The newly appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nigeria LNG Limited, Dr. Edmund M. Daukoru, has formally assumed duty following a ceremony at the Corporate Head Office of the Company in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, reports NaijaAgroNet.
Monday, August 17, 2020
NLNG gets new board chairman - NaijaAgroNet
The newly appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nigeria LNG Limited, Dr. Edmund M. Daukoru, has formally assumed duty following a ceremony at the Corporate Head Office of the Company in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, reports NaijaAgroNet.
Saturday, August 15, 2020
Shell appeals assets sale judgement - NaijaAgroNet
NaijaAgroNet:
The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has expressed disappointment over the judgement of the Rivers State High Court which affirmed the sale of interest in SPDC JV's assets in Kidney Island, reports NaijaAgroNet.
... Linking agrobiz, sustainable environs, people & technology
The company said its very disappointed that the Rivers State High Court affirmed the enforcement of the purported sale of interests in SPDC’s JV’s assets in Kidney Island and specified interests in OML 11 to the Rivers State Government. In the underlying judgement (Chief Agbara and Others v. SPDC, ) ,which is being enforced by the sale, the claimants themselves accepted in the High Court in England that the claim was “miscalculated” and “materially overstated”. SPDC has therefore filed an appeal and an application for a stay of execution of this recent judgment issued by the Rivers State High Court on 13 August 2020.
Prior to the instant case, the Rivers State Government had filed a similar case at the Federal High Court Abuja asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to direct the Minister of Petroleum Resources to recognise the same purported interest acquired through auction sale. The Rivers State Government withdrew the Abuja case in July 2020 and refiled this new case at the Rivers State High Court without joining the Minister of Petroleum Resources. An application by SPDC to join the Minister of Petroleum Resources to the suit as a necessary party for a just determination of the issues was denied by the Judge. Under the Nigerian Petroleum Act, any acquisition or assignment of interests in a licence or lease must have the consent of the Minister of Petroleum Resources.
The root case, Chief Agbara and Others v. SPDC, which led to the purported sale of interests SPDC JV’s assets is still the subject of ongoing proceedings in several courts, including the supreme court, and it remains the position of SPDC that no payment is due and any purported sale or enforcement of payment is premature and prejudicial to ongoing proceedings. The auction sale is also being challenged on appeal by SPDC.
The root case has its origin in a spill caused by third parties during the Nigerian Civil War, a challenging period which resulted in significant damage to oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta region. While SPDC does not accept responsibility for the spill, the affected sites in Ejama Ebubu community were fully remediated, and this was certified by the government regulator.
The claim for N17billion as damages was first brought by the Ejama Ebubu community against SPDC in 2001 in the Federal High Court of Nigeria. In 2010, the court gave judgment against SPDC and awarded the claim without SPDC being given reasonable opportunity to defend the facts of the case. Indeed, this case has focused too long on procedural issues and not on its merits – we have always been clear that we are ready to defend this case based on the available facts.
SPDC appealed the 2010 judgment and obtained an order to stay the execution of the judgment upon the provision of a bank guarantee issued by First Bank of Nigeria Limited in favour of the claimants. Despite this matter being the subject of ongoing proceedings in the Nigerian courts, the claimants went ahead to seek to enforce the judgment in both Nigeria and England.
The English court last year rejected the claimants’ attempt to enforce the Nigerian court judgment in the UK, referring to a ‘breach of natural justice’ in the proceedings against Shell in Nigeria. The English court also found that the claimants had “materially over-stated” the value of the judgment which the claimants admitted was N34.716billion. The court therefore ruled that it would not be just and convenient for a Nigerian judgment to be enforced in the UK which the claimants acknowledge is “miscalculated”.
On Monday, March 2, 2020, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja issued an order attaching the sum of N182billion in First Bank of Nigeria Limited’s statutory account with the Central Bank of Nigeria in favour of Ejama Ebubu community in Rivers State.
SPDC and other parties affected by the March 2, 2020 order of the Federal High Court filed separate appeals, as well as applied to set aside the order and restrain its execution pending the appeal decision. In accordance with the spirit of fair hearing in the Nigerian judicial system, we remain of the view that until the pending appeals are heard and determined, SPDC is not liable to make any payments, and therefore none any of its assets or interest should not be attached to satisfy the judgement.
SPDC operates the SPDC Joint Venture on behalf of the JV partners which include the Federal Government, represented by Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), with 55% participating interest.
Prior to the instant case, the Rivers State Government had filed a similar case at the Federal High Court Abuja asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to direct the Minister of Petroleum Resources to recognise the same purported interest acquired through auction sale. The Rivers State Government withdrew the Abuja case in July 2020 and refiled this new case at the Rivers State High Court without joining the Minister of Petroleum Resources. An application by SPDC to join the Minister of Petroleum Resources to the suit as a necessary party for a just determination of the issues was denied by the Judge. Under the Nigerian Petroleum Act, any acquisition or assignment of interests in a licence or lease must have the consent of the Minister of Petroleum Resources.
The root case, Chief Agbara and Others v. SPDC, which led to the purported sale of interests SPDC JV’s assets is still the subject of ongoing proceedings in several courts, including the supreme court, and it remains the position of SPDC that no payment is due and any purported sale or enforcement of payment is premature and prejudicial to ongoing proceedings. The auction sale is also being challenged on appeal by SPDC.
