Easter: Sylva Greets Nigerians, Describes FG's Effort Against COVID-19 As Precise

Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has commemorated with Nigerians on this year's Easter Celebrations 

Sylva, in a message signed by himself and released to the media, in Abuja, by his Special Assistant on media and Public Affairs, Julius Bokoru, also applauded the Federal government's efforts against the Coronavirus pandemic as well as the general resolve of Nigerians 

The statement reads in full:

I greet you all, dear Nigerians, on the commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ for the salvation of the world. 

This season, this storied moment, is deeply rooted in love and sacrifice. To renew us, Jesus Christ had to labour across Golgotha with a heavy cross stooping him in agony, metal nails bolting through his bones and an excruciating crown of thorns led to the most significant moment in the Christian faith: the moment the stone rolled away and salvation was democratised. 

This year's celebration has come in a time of global anxiety, it has come in a time when halls are empty and services live-streamed and, perhaps, there may be no greater test of our faith than this. 

We are a nation of tough people, of strong resolves and unyielding spirit. I am confident, as we all are, that even pandemics bow to the power of salvation. 

I commend our health care workers who have been in the frontlines defending us, there can hardly be a deeper sense of patriotism and sacrifice. I commend the Federal Government led by His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari for its precise response to this pandemic which, quite deservedly, has attracted the applause of the World Health Organization. 

I commend Nigerians, of all faith and creed, for adjusting to this all but temporary reality, for abiding by rules and for powering our dear country on with that quintessential positive energy. 

God's grace will continue its glow on our dear country. Happy Easter Celebrations. Stay safe. 

Easter: Let's Keep Hope Alive, Gov. Diri Urges Christians

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has enjoined Christians to remain steadfast and keep their hope in Jesus Christ alive in the face of the daunting COVID-19 challenges at this time.

In a press release signed by the Acting Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Daniel Alabrah, he quoted Senator Diri to have said that  the pandemic was only a temporary setback as "there is always light at the end of the dark tunnel."

The Bayelsa governor, who stated this in his Easter message to Nigerians and Bayelsans in particular, admonished Christians not to be despaired by the pains brought about by COVID-19.

He noted that the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, offered great hope to everyone that believes in Him and in the overcoming power of His resurrection, which the season of Easter exemplifies.

While praying for healing for everyone who has been infected by the coronavirus, he said his administration had taken measures to prevent its spread into the state and that the measures would be frequently  reviewed in accordance with prevailing circumstances.

His words: "This year, like millions of people the world over, we mark Easter in an uncommon and perplexing background of fear, worries and death. The COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected the whole world, has also upset the way Easter is celebrated. 

"In the midst of all these desperate moments, the message of Easter endures as one of courage and hope. As Christians, let us be encouraged by the words in Corinthians 4:8: “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair.”

"Let us be reminded that despite the difficulties we might be experiencing at this time due to Covid-19, Christ died so we might live. And He rose again from the dead to give us authority and boldness to confront death, destruction, fear, doubt and insecurity. 

"Our government will continue in solidarity with all Bayelsans, both in prayers and in all policies that will make the lives of our people better.

"I am hopeful that COVID-19 will come to an end very soon. At the end of every dark lining, there is light. So, there is hope for Bayelsa, there is hope for Nigeria and there is equally hope for mankind."

COVID-19: UN Peace Ambassador Doles Out N1m Palliative

.......Commends Bayelsa Govt efforts at curtailing  Pandemics

The United Nations Peace Ambassador and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Arc Miebi Bribena has released N1m as palliative measure to cushion the effect of COVID-19 and lockdown policy of the government on the people of Bayelsa state.

Arc Bribena said the released fund was in support of the different measures put in place by the Gov. Douye Diri led administration at ameliorating the suffering of the people.

It will be recalled that Bayelsa state remains one of the few states in the Country yet to be affected by the pandemics.

Arc Bribena attributed the development to the pro activeness of the state government.

Also, he lauded the distribution of food stuffs to each household in the state and other palliative measures by the government and corporate organization.

Arc. Bribena commended the effort of the government at reviewing its COVID-19 lockdown policy as it affects religious activities in the state especially during the Easter celebration period.

He described it as a further confirmation that Gov. Diri's administration is a responsible and responsive one.

He, however, called on the people of the state not to abuse the gesture, noting that Coronavirus is real.

Arc Bribena stressed the need to adhere to the advice of the World Health Organisation, (WHO) which include, Social distancing, frequent washing of hands, avoid kissing and hugging and over crowded place.

He called on the christian faithful to imbibe the lesson of the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ which is humility and sacrifice for mankind.

Telcos’ Fibre Optic Cable Laying in Lagos, Others Essentially To Expand Telecoms Networks Infrastructure, Says NCC

…Refutes 5G deployment insinuations

The ongoing laying of fibre optic cables and the deployment of other telecoms equipment by mobile network operators (MNOs) across Lagos and other states is entirely to expand their networks infrastructure across the country to provide more efficient services to the consumers, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, has said.

