WHO Trains  Journalists on Health Emergencies, COVID-19 Reporting.

World Health Organization | ReliefWebThe World Health Organisation (WHO) embarked on the two days capacity building of Northeast Journalists on health reporting during emergencies and the AstraZeneca vaccine for the benefit of the people of the region.
The participants were drawn from the electronic and print media respectively.
The objectives of the meeting was to orient the Journalists on Covid-19 and also on the AstraZeneca vaccine introduction in order to enhance the acceptance to forestall the negative stories with the idea to see how the journalists will be able to understand health perspectives with the aim of properly informing the public on the preventive measures such as social distancing, wearing of face masks, use of alcohol based hand sanitizers and frequent wash of hands with soap under running water.
Dr. Marcel Mbamalu, communication expert,  tutored the participants on reporting to impact behaviors: experience sharing, reporting Covid-19 to impact behaviors: newspaper,TV and Radio experience, Covid-19 for behavioral change, why do Journalists report, tips for journalists who want to cultivate news sources and reporting for the editor,while another resource person, Dr Onjefu Okidu, Development Communication Consultant, spoke on redefining the roles of mass media during COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Abdullahi Saleh Bashir of Modibbo Adama University, Yola lectured on strategies for reporting vaccine hesitancy and rejection: a guide for Journalists working in emergency states of Northeast Nigeria.
 Monarchs Demand Joint Investigation Into Gbaramatu Oil Spill

CHEVRON'S OIL SPILL: Affected Host Communities In Gbaramatu Vows To Resist  Plans To Repair Trunkline Without Compensation - Coastal Times
The Gbaramatu Traditional Council of Chiefs have advocated the need  for an immediate joint investigation of all stakeholders into the oil spill which has ravaged many Gbaramatu Communities in Warri South West Area of Delta State alleged to be from Chevron Nigeria Limited.
The Kingdom made the call in Warri during a press briefing held by chiefs and communities leaders of the area.
 Chief Godspower Gbenekama, spokesman of Gbaramatu kingdom,who anchored the briefing said the development  became necessary  due to the denial by Chevron that the spill is not from its facility.
He said: “We wish to observe and state as follows; our investigations show an oil spill which has meandered through and beyond the creeks and rivulets of Gbaramatu kingdom owing largely to lack of immediate steps to curtail the spread. The locals have had to abandon their fishing expeditions,  even as they develop respiratory problems due to the smell of fumes of the spill.
“The oil spill which occurred about 6 weeks ago was promptly reported to Chevron Nigeria Limited believed to own the assets that produced the spill. The Company, Chevron, has been in denial till now. On Saturday,  March 27, 2021, the Company through its General Manager, Policy,  Government and Public Affairs,  Esimaje Brikinn, denied that the oil sheen on the waters are from its assets.
“We call for an immediate joint investigation team involving all stakeholders including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC, Chevron,  Delta State Government,  NOSDRA and relevant agencies to ascertain the cause of the spill and determine the owner-company of asset.
“We think that a unilateral aerial investigation reportedly conducted by Chevron is not reassuring as we know that assists passing through the site of spill are exclusively owned by Chevron Nigeria Limited.  We wonder how an alleged aerial investigation could establish any meaningful fact.
“As custodians of the welfare of our people, we hold and call on the FG, State government and oil companies operating in the area to rise up to the challenge of ameliorating the sufferings of the people, even before we ascertain blame.  The people are suffering. We call for relief materials to enable the local populace survive the economic displacement and conditions caused by the oil spill.” The statement said.
Winners Emerge In Heritage Bank New Promo

