Two months after he took office, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Tuesday, presented an appropriation bill of N242.283 billion for the 2020 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly.

Presenting his maiden budget estimate christened, “Consolidation for Prosperity 2020,” Senator Diri said the appropriation bill defines the structure for the economic activities to be undertaken in the fiscal year.

In a press release by his Acting Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the governor emphasised that the policy thrust of his administration in the next four years remains consolidating on the gains already made by the previous government.

He said his administration would embark on special programmes and projects aimed at wealth creation.

Accordingly, he said his administration would encourage the people to participate in agriculture, small and medium scale enterprises and create opportunities toward attracting the private sector for industrialisation.

Senator Diri equally highlighted other programmes to include infrastructure development, housing and urban renewal, human capital development and public sector and financial management reforms.

On the current economic outlook, the governor said as a result of the ravaging effect of COVID-19 on the global economy, there was need for prudent management of resources.

He said the price of crude oil had nosedived drastically as against the federal government’s benchmark pegged at $55 per barrel thus affecting revenue from statutory allocations from the Federation Account.

As part of efforts to reduce the cost of governance and enhance transparency, Senator Diri maintained that the human resources, financial reporting, budgeting and procurement component of the state’s Integrated Financial Management Information System (SIFMIS) would be fully implemented this year.

The governor, who assured that his administration would continue with the implementation of the Federal Government approved minimum wage for workers, said the payment of gratuity arrears had already commenced for pensioners.

In his remarks, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, commended Governor Diri and his team for the steps taken by his administration to prevent the spread of COVID-19 into the state.

He stressed the need for the state government to adopt more strategies to raise funds from alternative sources and seek ways to cushion the effects occasioned by the virus.

He assured that the assembly would expedite passage of the appropriation bill.

…… A minor warned

The Niger State COVID-19 Mobile Court has sentenced eight persons to six months in prison with an option of Two Thousand Naira fine each, for violating the stay-at-home order of the State Government occasioned by the COVID-19.

The suspects who were arrested on the 19th of April, 2020 during the enforcement exercise in the State, are from different areas of Minna Metropolis.

The Mobile Court session jointly presided over by Magistrates Murtala Ibrahim and Halima Mohammed was held at the premise of the State High Court Minna.

The state lead counsel, Suleiman Buhari Wushishi said the suspects were arraigned before the mobile court on two count charges of violating social distancing and stay-at-home directives of the state government under section 17 (a) and (2) of the state COVID-19 order 2020 which they all pleaded guilty to.

At the end of trial, the suspects were all discharged and acquitted after the payment of #2000 fine each with one minor, Musa Ibrahim who only got warned.

The SSG and Chairman Task Force on COVID-19 Ibrahim Ahmed Matane explained that the mobile court for the violators of the lockdown order is in place in major towns of the state to serve as deterrent.

Bayelsa State has extended the lockdown of its borders for another two weeks.

Governor Douye Diri gave the directive on Tuesday evening in a press release by his Acting Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, following the expiration of the earlier two-week deadline.

He said the lockdown affects inter-state vehicular movement, closure of drinking bars at night as well as night clubs.

Worship centres are also affected as they have been directed to close down and hold services at home.

The state had on Sunday imposed a five-day dusk-to-dawn curfew, which took effect from Monday.

The governor noted that Bayelsa was yet to record any case of COVID-19 infection but his administration was committed to taking preventive measures against the spread of the disease into the state.

He added that the measures were equally necessary to prepare people of the state for any eventuality.

“We are yet to record any positive case of COVID-19 in Bayelsa. But this does not mean we would go to sleep.

“Our administration is seriously committed to preventing the spread of this dreaded disease into our state. So, we must take measures to keep it in check as well as prepare the minds of our people in case of any positive report. People of the state should continue to maintain good hygiene habits as well as comply with the social distancing rules,” the governor said.

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has described the demise of the Second Republic Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN), as the end of an era and a huge loss to Oyo State, the legal profession, the Federal Republic of Nigeria and indeed, the world at large.

