Niger State To Invest N1tr In Infrastructure

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September 13, 2023

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State, North Central Nigeria, has unveiled plans to inject a staggering N1 trillion into the state’s infrastructural development over the next two years.

The declaration was made during the commencement of a startup workshop dedicated to the Minna-Bida road project, a collaboration between the state government and international entities, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), held at the Government House in Minna.

Governor Bago emphasized the pivotal role of Niger State as a vital link connecting the Northern and Southern regions of Nigeria. He stressed that “the comprehensive development of the state’s infrastructure would not only greatly benefit the local populace but also contribute significantly to the nation’s progress.

Niger State Govt. Renovates General Hospital

Expressing gratitude to the IsDB and ADFD for their commitment to co-finance the Minna-Bida road project, Governor Umaru Bago underscored the immense potential that the state possesses.

According to Governor, “The state extensive size, the presence of four hydro dams, and eight national-to-international borders is a compelling factors that make Niger State an attractive destination for potential investors.”

However, Bago did not shy away from addressing the existing challenges. He expressed deep concern over the prevailing security issues and the state’s infrastructural deficiencies.

In a call for support, he urged development partners to engage in collaborative efforts, particularly in the areas of security, health, education, and agriculture.

Governor Bago assured them of the availability of counterpart funds to facilitate these initiatives.

Additionally, the Governor instructed his Commissioner for Communication Technology and Digital Economy, Suleiman Isah, to engage telecommunication companies in discussions regarding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives aimed at enhancing online education in the state.

The head of the project team, Alagi Basiru Gaye, disclosed that a substantial budget of $ 163 million dollars has been allocated for the Minna-Bida road project.

This includes contributions of $86.64 million dollars from the Islamic Development Bank, $44.76 million from the Abu Dhabi Development Fund, and$ 31.6 million dollars from the Niger State Government.

Basiru Gaye emphasized the critical importance of the startup workshop, which is integral to the effective implementation of the project.

He noted that it will bolster the capabilities of executing agencies and project management units.

Hassan Baba Etsu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, lauded the Governor’s dedication to the Minna-Bida road project and the timely disbursement of counterpart funds to development partners. He assured the IsDB and ADFD of a conducive environment for project monitoring and a commitment to strict adherence to contract specifications.

Representing the Ministry of Finance, Dahiru Barde Idris underscored the significance of the Minna-Bida project, not only for Niger State but for the entire nation. He pledged full cooperation with development partners to ensure the project’s realization.

The Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman highlighted the workshop’s pivotal role in fostering a collaborative understanding of how to efficiently and effectively execute the Minna-Bida road project. He hailed the project as a monumental milestone in the state’s development journey.

Chinese Yuan Strengthens Against U.S Dollar

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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September 13, 2023

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The Chinese currency renminbi, known as the yuan, demonstrated a strengthening trend as its central parity rate surged by 92 pips, reaching 7.1894 against the US dollar on Wednesday.

This adjustment was reported by the China Foreign Exchange Trade System.

The Chinese spot foreign exchange market maintains a system in which the yuan is permitted to fluctuate within a two percent margin, either upward or downward, relative to the central parity rate during each trading day.

Chinese Yuan Strengthens to 7.1283 Against Dollar

The central parity rate of the yuan against the US dollar is calculated based on a weighted average derived from the prices quoted by market makers just prior to the commencement of daily business in the interbank market.

Nigeria To Participate In G77 Summit In Cuba

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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September 13, 2023

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Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima is on his way to Havana Cuba, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the G77+China Leaders’ Summit, which is to hold from 15th to 17th September, 2023.

He will be joining other World leaders, including the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres at the Summit, to deliberate on development issues facing members of the group, mostly from the global south.

The Summit will equally explore proactive ways of addressing challenges facing the development of the member-states leveraging science, technology, and innovation to enhance socio-economic growth.

G-20 Summit: Tinubu In India to Bolster Economic Ties

Also, Vice President Shettima will on the sidelines of the Summit, hold bilateral meetings with other world leaders to promote Nigeria’s trade and investment relations in line with the economic development agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.

The Havana Summit is being hosted by the President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel in his capacity as Chairman of the G77 and China.

The theme of this year’s Summit is: “Current Development Challenges: The Role of Science, Technology and Innovation.”

