The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Liberia

  • FCT Magistrate, Oniyangi, others emerge integrity idol winners

    The Magistrate of Wuse Zone 6 Chief Magistrates’ Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abdulmajid Oniyangi, has been named Nigeria’s second Integrity Idol winner.

    Mr. Oniyangi is joined by a journalist with the News Agency of Nigeria reporter, Mrs. Bukola Adewunmi to win the 2018 award.

    Other winners include: a State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Anambra state, Mr. Aremu Kehinde; an investigative journalist with Ebonyi State Newspaper Corporation, Mr. Benson Agwu and a Director of Supply Chain Operations at the National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA), Abuja office, Bravo Otahabru.

    Country Director for Accountability Lab Nigeria, Friday Odeh, in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, said Mr. Oniyangi was voted winner after films of the Idols was put out on social media, TV and on radio where thousands of citizens across Nigeria voted for their favourite Idols through SMS and online.

    He said the Magistrate was honoured for his responsible, honest and accountable approach to the rule of law, following a nationwide campaign celebrating honest government officials.

    The statement reads: “Before a crowd of over 150 dignitaries in Abuja, consisting of high-level individuals, foreign ambassadors, public servants, civil society organization leaders, and citizens, Abdulmajid Oniyangi was named Nigeria’s second Integrity Idol winner.

    “Selected from nearly 300 nominees, a magistrate with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Magistrate Court, Abdulmajid’s dedication to serving citizens and carrying out his duties honestly has earned him the respect of his colleagues, superiors and most importantly – Nigerian citizens.

    “Abdulmajid Oniyangi is well-known for his fair and balanced approach to the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served quickly and without bias or prejudice.

    “He indicated that the award will go a long way in inspiring others to do the right thing in their daily lives.”

    Odeh added: “We saw incredible energy today from the young people of Nigeria who have truly shown that they support and want to celebrate honest leaders.

    “Let’s move away from “naming and shaming” and towards “naming and faming” those who uphold the Nigeria’s values of honesty, integrity and accountability.”

    Odeh explained that the Integrity Idol is a citizen-run movement to identify and celebrate upstanding government officials.

    He said it originated in Nepal in 2014, noting that the Integrity Idol has since evolved into a global movement in eight countries of Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Mali, Nigeria, Liberia, South Africa and Mexico.

    “In each country, local Accountability Lab team runs a nationwide campaign to identify and encourage civil servants who demonstrate exemplary integrity in their work.

    “Officials are nominated and voted by the public at-large, with the annual campaign culminating in an award ceremony to celebrate the finalists.

    “The Lab works with the winners to push for integrity within government organizations,” he added.

  • Nigeria contributes $710m to ECOWAS, more than 13 countries

    Nigeria has contributed more money to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) than 13 other Members states put together in the last 12 years, statistics have shown.

    Statistics on payment of the Community Levy obtained by our correspondent showed that between 2003 and 2015, Nigeria paid $710, 497,352, equivalent to 480, 355,205 West Africa Units of Account (UA).

    The West Africa UA is the official nominal monetary unit of measure or currency used to represent the real value.

    The document was presented by the ECOWAS Commission as part of the Status of the Community report during an Extra Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament.

    In the same period, 13 other countries contributed a cumulative amount of 697. 947 million dollars.

    The countries are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Gambia, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal Sierra Leone and Togo.

    Out of the 13 countries mentioned, Guinea Bissau contributed the least amount of 3. 107 million dollars followed by The Gambia with 11. 171 million dollars and Cabo Verde with 12.879 million dollars.

    Within the period, Sierra Leone contributed 19. 632 million; Liberia 29. 988 million dollars,; Guinea 31. 101 million; Niger 37. 788 million ,; Togo $48. 961 and Cote d’Ivoire $54. 173 million.

    Benin Republic contributed a total of $76. 147 million; Mali paid $93. 538 million; Burkina Faso with $105. 278 million; while Senegal paid $174. 177 million.

    Read Also:ECOWAS Mission to help secure Guinea Bissau’s polls

    The highest paying country after Nigeria is Ghana which paid $327. 976 million within the same period.

    According to the statistics, a total of $1. 736 billion was contributed within the period by all 15 member states, with Nigeria paying 40.9 per cent of the amount.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the budget for each financial year is met by the member states through their contributions to the Community Levy, a 0.5 per cent tax imposed on goods from non-ECOWAS countries.

    The national customs administrations of member states are responsible for “assessment and collection” of the levy and daily record “accounts of amounts received”.

