Sanwo-Olu Tasks Youths On  Entrepreneurship Skills

Sanwo-Olu Tasks Youths On Maximising Free Vocational, Entrepreneurship  Skills – Independent Newspaper Nigeria
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has urged youths to take full advantage of various ongoing free vocational and entrepreneurship skills development programmes to develop themselves and become  relevant in the nation’s economic redevelopment plans and the 21st-Century global digital economy.
He gave the advice  at the graduation ceremony for 119 trainees of Igbo Oluwo Vocational Training Centre, Ikorodu.
The governor,who was represented at the event by the Special Adviser on Education,  Tokunbo Wahab, noted that youths need to acquire essential skills in order to contribute their quota to the ongoing economic redevelopment plans rather than waiting endlessly for white-collar jobs.
He maintained that the empowerment programmes targeted at youths had the potentials to change their economic fortunes and bring financial independence.
“Fundamentally, our various free vocational and entrepreneurship skills development programmes are aimed at developing the potentials of our youths to make them relevant in the 21st Century global digital economy and make them employers of labour.
“This we believe, as a government, will address the issue of youth restiveness, reduce crimes and other vices capable of undermining development efforts across the country”, Sanwo-Olu stated.
Bandits  Kidnap Village Head, Wife In Ibadan

Village head, wife abducted in Ibadan
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a village head and his wife in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
They  stormed Araromi village in Bakatari area of Ibadan and took Baale of Araromi village, Chief Tafa Apanpa and his wife away on Tuesday night.
A residents of the area said that the abduction of the village head and his wife occurred during the rain in some parts of Ibadan Tuesday night.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Oyo State Command, Mr Adewale Osifeso confirmed the incident.
Osifeso Wednesday morning said efforts have been put in place to secure the release of the victims.
“The incident happened very late on Tuesday, 22nd of June, 2021at ARARO village.Efforts are in top gear to rescue both victims and as well apprehend the abductors, please.”
HIV/AIDS: FG Moves  To Reduce Overdependence On Foreign Donors

The Federal Government Wednesday launched the National Domestic Resource Mobilisation and Sustainability Strategy to reduce the country’s over-dependence on international donors to fund HIV/AIDS interventions and responses.

Currently, 80 percent of funding for HIV comes from international donors and development partners, while the government (national and states) only contributes a paltry 18 percent of the funding.

Speaking during the official launch of the Strategy in Abuja, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr Gambo Aliyu, said: “Sustaining HIV funding requires resource mobilization, and this resource mobilization for a long time has always been external. It is time to mobilize resources domestically to ensure that sustainability of HIV funding is guaranteed after the epidemic control.

“Between the year 2005 to 2018, about $6.2 billion was extended to identify close to one million people living with HIV and AIDS in this country and place them on treatment. However, 80 percent of this money came from international donors and development partners.

“Only 18 percent of the money was contributed by the Federal and State government, and one percent of it came from the private sector. Because of this, it becomes imperative, with the leadership of his Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari, and the pledge he has made for which he has fulfilled to place 100,000 people living with HIV and AIDS on treatment with the government of Nigeria money; and also on an incremental basis to increase this number by 50,000 every year. I am glad to say we did this last year and we are on track to repeating it this year.

“However, our strategy reflects the need to expand our resource base and increase domestic resources to diversify our source of funding. The goal is to ensure that sustainable resource is available for the implementation of our programs to meet the United Nations goal of identifying and placing on treatment and actually controlling the virus of 95-95-95.

“What that means is that at the end of it, if that is achieved, over 80 percent of people living with HIV and AIDS in the country will have the HIV restricted in them in such a way that it doesn’t leave them to affect other people, and also, it lacks that opportunity to bring down their body defense mechanism which could claim their lives. We are on target to do that program-wise, but are we on target to do and to continue sustaining that financially and domestically?

“It is essential that our national and state stakeholders assume greater ownership of the HIV response, including financing. Strong accountability structures, along with a multi-sectoral HIV response are needed to monitor the use of the funds that are raised, and to ensure that we spend on activities that will continue to have real impact on people living with HIV and AIDS.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (ATM), Hon. Abubakar Sarki Dajiru, said: “The 2022 budget, by the grace of God, the National Assembly, based on the Committee on ATM, and also our Senate partners, felt that the budget of NACA should be improved by 100 percent.

“Based on our position, we have always felt that we are living on risk because if today the development partners decide to withdraw from Nigeria, believe me sincerely, we felt that at the end of the day we are going to crash between the zero level.

“Also, one of the things that we felt is very important is between the private and the government, especially the Governors of all these states. They are supposed to be doing their own contributions also to NACA. This way, at least at the end of the day, the States will be able to see the impact, especially within the rural areas.

