The hottest and most trending news articles for this week in all categories are captured in one shot. Find articles ranging from News to Sports, to Politics, to Entertainment, to Economy, to Metro plus, and many other categories. See below the top news for the week:
NEWS
- Buhari Rues Youth Migration, Seeks Europe’s Partnership To Halt Trend
President Muhammadu Buhari has lamented the mass migration of youths and is seeking partnership with European countries to halt the trend. Buhari, who is in Brussels, Belgium for the 6th EU-AFRICA, made the comment in an article published about the meeting. “By 2050, Africa’s population of 1.3 billion is set to double, making up a quarter of the world’s total. My country, Nigeria, is set to double its population to 400 million by then, surpassing the United States to become the third-largest nation in the world. This means a huge youthful market right on Europe’s doorstep and — with increased trade — a growing middle class with money to spend,” Buhari said in the article published on the Politico, an online/offline magazine on Thursday.
“However, despite burgeoning possibility, irregular northward migration from my continent drains Africa’s talent pool, while provoking political crises in the EU. Despite its best efforts, Europe will not find a sustainable remedy to this problem by further reinforcing its Fortress Europe approach. Instead, more opportunities must be created for Africans at home, providing alternatives to the decision to take a life-threatening boat journey in order to seek them elsewhere. The relationship between the EU and Africa must be rebalanced to power job creation. Unfortunately, today’s arrangements do just the opposite.”
While explaining why Nigeria did not sign the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with Europe, he noted that agricultural subsidies in Europe are major blows to farmers on the continent. According to him, Africa is flooded with “artificially depreciated produce”, thus affecting competition. The Nigerian leader noted that over €50 billion is pushed into markets in Europe to help them produce cheaper food. This, he explained, keeps Africa at the losing end.
- Buhari Demands Weighty Sanctions For Coup Plotters In Africa
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Brussels, Belgium, called on European leaders as partners in promoting democracy and good governance to lend their weight behind measures put in place by the African Union to stem the tide of unconstitutional leadership changes, rearing its head again on the continent.
In his contribution to the roundtable discussion on Peace, Security, and Governance at the ongoing 6th EU-AU Summit, President Buhari equally stressed the need to nip the root causes of extremism, conflicts, and tensions in Africa at inception.
According to his spokesman, Garba Shehu, the Nigerian leader added that it was imperative to ensure that election processes in Africa have outcomes that truly reflect the wishes of the electorate, as to go contrary to these is courting instability.
- NDLEA Will Continue To Make Staff Welfare A Priority
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reiterated its commitment to prioritising the welfare of its officers and men using available resources. The agency stated this to clarify issues raised in some reports alleging complaints by some staff over its last promotion exercise.
According to the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, 75% of the workforce was promoted at once in June 2021, which is the highest in any single exercise since the establishment of the anti-narcotics body over three decades ago. He said that at the due time, every one deserving of promotion and other benefits will be considered based on available vacancies and resources.
POLITICS
- Osun 2022: Why we want Gov Oyetola out of office -Aregbesola’s men write Tinubu
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress faction in Osun state backed by the Interior Minister, Rauf Aregbesola, have given reasons why they want Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola out of office. They gave the reasons in a rejoinder to an article titled, ‘Open letter to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu: The Osun calabash must not be broken”, written by one Akanni Omo Oba. The factional APC leaders, under the aegis of The Osun Progressives, listed the major “root causes of the current unwarranted political imbroglio in the state” in the rejoinder.
Aregbesola, a former Osun State Governor between 2010 and 2018, and Governor Gboyega Oyetola, who is seeking reelection, had been at loggerheads over the control of APC organs in the state.
Among the TOP leaders who signed the rejoinder are Former Chairman, Alliance for Democracy and ex-Secretary to Osun State Government, Osun, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti; former Osun speaker, Najim Salam; Adelowo Adebiyi.
Others are Osun APC factional leader, Rasaq Salinsile; Alhaji Issa Adesiji; Kolapo Alimi; Adelani Baderinwa; Nureni Adebisi; Mrs. Aina Ogundare and Akeem Olaoye. Some of the issues raised by the TOP leaders are attacks on Aregbesola’s legacies and alleged imposition of leaders on party members.
- 2023: Merit should determine Nigeria’s next President, not zoning, says PDP chieftain
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party and renowned philanthropist, Barr. Kenneth Imasuagbon, has said that merit, intellectual capability and exposure are attributes that should determine Nigeria’s next president. He said proponents of zoning do not love the country, noting that Nigerians must begin to think of a Presidential candidate that can fix the litany of troubles facing the country.
In a statement on Thursday, Imasuagbon said Nigeria is in an emergency situation that required an emergency solution. He stated that the best option for the PDP was to jettison zoning and ensure an acceptable candidate emerges as the party’s Presidential candidate. He insisted that the PDP never zoned the presidential ticket to the north in 2019 and also never asked any southern person not to contest.
