EO6: Buhari bans high profile Nigerians from foreign trips, sale of assets - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The President, Muhammadu Buhari may have banned some high profile Nigerians from travelling abroad in accordance with the Executive Order 6 (EO6) recently signed into effect, reports ITREALMS.

Specifically, the president, ITREALMS gathered had instructed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and other security agencies to block the affected Nigerians, whose list could not be ascertained at press time, from leaving the country or selling their assets.

Confirming this development, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, informed ITREALMS on a public statement made available to correspondent, Saturday, that this was in the execution of Executive Order 6, which the court week end affirmed its legality.

As said by him, “Following the instant judicial affirmation of the constitutionality and legality of the Executive Order 6 (EO6), President Muhammadu Buhari has mandated the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, to implement the Order in full force.

“To this end, a number of enforcement procedures are currently in place by which the Nigeria Immigration Service and other security agencies have placed no fewer than 50 high profile persons directly affected by EO6 on watch-list and restricted them from leaving the country, pending the determination of their cases.

“Also, the financial transactions of these persons of interest are being monitored by the relevant agencies to ensure that the assets are not dissipated and such persons do not interfere with, nor howsoever corrupt the investigation and litigation processes.

“It is instructive to note that EO6 was specifically directed to relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure that all assets within a minimum value of N50 million or equivalent, subject to investigation or litigation are protected from dissipation by employing all available lawful means, pending the final determination of any corruption-related matter.

“The Buhari administration reassures all well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians of its commitment to the fight against corruption, in accordance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the general principles of the Rule of Law.

“Accordingly, this administration will uphold the rule of law in all its actions and the right of citizens would be protected as guaranteed by the Constitution.

“We, therefore, enjoin all Nigerians to cooperate with the law enforcement authorities towards ensuring a successful implementation of the Executive Order 6 which is a paradigm-changing policy of the Federal Government in the fight against corruption.”

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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‘FG making concerted efforts to free Leah Sharibu, aid workers’ - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Federal Government (FG) has assured the families of kidnapped Dapchi schoolgirl, Leah Sharibu and two abducted aid workers on concerted efforts being made to ensure their release from captivity, reports ITREALMS.

According to the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who led a three-member Federal Government delegation to Maiduguri in Borno State and Dapchi in Yobe State, which included Hajiya Aisha Abubakar, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, who also oversees Women Affairs, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hajiya Khadija Abba Bukar Ibrahim, met with Mrs Rebecca Sharibu, Mother of Leah, as well as other members of their family at an emotion-laden ceremony.

Speaking at the occasion, Alhaji Mohammed said President Muhammadu Buhari sent the delegation as a follow-up to his phone call to Leah's mother a few days ago, adding that the government will not rest until Leah has been reunited with her family.

Visibly excited students of the Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, from where Leah and about 109 of her colleagues were abducted on 19 February 2018, trooped out to welcome the delegation when the chopper that ferried them to Dapchi landed in the school premises.

Earlier, the delegation also met with the families of the three aid workers who were abducted in March 2018.

At the meeting, which was held in the Borno State Government House, Alhaji Mohammed reassured them of the Government's efforts to secure the release of the two that remained in captivity, Alice Loksha and Amina Liman.

He also condoled with the parents of the third aid worker, Saifura Hussaini Ahmed, who was killed by her abductors last month.

The Minister said this is a trying time for the government and people of Borno State, but praised the government's resilience in tackling the challenges arising from the Boko Haram insurgency.

The Deputy Governor of Borno, Alhaji Usman Durkwa, who received the delegation, expressed gratitude to President Buhari for sending the delegation to the state, saying this shows that the President is a true leader.

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PIC: From left: Minister of State Industry, Trade and Investment, overseeing the Ministry of Women Affairs, Hajia Aisha Abubakar; Mrs. Rebecca Sharibu; Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hajia Khadija Abba Ibrahim when a Federal Government delegation visited Mrs. Sharibu, mother of the one of the abducted Dapchi school girls still in captivity in Dapchi, Yobe State, on Friday.

