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Gov Namadi Approves Deployment Of 9 Permanent Secretaries, Redeploys 8

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From Abdullahi Idris,Dutse

Governor Namadi of Jigawa State has approved the deployment of nine new Permanent Secretaries and the redeployment of 8 others to various Ministries and Agencies of Government.

This was contained in a statement signed by the State Head of the Civil Service, Muhammad K Dagaceri.

He said Muhammad Bello Dutse of the Civil Service Commission has been redeployed to the Ministry of Special Duties, Muhammmad B. Muhammad of the Ministry of Commerce has been moved to Ministry of Finance, Nura Muhammmad Ubayi of the Administration and Finance, office of the Secretary to the State Government has been redeployed to the Civil Service Commission while Musa Muhammad Yalleman was moved to Local Government Service Commission from Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology.

Others affected by the redeployed are; Engineer Garba Ilallah who was redeployed to Ministry of Commerce from Ministry of Water Resources, Isyaku Shehu Suleiman of the Ministry of Basic Education has been moved to Ministry of Lands, Dr. Abdullahi Haruna of the Ministry of Special Duties has been moved to Directorate of Manpower Development and Training, office of the Head of the Civil Service while Dr. Kabiru Ibrahim was redeployed to Ministry of Health from Primary Health Care Development Agency.

The Head of the Civil Service also disclosed that, the newly posted Permanent Secretaries are; Abdullahi Sa’idu, Administration and Finance, SSG’s office, Muhammmad Yusha’u Jaji, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Engineer Labaran Adamu, Ministry of Water Resources, QS Ahmed Isah, Ministry of Works and Transport, Sagir Muhammad Sani, Ministry of Basic Education and Lawan Muhammad Haruna, Ministry of Higher Education.

Others are; Muhammmad Yahaya Jabo, Directorate of Establishment and Service Matters, office of the Head of the Civil Service, Lawan Dahiru, Ministry of Information, Youth Sports and Culture while Engineer Musa Alhassan Arobade was posted to Ministry of Power and Energy.

The statement said the posting takes immediate effect.

Kaduna Govt Relaxes Curfew, Allows Movement From 8am – 6pm

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Kaduna-map

FROM RAHILA ABDULLAHI, KADUNA

The Kaduna State Security Council under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, after a thorough review of the security situation in Kaduna and Zaria towns and environs, has unanimously agreed to relax the 24-hour curfew earlier imposed on Monday 4th August 2024.

By this review, the curfew will now be in effect from 6pm to 8am daily. This implies that citizens may move freely and carry out their legitimate activities between 8am and 6pm, and will revert to the curfew from 6pm to 8am.

This is contained in a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Kaduna by the Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State, Samuel Aruwan.

The Kaduna State Security Council reiterates its total commitment to the peace and security of the State, and will continue to take all steps deemed necessary for their preservation.

Furthermore, the security forces will continue to vigorously enforce the curfew from 6pm to 8am, and will be decisive in confronting actions which may lead to a breakdown of law and order during periods of movement as well as restriction.

This is with effect from tomorrow, Thursday 8th August, 2024. The statement reads.

End….

Youth Secretariat: Stakeholders Hail Wike Over Appointment Of Mandate Secretary

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wike

By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja

A group, FCT Youth Stakeholders, have commended the FCT Minister, Bar. Nyesom Wike, for the judicious appointment of one of its members as the Mandate Secretary of the newly established Youth Secretariat.

A statement from the Secretary, FCT Youth Stakeholders Forum, Zakari Gambo Babale, and Amb. Mukhtar Akoshile, said the selection of one of its member for this crucial position within the Youth Secretariat is a testament to the Minister’s commitment to youth inclusion, empowerment, and active participation in governance within the FCT.

“It reflects a forward-looking approach that recognizes the invaluable contributions that young people can make towards the development and progress of our society.

The statement, in part, further reads “we commend the Minister for his vision in creating the Youth Secretariat, an initiative that signifies a milestone in prioritizing youth issues and providing dedicated platforms for youth engagement, empowerment, and development in the FCT.

” As FCT Youth Stakeholders, we are eager to work collaboratively with the new Mandate Secretary to ensure that the aspirations and concerns of the youth population are adequately represented and addressed. We look forward to leveraging this opportunity to contribute positively to the growth and prosperity of the FCT community”.

