Nigerian Govt, Yobe State To Establish 3 Livestock Centres with N12bn

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August 23, 2021

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to approve the allocation of N6 billion to all states government in the country for ranching development purposes, just as he did for his home state of Katsina.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Falana stated this stressing that ‘what is good for the goose is good for the gander’. He said his demand is in consonance with Section 17 (1) of the constitution, which stipulates that the people of Nigeria shall have equality of rights, obligations and opportunities before the law.

Falana also drew attention of the federal government to the position of the law that while the land in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is vested in the president, the land in the each state of the federation is exclusively vested in the governor pursuant to the provisions of the Land Use Act, Cap. L5, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

He maintained that the federal government has no business reviving ‘grazing reserves’ on its own as it doesn’t control land use.

The Lagos-based laywer advised that instead of chasing the shadows of grazing reserves, the federal government should support the state governments to develop ranches on its own as it has done in Katsina State as a solution to the problems arising from the obsolete agricultural practice of open grazing.

The statement read: “On July 16, 2021, it was disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the sum of N6.25 billion for the immediate establishment of ranching in Katsina State. The disclosure was contained in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, in Abuja.

“In confirming the disclosure, the Katsine State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, said ‘the president has graciously approved the sum of N6.25 billion for ranch development purposes in Katsina State. Part out of this amount, N5 billion, is already in the account of the state government and within few weeks, you will see advertisement calling for interested companies and consultants that will participate in construction.”

“The implication of the special allocation of the sum of N6.25 billion to the Katsina State Government is that President Buhari has adopted ranching to replace open grazing in line with the National Livestock Transformation Plan of the federal government.

“However, since what is good for the goose is good for the gander, we call on the president to approve the allocation of the same sum of N6.25 billion for every other state government for ranch development purposes. This demand is in consonance Section 17 (1) of the Constitution which stipulates that the people of Nigeria shall have equality of rights, obligations and opportunities before the law.

“However, since the Northern Governors Forum and the Southern Governors Forum have rejected open grazing and adopted the National Livestock Transformation Plan of the federal government, including ranching the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond, it’s compelled to urge President Buhari to jettison the planned implementation of grazing reserves in 25 states. It is time the attention of the federal government was drawn to the position of the law to the effect that while the land in the FCT is vested in the president, the land in each state of the federation is exclusively vested in the governor pursuant to the provisions of the Land Use Act, Cap. L5, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

Gov. Fayemi Evacuates 28 Students Trapped in Plateau

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August 23, 2021

The Ekiti State Government has evacuated 28 students, who are indigenes of the state from crisis spots in Jos, Plateau State following the security challenges prevalent in the North-central state in the past week.

The Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Fayemi, who disclosed this through the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Akin Omole, in a statement in Ado Ekiti on Monday, revealed that the operation was carried out with the support of security agencies.

Fayemi added that all the young Ekiti sons and daughters are in good health, and delighted to be reunited with family members alive and well.

The governor clarified that the mission was led by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Student Matters, Moses Ademiloye, who safely returned to Ado Ekiti, Sunday night with the young indigenes.

The statement said: “On hearing of the plight of the stranded young Ekiti indigenes, Governor Fayemi spared no cost in facilitating the logistics and security required for their safe evacuation in line with the government’s commitment to the welfare, safety, and security of all Ekiti indigenes at home and abroad.”

Fayemi stated that his government remains committed to safety, peace, and security in the state, and helping Ekiti indigenes outside the state to the best of the state’s abilities.

The statement quoted one of the affected persons, Aina Tolulope, as being ecstatic in her appreciation of the governor’s efforts.

“We appreciate the governor for coming through for us when we felt all hope was lost, because of the suspension of academic activities, the curfew imposed and general state of insecurity.

“I am very happy to be home, and I am proud to be from Ekiti State, and happy that we have a governor who goes the extra mile to ensure no one is left behind. He has demonstrated expertise in governance, and shown himself to be a father, and a loving person,” she said.

Developers To Revive 1927 Mississippi Hotel

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August 23, 2021

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Developers say they plan to revive and reopen a Mississippi hotel that was built in 1927 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Groundbreaking for the renovation of the Eola Hotel in downtown Natchez is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2022, the Natchez Democrat reported.

The project is labeled Project Phoenix, symbolic of the once-popular luxury hotel “rising from the ashes,” Mayor Dan Gibson said during a news conference Thursday.

Endeavour Corp. is the development group behind the project. Virginia Attorney Robert Lubin bought the Eola in 2014 and retains partial ownership.

Hayes Dent is president of Public Strategies and an affiliate of Endeavour.

Dent said he and Endeavour owner Randy Roth have been working with a major hotel chain to make the project possible, but did not name the chain.

The group has also partnered with Kevin Preston of the Magnolia Bluffs Casino & Hotel.

