Christmas In Jamaica

By

-

December 2, 2023

Christmas is a very special time in Jamaica and like a lot of other countries, radio stations play carols all through the Christmas period.

Lots of people paint their houses and hang new curtains and decorations for Christmas.

Most families spend Christmas Day at home with friends and family members.

In Jamaica, on Christmas Eve the ‘Grand Market’ happens.

It is a really exciting time, especially for children.

In every town and city there is a cross between a festival and a market.

During the day, people go shopping for Christmas foods, sweets and toys, etc.

You might also buy some new clothes ready for the celebrations in the evening.

(But you don’t want to spend all your money during the day as there were lots of great things to buy in the evening as well!)

Around 6.00pm the evening part of Grand Market starts and it lasts until the morning!

Everyone comes out on their new or best clothes, including children, to celebrate and party all night.

All the streets, shops and many houses are decorated with lights.

There are normally street vendors selling food like jerk chicken, boiled corn, and sweets like candy canes and sugarcane.

Following the Grand Market, some people will go to a Midnight Mass Church Service and others will party all night.

Many people will also go to a Church Service on Christmas Day morning before the end of Grand Market.

The Christmas day meal is usually prepared on Christmas Eve.

The Christmas Day breakfast includes ackee and saltfish, breadfruit, fried plantains, boiled bananas, freshly squeezed fruit juice and tea.

Dinner is usually served in the late afternoon and this may include turkey, chicken, curry goat, stewed oxtail and very importantly rice and peas.

Jamaican red wine and rum fruitcake is traditional and is eaten in most homes.

The fruits in the cake are soaked in red wine and white rum for months before Christmas.

In Jamaican Creole/Patois Happy/Merry Christmas is ‘Merri Crissmuss’.

Meter Manufacturing Company Commissioned In Oraifite, Anambra State

By

Angel Gimalo

-

December 2, 2023

0

Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shetimma has commissioned an electric energy metre manufacturing factory built by Advanced Energy Management Solution Ltd, AEMSL in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Council Area of Anambra State.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo who received the Vice President at the Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri earlier in the day, accompanied him to the factory commissioning ceremony.

Owing to the enabling environment being created by the Soludo-led administration, the commissioning of the electric meter manufacturing company in Oraifite is a big boon to Anambra state as it can lead to numerous benefits.

With the increased demand for electricity across the state, having such a company that produces electric meters can help meet the demand and also provide job opportunities to the people in Anambra state and beyond.

Performing the commissioning ceremony, the Vice President who lauded the development strides of the Soludo-led government in the state, especially in helping to create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive, expressed optimism that the factory will stimulate the economy of not just the state but the entire country.

On his part, Governor Soludo hopes the Vice President’s visit to the state strengthens the synergy between the State and the federal government, leading to better cooperation on issues of mutual interest, such as security, environment, education, and healthcare; a relationship that could also help Anambra State secure more federal funding for its programmes and initiatives.

During the visit, the Vice President also commissioned Ijele FM radio station and flagged-off the third phase of Sir Emeka Offor Foundation Housing Scheme, as well as witnessed the distribution of palliatives to widows’ cooperative society.

Symbolic presentation of house keys to select-widows by the Foundation also featured during the ceremony attended by Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff to Governor Soludo, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, National, State House Assemblies and House of Representatives members, among others.

Blue Line: Lagos Transport Authority Set To Increase Trips

By

Angel Gimalo

-

December 2, 2023

0

Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA) is perfecting plans to increase trips on the Blue Line 13-kilometre rail corridor from 54 to 76 trips before the end of the year.

The Managing Director of the agency, Abimbola Akinajo, disclosed this at a briefing in Lagos, organised in commemoration of the agency’s 20 years of operations.

The agency’s boss also gave timelines for the completion of the second phase of the Blue Line and the commencement of operation on the Red Line.

Akinajo said the second phase of the Blue Line Rail project, from Mile 2 to Okoko, which construction has started, will be completed in 2027.

With infrastructure work expected to be completed this December, the agency is targeting the second quarter of 2024 for the commencement of commercial operation on the Red Line corridor. The Red Line rail is a 37 Kilometer rail route proposed to run from Agbado to Marina with 13 stations at Agbado, Iju, Agege, Ikeja, MMIA International, MMIA Domestic, Oshodi, Mushin, Yaba, Ebute meta, Iddo, Ebute Ero and Marina.

On road transportation, LAMATA said no fewer than 1,000 electric buses (EBs) would be deployed on the roads in the next 24 months, an effort aimed at exploring alternative fuel for urban mobility and cutting greenhouse emissions.

FAAN Bans ‘Ghana Must Go’ Sacks At Airports

By

faith Jegede

-

December 1, 2023

0

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has prohibited the use of travel sacks, ‘Ghana Must Go’ by passengers at all the nation’s airports.

According to a circular by FAAN, titled, ‘Re: Prohibition of Usage Of Ghana Must Go’, signed by Manager, Airport Services, Henok Gizachew, dated November 24, the ban is particularly for passengers travelling through the country’s international airports.