    However, the contributions by Nigeria is not equivalent to the weight it pulls in the sub-regional body, especially in the Parliament.

    For instance, out of the 35 seats allocated to Nigeria in the Parliament, many of the representatives are usually absent during plenary.

    At the plenary in May 2018, only four members out of 35 were present on the day Nigeria presented its Country Report.

    Also, during its recent ongoing Second Ordinary Session, less than 10 were present for the aforementioned presentation.

    The absenteeism by Nigerians also got the attention the Bureau of Parliament and other members who expressed displeasure at the attitude of the Nigerians.

    Some representatives from Nigeria also admitted that the attitude had become worrisome and needed to be addressed.

    Hon. Shehu Garba who briefed newsmen after the presentation by Nigeria at the on-going session, said that it was time the leadership of the delegation intervened and deployed people who had time for parliament’s activities.

  • George Weah Plays against Super Eagles in Liberia friendly

    President George Weah and his old team mate, James Debbah were on parade for the Lone Star on Tuesday in an international friendly against the Super eagles of Nigeria.

    The Liberia president who played for about 74 minutes was paired alongside his old team mate, James Debbah in the encounter.

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) used the match to celebrate the only African player to ever win the World Footballer of the Year after he emerged as the number one citizen of Liberia earlier this year.

    Expectedly every touch of the ball by Weah was greeted with loud cheers and applause from the fans who thoroughly enjoyed themselves watching some of the best past and present African players on parade.

    Major highlight of the match was the retirement of Weah’s famous No 14 jersey which he wore throughout his career as the captain of the Lone Star of Liberia.

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria  defeated the Lone Star of Liberia 2-1 in the international friendly match played at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium, Monrovia.

    Henry Onyekuru, who is on loan at Turkish giants, Galatasaray put the Eagles ahead in the 10th minute cutting in from the left just outside the penalty box and hammered a right footed effort into the roof of the net.

    Italy based striker, Simeon Nwankwo doubled the lead for the Nigerian side in what will be his first goal for the national team after making his debut in an international friendly against Congo DR in Port Harcourt last May.

    The host got a late consolation goal from the penalty spot after the referee ruled that Semi Ajayi touched the ball with his hands in the box in the second half.

    In the second half, Eagles head coach made some changes with goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi replacing Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Olamilekan Adeleye, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ebube Duru all tasting action.

  • AfDB approves $15m equity investment in Nigeria, others

    The African Development Bank ( AfDB ) says it has approved 15 million dollars for equity investment in Verod Capital Growth Fund III, a private equity fund for investments in high growth middle market companies.

    The bank said on Friday that the figure was approved by its Board of Directors for companies in in Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the Gambia.

    The bank said the fund’s investments would be in companies in consumer driven sectors including light industrials, fast moving consumer goods, education, financial services and agro processing.

    It also said the ticket size for each investment would be between 5 million dollars and 20 million dollars.

    Read Also: AfDB: Nigeria, others spend $35b yearly to import food

    Mr Abdu Mukhtar, the African Development Bank’s Director of Industrial and Trade Development, AfDB, said the fund would help accelerate investments in small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in the West African region.

    “This is key to job and wealth creation, knowledge transfer and scaling up of local businesses.

    “The Fund will provide an important vehicle to growing SMEs in Africa, which are a key pillar to the continent’s industrialization drive,” Mukhtar added, in a statement posted on the bank’s website.

     

  • Liberia issues alert on monkeypox outbreak

    Liberian health authorities issued an alert on the possible outbreak of monkeypox, an infectious disease which is found mostly in central and western Africa.

    Liberia’s chief medical officer Francis Kateh said the disease, caused by the monkeypox virus, has already been discovered in the southern county of River Cess.

    Kateh said there are currently four confirmed cases of the disease. A couple of suspected cases have also been sent for testing.

    According to the health official, the time from exposure to the onset of symptoms of monkeypox is around 10 days, while the duration of symptoms is typically from two to five weeks.

    He said the virus may be spread from handling bushmeat, an animal bite or scratch, body fluids, contaminated objects or close contact with an infected person.

    Read Also: Monkeypox victim loses pregnancy

    The monkeypox was first identified in 1958, amongst laboratory monkeys.

    The first human cases were discovered in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    Fever, itchy toes, headache, muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes, among others, have been identified as the symptoms of the disease.

    The disease is not deadly and can be cured through the smallpox vaccine.

    In 2017, west African country Nigeria recorded 172 suspected and 61 confirmed cases of the monkeypox disease between September and December.