“Almost 90 percent of the Governors are not doing what they are supposed to do. So, we are having that alliance with the Director-General of NACA, of which sooner or later, from the National Assembly, we are going to come up with a motion whereby all the Governors and all the counterparts (funds) that we felt they should pay to NACA, should be directly from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.”

The Country Director of UNAIDS, Dr Erasmus Mora, added: “Recently, the world came together at the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting to adopt a new political declaration on HIV/AIDS for the year 2021 to 2026, which is that all countries should move in the direction of increasing ownership, financing and accountability for HIV.

“Right now we have approximately 1.8 million Nigerians living with HIV. Congratulations to NACA because about 1.6 million of them are on treatment. And the question now is: who is paying for these 1.6 million Nigerians who are on treatment? If the payer should change their mind, what happens to these people who need the drugs for the rest of their lives.

“So, this particular agenda we are calling domestic resource mobilisation and sustainability agenda, is about how do we pay to keep Nigerians from getting infected from HIV, and more importantly, how do we pay to ensure that those who are in treatment currently can comfortably remain on treatment and that the remaining 20 to 30 percent who are not on treatment are brought on treatment?”

Facebook,Reuters  Launch Free Online Course For Journalists

Facebook Partners with Reuters to launch free online course for journalists  | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News — APO Press Releases —  The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News
The Facebook Journalism Project has partnered with Reuters to launch a free online training programme for Journalists, called the Reuters Digital Journalism Course.

The Project works with publishers around the world to strengthen the connection between journalists and the communities they serve. Its training, programs, and partnerships work by: investing in organizations that fund quality journalism; training newsrooms globally; and partnering with publishers and nonprofits to combat misinformation, promote news literacy, and improve journalism.

Reuters developed the free online course curriculum after its Digital News Report found more people were using social media to access news. It focuses on digital news gathering, verification and reporting, and publishing on social media. It also covers wellness and resilience training while reporting.

Facebook said the course is aimed at both seasoned journalists and industry newcomers. Upon completing the course, participants will receive a certificate.

“At Facebook, we’re grateful to journalists across Africa who are working hard to keep their communities informed about the issues that matter,” Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Strategic Media Partnerships Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa said. “The Facebook Journalism Project will assist our region’s journalists in developing strong fundamental knowledge as they navigate the rapidly changing digital news landscape.” Muhutu-Remy added.

This Digital Journalism Course aims to support journalists across English speaking countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to build a strong foundation in digital reporting and editing.

“With news media firmly in the digital age, being able to use digital platforms safely and effectively is essential,” Reuters Executive Editor Gina Chua said in a statement.

“The Reuters Digital Journalism Course offers best practices from Reuters journalists around the world to provide the foundation for sound journalism, whether you’re a budding journalist or a seasoned one looking for a refresher.”

Health

3 Friends Rape Lady In Ondo

 

Three friends, Ojo Olaniyi, Akinseye Bayo and Akintosoye Ayo have been arrested by men of the Ondo State Police Command for gang raping a lady simply identified as Adewumi.

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The suspects,who were said to have committed the offence in Araromi street, Ondo town allegedly drugged their victim and repeatedly had sex with her.

The victim’s sister,who saw  her in the nude form they left her reported the matter to the police.

The Police in Ondo State said they have recovered nine motorcycles stolen by different gangs in different parts of the state.

One of the owners of the motorcycle, John Ede, who was inflicted injuries with a machete later died in the hospital.

Those arrested for robbing the motorcycles at gunpoint were Seyi Adeyemi, Emmanuel Sunday and Oluwajuwon.

Two persons, Gbenga Kikiowo aged 27 and Aladeloye Tope ages 25.were arrested at Oke-Aro community where they were planning to go for operation in Akure.

Ondo Police Commissioner, Bolaji Salami, said the suspects would soon be charged to court.

MRA  Unveils New Website 

Media Rights Agenda (MRA)  has unveiled a new platform with enhanced security features, while also addressing accessibility issues for disadvantaged groups to ensure diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

 

Announcing the unveiling of the website in a statement issued in Lagos,

Mr. Idowu Adewale, MRA’s Communication Officer, who announced the launch of the website in Lagos,said the platform offers a faster, easy to navigate, user-friendly experience as well as search engine optimization, which also enhances the visibility, and therefore, accessibility of the website to Internet users in search of information online that is relevant to our work.

 

Developed with support from the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), the website (https://mediarightsagenda.org) includes the latest plug-ins, internet security protocols and standards as well as more aesthetic features to make it more attractive to visitors.

 

He said: “After several months of hard work, we are pleased to be able to replace the temporary platform that we have had to rely in the past few months with a new website that enables us to achieve our goals of fostering improved communication, providing meaningful and informative resource materials to our web visitors, and giving them better access to who we are, what we do, as well as showcasing our various information products.”