- Wike Warns PDP Stakeholders Against Making Derogatory Comments About Governors
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has advised members of the Peoples Democratic Party against making disparaging comments against governors elected on the platform of the party, warning that such comments will no longer be tolerated. Governor Wike stated this on Thursday in reaction to comments by two chieftains of the party.
The first comment was one credited to High Chief Raymond Dokpesi which suggested that some PDP Governors recently travelled to Europe to decide who becomes the party’s Vice Presidential candidate. A second comment Wike reacted to was the rumour in some quarters that the PDP Governors are backing Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to dictate who becomes the party’s candidate in the forthcoming Osun State Governorship election.
Wike at media briefing in Port Harcourt described the comment credited to High Chief Raymond Dokpesi as unfortunate. He said such an elder statesman should be making comments that will unite all components of the party and brighten it chances to rescue Nigeria in 2023.
Governor Wike says it’s surprising for people to think that governors will have to make such an expensive trip to make a decision that can be merely taken in any part of the country. He said such comments alludes to the fact that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is infiltrating the opposition Poeples Democratic Party to destabilize its strategies for 2023.
- Reps Ask INEC To Improve Voter Registration Process
The House of Representatives on Thursday called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to urgently deploy physical enumerators and other assistance to conduct new voter registration across all federal constituencies. INEC had put in place a machinery for a virtual continuous voters registration, but the online process does not seem satisfactory to the lawmakers.
They are worried that the online registration process will not cover all constituencies and lead to disenfranchisement of Nigerians and voter apathy. The House also wants the electoral umpire to situate voting points in safe areas only. This followed a motion by Rep. Abubakar Yalleman.
Meanwhile, the House through a motion, is urging the Federal Government to provide body cameras for all security operatives on duty across the country. This, according to the House, will help address allegations of harassment, extortion, and extra-judicial killings of citizens by security operatives, as well as protect them.
ECONOMY
- FG, PDP clash as economy grows by 3.4%, highest in seven years
The Federal Government and the Peoples Democratic Party on Thursday exchanged words over a report by the National Bureau of Statistics in which it was stated that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product grew by 3.4 per cent in 2021-the highest in seven years. The GDP report, released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Thursday, also showed that the economy weakened further in the fourth quarter of 2021, after recording a decline in the third quarter of last year.
Specifically, the report revealed that the quarterly GDP growth fell to 3.98 per cent in Q4 2021, from the 4.03 per cent and 5.01 per cent recorded in Q3 and Q2, respectively. According to findings, the annual growth rate of 3.4 per cent is the highest the country has recorded in seven years. The last time the country’s annual GDP growth rate exceeded three per cent was in 2014, when a 6.22 per cent growth was recorded.
Speaking on the 2021 GDP growth rate, economists argued that the growth recorded in 2021 could be linked to the base effects of the recession witnessed in 2020. They also emphasised the impacts of the increased economic activities and higher oil prices during the reference year.
According to them, the GDP figures are not a sign of better economic conditions as many Nigerians didn’t witness any improvement in their wellbeing during the year under review.
The Chief Executive Officer of Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr. Muda Yusuf said, while the growth should be acknowledged and cautiously commended, its impact on other parameters such as poverty, unemployment and other macroeconomic indices should be explored.
Reacting to the report, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, said Nigeria’s economy could not have witnessed growth because of the voodoo economics being implemented by President Muhammadu Buhari. Ologunagba told The PUNCH that the All Progressives Congress was running a government of liars, by liars and for liars.
- Borrowing For Consumption Contributes To Nigeria’s Economic Challenges – Peter Obi
A former vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi says borrowing for consumption is one of the major contributors to Nigeria’s economic challenges. Mr Obi, in a series of tweets on Thursday, said Nigeria is spending 90% percent of its revenue in servicing debts because the funds borrowed are mismanaged. “Our past and continued mismanagement of borrowed funds and borrowing for consumption are the major contributors to the monumental economic challenges confronting Nigeria today.
Obi, who is also a former governor of Anambra State, has repeatedly criticised the Federal Government for borrowing. He added in his post on Thursday, “There is nothing wrong with borrowing. But what we need to do is to put a law in place that if we must borrow, it must strictly be for investment in areas of growth. “Many countries have built robust economies with borrowed funds. We can do the same if only we enthrone visionary and committed leadership.”
He said the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) cannot be growing while the people are getting poorer. He believes the growth Nigeria needs is one that “pulls people out of poverty by making the people have disposable income and be able to feed themselves.” In November 2021, Patience Oniha, the Debt Management Office (DMO) director-general, said public debt was instrumental in helping Nigeria bounce back from the recession.
- Poverty Reduction: N5,000 ‘Goes A Long Way’ For Many Nigerians – Minister
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, has said the N5,000 monthly national cash transfer to vulnerable households goes a long way in reducing poverty.
She stated this on Thursday during a briefing with State House reporters in reaction to the relevance of the initiative to the Federal Government’s plan to pull out 100 million Nigerians from extreme poverty.
“If you look at the people that you are taking this intervention to, N5,000 means a lot to them because these are poor and vulnerable households and it changes their status, but for you and me, N5,000 is not even enough for us to buy recharge card, that’s the difference,” she said.
