Ensure Security, Welfare Of Corps Members – NYSC DG Charges Employers

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November 19, 2021

Brig-Gen Shuaibu Ibrahim, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps(NYSC) has asked employers of corps members to take ensure their security and welfare.

Ibrahim gave the charge during the flag-off ceremony of the 2021 edition of the Corps-employers workshop in Port Harcourt.

The DG who was represented by Mr Benjamin Omotade, the Director of Corps Welfare and Health Services at NYSC Abuja said that employers of corp members are partners in progress with the NYSC scheme.

He stated that employers of corp members in all the 36 states of the country are their immediate parents as long as they have been posted to serve in their organisation.

“When we post corp members to different states, we expect the employers and stakeholders of organisations to play parental roles to them as they do to their biological children, it is the responsibility of the employers to take care of their welfare and safety while they are serving,”he said.

Furthermore, he urged employers not to add to some of the shortcomings of Corps members like the rejection of corps members posted to their establishments, aiding corp members to manage their rejection, delay in issuance of their monthly clearance, among others.

He also explained some of the expected roles of the employers during the phases of the service year, as supporting the advocacy for transit camps and Corps lodges in all the 774 local government areas in the country.

He stated that employers should not approve leaves/journeys to corp members nor approval of journeys outside the country except with the approval of the Director-General of the service corp.

Similarly, Mr George Mfongang, the NYSC Coordinator in Rivers stated that the focus of the workshop is the welfare of corp members and how to mobilize them for the improvement of the socio-economic development of Rivers State and the National in general.

Mfongang stated that the corp members would perform optimally in the discharge of their duties if they are adequately motivated.

He explained that though Rivers State is a very hospitable state of corp members, more needs to be done by employers as part of their sacred obligation to create a conducive environment for their corpers who render selfless services to their country.

The highlight of the occasion was the award of excellence presented the Governor Nyesom Wike, the Executive Chairman of Tai Local Government Area, Sir Mbakpone Okpe and others.

Okpe bagged an Award of Excellence from the NYSC in recognition of his numerous support for the scheme in Rivers State.

Sir Mbakpone Okpe has within 100 days in an office donated food items to feed Corp members in the NYSC Orientation Camp, Laptop, money etc. to support NYSC in the State.

In his remarks, he thanked the NYSC and reiterated his commitment to support NYSC and every Corp member posted to serve in Tai Local Government.

Okpe further said that Tai Local Government Area in Rivers stakeholders in the area have been very supportive to the NYSC scheme in the state both in security and welfare.

Okpe stated that the NYSC scheme had played a vital role in the area, saying that the activities of the corp members had benefited the communities in the areas of health, education and community development.

He assured that his administration will continue to support the scheme in the welfare and security of the corp members in the area.

Our Correspondent reports that NYSC Director-General gave an award to Governor Nyesom Wike for his support to the scheme, and the local government Chairmen of Tai, Khana and Ogu-Bolo for their support to the scheme.

Source

Soldiers Foil Boko Haram Attack On ‘Repentant Terrorists’ Rehabilitation Camp

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ABN TV EDITOR

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November 19, 2021

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The troops of 25 Task Force Brigade on Friday repelled a terrorist attack on Damboa town in Borno State.

The troops were said to have overpowered militants from the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), in a gun battle, forcing them to flee.

The insurgents had reportedly stormed the town around 6:35 am, shooting in all directions.

This created tension among residents but troops reportedly engaged them in a heavy shootout, forcing them to retreat.

A source said the terrorists were first sighted around Mandara Garau on Thursday while converging in a large number of trucks.

He said the plan was to attack a transit camp for ‘repentant’ fighters in Sabon Gari, Damboa.

Nigeria Was Listed As Religious Violator After IPOB Lies – Garba Shehu

By

Munachi

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November 19, 2021

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The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, has said Nigeria was listed as a religious violator by the United States after falsehood and misinformation by extremist groups and the Indigenous People of Biafra in a well-funded international media campaign.

He said right-wing American lobbyists were funded millions of dollars by IPOB, adding that the aim was to make true their “fake claims that Muslims and Christians cannot live side-by-side in love and peace.”

Shehu said this in a statement titled, ‘What Biden’s removal of Nigeria from religious violation watchlist means,’ issued on Friday following the visit to Nigeria by the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken.

