Day: August 2, 2024

The United Republic of Tanzania has formally expressed its desire to understudy the operations, initiatives, accomplishments, and challenges of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), to replicate the model.

This was conveyed by the Deputy High Commissioner and Chargé d’Affaires of the Tanzania High Commission, her Excellency, Judica Nagunwa during a courtesy call on the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed at the National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital.

She said the Tanzania National Service programme which started in 1963 is for both volunteers and compulsory participants, but added that many viable programmes in NYSC are yet to be replicated in her country.

She commended NYSC’s contributions to national development, saying ‘We think there is the need to come and learn from you.

‘We have come to study the structure of NYSC and see how it can assist us in vocational training, youth empowerment, wealth production, and security’.

In his response, the NYSC Director-
General, Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed said the Scheme which was established more than fifty-one years ago is a year compulsory national service programme for graduates below the age of thirty.

He added that through the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development training programme, millions of Corps Members have acquired vocational skills that have made them employers of labour in different locations across Nigeria.

The DG disclosed that NYSC has undergone many changes with the exigencies of time to make it responsive to national needs.

He disclosed further that the main objective of establishing NYSC was to foster national unity and integration after the 30-month-old Nigerian Civil War.

General Ahmed also informed the Tanzanian delegate that the tripartite responsibilities of the Scheme are borne by the Federal, State, and Local Governments.

‘We are in collaboration with many organizations that offer business grants to Corps Members to help them establish their businesses.

‘More than fi
ve million youths have passed through the Scheme from inception till date,’ the DG said.

He promised the NYSC’s readiness to offer every necessary assistance for the Tanzania National Service.

Source :News Agency of Nigeria

Telecommunications giant MTN has lost a Special Tribunal exception application in connection with the alleged irregular supply of mobile devices for COVID-19 screening to the Limpopo Department of Health.

This after the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) launched an investigation into the affairs of that department which – the unit insists – ‘revealed that MTN made an unsolicited proposal to supply the department with 10 000 cell phone devices intended for COVID-19 mass screenings’ in that province.

‘This proposal cost the department R10 million. This falls outside the prescripts of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). The Department of Health accepted the proposal and subsequent delivery of the devices.

‘The SIU’s investigation also found that the former Head of the Department, Dr Thokozani Florence Mhlongo, as the accounting officer, allegedly exposed the department to a wasteful expenditure when she authorised the procurement and payment of 10 000 cell phones to the value of R10 million for Covid-19
household screening.

‘The department could only manage to distribute 388 of the 10 000 cell phones between September 2020 and March 2021 and the cell phones were distributed without the required screening application,’ the SIU said.

The corruption busting unit added that it has instituted civil action in the Special Tribunal ‘to review and set aside the contract and recover financial losses suffered by the Limpopo Department of Health’.

‘So far, the SIU has successfully interdicted the pension payout of Dr Mhlongo after she resigned from her position as head of the department in the face of disciplinary action.

‘The SIU is also empowered to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations related to acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration. In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence of criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authori
ty for further action,’ the unit said.

Source : South African Government News Agency

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr. Abbas Tajudeen has congratulated Nigeria’s former vice-president, Mr. Mohammed Namadi Sambo, on his 70th birthday.

The Speaker described him as a nationalist who served his country with zeal and dedication

He said that ‘Sambo remained a democratic pillar in the country and has over the years demonstrated high level of patriotism.’

Speaker Abbas applauded Sambo, who was also a former governor of Kaduna State, for being an elder statesman ever since he left office as vice-president in 2015.

He said; ‘Former vice president Mohammed Namadi Sambo is one Nigerian whose contributions to our democracy and patriotic service to fatherland are well appreciated.

‘Even before venturing into politics, ex-VP Sambo had distinguished himself as a businessman and a philanthropist.’

The Speaker wished Mr. Sambo more fruitful years in sound health.

Mohammed Namadi Sambo, GCON, was born on 2nd August, 1954.

He served as the vice president of Nigeria during president Goodluck
Jonathan Administration from 19th May, 2010 to 29th May, 2015. He previously served as governor of Kaduna State from 2007 to 2010.

Source :News Agency of Nigeria

Tunisian opposition parties, presidential candidates and human rights groups have accused the authorities of using ‘arbitrary restrictions’ and intimidation in order to ensure the re-election of President Kais Saied in a vote set for Oct. 6.

Saied announced on July 19 that he would seek another five-year term. Elected in 2019, Saied dissolved parliament in 2021 and began ruling by decree in a move the opposition described as a coup. He has said he will not hand over power to what he calls ‘non-patriots’.

As an Aug. 6 deadline for registering as a presidential candidate looms, 11 opposition figures who hope to run against Saied issued a joint statement this week criticising the authorities.

‘The violations have affected most of the serious candidates to the point that they appear to indicate a desire to exclude them (from the election) and restrict them in order to make way for a specific candidate,’ they said in the joint statement.

None of the 11 opposition candidates have yet obtained a document certify
ing that they have no criminal record – a new condition – which will then allow them to register.

The Election Commission spokesperson said the interior ministry would contact the candidates to provide them with the necessary document, without saying when this would happen.

The Commission also rejected the accusations of bias.

‘CLIMATE OF INTIMIDATION’

In a separate statement on Thursday, 17 non-governmental organisation (NGOs), including Human Rights League, and six opposition parties criticised government control of public media, the judiciary, and the Elections Commission.

