Ghana Parliament Summons Black Stars Captain Andre Ayew Over 2021 AFCON Campaign

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February 16, 2022

Andre Ayew and his brother, Jordan

The foul smoke over Ghana’s poor showing at the lat Africa Cup of Nations has not settled. The Ghana Black Stars who are Nigeria’s final obstacle to the Qatar 2022 World Cup finished bottom of their group and ended with just one point making pundicts to riddicle the side as going to Cameroon to ‘make a point’

According to online publication in Accra, Ghanaweb, Black Stars captain, Andre Ayew is expected to appear before parliament to answer questions regarding the Black Stars’ campaign at the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

According to information available to GhanaWeb, The Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports has already written to the Ghana FA to facilitate Andre Ayew’s appearance before the committee.

It is yet to be known when the player will make himself available to face the committee

It would be the first time in recent memory that a Black Stars captain would be appearing before the august house to answer questions after a tournament.

The closest thing to it was when some members of the Black Stars were made to testify after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil when two players were expelled from the team camp due to disciplinary issues.

Ghana had a poor showing at the 2021 AFCON and lost to lowly rated Comoros in the last game to finish bottom of the group.

It is the worst performance by the Black Stars in AFCON history and that has already led to the sacking of Coach Milovan Rajevac who was in charge of the team at the tournament.

The poor performance by the Black Stars has led to requests by persons in authority to have an inquest into the reasons for the team’s failure.

Cup Holders Nigeria Seek Spot At Morocco 2022 Women AFCON Finals

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Emenike Agu

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February 16, 2022

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Nine –time champions and Cup holders Nigeria say they are battle-ready as the stage is set for Friday’s 2022 Women Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying round encounter against the Lady Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in Abuja.

A narrow 2-1 aggregate win over Ghana’s Black Queens saw the Super Falcons to this stage, where they face high-scoring Lady Elephants who mauled their counterparts from Niger Republic 20-0 on aggregate in the previous round. The Lady Elephants contingent arrived in Nigeria on Monday night.

Most of the players invited by Coach Randy Waldrum have been at a training camp in Abuja, and Waldrum says the girls are fully aware of the importance of the big match.

“Every player in camp is aware of the high importance of these two matches against Cote d’Ivoire. We must win to get to the Women AFCON where the African teams for the FIFA Women’s World Cup will emerge. It is one step at a time, but we all know that we must win well in Abuja on Friday.”

Friday’s encounter, which kicks off at 4pm, is the first game the Super Falcons will play at the MKO Abiola Stadium since defeating their Senegalese counterparts 2-0 in April 2016, in the final qualifying round of the 10^th Women AFCON finals held in Cameroon.

Veteran defender Onome Ebi said the Nigerian girls are highly motivated for the encounter on several fronts, including reaching Morocco 2022 to defend their continental crown, having the opportunity to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and avenging a bitter loss to the Ivorians in the qualifying race for the 2020 Olympic Women’s Football Tournament.

“These two matches are going to be tough; they would be like the Final of the Women AFCON itself. The Ivorians stopped us from the race to the Olympics. We also know that it is by being in Morocco that we can defend our crown and also qualify for the Women’s World Cup. We are battle –ready.”

The 12-team 12^th Women AFCON finals, which hold in Morocco 2^nd – 23^rd July, will see all four semi-finalists qualify for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. It is the first Women’s World Cup to entertain 32 teams – same number as the men’s finals.

Hosts Morocco and Uganda, who reached the finals following the withdrawal of Kenya, have already qualified, leaving 10 teams to emerge from a 20-team final round that begins on Wednesday this week and will be concluded on Wednesday next week.

After their encounter in Abuja on Friday, the Super Falcons and the Lady Elephants have a potentially –explosive final leg duel inside the Stade Robert Champroux in Abidjan on Wednesday next week.

ALL THE MATCHES

Wednesday 16 February:

Burundi Vs Djibouti
Zambia Vs Namibia
Guinea-Bissau Vs Burkina Faso
Senegal Vs Mali

Thursday 17 February

Togo Vs Gabon

Friday 18 February:

Zimbabwe Vs Botswana
South Africa Vs Algeria
Tunisia Vs Equatorial Guinea
Cameroon Vs The Gambia
Nigeria Vs Cote d’Ivoire

Buhari leaves Nigeria for Belgium ahead of EU-AU summit

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Cleopatra Okohai

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February 15, 2022

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President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja, Tuesday, to join European and other African leaders as well as heads of multilateral organisations at the 6th European Union-African Union Summit in Brussels, Belgium.

