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Tag: David B. Lawal

  • Saraki speaks on Success of 2016 Budget

    Saraki speaks on Success of 2016 Budget

    The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday said if the 2016 Budget is going to be realistic and successful, emphasis should be on the non oil and independent revenue generating sources.

    The Senate President said this while answering questions from Senate Correspondents after commissioning the newly upgraded and refurbished Senate Press Centre at the National Assembly in Abuja.

    Saraki said that the eighth Senate will focus attention on the revenue generating areas and to ensure that all leakages are blocked.

    Speaking in a statement signed by Sanni Onogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Saraki stated that though the 2016 budget proposal is ambitious but it can be achieved if all that is necessary to make it work is put in place.

    When asked if the 2016 budget is implementable in view of the dwindling price of crude oil at the international market, Saraki said: “I think this is one of the reasons why we are having the MDAs defend their proposals before the Committees to be able to test some of the scenarios and some of the assumptions, particularly on the revenue side. if you look at the revenue, out of about N3.8trillion, N3trillion is coming from non-oil and independent revenue.

    “The success of the budget, in my own view is less on the benchmark. It is more on those two items – non-oil revenue and independent revenue – and that is why we directed our Committee on Finance and other relevant Committees to really scrutinize the revenue side.

    “Even the Senate leadership intends to also engage with the ministries as well to really check those two lines, because that is really where the questions come on whether it is achievable. Before we put our signature to it, we need to be sure that those funds are there.

    “I believe they are ambitious but it is a good sign, because it begins to make us less dependent on oil. Because if N830billion is coming from oil revenue and it is only 23%.

    So, even if the price of oil goes down or up, we are not really so much vulnerable than that of the time oil revenue was accounting for 70 of our revenue. From that point of view, I believe that once we can do that, it is achievable,” he said.

    The Senate President also advised the executive to put a proper plan in place for implementing the budget now that the National Assembly is working to pass it in record time.

    He said the National Assembly would soon amend the Public Procurement Act to facilitate quick implementation of the budget.

    “But also talking about being achievable or implementable, already, some of the things we are going to look at and which we are going to advise the executive on is that while we are working on the budget now, they too should also start making a plan on how to implement the budget because what tends to happen is that even after we have passed a budget, the administration or its bureaucracy sometimes makes the budget difficult to be realisable.

    “And two areas: one is looking at the procurement process and it is very likely that we will need to come out with an amendment bill as regards to certain areas of the procurement law. That is something that we are likely to come out with very soon. People are looking at that now to see again how we can assist the executive to see that the budget is implementable,” he said.

    On the need for transparency and openness in the National Assembly budget, Saraki said: “On the issue of National Assembly, I think I’ve kept on repeating this many times. If you remember, even during the time the leadership was constituted, one of the issues that came forward was that we will have an open and transparent Eight Senate and I still want to be held to that.

    “Also during this process, of course, National Assembly budget too will also be debated and by the time the final document is out, I can assure you that we are going to move away from the time of one line item for the National Assembly to a National Assembly where there will be a break down according to different sections of the institution.”

    While commenting on the remodeled and refurbished Senate Press Centre, Saraki said the 8th Senate is poised to leave a good legacy behind in all aspects of the National Assembly.

    He said: “It (upgraded Senate Press Centre) signifies a commitment that we all see that in the Eight Senate, we will ensure that every aspect, we are poised to do things differently. We will try and improve on what we met and I hope by the time we finish our tenure, we would have left the Senate better than we met it.”

    Earlier, Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi said the Press Centre was refurbished to create a befitting working environment for journalists reporting the activities of the Senate.

    Abdullahi said: “What we have done here with your magnanimous support, we have turned this place around so that when we come here to speak to Nigerians about the Senate, let Nigerians see that the environment we are doing it is befitting of that institution.”

    In his response, Vice Chairman of the Senate Press Corps, Shagari Sumbo thanked the leadership of the Senate for improving on the Senate Press Centre and making it more conducive for the Correspondents to carry out their assignments.

