Presidential Panel scores a win with 5-point agenda - ITREALMS

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Following directives by President Muhammadu Buhari on dissolution of Special Anti-Robbery Squad and immediate response to yearnings of citizens, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, convened a meeting with stakeholders, agreeing to meet demands, which include halting use of force against protesters and unconditional release of arrested citizens.

The meeting, organized by the Office of the Inspector General of Police and National Human Rights Commission, was a multi-stakeholders’ forum attended by leaders and representatives of civil society organisations in Nigeria, activists from the entertainment industry and the ENDSARS movement and development partners.

Fayemi condoles with Awo family over death of first daughter - ITREALMS

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The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi has commiserated with the family of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, over the death of the first daughter of the late sage, Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran.

The late Rev’d Oyediran, 79, was until her death the Chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN), Plc; Publishers of the Tribune Newspapers.

#EndSARS: FirstBank website not shut down - ITREALMS

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The First Bank of Nigeria Plc, has denied any shutdown of its website, over alleged inability to participate in the ongoing #EndSARS protest nationwide, reports ITREALMS .

According to an official corporate statement available to 
ITREALMS, "Our attention has been drawn to the tweet making the rounds on social media on shutting down the FirstBank website following a false tweet that the Bank prevented staff from joining the ongoing protests in the country.

Nigeria, Ghana shine @Stay at Home Media awards - ITREALMS

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The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany has rewarded the winners of “Stay at Home” Media Recognition Awards for Nigeria and Ghana in partnership, reports ITREALMS.

The partnerships, ITREALMS gathered were with Her Excellency Rebecca Akufo-Addo, the First Lady of Ghana and for Nigeria in partnership with Her Excellency Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, the first Lady of Nigeria, respectively.

#EndPolice brutality: Fayemi raises panel - ITREALMS

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The Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has revealed that his administration is taking steps to ensure justice for victims of police brutality in the state through the setting up of a Panel of Enquiry and Restitution for Victims of SARS and Related Abuses in the state, reports ITREALMS.

He equally unfolded plan to revisit the creation of the Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to develop the grassroots and bring governance closer to the people promising to forward a bill to that effect for immediate consideration.

Interior Minister renews war against bandits in Nigeria - ITREALMS

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The Presidency has commenced mobilisation of residents in locations targeted by bandits to bond with security forces so as to repel attacks, reports ITREALMS.

Disclosing this in Katsina, recently, the Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola appealed to residents to support federal security forces with intelligence and civil networks assuring that the Federal Government has men and materials to win the war against bandits.

Fayemi inaugurates ultramodern Ado Ekiti Central Market, schools - ITREALMS

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The Ekiti State governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi has inaugurated ultramodern Ado Ekiti Central Market, model schools and asphalt plant on Thursday, reports ITREALMS.

The market known locally as "Oja Oba" or "Erekesan" was officially opened for public use by the Governor as part of activities marking the second anniversary of his administration.

The Governor said the imposing market complex which boasts of modern facilities would boost commerce and other economic activities in the state capital.

NNPC reduces loss by 99.7% in 2019, unveils audited financial statement - ITREALMS

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Just five months after publishing its 2018 Audited Financial Statement, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has released its 2019 Audited Financial Statement with a 99.7% reduction in its loss profile from ₦803bn in 2018 to ₦1.7bn in 2019, reports ITREALMS.

A statement by the Corporation's spokesman, Dr. Kennie Obateru, quoted the NNPC Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Umar Ajiya, as saying that the 2019 Audited Financial Statement, which was concluded five months after the release of the 2018 Audited Financial Statement and will be published on the Corporation's website for all to see in keeping with Management's commitment to transparency and accountability and in consonance with the principles of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) of which it is a partner.

CPJ to online publishers: Take interest in Nigeria's Cybercrime Act, seek reform - ITREALMS

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The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has enjoined online publishers in Nigeria to unite against the Cybercrime Act of 2015, warning that they are vulnerable, reports ITREALMS.

Senior Researcher, Africa Programme at the CPJ, Jonathan Rozen, who made the call, said that the challenges confronting journalists cut across borders.

