Jonathan’s Administration Fought Corruption, Saved Billion Of Dollars – Okonjo-Iweala

Former Nigerian Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, says the administration ofGoodluck Jonathan fought corruption in the country and in the process saved billions of dollars that could have been embezzled
Mrs Okonjo-Iweala, stated this while recalling her tenure as finance minister between 2011 and 2015, in a piece titled, ‘To Beat Covid-19, Governments Need to Open Up’ published on Bloomberg on Monday
According to her, the administration worked hard in a difficult governance environment to open up information and tackle corruption.
She said: “During my tenure as Nigerian finance minister, we worked hard in a difficult governance environment to open up information and tackle corruption. Though it was not easy, we saved billions of dollars that were channeled to other priorities.”
On COVID-19 and its global impact, the ex-World Band director said the world would not be rid of the virus until there is a safe and effective vaccine available to everyone.
“We will not recover from the far-reaching economic impact of the pandemic without a new social compact between governments and citizens based on transparent, accountable and trustworthy governance.
“Every day that the crisis continues, the value of more open government becomes clearer. Getting medical equipment, and eventually vaccines, to those that need them most poses a major governance challenge.
“Already, many countries are battling price gouging, collapsing supply chains and even corruption in the procurement of supplies, including personal protective equipment.
“The only way to make emergency procurement fast and efficient is to do it in the open by publishing all tenders and all contracts.
“That’s what Ukraine’s open contracting system aims to do: Civil society groups have monitored the prices of surgical masks over the past several weeks and called attention to potential price gouging.
“Paraguay and Colombia have taken similar approaches by publishing emergency contracts as open data, which independent groups use to track price differences for Covid-19 supplies.
“As research toward a vaccine intensifies, the international community’s new Access to Covid-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT) initiative is designed to take a similarly open approach to pursuing diagnostics, therapeutics and treatments.
“This openness should extend to the emergency budgets that have been established to fund healthcare systems and economic stimulus packages.
“Even in normal times, finance ministries need to publish their budgets in a way that encourages accountability and citizen engagement.
“Right now, it is even more important to reassure taxpayers that funds are being spent on the right priorities.
“Policymakers should look to South Africa, a world leader on open budgets and audits, where the VulekaMali portal enables easy analysis of budget data.
“Countries such as Denmark, France, Belgium, Canada and Poland that go the extra mile, including by denying taxpayer-funded support to companies based in tax havens, should also be applauded.
“Companies receiving funds should not be anonymous or avoid their social obligations.
“Opening up procurement and budgets can only have the desired effect if citizens and civil society are empowered to follow the money.
“Journalists in several countries have already used freedom of information legislation and investigative reporting to shine a light on unfulfilled medical-equipment contracts with dubious, newly formed companies.
“This is only possible if freedom of speech, civil liberties and civic space are protected. In some countries, Covid-19 is being used as a cover to crack down on civil society and erode democratic freedoms.
“This is short-sighted and will ultimately further undermine the trust of citizens in their governments, which is critical in times of crisis.
“While such reforms will not be easy to implement, they will save lives in the short-term and build stronger societies in the long-term.
“During my tenure as Nigerian finance minister, we worked hard in a difficult governance environment to open up information and tackle corruption.
“Though it was not easy, we saved billions of dollars that were channeled to other priorities.
“At a time when many governments are rapidly mobilizing financial resources from their own budgets, international markets and donors, it is vital that funds are not wasted.
“Working in an open way will build trust with citizens and lenders, and it will ensure money reaches the neediest.
“The time to act is now. Through the nearly decade-old Open Government Partnership, reformers in civil society and governments are already pioneering such open approaches to response and recovery.
“When this pandemic is brought to an end, one legacy should be an expectation for more open government that makes better decisions, uses resources more wisely and puts citizens first.”

Credit: PressExpress

FG Releases Another Guidelines for School Reopening

The Federal Government has released guidelines against the proposed date for schools resumption.
The guidelines contains the necessities, materials and all needed to be provided mad ensured by the schools before attempting to reopen
The guidelines further states that all schools all over the country should ensure social distancing as of 2metres between the pupils.
The guidelines was authorised by the minister for education; Adamu Adamu and also in collaboration and support of Federal Ministry of Environment, Federal Ministry of Health and health safety experts in the country.
The document states,
“However, there are exceptions where the two-meter rule cannot be reasonably applied and other risk mitigation strategies may be adopted. Examples include early years, younger primary school children, and those with additional needs.”
“In these circumstances, risk assessments must be undertaken with the best interests of the learners, teachers, and other education personnel in mind. The scenarios require organizing learners and children into small groups with consistent membership and compliance with the risk mitigation strategies. The membership of these groups should not change unless the NCDC public health guideline suggests otherwise.”
With the release of the document, the government would conduct a rapid assessment and determine funding requirement for upgrading infrastructure and facilities (such as classrooms, furniture, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene-WASH and ICT facilities) to meet and sustain prescribed safe school reopening requirements.
The government said it was time for it to plan and address the eventual safe reopening of schools and learning facilities.
The guidelines included a review of existing policies, practices, and risk mitigation strategies in the use of schools for other purposes, such as distance learn-ing centres, temporary shelters, isolation, quarantine and treatment centres, markets, voting centres, among others.
“COVID – 19 pandemic poses an enormous risk to the health and safety of learners, teachers, parents, school administrators, education practitioners, and the wider community…More than 1.5 billion children and young people globally have been affected by school and university closures.
Adamu expressed that the need to develop the guidelines became important, “given that COVID – 19 may be with us for a while.”
He said the guidelines also highlight the urgent need to maintain and improve upon distance-learning programs.
The Minister added that;
“Our aim is to identify and strengthen programmes that will guarantee the recovery of learning gaps resulting from the pandemic.”
“The guidelines were drafted in close coordination with health, environmental, education, and school safety experts who were tasked with the responsibility of charting a pathway for safely reopening our schools and learning facilities for quality teaching and learning.”
The approach, according to him, ensured that stakeholders provided regular feedback throughout the process.
Adamu expressed gratitude to the Presidential Taskforce on COVID – 19, FMoH, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and the Education in Emergencies Working Group in Nigeria for their support and contribution in the development of the guidelines.