Dickie Brennan, the owner of Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse in New Orleans, will be in charge of food and beverage operations at the new Eola.

The Eola was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The hotel reached its height of popularity the early 1930s, when Natchez started pilgrimage tours of antebellum homes.

It ceased operating as a hotel in 2014.

Dakar Flood Leaves Thousands Homeless

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August 23, 2021

Thousands of people have been rendered homeless after a storm brought down nearly a year’s worth of rainfall in a single day and turning roads into rivers in the Senegalese capital, Dakar.

The Orsec plan, Disaster Relief Plan (Orsec) has officially been launched in Senegal to deal with the floods that are affecting certain areas in the suburbs of Dakar and inland.

The Interior Minister, Antoine Félix Abdoulaye Diome visited the areas affected by heavy rainfalls. He announced the deployment of a first batch of equipment to help clear the water in the most affected areas which consisted dispatching about fifty water cleaning trucks to the field as well as 150 motor pumps.

He also confirmed that “The floods of Dakar, Senegal are a yearly occurrence. Last September, homes were ravaged, livestock swept away by the waters. The rains were exceptional. But people criticize the management of these floods, which recur every rainy season.”

Likewise last year, the Minister of the Interior promised pumping equipment, before reflecting on permanent solutions after the last winter.

A ten-year flood management plan was launched in 2012, with a budget of approximately 750 billion CFA francs (more than one billion euros). Many however demands accountability as the situation still proves unresolved.

Berlin’s Neue Nationalgalerie Revives, Described As Brilliant Comeback

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August 23, 2021

Berlin’s Neue Nationalgalerie, an iconic modern art museum designed by Bauhaus pioneer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, reopened to the public Sunday after a six-year refurbishment of the glass-fronted building.

Germany’s culture minister, Monika Gruetters, said during a celebration ceremony held Saturday that the occasion marked the museum’s “brilliant comeback as a pilgrimage site for lovers of modern art and as a stage for contemporary artists.”

British architect David Chipperfield oversaw the extensive refurbishment of the steel-and-glass structure, a project that cost 140 million euros ($164 million).

Mies van der Rohe was the last of three directors of the Bauhaus school of art and design, which started work in 1919 and was forced to shut down shortly after the Nazis came to power in 1933. He later emigrated to the United States.

The Neue Nationalgalerie was Mies van der Rohe’s only post-World War II building in Germany.

It was built in then-West Berlin, not far from the Berlin Wall that divided the city for much of the Cold War. The museum opened in 1968, the year before the architect’s death.

Berlin Mayor Michael Mueller said that, shortly after the Wall was built, the building, with its transparent facade, stood for “progress, the avant-garde and modern, openness and internationality,” news agency DPA reported.

The museum is reopening with three exhibitions: a selection of key works from its collection, a show of works by sculptor Alexander Calder, and another dedicated to film and media artist Rosa Barbra.

Berlin is creating more space to show its contemporary art collection by building a new “Museum of the 20th Century” next door to the Neue Nationalgalerie.

Gov. Bello Advocates History Subjects In Schools

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August 23, 2021

Gov. Abubakar Sani-Bello of Niger has called for more priority in the teaching of History subject in the educational institution to enlighten the youths on their various cultures.

In a statement by Chief Press Secretary to Sani-Bello, during a visit on Sunday to the Emir of Zaria, Amb. Ahmad Bamali, at the palace in Zaria.

The Governor said that History teaches people about their roots while culture is a way of life of the people.

He added that Nigerians should maintain, preserve and promote their culture so as to enable them trace their backgrounds.

“The emir was kind enough to take me round the palace so that I see part of Zaria culture with regards to royalty.

“I am highly impressed by what I have seen especially the preservation of ancient culture that has been here since 1920s and this will go a long way towards maintaining our history and culture.

“The emir was also kind enough to explain the historical background of the ruling family in Zazzau to me and it was very clear and easy to understand.

“The palace is taking a new shape without having to destroy the entire palace. The feeling of the traditional institution is still there but you can see it has been cleaned and tidied up”.

He, however called on other traditional rulers to emulate the Emir of Zazzau in the maintenance of their rich cultural heritage.

“I hope most of our traditional rulers will see what is being done here and do the same in their various emirates because this place for all I know is like a museum. I learnt so many things today,” he said.

The Emir, who along other palace subjects, conducted the Governor and members of his entourage round the palace for sightseeing.

He said the governor’s visit was a remarkable one, explaining that it will remain evergreen in their hearts as he expressed happiness that they were reconnecting.

The historical sites visited include the first palace of the emir, women wing, clinic, stable, the old city palace and fence built by the 16th Emir.

Others are the chamber of late wives of the late emirs and old personal accommodation occupied by three previous emirs; Malam Yakubu Jafaru the 16th emir, the 17th emir late Muhammadu Aminu and Alhaji Shehu Idris, the 18th emir.

