Development
INEC admits challenges in deployment of technology in 2019 elections
File Photo The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confessed that the deployment of technology in the electoral process especially during the 2019 general elections came with challenges. The Commission made the disclosure in the review of the 2019 general elections, a report of the Commission’s retreats and stakeholder engagement, presented during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday. INEC also claimed in the review that the delay in investigation and transmission of case files to the Commission for further action by the police has hindered the successful prosecution of electoral offenders. Making recommendation on ICT, SCRs, DDCMs, CVR and Internet services, the Commission noted: “The growing use of technology in the planning of elections became a feature in our elections ...
Tech is the new ‘oil’ – NITDA chief
The Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi, has said that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is the new ‘oil’, because of its increasing contributions to the nation’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP). The DG who said this while delivering a remark at a virtual conference also said his agency is actively accelerating digital inclusion in Nigeria by taking advantage of the speed of existing infrastructure across the country. “Technology is the way forward in communications and other activities like meetings, prescriptions by doctors, conferences and other related activities which has aid the implementations of policies and strategies for the growth and development of our country. “It is the next oil, simply because of...
EEDC implements new revised service reflective tariff in South East
The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), on Monday, said it had begun implementation of the new revised Service Reflective Tariff (SRT) within the South-East. The review was based on the outcome of joint consultative meetings held between Federal Government, labour unions and stakeholders, following concerns expressed over the basis for the Service Reflective Tariff earlier planned to be implemented from Sept. 1, 2020. The Head, Corporate Communications, EEDC, Mr Emeka Ezeh, said in a statement in Enugu that the new revised tariff, which took effect on Nov. 1, was approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). Ezeh said that as a result of this development, customers on prepaid platform would begin to experience the revised tariff as they recharge their meters...
Bayern Munich confirm David Alaba is set to leave the club
Bayern Munich have upped the ante in the David Alaba saga by withdrawing the contract extension offer that had been on the table. The versatile 28-year-old’s current deal with the Bavarians runs out at the end of the current season. While at times it has looked like an agreement between the two parties was only a matter of time, this latest development will intensify speculation that the Austria native will move elsewhere on a free transfer next summer. The club’s decision to break off negotiations was reported by German station Sport 1. Bayern president Herbert Hainer was quoted by BR24Sport broadcaster as saying: “We made a very good offer to David and his advisor a long time ago. “We negotiated for months […] and last time told David’s advisor that we wanted to have clarity by the end o...
Bauchi reassures on timely release of counterpart funds to development partners
Bauchi State Government has reassured development partners and other stakeholders in the health sector that, it will not relent in its effort of providing a safe and habitable environment in hospitals across the state. The reassurance was given on Sunday by Governor Bala Mohammed who also reassured development partners on the desire of his administration towards the timely release of counterpart funding for the fulfilment of all the agreements and commitments signed. The governor was speaking at the commissioning of an upgraded Hospital Sanitation Facility at Specialist Hospital Bauchi executed by the State Government in partnership with Water is Right Foundation, a German-based organisation. Bala Mohammed who described upgrading of the sanitation facilities as timely said that his adminis...
Minister condemns destruction of medical equipment in Kogi
The FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Aliyu, has condemned the destruction by hoodlums of medical equipment worth billions of naira at the Central Medical Store in Kogi. Aliyu, in a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Mr Austine Elemue, on Friday in Abuja, described the hoodlums as “enemies of the state”. She called on the state government to remain resolute and not be deterred by the unfortunate incident. “Government must remain resolute and be focused on repositioning the health sector for efficient service delivery,” she said. While acknowledging that the destruction was enormous, she expressed the hope that the state would bounce back better and stronger. “My heart broke when I saw the wanton destruction on our essential drugs warehouse by hoodlums. “I was particularly p...
Zambian leader defends investments in road works
Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Friday defended his government’s decision to embark on massive road works across the country, saying it was necessary to enhance investments. Lungu, who commissioned a newly-constructed flyover bridge in Lusaka, the country’s capital said; “Of course our critics have said, and they continue to campaign that we were reckless for having borrowed but they were shy to tell the people frankly how that money we borrowed had been used.’’ The Zambian leader said his government had prioritised investing money into improving the country’s road networks because of the benefits that would be realised. According to him, investors will only come to Zambia if there is a proper road network. Lungu said that investors were not keen to put up factories in a country with a po...
NIMASA: Maritime sector can generate $1.6 trillion annually if properly harnessed
The maritime sector has the capacity to generate more than 1.6 trillion dollars annually if properly harnessed, Mr Bashir Jamoh, Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has said. Jamoh stated this on Wedneday while delivering a lecture on Maritime Security and National Development in Nigeria at the National Defence College, Abuja. “The maritime sector can generate not less than 1.6trillion dollars if we can properly harness all the investment opportunities and have foreign investors come and assist in the development. “Development in the shipping sector requires good planning. This is the right time we have to start planning. “With the estimated revenue per annum in the maritime sector, it can provide 30 times what the oil industry can provide. “That ...
IPAC congratulates INEC chairman over re-appointment
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has congratulated Prof. Mahmood Yakubu on his re-appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari as the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for another five years in office. IPAC National Chairman, Dr. Leonard Nzenwa, in a statement described the re-appointment as a welcome development and a blessing to the polity, restating that only few helmsmen at the Commision have been able to achieve respectable results like he has done during his first tenure. IPAC Chairman, however, praised the INEC Chairman’s remarkable digitalization programme which has transformed the way elections have been conducted in the country in the last four years. He said: “The success of the Edo and Ondo 2020 gubernatorial polls are clear examples of the positive...
General Buratai: Army will not allow subversive elements to destabilise Nigeria
The Chief Of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has warned that the army would not allow subversive and unscrupulous elements to destabilise the peace and stability of Nigeria. The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, said that Buratai made the remarks during a meeting with Principal Staff Officers, Commanding Officers and field commanders on Monday in Abuja. Musa briefed newsmen on the outcome of the meeting at a news conference. Buratai told the PSOs, GOCs and field commanders that there would be no room for disloyalty amongst all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army. He directed that they must reiterate to all their subordinates that the army was determined to ensure democratic stability in Nigeria as the only panacea for development and progress. Accor...
#EndSARS: Nollywood actress urges Feminist Coalition not to stop accepting donations
Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji, has enjoined the Feminist Coalition not to stop receiving donations supporting the #EndSARS protesters. Recall that the group, which has been providing administrative support and fundraising for the group had said it would no longer accept donations for the campaign, which seeks an end to police brutality and the disbandment of the police’s tactical special units – SARS and SWAT. Their decision followed President Buhari’s Thursday night’s national broadcast which asked protesters to get off the streets as violence and anarchy reigned. However, in her reaction to the development, Genevieve disclosed that it is important that the donation continues so that it could meet with the financial demands of some of the protesters. She also lamented that citizens c...
House of Rep member arraigned over ‘N1.6 million bribe’
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged a member of the House of Representatives, Oghuma Egwakhide, for allegedly collecting N1.6 million as bribe from three contractors. In a statement on Thursday, the commission said Mr Egwakhide was charged on a four-count before Justice Adebukola Banjoko of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Jabi. The commission accused Mr Egwakhide, who represents Etsako East/West/Central Federal Constituency, Edo State, of collecting kickbacks from contractors handling school projects in his constituency. The ICPC said investigations revealed that Mr Egwakhide, demanded 10 per cent kickbacks from the N16.5 million contract for the construction of one block of three classrooms at Fugar Mixed Secondary Sc...