    [news_box style=”2″ display=”tag” link_target=”_blank” tag=”Budget” count=”8″ show_more=”on” show_more_type=”link”]

  • UN Security Council condemn Dalori attack

    The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the horrific terrorist attacks on 30 January, 2016 attributed to Boko Haram in Dalori village in north eastern Nigeria.

    The insurgents’ inhuman attack resulted in a large number of deaths and casualties.

    The members of the Security Council expressed their deep condolences and sympathy to the families and friends of those killed and injured by these heinous acts, as well as to the people and the Government of Nigeria.

    The members of the Security Council commended the efforts of the region, including through the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), to effectively combat Boko Haram and encourage further progress in this regard.

    The Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

    The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice.

    They stressed that those responsible for these terrorist attacks should be held accountable, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard.

    The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever and whenever, and by whomsoever committed.

    They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

  • Saving Nigerians from eye problem – CEO Bohus Biotech

    Saving Nigerians from eye problem – CEO Bohus Biotech

    [dropcap]C[/dropcap]hief Daniel Chuks Ogbonnaya is president and founder of Bohus Biotech AB, a Swedish biotechnology company. With a long history of developing and manufacturing hyaluronic acid raw material and products through the use of research, Ogbonnaya who has developed a wide range of pharmaceutical products used across five continents in eye surgeries, as well as anti-aging formula amongst others, spoke with David Lawal about his new eye clinic in Nigeria and factors responsible for the increase in blindness among children.

    Your company Bohus Biotech was established in Sweden in 1992, tell us about it.

    Before I founded Bohus Biotech in Sweden, I worked in a big company called Phamarcia. It was the biggest pharmaceutical and bio-technology company in that country and it was founded in Sweden in 1911. The company merged with the American pharmaceutical company, Upjohn in 1995. At that time, I was on Research and Development Session. Already, I was involved in a process whereby we will help sell the technology and eye products to Nigeria. But then, the idea did not materialise for one reason or the other – most likely, political. Later on, around 1999 or 1998, I was called by a friend from Germany, Professor Cock, who told me he had contacts in Nigeria and that the ruling party at the time, under President Obasanjo, wanted to do something for the grassroots. Naturally, we were very happy. Another Nigerian in Germany, one Prof. Anyanwu was also involved in that project. We met and they gave us the contact in Northern Nigeria, but unfortunately, the whole thing, as usual, ended in the sand.

    Why, if I may ask?

    To be honest with you, I don’t know. All of a sudden, the money was just not there. It was a lot of gigantic plans. The plans were perfect to get the doctors from Sweden and Germany. We were to be flying them around the country to help treat eye problems and give them medications, which was fantastic. As at that time, the population of cataracts sufferers was at 2.5 million. You can imagine, I am talking of 1999. Can one imagine where we are today, if there is any statistics on it. So after the failure of the project, I realised that somebody must do something. I started planning to maybe start from small scale; but at least to show to the people that we can do it.

    So now, 24 years after, you have finally established an eye clinic in Nigeria. What brought you home this time?

    I have been working on this for the past 5 years. We were trying to put up the complete eye clinic for cataracts operation and correcting eye defects, but the cost of putting up such project really caused the delay.

    Also, at a time, the Rotary Club in my town in Abia State was involved. They wanted to help but when I explained the cost implications amounting to about N3million, they pulled out because it was too high for them. Meanwhile, the clinic has always been my dream; to help people to see and not go blind. Then I concluded on my own to go ahead with it. Finally, the dream came through on the 6th of January, 2016. We were able to inaugurate the eye clinic, GOK Eye Centre in a town called Uzuakoli in Abia State.

    Talking about an eye clinic, why Abia State and not somewhere in the North, where eye diseases are predominant?

    I was born and raised in Abia State and that is the place I know best. That is where I got the idea from that, okay this is a problem in this part of the world. Besides, I have not travelled a lot in Nigeria. I usually come into Lagos and then to my home town.