 

He explained that the new website now includes DEI features informed by the need to ensure full accessibility of the website to disadvantaged groups and individuals, including persons with speech, sight or hearing challenges, consistent with MRA’s status as an equal opportunities organization committed to promoting and defending freedom of expression, media freedom and access to information, both online and offline, irrespective of disability, gender, colour, ethnicity or orientation.

 

He noted that the development of the website was guided by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and stressed that all its contents, plugins and codes are compliant with W3C standards which makes the website accessible to everybody, including people with disabilities.

 

 

He pledged that MRA would continue to use the platform, with its interactive features, to track and report on freedom of expression, media development, media freedom, access to information, digital rights and internet freedom issues in line with its mandate.

Allocation: FG, States, LGs  Share N605.958bn 

FG, States, LGs Share N606.196bn April RevenueTHISDAYLIVE
The Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), has shared
total sum of N605.958 billion  to the three tiers of government as federation allocation for the month of May, 2021.
The tiers of government shared the money at its meeting through virtual conference,according to
Charles Nwodo, Director of Information Ministry of Finance.
The Federal Government received N242.120 billion, the states received N194.195 billion, the Local Government councils got N143.742 billion while the oil producing states received N26.901 billion as derivation (13% of Mineral Revenue).
The communique issued by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) at the end of the meeting, indicated that the Gross Revenue available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) for May, 2021 was N181.078 billion as against N176.710 billion distributed in the preceding month of April, 2021, resulting in an increase of N4.368 billion. The distribution is as follows; Federal Government got N25.260 billion, the States received N84.202 billion, and Local Government Councils got N58.941billion.
The distributed Statutory Revenue of  N428.198 billion received for the month was lower than the N497.385 billion received for the previous month by N69.197 billion, from which the Federal government received N175.541 billon, States got N89.037 billion, LGCs got N69.644 billion, and Derivation (13% Mineral Revenue) got N24.666 billion.
It said  that Companies Income Tax (CIT), and Oil and Gas Royalties, Import and Excise Duty recorded decreases. Only Value Added Tax (VAT) increased, although, marginally.
It  disclosed that total revenue distributable for the current month inclusive of Gross Statutory  Revenue of N357.888 billion, Value Added Tax (VAT) of N168.403 billion, Solid Mineral Revenue of N7.940 billion, Exchange Gain of N1.727 billion and an augmentation from Non-Oil of N50 billion and N20 billion bringing the total distributable revenue to N605.958 billion.
NCDMB, NEXIM Sign  $30m  Capacity Building Fund Agreement

The Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Bank (NCDMB) and the Nigeria Export Import Bank (NEXIM) have signed agreement for  $30million Capital and  Capacity building Fund for the oil and gas sector servicing.
Mr Simbi Wabote, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB,explained said at the signing ceremony that the fund would stabilise the sector.
He said that the scheme would cover loan for working capital support and also capacity building, invoice discounting and capacity building including acquisition of  low end equipment to service contracts and service obligation.
According to him,the fund would also under project categories cover, invoice discounting, oil service contracts, capacity building including financial advisory and literacy and low end equipment and asset acquisition  that the fund could accommodate.
He noted that the target market include Nigeria oil service providers that belong to a professional association in the Nigerian oil and gas industry and commercially viable in a business relationship with either the IOCs or the indigenous oil and gas producers.
He added:“The maximum amount that can be borrowed by single obligor is one million dollars or its naira equivalent at official exchange rate prevailing at the time of the borrowing.
“The tenure shall be up to 12 months for working capital loans and up to three years for capacity building loan for a moratorium of up 12 months.
“The applicable interest rate shall be five per cent per annum for all foreign currency denomination and eight per cent per annum for Naira denominated loans and the rate shall be fixed throughout the tenure of the loan.
“The maximum processing time as agreed with NEXIM will be 21 working days from the date the applicant has provided all required documents broken down as follows 12 working days for loan application processing by NEXIM, five working days for NCDMB concurrence for loan approved by NEXIM and the remaining for disbursing by NEXIM,’’ he said.
He said that these time lines had been agreed; adding that all application would be through a web and NEXIM would develop and avail a dedicated portal to facilitate the process.
He noted that for transparency, no application should come to NCDMB, adding that all application should go to NEXIM bank, similar to what NCDMB do with the BOI.
He said that access would be given to NCDMB members to be monitoring and for other necessary functions to make sure that all protocols are observed.
Wabote said that eligibility transaction for the fund comprised transaction connected with oil and gas services contracts, contracts that boost the operations and viability of qualifying members.
Others are transactions for the supply of low earned assets and other equipment for the execution of oil and gas contracts for IOCs, indigenous and National oil companies.
“The suit of collaterals requirement will cover loans under the scheme listed as follows , certified invoices by NEXIM, association guarantee, when we get all the necessary documentation that such an association is viable , assignment of contracts , cooperate guarantee are also considered by NEXIM .
“Irrevocable domiciliation of proceeds is also part of requirement, irrevocable standing payment order from the receiving banks will also be looked at as part of the requirement and insurance cover with NCDMB and NEXIM noted as payees .
“Each party to the scheme, NCDMB and NEXIM shall bear 50 per cent credit risk for loan repayment and will be entitled to equal share of interest income, each month,’’ he said.
He said that after provision for of the 0 5 per cent of capacity building of operators of the NEXIM shall in addition remit to NCDMB interest on the undisbursed portion of the fund.
He said that NEXIM would also provide the brain work and facilities for joint monitoring of loan utilisation and project execution by both NCDMB and NEXIM and maintain separate books of account for the scheme.
According to him, relevant NCDMB office will have access from time to time.
“NCDMB shall be responsible for appointment of external auditors that would carry out annual statutory audits for the scheme each year as required by law.
“This whole process was subjected to NCDMB governing council and approved as what must be done to support the oil and gas industry ,’’ he added .
He commended the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Chief Timipre Sylva for the support in getting the scheme available.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of NEXIM, Mr Abba Bello said the bank was pleased to be part of the fund to ensure that services were afloat in the oil and gas sector.
He said that it would surprise many that NEXIM was involved in oil and gas issues but this was because service was also exportable.
“As oil and gas sectors of other African countries, especially open up the capacities that we have built over time in the Nigerian sector becomes exportable to African countries and oil economies.
“We are very happy to be part of this and we are going to support the development and build enough capacity of indigenous service providers to be able to take them to other oil economies.
“We believe that services provide over 15 per cent of Nigeria GDP, we should be able to take out into other climes , this partnership with NCDMB is a step towards our aspiration to take services into the continent and eventually to the global market ,’’ he said.
GCR Gives Highest Credit Rating To MTN Nigeria

