Give Low-earners Food Stamps -Senate to FG

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February 28, 2024

As part of the measures to cushion the current economic hardship in the country, the Senate have asked the Federal Government to distribute food stamps to poor Nigerians.

A food stamp is a piece of paper given by the government to people on low income, which they can exchange for food

The Senate urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to liaise with development partners and other relevant stakeholders, especially the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, which introduced Temporary Food Assistance Programme, a few years ago.

The resolution on the food stamps followed a motion sponsored by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) and co-sponsored by Senator Saliu Mustapha (APC, Kwara Central) as well as the majority of other lawmakers during Tuesday’s plenary.

Ndume recalled that the October 2023 Cadre Harmonisé Analysis on food insecurity projected that in 2024, 26.5 million Nigerians will grapple with high levels of food insecurity.

He said, “The reason for the above projection is not far-fetched, as shown by several indicators, which include but are not limited to the ongoing conflicts across the country, climate change impacts, escalating inflation as witnessed in recent times, and rising costs of both food and essential non-food commodities, due to the fall in the value of naira in the exchange market.”

He expressed worry that many hungry and angry Nigerians had been voicing their frustration and anger over the recent increase in food prices.

The Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP Benue South), said there was no better time for the motion than now, adding that identifying vulnerable people in his constituency had always been a problem but that the food stamps would help.

On his part, Senator Sadiq Umar (APC Kwara North), said the executive should ensure that only those who need the food get it insisting the programme needs to start immediately.

“Structures are grown to help in the distribution of the food stamps,” he said.

Also, Senator Solomon Adeola (APC Ogun West), said despite sharing money with the vulnerable, the food stamps would be even more important.

Another lawmaker, Senator Sani Musa (APC Niger East) said it is an important motion as it would help the country achieve food security.

In his remarks, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, who presided over plenary, also agreed that the programme, if implemented, would help assuage the sufferings of Nigerians.

He said, “The Senate is open to acting on issues that will help all Nigerians. So, the entire Senate commends Ndume for this motion.”

FG Starts Strategic Health Budget Alignment With States

By

Cleopatra Okohai

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February 28, 2024

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The federal government of Nigeria has commenced the process of getting the states to align with its budget reforms in the health sector, in a bid to significantly improve healthcare deliverables across the country.

It said the aim was to ensure coordination, improved funding of the health sector and better health outcomes for Nigerians.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Mohammad Ali Pate, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ms. Daju Kachollom, said the federal government saw the need to drive ongoing reforms in the health sector down to the lowest level of governance.

While declaring the 3-Day Retreat of Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Reforms, cascading to the Subnational level, jointly organised by the Ministry and its partners – Result for Development and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation – Pate on Monday said the effort could greatly improve strategic budgeting and budget performance in Nigeria’s health sector.

“Cascading the gains of budget process reform at the sub-national level can greatly improve strategic budgeting and budget performance in Nigeria’s health sector, which will lead to better health outcomes,” he said.

While tracing origin of the pilot scheme, Daju Kachollom said: “We found out that during the course of time that budget processes in the health sector do not align and so at the Fourth National Council of Health which was held in Ado-Ekiti, last year, we came up with the idea, along with our partners- Result for Development and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that we should cascade down the budget for Health as is being done at the national to the subnational level.”

She noted that three states, Lagos, Kano and Kaduna were first chosen by the sponsor of the reform programme – Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as a pilot scheme which would be extended to other states.

She explained that under the health budget initiative, the ministry first prepares a mock budget which is aligned with proposals from the Planning and Statistics unit before arriving at the final budget.

According to Kachollom, the aim of the initiative is to ensure a better health outcome for Nigerians.

“In the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, health is very key sector, and it is our duty at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare that budget reform is cascaded down to the subnational and the local government levels.

“This will ensure that adequate infrastructure, manpower, and training are provided and to also ensure that the budget is adequate to provide for the healthcare needs of the people.”

He further said the whole idea of the initiative was to ensure better health outcomes for the Nigerian population.