     

    Before GOK Eye Centre in Abia, how else has Bohus Biotech impacted Nigerians?

    We established the daughter company here in Nigeria in 2010 and that is in Lagos. By then, we had two employees working with our help from Sweden to distribute our products nationwide; today we have about 15 covering 50% of the country. Meanwhile, the goal is to cover the whole of Nigeria and supply them with the products which will be used for treating eye diseases.

    What is your disposition to the need for political involvement before any major project can be implemented?

    I do not believe in political involvements because politics complicate things.

    Are you speaking from experience?

    Yes. Take for instance the project I just spoke about that was to take place under Obasanjo, that was a political involvement. The idea was that the PDP wanted to show the grassroots that they could do things for them.

    What’s your opinion on the increasing rate of eye problem among children?

    I think a lot of things are involved. Firstly, the environment in which we are living. This includes the weather; the sun, then the food we eat. Some diseases can be linked with diet. And these days, Nigerians are moving away from our local delicacies. Now, we want to copy the Europeans. You see people eating all sorted of imported foodstuffs. Of course, that really contributes to the increase of eye problems in this country.

    What habits do you think Nigerians engage in that can trigger eye problems?

    From the scientific point of view, there are claims that the Ozone layers are becoming thinner and thinner, and the more it gets thinner, the more it affects the eye. For example, in Australia, you have to make use of a Sun shade. Also, you have to swim with your clothes on. You don’t go around with bare body. Another thing I observe in this country is that people shave their hair? The hair is protective to you. God gave us to use to protect the skull from the heat of the Sun, but now everybody is shaving. The implication is that tomorrow they would suffer one diseases or the other and they will say it is my neighbour that wants to kill me, not knowing that they are the ones killing themselves. I mean, when you are talking of temperature of between 30 and 35C, the ground must be really cooking. So why should anyone be shaving their hair? It’s not good.

    Also, we should wear clothes that reflect the Sun and not the ones that absolve the Sun. It is very important. That’s something I usually forget as part of the factors contributing to it when you asked me. Also, watching the television.

    Watching television or closeness to the electronic set?

    I mean watching television, it does not matter the proximity. What matters is how long you stay watching it. Then exposure to computer screen. You can see that if you are on the computer for a long time, after a while you start blinking more, that’s because the eye is tired.

    Painfully more and more kids are exposed to computer games, television and computer…

    Ooh yes, you see more kids carrying Tablets, iPads, playing with it and then the parents are happy for giving the kids something, not knowing they are destroying them. Anyway, there is nothing wrong with those things but we should limit their usage and over-dependence on them. You can say okay, you watch television from this time to that time; not leave the kids to themselves.

    How do you think the use of preservatives affect us as a people?

    Of course, it does affect us. Any chemical that you pump into the body, it does not matter where, has a side effect. If you look at our eye-drop, it is preservative-free. Because we do not know what happens if you have preservatives in the eye-drop and somebody puts it in the eye in this part of the world and then is exposed to the heat. What could be the reactions?

    Sadly, you have not been to the North at all…

    Not for many years now. Before I left for Europe, I used to live in Kano, so I know very much about the North. I was in Jos, Plateau State; Zaria in Kaduna State, but I haven’t been there for some time now.

    A lot of things have changed

    Of course. It is my goal one of these days to travel up north, just to see what Kano looks like. It will definitely happen. In fact, I have not been to Abuja recently.

    Besides Abia State where you recently inaugurated the clinic, where else do you wish to move to next?

    Like I said earlier, I think somewhere in the North will be okay.

    Will it take almost same time as the first clinic?

    No, it won’t because from what we have done, we may get some hands to help us facilitate our building of subsequent clinics all over the nation.

    Finally, what’s your advice to Nigerians on how to manage their eyes? What kind food would you recommend?

