Politics

Nigerians should choose their president irrespective of religion, region- President Joe Biden

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Statement from President Joe Biden on Nigeria’s Upcoming Election.

I commend yesterday’s peace accord in Nigeria, signed by the political parties and candidates running in Nigeria’s presidential election on February 25.

By signing this pledge, the parties and candidates have committed to accept the results of the election, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, and to support a peaceful transition of power.

Elections are a fundamental part of a functioning democracy, and all Nigerians deserve this chance to choose their future — freely and fairly.

While the United States does not support any single candidate or party, we strongly support a peaceful and transparent process that reflects the will of the people of Nigeria.

On election day, I encourage all Nigerians — no matter their religion, region, or ethnicity —to exercise this fundamental freedom and make their voices heard — including young voters, many of whom may be heading to the ballot box for the first time.

The United States stands with the Nigerian people as they chart a path toward a more democratic, prosperous, and secure future. I appreciate President Buhari’s firm commitment that the will of the people will be respected.

And in the coming days, I encourage voters to remain peaceful and patient as their ballots are tallied, and urge the political parties and candidates to live up to their pledge.

World News

Nigerian consulate in New York unveils 2023 programmes, to hold Adire exhibition

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The Consulate General of Nigeria in New York has informed diasporans that it will be holding Adire textile Exhibition in New York as part of its programmes for 2023.

Originating from Abeokuta in Southwestern Nigeria, Adire textile is an indigenous indigo-dyed cloth made by using different wax resist methods to create dazzling designs.

The Consul General of Nigeria in New York, Amb. Lot Egopija, said this at the virtual 8th Town Hall Meeting with the Nigerian Community within New York Jurisdiction.

“We’ll be having a joint exhibition in this regard with the Consulate General of Indonesia to see how we can exhibit our national product – the Adire fabric.

“We are in talks with the Government of Indonesia to see the better time to execute it. We will be informing you when to undertake this exhibition.

“Also, we will be exhibiting with the Indian Consulate this year. We will be observing the International Year of Millet. You will agree with me that Nigeria is one the largest producers of Millet in the world,’’ he said.

“So, in this regard, the Indian Consulate and Nigerian Consulate in New York will explore possibility of celebrating the Day and we will inform you through our communication channel,’’ he said.

Nigeria is the third largest millet producing country in the world after India and China, and the leading producer in Africa.

Recall that the UN General Assembly adopted by consensus a resolution sponsored by India and supported by over 70 countries declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets.

The resolution is aimed at raising awareness about the health benefits of the grain and their suitability for cultivation under changing climatic conditions.

The resolution titled ‘International Year of Millets 2023’ was initiated by India with Bangladesh, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Russia and Senegal and was co-sponsored by over 70 nations.

Mr Egopija said the Consulate, as part of its programmes in 2023, would be reviving sister city relationship with some boroughs and cities in New York.

“We have come to the realisation that before now we were part of sister city relationship between some cities in New York and some cities in Nigeria and most of these relations have gone moribund.

“We want to see how we can explore, revive some of them and to see how through this sister city relations, our people back home can enjoy educational exchange and enjoy medical facilities,’’ he said.

The envoy further said the Consulate would be collaborating with the management of Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx to reach out to Nigerians in New York to provide medical services for them.

He also thanked the Nigerian Nurses in New York for their commitment to its quarterly medical outreach at the Nigeria House, noting the outreach now holds monthly to reach out to nationals coming for consular services.

“We are more than appreciative, and we will continue to work with them to ensure that we improve the health and wellness of Nigerians.

“I want to assure you that we will continue to do what we have to do to make sure that we give better service,’’ Mr Egopija said.

A representative of Lincoln Hospital was invited to brief the nationals on its healthcare programme and how Nigerians in New York could benefit from it.

Lifestyle

FCT, 32 states risk high floods, severe consequences, FG warns

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The Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, has warned that 178 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) fell among highly probable flood risk areas for 2023.

The minister gave the early warning, following earlier predictions by the NIgeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), at the official unveiling of the 2023 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), themed ‘Flood Prediction and its impact on Socio-Economic Livelihood’ on Friday in Abuja.

