiyi Afuye (APC-Ikere I), has congratulated Christian faithful across the country on the occasion of this year’s Christmas celebrations.
    Afuye’s congratulatory message was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Tai Oguntayo, on Friday in Ado-Ekiti.
    He particularly tasked Christian faithful in the state to always live in peace, love and harmony with their neighbours, irrespective of their religious affiliations.
    The speaker urged them to emulate the virtues of love and peace, as exemplified by Jesus Christ, whose birth was being celebrated across the world.
    He also called residents of the state to celebrate in moderation and be conscious of the rampaging second wave of COVID-19 pandemic.
    Afuye enjoined the well-to-do in the state to assist the less-privileged, especially at this season.
    He called for the continued cooperation and support of the people of the state to the Dr Kayode Fayemi-led administration in its quest to take the state to greater heights.
    The speaker also promised the support and commitment of the lawmakers towards the overall development of the state.

  • Better days ahead, Gov. Diri tells Bayelsans

    Better days ahead, Gov. Diri tells Bayelsans

    Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa has urged people of the state to look forward to better days ahead as they celebrate Christmas festivities. The governor charged them not to be discouraged by the effects of COVID-19 pandemic and the attendant economic challenges. Diri, who said these in his Christmas message on Friday, expressed the optimism that despite the challenges of the moment, there were better days ahead.

    Daybreak reports that Christmas is celebrated worldwide, to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.Diri urged the people to reflect on the message of the birth of Jesus, which is about love, peace and hope.“For a world in need of healing and encouragement, the entire Christmas story is a harbinger of love, peace and hope.“Bayelsa State, like much of the world, is also facing demanding times. But God has kept us through this difficult situation and season.“More than at any other time, as we commemorate the birth of Jesus, we ought to take a moment to reflect and appreciate the fact that there is still hope of good tidings ahead of us as a people and as a state,” he said.

    The governor stated that despite the disruption and the hardship during the year, the promise of prosperity for everyone in Bayelsa still endures.“Indeed, the prosperity of Bayelsa State is not negotiable,” he said.Diri also said that “for Bayelsa, this should be a season of gratitude and thanksgiving considering the gloom in the state at this time a year ago.

    “We have much to be thankful for. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic was relatively mild in our state.“The peace and security paradigm has significantly improved and we just had an incident-free senatorial bye-election, devoid of bloodletting.“That is why I am fully persuaded that better days are ahead of us.  Life will return to normal, and by this time next year, when we congregate again to enjoy the festivities with our loved ones, things would have improved.“I am confident that the Lord will keep us all till then,” he said.He also urged those that are privileged to be mindful of the people having tough time coping with harsh conditions, and to extend their generosity and goodwill to as many as possible.

    “This is not only in consonance with the true spirit of Christmas, but encapsulates the character and nature of the average Bayelsan.“Let us also endeavour to celebrate responsibly and carefully and avoid acts that endanger our lives and that of our loved ones while observing the COVID-19 protocols at all times,” Diri said.

  • After historic flight, Jamaica to become the next tourism hub for Nigerians

    Jamaica is set to become the favorite destination of Nigerian tourists following the launch of a direct flight from the West African nation to the Caribbean country last Monday. The establishment of a direct flight between the countries is expected to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries, particularly in tourism.

    Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, who was on board the inaugural flight to Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, said Nigerians are well known for their traveling culture adding that “we believe that Jamaica is the next big thing for us as far as tourism is concerned.”

    “We’re huge in tourism and travel. We just feel this is a gold mine, a gem waiting to be discovered by the majority of Nigerians and I think once Nigerians discover this you will see us in droves,” he said


    The launch of the direct flights between the two countries comes at a time when wealthy businessmen in Africa are buying citizenships in Caribbean nations to avoid strict visa regulations. 

    Many African countries rank low on the Henley & Partners Passport Index, which ranks the world’s passports according to the countries their holders can visit without a prior visa. The low rankings of many African nations mean that they can visit fewer countries now than they could in previous years without a visa.

    The effect of this is, it hinders their chances of traveling across Europe and America as well as the opportunity to access international education in European and American institutions for their wards.

    As such, many African elites are finding ways to ease business travel, get elite education for their wards in Western countries and a second home for holidays. The Caribbean island of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica Republic and Malta have emerged as some of the favorite countries for these elites. 

    For instance, St. Lucia has issued 60 passports to Nigerians under its Citizenship Investment Program (CIP). The program grants resident permit or citizenship to foreigners for a fee.