Airtel marks customer service week - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Airtel has reiterated commitment to providing excellent customer experience to telecoms consumers across the country, reports ITREALMS.

Commemorating the October 1st International Customer Service Week with carefully planned activities in honour of its customers, Airtel used the occasion to demonstrate its passion to service excellence as the week featured lectures, seminars, a 4km Walk, and different reward initiatives targeted at its customers.

During the week, ITREALMS reports that Airtel reaffirmed that it will continue to go the extra mile to provide excellent customer service across all its touch points to its customers, noting that happy and satisfied customers are key to the success of any organization.

A major highlight of the week was the 4km 4G Walk, an exercise to create awareness for the telco’s wide 4G coverage in Nigeria.

Recently, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya, had said the telco is currently building the largest and most reliable 4G network in the country.

Ogunsanya spoke during a courtesy call to the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, on the 27th September, 2018, stated that Airtel is currently rolling out its 4G technology in major cities and towns across Nigeria, making it the largest 4G network in the country.

The Customer Service Week is an annual celebration of the important role that customer service plays in every organization’s success, with an objective of celebrating internal and external customers as well as customer service professionals.

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Task Force releases 833 children from armed group in Northeast - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

  

The Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Maiduguri, northeast Nigeria, has released some 833 children from armed group in the region, reports ITREALMS.

This has also attracted commendation from UNICEF.

This is the first formal release of children from the CJTF since September 2017 when the group signed an action plan committing to put measures in place to end and prevent child recruitment following a listing in the annexes of the UN Secretary-General’s Annual Report for Children and Armed Conflict for the recruitment and use of children.

“The release of these children from CJTF shows commitment to implement the provisions of the Action Plan and to uphold international humanitarian law, human rights laws as well as other regional and national legislations, protecting children’s rights,” said Pernille Ironside, Deputy Representative of UNICEF Nigeria and the Co-chair of United Nations Country Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting on grave child rights violations (CTFMR).

“This is a significant milestone in ending the recruitment and use of children, but many more children remain in the ranks of other armed groups in either combat or support roles. We call on all parties to stop recruiting children and let children be children.”

Since the Action Plan was signed, members of the CTFMR initiated a joint field verification exercise to ascertain the presence and association of children within the command structures and ranks of the Civilian Joint Task Force. As of today, a total of 1,469 children (1,175 boys and 294 girls), associated with the Civilian Joint Task Force have been identified within the city of Maiduguri.

UNICEF continues to work closely with state authorities to support the implementation of reintegration programmes for the children released today as well as others affected by the ongoing conflict.

Since 2017, UNICEF has supported the social and economic reintegration of more than 8,700 children released from armed groups, helping trace their families, returning them to their communities, and offering them psychosocial support, education, vocational training and informal apprenticeships, and opportunities to improve livelihoods.

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Amansea-Awba-Ofemili Road: Anambra blames FG’s indebtedness over non-completion - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Anambra State government has blamed the Federal Government (FG) indebtedness over its inability to complete the Amansea-Ebenebe-Ugbenu-Ugbene-Awba-Ofemili road due on previous road repairs, reports ITREALMS.

Disclosing this at the 14th Annual Nigeria Editors’ Conference (ANEC 2018) in Asaba, Delta State, the Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C. Don Adinuba, told ITREALMS in response to questions on delays in completing the road which commenced over six years ago, that Governor Willie Obiano is determined to completing the road as soon as possible.

He also apologized for all the towns on that route, noting that Awba-Ofemili is one of the major rice producing towns in Anambra State which makes up the popular Anambra Rice, of which the government cannot afford to forget.

He pointed out that although the Federal Government had since reduced the indebtedness to Anambra State to about N36 billion, but has not refunded the money the state claimed was expended on roads, from where it intended to finance the completion of a few roads including the Amansea-Awba-Ofemili road.

In addition, Adinuba told ITREALMS that a fortnight ago, he was in a meeting with farmers from the town alongside the governor on the way forward.