Governor Makinde, who also described the demise as the loss of a gem and a shining light, said that he was saddened by the demise of the foremost legal luminary.

The governor, in a condolence message made available through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, described Akinjide as a legal luminary who served his state and country to the best of his ability.

He maintained that the former minister’s death came at a period that his wealth of experience and robust versatility in history, politics and law was needed to offer direction to the current generation of Nigerian leaders.

The governor said: “The news of the death of our father, leader and one of the last men standing among the foremost politicians of the country, Chief Richard Akinjide, came to us as a shock.

“This is because Baba, for those who know him or has seen him in recent time, did not show any sign of slowing down; he continued to lead intelligent and history-laden conversations, offered golden advice on governance and leadership and remained a great pillar of experience in politics and law.

“His death, no doubt, is a huge loss to Oyo State, Nigeria and indeed, the world, because he was an exemplary indigene of Ibadan and Oyo State; a detribalised Nigerian, who served the country to the best of his ability and a citizen of the world.

“We have lost a gem and a shining light in Baba Akinjide. I commiserate with my sister and chieftain of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oloye Jumoke Akinjide and the rest of Baba’s biological and political children.

“I condole with all indigenes of Oyo State and Nigerians on the exit of a giant of Akinjide’s standing.”

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has  drawn the attention of the general public to yet another fraudulent online data collection form that is capitalizing on the COVID-19 pandemic to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a press release signed by the Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations Corporate Headquarters, Mrs Hadiza Umar, MNIPR, MAPRA, MCIPR, she said that the information being circulated which has now gone viral on various social media platforms, requests users to provide their personal data such as phone number, email address, bank details etc. This, the information indicates, that it is for the users to access various Government palliatives aimed at cushioning the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This site is fraudulent site and Nigerians are advised to be wary of such online requests. Governments at all levels have established channels of collecting information for the purpose of disbursing palliatives.

The statement readn “It is clear that due to the lockdown and ‘Stay At Home’ directive being observed globally as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the activities of the cyber-criminals are on the increase. As enshrined in NITDA’s enabling Act, the Agency is responsible for ensuring a safe and secure cyberspace for all Nigerians and residents. The Agency is therefore doing everything possible to shut down all identified fraudulent online platforms as well as sanction those behind them.

“As a general precautionary measure, Internet users are advised to observe the following:
• not to give out their personal information to any unverified data collection platform;
• avoid clicking unknown links;
• disregard offers requesting for their bank details;
• not to share any unverified information via social media platforms; and
• know what to do when they become victims of cybercrime.

“The Agency further calls on all well-meaning Nigerians to support the Federal Government in its efforts at containing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. We are all encouraged to strictly adhere to recommendations given by health experts and follow updates from relevant agencies handling this outbreak, especially the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 (PTF COVID-19) and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

“The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is a Federal Government Agency under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. NITDA was established in April 2001 to implement the Nigerian Information Technology Policy as well as coordinate general IT development and regulation in the country. Specifically, Section 6(a & c) of the Act mandates NITDA to create a framework for the planning, research, development, standardization, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation and regulation of Information Technology practices, activities and systems in Nigeria; develop guidelines for electronic governance and monitor the use of electronic data interchange and other forms of electronic communication transactions as an alternative to paper-based methods in government, commerce, education, the private and public sectors, labour, and other fields, where the use of electronic communication may improve the exchange of data and information, the statement concluded

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council, has urged members of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 that were at the burial rites of Mallam Abba Kyari, former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, to excuse themselves from the daily briefing.

In a statement on Monday in Abuja, chairman of the council, Emmanuel Ogbeche, called on the members of the PTF which includes the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and National Coordinator, Mr. Boss Mustapha, to demonstrate dignified responsibility by not putting journalists and others who attend the briefing in harm’s way by not attending.

“Following the protocol already established by the PTF and the Presidency in asking all those who attended the funeral rites for the late Mallam Abba Kyari, former Chief of Staff to the President, the NUJ urges in particular, members of the PTF who were at the Defence House and Gudu cemetery, to respectfully not attend the daily Covid-19 briefing until after the 14 days isolation,” the statement read.