    We should go back to nature. Meaning we eat those food stuffs that are our local foods. There are some fruits that are good for the eyes. Vegetable like okra is very good for the eye because it contains those elements that are good for the eyes. Then vegetables like pumpkin leaves have been tested to be good for the eyes. Finally, eat a lot of fruits; pawpaw, mango, oranges are very healthy both for the body and the eyes.

  • Consumersng Awards announce winners

    Consumersng Awards announce winners

    Consumersng has announced Ondo State, GTBank, Jumia, Etisalat among 16 other corporate entities/governmental bodies listed as the 20 Consumer Brands of the year.

    Consumersng is an online platform advocating for a more consumer-centric ambience in Nigeria and to promote a fair play between businesses.

    The winners in the different categories are, E-governance- Ondo’s smartcart (Kaadi Igbe Ayo); Bank of the year- GTBank; Beauty and Cosmetics (Innovations)- Natures Gentle Touch; Real estate site of the year: Lamudi’; Social Enterprise (Impact)- BudgiT; Corporate Finance- Dunn Loren Merrifield; Job creation- Jobberman; Transport (innovation)- Easy Taxi.

    Others are, Online retailer- Jumia; Health service- Flying Doctors Nigeria; Telecoms- Etisalat; Foods/drinks related services- Hellofood; Logistics – Konga Express; New Media (Innovations)- Iroko TV; Printing (Innovation of the year), Printivo; Hospitality/Tourism (Innovations)- Jovago; Education Site of the year- Passng; Car Search site of the year – Carmudi Online payment platform- Interswitch; Agriculture- Nobex Tech.

    Speaking about the awards, Head, Communications, Consumersng, Funsho Williams-A, said that the idea is initiated in recognition of brands who are best adopting high tech/digital initiatives in easing the burden of service delivery which is otherwise encountered between manufacturers and consumers.

    She added: “We commend the dynamic disposition of the 20 winning brands towards the businesses they do, and assure that we will do all in our capacity to position them as models for others to emulate in a country where consumer rights appreciation/people-centered plans are continually on the decline.

    “While this award might not mirror the impressive financial gains of service providers, it is our pride that the idea is based on consumer’s merit and it reflects the reality of services valued.

    “Activities which entails a voting process, which was opened to consumers online for a week, as well as recommendations from other notable industry watchers were all put into consideration in deciding the winning brands of the day in the 20 categories.”

  • I received Obasanjo’s letter – Saraki

    I received Obasanjo’s letter – Saraki

    The senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki on Wednesday acknowledged that he received a letter from former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday after plenary.

    According to the Senate President, the former President in his letter, called the attention of the National Assembly to some issues.

    Saraki made this known in a statement on his website saying: “I want to assure President Obasanjo that the leadership and membership of the 8th Senate are committed to good governance, transparency, accountability, due process and responsiveness to the economic reality of our nation.

    “It is for this reason that the legislative chamber has introduced bold and progressive reforms in the management of the finances of the National Assembly.

    “This is of even greater importance during a tough fiscal period for our country.

    “Like I said during my closing address at the plenary after our debate on the 2016 Budget, the Senate must lead by example in terms of our own funding, budgets and accountability – showing, beyond doubt, value for money.

    “I have canvassed that we must lay bare the budget of the Senate, nay the National Assembly and its affiliated institutions.

    “I equally canvassed the need to strengthen the capacity of the legislative institution to carry our effective oversight of the executive arm so that we can ensure the budget leads to the realization of the policy objectives of the Buhari Administration.

    “Again, let me reiterate my position in the speech I made this morning on the need for us to work towards blocking all areas of revenue leakages while also strengthening the anti-corruption agencies so that the little resources that are now available will serve the interest of the overwhelming majority.”

    He then promised to reply to the letter by Obasanjo acknowledging him as ‘a father of the nation that we all hold in high esteem’.

    “I intend to reply the letter and outline the actions the Senate is taking to address his concerns.