Source: CMM

Seyi Shay Offering Free Feature, Marketing To Upcoming Artistes

2020 has been a year of atypical collaborations for Seyi Shay, making an appearance in the video for Show Dem Camp and BUJU’s “Do Me Nice” as well as another cameo support in Yemi Alade’s “Boyz” video.

In keeping with the collaborative theme of the year, Seyi Shay is throwing open a challenge in partnership Lagos-based communications agency, Nabsolute Media for up-and-coming musicians who’d want to feature her on their records. The “SEYI FEATURES” project is open to all types of up-and-comers looking to work with Seyi Shay across all styles of music.

“I want to give independent artists the chance to have a platform, build their fanbases, and have their talent reach larger audiences,” said Seyi Shay. “It’s very important for me to be able to give back to the music community in this capacity.”

Interested participants are to send a demo of their songs with space for an open verse via email to info@aristrokratgroup.com with the subject line, “SEYI FEATURES.”

Entries will be expected for seven days until July 17, 2020 when the competition would close and one week later the winners will be selected and contacted for further correspondence.

Selected entries will have special perks ranging from a proper distribution campaign across all distribution platforms as well as inclusion in expertly curated playlists and free press support courtesy of Nabsolute Media across these platforms.

BREAKING: ‘One Million Boys’ leader shot dead in Ibadan

A leader of a notorious gang, Biola Ebila, who was on the wanted list of the Oyo State Police command, has been killed in Ibadan after a reported gun duel between him and a rival gang.
Until his death at Olomi area of Ibadan, the warlord was the leader of a dreaded ‘One Million Boys’, a violent gang that has caused orgy of violence in the state.
Ebila had been declared wanted by the police over his alleged involvement in the killing of a leader of another notorious gang, Ekugbemi some weeks ago.
According to information gathered, the deceased was shot dead at Olomi area of Ibadan during a violent clash.
Another source who confided in Vanguard claimed that the gang leader was shot by security agents when he was resisting arrest.

While confirming his death, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Gbenga Fadeyi told Vanguard in a telephone interview that the corpse of the notorious gang, Ebila was brought to the police in a tricycle this afternoon.
Fadeyi said, “a report reaching me from Kudeti axis stated that the leader of a notorious gang, One Million Boys, Ebila has been killed.”
“His corpse was brought in a commercial tricycle. I don’t have information yet about the cause of his death. His boys have been making frantic efforts to prevent the police from having access into that Kudeti area for many days.”
To prevent breakdown of law and order, the police command has deployed its men to the area.
“Our men had been dispatched to the area to investigate the incident. When properly briefed, we shall be able to give a detailed account of what actually happened. For now, I cannot tell you much,” he said.
He also confirmed that the dead gang leader had been long declared wanted by the police.
Both One Million Boys, Idi Igi Boys have caused several violent attacks in Ibadan leading to the death of some people and destruction of property.

Credit: Vanguard

Private Schools Teachers To Protest On Monday Over Nonpayment, School Closure

Following the notice of the proposed nationwide protest by the National Association of Private Schools Teacher issued on Thursday July 9, 2020, the self acclaimed association national chairman has called on all the private schools teachers to come out en masse in all the states of the federation for the protest.
Due to the indefinite closure of schools as a result of the covid19 pandemic, many private schools have not been able to pay their workers salaries for the last three months. This has triggered some of them to call on the government for help. They claimed the have been abandoned by the government.