The Summit which holds February 17 – 18, 2022, will have the participants deliberate on themes currently affecting the world.

Such areas of discussion include: Financing for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth; Climate Change and Energy Transition, Digital and Transport (Connectivity and Infrastructure); Peace, Security and Governance; and Private Sector Support and Economic Integration.

Others are: Education, Culture and Vocational Training, Migration and Mobility; Agriculture and Sustainable Development and Health Systems and Vaccine Production.

The Nigerian leader will use the opportunity of the meeting to have other bilateral engagements.

The President will be accompanied on the trip by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, Minister of State for the Environment, Sharon Ikeazor.

The National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar and the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa will also be part of the entourage.

President Buhari is expected back in the country on Saturday.

IFC, World Bank to Pave Way for Domestic Carbon Storage in Nigeria

By

Elizabeth Williams

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February 15, 2022

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The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the World Bank are working with the Government of Nigeria to develop a domestic market for carbon capture, utilization, and storage for industrial emissions – an area that could accelerate the energy transition and help Nigeria reach its emissions targets.

The initiative will Produce a nationwide atlas of CO2 emissions sources and potential sites for underground sequestration. IFC will work with the government to identify the most promising sectors and private companies that can pilot new technologies for capturing, using, and storing carbon.

In parallel, the World Bank will collaborate with the Nigerian Government to outline policies and regulations that can accelerate the technologies’ uptake while helping the local CCUS industry meet international standards. The project is funded by the World Bank’s CCS Trust Fund under the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP). The Trust Fund is supported by the Governments of the United Kingdom and Norway.

“The Federal Government, through the Office of the Vice President, is excited to work with the World Bank Group towards developing and implementing Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) as part of the country’s pathways to accelerate energy transition by 2060,” said the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“The country believes that with the World Bank Group’s support and partnership with Nigeria, it’s only a matter of time before CCUS becomes an important force in global technology, innovation policy for climate action and deep decarbonization, especially for hard-to-abate-sectors.”

In 2021, Nigeria’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) set a target of at least 20% and up to 47% reduction of greenhouse gases compared to business as usual by 2030. Capturing carbon, which could help reduce emissions across a range of sectors, has become a key element of the government’s climate plan.

In addition, the West African country is likely to have significant space for geological carbon storage, in part due to the widespread availability of depleted oil and gas fields. Their potential will be mapped using government and industry data. The project will also use geological surveys and closely examine the issue of obtaining the rights to conduct the sequestration.

IFC will work closely with local industries throughout the process. The engagement will not support the development of carbon capture, utilization, and storage in association with fossil fuel production.

Court Papers Filed Against Huawei Technologies in South Africa

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Elizabeth Williams

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February 15, 2022

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The Department of Employment and Labour has filed court papers against Huawei Technologies South Africa due to non-compliance with the employment equity policy.

In a statement on last Friday, the department said Huawei Technologies South Africa was audited in 2020 and found to be non-compliant in that the company employs approximately 90% foreign nationals, violating the Employment Equity Policy (EAP).

Huawei’s legal department contacted the department in an attempt to reach an amicable resolution.

“When asked about the 90% foreign national employment, the legal person stated that Huawei was granted permission by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to employ the number of foreign nationals they do.

“In investigating this matter, we worked with DHA to determine whether DHA had granted Huawei a permit to employ more than 40% foreign nationals, as required by the Immigration Regulations. It was discovered that Huawei was granted a permit in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration Regulations that required them to employ 60% South Africans and 40% foreign nationals,” the department said.

“If we can combine carbon capture with a decisive push on renewables, countries like Nigeria could be poised for a real breakthrough,” said Vivek Pathak, IFC’s Global Head for Climate Change. “For developing countries, imagine what a game-changer a financially-viable carbon capture industry could be.”

NITDA, Refugees Commission To Train 10,000 Migrants, IDPS

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Elizabeth Williams

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February 15, 2022

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Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMIDP) are to train 10,000 refugees, migrants and IDPs on digital skills.

The Director-General NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, disclosed this during the official flag-off of the one-week training of 200 vulnerable persons in Abuja organised by the NCFRMI in collaboration with NITDA.

“The training is underway in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja with 200 beneficiaries and will continue next week in three other states of the federation (Nasarawa, Cross River, and Sokoto States) with 100 beneficiaries each. However, the initiative is designed to train refugees, migrants and IDP’s from across all the 36 states of the Federation including the FCT with a target of a total of 10,000 trainees by the end.”