Speaking further on the budget reform, Kachollom said: “Having made significant progress in its budget process reforms over the last 5 years, the FMOH felt it was time to support states in achieving the same.

“It is worthy to note that the budget formulation process at the Federal level begins with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. The Budget and Economic Planning Ministry takes the first step by coming up with a Medium-Term Revenue Framework (MTRF).

“They then engage stakeholders, including, the ministry using their Medium-Term Sector Strategies (MTSS) to arrive at a Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), which informs the allocation of envelopes to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“The Budget Call Circular follows the approval of the MTEF and Fiscal Strategy Paper. Ahead of the Call Circular, the Planning and Budgeting (P&B) Committee ensures the development of Annual Operational Plans and Mock Budget by the Ministry DAPs based on the sector’s strategic plan. The Mock Budgets are then reviewed by DAPs in preparing the budgets for submission. This is how the FMOH goes about ensuring strategic budgets.

Country Representative of Result for Development, Felix Obi, who was represented by the Programme Officer, Kemi Adeniyi, spoke on what gave rise for the reform, saying that, “an assessment was conducted sometime in 2018 and it was discovered that our strategic plan in the health sector doesn’t align with our budget.”

She said the new reform being undertaken by the Ministry allows for better collaboration between the Budget and Planning departments in a way that the objective of the government in the health sector is achieved.

Commissioner of Health in Lagos, Prof. Akin Abayomi, who led the state ministry officials to the retreat, described the initiative as very apt as it will help add value to what the states are doing to deliver quality healthcare services to the people.

Zidane Ready For Managerial Return Amid Bayern And Manchester United Links

By

Emenike Agu

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February 27, 2024

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Zinedine Zidane has suggested a potential return to management amid speculation linking him to the soon-to-be-vacant position at Bayern Munich and also Manchester United where Erik ten Hag’s future is up for discussion.

Zidane’s hint at a managerial comeback in the summer comes in the wake of Bayern Munich’s announcement regarding their parting of ways with Thomas Tuchel. The Bavarians have struggled this season and so have made the decision to change manager at the end of the season.

During the screening of a documentary honoring former Italy and Juventus coach Marcello Lippi, Zidane shared his thoughts on his own future.

The former Real Madrid boss spoke highly of Lippi, emphasizing the key role the coach played in his career.

Zidane said “He was my coach, above all he made me come to Juventus. He’s the first one who believed in me and made me play, because in the end it wasn’t easy for him.”

When asked about the possibility of returning to coaching, Zidane expressed openness, stating, “Why not, anything can happen. Now I’m doing other things, but we’ll see – I’d certainly like to return to the bench.”

Since departing from Real Madrid in 2021, Zidane has been away from the limelight. However, his return to the managerial arena has been a subject of media speculation.

The 51-year-old enjoyed immense success during his tenure at Spanish giants, Real Madrid, winning a total of 11 trophies across two stints between 2016 and 2021, including three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles.

As for Zidane’s possible destination, Bayern Munich appears to be a leading contender to secure the services of the esteemed Frenchman. However, the situation at Manchester United will become clearer in the coming weeks, with reports suggesting that Erik ten Hag may leave the job this summer.

Nigeria Vs Argentina International Friendly Match Cancelled

By

Emenike Agu

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February 27, 2024

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria were scheduled to face Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates, but the match has now been cancelled, SportsRation confirms.

Nigeria’s highly-anticipated friendly against Argentina in the United States next month will no longer take place as scheduled.

Argentina initially announced the friendly clash against the three-time African champions earlier this month, with the match scheduled for China.

However, the fixture came into question after China withdrew from hosting duties following Messi’s decision not to participate in Inter Miami’s pre-season friendly against Hong Kong XI.

Despite initial doubts, Argentina managed to secure a venue in the United States for the match. However, a new challenge has emerged, leading to the cancellation of the game.

Nigeria have now cited “logistical problems,” leading to the cancellation. While the specifics of these logistical issues remain unclear, it appears that some Super Eagles players may have difficulties traveling such a distance for the friendly.