    NAN

  • NUT urges FG to address shortage of teachers in schools

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers ( NUT ) has called on the Federal Government to employ qualified teachers to address the shortage of teachers in schools in the country.

    The Secretary-General of the union, Dr Mike Ike Ene, made the call in an interview with the News men in Abuja on Tuesday.

     We have professional teachers but the problem is that the government are not taking any step to filling up these yearning gaps we have in our schools.

    “If you go to some schools you will find out that we still have situations where you get one teacher to a hundred pupils or one teacher to 70 students.

    “Yet we have colleges of education, universities, other educational faculties and departments that are churning out quality, qualified professional teachers.

    “These teachers are not being employed; people are using employment as political patronage instead of employing the right people.

    Read Also: Dapchi Girls: NUT urges FG to provide adequate security in schools

    “If Liberia says they want this quality, qualified and professional teachers and we think we have ( them ), instead of staying here to waste away, we should be able to allow those who are prepared to go there to do so.

    “After all there is always this exchange programme that is based on bilateral agreement.

    “But  I want to advise that you do not give somebody the nose which you are using to breath. “Rather, let  our  government do everything in its power to keep these teachers by employing them and posting them t the schools that need them.’’

    The News men reports that Liberian President George Weah had requested Nigeria to help fill the 6,000 teacher deficit in his country.

    Weah said that the government needed to make up the teacher deficit at the federal, state and local government levels.

    NAN

     

  • Un peacekeeping mission in Liberia completes mandate

    In a pivotal moment in the history of Liberia, the United Nations mission in the country successfully completed its mandate after almost 15 years of supporting the West African nation in the transition to peace and democracy.

    At a ceremony in Monrovia on Thursday, attended by President George Weah, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed lauded the accomplishments of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), which has had several Nigerian peacekeeping personnel.

    She pointed out that the peacekeepers leave behind a country that has great potential for lasting peace and stability. “UNMIL helped to disarm more than 100,000 combatants, and protected millions of civilians; helped to rebuild the police, the security services and other institutions; facilitated the provision of humanitarian aid, and supported the development of national capacity to promote and protect human rights,” she said.

    Mohammed further lauded progress while acknowledging the remaining challenges, saying: “Peace will not last without sustainable development, and development gains will be at risk without sustained peace.  Many Liberians are still waiting for the anticipated dividends of peace.

    “Some of the root causes of conflict remain to be addressed, including poverty, youth unemployment, illiteracy and lack of infrastructure. We need to give Liberians back their dignity, dreams and faith in a better future.”

    She paid special tribute to the 202 peacekeepers who lost their lives in pursuit of peace in Liberia. “Today, we remember their sacrifice.”

    The event was held at Monrovia’s Executive Pavilion and was attended by top government officials, representatives of civil society, members of the diplomatic community, and UN officials.

    In his speech on behalf of the Liberian authorities, President Weah said: “UN has positively impacted the lives of Liberians as well as every fabric of the Liberian Society since its arrival in 2003.” He acknowledged the hope the United Nations has given Liberians adding, “Liberia has to protect and sustain the peace”. He expressed his commitment towards ensuring this happens.

    At the ceremony, UN Deputy Secretary-General, Mohammed was accompanied by the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Ms. Bintou Keita, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, Mr. Oscar Fernandez-Taranco and Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United Nations and Chair of the Peacebuilding commission configuration for Liberia , Ambassador Olof Skoog, and Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMIL, Mr. Farid Zarif.

    Recall that UNMIL was established by the Security Council in 2003 and will officially close at the end of this month. The mission created a security environment that enabled more than a million refugees and displaced persons return to their homes; supported the holding of three presidential elections, and helped the government establish its authority throughout the whole country following years of fighting and instability.

    The conflict took a horrific toll in terms of gender-based violence, with estimated 80 percent of women and girls affected. As soon as the UN mission deployed, it prioritized the empowerment of women – to vote, to run for office and to join the police and other rules of law institutions. This investment in women’s equality paid huge dividends in the transition to democracy. Recognizing the important role Liberian women played in pursuing peace, Ms Mohammed said, “Women have borne most of the burden; they have stepped up at every stage.”

    To spur women’s empowerment, UNMIL led by example, becoming the first UN peacekeeping operation to have an all-female contingent thanks to India’s deployment of a formed police unit (FPU) from 2007 until 2016.   The Indian policewomen served as role models for Liberia’s women and girls, triggering a fourfold increase in the number of Liberian women applying to become police officers.

