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Tag: Nigeria News

  • Gates foundation honours 16-year-old activist who refused child marriage

    Miss Payal Jangid, a 16-year-old from India was on Tuesday honoured for her commitment towards advocating for education and abolition of child marriage after refusing to marry at the age of 12.

    Jangid was presented with the Change Maker award by the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Mrs Amina Mohammed at the 2019 Global Goals Award organised by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in New York.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a 28-year-old, Miss Aya Chebbi from Tunisia also received the Campaign Award for her work on youth empowerment throughout Africa.

    Also Mr Gregory Rockson, the founder of mPharma, who is from Ghana, received the Progress Award for his work in providing primary healthcare services across Africa.

    Similarly, the Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi received the Global Goalkeepers Award, which recognised the progress India had made in providing safe sanitation to over 500 million people through the Swachh Bharat Mission.

    While receiving the award, Jangid spoke about her commitment to ensure that girls were treated properly and equal to men and also that it was important for girls to receive proper education.

    “I want every kid in the world without education to be given a chance to progress in the society especially girls who are more likely to drop out because of gender bias or poverty,” she said.

    Meanwhile, the Co-founder, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr Bill Gates charged world leaders to take a cue from the Indian government and priotise the SDG Goal 6, which deals with water and sanitation.

    “Sanitation is something that government do not like to talk about because the solutions are not that easy.

    “We feel a lot about malaria because it is devastating but sanitation related illnesses kills more kids every year than malaria yet progress in achieving the SDGs 6 on water and sanitation is leading far behind,” he said.

    READ ALSO: My wish for Nigeria, by Bill Gates

    Also, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Mrs Amina Mohammed said that courage was what it would take to address global inequality and achieve the SDGs by year 2030.

    “It will take courage to achieve the SDGs. I mean tons and tons of it. Courage to stand up for human rights and to stand against those who oppose gender equality.

    “Courage to push for financial inclusion and say that universal access to basic services are not charity but a right.

    “Courage to engage the sceptic and challenge the political interests that are hindering inclusive and sustainable development,” she said.

    The United Nation’s Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) focuses on ending poverty, fighting climate change, illicit financial flows, hunger, improving health and education, sustaining economic growth and reducing inequality within countries by 2030.

    The Bill and Melinda Gates’ annual Global Goals Awards honours remarkable individuals inspiring local and global audiences to help achieve the 17 SGDs by 2030.

    (NAN)

  • 2020 UTME: JAMB asks candidates to get NIN

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board(JAMB) has called on all prospective candidates for its 2020 UTME to acquire the National Identification Number(NIN).

    The board’s Spokesman, Dr Fabian Benjamin said on Tuesday that the aim was to ensure the biometric and other necessary details of a candidate were captured, to check examination malpractice.

    Benjamin said in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the call was necessary now that registration for the 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) had begun.

    “The JAMB will, during the 2020 registration exercise, use the National Identity Number (NIN) generated after successful registration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

    “This includes the capturing of biometric and other necessary details for the registration of all prospective candidates.

    “Candidates are enjoined to register as the board will no longer be responsible for the capturing of candidates’ biometrics ahead of the examination, as all information required will be uploaded from the data captured by the NIMC.

    READ ALSO: No NIN, no UTME in 2020, JAMB tells candidates

    “Henceforth, the NIN will be compulsory for the UTME registration,” Benjamin said.

    According to Benjamin, the board has made adequate arrangement with the NIMC for prospective candidates to be registered at the examination centres or with its licensed agents.

    He said that for such candidates who had registered and had acquired the NIN before attaining the age of 16, they would be required to update their NIN registration status before registering for the UTME.

    “In case a candidate lost or misplaced his NIN, the candidate can retrieve it by either going to the NIMC office; its licensed agent or dial *346# (USSD code on the SIM card number earlier used to register for the NIN).

    “Candidate’s name as stated on the NIMC data base will be the same as the one on JAMB’s data registration form,” he said.

    (NAN)

     

  • Prince Harry, Meghan visit oldest mosque in South Africa

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are keeping busy on their royal trip to South Africa.

    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex paid a visit to the country’s oldest mosque, the Auwal Mosque, in the Bo-Kaap section of Cape Town. It was built in 1794.

