TECH : Survival Fund: FG launches Transporters Track Scheme for South-East, reveals beneficiaries of N30,000 grant

 

The Federal Government on Monday in Abakiliki launched the Transporters Track programme for the South-East zone.

The programme is under the National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Survival Fund and Guaranteed Off-Take Stimulus Scheme.

A member of the Board of Trustees of MSMEs, Mr. Ubadigbo Okonkwo, who performed the launch, said that no fewer than 4,400 persons in Ebonyi would benefit from the programme, NAN reports.

Okonkwo said that beneficiaries, including commuter bus and taxi drivers, tricycle operators, commercial motorcyclists and mechanics, would get N30,000 grants as a survival fund.

“This is a federal government’s initiative to alleviate the sufferings of transporters and reduce the effect of income loss in their business, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown,” he said.

In a remark, Mrs. Ann Aligwe, the Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Monitoring in Ebonyi, lauded the federal government for choosing the state to launch the scheme.

Aligwe expressed happiness that the initiative would go a long way to boost the business of transporters and allied trades generally in the southeast.

The State Coordinator of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, Mr Chigozie Asochukwu, said the beneficiaries were selected from 13 local government areas, transport associations and cluster groups in the state.

“The documentation has commenced, and thereafter disbursement will start.

“This involves all transporters from community to community, and the disbursement will be done through their associations.”

The state Chairman, Okada Riders Association, Mr Paulinous Atam, described the scheme as a welcome development and urged members to make judicious use of the fund.

A beneficiary, Mr. Nwancho Alo, expressed gratitude to the federal government for the gesture and promised to invest the money wisely.

Boko Haram: UN condemns brutal massacre of Borno farmers

 

The United Nations, UN, has condemned “in the strongest terms” Saturday’s killing of 43 farmers by Boko Haram terrorists in Borno.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a statement by his spokesperson Mr. Stéphane Dujarric, on Monday described the attack as a “horrific”, one.

He, however, urged the Federal Government to ensure that those responsible for “these heinous crimes” be quickly brought to justice.

“The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and to the people of Nigeria.

“He wishes a swift recovery to the injured and calls for the immediate and safe return of the abductees and those still reported missing.

“The Secretary-General reaffirms the commitment of the UN to support the Government of Nigeria in its fight against terrorism and violent extremism and in its response to pressing humanitarian needs in the northeast of the country,” the statement said.

NEWS : Nigeria Immigration Service, Civil Defence recruitments: FG gives update, issues directives to candidates

 

The Federal Government (FG) through the Ministry of Interior, on Monday, provided an update on the ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The Ministry informed the general public that the Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) for recruitment into the NIS would hold on December 7.

It also stated that the CBAT for the recruitment for the NSCDC would hold on December 8 across all the 36 States, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

This was disclosed in a statement by Al-Hassan Yakmut, the Secretary to the Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration and Prisons Services Board (CDFIPB).

Candidates are advised to check their email addresses and phone numbers for notification and venue for CBAT from 6 pm on December 1.

All shortlisted candidates have also been assigned CBAT centres.

EDUCATION : Popular rapper, Illbliss blasts Buhari govt, those responsible for eight months strike

 

Popular Nigerian rapper, Illbliss, on Saturday called out those responsible for the eight months strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.

Illbliss said Karma would visit all those in the position of power who allowed ASUU strike to linger for eight months.

The rapper was reacting to reports that ASUU may call off the ongoing strike, after the union’s latest meeting with the federal government.

Nigerian government had on Friday proposed N70bn to lecturers as earned allowances and revitalization of universities.

Amid this promise, reports emerged that the prolonged industrial action may be called off soon.

Popular Nigerian rapper, Illbliss, on Saturday called out those responsible for the eight months strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.

Illbliss said Karma would visit all those in the position of power who allowed ASUU strike to linger for eight months.

The rapper was reacting to reports that ASUU may call off the ongoing strike, after the union’s latest meeting with the federal government.

Nigerian government had on Friday proposed N70bn to lecturers as earned allowances and revitalization of universities.

Amid this promise, reports emerged that the prolonged industrial action may be called off soon.

Reacting, Illbliss lamented that Nigeria was in ruins for paying less attention to its educational sector.

In a tweet, the rapper wrote: ”A country in ruins. A country with zero regards for education, took the Federal Government and ASUU eight months to call off a strike.

“Do you realise how many productive months you condemned for these undergraduates? Shame on this country. May karma visit those in positions of power who let this happen.”

ENTERTAINMENT : Wizkid wins 2020 BET Soul Train Award

 

Nigerian singer, Ayo Balogun also known as Wizkid has won his second Soul Train Award alongside Beyoncé, for their collaboration “Brown Skin Girl” of “The Lion King: The Gift” album.

The award which took place on Sunday saw Chris brown emerge top winner with 4 wins out of 12 categories, followed by H.E.R which won 2 awards, Best R&B and best Soul female artist.

the full list of winners include, Song of the Year: Chris Brown & Young Thug, “Go Crazy”

Album of the Year: Summer Walker, Over It

Video of the Year: Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, Saint Jhn & Wizkid, “Brown Skin Girl”

Best R&B/soul Female Artist: H.E.R.

Best R&B/soul Male Artist: Chris Brown

Best Collaboration Performance: Chris Brown & Young Thug, “Go Crazy”

Rhythm & Bars Award: Megan Thee Stallion, “Savage”

Best Dance Performance: Chris Brown & Young Thug, “Go Crazy”

Best Gospel/Inspirational Award: Kirk Franklin

The Ashford & Simpson songwriter’s award: H.E.R., “I Can’t Breathe”

Lady of Soul Award: Monica

Soul Train Certified Award: Brandy

Best New Artist: Snoh Aalegra

SPORT : Man Utd striker, Cavani facing three-match ban

 Manchester United striker, Edinson Cavani, will face a three-game ban from the Football Association (FA), if he is found guilty of using racist or discriminatory language on social media.

The FA is investigating the Uruguayan‘s social media post, which he sent after Sunday’s comeback win at Southampton.

Cavani used the phrase “gracias n******” to thank a fan who praised his two-goal haul.

The 33-year-old later deleted the comment, but could still face action.

Bernardo Silva, was handed a one-match ban despite later deleting a post which compared Manchester City teammate, Benjamin Mendy, to a Spanish chocolate brand.

The FA’s investigation will relate to Rule E3, which covers postings about a person’s ethnic origin, colour, race or nationality.

The rules also insists owners of social media accounts are solely responsible for any and all content posted. This includes posts by themselves or a third party.

SPORT : Gbolagade Busari, Ex-3SC Chair is dead

 

The immediate past chairman of Shooting Stars Football Club (3SC) of Ibadan, Hon. Gbolagade Busari is dead.

DAILY POST gathered that Busari fondly known as Buso died on Monday.

He died at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

It was gathered that he would be buried later today.

DAILY POST learnt that the deceased is a native of Ibadan.

Busari had also served as Special Adviser to former Governor, late Abiola Ajimobi.

Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria(SWAN) Oyo State chapter, Comrade Adeniyi Alebiosu, confirmed the death of the deceased.

Alebiosu said, “It is sad and painful to announce the death of former Executive Chairman, Shooting Stars Sports Club, Gbolagade Busari.

“He died early this morning at UCH, and will be buried today, according to Muslim rites.