Gizachew, stated that the sack was banned by the authority because it has consistently brought about damage to the airport conveyor belt system, causing airlines to accrue huge losses.

He noted that passengers who wish to use Ghana Must Go to travel must have the same well packaged in cartons or hardcovers of rectangular size.

According to reports, the matted sack-like bags have been attributed to the breakdown of many of the country’s airports’ conveyor belt systems and one that has put enormous costs on the shoulders of the airport authority.

The popular Ghana Must Go sack which comes in different sizes is very popular among many Nigerian as well as African travellers because of its light weight and capacity to carry more things.

The ban took effect on November 25, 2023 in some of the airports.

Fed Govt. To Support Farmers, Projects 31m MT Grains

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

-

November 30, 2023

0

The production of 31 million metric tonnes of grains in 2024 is going to combat food inflation, create jobs and reduce poverty, the Federal Government stated on Wednesday.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement issued by his ministry in Abuja.

He was quoted as saying, “Nigeria’s seed requirement/need for five major crops: rice, maize, wheat, soybeans and sorghum in 2024 is 312,555.69MT, which is expected to give almost 31 million MT of grains.”

Russia to Supply 50,000 Tonnes of Grain to Africa For Free — Putin

The minister said the Ministry had outlined a series of critical pathways to solve the food security challenges in Nigeria, adding that these pathways were streamlined into short-term, intermediate and long-term actions.

“One immediate priority is the certification of available planting material for some food security crops in the dry season farming of 2023/2024, which we flagged off in Jigawa State last Saturday,” Abdullahi stated.

He said the ministry was targeting over 70,000 hectares for wheat production, under the support of the Africa Development Bank and National Agricultural Growth Scheme and AgroPocket Scheme project.

Abdullahi said farmers were being supported with quality seeds for rice, maize and soybean, as well as the provision of other inputs at subsidised rates.

“Pasture seeds development, fodder and foliage estates that will gradually eliminate farmers and herders clashes, and the creation of gene bank facilities are also short-term interventions that the administration is pursuing,” he stated.

CBN Direct Branches to Issue, Accept All Naira Notes

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

-

November 30, 2023

0

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has directed its branches nationwide to continue issuing and accepting all denominations of the old and new naira notes to and from Deposit Money Banks, DMBs.

This directive follows the Supreme Court’s acceptance of the prayer of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, to extend the use of old Naira banknotes till infinity.

Recall, in March the Supreme Court ordered that the old N200, N500 and N1,000 remain legal tender till December 31st, 2023 following the redesign of these denominations.

CBN Extends Old Naira Banknotes Indefinitely

At the backdrop of the approach of this deadline, many commercial and individual transactions began to witness cash scarcity despite assurances from the CBN that it would continue to accept all denominations of the notes both old and redesigned beyond the deadline.

Subsequently, the AGF had to approach the Supreme Court to obtain a legal backing for this position of the CBN.

In a statement signed by its Acting Director Corporate Communications, Mrs. Sidi Ali Akama, CBN said: “Following the order of the Supreme Court on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, granting the prayer of the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation to extend the use of old Naira banknotes ad infinitum, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed all its branches to continue to issue and accept all denominations of Nigerian banknotes, old and re-designed, to and from deposit money banks (DMBS).

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Supreme Court ordered that the old versions of N200, 500, and N1,000 banknotes shall continue to be legal tender, alongside the re-designed versions.

“Accordingly, in line with Section 20(5) of the CBN Act 2007, all banknotes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), will continue to remain legal tender, indefinitely.

“Members of the public are enjoined to continue to accept all Naira banknotes (old or re-designed) for their day-to-day transactions and handle these banknotes with the utmost care, to safeguard and protect the lifecycle of the banknotes.

“Furthermore, the general public is encouraged to embrace alternative modes of payment, e-channels, in order to reduce pressure on the use of physical cash.”

2024 Appropriation Bill Passes Second Reading

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

-

November 30, 2023

0

The House of Representatives has passed the N27.5 trillion 2024 budget for second reading.

The House passed the the appropriations bill on Thursday.

House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, while leading the debate on the general principles of the budget, commended President Bola Tinubu.

Ihonvbere noted that national security and education which got significant allocations, will be enhanced if implemented.

Supplementary Appropriation Bill Passes 2nd Reading

He said, “Nigeria will be more secure with the allocation to defence and security.

“As a teacher, I am impressed by the emphasis on basic education. I am sure that education will be better off this time,” he added.

Recall President Bola Tinubu, at his maiden budget presentation before the National Assembly on Wednesday, said the proposed N27.5 trillion 2024 budget will ensure micro-economic stability, poverty reduction, and greater access to social security.

The president highlighted priority areas such as security, local job creation, macro-economic stability, investment environment optimization, human capital development, poverty reduction, and social security.