The statement read in part, “This sad and uncalled for the ban came on the heels of 12 months of lies by some extremist groups and the banned terrorist group the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB’s well-funded international media campaign. Nigeria should never have been on the list. It was included after paid right-wing American lobbyists were funded millions of dollars by IPOB to spread falsehoods and misinformation about Nigeria. Those who willingly took money from terrorists spread falsehoods against a democratically elected government. They took advantage of well-meaning, God-fearing Americans to whom they spread their lies.

“Their aim was to drive a wedge, for political advantage, between the two great religions and by doing so, make true their fake claims that Muslims and Christians cannot live side-by-side in love and peace. They did not care if their maliciousness was the cause of religious tension. In fact, it is possible they sought to encourage it to prove their point. Yet, despite all the funds at their disposal, they only convinced for a brief time those who had been voted out of office by US citizens to add Nigeria to the list.

“It is a fallacy to suggest Nigeria lacks religious freedom. A visit to any city will see a surfeit of posters for religious groups, for Muslims and Christians alike. Nigerians wear our faith on our sleeves. Nigeria is one of the most religious nations in the world – near equally balanced between Muslims and Christians. It is well-known the President counts amongst his personal friends many global Christian leaders, though he himself is Muslim; our Vice President is an Evangelical pastor; our cabinet is equally balanced between Christians and Muslims.

“This is not to say there are no tensions. The President and all who serve in his administration know there are. And they are being addressed: for instance, the present administration is the only government since independence to introduce a plan to address farmer-herder clashes. Today that plan is working. Many states are taking the lead in its implementation because they, not the Federal Government control land.

“What we said at the time of the listing remains true that the government under President Muhammadu Buhari is run in accordance with our constitution. The losses of life and threats to the lives of our civilian populations from communal and inter-communal violence, banditry and terrorism are of great concern to the administration. It is, therefore, incorrect for anyone to assume the position that the government is doing nothing to address these intertwined threats.

“This administration has successfully dispossessed terrorists in the Northeast of all land and territory that they held; forcing them into hiding out amongst remote forests and across borders and they are being fought in those locations.

“To address the causes of violence against the civilian population in the face of the harsh odds imposed by the COVID economy, this administration just recently recruited 10,000 new constables. All arms of the Military and paramilitary agencies have been authorised to recruit additional men. The procurement of military hardware has been intensified.

“With this egregious listing removed, US-Nigeria relations are now reset, and we can jointly seek resolution to other critical matters – including the fight against terrorists across the Sahel region. This task was complicated by the now reversed decision. To that end, the present administration looks forward to working with the Biden administration on matters, bilateral and multilateral that are important to our friendly states.

“President Buhari is satisfied with the decision by the United States to remove Nigeria from a list of countries deemed to lack religious freedom, placed there by a previous US administration no longer in office.”

Source

EPL: Arsenal Ready For Liverpool Test As Pressure Mounts On Solksjaer

By

Munachi

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November 19, 2021

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Liverpool will pose a stern test of Arsenal’s revival when the Premier League title-chasers host Mikel Arteta’s resurgent side on Saturday.

The international break offered a welcome respite for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but Manchester United’s beleaguered manager is in the firing line again as his troubled team head to Watford.

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is back in the Premier League and takes charge of his first match as Aston Villa boss against Brighton.

ARSENAL READY FOR LIVERPOOL EXAM

Since a dismal 5-0 thrashing at Manchester City in August, Arsenal has surprisingly emerged as the Premier League’s form team.

That chastening defeat sparked calls for Gunners boss Mikel Arteta to be sacked, but the critics have been silenced by an eight-game unbeaten run in the league.

Not even leaders Chelsea took as many points over that period as Arsenal, who have won six and drawn two to climb to fifth in the table.

Fuelled by the emergence of young England midfielder Emile Smith Rowe and Arteta’s successful overhaul of his previously leaky defence, Arsenal are dreaming of a return to the Champions League via a top four finish.

Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been back among the goals and his bubbly mood reflects the team’s current confidence.

“I’m the coolest captain in the league, maybe in the world!” Aubameyang said. “To tell the truth I try to be an example. I think that is the most important part of being a captain.”

After a relatively benign run of fixtures, Liverpool are the first serious threat to Arsenal’s renaissance, with the Reds desperate to bounce back from their surprise 3-2 defeat at West Ham before the international hiatus.

Sitting four points behind Chelsea — and two ahead of Arsenal — fourth-placed Liverpool can ill afford another setback after two league games without a win.

