Brace Up Or Have Your Scholarships Withdrawn – Gov. Shettima To Borno Medical Students Abroad

                                                                     Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State

Borno State Government on Saturday warned 10 out of its 60 female indigent students studying medicine in Khartoum, Sudan, to brace up or have their scholarships withdrawn.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the students are studying medicine under a scholarships programme introduced by the governor.

A statement issued in Maiduguri by Malam Isa Gusau, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, quoted the Chief Executive as issuing the warning when he visited the students in Khartoum, Sudan.

“Even though he was impressed with the performance of 70 per cent of the students, Shettima has given what he called final chance to 10 out of 60 female students currently studying medicine in two private Universities in Khartoum, Sudan, urging them to buckle up or face sanctions.

The students involved have been performing below average in their academics.

The governor’s visit to the institutions where 60 female students from state are studying medicine is the first since the programme began in 2014 during his first term in office.

Shettima was highly impressed with the performance of 50 of the students, particularly three of them, Rebecca Ndahi from Hawul Local Government Area, Aisha Hala from Jere LGA and Fatima Kabiru from Shani LGA, who had the best academic records at the medical school of the National University, Khartoum,” said Gusau in the statement.

The spokesperson said Shettima also held a meeting with all Nigerian students at the Elrazi University, Sudan, with a call on them to take their studies seriously.

“The governor decided to meet all the students, regardless of their states of origin and extend some gestures to them because of the manner they all received him,” added Gusau.

Russia To Establish Nuclear Centre In Nigeria – Envoy

                                                   Ambassador Nikolay Udovichenko

The Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Nikolay Udovichenko, on Saturday announced that the Nigerian and Russian Governments plan to sign an agreement for the establishment of a multifunctional
scientific research nuclear centre in Nigeria.

Udovichenko, who disclosed this in Lagos at this year’s Alumni Congress of the Soyuznik Alumni Association in Nigeria, said that the Nigerian and Russian governments had been negotiating for the centre’s establishment.

The theme of the congress was “Harnessing The Potentials of the Nigerian Graduates of Higher Institutions of former USSR States”.

“Bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Russia is blessed with huge potential in every avenue Nuclear energy development is another area with good prospects for our two countries’ cooperation. This June, we expect to sign a bilateral agreement for the establishment of a multifunctional scientific centre in Nigeria,” he said.

The Envoy also said that his government was working at reactivating its Trade Representation in Nigeria, to further promote trade and economic relations between the two countries.

Udovichenko, who said that thousands of Nigerians had over the years benefited from quality education in Russia, also announced his government’s plan to sustain the scholarship programme for more
Nigerians.

The Envoy said that it was imperative for such Nigerians to use their knowledge for the development of their country, as well as strengthening ties with the Russians.

President of Soyuznik and Chairman of the ceremony, Otunba Henry Ajomale, said that the association was made up of academicians, medical doctors, engineers, diplomats, political administrators and heads of professional organizations trained by the Russian government.

Ajomale expressed the gratitude of the beneficiaries to the countries that formed the former Soviet Union for bequeathing a lasting legacy, with which they could contribute to the development of Nigeria.

“We should not forget to celebrate our common heritage as beneficiaries of a unique programme by the former Soviet Government that gave us the opportunity to become what we are today,” he said.

The Soyunik Alumni Association of Nigeria, is the association of Nigerian graduates trained by the the Former Soviet Union and Commonwealth of Independent States(CIS).

Lady Who Carried A Placard "I'm Looking For A Job" In Lekki Meets VP Yemi Osinbajo

last week, a lady was spotted in Lekki, carrying a placard I'm looking for job.


The  lady is a Computer Science Graduate, she meet with the Vice President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo.
She was hosted at VP Osinbajo's residence on Friday.

Presidency Lists President Buhari’s Achievements After First Year In Office

The presidency has released a list detailing all the achievements of President Buhari in the last one year. He marks one year in office tomorrow May 29th. The list as published by the News Agency of Nigeria contains the following:


SECURITY:

• The relocation of the Nigerian Military Command Centre to Maiduguri, since May 2015, contributed to the success in the fight against insurgency in the North Eastern part of the country.
• As at February 2016, the total number of persons rescued by the Nigerian troops during the ongoing operations in the North East came to 11,595
• Since December 2015, the well-motivated and rejuvenated Nigerian Military have regained all Nigerian territories previously under Boko Haram control.
• Prioritized regional cooperation in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency and violent extremism, through the operations of the 8,500 strong Multi-National Joint Task Force in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, currently headed by a Nigeria military general.
• Nigeria has provided $21million USD to the Task Force since June 2015 and is committed to an additional $79 million USD, bringing the total of Nigeria’s commitment to the Task Force to 100 million USD.
• Cohesive international support in the fight against terrorism and assistance to victims and communities affected by terrorism, following President Buhari’s meeting with G7 leaders and other world powers.
• In May 2016, Nigeria hosted a Regional Security Summit to boost military operations against Boko Haram and forge a global support for the rehabilitation of the IDPs and rebuilding of the North East.
• In June 2015, the United States announced a 5-million-dollar support for the fight against the terrorists in the sub-region.
• In April 2016, during the visit to Ms Samantha Power, the U.S Ambassador to the UN to Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad, the U.S Government further announced an additional $40 million USD for humanitarian assistance in the sub-region
• Recruitment of additional 10,000 persons into the Nigeria Police Force is ongoing. The recruitment will address the manpower gap which currently exists in the Nigeria Police
• Overhaul of the dysfunctional topmost hierarchy of the Nigerian military which resulted in optimal result and degradation of the Boko Haram elements.
• Was able to bring back our hitherto military allies; which saw the United States and UK governments commit their resources to the fight against the insurgents after previously backing out of negotiations with the previous administration. The Israeli government has also indicated interest in the fight against insurgency.
• Introduction of the motor cycle battalion (This is so that the Nigerian Army can travel to remote areas that were not accessible to cars/trucks)
• Realigned our partnership with regional allies by embarking on foreign visits which resulted in bilateral and multilateral agreements to tackle insecurity back home.
• No more roadblocks and curfews, which normally impeded free flow of movement.
• Continuous monitoring of activities in the region of war through the use of satellite images and geographical information system is helping in fighting insurgency and strategizing against the enemy.
• The trips to our neighbouring countries showed the resolve of the President to push Boko Haram elements out of existence by going for the jugular of the group, cutting their arms, food supply routes. Support has thus been mobilized through the Multinational Joint Task Force.
• Another major stride is the Trans National Organized Crime (TNOC) where the president got partnership with regional allies in the fight against the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons.
• As part of the reconfigured military partnership, the United States donated 24 mine-resistant armoured vehicles (MRAP) which had protected the Nigerian troops from the menace of Improvised Explosive Devices. Today we have less causalities.
• Reached out to the G7 countries and achieved the following: intelligence sharing; technical military training; arms deals/donations
• Overhauling of NIMASA. A reversed policy of the past administration where national infrastructural assets were given to militia leaders to protect as against established bodies like the Nigerian Navy was stopped.
• The President Buhari government has drafted the army to partner with other security agencies in ensuring the security of our national infrastructure and this is already yielding the desired results.
• A major ring of pipeline vandals in Lagos state were captured recently in a joint operation by security forces led by the army.
• The government has renewed its fight against oil bunkering
• The Nigerian Navy has recorded tremendous success lately in apprehending vessels used by oil thieves. This operation has improved security on our water ways and it has also helped improve the revenue of government.
• Deployment of sophisticated weapons to ensure vandalism is contained by setting up a pipeline security force in stamping out the menace.
• Effective Management of the Separatist Biafran Movement
• Improving the technical capacity of Nigerian Police Force. We now have a forensic lab and GSM tracking device. We now have a more IT integrated Police force.
• Restructuring of Nigerian Immigration to stop cross border crimes.
• NSCDC has become more proactive in the prevention of pipeline vandalization, with arrest of several pipeline vandals.
• Joint operations involving various security outfits in curbing the menace of the herdsmen in the country has been set up.
• The use of surveys and updated mappings across the country as strategies for preventing threats among ethnic groups in Nigeria.

CORRUPTION

• Right from the moment he won the Presidential Election in 2015, the impression of the President as a ‘‘no nonsense and incorruptible leader’’ sent a signal to looters of public funds, with many of them returning funds that had been stolen under the previous administration.
• To create a frame work for prosecuting the war against corruption and institutionalize probity, President Buhari set up an Advisory Committee on War Against Corruption.
• The anti-corruption battle is gaining ground with several high profile cases already in the courts. The administration is being guided by the rule of law in the prosecution of corruption cases.
• President Buhari enlisted the support of multilateral institutions like the World Bank and IMF, security agencies, Western countries and other friendly nations to locate and repatriate stolen assets.
• At a London summit on anti-corruption, President Buhari announced that Nigeria will begin the full implementation of the principles of the OPEN contracting data standards.
• In the first quarter of 2016, President Buhari embarked on trips to the Middle East to sensitize the governments on the need to repatriate stolen assets and hand over the looters for trial in Nigeria. In January, Nigeria and UAE signed Judicial Agreements on Extradition, Transfer of Sentenced Persons, Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters.
• In March 2016, the Federal Government and the Swiss Government signed a Letter of Intent On the Restitution of Illegally-Acquired Assets forfeited in Switzerland. Under the agreement, Switzerland will repatriate $ 321 million USD illicitly acquired by the Gen. Sani Abacha family.
• In March 2016, the Presidential Committee set up to probe contracts awarded by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) from 2011 to 2015 announced the recovery of over N7 billion from indicted companies and individuals.

ECONOMY

• Implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) has provided greater visibility of government revenues and cash flows. Between June 2015 and April 2016, the Federal Government TSA collection clocked N3trillion.
• To further instill fiscal discipline, President Buhari directed the closure of all multiple accounts in Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, thereby plugging loopholes for leakages with new technology.