He said that once Anambra State received refund from FG, it will be invested in complete the very important road like the Amansea-Awba-Ofemili to pave way for evacuation of rice and other agriculture produce.

The Anambra State government, Adinuba further said, is thinking of offering a facelift on the road once the rainy season is over, while pending when the state finances improves or FG refund is received.

On the healthcare centres, he said they are coming up with plans to built standard hospitals across the states for an accessible healthcare delivery.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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Pix: Hon. Commissioner, Information, Anambra State, Mr. C. Don Adinuba

GSM operators set up Financial Inclusion Committee - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Nigeria's Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications operators, namely Glo, 9Mobile, Airtel, MTN Nigeria, and Ntel, had inaugurated the Telecommunications Financial Inclusion Committee, reports ITREALMS.

The committee, ITREALMS gathered is coming on the heels of ALTON lays out the roadmap for deepening financial inclusion and financial literacy across Nigeria.

ITREALMS also gathered that the committee slated to meet fortnightly over the coming months to deliver on its mandate, includes ALTON chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Oladokun Oye (Airtel), Samuel Akinsola (Ntel), Chinedu Anochirionye (Ntel), Ismaila Suhailu (Ntel), Oluwaseun Omotosho (EMTS/9mobile), Chidozie Arinze (EMTS/9mobile), Johnson Oyewo (MTN Nigeria), Jane Amadi (MTN Nigeria), Esaie Diei (Globacom), Oluwatosin Cole (Globacom), and Gbolahan Awonuga (ALTON Secretariat).

Arising from its recent meeting, the GSM operators articulated their commitment to deepening financial inclusion and providing Nigerians with access to a range of affordable financial services.

Also at the inauguration, the committee, ITREALMS reports has the mandate to drive an awareness programme that will deepen financial literacy across the country, within the next 3 months; to leverage the committee's assets in order to deliver the promised access to financial services to 90 million Nigerians over the next 30 months, through a combined mobile base, Integrated Identity systems, and distribution network; and to work in collaboration with other stakeholders and engage proactively with the government to ensure the telecommunications sector contributes its quota to the national goal of attaining 80 per cent total financial inclusion and 70 per cent formal financial inclusion by 2020.

In the short-term, the committee aims to deliver financial services to up to 35 million Nigerians and increase financial literacy and awareness within 12 months. The longer term goal of delivering access to 90 million people across 773 local government areas by 2020 will be achieved through the conversion of it’s over one million airtime agents to mobile money agents.

Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of ALTON was quoted as saying; "The inauguration of this committee is a positive and necessary first step to achieving our goals of improving inclusion and literacy. We are focused on delivering sustainable solutions to achieve long-term results. The potential of our sector's participation in these efforts is enormous. The telecommunications subscribers database is the most comprehensive, our coverage is vast and this speaks to the potential that we have as a group to truly contribute to solving some of the challenges that have been faced so far."

The purpose of the inauguration was defined as a formal introduction to the start of the journey, and more importantly, to reaffirm their commitments, and begin the process of defining the next steps in this initiative.

The committee also spent some time discussing the recent publication of exposure guidelines for the licensing and regulation of Payment Service Banks in Nigeria, articulating necessary next steps and direction.

"We commend the Federal Government and the CBN for the recently released exposure guidelines for Payment Services Bank (PSB) License, a welcome development that will play a critical role in accelerating financial inclusion," added Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of ALTON.

Johnson Oyewo of MTN Nigeria and Secretary of the Committee, stated, "Our job is to ensure that our industry contributes effectively to financial inclusion and literacy in Nigeria. This committee is being inaugurated at an opportune time with the recent announcement by the CBN, allowing for an inclusive model that encourages all players to contribute towards driving financial inclusion in the country."





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10 insights into 40 years of digital development - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Information Technology (IT) specialist at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Donatella Mori, has shared some 10 insights on how the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) that works.