When people say N5000 does not save people, that is an elitist statement, honestly because we’ve had causes to go to the field, and we have seen these people that when you give them this N5,000, they cried and shed tears because they’ve never seen N5,000 in their lives. So, it goes a long way, it changes their status and by that, it lifts them from one stage to another.” The Minister also spoke about the out-of-school children, giving the figures as over 10 million.
While noting there are now 46 million Nigerians on the National social register, she believes that the conditional 5,000 naira intervention strategy to the poor and vulnerable has indeed assisted in lifting more Nigerians out of poverty. On the exit programme for N-Power Programme, the minister affirmed that government has a plan of putting about 300,000 applicants on a training programme while the Central Bank of Nigeria will provide them loan.
- Exit Strategy: 300,000 N-Power beneficiaries to be trained, given loans – Minister
The Nigerian government says it has mapped out an exit strategy for hundreds of thousands of unemployed graduates who are currently taking part in the N-Power scheme. The strategy involves a training programme in specific areas after which the graduates will be given loans to start their own businesses, minister Sadiya Farouq said Thursday.
The N-Power scheme, one of the Social Investment Programmes (SIP) of the Muhammadu Buhari administration, involves the temporary recruitment of unemployed graduates, mainly as teachers, for two years, during which they are paid a N30,000 stipend.
Hundreds of thousands of graduates who had taken part in the scheme had complained of a lack of exit plan for them as they are simply left to rejoin the unemployment market after completing the two years of the N-Power programme.
- NUPENG-PTD, NARTO Shelve Planned Strike
The Petroleum Tanker Drivers arm of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) have shelved their planned strike. The groups had threatened to go on strike over claims of diversion of the N621bn road fund provided by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and the government’s failure to increase the freight rate for transporting petrol.
But a communique issued by the (NNPC) on Thursday, noted that the planned industrial action has been stopped following a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja.
The NNPC gave updates about the state of the road “construction and rehabilitation projects under the road infrastructure tax credit scheme and assured the stakeholders (NUPENG, NARTO, and PTD) that the funding earmarked for the 21 critical roads will be applied for the intended purpose only”. The NNPC in a series of tweets on its official handle also said the stakeholders will work together in monitoring the road construction.
It said a committee has been set up to review the rates and that members of the group include PTD, NARTO and NUPENG, and other stakeholders. The committee is expected to make recommendations to the government. On the nationwide fuel scarcity, all parties during the meeting agreed to work to ensure “efficient distribution of petroleum products across the country”.
BUSINESS
- CBN Kicks Against New Anti-Money Laundering Law
The Central Bank of Nigeria on Thursday kicked against plans by the Senate to enact a new anti-money laundering law. The apex bank put forward this position during a public hearing by a Senate Joint Committee – anti-corruption, financial crimes, judiciary and human rights – on three different anti-corruption bills.
The bills include the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) 2021, Public Complaints Commission (Repeal and Re-Enanctment) bill 2022 and Proceeds of Crimes (Recovery and Management) Bill 2021.
In his submission on the legislative proposals, the CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, who was represented by a CBN Director, said an amendment of the existing Money Laundering (Prevention) Act 2011 will better serve the interest of Nigerians than a repeal and re-enactment.
- Consumers kick over silent increase in electricity tariff amid fuel scarcity
Electricity consumers on Thursday kicked against the silent increase in the tariff payable by customers to power distribution companies for electricity consumed. They said it was worrisome that the government was allowing Discos to raise electricity tariff amid fuel scarcity across the country. Adulterate fuel imported into country about two weeks ago had led to fuel scarcity and long queues in filling stations in states.
It was gathered that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission had adjusted the tariffs payable to Discos, as some of the power firms got a raise in their tariffs, while others had theirs reduced.
This, however, was not announced or published or the website of the regulator as it used to publish it in the past.
The President, Nigeria Consumer Protection Network, Kola Olubiyo, told newsmen that his group took up the matter with the regulator last week. He stated that while some customers said their tariffs were increased by N4, others could not actually tell the amount by which theirs were raised, adding that there had been no public confirmation by the NERC. The legal practitioner and NCPN president insisted that the regulator should provide a table on the increase as it used to publish in the past, stressing that consumers had the right to know.
HEALTH
- Nigeria, Five Other African Countries To Begin Production Of Covid Vaccines – WHO
Nigeria and five other African countries have been chosen to begin production of COVID-19 vaccines, with the continent having had limited access to jabs. This was announced on Friday by the Director-General of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Ghebreyesus, : “Today I’m delighted to announce the first six African countries that will receive technology from the hub to produce their own mRNA vaccines: Egypt, Kenya Nigeria, Senegal South Africa, and Tunisia.”
According to the WHO, they were selected as the first recipients of technology from the organisation’s global mRNA vaccine hub, in a push to ensure the African continent can make its own jabs to fight COVID and other diseases. “I was honoured to visit the Hub last week. And it’s already producing results, with Afrigen’s announcement that it has produced its own mRNA vaccine, based on publicly-available information about the composition of an existing vaccine,” Ghebreyesus said.