• The opaque accounting structure of the NNPC has been reconstructed to be more transparent with the closure of more than 40 accounts. As a corporate entity, NNPC is now accountable and more transparent in operations, publishing its monthly financial reports.
• The President also resolved the lingering shadowy oil swap deals that had cost the country billions of dollars and left it at the mercy of a few rich Nigerians.
• To alleviate the suffering of Nigerians in September 2015, President Buhari directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to disburse N689.5 billion as bailout to 27 states of the federation to pay salaries.
• To stimulate the economy and reduce poverty, in April, 2016, President Buhari approved deferment in the payment of the bailout as states were still reeling under the burden of the fall in commodity prices.
• Records of more than 34,000 ghost workers draining the nation’s resources were expunged from the Federal Civil Service, saving N2.29 billion monthly.
• In 2015, President Buhari ruled out the appointment of a government delegation for pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. By this decision, the government saved about one million U.S dollars and N30m of local expenses
• Enforcement of the Bank Verification Number: Also the BVN has ensured that the menace of “ghost workers” are being identified and dealt with, while looters with multiple accounts can no longer hide their loot undetected.
• Social Protection: Groundwork for social intervention/palliatives for the poor is being put in place as data is being collated by the economic planning office of the VP in conjunction with the World Bank.
• Reorganization/restructuring of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) into a focused, accountable and transparent institution with autonomous Units (Upstream; Downstream, Gas & Power; Refineries; Ventures and lean Group Headquarters)
• Reduction of operational deficits in NNPC by over 50% as at March 2016 as a result of Increased Transparency and Commercial focus
• Conduct of NNPC outstanding Annual Audits from 2011 to 2014, and the publication of Monthly Financial and Operations Reports to ensure transparency
• Introduction of third party financing in order to eliminate direct funding of cash calls by the Federal Government
• Renegotiation of existing service contracts under Joint Venture and Production sharing contracts (PSC) Operations by about 30% leading to operational efficiency improvements and cost reductions
• Elimination of the Offshore Processing Agreement (OPA) through the introduction of the Direct Sales and Direct Purchase (DSDP) scheme with reputable off-shore refineries thereby yielding annual savings of US$1 billion
• Resuscitation of Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna Refineries presently producing about 7 million litres of products per/day
• Repair of products pipe lines and the resuscitation of supply of products from Atlas Cove-Mosimi- Ibadan- Ilorin after a six year lull
• Repairs of Escravos/ Warri and Bonny/Port Harcourt crude oil pipe lines
• Introduction of a Price Modulation framework for downstream petroleum product pricing to encourage responsiveness to market dynamics
• Guided deregulation of the downstream sector to allow market forces determine product price and eliminate subsidy payments
• Introduction of the initiative on refinery co-location to increase domestic refining capacity and minimize the drain on scarce foreign exchange for product importation
• Commenced policy reforms for gas monetization, flare out and infrastructure development, to fast track power supply and economic diversification.

POWER

• Under President Buhari, the Federal Government agreed to a 50 million Euro (about N11.15 billion) loan agreement with French government for capacity-building and upgrade of power training facilities in Nigeria.
• Nigeria signed a $237 million agreement with World Bank to improve power.
• Chinese solar power manufacturers agreed with the Federal Government to set up solar panel manufacturing business in Nigeria.
• President Buhari has signed an agreement with the Chinese government to improve Nigeria’s power infrastructure

ENVIRONMENT

• Presidential approval for the Implementation of United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) report 2010 for the clean-up of Ogoniland with regards to oil pollution and inclusion of stakeholders in the process of implementation.
• Continuation of the implementation of the Great Green Wall project to fight and contain desertification in Northern Nigeria initiated by past administration.

JUDICIARY

• Since assumption of office, President Buhari has maintained a clear stance on the rule of law and respect for separation of powers.
• The President has focused on the strengthening of institutions with key appointment of professionals.
• Appointment of 30 new Federal High Court Justices

NATIONAL IMAGE

• On assumption of office, the President undertook some foreign trips both within and outside Africa to re-establish Nigeria’s position in the global arena and solicit support for Nigeria and Africa.
• President Buhari has continually pushed the agenda for enhancing Nigeria’s global image by always demonstrating Nigeria’s credentials in the 2015 general elections, which saw the country scoring high on peaceful transition.
• President Buhari strongly supported the emergence of a Nigerian, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, as President of the Africa Development Bank. (NAN)

Kano Sate Governor Sacks His SSG, Makes New Appointments

Kano state governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has sacked the Secretary to the State Government, Rabiu Sulaiman Bichi and replaced him with Usman Alhaji Usman. The sack of the former SSG was made known in a radio announcement by head of the state's civil service, Auwalu Mohammed Naiya, this morning.
Naiya also announced that the governor approved the appointment of Ibrahim Mohammed Kankarofi as his new principal private Secretary while the Director General media and communication to the governor, Halilu Dantiye, was posted as Permanent Secretary and replaced by Salihu Tanko Yakasai.
Although the reason for the adjustments was not stated, it is believed that the removal of the former Secretary to the State Government was because he is a close ally and confidant of the former Governor of the state, Rabiu Kwankwaso.