Here are some reflections on the 10 things learnt over 40 years in computing technology for the FAO:

1.    Finding a sense of joy in helping others and making their life quality better by providing IT support to the FAO colleagues in their daily work as Statisticians and Agricultural Technicians as wells as Food Safety Experts in fulfilling the FAO mission to eliminate hungry and malnutrition in the poor countries

2.    The “how can I help you” mindset oriented towards customer support which has always been my every day mantra

3.    The passion for the technology and the innovation. As Steve Jobs concluded his speech at Standford quoting “Stay Hungry Stay Foolish” and as the actor Tom Hiddleston said, “stay hungry, stay foolish, stay young, stay curious” … and I would add for us older IT generations, “Stay open to the younger generations”

4.    The habit of considering change as the most stable aspect of my work life and personal life.

5.    The beauty of having UN guiding principles for my work, and striving to always adhere to them.

6.    The sadness sometimes of not reaching the expected results, but the willing of never give up if that implies a better service and life quality for others.

7.    The sense of being part of the world through communication technology and the UN community, and how the “world is small “ – different countries, different culture, but the same emotions and human behaviors.

8.    The consciousness by personal experience that gender diversity and within that the contribution of women’s perspective not only empowers the UN capacity to achieve results through IT, but, if I’m allowed to play with words, “make IT work better”

9.    The positive adrenaline of taking calculated risks in particular when experimenting something new in IT, and recognizing that the biggest risk is not taking any risk. “In a world that’s changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks,” says Mark Zuckerberg

10. The sense of duty of not wasting the resources generously offered by the UN Donors

Courtesy: ICTworks.

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Commercial electric trucks come with business opportunities – ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The commercialization of electric trucks may be new but has the world of potential business opportunities, thus, no longer speculation, reports ITREALMS.

According to the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) second guidance report on electric trucks tagged, ‘Guidance Report: Medium-Duty Electric Trucks: Cost of Ownership,’ offers an unbiased study, which detailed the multiple factors to consider in selecting medium-duty commercial battery electric vehicles (CBEVs), with attention to considering all of the cost/benefit factors in estimating return on investment.

Disclosing this, the Executive Director, NACFE, Mike Roeth, told ITREALMS that electric trucks present a new world of potential business opportunities and are no longer speculation.

“Fleets choosing electric trucks today will get on the learning curve ahead of those that wait” he said.

Director, Fleet Operations for Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, Inc. Larry Smith, said, the commercial electric-powered trucks are real as evident with the FUSO eCanter trucks in operation today.

“Our trucks are deployed with customers in highly urban areas where that environment makes it possible to predict daily ranges and coordinate the most efficient vehicle charging opportunity” he said.

More specifically, the report found that daily, return-to-base urban cycles below 100 miles are well suited for battery electric drivetrains and that the primary justification of CBEVs is to meet zero emissions objectives.

 “Medium-duty vehicles with one-shift-per-day operations offer the most straightforward application for battery electric vehicles; as trucks sit idle for long enough periods of time, they can be charged at cost-effective rates and with fewer infrastructure demands,” said Keshav Sondhi, Director, Fleet Engineering and Sustainability PepsiCo, Inc.

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ICD Board names Ayman Sejiny CEO - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

A highly accomplished financial industry leader, Mr. Ayman Amin Sejiny has been named the new General Manager cum chief executive officer (CEO) of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), reports ITREALMS.

Arising from its recently held 91st Meeting, Dr. Bandar Hajjar, the President of IsDB and Chairman of ICD Board of Directors said "After a rigorous search, the Board concluded that Ayman's considerable experience in banking sector, along with his strong track record of success as a CEO, made him the outstanding candidate for the role. Mr. Ayman has demonstrated throughout his career the ability to work successfully in different environments, designing and leading strategies which resulted in impressive value creation. I look forward to working with him to create the next chapter of ICD's story of success”.

Mr Ayman Sejiny, incoming CEO, said: "I have admired ICD from the outside for many years and am delighted, therefore, to have been chosen to lead the corporation in the next exciting phase of its journey. I greatly look forward to meeting employees, leaders, customers and other stakeholders after I join in October and to working with them to achieve further success in the years to come."