“We expect clinical trials to start in the 4th quarter of this year, with approval expected in 2024. We expect the benefits of this initiative will extend far beyond #COVID19, by creating a platform for vaccines against other diseases including malaria and tuberculosis”. WHO will work with the companies and the government in each country to develop a roadmap for training and production, based on their needs and capacities. Thank you all, and we look forward to working with all of you to make this project a success, for the healthier, safer and fairer Africa”.
- Nasarawa Tops As Nearly 25 Million People Take COVID-19 Vaccine In Nigeria
Nearly 25 million people have taken the Oxford/AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer, as well as Johnson and Johnson brands of the COVID-19 vaccine as of Friday – February 18. This includes those who have taken just the first, second, as well as booster shots of these vaccines.
The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) disclosed this in its latest update on the vaccination exercise in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). It explained that more than 60 per cent of the millions of doses administered so far was carried out through the mass vaccination campaign of November 2021 till date.
In taking the jabs, the NPHCDA warned Nigerians against taking different brands of vaccines for a second dose, except in the case of a booster shot where Pfizer was recommended for those who had been administered Oxford/AstraZeneca.
Rating how well the exercise has done in the states, the agency said Nasarawa performed best having administered vaccines to over 70 per cent of the targeted population. While 73 per cent of the targeted population in the state has taken the first jab, 33 per cent has received the second dose.
- FG doing best to reduce medical tourism — Mamora
The Minister of State for Health, Dr Olorunnimbe Mamora, on Thursday, said the Federal Government was doing its best to revamp the nation’s health sector and reduce medical tourism. The minister stated this during the commissioning of major projects at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro in Abeokuta.
A statement released by the office of the minister quoted Mamora to have said, “Let me assure you that the Federal government is doing its best to revamp the health sector in such a manner as to improve the quality of facilities in our hospitals, increase capabilities for emergency preparedness during health emergencies and restore the confidence of the citizenry in the Nigerian healthcare system so as to reduce medical tourism.
“I encourage you all to support the government in her resolve to achieve these objectives by contributing your own quota through diligent service, undaunted professionalism and responsible citizenship. Working together with the government, we will ensure affordable, accessible and equitable healthcare for every citizen.
- Lagos To Clamp Down On Unregistered Alternative Medicine Practitioners
The Lagos State Government, through the Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB), says it will begin its clamps down on unregistered practitioners of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in every part of the country. This was disclosed in a statement by the Public Affairs Officer of the board, Segun Ogunleye on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the government is set to enforce the directives of the National Council on Health (NCH), which mandates all practitioners of Complementary and Alternative Medicine to register their operations or face the full wrath of the law, as prescribed by the National Council on Health.
Speaking recently in Lagos about the NCH directives, which he said were part of the resolutions reached at the 62nd meeting of the Traditional Medicine Practitioners held in 2019 in Asaba, Delta State, Registrar of the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, Mr. Olorunkemi Kadiku, said the board is giving unregistered practitioners in the state till the end of March to complete their registration.
EDUCATION
- ASUU Declares One-Month Nationwide Strike
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has declared a comprehensive and total strike. The strike was declared at a press conference addressed by the President of ASUU, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, on Monday. He said the strike, which takes effect from Monday, February 14, 2022, would last for an initial period of four weeks. According to him, the union tried to avoid the strike but the Federal Government is unresponsive to the union’s demands. We don’t like to see our students at home. We don’t want our academic calendars disrupted but our demands are not met, he added.
The ASUU chairman also said ASUU NEC faulted the creation of new universities. Osodeke asked the Federal Government to call the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, to order over the unpaid Earned Academic Allowances of its members in the university. Members of the union’s National Executive Council had held marathon meetings since Saturday at the University of Lagos titled, NEC for NEC. ASUU had sensitised and mobilised lecturers and students across all universities on the reason the union might likely go on strike.
The union had expressed grievances over the failure of the Federal Government to fulfil some of the agreements it made as far back as 2009. ASUU had on November 15, 2021, given the federal government a three-week ultimatum over the failure to meet the demands. The lecturers threatened to embark on another round of industrial action following the alleged government’s unfaithfulness in the implementation of the Memorandum of Action it signed with the union, leading to the suspension of the 2020 strike action.
- ASUU declares Pantami’s professorship illegal, to sanction FUTO VC, others
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has faulted the promotion of Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Pantami, as a professor. The union after its National Executive Council meeting declared the promotion as illegal. This was declared at a press conference addressed by the President of ASUU, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, on Monday.
He said, You cannot be a minister and a lecturer in a university. It is an encouragement of illegality. Pantami has to quit as a minister and be tried for doing double jobs within the same federal system. He is not qualified. Pantami should not be treated as a professor.
In September 2021, Pantami, alongside seven academics were elevated by the council of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri to the position of professorship at the council’s 186th meeting. The minister’s elevation has generated controversy, with many faulting FUTO on the promotion of the minister, who was not teaching in the university and whose highest academic attainment was reportedly a lecturer before he ventured into politics.