SOLSKJAER FIGHTS FOR SURVIVAL

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is locked in a desperate fight to save his job as Manchester United try to get their chaotic campaign back on track at Watford.

Solskjaer was expected to oversee a sustained challenge for United’s first English title since 2013 after the high-profile signings of Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane.

But the United boss has struggled to turn his star-studded squad into a coherent team, leading to a series of damaging defeats including Liverpool’s 5-0 ransacking of Old Trafford and Manchester City’s 2-0 stroll at the same venue.

With United languishing nine points adrift of first place, Solskjaer had to endure fresh reports this week that the club’s owners the Glazer family have started making plans to replace the Norwegian.

Another embarrassing loss against lowly Watford would push Solskjaer closer to the exit.

We Started Daystar Church At A Restaurant – Pastor Sam Adeyemi

By

Munachi

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November 19, 2021

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Sam Adeyemi said Daystar Christian Centre began at a restaurant on Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.

Adeyemi, the founder of the church, stated this while celebrating the 26th anniversary of the centre on Thursday.

He said:

“26 years ago, a handful of us gathered at a restaurant on Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, to begin a journey of faith as we formally launched Daystar Christian Centre. What a phenomenal journey it has been seeing lives transformed globally in amazing ways. What a privilege to be called and chosen to lead the beginning of such a great vision. We give all glory to God, who has worked with us to confirm His word.
Happy anniversary to all members, workers, and leaders, past and present, and all friends of @daystarng. Cheers to another 26 years of raising role models.”

Nike Adeyemi, the wife of Pastor Sam Adeyemi, on her part also thanked God and everyone who contributed to the success of the church.

She said: “Happy anniversary Daystar! Keep fulfilling the purpose of God’s heart for people uniquely. May many more lives be transformed. May many more be healed, changed, find Christ, walk in His ways while making a difference. Be light that won’t be put out.

“Here is too many more in touching more to the glory of God.

“It’s been a privilege, I celebrate everyone that has served, expressed their gifts and calling had a part in this past, present in any way. God bless you all.”

Source

Rep Onuigbo Commends President Buhari For Signing Into Law Climate Change Bill He Sponsored

By

ABN TV EDITOR

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November 19, 2021

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Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Abia State Rep. Sam Onuigbo has expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the Climate Change Bill, which he sponsored into law.

The Bill earlier passed by the two chambers of the National Assembly, now an Act provides a legal framework on which the country’s climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts will be based on.

ABN TV recalls that the President had on Thursday signed the Climate Change Bill into an Act along with AMCON (Amendment) Act, making them parts of the country’s constitution.

In a letter of commendation to key stakeholders, especially President Muhammadu Buhari for making the Bill an Act, he said it makes provisions for the constitution of a National Council on Climate Change headed by the President, with members including Ministers of relevant Ministries, Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, President of ALGON, National Security Adviser, representatives of the youths, Persons Living with Disabilities, women, climate-related NGOs, the private sector, etc.

Hon. Onuigbo further stated that the all-encompassing nature of the composition of the Council is to ensure that the voices of all is heard, adding that the high-level nature of the Council was intentional.

He insisted that Climate Change is a serious issue which demands the highest level of attention— the type that will elicit serious responses.

In a release obtained by ABN TV on Friday, Hon. Onuigbo said, “The Act further sets up the Climate Change Fund to be administered by the Council. This fund will be channeled towards adaptation efforts, support for innovations that will lead to decarbonization, investments into green economy, support for nature-based solutions such as REDD+ and the Great Green Wall Initiative, and many more. It also sets a net-zero emissions target for the country while setting up five-yearly carbon budgets and annual carbon targets. There are also provisions for proper oversight on Nigeria’s Climate Change efforts by the National Assembly and a communication process that is time-bound, and public.

“The first part of a very important journey has been done. Proper implementation demands full attention and action by all of us. Together, and only together, can we realize our objectives and set our country on the path of an important transition to a green and sustainable economy. Make no mistakes about it, the world is transiting and we must join or wake up in a few decades, an impoverished and uninhabitable country.

“I will like to thank His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari for exhibiting selfless and precocious leadership. Worthy of commendation are also the Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan GCON, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Idris Wase, all members of the National Assembly, the incomparable Minister of State for Environment, Chief Sharon Ikeazor, the Attorney General of the Federation, and Honourable Minister of Justice, Hon. Abubakar Malami SAN, my colleagues in Climate Parliament Nigeria and GLOBE Nigeria, members of the diplomatic mission especially the British High Commission and the U.S Embassy, climate activists in the country for consistently pushing for this, the technical team of professionals who worked with me on the Bill, members of the media, and others.”

