All Posts in "Month: May 2021"

Ikpeazu awards scholarship to Abia-born electricity transformer innovator

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has awarded five -year full scholarship to Solomon Ukoha who constructed an electricity sub-station with crude oil and other locally sourced materials.

This is coming days after the young inventor’s work surfaced on the social media.

The scholarship according to Gov. Ikpeazu is for the investor to further his education in any tertiary institution of his choice.

Ikpeazu who made this pronouncement at the Governor’s lodge in Aba while receiving the Amekpu Ohafia- born 24 year- old inventor expressed joy over the technical ingenuity exhibited by the young innovator, noting that Abia has youths who can compete favourably with their international counterparts in technical education if given the opportunity.

Ikpeazu noted that power supply had been a major problem facing the country and as such has impacted negatively on economic growth and industrialization especially in the shoe, leather and garments sub sectors for which Aba is well known.

The Governor encouraged Solomon to train some other youths and impart same knowledge to them for the greater benefit of society.

Ikpeazu also encouraged him to build a more presentable prototype of the sub station to enable it compete in external exhibitions revealing that the scholarship covers his tuition fee and accommodation immediately he gets admission.

Showcasing his innovation to Ukoha who said he had completed his secondary school education without any hope of going to the university due to financial challenges revealed that he got the inspiration from God.

He appealed to the State Governor to assist him further his education, a step he said would help him in fulfilling his ambition and expressed his readiness to teach other youths as advised by the Governor.

The inventor whose video went viral on the social media last week tested the electrical sub-station before the Governor.

Patoma Admin by — May 4, 2021 in News 0
FG extends NIN-SIM linkage till June 30

By Favour Nnabugwu.

 

The Federal Government has extended the deadline for the registration, verification and linkage of the National Identity Number (NIN) to Subscribers Identification Module (SIM) cards to June 30.

This is contained in a statement co-signed by Director, Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. Kayode Adegoke National Identity Management Commission(NIMC).

The extension, the federal government said, was as a result of the virtual meeting chaired by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami and attended by Chairman of NCC, Prof Adeolu Akande.

Others are the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof Umar Garba Dambatta and the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Aliyu Azeez.

The minister said the postponement of the deadline was also based on the request by stakeholders for an extension until June 30 in order to make it easier for all citizens and legal residents to register.

“Significant progress has been made in the NIN-SIM verification process.

” For example, almost 54 million people have obtained their NIN and this can translate to up to 190 Million mobile numbers, since empirical evidence suggests that each unique NIN maps to three to four phone lines,” Pantami said.

The government said the much-awaited Android enrolment system is now ready for deployment and this had the potential to significantly accelerate the speed and ease of enrolment.

” Furthermore, the telecom providers and other enrolment agents have also opened several centres across the country to make it easier for eligible citizens and residents to obtain and link their NINs.

” It is noteworthy that Sections 27 and 29 of the National Identity Management Commission Act 2007 provides for the mandatory use of National Identity Number for accessing several government services.
This is similar to the use of Social Security Number and National Insurance Number for accessing services in the United States of America and the United Kingdom respectively,” the federal government said.

Pantami appreciated Nigerians for their patience and compliance with the Federal Government’s directive on the NIN-SIM registration exercise.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to continue taking decisions aimed at easing the pains of the citizens with regard to issues related to NIN and SIM registration.

Federal Government had on Dec. 15, 2020, declared that after Dec. 30, 2020, all SIMs that were not registered with valid NINs on the network of telecommunications companies would be blocked.

The federal government later extended the December 30, 2020 deadline following widespread opposition against the earlier announcement and gave three weeks’ extension for subscribers with NIN from Dec. 30, 2020, to Jan. 19, 2021.

Patoma Admin by — May 4, 2021 in News 0
Arik Airk resumes thrice a week flight to Maiduguri

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

Arik Air is reintroducing flights from Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital with effect from Monday, May 10, 2021. Passengers traveling from Lagos can connect seamlessly to this service from Abuja.

The four weekly Abuja-Maiduguri flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The airline is assuring passengers of their safety and well-being at every stage of flight, as the airline’s crew are poised to give customers the Arik signature treatment.