- ASUU on leave, failed to give notification of strike – Ngige
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, on Wednesday stated that the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities was a “leave” following the failure of the union to notify his ministry before embarking on strike. Ngige also noted that the union failed in its agreement with the National Inter-religious Council headed by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev Samson Ayokunle, by failing to report to the committee before embarking on strike.
ASUU on February 14, 2022 had announced the commencement of a one month rolling and comprehensive strike after its National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Lagos, Akoka. The union had blamed the federal government for constantly failing to honour some of the lingering demands such as payment of revitalization funds for universities, payment of earned allowances for university lecturers, deployment of the UTAS payment system for University lecturers.
Ngige, however, said, “I am sure you know NIREC which is headed by the sultan and the CAN president. I am sure you also remember that the President mandated his Chief of Staff, the ministry of labour and the ministry of education to find a way to make sure that we resolve the issues with ASUU.
- Strike: FG moves to meet ASUU’s demand, constitutes White Paper panel
The Federal Ministry of Education has commenced a move to meet one of the demands of the Academic Staff Union of Universities. The ministry disclosed this in a press statement issued by its Director of Press and Media Relations, Ben Goong, on Thursday. The move by the government to inaugurate a white paper drafting panel came almost a year after the visiting panels to tertiary institutions constituted by President Muhammadu Buhari, submitted the reports of their findings to the education ministry.
The visiting panel, which was inaugurated by the President, was to look into the lapses in the administration of universities. One of ASUU’s demands is the release of the White Paper panel report. A press statement from the education ministry titled, ‘Federal Government constitutes white paper drafting panels for tertiary institutions, explained that ten white paper drafting panels have been constituted.
“Ten White Paper Drafting Panels have been constituted for 36 Universities, while six Panels have been constituted for 25 Polytechnics with 21 Colleges of Education having 5 Panels. “One Panel is to draft a White Paper for four Inter-university centres. the Panels will be inaugurated in the coming days. “All the Panels have two weeks from the date of inauguration to submit their reports.”
WORLD
- Mali Asks France To Pull Out Troops ‘Without Delay’
Mali’s army-led government on Friday asked France to withdraw its forces from the Sahel state “without delay”, calling into question Paris’ plans to pull out over several months. A government spokesman added in a statement announced on public television that the results of France’s nine-year military engagement in conflict-torn Mali were “not satisfactory”.
On Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that he was withdrawing troops from Mali after a breakdown in relations with the nation’s ruling military junta. France first intervened in Mali in 2013 to combat a jihadist insurgency that emerged one year prior. It currently has thousands of troops stationed across the Sahel, with the majority in Mali.
However, relations between the two countries deteriorated sharply after Mali’s army seized power in a coup in 2020, and later defied calls to restore civilian rule swiftly. The French pullout after nearly a decade is also set to see the smaller European Takuba group of special forces, created in 2020, leave Mali. Macron said the withdrawal would take place over four to six months.
- Malawi Declares Polio Outbreak
The first wild poliovirus case in Africa in more than five years has been detected in a young child in Malawi, the World Health Organization said Thursday. The Malawian health authorities have declared an outbreak of wild poliovirus type 1 after a case was detected in the capital Lilongwe, the WHO said. Laboratory analysis showed that the detected strain is linked to one that has been circulating in Sindh Province in Pakistan. Polio remains endemic in Pakistan and its neighbour Afghanistan.
Africa was declared free of indigenous wild polio in August 2020 after eliminating all forms of wild polio. No polio cases had occurred on the continent for the past four years — the threshold for eradication. The WHO said it was supporting Malawi in conducting a risk assessment and outbreak response, including extra vaccination.
Surveillance of the disease is being stepped up in neighbouring countries.
Poliomyelitis — the medical term for polio — is an acutely infectious and contagious virus that attacks the spinal cord and causes irreversible paralysis in children. Poliovirus is typically spread in the faeces of an infected person and is picked up through contaminated water or food. It multiplies in the intestine. While there is no cure for polio, vaccinating people to prevent them from becoming infected thus breaks the cycle of transmission. The August 2020 declaration that Africa was free of the virus that causes polio was a landmark in a decades-long campaign to eradicate the notorious disease around the world.
- Germany To End Most COVID-19 Restrictions In March
Germany will end most government restrictions to fight the coronavirus pandemic in March, according to a draft official plan seen by AFP on Monday, as new infections rates ease. Two years after the start of the outbreak in Germany, curbs to prevent contagion will begin falling away.
As a first step, contact restrictions will ease allowing more to meet privately, while access to shops will be open to all without checks on whether the individuals are vaccinated or tested. From March 4, access to restaurants will be open to unvaccinated people too if they show a negative test. In a final step, broad restrictions of social, cultural, and economic life should be gradually lifted by the start of spring on March 20, 2022, said the draft document to be approved by federal and state leaders on Wednesday.
After that date, Europe’s top economy would rely on “basic protection measure including in particular the wearing of medical masks in public. Rules requiring employers to allow staff to work from home if possible would also be lifted at that time.