    “In conclusion, I appreciate President Obasanjo for his consistent role in always reminding those of us in government about our responsibilities to the general public and offering timely advise where necessary.

  • Saraki’s position on 2016 Appropriation Bill

    Saraki’s position on 2016 Appropriation Bill

    The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki on Tuesday posted his comments on the 2016 Appropriation Bill after the Plenary.

    On Oil:
    “For the first time in the history of our great nation, 77% of our expected revenue is non-oil based. This represents a great foundation for the future.”

    On Borrowing:
    “In general summary, we were all leaning towards the fact that it is not the amount that we borrow that matters, but the projects that the money is used for. Right now – as a percentage of GDP – we are still within the limits and parameters of fiscal responsibility.”

    On Economic Diversification:
    “A lot of Senators raised observations on the fact that in the allocations to the agricultural and mineral resources sectors, the message of economic diversification was not particularly reflected. Those are the areas that we should look into.”

    On Wastage:
    “Based on our experiences in the past, we have talked about not playing the blame game. However, the issue of blocking all loopholes and leakages is key. Hence, we must pay attention to the present, to address the potential for leakages in the future.”

    On the Role of the Legislature:
    “The Executive has played its role; it is time that we as the legislature do our part.”

    On Revenue Benchmarks:
    “The issue of revenue estimates must be gotten right particularly by the Finance and Petroleum Committees. The committees must particularly scrutinize this budget so that at the end of the day we can all be proud of it.”

    On Zero-Based Budgeting:
    “The Zero Budgeting means that projects will be critically assessed to go across all zones.”

    On Legislative Malpractice in the Budgeting Process:
    “Let me make this categorically clear: there will be no room for money-for-budget in the 2016 appropriations process as sanctions will be taken. We will ensure to report all inconsistencies to the relevant agencies of the executive branch.”

  • UN remember Nazi Holocaust victims, survivors

    UN remember Nazi Holocaust victims, survivors

    The United Nations (UN) on Wednesday remembered victims of the World War l and ll between 1933 and 1945 and the courage of the survivors.

    The UN through its Information Centre (UNIC) in Lagos, educated attendees on the need to avoid the repeat of the Holocaust that claimed the lives of over six million Jews, who were systematically rounded up and exterminated.

    To this effect, UNIC on Tuesday organised a lecture for students, Non-Governmental Organisations and screened the documentary of the film: “The Path to Nazi Genocide” and Poster exhibitions as part of efforts to prevent a reoccurrence.

    History records that the Nazi (German National Socialism) also murdered Sinti and Roma, Political prisoners, homosexuals, persons with disabilities, Jehovah witnesses and Soviet prisoners of war.

    In his message, the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon described the Holocaust as a colossal crime adding that no one can deny that it happened.

    United Nations Information Officer, Oluseyi Soremekun taking Students through the photo exhibition on the Nazi Holocaust
    United Nations Information Officer, Oluseyi Soremekun conducting Students through the photos exhibition on the Nazi Holocaust.

    “By remembering the victims and honouring the courage of the survivors, and those who assisted and liberated them, we annually renew our resolve to prevent such atrocities and reject the hateful mentality that allows that,” Ki-Moon said.

    Delivered by UNIC Lagos Director, Mr. Ronald Kayanja, the message emphasised the need to educate the younger generation on the cause of such atrocities being undue discrimination among human being who consider fellow humans inferior to them and by implications, have no right to life, social interactions etcetera.

    “The principles remain essential today. People worldwide, including millions fleeing was, persecution and deprivation, continue to suffer discrimination and attacks. We have a duty to remember the past and to help those who need is now.

    “For more than a decade, the Holocaust and the United Nations outreach programme has worked to educate young people about the Holocaust.

    “Many partners, including Holocaust survivors, continue to contribute to this essential work.

    “The memory of the Holocaust is a powerful reminder of what can happen when we stop seeing our common humanity.

    “On this day of the Holocaust remembrance, I urge everyone to denounce political and religious ideologies that set people against people.