As a result, Argentina have found a replacement for the March 26 fixture, with Costa Rica stepping in to play the World Champions in the United States on the same date.

This decision leaves Nigeria in search of a new opponent for the March international window.

The Super Eagles recently finished as runners-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, losing to Ivory Coast in the final and were scheduled to regroup for the Argentina game in March, but instead the NFF will search for a new opponent.

Biennial FIFA Series Of Friendly Games To Launch In March

By

Emenike Agu

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February 27, 2024

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FIFA are launching a new series of friendly matches in one location during the international window called the FIFA Series, with a pilot project kicking off in four countries next month, world soccer’s governing body said on Monday.

Although there are no trophies or prize money, the series is designed to benefit national teams that do not have the opportunity to play teams from other confederations, with FIFA set to cover travel costs.

A soft launch of the FIFA Series will take place from March 18-26 at four locations — Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Azerbaijan and Sri Lanka. Four teams will be based in one location and will play two matches each.

“Some countries have never played teams outside their confederations,” Elkhan Mammadov, FIFA’s Regional Member Associations Director for Europe, told reporters.

“They can gain competitive experience playing teams outside their own confederation, playing teams with a completely different style of play.

“Currently we have 20 teams for the pilot edition. For the 2026 edition we hope to have many more.”

Saudi Arabia will host two groups although the hosts themselves will not be involved in the matches, which are designed to benefit teams that have never qualified for the World Cup.

“The next World Cup (in 2026) will have 48 teams which means you may have many member associations who never played in a World Cup,” said Kenny Jean-Marie, FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer.

“They may arrive in the U.S., Mexico or Canada with no international experience outside their continent.”

Mammadov said they are currently working on fixing television broadcast deals for the Series while they will also look to stream matches on the FIFA+ platform.

He added there were no disagreements with confederations regarding scheduling these tournaments as they were being played during the international break. The next edition in 2026 could see bigger teams looking to take part.

“We’ve started discussions with high-ranked teams and they hope to play and even host the next edition in March 2026. There is interest to host,” he said.

With FIFA only facilitating and not organising the tournaments, Mammadov said they were inviting member associations with their own sponsors on the ground to sponsor the Series.

“But if companies approach to sponsor the FIFA Series, FIFA will not close the door,” he added.

FIFA SERIES – MARCH 2024

ALGERIA

Teams: Algeria, Bolivia, Andorra, South Africa

AZERBAIJAN

Teams: Azerbaijan, Mongolia, Tanzania, Bulgaria

SRI LANKA

Teams: Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, Bhutan, Central African Republic

SAUDI ARABIA

Group A: Cabo Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Guyana, Cambodia

Group B: Guinea, Vanuatu, Bermuda, Brunei

CAF Enters Negotiation With Fifa, Morocco And European Clubs Over Afcon 2025 Timing

By

Emenike Agu

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February 27, 2024

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Confederation of African Football (CAF) is reportedly in negotiation with different stakeholders over the timing of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations to be held in Morocco.

The flagship African sports event has not been able to get a definite calendar since 2012 when it was shifted to the odd years to avoid clash with the World Cup.

In some instances, not only timing has been the issue, the host countries have had to change as it had happened in the last five editions.Morocco, the next hosts have opted for summer, which was CAF’s initial accepted calendar starting with the 2019 edition which shifted from initial host nation, Cameroon to Egypt.According to information gleaned from Morocco World News, CAF is in discussion with different stakeholders to set a date for the 2025 edition. Veron Mosengo-Omba, the Secretary General of the CAF is quoted by Kenyan sports journalist Eric Njiru on X, formerly Twitter, that Mosengo-Omba informed that discussions are still ongoing between CAF, FIFA, and the European Clubs Association along with Moroccan officials to determine the timing of the competition.

The CAF official explained that they are delaying announcing the date to avoid it potentially coinciding with other significant international competitions, particularly the inaugural edition of the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, which is slated for the summer of 2025 with 32 participating teams.