Inuwa said, they need proper digital skills to enable them to take advantage of the technological space.

“Empirical evidence suggests that citizens require proper and adequate digital skills to take advantage of technological advances. Information Technology is widely regarded as a key enabler of development, and digital skills is a catalyst for stimulating such development in all sectors of the economy.

“All Nigerian citizens, irrespective of status, must be digitally literate so that they can use digital devices and the Internet for their day-to-day activities. The Refugees, Migrants and IDPs, being among the less privileged members of the society, can benefit from this training for future integration back into the larger society, while ensuring that the large skills gap between Nigerian citizens is reduced

“NITDA is poised to actualize its mandate through strategic and inclusive stakeholder management, strong local and international partnerships, and efficient utilisation of resources (most especially human resources) in the interest of Nigeria.”

According to him, the partnership is vital because it enables the Agency to reach the vulnerable persons in the country.

“This partnership with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and IDPs is important for us as it gives us access to a large group of underserved Nigerians who need empowerment with digital skills as well as tools. We hope that we will continue to work together to empower Nigerians for a very long time.”

Inuwa further explained that the programme seeks among other things to; “Empower the participants with requisite knowledge and skills needed to drive the digital economy transformation in Nigeria; assist the participants with better career prospects and personal development,

provide participants with the necessary IT tools that will help them practice their skills and create startup businesses; and

to create a sense of belonging for participants in the digital economy.“

The Federal Commissioner Migrants and internally displaced persons, Mrs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, disclosed that beneficiaries would be given starter packs at the end of the training and review the programme with the hope of covering more people.

Lagos begins dumpsite fumigation, targets residents’ safety

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Cleopatra Okohai

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February 15, 2022

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The Lagos State Government, through its Waste Management Authority, has commenced fumigation exercises at various dumpsites across the state to protect residents and prevent health hazards.

In a statement released on its official Facebook page, titled, ‘LAWMA begins fumigation of landfills’ on Monday, the government stated that the move was to make the sites safer for waste management operations.

The Managing Director of LAWMA, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, said by making the sites safer, there would be a reduction in health risks to the communities housing the dumpsites.

According to him, the dumpsites play critical roles in the waste management chain, paving way for the attainment of the agency’s vision of establishing a consistent cleaner environment.

He said, “Dumpsites are crucial components for the delivery of Solid Waste Management (SWM), as they serve as the final destination for all solid waste collected from residences, businesses, and public spaces. They also support the protection of sanitation and public health”.

Odumboni stated that the fumigation exercise, which started Sunday at Solous dumpsite, Igando, would be extended to other dumpsites across the metropolis to protect immediate and surrounding communities where the sites are located.

“The goal of this exercise is to protect the public and minimise the negative impacts of the sites on the neighbouring communities. Already, several mitigation measures have been put in place by LAWMA.

“These include leachate and stormwater infrastructure, periodic capping of non-active sections, traffic management, monthly fumigation of the dumpsites and immediate environs,” he said

Global Gateway: EU Pledges 820m Euros Digital Package For Nigeria

By

Elizabeth Williams

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February 15, 2022

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The European Union (EU) has pledged 820 million Euros support for Nigeria’s digital economy.

According to its Executive Vice President, EU Commission, Margrethe Vestager,the pledge, is coming on the heels of an announcement by the President of the Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen, of a Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package worth 150 billion Euros.

The package, expected to subsist till 2024, will help enhance secure connectivity, digitalise public services, support entrepreneurship and build digital skills, while developing a human-centric, democratic governance framework for technology.

Vice President of Nigeria Yemi Osinbajo, who described the initiative as impressive, noted that the use of digital technology is crucial to Nigeria’s recently released National Development Plan.

Besides, Osinbajo emphasised the importance of a renewed Nigeria-EU partnership, including expectations for a successful EU-AU (European Union – African Union) Summit holding in Brussels later this week.

Osinbajo, who spoke while receiving a delegation of the EU Commission led by Vestager, at the Presidential Villa, also expressed the relief of the EU’s support for the country on gas as a transition fuel.

He noted that Nigeria has been in the forefront of the international advocacy on the issue and the Vice President had spoken and written about it in different international fora.

Prior to the visit to Prof. Osinbajo, the delegation of European Union officials had met in Lagos with members of the European Business Chamber Nigeria (EuroCham) to discuss opportunities and challenges of doing business in the country.

