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NCC Reveals Steps For Unblocking Barred SIM Cards

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said that subscribers whose SIM cards have been barred from making outgoing calls will not be unblocked by telcos if such cards are not linked with the National Identification Numbers (NINs).

The regulator revealed the condition in a statement where it said network service providers have been directed to strictly comply.

The NCC said, “This information has become necessary in view of a viral web link (https://bit.ly/NCC-Sim-Unbar-Gov-Ng) being circulated on social media and on some websites.

“The link and accompanying narrative represent patent misinformation and disinformation certainly designed to mislead the general public about the SIM cards that are barred from making calls, due to non-linkage with NIN at the set deadline.”

Networks service providers on March 4, 2022 barred over 73 million SIM cards that were not linked to a NIN from making outgoing calls following the Federal Government directive.

The FG had directed subscribers to link their SIMs to their NIN back in December 2020 with several deadlines. The final deadline was March 31, 2021.

But subscribers whose lines have been blocked are seeking solution from several sources, both unapproved.

“The misleading, viral message mischievously displays NCC logo and ostensibly promises members of the public that, by clicking the web link and following further instructions in that regard, subscribers with barred SIM cards can unbar such SIMs across mobile networks without a valid NIN.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the NCC wishes to state categorically that it never issued such statement, directing subscribers or indicating that subscribers can unbar their SIM without a NIN. As such, the originators and peddlers of the spurious message were out to mischievously mislead unsuspecting members of public. Therefore, their message should be disregarded.

“The NCC is the national regulatory authority for telecommunications in Nigeria, and it is co-driving the process of the NIN-SIM linkage with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) as directed by the Federal Government.

“The Commission will not, under any circumstance, act contrary to Federal Government’s directive to MNOs to bar SIMs cards not linked to NINs at the expiration of the last deadline given for the NIN-SIM linkage exercise.

“Having disclaimed the false viral message, the Commission wishes to officially inform affected telecom subscribers on how they can get their SIMs actively connected to make calls.

“First, for subscribers that have not registered for their NIN, what to do is to get their SIM registered at accredited centres across the country and then link the NIN with their SIM cards through channels provided by their service providers.

“Secondly, for subscribers with registered NINs, what to do is to simply go and link the NIN with their SIMs through channels provided by their service providers.

“The NCC, therefore, uses this opportunity to reiterate its commitment to the Federal Government’s directive on the NIN-SIM Linkage to among others, strengthen security situation in the country, assist in other socio-economic planning activities of the government, as well as to always advance the course of consumer protection from falling victim to the antics of cyber fraudsters.”

Meanwhile, the commision also denied conducting any form of recruitment .

It said the advertisement indicating there is ongoing recruitment at NCC, circulating on Twitter and through polymediation, may have been diffused to other social media networks, is a scam and should be disregarded.

” NCC wishes to also inform the general public that it is not recruiting at the moment.”

2023 Presidency: Yemi Osinbajo’s Declaration Speech [FULL TRANSCRIPT]

President Yemi Osinbajo has declared his intention to run for President in 2023.

“In the past seven years, I have served as Vice President under a true Nigerian patriot, a servant of the nation in war and peace, and a man of integrity, President Muhammadu Buhari. We have, together, worked through some of the most difficult times in the history of our Nation, but we have remained focused on securing the country, providing infrastructure and growing our economy. As stipulated by the Nigerian Constitution, our tenure will end next year.”

“In this period of seven years, I have served the government in several capacities, and have, at the direction of Mr. President, represented our country in sensitive high level international engagements. I have been to practically all local governments in Nigeria. I have been in markets, factories, schools, and farms. I have
been in agricultural, mining and oil producing communities; in the Delta, in Kebbi, Enugu, Borno; Rivers, Plateau and Ondo; & in all other States of the federation, listening to the diverse experiences and yearnings of our people.”

“I have visited our gallant troops in the North East and our brothers and sisters in the IDP camps. I have felt the pain and anguish of victims in violent conflicts, terrorist attacks, flooding, fire and other disasters. I have been in the homes of many ordinary Nigerians in various parts of the country. I have sat with our techprenuers in Lagos Edo, and Kaduna, with our Nollywood and Kannywood actors; with our musicians, from Lagos, Onitsha, and Kano. And I have spoken to small and large businesses.”

“I stood where they stood and sat where they sat. I know their hopes, aspirations and fears; and I believe that in those hopes and aspirations are the seeds for the great Nigeria that we all desire.”

“I believe that the very reason why the Almighty God gave me these experiences, these insights, and these opportunities, is that they must be put to the use of our country and it’s great peoples.”