He noted that in Nigeria under the current Cybercrime Act, journalists publishing online are most vulnerable and their are various challenges confronting the entire Nigerian media community.

NNPC: ANOH Gas to produce 600MSCFD - ITREALMS

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As part of concerted efforts to ramp up gas-to-industries and gas-to-power in the country, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has revealed that the Asa North-Ohaji South (ANOH) gas project, one of the largest green field gas condensate development projects ever undertaken in Nigeria, was expected to produce 600million standard cubic feet of gas per day, an equivalent of approximately 2.4gigawatts of electricity for the country. 

Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, made this known while delivering a goodwill message at the 2020 South East Gas Utilization Forum in Owerri, Imo State.

A press statement available to ITREALMS by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the Corporation, Dr. Kennie Obateru, quoted Mallam Kyari as commending the imminent completion of the landmark Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben “OB3” gas pipeline project which would help commercialize over 2billion cubic feet of gas per day and generate billions in revenue as well as create thousands of employment opportunities for Nigerians. 

Mallam Kyari, who was represented at the occasion by the Corporation’s Chief Operating Officer, Gas and Power, Engr. Yusuf Usman, said “NNPC as an enabler organization has since realized the obvious economic importance of gas and has consistently made concerted efforts towards delivering the right infrastructure and commercial structures, in a bid to deliver value to customers and all stakeholders.”

He stated that the laudable initiative of the Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria (GACN) aimed at facilitating the optimal use of natural gas to drive industrial and economic growth aligns completely with President Muhammadu Buhari’s aspirations of prioritizing gas development for economic growth, power generation and the eventual industrialization of Nigeria.

In his keynote address, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, stated that the best way to diversify Nigeria's economy would be by driving the development and utilization of the nation's abundant gas resources, describing the South East as a region where an industrial miracle was about to happen.

Pix: GMD NNPC, Malama Kyari

#EndSARS Judicial Enquiry: Justice Okuwobi, Ebun Adegboruwa, 5 others make Lagos Panel - ITREALMS

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The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has inaugurated a seven-man Judicial Panel of Enquiry and Restitution to investigate cases of brutality and human rights violations committed by operatives of the dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in the State, reports ITREALMS.

In a statewide live broadcast to Lagosians, Gov. Sanwo-Olu said the move was part of the steps by the state to address the five-point demands of the youths demonstrating against SARS brutality.

The panel, to be headed by retired Justice Doris Okuwobi, will sit for six months and is mandated to thoroughly investigate all verifiable claims of abuses and fatalities arising from SARS engagement in the State, with the objective to bring erring officers to justice and get compensation for the victims.

GOCOP eAGM: Nigeria’s Consul-General, CPJ urge citizen-centeredness - ITREALMS

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Media practitioners, especially online publishers, have been urged to be citizen-centred as they continue to serve as watchdogs for the good of the country, reports ITREALMS.

Also, they were advised to remain as independent monitors of those in power.

This call was made on Thursday by the Consul-General of Nigeria in New York, Ben Okoyen, when he delivered his goodwill message to the virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).

Glo delights subscribers with another season of Smartphone Festival - ITREALMS

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After a highly successful Glo Smartphone Festival held in July, national telecommunications company, Globacom has unveiled another season of the customer reward programme, in response to calls by millions of its subscribers, reports ITREALMS.

The Smartphone Festival enables subscribers of Globacom network to enjoy free data all through the duration of the programme.

SasaiWiFiFinder hits runway, courtesy Econet group - ITREALMS

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SasaiWiFiFinder has hitted the internet superhighway as it debuts, courtesy of the Econet group, through its subsidiaries Liquid Telecom Group (LTG), reports ITREALMS.

Econet, ITREALMS gathered is partnering Cassava Fintech International (CFI) to launch a network of #SasaiWiFiFinder hotspots in Kenya, Uganda, Zambia and Rwanda, providing locals with most affordable internet access. 

This partnership unlocks the ‘African Missing Network’ that will accelerate sustainable economic development through digital inclusion for all Africans.

e-Commerce tops Germany agenda for developing, emerging countries - ITREALMS

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Electronic Commerce (e-Commerce) is on top of the Germany agenda to boost developing and emerging economies, so as to help some 115 million people out of poverty, reports ITREALMS.