He fixed recurrent non-debit expenditure at N9.92trn, capital expenditure at N8.73trn, debt service at N8.25trn, revenue at N18.32trn, new borrowings at N7.83trn, and deficit at N9.18trn.

Niger Republic Turns To Mega Solar Power Plant After Nigeria’s Cut Off

By

Angel Gimalo

-

November 29, 2023

0

Niger has initiated the operation of its mega solar power plant, mitigating the power shortages brought about by Nigeria’s exit from its power sector.

1. Niger’s mega solar power plant is now operational, mitigating Niger’s 70% power loss.

2. Despite coup-related delays, the solar plant significantly improves power supply in Niger’s capital and other key towns.

3. The French Embassy warns of operational risks.

Following the July coup in Niger that deposed previous President Mohamed Bazoum, a fellow West African country, Nigeria chose to respond by suspending energy exports to the country.

This posed a significant issue in Niger’s power sector, considering that Nigeria supplied 70% of Niger’s electricity prior to the coup.

However, Niger’s response was to focus on the solar project it had initiated a few years back.

A BBC’s report states, “The plant, built by a French consortium, was initiated in 2018 and inaugurated on 5 July this year.

French relations with the Nigerien junta have soured since the coup.

The plant has over 55,000 solar panels and can generate 30 megawatts of electricity.”

Its intended launch was set for August once Niger was able to connect the solar plant to its national electricity grid.

However, the coup brought about a delay in its initiation.

According to Niger’s Energy Minister, Mahaman Moustapha Barke, Niger’s power supply has dramatically improved since the launch of the solar plant, particularly in the country’s capital and some other towns.

The project was also acknowledged by the French Embassy in Mali as it recognized the solar power’s launch but warned of operational risks.

“It could not be finalized under the conditions initially planned,” as seen in the BBC’s report.

Niger’s energy minister indicated on Sunday that the technical staff that stayed behind made the completion of the solar power plant possible.

Niger’s coup consequences

The energy gap brought about by Nigeria’s withdrawal from Niger’s energy supply is hardly the only challenge brought about by international sanctions.

Shortly after the Niger coup, the World Bank disclosed that it had halted disbursements to the country until further notice, with the exception of private-sector partnerships.

Furthermore, it was reported in August that a border closure between Nigeria and Niger had put the estimated annual $226.34 million trade between the two countries at risk of collapse.

Supreme Court Rules Old & New Naira Notes To Co-Exist As Legal Tender

By

faith Jegede

-

November 29, 2023

0

The Nigeria Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that the Old Naira notes will remain legal tender of the country till further notice.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, had asked the apex court to lift its December 31, 2023 deadline.

The Court’s seven-man panel, led by Justice Inyang Okoro, issued the ruling in response to a Federal Government application seeking an extension of the time frame for the circulation of old currency.

The government argued that it had not been able to print a sufficient volume of new notes to facilitate the phase-out of the old currency before the December 31 deadline set by the court in a previous order.

In March 2023, the apex court extended the deadline to phase out old Naira notes to December 31, 2023.

On November 21, the federal government also filed for an extension for the usage of the old naira notes, with the current CBN administration announcing that they were working to get the original order overturned.

In its ruling in Abuja, the federal capital territory, today, the highest court ruled that the 200 naira, 500 naira & 1000 naira notes will remain legal tender and be accepted for transaction until further notice.

Nigeria-Eligible Midfielder Osawe Who Reaches FIFA U-17 World Cup Final With Germany

By

Emenike Agu

-

November 29, 2023

0

Winners Osawe is a regular starter for Deutschland Fussball Bund U-17 side and helped his side to penalty shoot-out against Argentina today.

Nigeria-eligible German midfielder, Winners Mark Osawe, has helped the German U-17 side reach the final of the ongoing U-17 FIFA World Cup

The young RB Leipzig midfielder has started two games in the tournament so far for Christian Wück’s side, stepping in firmly for injured Schalke 04 prospect, Forzan Assan Ouedraogo.

With the final of the tournament scheduled for the second day in the month of December, Osawe turns 17 tomorrow, and whilst still playing in Die Rotten Bullen youth setup, he has a bright future ahead of him.

The ball-winning German midfielder Nigerian roots, and if he continues his development at a steady rate, the questions will come in, as to where his allegiance lies.

Germany began their campaign at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup with an impressive 3-1 win over two-time champions Mexico, with Osawe involved.

Since then, they’ve swept Australia, Colombia, the United States of America, Spain and now, Argentina aside, with Borussia Dortmund’s Paris Brunner’s brace proving pivotal.

Osawe is not the only Nigerian-eligible player in the squad, though, as VFL Wolfsburg’s David Odogu, who has Nigerian roots, has also been rock solid in the centre of the defence for the Germans.

Several players, like Jordan Torunharigha and Felix Uduokhai played in the German youth setup before deciding to play for Nigeria.

Bayer Munich’s Jamal Musiala also has Nigerian roots, and was approached by Nigeria, but the golden boy nominee preferred to play for Germany.