ISWAP Fighters Attack Military Base In Borno

By

Munachi

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November 19, 2021

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Terrorists connected to the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) attacked the Super Camp of the Nigerian Army in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno on Friday.

Brig.-Gen. Abdulwahab Eyitayo, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, confirmed the development.

Eyitayo said the terrorists attacked the base with 10 gun trucks and one phantom MRAP.

However, Eyitayo confirmed that the troops swiftly repelled the attack and forced the terrorists to withdraw in disarray through Sandia village.

The GOC said total normalcy has now been restored in the town, as people were going about their normal activities, while exploitation was still ongoing by the Air Task Force to mop up the fleeing terrorists.

He added that

“Troops are right now driving around Damboa town for a show of force to boost the confidence of the locals.”

Source

Sen. Kalu Urges Igbos To Work With Buhri

By

Munachi

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November 19, 2021

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The Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Orji Kalu has renewed calls for Igbos to work with President Muhammadu Buhari and appreciate him for the infrastructure in the South-East.

Kalu made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday.

The lawmaker representing Abia North Senatorial District stressed that his zone would give Buhari more votes if given another opportunity.

According to him, it is on record that Abia North Senatorial zone is the only zone in the South-East and South-South that gave Buhari 68 per cent votes in the 2019 general elections.

“If we are given a chance to repeat what we did in 2019, I think the people will do more voting for him.

`From what President Buhari has done in my constituency, the votes might be higher than 68 per cent,’’ Kalu said.

He emphasised that the zone had enjoyed a cordial relationship with the president.

“The relationship with Abia North as a constituency is very cordial and the president has shown a lot of love to us and has remembered us with what we voted for, so we are excited.

“Abia North is the senatorial district that gave the president the highest votes both in the South-South and South-East, we are number one and nobody is challenging us.

“So, when people say we don’t like Buhari we are not part of it; we have always been in good times with him. We gave him a doctorate degree in our university in 2003 (Abia State University) and we gave him a chieftaincy title in Igbere(Orji Kalu’s home town} in 2004.

“So, we have always been in good terms with him and we are also in good terms with other past heads of state like Abudulsalami Abubakar, Ibrahim Babangida, President Shehu Shagari and President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“We are excited to have other people in our area, so Nigerian politicians should remove hatred.

“I encourage the Igbos to work with President Buhari to find a way to make amends and remove sentiments and work with the president so that in the remaining two years he can do more things for us before he leaves office,’’ Kalu said.

Source

FG, ASUU Agree To Renegotiate Revitalisation Fund For Universities

By

Munachi

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November 19, 2021

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has agreed to renegotiate its initial agreement with the Federal Government on the revitalisation of universities.

The agreement was reached at a meeting with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila at the National Assembly, on Thursday.

The Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed and Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, were also in attendance.

The meeting came on the heels of ASUU’s announcement that it is considering embarking on another strike over unpaid benefits and the revitalisation of universities.

The renegotiation process is expected to commence in one week after Minister Nwajiuba said the 1.3 trillion naira currently being demanded is unrealistic.

The Finance Minister also assured that within one week the earned allowances and the salary shortfall issues would be addressed.

Speaker Gbajabiamila said the House will be involved in the renegotiation process between both parties and will ensure that a concrete agreement is reached that will be beneficial to all in order to avert any further strikes.

Meanwhile, the ICT and Education committees of the House are to meet with ASUU on the payroll system, the University Transparency, Accountability Solution (UTAS).

Source

Buhari Receives Delegation Of Igbo Leaders In Aso Villa (Photos)

By

Munachi

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November 19, 2021

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met with a delegation of respected leaders of the south-eastern part of the country.

He received the delegation comprising traditional and religious leaders of the Igbo extraction at the State House in Abuja.

Among the leaders hosted by the President were former Anambra State Governor, Chukwuemeka Ezeife; former Minister of Aviation, Mbazulike Amaechi; and Former President of Igbo think-tank group, Aka Ikenga, Goddy Uwazurike.

Government officials at the meeting included the President’s Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari; Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ogbonnaya Onu; and the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno.

Others are Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; and Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba.

See photos of the meeting below: