African Union To Meet Putin Over Blockage Of Cereals, Fertilisers

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June 2, 2022

The head of the African Union, Senegalese President Macky Sall, will speak with President Vladimir Putin in the southwestern Russian city of Sochi on Friday, Dakar said.

The visit is aimed at “freeing up stocks of cereals and fertilisers, the blockage of which particularly affects African countries”, along with easing the Ukraine conflict, Sall’s office said Thursday.

The visit was organised after an invitation by Putin, and Sall will travel with the president of the African Union Commission, his office added.

The AU will also receive a video address from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, though no date has been set.

The war in Ukraine has sent the cost of fuel, grain and fertilisers skyrocketing around the globe, which is being acutely felt in African nations.

Both Ukraine and Russia are major suppliers of wheat and other cereals to Africa, while Russia is a key producer of fertiliser.

The UN said last month Africa faces an “unprecedented” crisis caused by the war, compounding difficulties facing the continent, from climate change to the coronavirus pandemic.

Earlier this week, Sall made an appeal to European Union leaders to help ease the crisis on key commodities.

He said their decision to expel Russian banks from the SWIFT financial messaging system could hurt food supplies to the continent.

“When the SWIFT system is disrupted, it means that even if the products exist, payment becomes complicated, if not impossible,” Sall said via video-link.

“I would like to insist that this issue be examined as soon as possible by our competent ministers in order to find appropriate solutions,” he added.

Sall acknowledged that Russia’s blockade of Odessa had harmed Ukrainian food exports, and he backed UN-led efforts to free the port.

Russia has come under a barrage of sanctions from the West following the February 24 invasion of Ukraine, in a bid to punish Moscow for the military intervention.

Crowds Cheer Queen On Palace Balcony For Historic Platinum Jubilee

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Koko Lawrence

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June 2, 2022

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Huge crowds on Thursday cheered Queen Elizabeth II for the first of four days of celebrations to mark her historic Platinum Jubilee, in what could be the last major public event of her long reign.

Tens of thousands of people converged on central London in bright sunshine to witness the centuries-old Trooping the Colour military parade.

The 96-year-old monarch’s appearance at the festivities for her record-breaking 70 years on the throne had been in doubt due to illness and recent mobility problems.

But dressed in dove blue, her hands clasped on a walking stick, she took a salute from mounted troops from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, under the fluttering royal standard.

The Mall below was awash with red, white and blue union flags, with some die-hard royal fans having camped for days to be in prime position for the display of pomp and pageantry.

But many acknowledged the coming end of an era.

Recognition of the queen’s unprecedented reign saw tributes from political and religious leaders from across the world, including the leader of pro-Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein in Northern Ireland.

Michelle O’Neill’s message, praising the queen’s “significant” contribution to the peace process would have been unthinkable before the 1998 peace deal that ended years of violence over British rule.

Sinn Fein was the political wing of the Irish Republican Army paramilitary group, which blew up the queen’s cousin, Lord Louis Mountbatten, in 1979.

UBEC Spends N21.6 Billion On Smart Schools In Six Geo-Political Zones

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Precious Obazee

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June 2, 2022

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The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has disclosed that the sum of N21.6 billion was spent on the construction of six smart schools in the six geopolitical zones of the country.

The Commission revealed plans to build one of such schools in the 36 states of the federation with each estimated to cost about N350 million.

The Commissions spokesperson, David Apeh who disclosed this in a statement, said the schools would have the capacity to accommodate a large number of students and ICT infrastructure.

Similarly, the Commission said it has commenced efforts to ensure full implementation of e-Learning programmes in basic education across the country following the challenges occasioned in the sub-sector by pandemic lockdown and closure of schools.

To this end, the Commission assembled a team of experts in Kano for a 5-day workshop for the development of Course Outline and Course Contents for the training of education managers, teachers, technical support personnel and other stakeholders for the Smart Schools and E-Learning programmes in basic education in Nigeria.

Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi in his speech delivered at the workshop said the recent challenges in the basic education sub-sector occasioned by the pandemic lockdown measures, has accelerated the need for new learning and teaching models that offer learners and teachers flexible learning opportunities that seek to ensure unfettered access to quality education.

Bobboyi further explained that capacity building for the different categories of stakeholders would include general training on ICT tools and facilities.

He added that the training would cover all issues pertaining to effective use of various ICT tools and facilities to enable the teachers efficiently use them, saying this would also cover areas that have to do with various software packages and their use as it pertains to e-learning delivery.

On digital pedagogical training, the UBEC boss said this would focus on developing teachers’ skills on e-learning lesson delivery, explaining that the pedagogical skills required for e-learning delivery is far different from the face-face pedagogical skills.

Suspended Accountant-General Released From EFCC Custody

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Koko Lawrence

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June 2, 2022

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The suspended Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, has been released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission after he was arrested for his alleged involvement in a N174 billion fraud, according to newsmen.

Idris was released on bail from the custody of the anti-graft agency on Wednesday night in Abuja and has since been reunited with his family.

The EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed this to correspondents on Thursday morning.

“The suspended Accountant-General is out on bail. He was released last night,” Uwujaren said.

It was reported that Idris was nabbed by operatives of the EFCC on May 16, 2022, in connection with a series of frauds that was initially thought to be N84 billion.

Three days after his arrest, Idris was suspended by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, to enable him to face his probe.

Sources revealed that during questioning, Idris mentioned names, companies, and a huge amount of money which is currently under probe.

He also made confessional statements and provided traces of funds, withdrawals, and deposits in local and foreign currencies.

This led to the arrest of the former governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, and the Chairman and Managing Director of Finex Professional, Anthony Yaro, by the EFCC last week.

Sources within the EFCC also mentioned to correspondents that the acting-AGF, Anamekwe Nwabuoku, who was appointed after Ahmed Idris’ suspension is also under surveillance concerning accusations of financial impropriety.

The allegations against him include overpayment to himself while serving in previous ministries and agencies.

He was also alleged to have perpetrated fraud through the Government Integrated Financial Management System used to pay salaries of Federal Government staff.

“Some of the alleged infractions occurred when Nwabuoku was the Director of Finance and Accounts, Ministry of Defence,” the source said.

Tobacco Smoking Driving Tuberculosis Epidemic, W.H.O

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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June 2, 2022

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The World Health Organisation said that, smoking tobacco is driving the tuberculosis epidemic, adding that in 2020, it was responsible for about 730,000 TB episodes.

According to the WHO, individuals who smoke are more at risk of experiencing problems with their lungs, even after successful completion of TB treatment.

The health agency disclosed this to commemorate the 2022 World No Tobacco Day, which is celebrated annually on May 31.

The theme of this year’s celebration is, Tobacco – Poisoning our Planet. The theme WHO said, aimed to shed light on the negative impacts of tobacco on human health, economies, societies and the environment.

The global health agency, stressed that individuals who smoke, along with people who are exposed to second hand smoke, are at higher risk of developing TB.

“Smoking tobacco slows down TB recovery, it is also linked with poor treatment outcomes, including relapse of TB and death.

“Tobacco usage is a destructive habit, with an estimate of eight million people dying yearly.

“Efforts to curb the number of people who smoke and to support people with TB to quit smoking are therefore crucial to reduce TB related suffering and deaths.”

The World Health Organisation’s end TB Strategy, lays emphasis on action on TB including tobacco smoking.

Nigeria’s Eta Karo Claims First West Africa Scrabble Tournament In Ghana

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Henry Williams

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June 2, 2022

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After three days of gruelling top scrabble action, Eta Oghenekaro on Wednesday emerged as the winner of the maiden West Africa Scrabble Tournament held in Accra, Ghana.

Gambia, Sierra Leone and host Ghana participated in the tournament which involved English-speaking West African nations while Liberia withdrew.

His victory which highlighted Nigeria’s dominance in the sports, saw the country’s representatives occupying the top positions after a massive 28 round of games in three days.

The Malaysian Prince whose victory marked his first success on the International scene shook of some stiff challenges from fellow compatriots, South-South champion Nsikak Etim, Tunde Oduwole, Enoch Nwali, Wellington Jighere as well as other top players from the country.

Karo who is well known for his frugal board strategy steered his way to top by sealing his unassailable position in the 27th round.

His victory has sparked some waves of celebration across the country which has established itself as the number one scrabble playing nation in the world.

Agency Receives 2022 African Public Relations Award For Excellence

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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June 2, 2022

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Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, has won the 2022 African Public Relations Association, APRA award.

The Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations, NITDA, Mrs.Hadiza Umar in a statement issued in Abuja said the award was in recognition of its contribution to the growth of the country’s digital economy.

Mrs Umar said the award, which took place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on May 25, is an annual event that recognises Superior Achievements in Branding, Reputation, and Engagement, SABRE.

She said it also focused on engagement, credibility, relationship building and was hosted by Provoke Media in collaboration with the African Public Relations Association, APRA.

Mrs Umar noted that NITDA, with the support of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, clinched the APRA Certificate of Excellence in the Public Affairs/Government Relations category.

She explained that the award was for NITDA‘s campaign on Digital Innovation for Economic Prosperity in Nigeria with a book of the same title authored by Inyene Ibanga.

The Digital Innovation for Economic Prosperity in Nigeria campaign examines the roles of regulatory bodies in promoting the use of Information Technology, IT, in all spheres.

It also explores ways in which the country is not left behind in the deployment of tools of technology in providing solutions to economic challenges.

The campaign was undertaken by NITDA in partnership with Abuja-based PR agency, Image Merchants Promotion Limited, IMPR, the publishers of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential.