This, Germany disclosed would be achieved through trade to prosperity based on partnership of the Deutsche Post DHL Group and German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development who are keen in promoting e-commerce in developing and emerging countries.

Firm brings tech innovation to landmapping - ITREALMS

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Losamills Consult has said its bringing technology innovation to landmapping and surveying in West Africa, reports ITREALMS.

The firm also noted that about 90 per cent of rural land in Africa is not formally documented, making it vulnerable to land grabbing and expropriation. Weak property rights result in communal clashes and targeted killings, according to the CEO Samuel Larbi Darko.

"Only 4% of African countries have mapped private land in capital cities. This means most of the land is susceptible to vested interests from leaders and the urban elite; Land mapping and surveying is often overlooked, but much needed, in promoting development and stability in West Africa where a significant proportion of land remains informally documented; Losamills Consult is leveraging technology to reduce barriers to surveying and contribute to industrialisation and regional stability."

CEO Samuel Larbi Darko calls for greater government support in land demarcation and allocation systems to attract foreign investment.

Emerging technological breakthroughs in fields including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, nanotechnology and materials science are accelerating innovation and disrupting industries across the world. Indeed, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is creating new ways of catering to societal needs and improving the speed, quality and cost of delivering value. From self-driving cars and automated flight systems to navigation equipment and drones, societies and industries are going through a time of unprecedented technological change.

The land mapping and surveying sector, which serves engineering, infrastructure development and environmental conservation projects, is one such industry that has been transformed in the early days of the 4IR.

Modern instruments such as drones and GPS devices are simplifying the land-mapping process while improving accuracy, scope, and speed. Accurately determining land size and measurements, as well as topographic heights, is key to ensuring proper bounding, calculations, titles, easements and wildlife crossings when planning and designing new infrastructure, in construction, and in environmental monitoring. Undertaking this process at the outset saves money and time that is in many cases later spent correcting non-adherence to land zoning, overlays, building guidelines, town plans, and other local provisions. Defined property rights also foster growth and stability, stimulate access to credit and investment and drive productivity and income. 

However, in Africa, about 90% of rural land is not formally documented, making it vulnerable to land grabbing and expropriation. Weak property rights also result in communal clashes and targeted killings. Similarly, only 4% of African countries have mapped private land in capital cities. This means most of the land is susceptible to vested interests from leaders and the urban elite. 

Samuel Larbi Darko, the CEO of Losamills Consult, a privately-owned land surveying and engineering company based in Accra, Ghana, recognised the potential for the integration of high-level technology in infrastructure development in West Africa many years ago. 

Omoleye: Gov. Fayemi's programmes aimed at banishing poverty - ITREALMS

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The Chief of Staff to the Governor of Ekiti State, Hon Biodun Omoleye has said that the various projects and programmes of the Dr Kayode Fayemi administration are targeted at banishing poverty and improving the standard of living of the people of the State, adding that they are executed based on the needs and yearnings of the people, reports ITREALMS.

Hon Omoleye stated this at the Ikun Dairy Farm, Ikun Ekiti, when he led the a group of Stakeholders on tour of ongoing and completed projects of the State government, as part of activities marking two years anniversary of Dr Fayemi’s administration.

Africa: A Heartfelt Tribute to Institutions and People Who Never Stop Caring - ITREALMS

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The 2020 Nobel Peace Prize has created a renewed impetus to rally around hunger, scale-up efforts to mobilize much-needed funds ...

The sight of David Beasley, in a recent tweet, sitting on the floor of the World Food Programme (WFP) office in Niger surrounded by staff, celebrating a well-deserved Nobel peace prize win, brought back memories of Nasseiba Ali.

I was on assignment for the Associated Press to uncover an ongoing acute food crisis in Niger. My journey led me to a life-changing encounter with Ali, a 20-month-old girl who weighed just 12 pounds.

Blue Prism service assist, debuts to boost technology workforce - ITREALMS

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Addressing the increasing demands of customer contact centres and call centre agent productivity, Blue Prism (AIM: PRSM) has announced the availability of Blue Prism Service Assist, reports ITREALMS.