- US Airline Makes Emergency Landing After Unruly Passenger Incident
An “unruly passenger†forced an American Airlines plane to make an emergency landing in the US city of Kansas on Sunday after crew and others onboard subdued the person, the airline said. Flight 1775 from Los Angeles to Washington diverted mid-journey to Kansas City where it was met by law enforcement.
A fellow passenger, who said he saw the incident, told CNN that a man had tried to get into the cockpit and open a plane door. In response, a flight attendant hit the man over the head with a coffee pot, according to the witness.
During the pandemic, flight attendants have reported a surge of unruly passenger incidents, many involving verbal and physical abuse from travelers who refuse to wear a mask. Last year, the Federal Aviation Administration logged 5,981 reports of unruly passenger behaviour, most of which 4,290 reports” involved mask-related behaviour.
ENTERTAINMENT
- Singer Buju changes stage name to ‘BNXN’
Nigerian singer, Daniel Benson, who was professionally known as Buju, has officially changed his stage name to BNXN. The fast-rising afro-fusion musician made this known on his official Twitter page, where he noted that his new name would be pronounced as ‘Benson’.
According to his announcement video on Thursday night, the name change became necessary after the singer was mistaken for another Jamaican singer known as Buju Banton. “It’s no longer ‘Buju’. Call me ‘Benson’ written as ‘BNXN’,” the announcement read.
The fast-rising songwriter and pianist, who is behind the chorus (hook) of many current hit songs, can be described as one of the most sought-after artistes for collaboration. His top features include ‘Feeling’ with Ladipoe, ‘Mood’ with Wizkid, and ‘Peru’ freestyle. He was initially signed to Burna Boy’s Spaceship Collective in 2020 but refused to renew his contract when it expired in 2021. According to him, he ‘wants to do something new on his own’.
- Afrobeat singer, Femi Kuti, to perform at Hollywood Bowl in June
Afrobeat singer, Femi Kuti, will be performing at the 2022 Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, United States. Femi Kuti made it known on his Instagram page on Tuesday. He wrote, “L.A.! I’m very happy to announce that my band and I are coming to the Bowl on the 26th of June 2022. Hope to see you there.”
Femi Kuti is critically considered as the new patriarch of Afrobeat music since the death of his father, the music legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. The international star has received six Grammy nominations for his music.
According to the official website of the Hollywood Bowl, the event which has existed since 1922 has played host to musical legends, and music bands all over the world. The Afrobeat singer graced the recent musical performance of his son, Made Kuti. The Pop act, Wizkid also graced the event.
- Alleged Sexual Assault: Baba Ijesha Challenges Credibility Of CCTV Videos
Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha has challenged the credibility of the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) recordings presented by the prosecution against him. Through his witness, an expert in CCTV installation and maintenance, Engr. Adeleke Lawrence, Baba Ijesha alleged that the contents of the videos may have been tampered with. The engineer testified for the defence before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Lagos State Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court sitting in Ikeja.
The defendant, Baba Ijesha is facing a six-count charge of child defilement bordering on allegations of indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by penetration. While answering questions from the lead defence counsel, Babatunde Ogala (SAN), the expert gave evidence on the workings of the CCTV and other recording devices. Four video recordings of Baba Ijesha were played in court at the request of Ogala.
One of the videos showed Baba Ijesha and the 14-year old in the home of her foster mother, comedienne, Damilola Adekoya popularly known as Princess. It was said to have been recorded in April 2021 before Baba Ijesha’s arrest. When the witness was asked his opinion of what he saw, he said: “The gentleman and the lady appeared to be acting the way they were asked to do.” Engr. Adeleke also explained that voices heard on the recording after it was forwarded were not from the ‘actors’ in the film but a voice-over from those handling the recording. Adeleke said it appeared on the recording because the application was used to edit the video. Justice Taiwo has adjourned further proceedings in the matter to March 4.
SPORTS
- Tokyo 2020: FG Pays Medical Bill Of Injured Athletes
The Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has paid the medical expenses of two athletes who got injured at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games last summer. The athletes – Enoch Adegoke and Usheoritse Itsekiri – both suffered hamstring injuries while competing in the 100m men’s event, Adegoke during the final and Itsekiri during the semifinals.
The Sports Minister, Sunday Dare assured both sprinters during the Olympic Games that their medical bills would be footed by the Government. In fulfillment of this promise, on Wednesday, both athletes received the sum of Two Million, One Hundred and Seventy Thousand Naira each from the Ministry of Sports being the costs incurred during their treatments and rehabilitation.
The recipients in their response thanked the Sports Minister and the Ministry for fulfilling the promise made to them, saying this will boost their preparations for the new season.
- Mbappe Future Focuses All Attention As PSG Face Real Madrid
As Paris Saint-Germain prepare to face Real Madrid in the Champions League, the French club hope a victory in the tie could yet help convince Kylian Mbappe to stay rather than move to the Spanish capital. The clock continues to tick down on the World Cup-winning striker’s contract in Paris which expires in June, five years after he joined his hometown team from Monaco in a 180 million-euro ($204m) deal.
It is understood PSG turned down an equivalent offer from Real last August to keep Mbappe for at least one more season and team him up in attack with Lionel Messi and Neymar. That seemed to prove money is no object for the Qatar-owned club, but it appears that all the money in the world may not be enough to convince Mbappe, now 23, to stay at the Parc des Princes.
Mbappe has been the top scorer in Ligue 1 in the last three seasons and despite the arrival of Messi, he has remained PSG’s most decisive player by a distance in this campaign. In Paris, they are clinging to the hope Mbappe could change his mind if Mauricio Pochettino’s team beat Madrid in their Champions League last-16 tie, with the first leg at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday to be followed by the return in Spain on March 9.
- We Are Committed To FIFA World Cup Qualification, Super Eagles Tell Nigerians
Super Eagles players and coaches have assured Nigerians of their determination to earn a spot at the 22nd FIFA World Cup finals to be held in Qatar between November 14 and December 18, 2022. At a virtual meeting with the Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, and chieftains of the Nigeria Football Federation on Tuesday night, Coaches Augustine Eguavoen and Emmanuel Amuneke, as well as the playing body, said they were aware of the huge challenge that Ghana’s Black Stars would present in next month’s two-legged play-off. They, however, insisted that they were determined to emerge victoriously.
In his opening remark, Mr Dare praised the players for their efforts at the AFCON, saying lessons have been learnt from the defeat to Tunisia in the Round of 16. NFF President and FIFA Council Member, Amaju Pinnick, in his remarks, charged the players to face the two-leg fixture with even greater determination and play with grit, guts, and zest.
Nigeria, who have featured in six of the last seven FIFA World Cup finals, slug it out with the Black Stars in Cape Coast on March 24 before both teams face again at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, three days later.
METRO PLUS
- NDLEA Declares Abba Kyari Wanted For Drug Trafficking
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has declared suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, wanted over alleged links with drug trafficking. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi made the announcement during a press conference in Abuja on Monday. Before his suspension over links with convicted fraudster Hushpuppi, Mr Kyari was the Commander of Intelligence Response Team (IRT) at the Force Intelligence Bureau of the Nigerian Police Force.
According to the NDLEA, he is wanted over his involvement in a 25 kilograms Cocaine deal. The Agency said it declared Mr Kyari wanted after all efforts to get him to honour formal invitations for his interrogation failed. It bemoaned a situation where those who are supposed to support current efforts to stem the tide of illicit drug trafficking and abuse are themselves neck deep in the menace.
There is no better way to start this press briefing than to remind us about the enormity of the drug problem Nigeria has on its hand and the imperative of all well-meaning Nigerians to play a positive role in curbing the illicit drug menace, Mr Babafemi said on Monday. The NDLEA said that it’s not unaware of threats to the lives of its officers involved in the case, assuring that it would do everything to protect its officers.
- Abba Kyari’s brother received N279m from Hushpuppi, others – Police report
Police investigations have revealed how members of a syndicate led by international scammer, Ramon Abass, popularly known as Hushpuppi paid N235, 120, 000 to a younger brother of a former Commander, Intelligence Response Team, Abba Kyari The probe also indicates that Kyari, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, equally funnelled N44m to his brother’s bank account in multiple transactions. However, the investigation report obtained by newsmen on Monday, failed to disclose whether Kyari’s brother was acting as a proxy for his embattled elder brother who is currently in custody of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
The DCP, who was suspended by the police last July for his alleged links to Hushpuppi, allegedly attempted to sell part of the cocaine which was seized from some drug dealers in Enugu, while he was on suspension. The investigation report which was submitted to the Attorney-General of the Federation disclosed that a total of N279.120m flowed to the younger Kyari’s bank account at various times from the cyber scam syndicate members-Efe Martins (lead coordinator), Sikiru Adekoya, Usman Ibrahim, and Hussaini Ala.
It stated, “Sikiru Adekoya has many times received money from Hushpuppi and Efe and has equally transferred money to Usman Ibrahim. Adekoya after initial denial of having any financial transaction with both Hushpuppi and Efe Martins eventually admitted receiving various sums of money through transfers into his GTBank. However, he could not offer reasonable explanations of what the sums were meant for and what he did with the monies. The network of Hushpuppi Internet fraud syndicate consists of Efe Martins as the lead coordinator who through his company, Efe Martins Integrated Concept Ltd., has at various times transferred different sums of money to Sikiru Adekoya, Usman Waziri Ibrahim, Hussaini Ala.
Meanwhile, the force has intensified investigations into Kyari’s links to criminal gangs and alleged involvement in money laundering as directed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN). Malami had in his legal advice to the police leadership said a prima facie case of money laundering had been established against the former IRT commander.
- Abba Kyari: PSC suspends two IRT officers
The Police Service Commission has announced the suspension of the two police officers working under the suspended Abba Kyari in the Intelligence Response Team of the Force Investigation and Intelligence Department of the Nigeria Police Force. The suspended police officers are Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sunday Ubua and Assistant Superintendent of Police, James Bawa. This was following their alleged involvement in a drug deal being investigated by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
In a statement on Thursday by the Commission’s Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, their suspension were with effect from Monday.