BREAKING: Drama As
380 Nigerian Soldiers Exit The Army

Three hundred and eighty (380) Nigerian soldiers are formally exiting the Army.
Out of that number, 356 are leaving for “losing interest”, 24 are exiting because they want “to take traditional title” and another six are being discharged based on the recommendation of the armed force’s medical board.
“That the reason given by most of them is ‘loss of interest’ is an indication of low morale in the army due to poor leadership,” an army insider told Premium Times, claiming the Army had been “broken, demoralised and polarised more than ever before under Buratai”.
The newspaper reports that Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff, has already approved the discharge of the soldiers who are exiting voluntarily.
He gave the approval this July saying they are to proceed on terminal leave on December 20 and will be disengaged on January 3, 2021, the outlet added
Apart from those who have chosen to take the official route in exiting, many soldiers have deserted the army especially from among the troops fighting Boko Haram in the Northeast, sources in the frontline said.
“They just abandoned their guns and uniforms and ran away,” one source said.
On Tuesday, troops of 25 Brigade on patrol were ambushed by terrorists on Damboa-Maiduguri Road.
At least 37 soldiers were killed and dozens unaccounted for, according to security sources.
However, the military officially put the death toll at two soldiers, while it said 17 terrorists were killed.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the army, Musa Sagir, denied claim of low morale in the army. “The Nigerian Army is in very high morale,” Mr Sagir said.
He added that the army is “very well” prosecuting all the operations it is involved in whether “the insurgency in the Northeast and banditry in the Northwest”

Credit: Premium times, PressExpress

We have to get our schools opened and stop all this political nonsense – President Donald Trump

“Now that we have witnessed it on a large scale basis, and firsthand, Virtual Learning has proven to be TERRIBLE compared to In School, or On Campus, Learning. Not even close! Schools must be open in the Fall”.
Schools in America are scheduled to reopen one month from now according to CNN reports

WASSCE: 19 Northern States Back FG’s Suspension Of School Resumption

The Commissioners of Education in 19 Northern States have supported the suspension of school reopening amid the pandemic by the Federal Government.
The commissioners made this known in a communique issued in Kaduna State on Saturday, after a virtual meeting to consider school reopening and other issues to strengthen the education sector.
The communique was signed by the Commissioner of Education, Kaduna, Dr Shehu Makarfi, who is also the Chairman of the Northern States School Exchange Programme.
The meeting was attended by commissioners of 13 of the 19 northern states namely, Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Niger, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Taraba, Kogi, Kwara, Katsina, Kano, Borno and Jigawa.
The commissioners applauded the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, for taking a decisive stand against school reopening and pledged their full support.
According to them, keeping schools closed considering the spike in cases of COVID-19 across the country is a sure step in ensuring that children remain safe.

SS3 Students In Oyo Will Go Ahead With WAEC Exams – Gov Makinde

Schools in Oyo state will remain open and SS3 students in the state are preparing for WAEC.
Oyo State Government has insisted that schools will remain open in preparation for the 2020 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), despite the Federal Government’s warning against such due to the coronavirus pandemic.
PURPLEWORLD recalls that on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu had declared that Nigerian schools would not be reopened until the COVID-19 pandemic drastically subsides.
Consequently, Adamu said Nigerian students would not participate in Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCE) scheduled to commence on August 4, 2020.
However, while speaking with journalists on Thursday, Oyo Commissioner for Education, Olasunkanmi Olaleye said students preparing to write 2020 WASSCE will go ahead to do so unless the West African Examination Council (WAEC) says otherwise.
According to him, the directive by the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, can only be enforced in Federal Government schools.
The Commissioner also disclosed that schools have re-opened in Oyo State and are in high compliance with safety protocols necessary for re-opening.
He also said that pending an official statement from the WAEC council and Governor Seyi Makinde, Oyo schools will remain re-opened till then.
“We have resumed in Oyo state and you must have seen the level of compliance to COVID-19 protocols by our schools. If you go to our schools, you will see that our senior students are still learning and the preparation for WAEC is ongoing.
“The examination is part of educational development. So the state government will assess the situation especially because of the fact that WAEC is an integral part of educational development hence it cannot be ignored.
“WAEC is a regional examination that involves five countries so we are waiting for the reaction of WAEC. The state government will then assess the situation,” he said.

Credit: PresExpress

FBI Kidnapped Hushpuppi From Dubai, Says Lawyer

Gal Pissetzky, legal representative to Nigerian Instagram celebrity, Ramon Abbas Olorunwa widely known as Hushpuppi, has claimed that his client was “kidnapped” from Dubai by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Hushpuppi is facing multimillion-dollar fraud and money laundering charges in Los Angeles.
The Chicago-based lawyer argued that the Dubai Police should have extradited Abbas to Nigeria as a citizen of the country and not to the US, adding that the UAE had no extradition treaty with the US.
He said on Friday, “In my opinion, the FBI and the government here acted illegally when they kidnapped him (Hushpuppi) from Dubai without any legal process to do so.
“There was no extradition, there were no legal steps taken, there were no court documents filed, it was simply a call to the FBI. He is not a citizen of the United States, the US had absolutely no authority to take him.
“If Dubai wanted to expel him, they should have expelled him back to Nigeria. I’ve never heard of anything like that. That is the real story here.”
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The Federal Bureau of Investigation had accused Hushpuppi of conspiring to launder hundreds of millions of dollars from frauds known as Business Email Compromise and other scams.
If convicted, he risks serving at least 20 years in prison in the United States.

Credit: SaharaReporters