This new offering delivers a real-time, unified 360-degree view of all customer interactions helping free up agents so they can be more responsive, empathetic and engaging, to better serve customers.

Service Assist empowers contact centre agents by automating system tasks that simplify and guide customer interaction tasks including searching databases, scheduling callbacks, and updating customer records.

Gas opportunities can revive Mozambique’ - ITREALMS

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Mozambique and Germany have a special relationship, that was formalised when the German Democratic Republic established diplomatic relationships with the then newly independent Republic of Mozambique in 1975. Since then, a great many Mozambicans have been educated in Germany. Another 20,000 were employed in Germany as contract workers. Since the 1980’s, Germany has spent more than USD 1 billion in development aid to Mozambique. Whilst this is laudable, this relationship must evolve to change focus away from aid and towards investment, in response to the numerous opportunities in gas development and other sectors.

German companies need to invest in the development of new gas prospects, in the servicing of the existing developments and in the building of a petrochemical sector in Mozambique. Germany has a strong petrochemical industry that can take advantage of the opportunities in Mozambique with Africa’s USD 1.2 Billion population providing a ready market for such an industry. This will ultimately lead to a win-win situation for both countries. It will not only help to generate economic growth, but will also ensure the creation of good paying jobs, skills developing apprenticeships and the transfer of technology to Mozambique.

HP dangles PC innovations for Nigeria - ITREALMS

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HP has released a new range of devices and solutions for the Nigerian and other markets, designed to help people boost productivity, collaborate with ease, and work anywhere, with strong security, reports ITREALMS.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted work environments around the world and it’s clear that hybrid working environments are the new normal. Nearly half of business professionals are working remotely and the importance of productivity at home is clear: people want faster PCs and faster internet. For IT organizations, 60% are finding ways to support more flexible work arrangements to provide the same level of support at home as users get in office. At the same time, more than 40% of IT departments are prioritizing built-in security on employee endpoint devices.

OndoDecides 2020: Makinde gave good account of himself says Oyo group - ITREALMS

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The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has been commended for the roles he played in the just-concluded governorship election in Ondo State, which was won by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), reports ITREALMS.

The Oyo Kajola Group (OKG), a pan-Oyo socio-political group, stated this in a statement on Monday, noting that democrats across the nation should be proud of the robust contributions of Governor Makinde to the electoral process in Ondo state.
It added that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should also give well-deserved commendations to the Governor of Oyo State for his outstanding contributions.

Ondo 2020: Eze congratulates Akeredolu - ITREALMS

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Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People's Democratic Party (nPDP), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has expressed satisfaction over the Ondo State last weekend election, reports ITREALMS.

This came as the Governorship election in Ondo State saw the re-emergence of the incumbent and candidate of APC, Rotimi Akeredolu, for a second and final term.

#EndSARS: No protester killed in Lagos but bystander - ITREALMS

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The Lagos State Government has denied any protester was killed during Monday's #ENDSARS demonstration across the commercial centre of excellence, reports ITREALMS .

This was against the backdrop of social-media information circulating that one protester, at least was shot dead on Monday in Surulere axis of Lagos State.

But the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso explained to ITREALMS that was not the case.

OndoDecides: Fayemi congratulates Akeredolu on re-election - ITREALMS

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The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi has congratulated Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) on his re-election for a second term in office, reports ITREALMS.

Governor Fayemi in a statement in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday, said Akeredolu’s electoral victory was an attestation to the fact the electorate would always reward a performing leader and administration with their votes.

Nigeria@60: Pioneers, innovators, advocates honoured @ICT Hall of Fame Awards - ITREALMS

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The TechTV Network in collaboration with TechEconomy.ng, has recognised pioneers, innovators and advocates and influential organisations in the Nigerian telecoms; information and communication technology (ICT), reports ITREALMS.

The award ceremony was part of activities for this year’s Titans of Tech Conference & Exhibition and in commemoration of Nigeria’s 60th Independence anniversary (Nigeria@60).