“Which is why I am today, with utmost humility, formally declaring my intention to run for the office of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the platform of our great party, the All Progressives Congress. If by the grace of God and the will of the people, I am given the opportunity, then I believe that first, we must complete what we have started, radically transforming our security and intelligence architecture;

“Completing the reform of our justice system focusing on adequate remuneration and welfare of judicial personnel, ensuring justice for all and the observance of rule of law, rapidly advancing our infrastructure development, especially power, roads, railways and broadband connectivity;

*providing an excellent environment for businesses to thrive;/

*Taking the agriculture revolution to the next level especially mechanization and developing the farm to table value chain

*making sure that the government, its agencies and regulators serve the business community;

*creating a tech economy that will provide jobs for millions;

*enhancing our Social Investment Programme to a full scale social welfare scheme;

*completing the promise of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within this decade;

*completing the task of ensuring that all Nigerians, male and female, attend school;

*reforming our educational system for relevance to the challenges of this century;

*completing the task of universal health coverage for all ; and

*strengthening the capacity of States and Local Governments to deliver on their respective mandates.

Above all, front and Centre of our efforts will be the provision of jobs and opportunities for our young people
I now most solemnly and respectfully seek the support of fellow Nigerians everywhere in this land, and the diaspora, young and old, male and female, in the great and exciting journey that we have ahead of us.
We will, working together, establish by the grace of God, the Nigeria of our dreams in a few short years. We will build on the foundation laid by our predecessors.

“We will need to move, with much speed, intentionality, and perseverance, towards the vision of a prosperous, stable, and secure nation. I am convinced beyond doubt that we have the creativity, the courage, the talent, and the resources to be the foremost black nation on earth. Let us now birth the expectations of greatness conceived generations before us.

“Let us build a Nigeria where the man from Nnewi sees the man in Gusau as his brother, where the woman in Warri sees the woman in Jalingo as her sister, where the love of our nation burns alike in the hearts of boys and girls from Gboko to Yenogoa. Where everywhere in this land is home for everyone , where our diversities, tribes and faiths unite, rather than divide us.”

“Let our tribes become one tribe; the Nigerian tribe, where all are treated fairly, justly and with respect. Where all are given equal access to the abundant opportunities that God has bestowed on this nation.”

“May God bless and keep our republic.”

Tunde Bakare joins 2023 presidential race

Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC) formerly Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has joined the list of aspirants vying for the presidency in 2023.

Bakare declared this at a virtual meeting on Saturday.

“I have a vision of a New Nigeria that was birthed in me from childhood and an honest aspiration to serve as the 16th president of my beloved nation, Nigeria,” he said.

The declaration is coming about six months after President Muhammadu Buhari received Bakare at the villa where his former running mate confided in him on his next political move.

NIN: Network operators told to unbar phone lines immediately

The Coalition of Southern and Middle Belt Youth Leaders Assembly, COSMBYLA, has asked the Federal Government to immediately direct the network providers to unbar Nigerians who are blocked for failing to link their lines with National Identification Number, NIN.

DAILY POST recalls that about 72 million Nigerians have been barred from making calls following a directive by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Dr. Isa Ali Pantami.

Reacting, COSMBYLA condemned the development, saying several Nigerians have been denied access to their businesses.

A statement by the President General of the coalition, Goodluck Ibem alleged that some officials of the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC responsible for generating NIN are extorting some network subscribers who want to reinstate their line

The groups also demanded the immediate resignation of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, Aliyu Azeez Abubakar over the alleged plan to cut some Nigerians off from their various livelihood.

The statement reads in part, “Nigerians who depended on phone calls to feed their families can no longer do so because their lines have been barred from making outgoing calls.

The long queue in NIN registration centres makes it very difficult for Nigerians to get registered, resorting to demands of a bribe by the NIMC officials.

Now that the telecommunication companies have barred outgoing calls of all unlinked lines, these NIMC officials will use it as an ample opportunity to increase the extortion rate.

It is so unfortunate that such a high-level fraud will be going on and the FG will look the other way as if nothing is happening, this tells of complicity on the part of the Federal government.

“We demand that the phone lines of Nigerians be unbarred immediately, NIMC Officials should stop extorting Nigerians”.

2023 Presidency: Even In Rivers State, You’ll Lose – Omokri Mocks Amaechi

A former presidential media aide during the tenure of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri has mocked the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi for declaring interest in the 2023 Presidency.
It will be recalled that Amaechi on Saturday, officially joined the 2023 presidential race after declaring interest to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.

Reacting to the declaration, Omokri via his Twitter handle said Amaechi would not even win in Rivers State.

He charged the Minister to rather channel his energy towards the rescue of the kidnap victims from the recent Abuja-Kaduna train attack by terrorists.

He tweeted: “See the man who is suppose to be in charge of rescuing the over 100 Nigerians abducted by terrorists during last week’s Abuja-Kaduna train bombing!