    During UNMIL’s nearly 15-year mandate, dozens of countries from around the world deployed troops and police.   Significant contributions were made during this span by African nations such as Nigeria, Ghana and Ethiopia; Asian countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and China; and European countries such as Ukraine, Sweden and Ireland.  Peacekeepers from the United States also played an important role.

  • UN Peacekeeping Mission in Liberia completes Mandate

    In a pivotal moment in the history of Liberia, the United Nations mission in the country successfully completed its mandate after almost 15 years of supporting the West African nation in the transition to peace and democracy.

    At a ceremony in Monrovia on Thursday, attended by President George Weah, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed lauded the accomplishments of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), which has had several Nigerian peacekeeping personnel.

    She pointed out that the peacekeepers leave behind a country that has great potential for lasting peace and stability. “UNMIL helped to disarm more than 100,000 combatants, and protected millions of civilians; helped to rebuild the police, the security services and other institutions; facilitated the provision of humanitarian aid, and supported the development of national capacity to promote and protect human rights,” she said.

    Mohammed further lauded progress while acknowledging the remaining challenges, saying: “Peace will not last without sustainable development, and development gains will be at risk without sustained peace. Many Liberians are still waiting for the anticipated dividends of peace.

    “Some of the root causes of conflict remain to be addressed, including poverty, youth unemployment, illiteracy and lack of infrastructure. We need to give Liberians back their dignity, dreams and faith in a better future.”

    She paid special tribute to the 202 peacekeepers who lost their lives in pursuit of peace in Liberia. “Today, we remember their sacrifice.”

    The event was held at Monrovia’s Executive Pavilion and was attended by top government officials, representatives of civil society, members of the diplomatic community, and UN officials.

    In his speech on behalf of the Liberian authorities, President Weah said: “UN has positively impacted the lives of Liberians as well as every fabric of the Liberian Society since its arrival in 2003.” He acknowledged the hope the United Nations has given Liberians adding, “Liberia has to protect and sustain the peace”. He expressed his commitment towards ensuring this happens.

    At the ceremony, UN Deputy Secretary-General, Mohammed was accompanied by the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Ms. Bintou Keita, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, Mr. Oscar Fernandez-Taranco and Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United Nations and Chair of the Peacebuilding commission configuration for Liberia , Ambassador Olof Skoog, and Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMIL, Mr. Farid Zarif.

    Recall that UNMIL was established by the Security Council in 2003 and will officially close at the end of this month. The mission created a security environment that enabled more than a million refugees and displaced persons return to their homes; supported the holding of three presidential elections, and helped the government establish its authority throughout the whole country following years of fighting and instability.

    The conflict took a horrific toll in terms of gender-based violence, with estimated 80 percent of women and girls affected. As soon as the UN mission deployed, it prioritized the empowerment of women – to vote, to run for office and to join the police and other rules of law institutions. This investment in women’s equality paid huge dividends in the transition to democracy. Recognizing the important role Liberian women played in pursuing peace, Ms Mohammed said, “Women have borne most of the burden; they have stepped up at every stage.”

    To spur women’s empowerment, UNMIL led by example, becoming the first UN peacekeeping operation to have an all-female contingent thanks to India’s deployment of a formed police unit (FPU) from 2007 until 2016. The Indian policewomen served as role models for Liberia’s women and girls, triggering a fourfold increase in the number of Liberian women applying to become police officers.

    During UNMIL’s nearly 15-year mandate, dozens of countries from around the world deployed troops and police. Significant contributions were made during this span by African nations such as Nigeria, Ghana and Ethiopia; Asian countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and China; and European countries such as Ukraine, Sweden and Ireland. Peacekeepers from the United States also played an important role.

  • UN withdraws 108 Nigerian peace-keeping police in Liberia

    The last batch of 108 Nigerian police officers has been withdrawn from the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) after five years of service.

    UNMIL said the remaining 108 Nigerian FPU officers, the last UNMIL uniformed contingent remaining in Liberia, withdrew as part of the UN mission’s termination.

    The batch of 200 Nigerian peacekeepers withdrew from Liberia in February as part of the termination of the mission’s mandate, scheduled on March 30, the mission said.

    “The Nigerian contingent has been deployed in Liberia since UNMIL was first established in 2003.

    Nigeria has been a main contributor of military and police to UNMIL.

    “The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) has been a steadfast partner to Liberia for the last 15 years.

    “It has supported security and security sector reform, rule of law, efforts to disarm, human rights and sustainable peace.

    “The Mission will complete its mandate on 30 March 2018.

    “UNMIL was established in September 2003 with 16,475 uniformed personnel to monitor a ceasefire agreement in Liberia, following the conclusion of the Second Liberian Civil War”.