Mr. Ayman Amin Sejiny is highly accomplished financial industry leader. He served as Chief Executive Officer of Ibdar Bank BSC, Bank Alkhair, Barclays Capital Saudi Arabia and as the Chairman of Open-Silicon, Inc and Bahrain Financing Company Group as well as a Board member of Unicorn Bahrain. Mr. Sejiny has in-depth knowledge and more than 24 years’ experience in investment and corporate banking in the local, regional and international markets. He held a senior role in a number of regional and international financial institutions, including Citi Bank and ABN AMRO affiliate in Saudi Arabia (Saudi American Bank “SAMBA” and Saudi Hollandi Bank).

Mr. Sejiny is Board and C-Level performer with vast experience in innovating financial processes and products and establishing boards, managements and institutions in highly regulated and sophisticated jurisdictions and industry sectors. Mr Ayman holds a BA in Finance from Eastern Michigan University, United States.

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Facebook, Nigeria to jointly combat fake news - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has revealed that the National Campaign Against Fake News has received a boost from the Social Networking Platform, Facebook, which plans to partner with the Federal Government to check the menace.

The Minister announced the planned cooperation in Abuja on Tuesday when he visited Daar Communications, owners of AIT and Raypower, in furtherance of the campaign.

He said the national campaign, which was launched on 11th July 2018, has succeeded in bringing the phenomenon to the front burner of national discourse.

“We are not under any illusion that our campaign will immediately end the menace of fake news. But we know that by creating national awareness, we are putting the issue of fake news on the front burner.

“Fake news is now a subject of national discourse, workshops and conferences. In the coming days, the social networking web platform, Facebook, will be meeting with us and other top policy makers across the country in the days ahead to see how to assist us in fighting fake news. That, to us, is a major step forward, and we thank all our partners, and indeed all Nigerians, for this achievement,” Alhaji Mohammed said.

The Minister, who described fake news as a global phenomenon, said different countries are adopting various measures to tackle the menace, but said Nigeria has decided to appeal to the sense of responsibility of media practitioners, bloggers and Social Media Influencers, instead of engaging in coercion or censorship.

He said if left unchecked, fake news has the capacity to disrupt the peace and unity of the country and it’s also a clear and present danger to the nation’s democracy.

“For example, the fake news phenomenon played out during the recent governorship elections in Osun State. Whereas 16 PDP members were arrested for various offences, including impersonating observers and for violence during the rerun, the purveyors of fake news made it look as if the APC was the perpetrators of these crimes.

“Also, a few days ago, fake news about the release of Leah Sharibu circulated freely on the social media. Imagine the additional trauma this would have caused for the parents. Imagine the implication on efforts to secure her release, and indeed the national security implications,” Alhaji Mohammed said.

He said the campaign against fake news could not have come at a better time, considering that the 2019 general elections are fast approaching and enemies of democracy will latch on to it to wreak havoc.

In his remarks, the Group Managing Director of Daar Communications Plc, Mr. Tony Akiotu, commended the Minister for embarking on the campaign to minimize the dangers of fake news to the unity and security of the country.

He pledged the readiness of Daar Communications to partner with the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture to check the excesses of fake news.

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Paradigm Initiative to host digital rights workshop @Zambia - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Paradigm Initiative has concluded plans to host the Southern African Digital Rights Workshop in Lusaka, Zambia, reports ITREALMS.

The interactive workshop, ITREALMS gathered, will take place over the course of two days from the 18th to 19th of October 2018, introducing participants to the basic concepts of Digital Rights. This is according to a statement signed by the social enterprise's communications officer, Sodiq Alabi.

According to Wathagi Ndungu, Paradigm Initiative's Google Policy for East and Southern Africa, "the purpose of the workshop is to create an empowered Civil Society digital rights community for Southern Africa that is able to defend and advocate for digital rights in the region, as part of a Pan-African coalition."

"The media will also be trained to competently report on digital rights issues in the region. The end goal of the workshop is to ensure that legislators, after interacting with trained Civil Society Organizations and media that understand and follow current trends in digital rights they will be able to analyse and articulate digital rights issues in their respective countries thus improving the quality of parliamentary debates on the issues," Ndungu added.