The group pledged its unwavering support to the newly appointed Mandate Secretary and the Youth Secretariat in their endeavors to create a more inclusive, dynamic, and prosperous environment for the youth of the FCT.

END.

ADC Tackles Tinubu, Urges Him To Address Economic Hardship

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By MBACHU GODWIN, Abuja

National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Chief Ralphs Okey Nwosu has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to listen to protesting Nigerians and immediately address the economic hardship witnessed in the country.

Nwosu said the economic policies of the Tinubu led federal government are suffocating Nigerians calling on him to be proactive in his approach in tackling the challenge. ” How do we deal with our issues, proactiveness is critical to leadership. The president should be proactive. The money that has been spent to stop the protest and palliatives if it is channel properly it t would have solve the hunger problem. Moving forward I wish we could be more proactive, Nigerians came out spoken, people died, a lot of people are dying on the street, go to the mortuary people are filled there, people cannot pay for their bills, so the president should listen to Nigerians “

He charged the APC led government to look at wealth creation for the people and not to introduce policies that will cripple the nation.

Nwosu who expressed disappointment that the opposition is not doing much to check the excess of the APC government called on leaders of opposition political parties in the country to rise to the occasion and hold the government accountable.

Organizers of #End bad governance had embarked on a ten day protest against hunger and bad governance beginning from August 1st to August 10, demanding for a reversal of the removal of fuel subsidy and reduction of cost of governance amongst others.

Nwosu who featured on the AIT television morning program Wednesday noted that if the money the federal government spent on trying to stop the protest and the palliatives were channelled properly it would have gone a long way in addressing hunger in the country.

The party chieftain criticized the efforts of the All Progressive Congress, APC, led the federal government to stiffed protesters , saying that it was undemocratic for any Democratic government to bar its citizens from protesting bad policies.

He alleged that the hunger in the country which was bequeathed by the APC led government was a ploy to cripple Nigerians, including the opposition from holding the government to account.” Yes hunger may be part of it, by the time all of us are hungry and are crippled, we cannot challenge it, and people are worried “

He further alleged that a House of Representatives member who won election under his party (ADC), platform was threatening him for supporting the protest, adding that as the leader of the opposition party he will work hard for his party to take over government in the next election.

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KOICA Awards Scholarship To 14 Nigerians Scholars To Study In S/Korea

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By Blessing Bature

The Government of the Republic of Korea, through its grant aid and technical cooperation agency, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOlCA) office in Nigeria, has awarded two Ph.Dd and 12 M.Sc scholarships to Nigerian scholars in 14 government agencies to study inleading Korean universities.

The Country Director of KOICA Nigeria, Mr. Son Sungil, urged the beneficiaries to leverage this opportunity to gain relevant skills and knowledge that would enhance their contributions to their respective organizations and Nigeria as a whole.

“This scholarship initiative underscores KOICA’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and human capital development in partner countries”.

The 14 beneficiaries from Nigeria will pursue various degrees, including doctorates, at seven prestigious universities in the Republic of South Korea.

He said, “the KOICA Scholarship Programme, 2024, is a flagship initiative designed to provide exceptional government officials from partner countries with the opportunity to pursue advanced degree programmes, including Masters and Doctorate degrees. The scholarships offer comprehensive support, covering round-trip airfares, admissions and tuition fees, accommodation, and meals during the recipients’ stay in the Republic of South Korea.

KOICA, established in Nigeria in 2008, is dedicated to enhancing the socio-economic progress of developing nations through grants and technical cooperation programs. In Nigeria, KOICA’s initiatives span project aid, invitational training in Korea, essential equipment provisions, vocational training, governance, agriculture, and healthcare, contributing to multifaceted development.

The KOICA-sponsored fellowship program, aptly named Capacity Improvement and Advancement for Tomorrow (CIAT), serves as a conduit for narrowing the knowledge gap between developed and developing countries. It invites technicians, researchers, and policymakers to Korea for training and education, fostering effective development policies and suitable technologies.

This year, the 14 Nigerian scholars, representing 14 government agencies, meeting with the Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, KIM Pankyu. Ambassador Kim encouraged them to be exemplary representatives of Nigeria as they embark on their studies.