    Let us all speak or against anti-Semitism and attacks against religious, ethnics or other groups.

    “Let us create a world where dignity is respected diversity is celebrated and peace is permanent,” he maintained.

    Schools present include Falomo Junior and Senior High School, Ireti Senior and Junior Grammar School, Holy Child’s College, all in Ikoyi, Lagos as well as Southfield College, Bariga, Lagos mainland.

    Also at the lecture were representatives of different NGOs and partners of UNIC Lagos.

    They are: Ms Edna Dafe from Women’s Board, Ms Nnena Ukoha of All Nigerian United Nations Students Association (ANUNSA), Mr Niyi Adekunle from Yes I Believe.

    Others are Ms Mary Nwadike – Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) and Mr Ganiu Owolabi.

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  • Face the reality that PDP is dead, Aregbesola to Fayose

    Face the reality that PDP is dead, Aregbesola to Fayose

    • as Fayose made his first visit to an APC Gov in Nigeria.

    The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on Tuesday advised the Governor of  Ekiti, Dr. Ayodele Fayose to face the reality of the death of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a party.‎

    Aregbesola said while he is not asking the governor to abandon the opposition PDP against his wish, he would only advise him to join hands with a political party that will give hope to the people of Nigeria.

    He also charged the Ekiti State governor to direct his energy towards bringing human and physical development to western region and Nigeria as a whole.

    The Governor stated this when his Ekiti counterpart paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Osogbo.

    Governor Fayose, during the visit, had said that he is in Osun not for any political reason and that he is not ready to abandon the PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC) but for his belief in the Yoruba race and her development and unity.

    Aregbesola described the visit of Governor Fayose to Osun as demonstration of maturity, saying it takes a very matured human being to know that at the end of every public office, he will be left with humanity.

    He said, “Osoko has said that he is not going to leave his party, but the reality today is that PDP has served its term in Nigeria. When a horse is dead, it is either you abandon it or you bury it.

    “I want my good friend and brother to know that PDP has exhausted it’s stay in Nigeria, it can no longer be revived, let us look at a political party that will give hope to our people. Opposition must be for a purpose, I stand by you on the unity of Yoruba land and that our leaders not put down in the country.

    “The war is over, we are in a season of mobilising our people to agriculture and produce such that we will economically have the strength to give leadership to the Nation and Africa. Our energy must be directed at bringing human and physical development, we have enough in this region to give leadership”. Aregbesola stressed.

     He assured Fayose that he will stand by him in his effort to galvanise the people of South-west for accelerated development.

    The Governor who lamented the present economic situation of the country noted that there is an invasion on the economy of Nigeria to the extent that the country is loosing 75 percent of her income due to oil glut.

    “The country is facing a very serious crises with the rate at which the crude oil price is falling. There is an invasion on the economy to the level that we are loosing 75 percent of our income which is not good.

    “At this point, wise people must have an alternative to oil which part of it is your visit. We must use our culture and affinity to form a bond that can make our people live a normal life, it is a duty that we owe our people, States and Nigeria as a whole”.

    Speaking earlier, Governor Fayose stated that against all speculations that he was coming to Osogbo to ask Aregbesola help him beg President Muhammadu Buhari, he was  in Osun for the unity of Yoruba race.

    He added that the Yoruba race is greater than any political office hence his belief in the development of the race.

    The governor averred that the visit of the Ooni of Ife to the 45th coronation of the Alaafin of Oyo is instructive hence the need for every Yoruba sons and daughters to see to the unity and progress of the race.

    He said, “This is my first official visit to any APC state in Nigeria. I am not in Osogbo to ask Aregbesola to help me beg as being speculated in some quarters. We are all Yoruba, politics is like water, it can flow anywhere.

    “I believe in the Yoruba race, the race comes first before the office of the governor. The race is eternal while that of governor is momentary. We must watch today to be guided by tomorrow. I am here for the unity of Yoruba as it affect the Oodua, the progenitor” Fayose emphasised.