Global Credit Ratings (GCR) has upscaled  the national scale long-term issuer rating of MTN Nigeria Communications Plc (MTN Nigeria) to AAA and affirmed the national scale short-term rating of A1+, with a stable outlook.
Besides, GCR upgraded the national scale long-term rating of the recently concluded N110 billion Series 1 Senior Unsecured Bond to AAA with a stable outlook.
 MTN Nigeria is the first mobile network operator in Africa to be accorded such ratings by GCR.
GCR explained that the ratings accorded to MTN Nigeria reflects its  strong competitive position as the leading provider of telecommunications services in Nigeria, as well as its strong earnings and cash flow which has supported a robust financial profile.”
Speaking on the rating, Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, said, “We are delighted with the outcome of the GCR rating. This demonstrates the resilience of our business and positions MTN Nigeria as the benchmark of reference for the information and communications technology sector for long-dated, fixed-term instruments. As we continue to invest in our network and strengthen our risk management processes, we remain focused on sustaining and accelerating growth in line with our Ambition 2025 strategy.”
 Senate Indicts NSA Over Diversion  Of $2.3bn

The  Senate has indicted the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) in an alleged diversion of N1, 075, 266, 599.06, $2, 301, 329.54 and €196, 257.42 by the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA)
The money  which consists of local and foreign currencies, was meant for the Presidential Implementation Committee on Marine Safety and Security (PICOMSS).
A report by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts stated that the fund was diverted into the NSA account contrary to a February 21, 2007, directive approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Presenting the report before the Senate at the plenary,Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Account, Senator Matthew Urhoghide (PDP Edo South),he also disclosed that the NPA received reminder for the settlement of annual PICCOMS  contributions from 2008–2012 totaling N238, 948, 138.12, $238,540.80 and €168, 220.64 respectively.
He said: “The agency also failed to provide evidence to show that the money was used for marine safety and security as directed by the Federal Ministry of Transport and approved by the Federal Executive Council.”
The Senate panel ordered that the NPA should revert to the PICOMSS account, all monies in local and foreign currencies diverted to the NSA.
This include the sum of N1, 314, 214, 737.18, $2, 539, 870.34 and €364, 478.06
Besides, the Senate ordered the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) to refund the sum of $37,672,939.75 to the federation account, meant for contingency provision on the contract for the rehabilitation of the Lagos Harbour moles.
The query submitted to plenary by the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Urhoghide,  followed a report by the office of the Auditor General of the federation.
In the report, the committee disclosed that the contract sum of N417, 099, 309.06 as disbursed by the NPA was not duly approved by the Federal Executive Council, and was also not approved by the Tender Committee of the agency.
The report also accused the agency of refusing to furnish the Federal Executive Council with detailed information on the utilization of the contingency fund before it was approved by FEC.