EuroCham is a business group uniting the main European investors and corporate organisations in Nigeria. It was launched at the EU-Nigeria Business Forum in October 2018 by the EU ambassador. “The meeting gave us the opportunity again to underline the fact that trade and investment are very much on top of our priorities and they are also key priorities in the partnership between the European Union and Nigeria,” said Samuela Isopi, the EU Ambassador in Nigeria. She assured that the EU would continue its dialogue with the Nigerian government on how to reinforce the economic partnership between the two entities.

Trial For Murder Of Usifo Ataga Continues In Lagos High Court

By

Angel Gimalo

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February 15, 2022

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The Lagos State High Court 11, under Honourable Justice Y.A. Adesanya, was again filled to capacity on Monday 14th February as spectators and family members of both the deceased Super Tv boss Michael Ataga Usifo and Chidinma Ojukwu continued their quest for justice.

The case with charge number; LD/16413c/21 had gained so much attention since late last year.

Reports indicate that one Miss Chidinma Ojukwu and two others were charged with the murder of Michael Ataga Usifo, the CEO of Super TV, Nigeria.

Chidinma was represented by senior legal practitioner Onwuka Egwu Esq who appeared with Lazarus Okorie Esq and Itohan Olomu-Agbodo Esq (Mrs).

The prosecution led by Mrs Adeyemi* of the Department of Public Prosecution called in their fifth witness (P.W.5), one Mr. Rahman Saliu Obiora, who identified himself as the business partner and close friend of the deceased.

During his testimony, Obiora who said he was a network engineer, detailed how he had prescribed BP medications for the deceased and that they were as close as blood brothers. He even wept on several occasions, especially while describing the wounds on the deceased’s body.

However, during cross-examination, he could not support his claim of seeing the position of the injuries because he was far away.

In his words; “We were not allowed to touch..I was two feet away”.

After his testimony, the prosecution asked for an adjournment because their next witness was not available.

Meanwhile, lawyers have been reacting to the media attention this case is getting.

Some believe the public have already passed their judgment on Chidinma based on the way she has been painted negatively.

A lawyer, who refused to reveal his identity what the position of the law is on the issue was, he said;

“As lawyers, we have a duty to defend anybody, no matter what crime the person has been accused of committing.

“It is sometimes impossible for a convict of a public court or media trial to be afforded the presumption of innocence guaranteed by the law, as the verdict of the public court or media trial is already in the public domain.

“However, based on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, justice is for everyone and even an accused person in a case of murder is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“In law we rely on the Latin maxim, Fiat Justitia Ruat Coelum, meaning…. Let justice be done even though the heavens fall”.

“Such is the case of Miss Chidinma. She too deserves to be granted fair hearing. I, particularly, am very interested in the outcome of this case. If the victim was a former boxer and black belter, how did this girl I’m seeing in court, disable and kill him”.

Developing story….

Starbucks Faces Backlash In China Over Police Incidents

By

faith Jegede

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February 15, 2022

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U.S Coffee GIANT, Starbucks is battling its second bout of public fury in China. The Company came under scrutiny after a user on Weibo said that a number of police officers had been eating outside a Starbucks store in the southwestern city of Chongqing before they were told by staff to move away.

The user’s description of the incident quickly went viral on the Twitter-like platform, prompting the ruling Communist party’s mouthpiece People’s Daily newspaper to issue a commentary, in which it called Starbucks “arrogant.”

Chinese consumers and media have become more aggressive about protecting customer rights and monitoring the behavior of big brands, especially from overseas.

In December, Starbucks apologized and carried out inspections and staff training across all its roughly 5,400 stores in China after a state-backed newspaper said two of its outlets used expired ingredients.

Starbucks apologized on its Weibo account late on Monday for “inappropriate communications,” saying the whole thing was a misunderstanding.

It however said staff had never chased away policemen or tried to file complaints against them.

It has continued to face criticism online on, with a few small companies announcing on Douyin, the Chinese equivalent of TikTok, that they would “boycott” Starbucks by forbidding employees from arranging meetings in or buying drinks from the shops of the coffee chain.

However, Hu Xijin, a prolific commentator in China who is the former editor-in-chief of the Global Times newspaper, urged his Weibo users to see the Starbucks Chongqing incident as an accident and not more, adding that Starbucks’s status as a foreign brand should not subject it to more criticism. “China is a country that is open to the world,” he said. “To label a mistake as arrogance is not conducive to the bigger environment of opening-up