Representatives from government and law enforcement will gain insights and thus employ them when making policy. They will be able to formulate policy from an informed position.

In attendance will be representatives from Civil Society, Government, Private Sector, Media and Law Enforcement. They will be coming from Zimbabwe, Malawi, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and the host country Zambia.

Speaking on the development, Paradigm Initiative's Director of Programs, Tope Ogundipe, saidm "during the workshop and after we will create a Southern African Digital Rights Strategy and come up with ways to empower more individuals in the Digital Rights sphere. This workshop is a significant step towards informing individuals in the Southern African region how they can influence Internet policy and avert further Digital Rights abuses in the region."

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News Express 6th annual lecture economic stakeholders forum holds November - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The News Express 6^th Anniversary Lecture and Economic Stakeholders Forum has been scheduled to hold early next month, November 2018, the organisers told ITREALMS.

The event's theme, ITREALMS gathered is 'Transparency – Bedrock of Sustainable Development, will hold at the main hall of Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Ikeja, Lagos, according to a statement signed by News Express Publisher, Mr. Isaac Umunna.

“The News Express Anniversary Lecture is an annual programme that has an established trend of bringing together important business and political leaders from across the country, as well as multifarious professionals and influential media stakeholders. This year’s event will parade high profile individuals and opinion leaders that shape the economy and politics of Nigeria,” Umunna said.

He said that the event chairman and principal speakers, as well as details of the programme, would be unveiled in the days and week ahead.

News Express, which debuted on August 29, 2012, is one of Nigeria’s most popular and influential online dailies. It is read by hundreds of thousands of people around the world and records annual traffic of upwards of 100 million.

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IPCC Report: Nwafor decries impacts of climate change in Africa - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Pan Africa Director of Oxfam International, Mr. Apollos Nwafor, has decried the rising negative impacts of climate change on the continent of Africa, reports ITREALMS.

Reacting to the recent report released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which detailed progress and pathways to global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the Oxfam International boss said that natural disasters such as droughts and floods have been thwarting development in the African continent.

He highlighted fluctuations in agricultural production due to climate variations along with inefficient agricultural systems have caused food insecurity, one of the most obvious indicators of poverty. 

“The 2016 El Niño phenomenon, which was super charged by the effects of climate change, crippled rain-fed agricultural production and left over 40 million people foods insecure in Africa. Without urgent action to reduce global emissions, the occurrence of climate shocks and stresses in the Africa region are expected to get much worse,” he said.

For him, why African government should get real worried includes that on 5 July this year, Africa registered its hottest reliable record temperature in Ouargla, northern Algeria, of 51.3C (124.3F).

Pointing out that there is mounting evidence that higher temperatures linked to climate change have worsened drought and humanitarian disaster in East Africa, including last year’s drought which left over 13 million people dangerously hungry.

Also, he said that even at 1.5 degrees of warming, climate impacts in West Africa, for instance, would be devastating, just as wheat yields could fall by up to 25 percent and at 1.5 degrees Lagos in Nigeria could become a newly heat stressed city like Delhi in India.

In sub-Saharan Africa, he said, 1.5 degrees warming by the 2030s could lead to about 40 percent of present maize cropping areas being no longer suitable for current cultivars, and significant negative impacts on sorghum suitability are projected. Under warming of less than 2 degrees by the 2050s, total crop production could be reduced by 10 percent.

Further, he said that at 2 degrees of warming heat extremes never experienced before could affect 15 percent of sub-Saharan Africa’s land area in the hot season, causing deaths and threatening farmers’ ability to grow crops.

“If global temperature rises by more than 2 degrees by the end of the century, by 2050 this could see daytime temperatures in North Africa (and the Middle East) rise to 46 degrees on the hottest days, which can be deadly,” he warned.

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APGA presidential candidate, Gbor, laments Nigeria's brokenness, seeks restructuring - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, retired Major General John Wilson Terwase Gbor, on Sunday in Abuja pledged that his administration would protect every Nigerian no matter where the person lives, reports ITREALMS.

