The Sokoto Sultanate Council has directed the Muslim Ummah to start looking out for the new moon of Jumadal Thani 1445 AH this evening, the equivalent of 29th day of Jumadal Awwal 1445 AH.
A statement yesterday by the Sarkin Malaman of Sokoto, Alhaji Yahaya Muhammad Boyi, said any information on sighting the new moon should be reported to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
Less than one year into his first term of four-years as the Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Gabriel Aduku was yesterday removed by the leadership of the forum and immediately replaced with Mamman Mike Osman (SAN).
The new leadership of the ACF was announced to reporters via a communiqué signed by the Forum’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Mohammed-Baba.
But no reason was given for Aduku’s removal.
Meanwhile, when asked for the reason behind Arc Aduku’s sudden removal as the ACF Chairman, the National Publicity Secretary said, “No ACF Chairman was “elected” as such. A set of persons were selected and presented but were never inaugurated.”
Confirming the legitimacy of the new leadership as contained in the communiqué, Prof. Muhammad-Baba said: “The list was reviewed by ACF’s Leadership Selection Committee; it is the final list that was now presented, approved by the joint Assembly & inaugurated.
“Whosoever that wasn’t inaugurated today simply didn’t make it in the final list as presented by the Leadership Selection Committee.
“Foremost before the meeting the endorsement of new leadership for ACF, which was approved and inaugurated as follows: the Chairman, BOT, Alhaji Bashir Mohammed Dalhatu, Deputy Chairman, BOT, Senator Fred Orti, Vice Chairman, BOT, Amb. Ibrahim Mai Sule, Chairman, NEC, Mamman Mike Osman, Secretary General Alhaji Murtala Aliyu.
“The new Chairman, ACF’s NEC, Osman, in his acceptance speech paid tribute to the founding members of ACF. The new NEC, he pledged, will reinvigorate a new ACF that will be different in outlook and impact as it seeks to contribute to national discourse on issues relevant to the Nigeria Project.”
However, Kogi East Elders Council (KEEC) as well as Arewa Youth Vanguard said they had earlier uncovered alleged plans by Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello to cause cracks in the leadership of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) with the intention to cause the removal of the chairman of the Forum, Gabriel Aduku.
The two independent bodies said in a separate press statements that Governor Bello did not take it lightly the visit of ACF chairman to the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, shortly before the November 11, off-season election in Kogi State to request among others, the beefing up of security in the North and particularly, Kogi State, which was sliding into anarchy due to Insecurity.
However, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kogi State, Kingsley Fanwo, ignored the messages sent to him.
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has commenced an expanded computation project for verified Pensioners and Next-of-Kin of deceased pensioners, with a view to resolving their complaints of non-payment of Gratuity and Death Benefits respectively.
Head, Corporate Communications Unit, Olugbenga Ajayi, Dr. Chioma Ejikeme said the expanded project became necessary following a deluge of complaints from some pensioners and Next-of-Kin of deceased pensioners over non-payment of their Gratuity and Death Benefits many years after verification.
Ejikeme explained that the delay in NoK payments was as a result of the thorough and painstaking scrutiny NoK documents are subjected to in order to avoid paying to the wrong beneficiary, as well as delays in getting responses from some organisations the deceased pensioners retired from.
“The Expanded Project will check and categorize all verified NoK files and claims of non-payment of Gratuity with the aim of identifying and paying all eligible NoK and pensioners with unpaid Gratuity,” Ejikeme said.
The Directorate, therefore, calls on Next-of-Kin of deceased pensioners who have been verified by PTAD but are yet to receive their payments, to send their complaints to nokcomplaints@ptad.gov.ng to enable the Project Team investigate and resolve their complaints.
National Chairman of IEYLN, Comrade Gonet Nensok, said, the group was happy to identify with “a man who has lived his life defending the cause of ethnic groups that made up an entity called Nigeria.”
He said the pivotal role the former Chief of Army Staff played in keeping the unity of Nigeria cannot easily be forgotten, noting that “therefore, the need to wish him Happy birthday at 86 and pray for more years in good health has become imperative.”
The statement reads: “We are proud to identify with a man who has contributed in shaping the history of our dear country. A quintessential elder-statesman whose unwavering commitment and love for his country is reverberating in the minds of the younger generation.”
He said despite his age, Gen. Danjuma (rtd) has continued to defend the cause of indigenous ethnic nationality of Nigeria, adding that his experience over the years was now needed to groom the youths that will take over his place as he grows older.
The Minister of Sports John Enoh is set to grace the much anticipated Abuja Metro Basketball Tournament hosted by Africa Multicultural World Foundation, PCRC Youths & Diaspora Department and Mo Arena.