Danbatta made this clarification in response to insinuations being spread by some individuals through viral video, audio and textual contents on social media, where they wrongly claim that some ongoing digging/excavation activities and laying of fibre optic cables by MNOs in Lagos and in some other states are connected to 5G equipment deployments.

According to Danbatta, “As we speak, any information suggesting or claiming that the equipment being deployed by the network operators are 5G equipment is purely misinformation deliberately orchestrated by individuals bent on creating ill-feelings in the industry.”

The EVC called on Nigerians to disregard such unfounded and ill-motivated information in its entirety regardless of whoever, no matter how highly-placed or lowly-placed, is making the insinuation.

 “As the telecoms regulator, we enjoin Nigerians to get accurate information from us rather than relying on information emanating on social media by some individuals out of ignorance to misinform our people,” Danbatta said.

Setting the record straight, Danbatta said the ongoing digging and fibre optic cable laying by some operators are in accordance with agreements reached during meetings by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami and Management of the NCC with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) led by Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Executive Governor of Ekiti State in January 2020, during which the Forum gave its commitment to allow the network operators expand their networks by granting right of way (RoW) approvals for telecommunications infrastructure expansion, unhindered, across their states. This will significantly reduce drop calls and improve networks performance of the operating companies.

 “The Governors’ Forum agreed to allow the telecoms operators to expand their networks by granting the telecoms operators necessary permits, which they had been having difficulties in getting before now. This will help them expand their networks for more effective service delivery to Nigerians. That is exactly what was or is ongoing in Lagos and in other states. It is to improve their networks infrastructure,” he said.

While emphasising that the earth-digging and cable laying activities by the operators has nothing to do with 5G deployment, the NCC boss stated that continuous network expansion is a requirement from the operators for efficient service delivery on their networks, as this helps to expand their network capacity and robustness.

Danbatta, however, re-emphasised that the Commission has not commenced any licensing process for 5G, saying what the Commission had carried out was a 5G trial for three months, during which it will be able to certify its safety to end users and guarantee its desirability for deployment in the economy.

“In line with our regulatory process with respect to technology-neutrality, type-approval and other regulations aimed at protecting the citizens and ensuring standards are complied with in the Nigerian telecoms industry, NCC ensures that adequate trial is conducted before a new technology is introduced. This is essentially to ensure public safety. This is a priority for us at NCC. Similar trials were carried out by NCC on earlier technologies that we use today, ranging from 2G, 3G and 4G,” Danbatta added.

COVID-19: NITDA DG Admonishes Startup To Possess Entrepreneurial Mindset, Environment For Themselves

Amidst the uncertainties the novel COVID I9 pandemic is causing globally and indeterminable time the world would come out of it, the National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA), has resolved to continue with its planned activities aimed at increasing the capabilities of the startups in the country by leveraging on digital technology.

Today, in a closing ceremony of the maiden online edition of Start UP Clinic, Abuja, one of such events already slated at pre-pandemic time, the Director General of the Agency, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, delivered a motivational speech to 20 startups who have been in virtual booth camp in the last five days.

In his remark, the Director General acknowledged that, “things are not going to be the same after the pandemic and the world economic order is going to change” which he said would lead to closing down of lots of businesses, advised the Startups to possess both the entrepreneurial mindset and entrepreneurial environment capabilities in other to survive during and at  the post pandemic world.

The DG stated that, to build these capabilities, the startups need to adjust their tactics, change course, and ignore the conventional wisdom that says; “go to school read hard, pass with flying colors and get a good job. No, there is not going to be jobs for you. I think what we need now is; you need to go to school, be a streetwise, hack the problem and be an entrepreneur.” 

Mallam Abdullahi noted that by creating an entrepreneurial mindset, they would become successful startups adding that there is a significant difference  between people who start their own companies and truly successful entrepreneurs. “Many people start their own businesses but few people actually achieve the kind of success they dreamed of at the start. What is the difference between people who start up their own business and successful entrepreneurs? The answer is the entrepreneur’s mindset,” he added. 

He enjoined the startups to have a mindset of creating businesses for themselves, rather than creating jobs to ensure continuity in case of their absence while the companies are still active.  According to the DG, “this means that you have been able to create a functional entity, not just a job position where you do all of the work. This is the type of mindset you must have if you want to become a truly successful entrepreneur.” 

“Creating an entrepreneurial mindset starts at the beginning, before you do anything to start up your company. It means having a grand vision and passion.  It means carefully considering all that you want your company to be before it even exists. It means imparting your vision, your dreams and your principles into the company right from outset. You need to ask yourself meaningful questions so that you are able to focus on more than just the day to day functions of running your business. Your business must be built upon your dreams, your passions and your principles. This is the difference between a job and a business.”

He challenged them to leverage on the two capabilities to grow their start up to becoming unicorn businesses which means a privately-owned company that worth at least one billion USD.