Gbor in his acceptance speech after he was endorsed by his party, General Gbor unveiled a five-point agenda which, he said, would promote national security, peace and prosperity of all Nigerians no matter where they lived in the world.

The five-point agenda, which he described as his “irrevocable covenant with Nigerians,” are: true federalism based on fiscal restructuring, security, economic reconstruction driven by private enterprise, social agenda and a presidential initiative that places empowerment of women and the youth as the key driver of national renaissance.

General Gbor told the APGA delegates to the special convention where he was unveiled with his running mate, Chief Jerry Chukwueke, that Nigeria was badly broken, yearning to be repaired. 

But he said that it is only a pragmatic and progressive leader, not just a president, that could rescue the country from the deplorable situation.

“We need a President who believes that all lives matter and works proactively to protect lives and properties of all Nigerians,” he said to the applause of the audience.

Offering himself as the new face of hope in the midst of despair, Gbor said under his leadership, the Federal Government would take steps to revitalize the non-oil sector, reduce the national debt, promote agriculture and above all work “for the prosperity of all Nigerians where “no one and no place is left behind”.

Expatiating on his economic recovery plan, Gbor said: “In line with APGA’s commitment to restructuring, my administration will vigorously pursue the entrenchment of true federalism which promotes productivity and competitiveness among the federating units.

“Thus, instead of the present misguided emphasis on cake sharing, which accounts for high level of corruption, the APGA-led Federal Government, under my leadership, will promote the emergence of viable, competitive and sustainable economic entities that will unleash the creative potentials of Nigerians. The end result of such competitive entities will be wealth creation, job opportunities, social harmony and national security.”

Dismissing the fear of those who argue that restructuring could lead to disintegration, Gbor said: “The truth is that fiscal federalism and national unity are not mutually exclusive. What a restructured Nigeria will achieve is that, we shall move away from the cake sharing formula which breeds laziness and rent seekers to cake baking which unleashes the creative energies of Nigerians especially the youth.”

The National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Oye, who unveiled the presidential candidate and his running mate, assured Nigerians that the party was poised to produce governors in at least eight states of the federation. 

Oye hinged his hope on the party’s belief that the All Progressive Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party were in disarray in those states. 

Besides, he stated that APGA was robbed of victory in Nasarawa and Abia States in 2015 and that the party would reclaim the mandates in 2019.

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Pix: Gen. Gbor and Chief Jerry, his running mate.

Osoba, Odinkalu for 2nd GOCOP annual confab - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, has been confirmed as the Chairman of the second annual conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) slated for Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos State, reports ITREALMS.

The conference scheduled for Friday, October 19, 2018, according to GOCOP’s Publicity Secretary, Olumide Iyanda, has the theme “Online Publishers’ Role Towards A Sustainable Economy, Credible Election and Security in Nigeria.”

He also disclosed to ITREALMS that the former chairman, National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, would be the guest speaker.

The Chairman, Centre of Excellence in Multimedia Technology, Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye; and Director, ICT Centre, Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Prof. Leonard Shilgba, will be the discussants.

Speaking on the choice of the theme, GOCOP President, Dotun Oladipo, said “The prevailing economic, political and security realities in Nigeria require keen interest from the media.

“With the 2019 general elections approaching, Nigerians deserve access to authentic news and views, which are best provided through digital platforms upon which GOCOP members operate.

“As an organisation, GOCOP is committed to ensuring that the use of fake news and misinformation do not destroy Nigeria’s political, economic and security progress, hence the need to look at the critical role of online publishers as entrusted to them by the Constitution.”

The Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and other stakeholder groups in the media will be represented at the conference.

GOCOP represents media organisations registered in Nigeria with promoters drawn from practitioners who have served at senior levels in the profession.

Nenye Dom/GEE

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NCC names Titi Omo-Ettu board chair, Digital Bridge Institute - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Federal Government through the Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC) has appointed Engr. Titi Omo-Ettu, as the new board chairman of Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), reports ITREALMS.