    For the visit, Meghan ditched the denim jacket she wore earlier in the day and donned a cream-coloured headscarf. Harry changed out of his casual-collar shirt to a light-grey suit with no tie.

    Earlier in the day, the couple paid a visit to Monwabisi Beach on behalf of Waves For Change, a nonprofit that promotes surfing and also provides mental health services.

    Read Also; Why Prince Harry is being accused of ‘cheating’

    “Their Royal Highnesses were able to hear how the sessions are building trust, confidence, and belonging,” read a caption describing the meeting on the Sussex Royal Instagram page, with a gorgeous photo of Meghan smiling.

    “And they also got to join in as children took part in ‘power hand’, which teaches them how to keep calm down [and] reflect on strengths.”

    During the outing, the two royals complemented each other’s parenting skills, though little Archie was nowhere to be seen on the second day of the family’s trip (as he may have been resting up and recovering from a little jet lag).

  • BREAKING: Buhari submits MTEF to Senate

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday submitted the 2020 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) to the Senate.

    This followed Buhari’s letter to the Senate which was read at plenary by the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan.

    Details Shortly…

  • Labour, govt to meet on new minimum wage

    Labour leaders and Federal Government officials will meet between tomorrow and Friday to unlock the stalemate over the payment of the N30,000 minimum wage.

    Minister of Labour and Employment Chris Ngige said the government had commenced payment of the new wage from Levels 1 to 6 workers.

    But Labour leaders accused the government of insincerity. A source described the payments of the new wage to junior workers as “divide and rule tactics”.

    The President of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Quadri Olaleye, chided the Federal Government for insincerity, adding that its representatives in the negotiation had not shifted ground.

    Olaleye said:  ”Up till now , we are still waiting for the representatives of the Federal Government. They promised to consult with the Presidency and get back to us. But we have not heard anything from them. It shows insincerity on their part and we can’t wait further.”

    Read Also: Workers now getting N30,000 wage, says Ngige

    Olaleye said Labour will meet with the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC) on Friday, adding that, if nothing is done by then, labour will take a decision.

    He said:  ”You all know the body language already. So, by Friday, we will meet with the JPSNC and a decision will be taken. I want to assure you that, once a decision is taken, there is no going back.”

    The JPSNC warned that workers could go on strike over the delayed implementation of the new wage as the meeting between the Federal Government and the council was stalled.

    Both parties failed to reach an agreement, despite minor adjustments in their separate positions.

    During the meeting, which was chaired by the thenHead of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, government shifted from its earlier position of 9.5 per cent to 11 per cent for grade levels seven to 14 and 6.5 per cent from 5.5 per cent for levels 15 to 17.

    But, workers have insisted that government should adjust the salaries of workers on grade levels 07 to 14 by 30 per cent and those on levels 15 to 17 by 25 per cent, having stepped down to 29 per cent from 30 per cent for grade levels 7 to 14 and 24 to 25 per cent for levels 15 to 17.

    Expressing dismay over the failed negotiation, the chairman of JPSNC and National Auditor of the NLC, Simon Anchaver,  accused the government team of toying with workers’ interest.

    He said the JPSNC had resolved to write to the NLC,  and the TUC for their advice on a possible industrial action.

    A member of the JNPSNC, who confirmed the proposed Friday meeting said that the labour team would be led by the NLC President Ayuba Wabba.

    He said labour would use the opportunity to discuss the need for the Federal Government to fast track action on the new minimum wage.

    The source kicked against the payment of N30, 000 minimum wage to junior workers on levels 1- 6 employed by the Federal Government, describing it as a “divide and rule tactics”.

    The source said: “We are meeting the minister on Thursday. The issue of minimum wage will definitely come up. Even the minister will talk about it.

    “We want the government to fast track the process. We are not happy over the decision of the government to pay workers on levels 01-6. It is divide and rule tactics by the government.

    “We will mobilise against it. In fact, we have already started mobilising our members but we have not fixed a date yet for it.”

  • Keyamo: my redeployment a new challenge

    Festus Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), on Tuesday spoke on his deployment from the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry as Minister of State to the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

    He said the redeployment had offered him a fresh opportunity to prove his versatility.

    Reacting to the development, Keyamo tweeted that he is ready to serve the Buhari government in any capacity.