Arik Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Captain Roy Ilegbodu said: “We are delighted to reintroduce our services to Maiduguri, following popular demand by our customers for Arik’s presence in the city.

“Customers on this route should again expect the traditional Arik Air hospitality and exceptional service that have become the hallmark of the airline”.

Patoma Admin by — May 4, 2021 in Aviation 0
48 corps members win N16.5m in Unity Bank challenge

By Favour Nnabugwu

Forty-eight members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, won cash prizes totalling N16.5million in the Unity Bank’s business plan competition, Corpreneurship Challenge.

The winners emerged during the final business pitch of the contest, which took place simultaneously across four orientation camps in Lagos, Ogun, Edo, and FCT, according to a statement issued by the NYSC Director, Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Adenike Adeyemi.

The contestants’ business plans, which ranged from agriculture, craft and fashion design; education, to shoemaking, were assessed on originality, marketability, the future employability potential of the product and knowledge of the business.

Speaking during the a virtual interaction with the winners in Abuja, the Unity Bank’s Managing Director, Mrs Tomi Shomefun, said the competition was to encourage more youths with clear entrepreneurial intentions to expand or start profitable ventures.

She, however, revealed that the bank would expand the initiative to six more locations viz; Akwa-Ibom, Kano, Sokoto, Bayelsa, Enugu and Osun States.

According to her, “The grants are not a loan and we want the money to be directed towards profitable ventures. However, never despise the days of little beginning, but hope for greater heights. Take the seed grant that has been given to you to develop yourselves and the society”

Shomefun said, “We started Corpreneurship in 2019, with a launch in Lagos and in three other states which included Edo, Ogun, and Abuja. Today, we are expanding it to six additional locations; Akwa-Ibom, Kano, Sokoto, Bayelsa, Enugu and Osun States.”

In his remarks, the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, said the initiative would create opportunities for self employment and wealth creation and also reduce the increasing number of unemployed graduate youths.

He added that salaried jobs are scarcely available, urged the corps members to be determined, focused and avoid cutting corners.

Ibrahim further said, “My appeal to you is to be determined, remain focused and fan into flame the training that you have acquired for your empowerment, as it would later translate to societal development,” he said.

Also, the Director, Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme, Mr Hilary Nasamu, advised the corps beneficiaries to adhere strictly to the template of their business proposals.

Nasamu said the scheme would continue to monitor their progress on a quarterly basis, urging them to strive to have two employees within the first eighteen months and four employees within the first two years.

“This is a grant without interest. You must continue to dedicate yourselves to this opportunity and don’t forget to seek experts’ advise at all times,” he added.

Patoma Admin by — May 3, 2021 in Banking & Finance 0
Nigerian teenager, Victoria Banjo, gets 19 American scholarships

By admin

One Nigerian teenager must feel like she has the world at her feet after receiving 19 full-ride scholarship offers from universities across the United States and Canada.

Victory Yinka-Banjo, a 17-year-old high school graduate, was offered more than $5 million dollars’ worth of scholarship money for an undergraduate program of study, according to admission documents and estimates of financial aid award.

“It still feels pretty unbelievable. I applied to so many schools because I didn’t even think any school would accept me,” Victory told CNN, relishing her academic prowess.

Born to Nigerian parents, Chika Yinka-Banjo, a senior lecturer at the University of Lagos, and Adeyinka Banjo, a private sector procurement and supply chain executive, Victory was given potential full scholarships from the Ivy League schools, Yale College, Princeton University, Harvard College, and Brown University.

Other US scholarship offers included those from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Virginia.

In Canada, Victory was offered the Lester B. Pearson scholarship from the University of Toronto and the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow (KMILOT) scholarship from the University of British Columbia.

“Their admissions processes are extremely selective,” Victory added. “They only accept the best of the best. So, you can imagine how, on a daily basis, I have to remind myself that I actually got into these schools. It is surreal!”