While admonishing them on how to attain the feat of becoming a unicorn company, the DG stated that they could become Unicorn companies within short period by following the playbook of successful startups followed which are just three simple rules of beginning with a plan to disrupt an existing industry; injecting capital to grow as rapidly as possible and tolerating high risk in a rush to conquer and dominate the market segment.       

Mallam Abdullahi noted that in the region, there are only three Unicorn Companies  and while South Africa has two, Nigeria can only boast of one. He, however stated that our country has a competitive advantage to be among countries with many unicorn companies because of her digitally native population and untapped market. He added that the government is creating an entrepreneurial environment for the start up to thrive. He listed the government’s efforts to include, the culture, infrastructure and support. 

Mr. Nnamidi Nwachuku, one of the participating Startups, in his remarks observed that the Online Start up Clinic as organized by the Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIIE) has greatly impacted on their knowledge positively. He noted that the experienced shared by many facilitators at the five days event would provide them the impetus to survive in their respective market segment. 

He said, “We have similar experience like the Jigawa edition which was physical. The impact was good as if it was physical. The evaluation form would help us to improve on our innovations. Like me, I have vision to build my business to become a unicorn without looking at the investor and I know it is realistic because I know my capabilities.”

The OIIE National Coordinator, Dr Amina Magaji Sambo urged the participants to adhere to all the guidance availed them during the period and ensure that they keep updating the office of their progresses and challenges.    

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello Felicitates With Christians On Easter

As Christians all over the world celebrate Easter to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has implored Christians in the State to use the period to pray  God to bring an end to the COVID-19 global pandemic that has engulfed the entire globe.

This is contained in Governor Sani Bello's Easter Message to the people, signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mrs. Mary Noel Berje.

“Easter is a significant period in the lives of Christians as it is essentially the foundation upon which the Christian religion is built. It is also  one of the most solemn periods of worship in the Christiandom".

The Governor urged all Christians, irrespective of their denomination, to use this period to seek for God’s intervention by praying fervently so that the COVID-19 pandemic ends and people all over the world return to  their normal lives.

Governor Sani Bello added that the COVID-19 pandemic could be regarded as a test of one’s faith in God while calling on Christians not to despair but be resolute and seek mercy of the Almighty at this moment of trial, adding that the world will pull out of it stronger and more united.

On the security challenges bedevilling some parts of the State, he assured that government is not resting on its oars as it vows to crush the bandits and other criminal elements in the State.

Governor Sani Bello felicitated with the Christian Community for marking the feast of Easter and appealed to them to observe the precautionary  measures that have been adopted against contracting the Coronavirus by keeping to good hygiene practices, sanitation and social distancing.

He appealed to the Christians not to see the restriction placed on movement as a denial for them to carry out their normal annual rites, but as measures to safeguard their lives so that they live and continue to practice their religion even when the world would have overcome the pandemic.

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello also commended residents of the State for complying with the strategies evolved to contain the spread of the dreaded global pandemic.

House Of Reps Expresses Displeasure Over Inhuman Treatment Meted On Nigerians In Beijing

The leadership of the House of Representatives has expressed displeasure over the inhuman treatment meted out on some Nigerians by the Chinese authorities in Beijing.

The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila said at a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Zhou Pingjian, that the inhuman treatment on Nigerians in China must be addressed forthwith. He confronted the Ambassador with the protest video of the incidence where a Nigerian was seen challenging Chinese officials over the maltreatment. 

At the meeting, which had in attendance the Minority Leader, Rep. Ndidu Elumelu and Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Toby Okechukwu, the Speaker said viral media reports/videos from Beijing showed Nigerians being forced out of their houses and hotels, rounded up and their passports seized by the Chinese police even after their initial 14 days quarantine period.

The Speaker said there should be an official explanation for treating Nigerians in such a manner.

"As a government, we will not allow Chinese or other nationals to be maltreated just as we will not allow Nigerians to be maltreated in other countries.

"The way you treat your citizens, we expect that's how you'll treat others. We will not tolerate our citizens breaking your laws, but the crime of one citizen cannot be used to stigmatize the whole country.

In his response, Ambassador Pingjian said though he has not been officially informed about the details of the incidence but that he would take it up with the home government.

"We take our relationship with Nigeria very seriously. Until we receive a full report from back home, I cannot act, but I can assure you it is not a policy issue.

"We treat everyone equally, but during the implementation of the #COVID-19 measures in China, it is possible for some incidents; all I do is to take it back home, today I will, " he said.

The Speaker said the House will expect a feedback from the Ambassador by Tuesday.

"It is better we nip it in the bud so that it doesn't escalate to another level. So, by Tuesday, if you have the information to give us, if steps have been taken, let's talk about it and let's see the way forward."

The Speaker also sought to understand the specific mandate of the Chinese medical team that arrived Nigeria on Wednesday and if they are on quarantine.

The Ambassador said "They are on 100 percent quarantine. The NCDC has been there twice; they have to follow the protocol. They are here to deliver medical supplies and on advisory role only, that is a prevention working group on Covid-19. They will do nothing like practicing as doctors,".