Nigeria is a founding member of the G77 group, which was established in 1964 by seventy-seven developing countries.

The group – a coalition of 134 developing countries with 80% of the world population, aims to promote its members’ collective economic interests and create an enhanced joint negotiating capacity in the United Nations.

The Vice President is accompanied on the trip by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adamu Lamuwa, amongst others.

Nigerian Sets New World Record

By

faith Jegede

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September 13, 2023

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The Guinness World Records has announced Nigerian, Tonye Solomon, as the new record holder for the most steps climbed on a ladder while balancing a football on the head.

Solomon achieved this feat by climbing a whopping 150 ladder steps.

A post on the organizations’ X account read “New record: Most steps climbed on a ladder while balancing a football on the head – 150 by Tonye Solomon (Nigeria),”

GWR reports that after Solomon completed a 60 km journey from Amassoma to Yenagoa with a football on his head, some people doubted his story.

To prove them wrong, Tonye set a Guinness World Record title by climbing 150 steps on a ladder with a football on his head.

However, he successfully achieved this impressive feat last month by climbing a 250-foot tall radio mast while keeping control of the ball on his head.

Solomon said he spent two months training for it, using all his free time to practice with the desire to set this record as a challenge to himself and an inspiration to others to do great things.

Tonye, who appeared unaffected by the steep climb, finished it in just 12.5 minutes.

Impeachment Probe Opened Against Biden For Alleged Bribery

By

faith Jegede

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September 13, 2023

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U.S. President Biden visits Anchorage on the day of the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 attacks — FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks to service members, first responders, and their families on the day of the 22nd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, September 11, 2023. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

U.S. House has opened an impeachment probe against President Joe Biden for alleged bribery, obstruction of justice.
Kevin McCarthy, the House speaker, announced the launch of a formal impeachment probe against the sitting President on Tuesday at the capitol.

He disclosed that Biden’s probe would focus on allegations of abuse of power, obstruction and corruption.

McCarthy said, “Today, I am directing our House committees to open a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.”

The lower chamber has been investigating Biden since the lawmakers took over the parliament in January. However, the hearing has found no concrete misconduct against the president.

The development has further made the House inquire about the business dealings of the president’s son, Hunter Biden, which the Republicans said are questionable.

The president’s son is under federal investigation for possible tax crimes related to his foreign business interests.

McCarthy revealed that the House investigations into the Biden family’s business dealings have uncovered a “culture of corruption” that warrants a deeper probe.

However, the White House quickly condemned McCarthy’s move to probe Biden.

According to Ian Sams, a spokesperson for the White House, house Republicans have been investigating the President for nine months, and they have turned up no evidence of wrongdoing.

McCarthy said he would direct the chairmen of the House Judiciary, Oversight and Ways and Means committees – who have been working together for months on various probes related to Biden’s family – to lead the impeachment inquiry.

The U.S. Constitution states a president can be impeached for “treason, bribery, or other high crimes or misdemeanors”. But any effort to remove Mr Biden from office would unlikely succeed.

The House of Representatives, where Republicans hold a 222-212 majority, would need to vote in favor and then proceed to a Senate trial and vote.

Democrats have a majority in the Senate and would almost certainly shoot down the proceedings if it gets far.

Coco Chanel’s Influential Fashion On Display At London Exhibit

By

Koko Lawrence

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September 13, 2023

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With displays ranging from tweed suits to an array of little black dresses, a new London exhibition looks at the work of one of fashion’s most famous names – French designer Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel.

Opening at the V&A museum on Saturday, “Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto” is the first British exhibition dedicated to the designer’s creations and longstanding influence on fashion. Her famed tweed suits, loose fitting and low-waisted dresses and dazzling evening gowns are among the outfits on display.

It includes pieces from across the career of the famous fashion designer, from one of her earliest creations in 1916 to ballgowns and suits from the 1970s.

Her designs, accessories and perfumes, particularly Chanel No.5, were hits and today the Chanel fashion house, founded in 1910, remains one of the world’s most famous luxury brands.

National Book Awards Drops Drew Barrymore As Host Over Strike Row

By

Koko Lawrence

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September 13, 2023

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Drew Barrymore has been dropped as host of the US National Book Awards after controversy about her TV show returning during the ongoing Hollywood strike.