Academic strides

A senior prefect during her time in high school, Victory rose to national prominence in late 2020 after she scored straight As in her West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Months earlier, the Nigerian teen had been rated as the “Top in the World” in English as a second language (speaking endorsement) by the University of Cambridge International Examination (CIE). Victory aced the Cambridge IGCSE exam — acquiring A* in all six subjects she sat for.

Victory told CNN her remarkable achievements are borne out of hard work.
“They have made me truly feel proud about the hard work I have put into several areas of my life over the years. I am slowly beginning to realize that I deserve them,” she said.

The teenager remarked that her multiple scholarship offers “have made me stand taller, smile wider, and pat myself on the back more often.”

Victory said she hopes to study Computational Biology. However, she is still weighing up her options on which school to choose, having been wooed by many prestigious institutions.

“I am still doing research on some schools that are at the top of my list, like Stanford, Harvard, MIT, Duke, Johns Hopkins, and just trying to compare and contrast all of them thoroughly,” she told CNN.

An inspiration to Nigerian youth

Victory’s mother, Chika, says her daughter’s story could inspire other young Nigerians.
“It is noteworthy that she is not one of the Nigerian-Americans who often get into these schools because of their advantage of being born and bred in the US. She completed her secondary school here [in Nigeria]. It would be great if her story can be used to inspire the youths of our country,” she told CNN.

Victory credits her academic success story to faith, parental guidance and discipline. She currently spends some of her free time tutoring other university admission seekers — through the radio — on key subjects such as math, English language, biology, chemistry and physics.

Culled from the Cable News Network, CNN.

Patoma Admin by — May 3, 2021 in Metro 0
Naicom, FCT Minister talk on compulsory insurance, Fitness Walk

Caption:

L-R: Chairman NAICOM Board, Chief Emmanuel Jideofor Nwosu and Hon Minister, FCT, Mallam Mohammed Musa Bello, during the courtesy visit in Abuja yesterday.

 

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

The Board and Management of National Insurance Commission (NAICOM ) met with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mallam Mohammed Musa Bello to discuss the enforcement of compulsory insurances in the FCT and the insurance awareness fitness walk coming up next month.

NAICOM Board Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Jideofor Nwosu, while speaking at the event, appealed for the FCT Minister’s support just as he highlighted what the FCT stands to benefit from the partnership and expressed hope that “with the support of the Hon. Minister and indeed the Ministry, Abuja will lead NAICOM’s renewed awareness campaigns, sensitization and enforcement of compliance.

Chief Nwosu noted that in all Mega Cities across the world, aside from infrastructural development, there are social programmes and policies that are enforced for the benefits of the citizens and residents, adding that one of such policies in Nigeria is the compulsory insurances.

He said the development of the insurance sector in Nigeria hinges on the increased economic activities, improved level of awareness and the acceptability of insurance as a safety net for citizens, businesses and indeed public institutions.

On the benefits and advantages of insurance, he said “As we develop the sector, NAICOM’s partnership with the FCT and indeed the Hon. Minister will be critical in the following ways:

“The growth in economic activities, infrastructural development and increased population of Abuja means NAICOM will continue to partner with key players under the Ministry of FCT to provide cover for their businesses and persons.

“Abuja is the home of most Federal Government institutions and buildings and NAICOM will ensure their adequate protection.

“NAICOM will continue to encourage more and more players within the insurance sector to open up offices and centers in Abuja thereby facilitating skill transfer and development. This will further boost financial inclusion, faster digitalization and competitiveness of the FCT.”

He said it is worthy of note that in December 2020, NAICOM organized a Free 2-days Sensitization workshop for small businesses in Abuja and was a huge success with over 1000 businesses in attendance and 250 businesses receiving free insurance premium for one year.

In his remarks, the FCT minister, Mallam Musa Bello, stated that he was delighted to receive NAICOM officials and assured the Commission of his full support towards enforcement of compulsory insurances in the FCT as he has very close relationship with the industry.

The Honourable Minister requested NAICOM to provide him with details of agencies under his ministry complying with the requirements of compulsory insurances.

It was also agreed that a joint enforcement committee would be setup comprising relevant departments of the ministry, NAICOM and other relevant security agencies.

The Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of NAICOM, Mr. Olorundare SundayThomas, in his response, said NAICOM is elated with the support and assurances from the Honourable Minister and promised to provide the information requested as quickly as possible

Patoma Admin by — May 2, 2021 in Insurance 0
Chuks Udo Okonta emerges runner-up Pan-African re/insurance 2021 journalism awards

By admin

The Publisher of Inspenonline Nigeria’s premier Insurance and Pension online news channel, Chuks Udo Okonta has emerged as runner-up in the 2021 Pan-African re/insurance journalism awards, sponsored by Continental Reinsurance Plc.

Announcing the winners today, Continental Reinsurance Plc, said Chuks won the third prize under the Online category with the article, ‘Insurers moving beyond claims settlement amid COVID-19’.

The award organisers said the 6th pan-African (re)insurance journalism awards category winners are: Best Re/Insurance French entry – Amadou Oury Diallo, Jeune Afrique Media Group, Senegal.

Best Re/Insurance Print Article, Patrick Alushula, Nation Media Group, Kenya.

Best Re/Insurance online article, Londiwe Buthelezi, Fin24, South Africa.

Best Re/Insurance Broadcast Article, Mwape Zulu Kumwenda, Prime Television, Zambia.

It noted that Anass Sabit, Joy News, Ghana, won the Future Talent award for highlighting the plight of a community battling the absence of water amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

It said the 6th edition attracted close to 100 entries across 16 African countries, adding that 66 entries were shortlisted for an independent jury to select the overall winners and that they assessed the entries on set criteria, including raising awareness on a current news story or other noteworthy insurance issue.

The winners will receive an exclusive year-long mentorship to develop their insurance sector reporting skills further. This is in addition to cash prizes and attendance at the next Continental Re’s CEO summit, health situation and government restrictions permitting, it said.

Michael Wilson, Chair of the judging panel, said, “We were inspired by the diversity in the reporting showcasing varied angles on the subject of insurance. We reviewed entries that connected with the audience in exciting and balanced ways. We encourage all who participated to continue carrying the message of insurance as this will, over time, positively change the trajectory of the insurance subject.

“I want to thank my fellow co-judges Shiam Appannah, Nadia Acogny-Mensah, Gareth Stokes, Jared Obuya and Kenneth Igbomor for their work in reviewing the submissions.”

Lawrence Nazare, newly-installed Group Managing Director, Continental Reinsurance Plc, added, “Currently, insurance penetration ranges between one and three percent in most African countries. But this is a sector on the up and the subject is gaining appreciation. As industry players, we have the responsibility to encourage and inspire journalists to report on insurance.

“And as a pan-African entity, we welcome this year’s improved geographic diversity of the finalists’ and balanced gender inclusivity. Two female journalists made it to the top whilst the winners represented five different countries: Senegal, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia and Ghana.

“I want to congratulate all the winners. Continue to tell the insurance story and remain great role models to other insurance reporters. We are optimistic that reach and positive perception of insurance will be expanded and subsequently the uptake of insurance products enhanced across Africa.”

Patoma Admin by — May 2, 2021 in Insurance 0
No pensioners under Defined Benefits Scheme will be left out – PTAD

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has said no pensioner under the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS) would be left out in the recently approved federal government pension consequential addjustment.

PTAD in a statement by its Head, Corporate Communications Unit, PTAD, Olugbenga Ajayi, said it attention has been drawn to the statement issued by the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPAN) in the Vanguard Newspaper (online edition) of 1st May 2021 in which the Association alleged that it had been left out of the consequential pension adjustment approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“We would like to state emphatically that Mr. President’s approval under reference covers all pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) including parastatal pensioners who constitute the membership of FEPPAN, and does not discriminate against any category of pensioners.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Directorate has already computed the entitlements of all its pensioners and will commence the immediate implementation of the consequential increment as approved by Mr. President. This, therefore, renders any call of potential engagement of any Federal Government agency by FEPPAN irrelevant as all its members are covered under the DBS umbrella as stated in the circular released by the National Salaries Wages and Incomes Commission (NSWIC),” it said.

