This is contained in a statement by the state’s Commissioner for Education, Dr Kanaelechi Nwangwa, in Abia on Friday.

Nwangwa directed all school heads and proprietors to ensure the observance of COVID-19 protocols for the safety of teachers and students.

He said that this was imperative following the the second wave of the COVID-19 in Nigeria.

“They should also note that by this directive, the first term of 2020/2021 will now officially end on Wednesday Feb. 10, 2021.

“This is to ensure that the first term runs a full course as expected.

“Any school proprietor that shortchanges this schedule and decides to cut corners by running an abridged term will be appropriately sanctioned.

“The duration of the first term for the 2020/2021 academic session is from Nov. 2, 2020 to Feb. 10, 2021 with the Christmas break in-between,” he said.

Nwangwa urged school heads and proprietors to be properly guided by the directive to avoid unwanted consequences.

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Umahi, who gave the advice in his New Year message on Friday, in Abakaliki, said embracing the year with courage would bring successes to the people.

“The year, 2021 will be another busy year for us as we shall be on a fast lane to deliver some critical infrastructure.

“Such include- Ebonyi International Airport, the Olympic Stadium, the Shopping Mall, Abakaliki Ring Road among other landmark projects for use by the people before the end of the new year.

“To this end, massive investments in education, qualitative healthcare and economic empowerment will remain some of our key priorities in line with our projections in the 2021 budget.

“And in doing so, no part of the state will be left behind just as we shall also ensure that every person is carried along on our way to building sustainable prosperity for us and our children,” he said.

The governor added:”Although our challenges are great and aggravated by the prevailing economic hardship in our country, I urge you to continue to keep hope alive.

“Embrace the New Year with courage and unity of purpose to overcome our adversaries and reap the harvest of hard work, determination and success.

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This was contained in the governor’s New Year Message made available to newsmen on Friday in Akure by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Donald Ojogo.

Akeredolu expressed optimism that the best of all is embedded in every individual as long as the resolve to surmount challenges was placed above “self-abnegation.”

“Humanity has never been insulated from challenges and clearly too human challenges have never remained invincible and endlessly insolvent. Undoubtedly, Year 2020 was fraught with a web of challenges.

“All the same, our individual and collective approach to Year 2021 remains a potent force that can open our minds to the hidden and exploitable opportunities required for fresh paths of growth and development,” the governor said.

He said losing faith in ourselves and the nation was not an option but a clear route to self-abnegation.

“We only require a new approach, fresh ideas for results of uncommon nature to face the unusual times,” Akeredolu said.

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In a New Year broadcast on Friday in Abuja, the president stated that the Federal Government had completed arrangements to procure and distribute the COVID-19 vaccines to citizens.

He, however, enjoined Nigerians to always observe the COVID-19 prevention protocols to check the second wave of the deadly virus in the country.

He said: ”Keeping our country on a forward march is a duty which we all have and share.

”In this regard, keeping our country safe from a resurgent cycle of COVID-19 as this administration finalises its plans to procure and efficiently and effectively distribute the COVID-19 vaccines.

”I urge you all fellow citizens to observe strict COVID-19 prevention protocols.”

On the anti-corruption drive of his administration, Buhari noted that the government had recorded substantial gains so far and this year, the government would be more committed to continuing along the path of eradicating corruption.

He said this would be achieved through collaboration with all the arms of government to effectively prosecute the fight against all forms of corrupt practices in the country.

The president also expressed the readiness of the executive arm to continue working with the legislature to enact laws that would strengthen the fight against corruption.

”We would also be looking at reviewing some of our laws which would ensure that this fight is more effective.

”On the part of the executive, we would ensure the diligent and timely prosecution of corruption cases, while appealing to the judiciary to ensure that corruption cases are dispensed with expeditiously.

”The persistence of various forms of violence has meant that in the most affected parts of the country, the fabric of inter-communal harmony woven through years of investment of effort at building trust, mutual respect, and harmony has been threatened.”

According to him, insecurity has direct repercussions on national economic stability, growth, and development, adding that it is setting the Nation back at critical points through the destruction of public and private investments.

He noted with serious concern that in parts of the country chronic poverty, social exclusion and disillusionment among sections of the youth were already a problem.

He observed that these cycles of violence that have been unleashed by mindless groups have thwarted the efforts of government to undertake the social policy and associated investments necessary for huge difference in the citizens quality of life.

”As a people, we have shown admirable resilience in the face of every adversity, an unmatched capacity to recover speedily from every setback, an unparalleled generosity of spirit when we resolve our differences, and a constant readiness to invest faith and hope in the destiny we share as a united country built on the diversity of its peoples.

”It is these attributes that underpin the Nigerian spirit of “can do, will do” that gives me hope that we shall yet get to our destination and fulfill our calling together, especially with the solid resolutions we are setting in this new year.

”As your elected President, my pledge to you is the same as it has always been; I will play my part fully and without fear or favour.