    “On the move again: Two portfolios in two months! Just been redeployed to the Ministry of Labour and Employment to work with my long-time big brother, H.E, Chris Ngige. Thank you, Mr. President for finding me versatile enough to move around. Always ready to serve in any capacity,” Keyamo tweeted.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Keyamo redeployed as Minister of Labour

    Keyamo is swaping offices with Senator Tayo Alasoadura.

    President Muhammadu Buhari approved the immediate redeployment of the two ministers of state in a statement by Willie Bassey, the Director of Information in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

    The redeployment, according to the statement, took effect from yesterday.

    Until the redeployment, Keyamo paired with Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Alasoadura, with Dr. Chris Ngige in the Labour and Employment Ministry.

    No reason was given for the redeployment of the ministers.

  • 10 successful celebrity marriages

    Despite the difficult celebrity lives, many famous couples do have happy marriages.

    Although some celebrity marriages and relationships often come with news of splits, not all celebrity couples are destined to break up.

    In fact, quite a number of A-list stars revel in having a happy marriage to their longtime partner. The 10 couples that follow are some of the Nigerian celebrities with successful marriages

     

    1. Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva

    This is unarguably the number one on our list. These two have spent over 30 years together as a married couple.

    Despite going through some rough times together, also witnessing the loss of a child, they have both still remained strong.

    The couple has cited God, communication and trust as the few factors that keep their marriage going.

    2. Tunde and Wunmi Obe

    Tunde and Wunmi Obe, professionally known as T.W.O are Nigerian show business couple, entertainers, television personalities and entrepreneurs.

    They met and began their music career as undergraduates in the 90s. Revealing the secrets of their marriage, the veteran musician and dad of 3 revealed he married a woman who supports his plans and also helps to make good decisions for the future.

    3. Patrick and Ireti Doyle

    Nollywood actress Ireti Doyle has been married for over 15 years to broadcaster, veteran actor and media personality, Patrick Doyle.

    Although the marriage has experienced some ups and downs, the duo has maintained newness of love in their union.

    4. Isaac and Nneka Moses

    Since meeting on the set of a movie in 1996, the couple has been inseparable.

    They both present, produce and direct their award-winning culture and tourism TV show, Goge Africa, on television and cable networks.

    “It is easy because whatever decision we make is in the best interest of our vision and passion. There is no superiority contest among us. He sometimes allows me to make decisions and that really makes me feel good,” Nneka was once reported saying.

    5. Omotola Jalade and Matthew Ekeinde

    Nollywood diva, Omotola has been married to Matthew Ekeinde for over 20 years.

    The couple has a blissful marriage and are blessed with four beautiful kids.

    Considering the controversies and scandals associated with celebrity-life, the Ekeinde’s have managed to stay off scandals.

    “It would have been extremely painful if my husband takes things to the heart, then it would have been a rollercoaster ride for me,” Omotola said, paying compliment to her husband’s maturity for the success of their marriage.

    Read Also: 10 Nigerian celebrities who suffered domestic violence

    6. Richard and Jumobi Mofe-Damijo

    In 2000, RMD married former Africa Independent Television (AIT) presenter, Jumobi Adegbesan.

    Of course, this marriage has witnessed murky waters based on alleged infidelity on both sides but the love and stability in their marriage seem to be waxing stronger by the day.

    7. Omoni and Nnamdi Oboli

    Married for over fifteen years with three beautiful boys, they are just an epitome of a perfect match.

    The couple who could pass as siblings are very much into each other that they do literally everything together.

    8. Fela and Tara Durotoye

    While she is the leading pioneer make-up artist in Nigeria, he is one of the most sort-after motivational speakers in Africa and a best-selling author.

    The couple complements each other in every way.

    Tara never ceases to use the opportunity to share some tips on relationship and marriage principles. “We have committed to making each other happy and making it work as we both come from broken homes,” Tara once wrote.

    9. Norbert and Gloria Young

    Norbert and Gloria Young

    Nollywood couple Norbert and Gloria Young have been married for over 15 years and share three beautiful kids.

    Despite several rumours, the couple has stood the test of time and is still going strong.