PTAD noted that It would, therefore, like to use this opportunity to continue to appeal to the leadership of all pension unions to avail themselves of the freedom of information offered by the Directorate pertaining to all pension matters in order to avoid the unfortunate misconception of laudable government policies as was evident in the news story mentioned earlier

Patoma Admin by — May 2, 2021 in Pension 0
Virgin Atlantic records $911m pre-tax lost for 2020

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

Virgin Atlantic in its financial results for 2020 lost $911m pre-tax for 2020 ddueto the conditions of the pandemic, figures are down compared to 2019.

Across Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Holidays, and Virgin Atlantic Cargo, the reported revenue for the year is £868 million (~$1.2 billion). While this figure might seem like a lot, this is down from £2.9bn (~$4.01bn).

Notably, Virgin Atlantic has been going through a billion-dollar restructuring plan. This privately funded plan was completed in September 2020 and was based on borders opening in time for spring 2021.

With the aviation industry still heavily restricted in the new year, the airline has also been in talks this year about a £160 million (~$223m) support package with its shareholders and creditors, which followed a $230 million financing on two Boeing 787s.

The airline previously stated that it looks to expects to return to profitability in 2022. Until then, it is confident that it has sufficient liquidity to trade through until restrictions ease and passenger activity increases. Nonetheless, 2020 has been Virgin Atlantic’s most challenging year.

“At the start of 2020, we were on course to return to profitability, however, few could have predicted the scale and impact of the global crisis that the Covid-19 pandemic would bring. Ongoing travel restrictions, border closures and country-wide lockdowns reduced demand for travel and drove unprecedented levels of customer refunds, with over £600 million processed by Virgin Atlantic during 2020,” Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss shared in a statement.

“While we welcome the adoption of a risk-based traffic light framework and that progress is being made towards the resumption of international travel at scale from 17 May, it doesn’t go far enough, given that economic recovery and 500,000 UK jobs are at stake. Now we need certainty that the framework will allow for a phased removal of testing and quarantine.”

 

Patoma Admin by — May 2, 2021 in Aviation 0
Qatar Airways expand to Africa, begin Côte d’ Ivoire route from June 26

By admin

Doha-based Qatar Airways announced it would operate three flights per week to the Côte d’Ivoire capital Abidjan via Accra in Ghana starting from June 16, 2021.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Abidjan will be the fourth new African destination served by the Gulf state carrier. On the route, Qatar Airways will deploy one of its state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner configured with 22 seats in business class and 232 seats in economy class.

Abidjan is the economic capital of Côte d’Ivoire and one of the most populous French-speaking cities in Africa, with a population of around 4.7 million people. After gaining independence from France in 1960, Abidjan expanded quickly to become one of West Africa’s most important seaports.

Abidjan is also served by Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ) and is a 1 hr 5min flight from Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra, Ghana.
ABJ is new for Qatar Airways
When speaking about the new Abidjan flights in the Qatar Airways statement, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said:

The airline in a statement last week said, “We are delighted to be launching flights to Abidjan, our fourth new destination in Africa since the start of the pandemic. At Qatar Airways, we remain committed to the African market, expanding our network across the continent and offering seamless connectivity to the largest network of destinations across Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and North America”

“We are thankful to the Côte d’Ivoire Government for their support to launch these flights, providing an opportunity to reunite family and friends with their loved ones across the globe. We look forward to working closely with our partners in Côte d’Ivoire to steadily grow this route and support the recovery of tourism and trade in the region.”

Flights to Abidjan (ABJ) from Doha (DOH) via Accra (ACC) will operate on a Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Qatar Airways flight number QR1423 will depart DOH at 02:20 and arrive at ABJ at 09:10

Qatar Airways flight number QR1424 will depart ABJ at 17:20 and arrive at DOH at 06:10 +1

To help promote flights from Africa, Qatar Airways offers passengers a new baggage allowance of 46 kilos spread over two bags in economy and 64 kilos spread over two bags in business class.

Seven new destinations
Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic Qatar Airways has managed to remain active flying thousands of people to various destinations worldwide. The state-owned carrier has also added the following seven destinations from its home at Hamad International Airport (DOH):

Patoma Admin by — May 2, 2021 in Aviation 0