    An official farewell ceremony was held in February in honour of the last departing 689 uniformed personnel – 404 military and 285 police personnel – who had served with the Mission.

    This symbolised the end of UNMIL’s military and police operations in Liberia, more than 14 years after UNMIL was deployed in compliance with Security Council resolution 1509 (2003).

    Nigeria’s Maj.-Gen. Salihu Uba is the Force Commander and Head of UNMIL’s Military component of men and women from various countries, including Nigeria, Pakistan and Ukraine.

    Uba was Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command of the Nigerian Army before his appointment as the Force Commander for UNMIL by the former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Jan. 9, 2015.

    The Formed Police Unit composed of Nigerian and Chinese personnel and since 2003, 61 contingents from various countries had served in Liberia, UNMIL said.

    According to Uba, the mission’s uniform component military and police have taken greater stride towards strengthening peace and security, rule of law, governance among others in Liberia.

    The Force Commander stated that it was not all roses particularly for the military which had the highest fatalities of 138 personnel while the police lost 21 persons.

    “As we are closing, the memory of those 159 persons and others in the Mission will continue to live in our minds.

    “We will continue to pay special tribute to them and those who contributed to peace and security in Liberia” the Major General said.

    The Force Commander, on behalf of the Police Commissioner Simon Blatchly, expressed their profound appreciation to the uniformed component of UNSMIL.

    The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Farid Zarif, had in his speech, stated that the farewell signified an important benchmark in the history of the UN in West Africa.

    “While my colleagues in uniform are writing the last pages of the peacekeeping operations here, Liberians and their Leaders have started writing the first pages of a brand new chapter in their history.”

    Liberian President George Weah commended UNMIL for its longstanding support to peace and stability, saying the Liberian people will forever remain grateful to them for their bravery and service.

    Weah said: “Thank you for your hard work and sacrifice you have made over the years to keep the peace and stability of our beloved mama Liberia. As you leave us now, we will forever remember you”. (NAN)

  • Liberia seeks 6,000 teachers as Buhari, Weah meet in Abuja (Audio)

    Liberia seeks 6,000 teachers as Buhari, Weah meet in Abuja (Audio)

    • ‘Nigerians ’re welcome in Liberia for business’

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday met behind closed doors with Liberian President George Weah at the Presidential Villa, Abuja with the latter seeking 6,000 teachers from Nigeria.

    Weah said the request, under the Bilateral Teacher Exchange programme, will make up for the shortage of good teachers in Liberia’s educational system.

    The Liberian president, who spoke with State House reporters at the end of meeting with Buhari, said Nigerian businessmen and women were welcome to help develop his country’s economy.

    He said: “I hereby declare that Liberia is now open for business to the Nigerian private sector. There is a need to address the current volume of trade between our two countries, which is very low and does not exceed million, by some estimates.

    “Yet, the Liberian banking sector is dominated by Nigerian banks, and I am made to understand that their head offices in Nigeria may be considering reducing their support or even shutting them down because of the recent downturn in our economy.

    “If this is true, l urge them not to do so, as l am optimistic that trade and commerce will increase in the near future. There are also major shortcomings in the electricity and power sectors, in road construction, in housing, in mining and in fisheries, to name a few, that could be of serious interest to Nigerian investors, either as individuals or companies or through joint-ventures or public-private partnerships.

    “We invite all of you to come to Liberia and explore the many new opportunities for investment that are bound to increase under this new political dispensation. I promise you that you will find a government that is not only business friendly, but ready to do business.

    “On a personal note, President Buhari, it is my intention, with all due respect and affection, to frequently seek your wise counsel and advice as I embark upon this arduous task of nation-building, reconstruction and transformation of my country.

    https://soundcloud.com/thenationnewspaper/liberia-needs-nigerias-help-to-jump-start-economy-weah

    “Nigeria’s historical benevolence towards Liberia cannot be quantified. And once again, we seek your urgent assistance.”

    He thanked Buhari for the invitation extended to him and his delegation.

    According to him, the visit was to express gratitude and respect for the extraordinary and exceptional role Buhari and Nigerians played in maintaining peace and stability in the West African sub-region, especially in Liberia.

    He said: “Although yours is the largest economy in Africa, with the most powerful army in our sub-region, you have never used your wealth and military prowess to expand your territory, threaten your neighbours, or de-stabilise any sovereign nation in the region.”

    Weah added that the prices of Liberia’s two basic export commodities, rubber and iron ore, have continued to fall in the world market.