‘A climate of intimidation of opponents and journalists through the use of the judiciary and the Election Commission to serve the interests of the authorities and the lack of equal opportunities does not provide guarantees for free and fair elections,’ they said in the statement.

One of the 11 presidential candidates, Nizar Chaari, said his campaign manager and a volunteer member had been arrested and that police had confiscated th
e signatures he had received from the public endorsing his candidacy.

The Public Prosecutor’s office said the two people had been arrested over their seizure of a database and the forging of endorsements, accusations that Chaari’s campaign deny.

Earlier this month, a court sentenced another candidate, opposition party leader Lotfi Mraihi, to eight months in prison on a charge of vote buying. It also imposed a lifetime ban on Mraihi, one of Saied’s most prominent critics, running in presidential elections.

Also this month, a judge barred candidate Abd Ellatif Mekki, opens new tab from appearing in the media or travelling around the country.

The head of the Freedoms Committee in Parliament, Hela Ben Jaballah, called in a statement for the lifting of restrictions on candidates. She also urged the Election Commission to perform its role in a neutral way, something it says it already does.

Source :News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigerian Army says the viral video on social media alleging poor feeding of soldiers from the 159 Battalion in Kanama, Geidam Local Government, was not created by the Battalion’s soldiers but recorded by a police officer stationed with the troops in Geidam.

A statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu said contrary to the claim made in the video, no personnel in that location was served substandard meal as shown in the video.

Following the viral video, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has ordered an investigation led by the Commander of Sector 2 Operation HADIN KAI to verify the claim and address any issues of poor feeding within the unit.

Preliminary findings also indicate that the police officer who recorded and shared the video may have done so with an undisclosed ulterior motive, which the ongoing investigation aims to uncover.

The leadership of the Nigerian Army according to the statement ‘places premium on the welfare and well-being of t
roops and their families to ensure that they are adequately rewarded and motivated.’

The Chief of Army Staff has demonstrated undeniable passion and commitment to the well-being of soldiers, especially those deployed on the frontlines. Their priceless sacrifices in defense of the nation and in ensuring citizens’ safety and security are supported by various welfare schemes introduced and currently implemented by the COAS

The statement said; ‘The Army reeled out these schemes to include increase in the Ration Cash Allowance, prompt medical evacuation of wounded in action soldiers for both foreign and local treatments, commencement of payment of the backlog of Group Life Insurance Scheme that had accumulated since 2012.

‘Affordable House Ownership Option for all Soldiers (AHOOAS) with the COAS offsetting about 60 percent of the cost, and the activation of Personnel Insurance Scheme payments to soldiers who incure injury in combat operations.

‘These are aside from massive revamping and equipping of Nigerian A
rmy Reference Hospitals and other medical facilities across formations and units of the Nigerian Army to cater for the health of personnel and their families and the ongoing renovation of old and construction of new accommodations for soldiers and their families in various Nigerian Army Cantonments and Barracks.’

The Nigerian Army, therefore, sincerely appreciates the troops for their inestimable service to fatherland and equally cherishes the public’s continued concern for the welfare of the troops as well as their cooperation and support in maintaining peace and security.

Source :News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigerian government has restated its resolve to lead collaborations that would set the stage for transformative trade policies that will resonate across the African continent and beyond.

This was disclosed at the 2024 African Caucus Meeting, being held in Abuja, Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the Nigerian President, represented by the Vice president Kashim Shettima said Africa must improve the quality of life of its people.

‘Africa’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and hope. Indeed, we have met significant strides in recent years with many of our nation’s achieving remarkable economic growth, social progress, and political stability. Yet, obstacles, such as increasing poverty, rising debt across many countries, inequality and conflicts, continue to widen the gap between our continent and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.

‘This is indeed a matter of serious concern. Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, this caucus meeting provides us with the opportunity to examine and dis
cuss the main challenges and strategies for fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development in Africa by ensuring that democracy, good governance, and economic institutions work together, so that we can improve the quality of life across the continent.’

The Minister of Finance and the Cordinating minister of the economy, Mr. Wale Edun, said the gathering brings together leaders and experts from across the continent to address critical challenges and opportunities, including payment ecosystems, connectivity, energy access, trade facilitation, and multilateral development banks.

‘Based on available data, 41 African countries are set for stronger growth of up to 3.8% from about 3.4% in 2022 and rising to 4.3% in 2025. These exceed the global average of about 3.2%.’

Meanwhile, the governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, said the monetary authorities will formulate policies that enhance trade among countries on the continent remains focal to its mandate.

‘We can achieve this by fostering
a financial landscape that encourages collaborative research and development (R and D) to support our industries and generate economic wealth for our growing populations. Decisions on currency convertibility, cross border transactions, payment systems, cross border movements of our peoples, goods, and services, as well as financial policy, will be instrumental to determining the success of the AFCTA.’

Cardoso assured delegates from across the continent and beyond, of Nigeria’s commitment to the vision of a united and economically integrated Africa.

‘It is crucial that monetary and fiscal policies provide robust responses to mitigate the risks of rising inflation and the lingering effects of adverse supply shocks, which have significantly impacted our economies. I encourage us to share insights on our respective country experiences, working together in the spirit of unity that defines our continent. As we reflect on these issues, let us commit to a deeper understanding of these challenges and collaborate eff
ectively to address them’.

The theme of the Africa caucus 2024 meeting is ‘Facilitating Intra-African Trade: Catalyst for Sustainable Economic Growth in Africa.’

Source :News Agency of Nigeria