Other sites visited were construction sites of a new clinic, guest house and other structures are ongoing as well as the tomb of the immediate past emir.

Zaria is an ancient city and the capital of the Zazzau Emirate which is one of the largest traditional emirates in Nigeria.

Some structures in the palace of the ancient city are believed to be over 600 years.

The present emir is from the Mallawa dynasty and is also the grandson of the first Fulani emir of Zazzau who was the flag bearer in 1804, Malam Musa Bamali, the founder of Mallawa dynasty

German Train Drivers Demand 3.2% Salary Increase As Strike Begins

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August 23, 2021

Many train drivers with Germany’s national railway walked off the job on Monday as their union embarked on its second two-day strike this month in a bitter dispute with the company.

The GDL union called on passenger train drivers to strike from 2 a.m. Monday to 2 a.m. Wednesday. Freight train drivers already started their strike on Saturday afternoon.

Railway operator Deutsche Bahn planned to run about one-quarter of long-distance trains, while about 40% of regional and local services were expected to go ahead.

The union’s demands include a 3.2% salary increase and a one-time “coronavirus bonus” of 600 euros ($700). GDL is at odds with government-owned Deutsche Bahn, among other things, about when increases should take place and over what period a wage agreement should cover.

On Sunday, Deutsche Bahn announced that it was prepared to negotiate a “coronavirus bonus” for this year and called on GDL to return to the table. It didn’t specify what exactly it would offer.

The union rejected the overture as “another smokescreen” and said it would go ahead with the walkouts regardless.

Critics of GDL and its combative leader, Claus Weselsky, contend that union rivalry is a significant factor in the dispute. GDL, which traditionally has concentrated on train drivers, is competing with larger rival union EVG to represent a broader range of railway workers.

Private railway operators, which in Germany operate some regional and a handful of long-distance services, aren’t affected by the strike.

Govt N4.8bn pledge: FG can’t be trusted says NARD

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Cleopatra Okohai

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August 23, 2021

The National Association of Resident Doctors, on Sunday, faulted the N4.8bn which the Federal Government promised to release for the residency training fund.

The first Vice-President of NARD, Adejo Arome, said in an interview that the association could no longer trust the Federal Government.

Arome said this as the strike embarked upon by the association, which commenced on August 2, entered its 21st day today (Monday) as patients lament the effects of the industrial action.

The strike was called over the Federal Government’s failure to implement the agreements it signed with the doctors before they suspended an earlier industrial action.

Among others, NARD accused the government of not paying house officers and failing to register many doctors on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System.

The Federal Government had a week ago headed for the industrial court after failing to convince the resident doctors to call off the strike.

But on Friday, President Muhammadu Buhari directed both sides to resume negotiations.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, had on Saturday said the Federal Government had agreed to pay the N4.8bn residency training fund to the association, while also stating that there were plans to ensure that other demands of NARD, such as payment of arrears and payment of house officers, among others, were met.

Ngige had also said that the association would be required to sign a Memorandum of Action today (Monday).

But on Sunday, Arome said the association no longer trusted the government to implement the agreements.

He said NARD leaders could not return to their members with promises, adding that none of the agreements earlier signed with the government had yielded positive results.

Arome stated, “The government has not met anything. Saying they have set aside any amount of money is just their usual saying.

“We cannot go back to our members with promises. We won’t sign anything again. In fact, there is nothing to sign.

“We have signed all forms of memorandum. None of the ones we have signed has brought any positive results.

“We have signed Memorandum of Understanding and Memorandum of Action, you name it.”

He added, “Let them go and do their work and let the people responsible for the issues be held responsible.

“We don’t trust them. We appeal to the President to take over the negotiations himself because right now, he is the only one we can trust.”

I didn’t negotiate with NARD – Labour Minister

However, Ngige ruled out further negotiations with the resident doctors, saying he would not negotiate with NARD.

He said it was the Nigerian Medical Association that spoke with the leadership of the striking resident doctors.

One of our correspondents had asked the minister to react to the position of NARD that its members no longer trusted the Federal Government since previous agreements were not honoured.

But Ngige said he stopped talking to the association because it had gone to court.

The minister stated, “Call the NMA president and ask him. He was there throughout the two-day negotiations. He led them.

“I wasn’t negotiating with them (NARD). I was negotiating with the NMA. So, call the NMA for their reaction.

“I didn’t negotiate with them (NARD) because their matter has been transmitted to the court. The NARD is in court. So, it is the NMA that we held a meeting with and discussed with.

“I am not negotiating with them. The Ministry of Health is their employer, I am only a conciliator.

“Other unions and bodies like the NMA, the elders’ council, the Office of the Head of Service and the Budget Office, among others, were there and they agreed.”

Israel Fire And Rescue Services Attempt Fire Control Along Gaza Border

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August 23, 2021