Earlier this week, the talk show host and actress said the programme’s return would be in line with strike rules.

But the show’s writers were among those who picketed the studio in New York after it resumed filming.

On Tuesday, the National Book Foundation said it had rescinded her invitation to host its ceremony.

“The National Book Awards is an evening dedicated to celebrating the power of literature, and the incomparable contributions of writers to our culture,” it said in a statement.

“In light of the announcement that The Drew Barrymore Show will resume production, the National Book Foundation has rescinded Ms Barrymore’s invitation to host the 74th National Book Awards Ceremony.”

National Book Foundation bosses had previously lauded her work championing books on her show.

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has been on strike since the beginning of May over concerns about pay, conditions and the use of AI, with actors joining the writers in July.

French Montana Donates 500 Canoes To Makoko Community

By

Koko Lawrence

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September 13, 2023

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Famous American rapper Karim Kharbouch popularly known as French Montana, has donated 500 canoes to the Makoko Community in Lagos state, where he shot the video of his latest song ‘wish u well’.

Makoko, a suburb in Lagos, Nigeria, served as the backdrop for the “wish u well” music video, capturing the resilient spirit and vibrant culture within the city.

The visuals serve as a love letter to Makoko for Montana and Swae, who spent time together learning about the way of life and connecting with the people.

Speaking about his motivation for embarking on this project, Montana said he witnessed firsthand how water is both a lifeline and an obstacle in Makoko. so, the boats are essential tools for transporting the residents of Makoko and goods and services.

He said: “as an immigrant from morocco, giving back to communities in Africa, the place that raised me, is so important. When I was filming, I met local leaders who talked about the daily struggles and aspirations of the wider community.

I was moved by their spirit and positivity, which inspired me to get involved and to help impact change.”

Also, the American rapper, employed the services of local artisans in the production of the 500 canoes, which will boost the local economy and support the livelihood of the community members.

With a production rate of approximately six boats per week per contractor, delivering all 500 ships is billed to conclude within four months, by December, just in time for Christmas.

However, this is not the first time the artiste would be giving back to society; six years ago in Uganda, alongside the release of the diamond record “unforgettable,” Montana embarked on a vision with the local community while filming the music video with Swae Lee to build the Suubi health center.

Lagos Lawmakers Call for Flood Prevention Cleaning

By

faith Jegede

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September 13, 2023

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Lawmakers in Lagos have called on the Ministry of Environment to commence immediate clearing of drainage channels and canals across Lagos.

Kehinde Joseph representing Alimosho Constituency 2 raised the issue under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’ at plenary.

He said heavy rains as predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency have damaged some houses in his constituency, while some buildings have been submerged by flood with properties destroyed.

The lawmaker complained of blocked drainage channels and canals, saying there was need for the Ministry of Environment to act urgently while the Ministry of Information should carry out sensitization of Lagosians to stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

Hon. Temitope Adewale representing one of the constituencies of Ifako Ijaiye suggested the reintroduction of environmental sanitation to make residents clear their gutters.

Hon. Ladi Ajomale said flooding in his constituency was disheartening, while Hon. Rasheed Shabi said there was need for stringent policies to be put in place.

He tasked the Local Government chairman to take the responsibility of clearing and fumigating the drainages in their areas.

Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda, who presided over the plenary, urged the relevant agencies to expedite action. She also called on each of the Local Governments to do the needful while LAWMA should be ready to play its role.

Meanwhile, the House confirmed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s nominee, Tolani Akibu, whose name was initially stepped down by the lawmakers.

Lagos Assembly Summons LAMATA Over Non-use Of Yoruba Language

By

faith Jegede

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September 13, 2023

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The Lagos State House of Assembly asked the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) to appear before it over its refusal to make announcements in Yoruba on its train service.

The House noted the importance of the Yoruba language for passing information to passengers on the trains since it would help some of them, especially new users, easily understand what to do.

The House further noted that since 2017 when the bill on compulsory teaching of Yoruba language in schools was passed, the state had made conscious efforts to encourage the use of the language in public places, adding that this should be sustained.

The Lagos Blue Rail Line was originally conceived by the first civilian governor of the state, Lateef Jakande in 1983.

The project which was inaugurated in 2003 and took 23 years to complete, serves a metropolitan state with a diverse population.