According to him, the forecasts for the 2023 AFO, showed that 178 LGAs in 32 states of the Federation, and the FCT, fall within the Highly Probable Flood Risk Areas, and 224 LGAs in 35 States of the Federation, including the FCT fall within the Moderately Probable Flood Risk Areas. Meanwhile, the remaining 402 LGAs fall within the Probable Flood Risk Areas.

“The Highly Probable Flood Risk States are: Adamawa, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross- River, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara and the FCT.

Mr Adamu said the level of floods in highly probable flood risk States, is expected to be high in terms of impact on the population, agriculture, livelihood, livestock , Infrastructure and the environment, between April and November.

“Part of 66 LGA’s across the country fall within the Highly Probable Risk areas in the months of April, May and June, while part of 148 LGAs in the months of July, August and September, while part of 100 LGAs in the months of October and November, 2023.

“The details of the LGAs and their corresponding states are contained in our publication.

“The moderate impact level of floods are expected in parts of 41 LGAs within the months of April, May and June, and in parts of 199 LGAS within the months of July, August and September, and parts of 73 LGAs within the months of October and November, 2023,” he added.

He noted that Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers and Ondo, would be experiencing coastal flooding, due to rise in sea level and tidal surge, which would impact on fishing, wildlife habitation and river navigation.

“The flash and urban flood will be experienced in urban cities centres across cities of Lagos, Kaduna, Suleja, Gombe, Yola, Makurdi, Abuja, Lafia, Asaba, Port Harcourt, Yenagoa, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Benin City, Bimin- Kebbi, Sokoto, Lakoja, Maiduguri, Kano, Oshogbo, Ado-Ekiti, Abakaliki, Awka, Nsukka, Calabar, Owerri.

He, therefore, called on all stakeholders, policy makers and agencies to rise up, with appropriate mechanisms on how to curtail impending floods.

The Permanent Secretary, Didi Walson- Jack, in her speech read by a representative who is Director, Inspectorate, River Basin, A.J. Ochigbo, spoke on the negative impacts of flood and other disasters.

He said flooding would be drastically reduced if better understanding of flood risks are promoted and ensuring adequate and appropriate mitigating measures are deployed.

The Director-General, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Clement Nze, in his vote of thanks, emphasised on the need for farmers, policy makers and Nigerians, to use the information provided for preventive measures.

Mr Nze added that the objective of the AFO was to prepare the nation to avert the negative impact of floods, and come up with pre- emptive measures to get it right before the rains start.

“We have been working round the clock to come up with actionable solutions,we have been given 90 days,this is the first time we are having this in February, believing this year that the sub Nationals at this time will be able to do something.

“There’s enough time now to work. We have taken some steps to ensure that we improve on that by 2022. This year, we are introducing a new dimension.

“From the month of June, every five days we will be giving out predictions, telling you what will happen,it will be broken into pieces and segments.

We expect that at the end of the day, all the agencies will come together and speak with one voice,” he added.

Lifestyle

Naira Scarcity- Nigerians attacking banks will be treated as armed robbers, police warn

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The Nigeria Police Force has warned that citizens caught attacking banks in protest against cash scarcity will be treated as armed robbers.

Force Spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi said this in a video posted on the NPF’s Facebook page Friday.

“We complain banks don’t attend to us yet we go to their facilities and set them ablaze, destroy ATMs. How do you want them to serve you better if you have destroyed their facilities?” Mr Adejobi said.

“I think we need to educate ourselves on what the law says about this. You don’t go to any bank, ATM, or financial institution to attack. It is criminal and tantamount to armed robbery. If you are caught in the act, you will be treated as an armed robber.”

The police warning comes as angry citizens across many major Nigerian cities attack banks in protest against naira scarcity in the country.

In October 2022, the Buhari regime through the Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele announced the redesign of N200, N500 and N1000 notes.

With old notes mopped out of circulation and new notes unavailable in banks, citizens have been left to suffer untold hardship, queuing in banks without getting cash for their businesses and personal use.