It earned the approval of the 14-member jury comprising global African Communications and PR experts from different parts of the continent to win the award for excellence.

Mrs Umar recalled that in October 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari, renamed Nigeria’s communication ministry as the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

This, she said was to expand its mandate to capture the goals of digitalisation of the Nigerian economy in line with the Economic Growth and Recovery Plan, EGRP.

She said that Professor Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, championed the initiative for awareness creation of the digital economy.

She noted that it was done through the promotion of ICT, innovation, and technological tools to improve existing business processes, efficiency in products and services across all sectors of the economy.

Mrs. Umar said the campaign enhanced positive perspectives on Digital Innovation and Digital Economy and encouraged the participation of critical stakeholders, investors, and startups to key into the sector.

She added, this efforts recorded unprecedented contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP.

Presenting the awards to the recipients, the APRA President, Yomi Badejo-Okunsaya congratulated the winners for making the African continent proud by demonstrating the highest levels of creativity, integrity, and effectiveness in their various PR campaigns.

Commenting on the awards, Paul Holmes, Chairman of the Award Jury and founder of Provoke Media, acknowledged that quality PR campaigns were emanating from Africa.

Mr Holmes encouraged more institutions to key into building the PR sector.

Court Grants Abba Kyari’s Application To File More Evidence Against F.G’s Extradition Suit

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Koko Lawrence

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June 2, 2022

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A federal court in Abuja, on Thursday, granted a request by Abba Kyari, the detained deputy commissioner of police, to file more evidence to challenge a suit by the Nigerian government seeking to extradite him to United States of America to face fraud charges.

Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, filed the extradition proceedings against Kyari, seeking the court’s approval to surrender him to the United States government.

Kyari is wanted by the American government over pending fraud charges filed against him and others at the Central District Court of Central District of California.

U.S. prosecutors accuse him of complicity in the $1.1million international fraud spearheaded by Abbas Ramon, popularly known as Hushpuppi, a former Nigerian Instagram celebrity, who now awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to the scam and other criminal financial activities.

Self Medication: Physician Recommends Legislation

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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June 2, 2022

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A medical expert, Dr. Nuhu Sule, has recommended that specific punishment be outlined for persons who indulge in self medication.

Sule, who made the recommendation in an interview in Kaduna, said such a measure was desirable considering the devastating effect of self-medication.

He observed that more people had imbibed the habit of taking medicines without subjecting themselves to proper diagnosis, hence the need for a law that would stipulate punishment to serve as deterrence.

“Self medication is the practice of an individual using available medications or substances to treat self diagnosed symptoms or conditions.

“In general, the practice of self medication applies to any ailment or condition that a person may treat without the help of a healthcare professional.

”Potential risks of self medicating in serious health conditions includes, incorrect self diagnosis, increased risk of drug or supplement interactions, incorrect choice of therapy, as well as the risk of dependence and abuse,” he said.

Sule, who is a Physician with the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, noted that people seemed to consider self medication as a shortcut to treatment.

According to him, such a gamble can result in a high cost of intervention. Therefore, he advised people to shun the practice to avoid any adverse effect on their health.

Mikel Announces Maiden Back2Base Talent Hunt Programme

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Emenike Agu

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June 2, 2022

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Chelsea legend and former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, is set to create an opportunity to stardom for young and talented Nigerian athletes.

The ex-Super Eagles star started out as an academy player in Jos, Plateau State and rose to the highest level.

He led the Nigeria football team to both the World Cup and Olympic Games.

Mikel said he is keen to create a pathway for others to succeed through sports the same way he did.

he 35-year-old, who is one of the only three Nigerians to have lifted the prestigious UEFA Champions League trophy, is ready to use his new Back2Base programme to uplift hundreds of other young talented Nigerians.

The former midfielder, fondly referred to as The Catalyst, is also willing to put to use his global connections to help the talented young Nigerians not just in football but also in basketball and tennis.

The maiden edition of the Back2Base programme will be taking place from June 9 to 11, 2022 at the University of Lagos Sports Centre, Yaba.

Mikel said: “Opportunities don’t happen, you create them.

“Someone created an opportunity for me and it’s been a dream of mine to do the same for young, talented Nigerian athletes.”

Mikel, who, in 2021, was appointed by the Federal Government of Nigeria as one of its Youth Ambassadors, added: “I would like to announce the first edition of my Back2Base programme, which will give aspiring professional athletes the opportunity to showcase their talents in sports like Football, Basketball and Tennis.”

Aside from providing a platform for the youngsters to showcase their talents, Mikel, who is well-known for his philanthropic gestures, also promised to reward the outstanding youngsters with cash gifts.

He said: “A monetary price will be awarded to the most promising athletes across the three sports.

“They will also be hosted to an exclusive dinner with me where a mentorship session will be held.”

The three-day event will also afford young kids a rare privilege to see and have photo opportunities with Mikel’s Champions League medals.

This event is free for all.