Winners emerge in Heritage Bank's 'YNSPYRE', Cream Platform Promo –  WorldStageWinners have emerged at the Heritage Bank Plc, ‘YNSPYRE’ Cream Platform Promo held in Abuja last week
CREAM Platform, Nigeria’s premiere creative reward platform officially kicked off its partnership with Heritage Bank’s YNSPYRE Initiative with the commencement of the CREAM Monthly draws on Friday – March 26th 2021, rewarding subscribers who dialed the *745*463# code, with lots of cash and other prizes.
The CREAM YNSPYRE Draw proper started off on a great note with random picking of numbers electronically and with some never-to-be-forgotten moments producing 5 winners who went home with the sum of N200, 000 each as well as a pledge by D’Banj to fully support their businesses and passion in a call session from D’banj to the lucky winners.
Recently, Heritage Bank doled out the sum of N1million to Damilola Adeyemi, a winner of an online giveaway competition to celebrate the bank’s product, Ynspyre ambassador, D’banj, which heralds launching of the Ynspyre Account set aside for talented young Nigerians in the different spectrum of the creative and entertainment industry.
At the draw held on Friday in Abuja, five winners were chosen from a pool of Heritage Bank’s customers that are currently on the Cream Platform and subscribers who dialed the *745*463# code for transactions.
The Cream Platform is chaired by popular Nigerian musician D-Banj (real name Oladapo Oyebanjo).
The event was attended by the Heritage Bank Regional Executive, Abuja and North, Mr George Okoh-Oboh; popular Nollywood Actress Tonto Dikeh; popular musician Mr Easi (real name Isaiah Ediae) and other top officials of the bank.
Speaking at the event, Okoh-Oboh described the partnership between Heritage Bank and Cream Platform as a game changer for the creative industry in Nigeria.
He said, “It’s been a smooth journey and the Bank has also set aside certain funds for the creative industry because we believe that is needed to support our youths.
“And so what we have done is to be able to put this out there so that we can select very talented youths working with D-Banj and once they meet certain criteria, we will be able to lend across to them as a bank.
“So the funds have already been set out and waiting this launch which we are having today. So it’s quite an interesting story for the bank and it’s a great day for us today.
D-Banj who was physically present at the event, said that the Cream Platform has built a strong reputation for producing some of the brightest talents in the country over the last couple of years.
He said the purpose of the platform was to have a creative hub for Africa where people can upload their contents, be discovered and get funding support from Heritage Bank.
He said the platform would enable Nigerians discover their talents in areas such as entertainment, entrepreneurship, music, arts and other areas in the creative industry value chain.
He expressed optimism that the creative industry, if properly harnessed, has the potentials to reduce the level of unemployment in the country, boost wealth creation for the people and help the country generate the much needed foreign exchange.
He noted that with the creative industry accounting for one of the highest exports from Nigeria, time has come for operators in the sector to be supported with the finances.
He said, “This year will make it five years that the platform was launched and our main aim is to create a gateway to the creative hub of Africa. With so much talent in the country and the hub in the continent, we saw it as a platform for people to have that access to become whatsoever you desire.
“And it’s no news that Heritage Bank is our partner to provide the access and financial help that you will need.
The creative industry is one of the biggest exports in the last three years now whether you are looking at music, fashion, movies. But we need that financial help, that financial backing.
“So for a long time, we have been discussing with Heritage Bank to see how we can get the funds and get that help to the people.
“And today is going to be the first time that we are actually rewarding the customers. Heritage Bank went further to help us create the ‘YNSPYRE’ Product.
“This product is for the youths and the creative industry to help ease access to funding contents uploaded on the Cream Platform.”
Stanbic IBTC Boosts Women Empowerment With  Blue Blossom Account 

Stanbic IBTC Bank has launched Blue Account for women in business to boost their relevance in the nation’s economy.
The bank launched the Blue Blossom account specifically to offer women better and easier access to finance for their businesses as well as bridge the financing gap for women in their various careers and businesses, while also promoting their economic empowerment
It said with  a minimum account opening balance of N20,000, a Blue Blossom account holder will have a zero current account maintenance (CAM) fee, and access to loan facilities.
 Babatunde Akindele, Head, Relationship Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, said  that women are usually not favoured when it comes to finances for the business, thereby downplaying their role in societal development.
The Blue Blossom account was created to remove obstacles that may have existed and give women the much-needed support to achieve their financial goals and dreams.
“With a minimum account opening balance of N20,000, a Blue Blossom account holder will have a zero current account maintenance (CAM) fee, access to loan facilities at highly competitive rates and business clinic sessions. There will also be a discounted fee of 0.50% on loan management fees, a branded debit card and a cheque book,” Akindele said
Omolola Fashesin, Head Sustainability, Stanbic IBTC, said the Blue Blossom Current account also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (“SDG”) 5, which is focused on gender equality and empowering all women. She mentioned that female financial inclusion, which Blue Blossom addresses, is one way to achieve SDG 5.
Businesses can only hold blue Blossom account with at least 50% female ownership structure, and all account signatories must be women. To open a Blue Blossom account, visit the Stanbic IBTC Bank website or call 0703 333 3333. You can also send an email to enterprisedirect@stanbicibtc.com. Interested customers are required to fill account opening forms, possess valid company registration documents, two recent passport photographs of each signatory, valid identity cards and BVN of all signatories, as well as proof of residential or official address/utility bill.
 FIRS Sets New Rule For Income Tax Payment 