Politics

Nobody can say what will happen to Nigeria if I don’t become president- Peter Obi

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Peter Obi, the presidential flag bearer on the platform of the Labour Party, says he wishes Nigeria well but expresses concern about what will happen next to Nigeria if he loses the February 25 presidential election.

A large turnout of voters at the poll would pave the way for Mr Obi’s victory, said a poll conducted by Nigeria’s data intelligence provider, Stears, describing the Labour Party standard-bearer as “Nigeria’s most popular presidential candidate.”

New Nextier, an Africa-focused consulting firm, also predicted that the ex-Anambra governor would win in February.

According to the Labour Party standard-bearer, the presidential poll is an existential election, and he urged everyone to be involved.

“If we get it wrong, nobody can tell what next will happen. In all I am doing, I will always wish Nigeria the best,” Mr Obi stressed.

“I know you will, too and in doing that, I urge you to be part of the new Nigeria Datti, and I are fighting for.”

Mr Obi stated this at a public presentation of the book, ‘Peter Obi: Many Voices, One Perspective’ in Abuja.

He thanked the organisers of the book launch for believing in him and for choosing to be part of his efforts to see that a new Nigeria is possible and appealed to Nigerians to support him in turning Nigeria around by voting for him in the February 25 presidential election.

“We are committed to it; as I told all the supporters, we need people. We need all of you to support us, especially in these final days to reach the end of this phase. Nigeria has suffered a lot. This is a great country that can be turned around,” the former Anambra governor explained.

Mr Obi added,

“We cannot succeed without your intervention, so as you launch this book, please be part of what we are doing to change Nigeria.”

Business

Elon Musk’s satellite service Starlink now active in Nigeria

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The operational service of Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, has been announced to be officially active for customers in the country.

This came a few weeks after the company (Starlink) announced its pre-order sales.

The satellite service company (Starlink) had reportedly disclosed that interested customers could preorder the device hardware at $600 while stating that the device subscription service would cost $43 every month.

In a Twitter post on Tuesday, the parent company of Starlink (SpaceX) confirmed that its service is now active for use in the country.

“Starlink is now available in Nigeria – the first African country to receive service,” the tweet said.

The company also disclosed to customers via its website that users will have a 30 days trial with its device.

Reacting to the development, the minister of communication and digital economy, Isa Pantami, described the official deployment as a great achievement.

“We have made it again. @SpaceX thank you for hosting me in your headquarters, United States in December 2022 to complete the logistics for the deployment,” he tweeted.

In 2022, talks to secure licences to launch the Starlink service kicked off between the company and the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC).

The company, a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, launched in 2019, provides satellite internet access coverage to about 46 countries, also targeting the global mobile phone service after 2023.

World News

Nigeria is no longer a mono-economy – Federal Government

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The federal government has announced that Nigeria’s economy is no longer dependent on oil.

Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed made the announcement during the ongoing “Public Presentation and Breakdown of the Highlights of the 2023 Appropriation Act”.

According to Ahmed, there’s been a revenue increase from non-oil sectors.

She said;

“We can no longer be termed a mono-economy. Nigerian economy is now diversified.

“The non-oil sector is now generating more revenue for the nation while oil and gas, and mining sectors are pulling back the economy.

“The major non-oil contributors to the country’s revenue are Agriculture and financial services.”

Politics

President Muhammadu Buhari bags peace and security award

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President Muhammadu Buhari has bagged a peace and security award.

The Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Forum, Sheikh Al-Mahfoudh Bin Bayyah and his deputy, Pastor Bob Roberts of the US, visited Buhari on Tuesday, Dec. 13, to inform the president of his award and to invite him to attend the Abu Dhabi Foundation’s award for his conferment.

The award is said to be in recognition of Buhari’s outstanding achievements in promoting peace and security.

They said the conferment was in line with the Foundation’s work in fighting religious extremism and promoting peaceful coexistence and dialogue amongst all religions.

Speaking while welcoming the pair, Buhari said the work of the foundation in promoting multi-faith dialogue was as important to the world as it was to Nigeria.

Politics

Tinubu Meets UK Minister For Africa

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The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, met with the United Kingdom Minister for Africa, Foreign & Commonwealth Development Office, Andrew Mitchell, in London.

Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, Jigawa State governor, Abubakar Badaru, speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other dignitaries were present at the meeting.

Politics

Oil can no longer feed Nigeria’s growing population – Obasanjo

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said the oil and gas sector can no longer feed the growing population of Nigerians.

Obasanjo spoke at the weekend when the leadership of the apex socio-cultural group in Tiv land of Benue State, Mzough U Tiv (MUT) paid him appreciation and friendship visit at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Penthouse residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

He said only farming and agribusiness could tackle the nation’s growing population.

He called on people to focus on farming and agribusiness as an alternative to Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy.

“If Nigeria is ready to get it right, the 2023 election should be a turning point. We should not go for emotion that will destroy us” Obasanjo said

Lifestyle

Man jailed for attempted trafficking of three Nigerian girls to Libya

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A Kano State high court has sentenced a 53-year-old man, Hycinth Uchechukwu Enekwechi to two years imprisonment for attempting to procure the illegal entry of three girls from Oyo and Osun to Libya through Niger Republic.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, November 24, 2022.

According to the statement, Enekwechi was convicted on Wednesday, November 23, 2022.

“The convict – a 53years old Male of No. 59 Abeokuta Road, Sabon Gari Quarters, Kano State was sentenced to 2 years imprisonment with an additional fine of N250,000 for attempting to procure the illegal entry of 3 Females to go from Oyo and Osun State respectively to Libya through Niger Republic.” the statement read.

Business, World News

Naira redesign targets looted funds – EFCC boss, Abdulrasheed Bawa

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The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has said the decision to redesign the naira is aimed at returning hidden public funds.

The antigraft agency boss made this known in his recent interview with Deutsche Welle DW Hausa Service.

According to him, the Federal government wants people who hid the funds to deposit them in bank accounts. The EFCC chair insisted that there was no political motive behind the idea.

According to him, President Buhari had evaluated and accepted the advice put forward by the Central Bank of Nigeria on the redesign of the naira.

“These public funds were embezzled and we want them to return them; we have not told anyone not to bring this money out.

What the government said was to deposit the money into bank accounts, or else sanctions may follow.The redesigning of the naira in law is expected to be done after every eight years; Nigeria has 20 years without redesigning, almost 80% of the naira is not in the bank and the CBN is in the hands of people; so how can the government succeed? How can a country get 25% of foreign exchange which is a benefit from its currency in 10 days?

There is no political motive behind this; some people siphoned and hid public funds and that is why we want them to bring them out.

We are also calling on Nigerians and even non-Nigerians that all channels are accessible; if anyone knows someone who hid suspicious money, they should alert us and we will investigate it; when we investigate the money and get it, the whistleblower also gets 5 per cent.”he said

World News

Nigeria becomes 6th most populous country as world’s population hits 8 billion

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Nigeria is now the 6th most populous country in the world following a report released by United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

The international agency in its report released on Tuesday, November 15, said the global population has reached an estimated 8 billion.

More than half of the projected population is concentrated in just eight countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and the United Republic of Tanzania.

Some of the projections made in UN’s World Population Prospects 2022 include India surpassing China as the world’s most populous country in 2023, world’s population growing to around 8.5 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050 and reaching a peak of around 10.4 billion people during the 2080s.

It is projected that the world’s population will remain at that level until 2100. The report also noted that fertility has fallen markedly in recent decades for many countries.

It read;

“Today, two-thirds of the global population lives in a country or area where lifetime fertility is below 2.1 births per woman, roughly the level required for zero growth in the long run for a population with low mortality.

The populations of 61 countries or areas are projected to decrease by 1 percent or more between 2022 and 2050, owing to sustained low levels of fertility and, in some cases, elevated rates of emigration,” the report reads.

“More than half of the projected increase in the global population up to 2050 will be concentrated in eight countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and the United Republic of Tanzania.

“Countries of sub-Saharan Africa are expected to contribute more than half of the increase anticipated through 2050.” Commenting on the report, António Guterres, UN secretary-general, said;

“This year’s World Population Day falls during a milestone year when we anticipate the birth of the earth’s eight billionth inhabitant.