The hybridge event with virtual & physical attendance was held on October 08, 2020 at Virgin Rose Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos with outstanding personalities and high achievers leveraging technology across sector also recognized for their positive contributions to the nation’s economy.

Nigerian film, Eyimofe set for London premiere - ITREALMS

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As part of activities to celebrate Nigeria’s 60th Independence Day anniversary, a film, Eyimofe (This is my desire) (www.Eyimofe.film) is set to premiere in the United Kingdom, at the BFI London Film Festival on October 11. The film, which had its world premiere at the 70th Berlin International Film Festival in February, is also billed to celebrate its U.S premiere at the AFI Fest on October 20.

Ahead of the London screening, which will create an opportunity for the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom to join in the country’s 60th anniversary celebration, Eyimofe has debuted its official trailer for the festival, which is already generating interest from the global film community.

A GDN Studios production (www.GDNStudios.ng), the 114 minutes film directed by twin brothers Arie and Chuko Esiri, features Jude Akuwudike, Temi Ami-Williams, Cynthia Ebijie, Sadiq Daba, Tomiwa Edun, Jacobs Alexander, Tomiwa Edun, Chioma ‘Chigul’ Omeruah and others.

Funded entirely in Nigeria and shot in 16mm and filmed across 48 locations in Lagos, the two chapter drama follows the stories of Mofe (Jude Akuwudike), a factory technician, and Rosa (Temi Ami-Williams), a hairdresser, on their quest for what they believe will be a better life on foreign shores.

A passport, photos and a visa form recurring elements. The characters’ misfortunes are part of their everyday life and they are sketching out the need to leave Nigeria at the same time. At the bottom of the socio-economic ladder, status, money, gender, skin colour and family structures are inextricably connected. The longing for another life is but one thread in this complex mesh, a promise that floats above things at once near and far away.

It would be recalled that Eyimofe is the 2020 official selection for Vancouver International Film Festival, an annual film festival held in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Orange, SmartAfrica collabo on data security for end-users - ITREALMS

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The Paris headquartered, Orange, a platinum member of the Smart Africa Alliance, supports the One Africa Network (OAN) project which has the aim of reducing the cost of communication and keeping the traffic generated and destined with the continent, reports ITREALMS.

The Smart Africa Secretariat has emphasised the need to collaborate effectively with the private sector and create synergies with existing infrastructure. Smart Africa warmly welcomes Orange’s collaboration on the initiative.

Time to CAP incessant gas explosion in Lagos

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Lagosians woke up to the news of another gas plant explosion, this time is Baruwa, a suburb in a densely populated neighbourhood in Alimosho area of the state. So far eight persons have been confirmed dead with tens of others injured.

Reports already indicate that at least 89 shops, 47 buildings including a primary school and church as well as 23 electric poles, two transformers, gas tankers, one tricycle and a motorcycle were ravaged in the explosion. It is disheartening.

World Mental Health Day: Erelu Fayemi canvasses institutional framework - ITREALMS

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The first lady of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi has called on stakeholders in the health sector to urgently develop an institutional framework to respond to mental health challenges in the State, reports ITREALMS.

The Governor's Wife gave this call in Ado-Ekiti, the State capital, on Friday, during this year's World Mental Health Day Stakeholders Forum, with the theme "Mental Health for all".

Erelu Fayemi in her keynote address, said effort must be put in place to prioritize the safety of women and girls who are victims of gender-based violence, stressing that GBV is a by-product of unhealthy mental health.

How IGP Adamu sacked F-SARS - ITREALMS

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A speech read by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, at a press conference today to announce the dissolution of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad following massive protests by Nigerians both at home and abroad. 

Excerpts:

It is with sense of patriotism and commitment to my professional calling that I invited you to this important press briefing to address critical internal security issues.

Nigerians win as FG disbands FSARS nationwide - ITREALMS

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Barely few hours after the #EndSARS protest gained international dimension with the one held on Sunday afternoon in the city of London, the Federal Government has succumbed to pressure by disbanding the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS) nationwide with immediate effect, reports ITREALMS.

Confirming this, the Inspector General of the Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu said that FSARS has been disbanded in the 36 states of the federation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.