Ogbeche said anything other than this will further cast doubt on the integrity of the PTF, and put the little gains already achieved in jeopardy.

The FCT NUJ Chair advised journalists at the briefing to protest and possibly stage a walk out if any of the members that were at any of the rites shows up.

He charged journalists to be responsible for their safety by wearing appropriate PPEs and not become the news in their search for news.

According to him, the council was still calling on media organisations to provide PPEs and hazard allowance to those covering the Covid-19 crisis, insisting that the union will declare industrial dispute with all organisations that fail in this regard after the Covid-19 lockdown.

….as it Joins the World to Celebrate World Creativity and Innovation Day

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has joinef the global community in celebrating the World Creativity and Innovation Day. The United Nations declared April 21 as the World Creativity and Innovation Day. The day is marked to raise awareness around the importance of creativity and innovation in problem solving, especially with respect to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is also a day set aside to encourage the creative and innovative ecosystem and multidisciplinary thinkers at individual and group levels to come up with solutions to economic, social and sustainable development.

In a press release signed by the Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations Corporate Headquarters, Mrs Hadiza Umar, MNIPR, M.APRA, MCIPR, she said that Innovation and Creativity, especially in ICT, has become the strongest catalyst for sustainable economic growth and development across nations. It is not only necessary for developing new products and services but also, especially at this trying time of the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure the survival of the national economy, through various aspects of human development. These focus areas of human development, according to the United Nations, are wealth and job creation, creativity and culture, economic growth and strategies, and innovation and entrepreneurship.

“The Creativity and Innovation ecosystem as well as the general public are therefore encouraged to embrace creativity and innovation as essential tools for harnessing economic potentials for expanding opportunities and solutions towards arresting the COVID-19 pandemic. NITDA is making progressive efforts at creating opportunities for the adoption of creativity and innovation aimed at addressing the country’s socio-economic challenges in different sectors of the economy. Such efforts necessitated setting up of the Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIIE), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) of NITDA, to oversee and drive ICT innovation and entrepreneurship. OIIE has been responsible for identifying and recommending solutions to issues critical to driving the national digital economy, including enabling and mentoring startups, entrepreneurs and firms to successfully build their businesses and solutions in line with the country’s efforts of arresting the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, NITDA, in line with its mandate, has been working assiduously towards developing skilled and globally competitive workforce.

“Therefore, Nigeria has every cause to join the rest of the global community in celebrating the World Creativity and Innovation Day. As we commemorate this all-important day, we are reiterating our call on the Nigerian youth, the Creativity and Technology Innovation ecosystem, key practitioners in the ICT industry and the general public to be prepared to take their rightful places in the global creativity and technology innovation ecosystem. We are confident that we have the capacity to harness the potentials of Creativity and Technology Innovation in developing solutions to help in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as support in cushioning the economic impact of the pandemic.

“All citizens and residents are advised to remain safe, stay and work from home, and be creative and innovate while enjoying the 2020 World Creativity and Innovation Day.

“The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is a Federal Government Agency under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. NITDA was established in April 2001 to implement the Nigerian Information Technology Policy as well as coordinate general IT development and regulation in the country. Specifically, Section 6(a & c) of the Act mandates NITDA to create a framework for the planning, research, development, standardization, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation and regulation of Information Technology practices, activities and systems in Nigeria; develop guidelines for electronic governance and monitor the use of electronic data interchange and other forms of electronic communication transactions as an alternative to paper-based methods in government, commerce, education, the private and public sectors, labour, and other fields, where the use of electronic communication may improve the exchange of data and information, the statement concluded.

• Cautions Council Chairmen against Discrimination on Party Lines
• Unveils Donors List

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Monday, commenced another round of distribution of the COVID-19 relief items, calling on the coordinators to ensure that the foodstuff get to the less privileged and vulnerable people in the state.

Senator Douye Diri gave the charge during the flag-off of the distribution of the items witnessed by legislators from the state and the national assembly, local government chairmen and some stakeholders at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa.