“In order to see when we have the final [we] need also to meet the players. They need to rest after this competition. So the discussion is still ongoing,” Mosengo-Omba stated. Players who play for the national teams participating in the AFCON also play for FIFA international clubs, posing a challenge in timing to make sure that they can perform in both tournaments.

Patrice Motsepe, President of CAF, echoed Mosengo-Omba’s statement, emphasizing the importance of finding a suitable date to avoid conflicting with major global events.

Motsepe revealed that discussions have taken place with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to address these scheduling concerns.

Paris 2024 Olympics Ticket: It’s Super Falcons Versus Banyana Banyana

By

Emenike Agu

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February 27, 2024

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A clash of epic proportion has been set up as Nigeria’s Super Falcons will play against African champions, Banyana Banyana of South Africa for one of the two African tickets for the women’s football event of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Banyana Banyana, reigning African champions on Tuesday night beat rejuvenated Tanzania team 1-0 at Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit to get a 4-0 aggregate scoreline

It was not a stroll in the pack for South Africa as expected following an earlier 3-0 away win last Friday. Thembi Kgatlana, skipper of the side, got them the only goal of the second leg in the 58^th minute.

Nigeria had on Monday beaten Cameroon 1-0 in Abuja after a 0-0 scoreline in Douala on Friday.

Nigeria will host the first leg on April 1 while the return leg will hold in South Africa on April 9.

Nigeria To Re-Design Social Security Unemployment Programme

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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February 27, 2024

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Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the re-design of the Social Security unemployment programme to ensure payment of unemployed Nigerian youths and provide immediate reinstatement of transfer of N25,000 to 12 million households for 3 months.

He made this known after the FEC meeting on Monday presided by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chamber, State House Abuja.

The Minister of Finance also disclosed that the government is also considering another programme that will boost the purchasing power of the Nigerian youth thereby considering another programme to boost the purchasing power of the Nigerian youth.

He said: “At this period of heightened food prices, Mr President has committed to doing all that can be done to assist in giving purchasing power to the poorest and in that line, he has committed and instructed that the Social Security unemployment program be devised, particularly to cater for the youth, for the unemployed graduates, as well as the society as a whole.

“So, we have coming, in the nearest future, an unemployment benefit for the young unemployed, in particular.

“Finally, all in the same line, to emphasize that there is empathy. And there is feeling for those who are less well off, or feeling particularly the pains of this adjustment, there is a social consumer credit programme.

“So, by making consumer credit available, of course, goods become more affordable, the economy even gets a chance to revive faster, because people have purchasing power that allows them to order goods, products,” he stated.

FG To Create Biomedical Engineering Programme – Pate

Edun also spoke on the review carried out by the Special Presidential Panel on the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), which has submitted a preliminary report to the president.

He told Journalists that the president gave the highlights to the Council meeting, noting that what was carried out was “A review of the existing mechanisms, a review of the existing programmes, and where there have been successes, such as the 400,000 beneficiaries of the Geep programme.

“Those that have been identified and recognized are school feeding programmes which is another example of relative success. And whilst there is still some further work to be done, particularly, as regards the availability of the financial data, which is still being looked at, the interim report has been submitted and a key recommendation of the panel was that, especially given the heightened, limited household purchasing power at this time, rising prices, particularly elevated food prices, it’s important to restart the programme.

“So, the direct payments to 12 million households comprising 60 million Nigerians are to resume immediately with the important proviso that every beneficiary will be identified by their national identity number and the bank verification number.

“Therefore, payments will be made into bank accounts or mobile money wallets. So, whether it is before or after, there is verification of the identity of beneficiaries.

“Each person that receives 25,000 naira for a total of three months will be identifiable, even after they have received the money, it will be clear who it went to and when it went to them. And that is the big change that has allowed Mr. President to approve the restart of that direct payment to beneficiaries programme.” The Minister added.

Four States to Experience Blackout Tuesday – TCN

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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February 27, 2024

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Communities in Adamawa, Jos, Taraba and Gombe states will experience four-hour power outages on Tuesday.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria disclosed this on Monday in a statement signed by its Public Affairs General Manager, Ndidi Mbah.