Scheduled to hold Dec. 15, many Nollywood stars and celebrities are also expected to be in attendance.
The Minister has hosted the tournament organisers in his office where he endorsed it and agreed to participate actively.
The basketball tournament will see elite players compete for Africa Multicultural World Foundation MVP Title
It will also mark the official launching of the Sports arm of Africa Multicultural World Foundation.
The CEO Africa Multicultural World Foundation and SSA Youths & Diaspora Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) Amb. Dr. Krystal Chanchangi is expected to make the celebrity appearance as the host.
The tournament is designed to champion sports culture and empower next generation of youth through skills development and global exposure.
It will also feature conferment of awards on deserving individuals, including, Nollywood stars such as Uzee Usman, Yakubu Muhammad, Maryam Booth, AlexReports and a host of others.
It will hold at MO Arena, 43 Accra Street, Wuse Zone 5 Abuja at 6pm.
The exciting competition will feature surprise half-time performance, Nollywood meets Sports culture, Award ceremony to philanthropic contributors.
Team registrations for 2024 Abuja Metro Tournament has equally commenced.
Organisers say it will be a fun way to kick off the festive season.
My name is RTD Major/Gen.A.O.Aladenola. The journey of my diabetes started on a terrific Tuesday morning. I received an emergency call from my superior officer to attend a security briefing in Abuja the next morning which is Tuesday. I woke up early to catch up with the early morning flight; that 45 minutes journey was the beginning of my predicament.
I visited the restroom 5 times which became very embarrassing. Ultimately I knew something was wrong and as I put a call through to my doctor, I was advised to immediately go to the hospital.
Immediately I managed to finish my meeting which was another embarrassing moment, I checked into our base hospital where a comprehensive checkup was conducted on me and it was discovered that I had diabetes and my sugar level was 385mg. I was admitted and placed on insulin. That was how the journey started and it has been a terrific one – injecting myself every day with a dosage of insulin.
The situation got worsened when I had a wound on my leg which later became sore. At a point, my leg was considered to be amputated but I refused blatantly I traveled to India, Saudi Arabia, and the UK, but all to no avail. The predicament led to my early retirement from the Military.
MY ENCOUNTER WITH NKHAMBI
My Childhood friend Charles was in the known of my ordeal with diabetes. He called me one fateful day and informed me about what he saw on the page of a Newspaper concerning diabetes and sent a number to call but I didn’t bother till about a week later when my nurse came to the house for the routine treatment of my leg.
Reluctantly I put a call through and explained my predicament to the fellow who assured me that I will be well and the sore will heal up.
I was told that I will use the medication for 6 months for a total cure, but within 2 months the sore will heal up. He sounded very convincing. So I ordered 2 months’ treatment. The first thing I noticed when I commenced the medication was that it helped to free my bowel and anytime I visited the toilet, what comes out of me was unexplainable.
After 3 weeks on the medication, the sore was drying up and my nurse was also shocked – all other symptoms like my blurry vision and tingling sensations on my feet were subsiding. But what shocked me to the marrow was that within 7 weeks of administering NKHAMBI the SORE healed up and my sugar came down to 115 – 120mg.
I ordered the complete dosage as advised, and after 4 months I started eating what I desired without restriction and all symptoms of diabetes had vanished; no more fluctuation of blood sugar.
Now I am healthy after 18 years of battling diabetes which almost claim my leg. Thanks to NKHAMBI and I recommend it for anybody having any type of DIABETES
ABOUT NKHAMBI
NKHAMBI is a composition of carefully selected herbs across three (3) continents and is formulated into capsules under highly hygienic condition.This medication helps to rejuvenate the cells in the Pancreas that produces insulin in the body.Human bodies uses insulin to take the sugar from carbohydrates we eat and convert to energy that the body requires.
NKHAMBI DIABETES TOTAL SOLUTION
https://youtu.be/FM0JzD9dzS4
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
•TRIGONELLA FEONUM-GRAECUM •GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE •PANAX SPP •CINNAMOMUM CASSIA VERUM
DIABETES INDICATION
•Frequent Urination •Blurry Vision •Weight loss •Numb and Tingly of Feet or Hands •Thirstiness and Hunger
Thou there are cases when a chronic increases in blood sugar for a while may not have such typical for diabetes manifestation but early detection and treatment is always advised.
TESTIMONY
This is Mrs.Abigail.O from Owerri, she commenced NKHAMBI DIABETES TOTAL SOLUTION a month ago.