”I invite all of us to do the same. It is what we owe to the founding generation of our beloved country and also to the coming generation. It is what we desire for national prosperity for all demands.

”Long Live the Nigerian spirit of oneness, togetherness, and unity. Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

”I wish you a Happy and prosperous New Year,” the president said.

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Buratai gave the assurance at a sit-out night to usher in the 2021 New Year at the TY Buratai Institute for War and Peace, Buratai in Biu Local Government Area of Borno.

He said the troops of Nigerian army had done a lot in the fight against insurgency in the North East in 2020, adding that they were committed to decisively deal with all forms of insecurity in the country.

Buratai urged the troops to dedicate themselves to the task of eradicating terrorism by maintaining the tempo in 2021 with more determination and action to end the insurgency in the country.

He also urged the troops to work with more discipline and courage, adding that the military had the responsibility to solve the nation’s problem of security.

According to him, they must work hard to win the confidence of Nigerians.

He said that the people trusted and believed in the Nigerian army to address the issues of insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of insecurity.

“I am very optimistic that 2021 will be different, totally different with remarkable difference from 2020.

“I want you to see it as a challenge and a task that must be done because we are the one that can do it because Nigerians believe in us and believe that we can do it.

“You should go into the year with full conviction that we can do better to address the insecurity in our country,” he said.

Buratai also promised that officers and men of Nigerian army would enjoy a lot welfare packages in 2021.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his support for and confidence in the Nigerian army during the preceding year.

It was reported that Buratai has been on operational visit to the troops in the North East theatre of operations.

He led principal officers and commanders to the New Year sit-out.

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The event which took place on Thursday was anchored by the Divisional Head, Shared Services, NSE, Mr Bola Adeeko, in Lagos.

Speaking at the ceremony, Adeeko described 2020 as an eventful year for the Nigerian capital market, especially the NSE.

“The year 2020 has been an eventful year for the Nigerian capital market and specifically for us at the NSE.

“In spite of the economic impact of COVID-19, we have remained resilient in providing stakeholders a platform to raise capital and invest in the market.

“The market capitalisation of all securities listed on the Exchange increased to N38.5 trillion as of Dec. 31, from N25.89 trillion at the end of 2019.

“The market capitalisation of the equities market crossed the N21 trillion mark, while the NSE All-Share Index reached 40,270.72 with a year-to-date return of 50.03 per cent.

“We have also continued to provide a platform to support listed companies in meeting their strategic business objectives as demonstrated in the over N1 trillion raised by governments and corporates across various asset classes year-to-date,” he said.

Adeeko said that the Exchnage as a responsible corporate citizen would continue to support the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

“We devoted the sum of N100 million to the fight against COVID-19, with N60 million donated to the Capital Market Support Committee for COVID and the balance of N40 million devoted to the Masks for All Nigerians campaign.

“Against the backdrop of the resurging COVID-19 pandemic, we are pleased to host Ihekweazu to this Closing Gong ceremony to further amplify the efforts of the NCDC and to educate Nigerians on how we can all navigate this crisis.

“We thank Ihekweazu for his exemplary leadership and reiterate the support of the Exchange to promote collective action in this fight,” Adeeko said.

Responding, Ihekweazu said that the NCDC was extremely proud and grateful to the NSE for the honour.

“The NCDC is extremely proud and grateful to the NSE for inviting us to this event today.

“We have been faced by a common challenge which has facilitated a strong collaboration between the NCDC and the NSE, as well as the organised private sector.

“The NSE has been truly supportive of the measures put in place by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and the NCDC, encouraging members of the capital market community to adhere to the necessary guidelines.

“As we work toward sounding the Closing Gong, we are reminded of the lives that have been lost to the pandemic and this should push us further in our responsibility in the new year.

“We would like to take this opportunity to remind Nigerians to wear facemasks, maintain physical distancing, avoid mass gatherings and wash their hands frequently even as we move closer to the finish line,” Ihekweazu said.

It was reported that the NSE usually reserves the last trading day Closing Gong ceremony for distinguished individuals and organisations who have made significant impact in the society.

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The PDP said this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan on Thursday in Abuja.

Ologbondiyan commended Nigerians for their resilience and an unshaken resolve to stand by one another in the face of the challenges.

He expressed sadness over cases of attacks from bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and vandals in 2020.

“Notwithstanding the experiences of 2020, as citizens march into the new year, there should be a change of narrative for the nation in 2021,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to strengthen their bond of unity in their collectively patriotic resolve to rescue the nation.

“The PDP prays for our nation and urges all hands to be on the deck to ensure a happy and more peaceful 2021,” he said.

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Administering the oath of office and allegiance on the new acting CJ at Government House, Lafia, the governor said her appointment followed the retirement of the former CJ, Justice Suleiman Dikko, on Dec. 31, having attained the retirement age of 65.