This is an occasion to celebrate our diversity, recognise our common humanity, and marvel at advancements in health that have extended lifespans and dramatically reduced maternal and child mortality rates.

“At the same time, it is a reminder of our shared responsibility to care for our planet and a moment to reflect on where we still fall short of our commitments to one another.”

World News

UK warns its citizens to avoid 22 states in Nigeria over insecurity issues

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The United Kingdom has warned its citizens against traveling to 22 states in Nigeria over insecurity issues.

This was announced by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) in a statement published on its website on Monday, November 7, 2022.

Back in October, the UK government warned of an increased threat of terrorist attacks in the Federal Capital Territory, after which it restricted access to the British High Commission in Abuja.

In the statement titled “Updated Foreign Commonwealth Development Office Travel Advice to British Nationals Traveling to the FCT,” the UK said the warning is to help its nationals make better-informed decisions about international travel and plan for a trouble-free trip.

The statement read,

“FCDO travel advice exists to inform British nationals so they can make decisions about travelling abroad.

There continues to be a number of states in Nigeria where we advise British Nationals against all but essential travel.

These include: Bauchi, Kano, Jigawa, Niger, Sokoto, Kogi, Abia, Plateau, Taraba, within 20km of the border with Niger in Kebbi State and non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States.

“We also advise against all travel to: Borno State, Yobe State, Adamawa State, Gombe State, Kaduna State, Katsina State, Zamfara state, and the riverine areas of Delta State, Bayelsa State, Rivers State, Akwa Ibom State, and Cross River State.

“The UK keeps its travel advice under regular review and in making these assessments and uses information from a wide range of sources.

The travel advice is constantly reviewed to make sure it reflects the current situation in Abuja and Nigeria.

Although the FCDO Travel Advice no longer advises against all but essential travel to the Federal Capital Territory, including the city of Abuja, it makes clear that some risks remain.”

The UK advised its citizens to monitor the latest updates and stay in contact with their travel provider.

World News

Nigeria’s Flamingos crash out of Under-17 World Cup after losing to Columbia

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Nigeria has failed to qualify for a spot in the final of this year’s U-17 Women’s World Cup in India.

Wednesday’s tie was a historic moment for both Nigeria and Colombia as it was their first Semi-final game ever in the history of the competition.

The Flamingos lost 6-5 to Colombia on penalties in their semi-final clash on Wednesday, October 26.

The game had ended 0-0 after regulation time, as both teams failed to score any goals.

The Flamingos will play the winner of the second semi-final match between Germany and Spain on Wednesday. Before the game at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa, the Flamingos were runners-up in Group B of the competition.

They lost to Germany in their first match, dispatched New Zealand, and defeated Chile to earn a last-eight ticket.

World News

US authorizes evacuation of non-critical staff in Nigeria over risk of terror attacks

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Barely 48 hours after its embassy in Nigeria issued a security alert of a possible terrorist attack in Nigeria, especially Abuja, the United States government (US) has authorized the evacuation of “non-emergency” employees and their family members in Nigeria.

The US state department announced the approval in an update on its Nigeria travel advisory on Tuesday evening, October 25.

The update noted that the US embassy in Abuja will have “limited ability” to provide emergency assistance to US citizens while the consulate in Lagos is still providing routine and emergency services.

“On October 25, 2022, the Department authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members due to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks.

The U.S. Embassy Abuja continues to have limited ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Nigeria. The U.S. Consulate in Lagos is providing all routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nigeria.”

The advisory also indicated that Nigeria is rated Level 3 which means citizens should reconsider traveling to the country. It advised Americans to shelve travel plans “due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime”.

Although Nigeria is a Level 3 country, some states are said to have a higher risk of attacks, and as such, are Level 4 — which means Americans should not travel to such places.

Americans were warned of possible terrorist attacks and kidnapping in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara states. Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers states — with the exception of Port Harcourt — were also listed as Level 4 “due to crime, kidnapping, and maritime crime”.

The US state department warned that terrorists may attack with little or no warning, and will target public places like shopping centers, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government installations, and transportation hubs.

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