Her leg has been condemned for amputation by medical doctors, but after just a month of using NKHAMBI the leg is dried up and she has to stop insulin. After 2months on the medication she is walking with the leg now
He gave the assurance at a stakeholder’s interactive session on Creating Value and Enabling Investments in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector organised by Chevron Nigeria Plc.
Lokpobiri, in a statement said the country had the capacity to increase crude oil production to 2 million bpd.
Expressing his commitment to fostering collaboration with stakeholders to enhance the country’s oil and gas sector amidst his ambitious target for 2024, the Minister said the Federal Government would sustain stakeholders’ engagement.
“The success of the upstream sector will determine the success of the midstream and the downstream.
“And as a government, we are willing to sustain that engagement with the stakeholders so that in 2024 and beyond, we will ensure that we produce not just 1.7 million bpd that we need for our budget but ensure that we produce what is needed to meet the local demand,” he said.
The Minister outlined the trajectory of sector growth since the current administration took office, starting at about 1 million barrels per day and steadily increasing to 1.4 million barrels per day.
He expressed his ambition to continue this upward trajectory, highlighting the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for stakeholders to thrive.
“As a new government that is business-friendly, with a clear mandate to ramp up production, we are willing to ensure that our fiscal regime is competitive globally.
“My appeal is that this old marriage, let us manage it, sustain it and improve on it. Whatever your concerns may be, let us put them on the table to disagree to agree,” Lokpobiri said.
He reassured stakeholders of the government’s diligent effort to address challenges facing the sector and provide the best playing field for both International Oil Companies (IOCs) and independents to make the necessary investments.
“As a country, we have the capacity to produce more than 2 million barrels per day. We have identified the issues bedeviling the sector and are already working on them.
“I would replicate this programme with all the IOCs and independents so that we can make the sector work for all of us and Nigerians at large, and I know that 2024 will be a much better year,” he added.
The minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to rehabilitate refineries and ensure the functionality of modular refineries to enhance the country’s refining capacity, meet local and regional demands, and thrive internationally.
The Minister, however, urged stakeholders to join hands in building a robust oil and gas sector that would contribute significantly to the economic growth and development of Nigeria.
Recall that the Federal Government, in the Appropriation Bill, gave an average crude oil production benchmark of 1.78 mb/d, and a crude oil price benchmark of $77.96.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU’s) Partner2Connect Digital Coalition identified new connectivity projects valued at $7 billion in Nigeria and other parts of the world this year, the United Nations (UN) tech agency said at the second annual meeting yesterday in Geneva, Switzerland.
The new commitments increase to nearly $37 billion the value of resources mobilized by Partner2Connect (P2C) since the pledging platform opened in March 2022.
ITU reported earlier this year that 2.6 billion people around the world still live without a connection to the Internet. The new resources are expected to help increase access to affordable and meaningful connectivity for those that remain offline.
ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, said: “Partner2Connect is about big numbers but even bigger human impact stories. Behind the numbers are people and organizations committed to making a difference in the lives of hard-to-connect communities.”
Data presented at the annual meeting show strong focus on programmes targeting the gender digital divide and benefitting the globe’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Women are specified among the beneficiary groups in over half of the pledges in the Partner2Connect platform. Earlier this year, ITU’s Facts and Figures 2023 showed that only 65 per cent of women use the Internet compared with 70 per cent of men.
One-third of the pledges target at least one of the world’s Least Developed Countries. The Internet is currently considered to be affordable in only two of the 46 LDCs.
In 2023, ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau held a series of regional matchmaking roundtables to ensure that the needs or priorities of individual countries and regions were matched with partner pledges to help operationalize the announced commitments.
Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, said: “The Partner2Connect Digital Coalition is one of ITU’s key global multi-stakeholder initiatives. The matchmaking roundtables are crucial for guaranteeing tangible impact on the ground and enhancing people’s quality of life through universal and meaningful Internet connectivity.”
Earlier this year, ITU called for $100 billion in pledges by 2026 to mobilize the expertise, resources, and investment for projects to reach those in the hardest-to-connect communities.
Overall, the number of pledges received by Partner2Connect this year increased by 55 per cent, with the number of pledging entities rising by close to 60 per cent. By the end of 2023, almost three-quarters of the 280 pledges reported on were in progress.
Among other commitments highlighted at the annual meeting were pledges dedicated to providing connectivity for refugees and advancing digitally-driven climate action. The commitments related to refugee connectivity were made ahead of UNHCR’s Global Refugee Forum, at which additional pledges involving ITU will be announced.
Updates on existing pledges and announcements of new pledges were also made by the P2C Champions – Amazon, Microsoft, and ZTE – organizations who have all committed to helping maximize the impact of the P2C Digital Coalition, broaden support for its activities, and strengthen coordination with similar platforms.