“In fulfilment of the constitutional obligation and based on the recommendation of the Nasarawa State Judicial Service Commission in compliance with the provision of section 271 (1), I approve the appointment of Justice Aisha Bashir Aliyu as the Acting Chief Judge of Nasarawa State.

“Accordingly, the ceremony which we have just performed is in line with the relevant constitutional provision aimed at ensuring sanity and stability in the judiciary as a fundamental institution of society.

“While the process for the confirmation is being pursued with the State House of Assembly, it has become necessary to swear-in the appointee, the most senior High Court Judge, to enable her perform the functions of the Chief Judge of Nasarawa State to avoid a vacuum,” Sule said.

The governor, while congratulating the acting CJ, urged her to bring her wealth of experience to bear in the discharge of her responsibilities.

“You must always remember that as head of the Judicial arm of government, you are the symbol of fairness, equity, justice and objectivity which is the hallmark that civilised society yearns for at all times, Sule added.

He pledged his administration’s continuous commitment to accord priority to the judiciary to perform effectively as the repository of the tenets of democracy and the rule of law.

“Indeed, the judiciary is critical in our development process, as it provides the alloy that strengthens the relationships among the organs of Government,” he said.

Responding, the acting CJ, thanked the governor and the state Judicial Service Commission for finding her worthy of the appointment.

She promised to discharge her responsibilities with the fear of God and for the benefit of the people of the state, while appealing to the governor to look into the welfare of judiciary workers, especially their entitlements and benefits for optimal performance.

Bashir-Aliyu said that the judiciary, under her watch, would support the state government where legally possible to succeed.

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Aregbesola stated this on Thursday during the virtual inauguration of the newly completed Office Complex of the NIS, Oyo State Command in Ibadan.

The minister said much still needed to be done to satisfy the desires of Nigerians in terms of processing and prompt delivery of passports to applicants.

He said the service was aware of the complaints of Nigerians on the issue and was working assiduously to meet up with their expectations.

“NIS is not only for passport issuance, there is issue of Immigration management as well as border patrol.

“I want to commend the service for gradual adoption of technology in immigration management and border patrol and I want to emphasis that this is the way to go,” Aregbesola said.

He commended officers and men of NIS for being conversant with the application of technology and its effective utilisation.

The minister also appreciated NIS partners for their support in the provision of the technology devices and requested for more support in the deployment of technology devices to all land borders in Nigeria.

Aregbesola commended NIS, Oyo State Command as well as the Zonal Command, saying the new complex would serve as a factor to stimulate dedication and passion for service delivery.

On his part, the NIS Comptroller-General, Muhammad Babandede, said that the edifice would add value to the services NIS delivered to the people.

“A good working environment will enhance productivity and I assure the minister of proper maintenance of the new office complex,” Babandede said.

Also, the NIS Comptroller in Oyo State, Babangida Usman, said the inauguration of the edifice marked an historical event in the history of NIS Oyo State command.

Babangida said that the command since inception had witnessed several infrastructural development and different leadership.

He said the new edifice became a reality with the support of NIS Comptroller-General and the minister in order to provide a more conducive working environment for the officers and men of the command.

Babangida said that the office would go a long way in enhancing effective and efficient service delivery in Oyo State and Nigeria in general.

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) and one of its chieftains, Mr Williams Edobor had dragged Obaseki, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to court seeking the disqualification of Obaseki in the Sept.19 governorship election.

They wanted Obaseki disqualified over alleged forgery of his degree certificate and perjury.

They specifically accused Obaseki of forging the Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies Degree he submitted INEC to aid his qualification for the governorship election in Edo.

Justice Mohammed had on Wednesday, adjourned hearing in the suit until Dec. 31 for cross examination of the fourth plaintiffs’ witness, Mr Raphael Onwuzuligbo, a retired Police officer.

However, hearing which was fixed for 12 noon did not commence until about 2 PM and the judge apologised and explained that this was because he had a severe attack of malaria.

The judge added that as a result, he would not be able to go on with the complete proceedings of the day.

Mr Akin Olujimi, (SAN) counsel to the APC, responding on behalf of other counsel empathized with the judge, stressing that the judge’s health was of great importance to all.

Olujimi did not also oppose the suggestion by Mr Ken Mozia, (SAN), Mr Razak Isenalumhe and Mr Sulaiman Dambaba, counsel to Obaseki, the PDP and INEC that the matter be adjourned until Jan. 4, 2021.

Meanwhile, Mozia, while speaking with newsmen shortly after the proceeding was adjourned, showed the original Bachelor of Arts Degree Certificate of the University of Ibadan, awarded to Obaseki in 1979.

Mozia said that his client has nothing to hide, adding that the degree certificate issued to him by the authorities of the University of Ibadan was intact.

The counsel hinted that the certificate would formally be tendered before the court on the next adjourned date to put to rest all the controversies raised by the plaintiffs in respect of the certificate.

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