This development was confirmed by the chairman, NCC, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, last Friday in Abuja during inauguration of the board, congratulated Omo-Ettu while wishing him well in his new position.

Omo-Ettu, who was sighted at the headquarters of DBI alongside the Administrator, Digital Digital Bridge Institute, (DBI), Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, was obviously excited and grateful to God and the Federal Government and NCC management precisely for the honour to serve in this capacity.

DBI is an outlet of NCC established in May 2004 in the wake of the phenomenal worldwide growth of the telecommunications and Information Communications Technology (ICT) sectors in Nigeria.

Engr. Omo-Ettu, ITREALMS gathered was born July 14, 1949 in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. He received his secondary education at Adeola Odutola College, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State in (1963-1967) and proceeded to University of Lagos where he graduated with B.Sc degree in Electrical Engineering (1968-1973) and participated in Telecom Executive Management, Institute of Canada in 1990.

His professional career has an active link with telecommunications engineering, management and development that dates back to 1974. Omo-Ettu belonged to the pioneering set that served the Nigerian Youth Service Corps in Bauchi (then North Eastern State).

He commenced an engineering training with Department of Posts and Telecommunications, P& T and by mid-1980s he rose on his career role, which saw him serve as District Engineer/Manager, Territorial Manager, Project Manager/Contracting Officer, Senior Manager, National Network Maintenance and Senior Manager Network Planning respectively.

He retired from public service under then NITEL and in his passion pursued inspiring career in private practice and particularly in the change of the telecommunications landscape in Nigeria and globally too.

Today, he is a Telecommunications Consultant, Trainer and Publisher with focus on developmental processes. He has been Consultant to NCC, from its inception in 1993 to date serving the Commission in the areas of industry studies and research, universal service plans, and internet applications. He offers similar services to other private sector clients. He is presently Managing Consultant of Telecom Answers Associates, Founder of The Cyberschuul, and Publisher of CyberschuulNews.com

He is a recipient of several honours and awards from professional, trade and regulatory bodies such as Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Council for Computer Professionals Regulation in Nigeria (CPN), The Nigerian Society of Engineers, (NSE) The Nigerian Institute of Management, (NIM), and Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, (ATCON). He served all these bodies at Council level.

A certified COREN engineer, Titi Omo-Ettu is fellows of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Telecom Executive Management Institute of Canada, respectively and member, Nigerian Institute of Management and has since assumed office in his new role as chairman, DBI.

Remmy Nweke/ED, Ops

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Pix: L-R: Engr. Titi Omo-Ettu, newly appointed Board Chairman of Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) being congratulated by the Board Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye after administering Oath of Office on DBI Board members following DBI Board inauguration in Abuja.

Pix2. L-R Mr. Felix Adeoye, Commission Secretary, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Engr. Titi Omo-Ettu, Board Chairman Digital Bridge Institute, (DBI) Sen. Olabiyi Durojaiye, Chairman Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC) Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Administrator, Digital Digital Bridge Institute, (DBI) during the Inauguration of DBI Governing Board, 5th October 2018 at the DBI Head office.

Family rolls out burial plans for ex-Minister Funke Adedoyin - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The family of a member of the House of Representatives, Funke Deborah Adedoyin, has released the programme for her burial, reports ITREALMS.

Hon. Adedoyin died on September 28, 2018.

According to the programme signed by Prince Ayo Adedoyin and Mrs. Funke Adepoju, a Service of Songs will be held for the late former Minister in her home State, Kwara, on October 9, 2018 at the State Banquet Hall, Ahmadu Bello Way, Ilorin at 4pm by the Kwara State Government.

Also on October 9, 2018, another Service of Songs will hold by 5pm at A Class Event Centre, Wuse 2, Abuja.

On October 11, 2018, a Wake Keep and Night of Tribute will hold at BICS Garden, Wole Olateju Street, Lekki Phase 1 in Lagos State at 4pm.

The funeral service for the late businesswoman and astute politician will take place by 11am on October 12, 2018 at RCCG, Pavilion Parish, Jide Obi Street, off Ligali Ayorinde Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Ayo Midele/GEE

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