    10. Soni and Betty Irabor

    Soni and Betty are one of the most adorable celebrity couples in Nigeria. They have been married for over 30 years. They make marriage look easy and sweet. Soni is a broadcaster and CEO of Inspiration FM, and Betty is a journalist, author and publisher.

     

  • Kida, Ahmedu get FIBA jobs

    PRESIDENT of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Musa Kida and the FIBA Africa Zone Three boss Col Samuel Ahmedu (rtd) have both been appointed into FIBA commissions and they will serve for four years.

    Kida was appointed into the Finance Commission, while Ahmedu, who is also a member of the NBBF, will serve in the Legal Commission. They are both saddled with the responsibility of contributing their quota towards the development of the game by participating actively in the decision-making process in their various commissions.

    Ahmedu told NationSport that the sitting on the commissions is in recognition of their contribution to the game of basketball in world.

    Ahmedu stated that being in the Legal Commission would afford him the opportunity to contribute to the legal aspect of the game in an era where there is conflict between the FIBA law and that of the national federations.

    He said understanding both laws would be good for basketball stakeholders all over the world so that it would also help in resolving the conflicts between both sets of laws. “There are issue that are not in consonant with FIBA law and trying to understand the way both laws work will help most of the federations resolve conflicts better.

    “Also, the issue of eligibility of players would be thrashed out so that African teams would not be shortchanged and they can secure the services of their players born outside the continent,” he added.

    He noted that the appointments are not just for Nigeria both for Africa as a whole.

  • Sports minister urges federations over Tokyo 2020

    MINISTER of Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare, has enjoined president of federations that have qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to speed up preparations in order to brighten the country’s medal haul at the quadrennial event.

    Dare gave the ultimatum during his consultative meetings with the board of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) and Nigeria Badminton Federation (NBF).

    “My meeting with you (federation presidents) is to know the areas of need and how to channel resources towards achieving the desired goal with emphasis on Tokyo Olympics,” Dare was quoted as saying during the meeting.

    “The success of any nation in sports is to be among the podium finishers in their event that they have comparative advantage; Nigeria needs gold medals in Tokyo and we must work towards achieving it. It is possible and we know we can do it.”

    While commending the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) for D’Tigers Olympic qualification, Dare asked the Engineer Musa Kida-led body to ensure that the national women’s team D’Tigers also qualify for games next year.

    He equally reminded the federations to gear efforts towards winning gold medals at their respective events, adding Nigeria last won gold at   the Olympics over two decades ago in Atlanta 1996 in the men’s football event and long jump by Chioma Ajunwa.

    Meanwhile, Minister in his scheduled routine meetings with the sporting federations is expected to parley this week with Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) and Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

  • Rohr: why I didn’t vote Lionel Messi

    SUPER Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has sensationally revealed why he snubbed eventual winner Argentine Barcelona forward, Lionel Messi for the 2019 Best FIFA Men’s Player award.

    Incidentally, only one of Rohr’s choices in the shape of Dutch and Liverpool’s ace defender, Van Dijk Virgil, made the final shortlist of three players along with Messi and Ronaldo; while his other two choices Mbappé Kylian and Hazard Eden were overlooked.

    But the German coach has shed light on his preferences, arguing he didn’t see any player better than Mbappe in the year under review after the youngster helped PSG finished the season as Ligue 1 champions while also finishing the season as the top goal scorer with 33 goals.

    “Yes, I was impressed (with The Best FIFA Awards Gala in Milan),” the 66-year-old Rohr told NationSport. “But for me, Mbappe was the best one.”

    Speaking further, Rohr who was a defender in his heyday with Bayern Munich in the German Bundesliga said he was enthralled with the defensive qualities of Liverpool’s Virgil.

    “Of course, Van Dijk is a fantastic defender and (I picked) Hazard for a great season,” he noted.

    Meanwhile, 2019 Best FIFA Men’s Player award winner, Messi has enthused that his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo does not extend beyond the pitch when pressed by FIFA’s website on his recent camaraderie with the Portuguese international.

    “People perhaps think the rivalry goes beyond football, but it doesn’t,” noted Messi after winning his record title as world’s best player. “We both want what’s best for our teams and neither of us like losing; it’s something we don’t accept.

    “That’s why there’s that competitiveness between us. The important thing is that it stays there, out on the pitch,” the Argentine said.