FIRS Sets April 12 Deadline For Taxpayers To Get TIN - Equity News
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has said that  any company that wishes to pay income taxes in instalments must apply in writing before the due date of filing.
 Muhammad Nami, the FIRS boss,also
 said the application must be accompanied by evidence of full payment of tertiary education tax (TEDT) and the first instalment of the companies income tax (CIT) due.
He said:”Section 77 (5) of the 2004 Company Income Tax act amended by the 2019 finance act states that: “Every company shall make payment of tax due on or before the due date of filing, in one lump sum or in instalments”.
“Provided that, where the taxpayer pays in instalments- (a)the taxpayer shall first write, with evidence of payment of the first instalment, and obtain the approval of the Service to pay in such number of instalments as may be approved by the Service; and
“(b)the final instalment must be paid on or before the due date of filing.
“(5B) Any balance of taxes unpaid as at the due date shall attract interest and penalties as provided in the Act or any other relevant law for failure to pay on the due date in accordance.”
The FIRS also explained that the last instalment must be paid on or before the due date for filing tax returns, otherwise penalty and interest will be charged after the due date.
 “Taxpayers are enjoined to ensure that they comply with the above mentioned provisions of the Act,” the statement read.
The agency said it would be compelled to carry out tax recovery measures in line with Section 85 (1) of CITA cap C21 LFN 2004 as amended and Section 32 of FIRS Establishment Act (2007), which authorize addition for non-payment and enforcement of payment.
How Nigeria’s Gas Resources Can Add Value-NLNG 

The Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), Engr. Tony Attah has said the large deposit of gas resources in Nigeria would amount to nothing if the gas is not developed and utilised urgently to meet the nation’s energy needs.
Engr. Attah said this at the pre-summit conference of the 2021 Nigeria International Petroleum Summit (NIPS) organised by the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and sponsored by NLNG.
He stated that it was necessary to act now on gas through deliberate policies such as the Decade of Gas.
He added that the country must not continue to be gas-rich and energy-poor where our gas processing and LNG capacity do not match the volume of our gas reserves.
Engr. Attah, however, emphasised that the time for Nigeria to become a top gas nation is now when gas is playing a pivotal role in bridging traditional energy sources and renewables.
“Our world is changing. We are set to add two billion more people by 2040 to become 9 billion people on earth. On the back of this and anticipated growth in human prosperity, energy demand is expected to grow by more than 30%. Essentially the world needs more energy; but needs it cleaner and cheaper to manage climate change and the 20C challenge through decarbonisation.
“Energy transition has begun, resulting in massive change in the global energy mix while renewable sources are gaining prominence to replace coal and other forms of fossil fuels.
Gas is set to be the fastest growing transition fuel of the future. This is a great opportunity for Nigeria. Nigeria is blessed with plenty gas reserves – 200TCF of proved reserve and an additional 600TCF scope to be proven by SEC rules.
“Proving the 600TCF will move us to number four in the world from the current 9th position which I believe should be a key objective for this decade of gas agenda. Essentially, Nigeria is a gas nation as we have more gas than oil on a BoE basis.
“Nigeria currently plays a significant role in the global energy sector, holding the position of the largest oil and gas producer in Africa and the sixth supplier of global LNG through the operations of NLNG. Our Train 7 project alone will attract about $10billion into the country with significant revenue generation for government and our shareholders but also over 12,000 jobs opportunity for Nigerians.
“This is a decade of gas, another decade of sustained operations in NLNG, a decade of Train 7 and perhaps Trains 8,9 and 10; a decade of elimination of gas flaring, a decade of more Domestic LPG in households in Nigeria; and overall, a decade of fully gas-powered economy,” he said.
He added that “Gas is everything for Nigeria. We must use what we have to get what we want. Saudi Arabia and Dubai used oil to move their economies to becoming one of the best in the world, Qatar has used gas to transform from a fishing economy to becoming a global gas giant. Nigeria has both oil and gas. However, Nigeria has thus far ridden on the back of oil for over 50 years, but the time has come for Nigeria to fly on the wings of gas. At NLNG, we believe It is time for GAS.”
Engr. Attah urged the Federal Government and stakeholders in the energy industry to maximise the Decade of Gas by focussing on developing and legislating the right regulations, policies, and laws that will engender the right environment for the much-needed investment in all the streams of the sector.
Engr. Attah added that NLNG was ready to partner with the government in making the Decade of Gas a reality as the Company continues to actualise its vision as a global LNG company, helping to build a better Nigeria.
Nigeria Prepared For  Strategic Role in New World Energy Order – Kyari

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has affirmed Nigeria’s preparedness to play a strategic role in the new global energy order.
The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, who spoke yesterday at the Decade of Gas Pre-summit Conference  in Abuja, stated that technology and innovation were facilitating a new global energy order aimed at decarbonizing the world and safeguarding the climate, stressing that renewable energy sources such as solar and wind which would be key components of the new energy mix were largely influenced by seasons and were non-transportable to demand centres where they are in short supply.
He explained  that under the circumstances, natural gas, and by extension blue hydrogen, would be heavily depended upon as transition fuels to play a key role in the clean energy drive and would provide significant proportion of the global energy mix as well as guarantee feedstock to gas-based industries.
“Nigeria, under the visionary leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, has committed huge resources to ensure that domestic gas infrastructure reach every corner of our country to deepen natural gas utilization, spur investment in power and gas-based industries, grow the economy and generate employment for millions of our young people,” Mallam Kyari informed.
Nigeria as a gas nation with over 203trillion standard cubic feet (tscf) of proven gas reserves,he said, is monetizing the huge gas resources spurred by numerous policy and industry interventions since 2016, culminating in the declaration of 2020 as the year of gas and progressing into the decade of gas from 2021.
He stated that NNPC and its partners have embarked on a number of strategic projects to deepen delivery of gas to the domestic market and elevate the build-up of greater potentials for export.
He noted that the Federal Government has also rolled out the autogas initiative to provide alternative cleaner and cheaper transportation fuel to petrol, adding that the initiative has received huge support from the entire energy industry and gained tremendous traction.
Nigeria’s Debt Profile  Hits  N32.92trn

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS),says  public debt portfolio as at Dec. 31, 2020, stood at N32.92 trillion, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals.
The current  debt profile was for the States and the Federal Government,the agency said in  its Nigerian Domestic and Foreign Debt report for Quarter Four, 2020
 Nigeria’s total public debt,it said, showed that N12.71 trillion or 38.60 per cent of the debt was external, while N20.21 trillion or 61.40 per cent of the debt was domestic.
It said: “Further disaggregation of Nigeria’s foreign debt showed that 17.93 billion dollars of the debt was multilateral, 4.06 billion dollars was bilateral from the African Development Bank (AfDB), Exim Bank of China, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), India and KFW.
“Meanwhile, 11.17 billion dollars was commercial which are Eurobonds and Diaspora Bonds and 186.70 million dollars as Promissory notes.” The report said that the total States and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) domestic debt was put at N4.19 trillion with Lagos State accounting for 12.15 per cent of the debt stock. It added that Jigawa had the least debt stock in this category with a contribution of 0.74 percent”
 Ecobank Wins Starsight Sustainability Award 2020