According to Mbah, the outages would occur because the TCN maintenance crew would test and inaugurate the new 330kV Red Phase current transformer at Gombe Transmission Substation from 9am to 1pm on Tuesday.

Transmission Company Of Nigeria Installs 60MVA Power Transformer To Boost Electricity Supply

As a result, Mbah noted that the Jos and Yola electricity distribution companies will be unable to supply electricity to their customers within Gombe, Biu, Potiskum, Yola, Savannah, Jalingo, Mayo-Belwa and Damaturu towns within the four-hour.

While regretting the inconveniences the outages may cause electricity consumers within the affected areas, the TCN emphasised that maintenance was important to ensure power installations are in good condition.

The statement read, “The maintenance crew of the Transmission Company of Nigeria will test and commission the new 330kV Red phase current transformer at Gombe Transmission Substation from 9am to 1pm on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

“Regrettably, Jos Disco and Yola DisCos will be unable to supply electricity to its customers within Gombe, Biu, Potiskum, Yola, Savannah, Jalingo, Mayo-belwa and Damaturu towns in four hours.

“We regret any inconveniences this may cause electricity consumers within the affected areas. Please note that these maintenances are important to make sure equipment is in good condition in order to supply bulk electricity to consumers.”

The country has been grappling with a low power supply occasioned by gas constraints for two months ago.

FEC Approves N1 Trillion Road Construction Project

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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February 27, 2024

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The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a contract of about N1 trillion for the construction of the first phase of the coastal roads across Nigeria.

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, who stated this after the meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the presidential Villa, Abuja, explained that the phase is part of the 700-kilometer road which cuts across nine states and with two links leading to the northern states.

Umahi who revealed that Monday’s FEC approved the fund for the first phase made of 47.47 kilometres of dual carriage way of five lines on each side and a train track in the middle, added that the project will be constructed with concrete.

Nigeria’s Minister Of Works Bans Use Of Laterite As Foundation In Road Construction

“Today, we had the approval of FEC for the construction of 700 kilometres of coastal routes running from Lagos through the nine coastal routes or states up to cross the river, meaning that it goes to Lagos, the Lekki Deep Seaport, Ogun state, Ondo State, Delate Bayelsa, Port Harcourt and Akwa Ibom.

“But we also have two spurs that lead to the north, from the ongoing Badagry-Sokoto route and the one that leads to the trans-Sahara route that goes from Ogoja down to Cameroon.

“Now, it is a dual carriageway. Each carriageway has five lanes and a provision for a train infrastructure that will be in the middle.

“The October 30th, FEC had approved that this project be procured under EPC+ Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Financing. And so in favour of High Tech Construction African Limited, which means that they were supposed to search for funding.

“They already have started searching for the funding, but hitches here are there. And so, the Ministry went back to Mr. President to ask for two things and that was on January 18. We asked can we fast fast-track this.

“Since this project was going to be procured in two phases and multiple sections, can we get the federal government to fund phase one, which is what are 47.47 kilometres running from Ahmadu Bello in Lagos down to Lekki Deep Seaport? Mr. President graciously approved.

“We also have the challenge of a lot of infrastructure on this on-the-road corridor. So, we requested Mr. President to approve that we realign the road, so that we move closer to the ocean shore, and then avoid those properties which could lead to litigation. Mr. President also approved.

“But then that led to a new challenge. And the challenge is the need to start the project as quickly as possible to protect, you know, the communities along the corridor.

“So today, we have procured the first section, which is 47.47 kilometers, under 10 lanes and FEC graciously approved the contract for N1.067tn with no objection.”

The Minister also informed that FEC approved that the second section be procured and funded by the federal government which is about 57 kilometres and that runs from Lekki deep Seaport to the boundary between Ogun and the section of two phase one.

“And then the third section is to start from the end of the road, which is Calabar. And so that’s about 50 kilometres, and is procured under section three of phase one, and is running from you know, Calabar and going towards Akwa Ibom and Port Harcourt.

“Then the other sections and other places will still be under EPC+F in favour of High Tech Construction Africa Limited.