The second Partner2Connect Annual Meeting closed with the 10th EQUALS in Tech Awards Ceremony, introduced by Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice of York, a prominent advocate for women’s rights who has championed initiatives that promote inclusivity and equality.
The EQUALS in Tech Awards celebrate initiatives, projects, organizations, and institutions that have displayed extraordinary commitment to bridging the gender divide in the realm of digital technologies.
In a statement, the Alert Microfinance Bank said the new licence underscores its commitment to enhancing financial services and responding to the evolving needs of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
Following its receipt of financial institution license from the apex bank in 2014, Alert Microfinance Bank has provided a comprehensive range of financial services, including savings, current, and fixed deposit accounts. The newly acquired state license further empowers the lender to expand its commitment to serving micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and the wider public.
At a recently attended forum held in Lagos by valued customers and partners, Alert Microfinance Bank expressed gratitude for their continued support.
The event served as a platform for engaging with customers, gathering feedback, and introducing groundbreaking banking solutions. During the forum, Alert Microfinance Bank unveiled its cutting-edge Alert Mobile App and introduced the innovative Kolo Ajo Savings Product, marking a transformative moment for its growing customer base.
Speaking at the forum, Group CEO of Alert Group, Olanrewaju Kazeem, highlighted another remarkable achievement, stating that Alert MFB’s shareholders’ funds have exceeded N1.5 billion, and its balance sheet currently is more than N11 billion.
He emphasised the organisation’s dedication to ensuring secure access and efficient management of funds for seamless transactions, leading to the introduction these two unique products.
“Looking ahead, Alert Microfinance Bank has set ambitious goals, including collaborating with partners to onboard one million customers over the next four years, expanding into 10 new cities across Lagos, making significant investments in its workforce and their compensation, and enlisting the services of seasoned professionals to support its target of reaching N200 billion in total assets within the next five years,” a statement from the bank said.
Alert MfB has reorganized its board structure to ensure growth while maintaining strict compliance with regulatory and internal policies in alignment with its commitment to regulatory adherence.
Beyond financial services, Alert MFB reaffirms its commitment to social responsibility by supporting orphanages, women, and the girl-child with goods, training, and affordable funding.
According to the CEO of Alert Microfinance Bank, Raji Afolabi Saheed, the bank is now positioned to accelerate its growth plan, provide exciting products to customers, and ensure improved returns to all stakeholders. He said, “We are here to change the financial landscape for good.”
The National Council on Privatization (NCP) has set up an ad-hoc committee to fast track the restructuring and resuscitation of the Bank of Agriculture (BoA).
A statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, said setting up the ad-hoc committee was in a bid to ensure better service delivery in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chaired the maiden meeting of the reconstituted NCP at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, emphasised the importance of the tasks before the new Council, particularly the rejuvenation of BoA, among others.
Speaking after presentation of the agenda and matters arising by the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Dr Alex Okoh, the VP listed the composition of the ad hoc committee, saying a lot will depend on the decisions of the Council in the months ahead.
“We have to make some far reaching decisions on the restructuring of the Bank of Agriculture because the bank will be critical to the realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration. It is very important for us and for this administration,” he noted.
According to the Vice President, the Finance Minister, Mr Wale Edun will Chair the ad hoc committee, while members include, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu; CBN Governor, Dr Yemi Cardoso; Rep of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI); Chairmen of the NCP Technical and Legal Committees; a member of the NCP, Alhaji Mohammed Mustapha Bintube, and the DG BPE will serve as Secretary.
VP Shettima urged the committee to come up with a roadmap for the resuscitation of the BOA, among other resolutions.
The Vice President had earlier in his opening address set the tone for the deliberations, urging members to take every task seriously. “We will be meeting more frequently because we have to support the President to execute the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he noted.
The Council also approved the completion of the concession of the 700MW Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant and particularly directed the opening of a dedicated account at the Debt Management Office for the payment of the concession fees by the concessionaire.
Vice President Shettima directed the CBN governor to commence the opening of the account at the DMO as proposed by the BPE.
Yet another major decision taken at the meeting was the ratification of constituted standing committees for the Council, comprising the Technical, Stakeholder Engagement, Finance and Legal committees.
Also approved at the maiden NCP meeting was the 2024 workplan of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) covering its privatization activities and participation in international forums to attract interest in the country’s privatization programme.
Present at the meeting were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu; Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu; Minister of Transportation, Sen. Sa’idu Alkali; CBN Governor, Dr Yemi Cardoso, and Chairman of the reconstituted Technical Committee, Mr Oye Odukale, among other Council members.