Also, the Inspector General of Police was requested to suspend Inspector Simon Agrigba and Inspector John Nuhu in accordance with the Powers of Delegation.
Ani said a letter dated February 16 and signed by a retired Justice of the Supreme court, Justice Clara Ogunbiyi, and an ex-IGP, Musiliu Smith, had been sent to the IGP to intimate him of the commission’s pronouncement on the matter. He added that the commission also directed the Inspector General of Police to furnish it with information on further development on the matter for necessary action.
- Drug business: PSC orders fleeing ASP’s arrest, suspends Kyari’s associates
The Police Service Commission has announced the suspension of two police officers working under the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, in the Intelligence Response Team of the Force Investigation and Intelligence Department of the Nigeria Police Force. The commission has also directed the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, to ensure the arrest of an Assistant Superintendent of Police, John Umoru, who is currently at large.
The suspended police officers are Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sunday Ubua; and an Assistant Superintendent of Police, James Bawa. The decision was based on their alleged involvement in a drug deal being investigated by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. According to a statement on Thursday by the commission’s Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, their suspension will take effect from Monday.
Also, the IGP was requested to suspend Inspector Simon Agrigba and Inspector John Nuhu in accordance. Ani said the commission’s pronouncements on the matter were conveyed to the IGP in a letter dated February 16 and signed by a commissioner, Justice Clara Ogunbiyi, on behalf of the chairman, Alhaji Musiliu Smith.
- Ikoyi building collapse: Lagos to demolish remaining skyscrapers, prosecute culpable officials
The Lagos State Government has accepted 26 recommendations of the Toyin Ayinde-led panel that investigated the collapse of a 21-storey building in the Ikoyi area of the state. The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration also rejected two of the 28 recommendations of the panel.
In a White Paper exclusively seen by newsmen on Wednesday, the state government agreed with the recommendation of the panel that the existing two 15-storey buildings still standing at the site of the collapse on Gerrard Road in Ikoyi should be demolished and the land forfeited to the state government. The state government also accepted the recommendation of the panel that the Developer of the collapsed property, Fourscore Heights Limited, be prosecuted because of the loss of lives at the rubble.
The collapsed 21-floor skyscraper, owned by Fourscore Heights Limited, trapped over 50 persons, including the firm’s Managing Director, Femi Osibona; his friend, a United States of America-based Nigerian businessman, Wale Bob-Oseni; his personal assistant, Oyinye Enekwe, and clients. About 44 persons were said to have died as a result of the incident, nine survivors were rescued from the rubble of the collapsed building, while some artisans working in the building before it collapsed are still missing.
- Four friends torture 28-year-old to death over missing phone, device found on chair
Four men have been arraigned before a Yola Chief Magistrate’s Court over the death of a 28-year-old man, Adamu Ahmadu, who was wrongly accused of stealing a phone. Ahmadu, who was the son of a security guard working with the Adamawa Broadcasting Corporation, Yola, was accused by Hamidu Umar, the son of the deposed ward head of Damare, Yola South Local Government Area, of stealing his mobile phone on January 22, 2022. Though the deceased denied the allegation, Umar reportedly insisted he produce the phone.
It was learnt that the 55-year-old and three others resorted to torture to force out a confession from the victim. The other three defendants were identified as Sholle Manas, Faisal and Nahau. Umar, assisted by Faisal and Nahau, allegedly took the victim to an uncompleted building around 5.30pm and tortured him with wood and broken blocks. Ahmadu was said to have sustained fractures in his two hands, among other injuries, which resulted in his death.
During their re-arraignment on February 15, 2022, Umar maintained his not guilty plea, while the second defendant, Manas, who had initially pleaded not guilty, changed his plea. Manas told the court while pleading guilty that he met the first defendant and the two others beating the deceased, adding that he was instructed by Umar to join them in beating Ahmadu.
- Buhari Calls For ‘Strictest’ Punishments For Ritual Killers, Attacks on Police
President Muhammadu Buhari has called for the strictest punishments to be meted on ritual killers and those responsible for attacks on police officers and various stations across the country. The latest incidents of ritual killings and deadly attacks against on-duty policemen and ethnic minorities in Enugu, Imo, Abia, Zamfara, and Ogun States has caused some level of unease across the nation.
The President denounced the nefarious activities saying “I condemn these dastardly acts of violence and pray for the souls of the departed,” said the President, adding that the courts of the land must apply “the strictest of punishment under our laws to the perpetrators of these horrific crimes.”
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu said incidents of ritual killings, hate crimes, and killing of law enforcement officers are aberrations. Expressing the sympathy of the nation to families of all the victims, President Buhari urged law enforcement agencies, state governments, local authorities, community, and religious leaders to take all lawful actions to prevent further incidents of this nature and to put in place measures against the normalization of these primitive acts, hate crimes and acts of terror.