He emphasized the expectation for them to return and contribute to Nigeria’s development after completing their studies. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of embracing the opportunity to learn about the rich culture of the Korean people.

US Says Gaza Ceasefire Still ‘Close’ Despite Tensions

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Israel and Hamas are still close to a ceasefire deal, the White House insisted Wednesday, despite growing fears of a regional war following the assassination of a key Hamas leader.

Washington is still engaged in “intense diplomacy” to prevent further escalation after Iran threatened revenge for the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Hamas has named Yahya Sinwar, the alleged mastermind of the October 7 attack on Israel, as its new leader, sparking fears the torturous negotiations have become even more difficult.

“We are as close as we think we have ever been” to a deal for a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

US officials have said on several occasions in recent weeks that a deal is close, while urging both Israel and Hamas to accept the current proposal which would lead to an initial six-week truce.

On Tuesday the White House said negotiations had “reached a final stage,” in a readout of calls between President Joe Biden and the leaders of Qatar and Egypt, but did not elaborate.

The United States is now working to prevent an all-out war in the region, and has moved planes and warships into the area to help defend Israel if necessary.

“We’re involved in some pretty intense diplomacy here across the region,” Kirby said.

He added that he was “not going to talk about intelligence assessments” of when, or whether, Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah might attack.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday that he had told both Iran and US ally Israel to avoid escalating conflict.

WHO Says Sending Over 1 Million Polio Vaccines To Gaza

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World Health Organisation, WHO, will send more than one million polio vaccines to war-torn Gaza after the virus was detected in wastewater there, the UN agency’s chief said Wednesday.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a press conference that health workers need freedom of movement in Gaza to administer the vaccines, saying that a ceasefire or at least a few days of calm, was essential to protect Gaza’s children.

“WHO is sending more than 1 million polio vaccines which will be administered in the coming weeks,” he said.

On July 30, the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza declared the Palestinian territory to be a “polio epidemic zone,” blaming the reappearance of the virus on Israel’s military offensive since the October 7 Hamas attacks and the resulting destruction of health facilities.

The ministry said the CPV2 strain of the virus was detected in wastewater samples taken in the Khan Yunis region in the south of the strip, as well as in areas of central Gaza.

The war was triggered by Hamas’ unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,198 people, according to a tally based on Israeli official figures.

Israel’s retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 39,677 people, according to the health ministry, which does not break out civilian and militant deaths.

US Comments On Escalating Conflict To Iran, Israel, Says Blinken

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United States has communicated to Iran and Israel that conflict in the Middle East must not escalate, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday, even as the Pentagon warned that it would not tolerate attacks against its forces in the region.

The Middle East is bracing for a possible new wave of attacks by Iran and its allies following last week’s killing of senior members of militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah. Five U.S. troops and two contractors were injured in an attack on a base in Iraq on Monday, which U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin blamed on Iran-backed groups.

Officials had been in constant contact with allies and partners in the region and there was a “clear consensus” that no one should escalate the situation, the top U.S. diplomat said.

“We’ve been engaged in intense diplomacy with allies and partners, communicating that message directly to Iran. We’ve communicated that message directly to Israel,” Blinken said.

The United States will continue to defend Israel against attacks, Blinken said, but noted that everyone in the region should understand the risks of escalation and miscalculation.

“Further attacks only raise the risk of dangerous outcomes that no one can predict and no one can fully control.”

The Pentagon has said it will deploy additional fighter jets and Navy warships to the Middle East as Washington seeks to bolster defenses in the region.

“What I’ve been focused on is making sure that we’re doing everything we can to put measures in place to protect our troops and also make sure that we’re in a good position to aid in the in the defense of Israel, if called upon to do that,” Austin said.

Blinken, following a meeting involving Austin and their Australian counterparts, also said talks to achieve a ceasefire and hostage deal on the war in Gaza had reached their final stage and should end very soon.

Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, was assassinated in the Iranian capital of Tehran last week. The attack drew threats of revenge by Iran on Israel, which has not claimed responsibility.

Coupled with the killing of the senior military commander of the Lebanese group Hezbollah, Fuad Shukr, by Israel in a strike on Beirut last week, concern has intensified that the conflict in Gaza is turning into a wider Middle East war.