Ecobank Wins Starsight Sustainability Award 2020
Ecobank Nigeria has won Starsight Sustainability Award 2020.
 Presenting the Starsight Renewable Energy Sustainability Award for 2020 to Ecobank in Lagos, Teme Jack, Head Sales, SMEs, Starsight Energy, commended the commitment of Ecobank towards application of renewable solutions thereby reducing carbon footprints, stressing that the award was well deserving.
She expressed  optimistism that Starsight partnership with Ecobank would further go a long way to environmental sustainability.
“Our partnership with Ecobank has delivered an outstanding result in a short window time and we look at forward to expanding our partnership in Nigeria and other geographical regions of operations,” she added
  Receiving the award, Kola Adeleke, Ecobank Nigeria Executive Director, Corporate Bank said “sustainability remains an essential part of Ecobank’s mission and vision of building a world-class Pan-African bank.
“Our long-term success is intertwined with the sustainable actions that supports the development of Nigeria and Africa as a continent. Ecobank is focused on mainstreaming environmental and social best practices in its operations and has adopted various Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) frameworks including the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles (NSBP) as benchmarks for measuring its environmental stewardship.
We have been in partnership with Starsight Energy to deliver a market-leading renewable energy solution across our branches in Nigeria, they have delivered over 100  branches facilities with renewable energy solution, thereby reducing our carbon footprint and making Ecobank one of the market leaders in the implementation of Principle 2 of Nigeria Sustainable Banking initiative”. He stated.
 He reiterated that to Ecobank Group Sustainability framework is focused on four thematic areas which includes economic transformation, environmental dustainability, socially responsible financing and human capital development.
These focus areas are aligned with the tenets of the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles (NSBP),he said, adding that the bank is a signatory member of a number of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework including the Equator Principles and the United Nations Global Compact.
We have set a target of achieving the goals as regard SDG/climate change and society’s wellbeing. For instance, the bank is committed to taking bold steps to reducing our carbon footprint, demonstrated in carbon emission from our business operations, travels, paper use and office waste disposal. We further commit to invest in energy efficiency by incorporating the use of renewable energy products and practices, design architecture for energy efficient building in new branch expansions, including retrofitting programmes; as well as mainstreaming sustainable practices in third party contractor’s agreement for supply and procurement activities.”
 Reps To Probe Disbursement of COVID-19 Palliatives To Airlines

House to probe disbursement of COVID-19 bailout funds to airlines
The House of Representatives said it investigate the disbursement of Covid-19 palliatives to airlines and other organisations in the Nigerian aviation industry by the Ministry of Aviation.
Mr. Nnolim Nnaji, the Chairman, House Committee on Aviation,who in a statement on Monday, said that the allegations raised by some of the operators on the disbursement of the largesse were too weighty to be ignored.
According to him, the committee decided to cut short its break to look into the matter because of the critical role the aviation industry plays in the overall economy of the country.
Nnaji said that the committee had resolved to demand from the Ministry of Aviation the detailed disbursement of the intervention fund, but noted that it was not to witch-hunt anyone.
He emphasised that the essence was to clear every doubt over the disbursements.
“We want to know the detailed disbursements, airline by airline, the parastatals under the ministry and other organisations,” he said.
He said  the committee was aware of the challenges facing the industry due to the COVID-19 impact and the genuine concerns expressed by Sen. Hadi Sirika, the Minister of Aviation on the need for the Federal Government’s palliative to the industry.
He noted that some of the airline operators, had complained that despite being asked to submit their details, which they claimed they did, but regretted that they were yet to get response from the government.
“They also alleged that the ministry was doing selective disbursements and that the exercise lacked transparency and urged the committee to investigate it,” he added.
The House of Representatives said it investigate the disbursement of Covid-19 palliatives to airlines and other organisations in the Nigerian aviation industry by the Ministry of Aviation.
Mr. Nnolim Nnaji, the Chairman, House Committee on Aviation,who in a statement on Monday, said that the allegations raised by some of the operators on the disbursement of the largesse were too weighty to be ignored.
According to him, the committee decided to cut short its break to look into the matter because of the critical role the aviation industry plays in the overall economy of the country.
Nnaji said that the committee had resolved to demand from the Ministry of Aviation the detailed disbursement of the intervention fund, but noted that it was not to witch-hunt anyone.
He emphasised that the essence was to clear every doubt over the disbursements.
“We want to know the detailed disbursements, airline by airline, the parastatals under the ministry and other organisations,” he said.
He said  the committee was aware of the challenges facing the industry due to the COVID-19 impact and the genuine concerns expressed by Sen. Hadi Sirika, the Minister of Aviation on the need for the Federal Government’s palliative to the industry.
He noted that some of the airline operators, had complained that despite being asked to submit their details, which they claimed they did, but regretted that they were yet to get response from the government.
“They also alleged that the ministry was doing selective disbursements and that the exercise lacked transparency and urged the committee to investigate it,” he added.