  • UNHCR seeks US$545 million for Nigeria, CAR crises

    UNHCR seeks US$545 million for Nigeria, CAR crises

    The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and its partners have called on donor nations for more than half-a-billion US dollars this year to help hundreds of thousands of people forced to flee conflicts in Nigeria and the Central African Republic (CAR) and the host communities providing them with shelter and other basic services.

    The two Regional Refugee Response Plans (RRRP), presented at a donor briefing in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on Monday include US$198.76 million for 230,000 Nigerian refugees and another 284,300 members of host communities in Niger, Chad and Cameroon as well as US$345.7 million for 476,300 CAR refugees and some 289,000 people hosting them in Chad, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Republic of Congo.

    Both RRRPs cover needs in sectors such as protection, education, food security, health and nutrition, livelihoods, shelter, basic aid and water, hygiene and sanitation. The CAR appeal is being made by 25 organizations, including UNHCR and other UN agencies as well as NGOs.

    The Nigeria appeal is made by 28 organizations. UNHCR alone is seeking US$189.54 million under the Central African Republic RRRP and US$62.33 million for Nigeria.

    “These two humanitarian crises must not be forgotten; they are not going away. The suffering is great and the needs acute among both the displaced and host communities,” said Liz Ahua, UNHCR’s Regional Refugee Coordinator for the CAR and Nigeria situations.

    Ahua said violence occurs on almost a daily basis in North-East Nigeria and CAR, generating fear and new displacement in the region, citing as examples suicide attacks, kidnapping, indiscriminate killings and massive human rights abuses.

    “There is light at the end of the tunnel, but we won’t see it unless there is a much stronger commitment from African governments and the international community to help re-establish stability and peace,” Ahua said, urging donors to give more generously.

    In 2015, the Nigerian RRRP received 52 per cent of its financial requirements whilst the Central African Republic RRRP received just 27 per cent.

    Despite important steps towards restoring peace in both North-East Nigeria and CAR, there were also reverses and continuing significant population displacement in 2015. In Nigeria, the government rolled back Boko Haram gains, but the insurgent group turned to terror tactics that spread into neighbouring countries.

    In CAR, relative peace was punctuated by waves of violence that triggered flight within the country and into the DRC, but the first round of the presidential election passed peacefully in late December with the participation of tens of thousands of refugees in Chad, Republic of Congo and Cameroon. The second round is due in February.

    The crises in Nigeria and CAR will continue to provide major challenges throughout 2016 in countries such as Cameroon, which provides sanctuary and assistance to refugees from both Nigeria and CAR.

    For just this country, the appeals seek US$130.8 million to help 234,500 CAR refugees and almost 216,700 host community members and US$56.36 million for 100,000 Nigerian refugees and 20,000 hosts in Cameroon.

    Highlighting some of the needs, Ahua said: “We need funding to prevent malnutrition among children; to run schools, build up proper sanitation systems and provide clean water; and to make sure that families have shelter over their heads.”

    The Nigeria and CAR regional response plans are part of the wider 2016 humanitarian appeal, asking for US$20.1 billion to reach 87 million people around the world, launched last December.

  • CAF 2016: Tunisia, Nigeria play draw

    CAF 2016: Tunisia, Nigeria play draw

    The Nigerian home base Super Eagles on Friday played draw with their Tunisian counterpart at the group C match of the ongoing Confederation of African Football (CAF) 2016 Championship in Kigali, Rwanda.

    Nigeria’s Chisom Chikatara scored the first goal in the match early in the second half before Tusinia’s Ahmed Akaichi equalized at about 70th minute of the game, leaving the scoreline at Tunisia 1 : 1 Nigeria.

    With the result of the game, Nigeria remains on top of the group with 4 Points, Tunisia second with 2 Points, Guinea 1 Point while Niger struggles to record points later today against Guinea.

    Osas Okoro was awarded the CAF Orange man of the match.