“Even in Rivers, Amaechi will lose, because when you sell your brother to outsiders, even your buyer won’t trust you.”

Meanwhile, Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has expressed confidence that he would emerge as the flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2023 presidential election.

Speaking on Saturday, Bello said he is sure of defeating the likes of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and other aspirants seeking to clinch the APC presidential ticket for 2023.

Naija News reports Governor Bello who is also a presidential aspirant expressed the confidence while answering questions at the second GYB annual seminar for political and crime correspondents and editors.

Specifically, he stated that he is not afraid of Tinubu or any other aspirant, boasting that he would defeat them all at the APC presidential primaries and go ahead to win the 2023 presidential election.

The Governor added that he has not less than 16 million ready votes from Nigerians and he is sure of becoming a champion.

Rotimi Amaechi Declares Interest In Succeeding Buhari In 2023

Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has declared intention to contest in the 2023 presidential election.
Naija News reports that Amaechi declared his ambition during the Rivers All Progressives Congress (APC) held in Port Harcourt today, Saturday.

Amaechi said, “I stand before you today to declare my intention and submit my application to serve as your next President.

“I did not come to this decision lightly. I have served as Minister of Transportation, Governor for eight years and another eight years as Speaker.

“I have served as Director General of President Muhammadu Buhari campaing twice.

“I am well equiped for the presidency and have compassion for Nigeria.”

“I am compelled to place my experience and proven capacity for the service of the nation at the highest level,” Amaechi added.

He stated that Buhari government had planted trees for the growth of Nigerians future.

Rotimi Amaechi and his wife

Those present at Amaechi’s declaration include Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State; former APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomole; Senator Ali Ndume; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Ahmed Idris Wase; Minister of State for Transportation, Gbemisola Saraki; former Jigawa State Governor, Jibrilla Bindow.

Amaechi

With Amaechi’s declaration, he would be contesting for the ticket of the ruling party against APC national leader Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State amongst others.

Popular gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu is dead

Popular Gospel artiste, Sister Osinachi Nwachukwu has passed away, multiple reports indicated.

The angelic-voiced lady died early today after a protracted illness.

The cause of death was said to be throat cancer.

Osinachi, who sang in Igbo, was famous for the hit song Ekwueme by Prospa Ochimana, released in 2017.

She featured in songs like “Nara Ekele” by Pastor Paul Enenche (Dunamis, Abuja), “You no dey use me play” by Emma

She was also a minister of God and producer of Christian worship music.

Her last release was in September last year, when she released Ikem, God of Power.

Her family was yet to issue a statement on her death.

She is survived by her husband Peter and four children.

She was the twin sister of “Amarachi Grace Eze, who is also a powerful singer

JUST IN: Gov Akeredolu’s Wife Joins Imo Senatorial Race

Wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has joined the 2023 Senatorial race.

This is coming after Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano, wife of the immediate past governor of Anambra, purchased nomination form for the senate.

Addressing journalists in Owerri, Imo State capital, on Friday, the Ondo First Lady said she has interest in representing Imo East Senatorial District because she wants to make a difference.

Mrs. Akeredolu, who spoke to members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Owerri, said Owerri West senatorial zone has received the poorest representation in recent times.

Fondly called ‘Ada Owere’ (Owerri First Daughter), Akererdolu pledged to tackle the worrisome cases of infant and maternal mortality arising from minor or major complicated pregnancies, non-availability of functional health care centres and life-saving equipment.

She said that she would rely on her experience within and outside the country to bring to bear on the development of the zone.

She said that she’s been in constant touch with her people and if elected as a senator, she would strengthen that links.

She said that as a village girl who has taken a critical appraisal of their challenges, she would embark on human capital development, provision of basic necessities of life, stop the pollution of the Otamiri river and also ensure regular evacuation of refuse in all looks and crannies of the zone.

Additionally, she would take steps to assist rural farmers with modern agricultural implements, promote girl child education, stem child killer disease, youth unemployment and restiveness.

“There is lack of compassion and understanding of how life can be made meaningful for our people in this century hence the need for a wake up call, Leadership should be not be gender based but neutral,” she said.

On whether her marriage to a non-indigene of the state would impede her ambition, the Ondo First Lady argued that being a bonafide indigene of the state who has already endeared herself to the people and has touched many lives, she was emboldened to join the race to enhance their wellbeing.

Speaker Obasa advocates better funding for Nigeria’s health sector

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has mentioned poor funding of the health sector in Nigeria as a hindrance to the country’s attainment of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) target of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Dr. Obasa spoke on Thursday at a 2-day health programme organised by the House in conjunction with the Legislative Advocacy Initiative For Sustainable Development (LISDEL) aimed at enhancing the capacities of legislators and key stakeholders in the health sector of Lagos state as part of moves to help Nigeria meet the universal health coverage.

Represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Wasiu Eshilokun-Sanni, Obasa said Nigeria is embattled with various challenges in the health sector, but that poor funding has become a major issue.

“To my mind, the biggest challenge facing the health sector in Nigeria is lack of adequate financing. This is because none of the other problems is too obscure to identify or complicated to solve.

“To solve the problems of lack of adequate financing and thereby invest in the health sector and achieve the Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria, you, the stakeholders have come up with laudable innovative ideas like the Community-based Health Intervention/Insurance.

“This initiative is largely addressing the issue of ‘out-of-pocket payments’ and would alleviate the struggles of our people in the rural areas.

“On this note, I salute the determination of the stakeholders in this sector for your efforts day and night to tackle these rather evasive but tormenting problems,” the Speaker’s representative said.

In his keynote address, the chairman of the committee on health of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Akeem Olusola Sokunle, noted that the programme would help address the basics of ensuring universal health coverage policies and objectives.

He commended LISDEL for helping legislators, clerks of various Houses of Assembly and others with capacity building in relation to health financing.

“It is targeted at strengthening the state’s health sector and deepening legislators’ understanding of health financing, universal health coverage and public health coverage objectives,” Sokunle said about the programme.

He promised more partnerships with stakeholders to make the health sector of Lagos better.

Speaking concerning the programme, the chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. David Setonji, noted that even though Lagos still had a lot to grapple with, the state is doing well and taking the right steps to meet the WHO targets.

Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly

World Health Day: Let’s Ensure Good Nutrition For Children Because #OurChildrenOurResponsibility

World Health Day (WHD) is celebrated every April 7. This is the day that commemorates the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. WHD aims to focus on a specific theme relevant to public health each year. This year WHO is focusing global attention on urgent actions needed to keep humans and the planet healthy and foster a movement to create societies focused on wellbeing.

Nutrition plays a very crucial role in ensuring humans are healthy. It is an important part of an individual’s overall health and development right from a very young age. Proper and balanced nutrition is directly linked to improved infant, toddler, child, and maternal health and wellbeing. It offers stronger immunity, lowers the risk of health problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and improves longevity. Also, healthy children are not just physically strong but also mentally sound. Having balanced and healthy nutrition also helps boost their productivity and helps create more opportunities to break the cycle of poverty eventually.

Malnutrition, in any form, poses a significant threat to human health. Not having proper and balanced nutrition can lead to malnutrition. Currently, the world faces two types of malnutrition – undernourishment, and obesity. The former tends to be more prevalent among the economically disadvantaged populations in low and middle-income countries.

Good nutrition in the early stages of life sets the stage for lifelong health. In the words of Anne Mulcahy, “Investing in early childhood nutrition is a surefire strategy. The returns are incredibly high.”

One of the keys to parenting healthy children is providing them with a healthy and nutritious diet..

Key nutrients in supporting optimal growth and development… When a child consumes a balanced diet, they can develop their physical and mental skills in the present and the future. The benefits impacted by nutrition while the child is young are:

Ensures proper development of the brain, which helps the neurocognitive process
Improves a child’s physical health and ensures an active social life as the child grows old.
Supports the immune system to ably fight against various infectious diseases

Key nutrients for brain development… Phospholipids are known to be essential nutrients for brain development. These nutrients are structural components of neurological systems (neural networks), and deficits during early life can impact brain function long-term. Long-chain omega 3s like DHA and ARA and other brain-supportive nutrients may also benefit proper neural network development and enhance visual acuity and cognition.

Key nutrients for physical growth… Proteins are the building blocks of physical growth. Dietary protein requirements are higher in children than in adults because they have faster growth and development rates due to their increased cell turnover. Inadequacy of high-quality dietary proteins can cause stunted growth, poor body composition, and wasting. Calcium and vitamin D play an important role in physical development too. Calcium is the main component of the skeleton, while vitamin D ensures calcium reaches the growing bones.

Key nutrients for supporting immunity… A variety of vitamins and minerals that include micronutrients such as Vitamin A, B, C, D, E, Iron, Zinc, Magnesium, and Selenium, among others, have vital functions in the human body. Several studies have found that children provided with foods high in these essential micronutrients improve their immune system’s response rate and help them steer clear of various immune system diseases.

Childhood is the most significant period of growth and development, both physically and mentally. Setting the foundation with good nutrition during childhood has a profound impact, even during later life, and helps develop society and the world as a whole.

Multi-nutrient fortified Growing Up Milk such as Peak 456 formulated for children ages four to six is an excellent way to ensure optimal intake of several vitamins and minerals in a child’s daily diet.

On this World Health Day, let’s take a pledge to support WHO’s initiative of #OurPlanetOurHealth by focusing on good nutrition for our children’s health which can help them grow strong and smart.