A press release by his Acting Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as having directed the eight council chairmen and their councillors to demonstrate integrity in the distribution of the foodstuff and ensure that it cuts across political party lines.

According to Senator Diri, “as you go to your various local government areas to distribute these relief materials, make sure that there is no distinction between PDP and APC.

“The COVID-19 pandemic does not know who is PDP or APC. The underlying issue is that they are all Bayelsans. The relief materials should get to all who need them, particularly the downtrodden, because this government is poised to carry everyone along.

“I urge you to ensure that the distribution of these items is successful and done peacefully. Having experienced the first distribution of garri in the state, this time around we are following it up with enough security.

“So, we have invited more personalities and leaders to be part of the distribution process. The security will follow these items to their various local government headquarters.

“We have also invited other leaders to be involved in the distribution of items to their wards and communities.”

The governor disclosed that the state had begun the process of setting up its own laboratory and testing centre for viral infections apart from the Coronavirus disease.

He said he had already approved N60 million for the procurement of equipment for the centre to be established at the Bayelsa Medical University.

He added that officials of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) would be invited to inspect and certify the centre when it is ready.

The governor enumerated food items procured by his administration to include 6,000 bags of beans, 6,070 bags of garri, 10,750 cartons of noodles and 185 packs of bottled water.

Others are 175 cartons of tin tomato, 700 cartons of soft drinks, 35 gallons of palm oil, 68 bags of salt, 69 bags of sugar, 38 cartons of seasoning and 70 gallons of vegetable oil.

Senator Diri, who equally highlighted items donated by corporate organisations, expressed gratitude for their gesture and enjoined others to follow suit.

According to him, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board donated to the state government 75 bags of beans, 300 bags of rice, 70 bags of garri, two ambulance vehicles and other pharmaceutical items.

He said 7Up Bottling Company also donated 2,004 packs of bottled water, 8,400 cartons of soft drinks while Mee&Kay Ltd gave 100 cartons of instant noodles.

The state government, he noted, also took delivery of 350 bags of rice and 300 bags of garri from Ecobank Plc while Crunchies, a fast food outfit in Yenagoa, donated 50 cartons of noodles.

Other items donated include 300 bags of rice from the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, Sterling Bank N100 milliion, Niger Delta Development Commission N100 million while the Nigerian Agip Oil Company promised that in partnership with the NNPC it would build a South-South health centre for the fight against COVID-19 and other viral diseases in the state.

The distribution chart of the relief items had Brass local government area with 50 bags of rice, 500 bags each of beans and garri, 900 cartons of noodles, 10 packs each of water and tin tomato, salt and sugar 7 bags each.

The chart indicated that Ekeremor local government had 60 bags of rice, 600 bags each of beans and garri, 1,080 cartons of noodles, 12 packs each of water and tin tomato, salt and sugar 7 bags each.

Kolokuma/Opokuma received 55 bags of rice, 650 bags each of beans and garri, 1,170 cartons of noodles, 11 packs each of water and tin tomato, 7 bags each of salt and sugar.

Nembe had 65 bags of rice, beans and garri 650 bags each, 1,170 cartons of noodles, 13 packs each of water and tin tomato, salt and sugar 7 bags each.

Ogbia got 65 bags of rice, beans and garri 650 bags each, 1,170 cartons of noodles, water and tin tomato 13 packs each, salt and sugar 8 bags each.

Sagbama is to distribute 70 bags of rice, 700 bags each of beans and garri, 1,260 cartons of noodles, water and tin tomato 14 packs each, salt and sugar 8 bags each.

Southern Ijaw received 85 bags of rice, beans and garri 850 bags each, 1,530 cartons of noodles, water and tin tomato 17 packs each, 12 bags each of salt and sugar.

Yenagoa received 75 bags of rice, beans 750 bags, garri 750, noodles 1,350 cartons, water and tin tomato 15 packs each, 9 bags each of salt and sugar.

Other beneficiaries include the physically challenged persons, internally displaced persons, youth corps members, Bakassi returnees, motherless babies home and non-indigenes.