Iran has said the U.S. bears responsibility in the assassination of Haniyeh because of its support for Israel.

On Monday, a rocket attack on al Asad airbase in western Iraq injured seven U.S. personnel.

Austin said the United States “will not tolerate” attacks on its personnel.

Asked if he knew who was behind the attack, Austin added the U.S. was sure it was an Iran-backed militia, but had not determined which one.

“We’re still investigating to determine that,” he said.

Iraq’s military condemned on Tuesday what it called “reckless” actions against bases on its soil and said it had captured a truck with a rocket launcher.

A small truck was seized with a rocket launcher fixed on the back. Eight unfired rockets were dismantled, the statement said.

A rare ally of both the U.S. and Iran, Iraq hosts 2,500 U.S. troops and has Iran-backed militias linked to its security forces. It has witnessed escalating tit-for-tat attacks since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in October.

Nigeria Grows Foreign Reserves To $36.86bn

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CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA

By Yahaya Umar 

Nigeria’s gross external reserves balance climbed to $36.86 billion amidst expectation of further inflows from various sources, including revenue generated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

In August, the apex bank recorded $63 million FX inflows, which boosted external reserves balance from $36.797 billion at the end of July, 2024.

The balance in the nation’s external reserves started day on day uptrend since the government transferred NNPCL revenue collection to the Central Bank of Nigeria ,CBN.

FX inflows pattern showed daily accretion, with a few days gap between receipts, according to data from the CBN. At the current level, total balance in external reserves can comfortably cover 12-13 months imports based on latest trade data, analysts said.

Market anticipates that remittance inflows would continue to lift the balance in the external reserves, though there is an indication that the amount has been pledged against various contracts: FX swaps, and oil backed-loan deals by NNPCL.

The Nigerian government had announced a plan to sell US dollar bonds to raise hard currency, at the same time the authority was pursuing loans from a multilateral lender – the International Monetary Fund ,IMF.

Upon approval of $2.2 billion disbursement, the decision to raise US dollar bonds from investors were jettisoned. The IMF loans and Afreximbank oil-backed loans were among inflows that lifted the balance.

Poultry Farmers Ask FG For Licence To Import Maize

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Poultry Association of Nigeria ,PAN, Lagos State chapter, is requesting a licence to import maize to alleviate production costs of its members. 

Mr. Mojeed Iyiola, the chairman of the PAN Lagos State chapter, stated this during an interview with selected newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos. 

Iyiola explained that production costs have surged since the beginning of the year, prompting the association’s appeal for an import license. 

He said, “The licence for the importation of maize is being given to few hands, and they are importing for their selfish gains. If they even decide to sell to poultry farmers and feed processors , they still sell at the same rate the open markets are selling to us”.

“So even the import waivers for maize is favouring poultry farmers. That is why we are appealing to the government to give us as an association, the right to import our maize ourselves”.

“When we import maize directly, we can now sell to our members at affordable rates which will in turn reduce our cost of production. Buying from middlemen cost us a lot. For the import waiver policy to be effective and beneficial to the poultry sector, we should be given the licence to import ourselves”. 

The PAN chairman noted that the cost of poultry products, such as eggs, cannot decrease at present due to the rising cost of poultry feed. 

He explained that the prices of eggs cannot come down now because feed producers are increasing the cost of feed by a minimum of N800 every three days. 

He added that the grower feed, which was sold at N3,500 for a 25kg bag at the beginning of the year, is now being sold for almost N13,000 per bag. He also pointed out that no matter what you feed a layer, it cannot lay eggs twice a day. 

According to Iyiola, the egg-laying process is a cycle that must be completed before the birds can lay again. He expressed concerns that with the growing production costs, eggs are gradually becoming unaffordable for the poor. He emphasized that this is unfortunate because a single egg contains all the nutritional requirements needed by the human body. 

The federal government recently approved a 150-day duty-free window for the importation of maize, husked brown rice, and wheat as part of its efforts to combat rising food inflation in the country. 

The policy has generated diverse discussion among stakeholders in the agriculture industry with some applauding the policy while others state that it could erode gains made in local production of those items.