The root case has its origin in a spill caused by third parties during the Nigerian Civil War, a challenging period which resulted in significant damage to oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta region. While SPDC does not accept responsibility for the spill, the affected sites in Ejama Ebubu community were fully remediated, and this was certified by the government regulator.
The claim for N17billion as damages was first brought by the Ejama Ebubu community against SPDC in 2001 in the Federal High Court of Nigeria. In 2010, the court gave judgment against SPDC and awarded the claim without SPDC being given reasonable opportunity to defend the facts of the case. Indeed, this case has focused too long on procedural issues and not on its merits – we have always been clear that we are ready to defend this case based on the available facts.
SPDC appealed the 2010 judgment and obtained an order to stay the execution of the judgment upon the provision of a bank guarantee issued by First Bank of Nigeria Limited in favour of the claimants. Despite this matter being the subject of ongoing proceedings in the Nigerian courts, the claimants went ahead to seek to enforce the judgment in both Nigeria and England.
The English court last year rejected the claimants’ attempt to enforce the Nigerian court judgment in the UK, referring to a ‘breach of natural justice’ in the proceedings against Shell in Nigeria. The English court also found that the claimants had “materially over-stated” the value of the judgment which the claimants admitted was N34.716billion. The court therefore ruled that it would not be just and convenient for a Nigerian judgment to be enforced in the UK which the claimants acknowledge is “miscalculated”.
On Monday, March 2, 2020, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja issued an order attaching the sum of N182billion in First Bank of Nigeria Limited’s statutory account with the Central Bank of Nigeria in favour of Ejama Ebubu community in Rivers State.
SPDC and other parties affected by the March 2, 2020 order of the Federal High Court filed separate appeals, as well as applied to set aside the order and restrain its execution pending the appeal decision. In accordance with the spirit of fair hearing in the Nigerian judicial system, we remain of the view that until the pending appeals are heard and determined, SPDC is not liable to make any payments, and therefore none any of its assets or interest should not be attached to satisfy the judgement.
SPDC operates the SPDC Joint Venture on behalf of the JV partners which include the Federal Government, represented by Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), with 55% participating interest.
Pix: Mr. Osagie Okunbor, Managing Director, The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria.
Monday, August 10, 2020
Oyetunji, Bello, Kallon, Hawkins lead speakers @launch of automated birth registration - NaijaAgroNet
NaijaAgroNet:
The Chairman, National Population Commission, Dr. Eyitayo Oyetunji, Director-General, National Population Commission, Dr. Ghaji Ismaila Bello, UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon, the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Peter Hawkins, would be leading speakers at the launch of the innovative technology for an automated, digitized system for registering births of children in the country today, reports NaijaAgroNet.
They are expected to lead other heads of UN Agencies; Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission; Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency; Director General, National Orientation Agency; State Commissioners of Health, Education, Budget and Planning; State Directors, National Population Commission; Executive Secretaries, States Primary Health Care Development Agencies; Heads of Departments of Vital Registration, National Population Commission; CSOs, Media as Nigeria joins the African continent to commemorate Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Day, 2020.
NaijaAgroNet gathered that the technology is a hand-held, customized tablet that registers births using an android application. It not only captures and uploads data to a central database/server hosted by NPC in real time, but also captures information about the child, parents and place of birth, education levels of both parents, birth order of the child and the rural/urban base where the child was registered.
The innovation, NaijaAgroNet equally gathered, has already been piloted in Kebbi, Adamawa, Bauchi, Sokoto and the FCT. It will eventually be deployed in all 774 LGAs in Nigeria.
NaijaAgroNet further gathered that according to the Nigeria’s National Demographic Health Survey 2018 (NDHS 2018) “… Only 43 per cent of children under age 5 have their births registered by the NPC.”
... Linking agrobiz, sustainable environs, people & technology
The Chairman, National Population Commission, Dr. Eyitayo Oyetunji, Director-General, National Population Commission, Dr. Ghaji Ismaila Bello, UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon, the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Peter Hawkins, would be leading speakers at the launch of the innovative technology for an automated, digitized system for registering births of children in the country today, reports NaijaAgroNet. They are expected to lead other heads of UN Agencies; Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission; Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency; Director General, National Orientation Agency; State Commissioners of Health, Education, Budget and Planning; State Directors, National Population Commission; Executive Secretaries, States Primary Health Care Development Agencies; Heads of Departments of Vital Registration, National Population Commission; CSOs, Media as Nigeria joins the African continent to commemorate Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Day, 2020.
NaijaAgroNet gathered that the technology is a hand-held, customized tablet that registers births using an android application. It not only captures and uploads data to a central database/server hosted by NPC in real time, but also captures information about the child, parents and place of birth, education levels of both parents, birth order of the child and the rural/urban base where the child was registered.
The innovation, NaijaAgroNet equally gathered, has already been piloted in Kebbi, Adamawa, Bauchi, Sokoto and the FCT. It will eventually be deployed in all 774 LGAs in Nigeria.
NaijaAgroNet further gathered that according to the Nigeria’s National Demographic Health Survey 2018 (NDHS 2018) “… Only 43 per cent of children under age 5 have their births registered by the NPC.”
Remmy Nweke/DoP
... Linking agrobiz, sustainable environs, people & technology
Saturday, August 8, 2020
NNPC partners CNOOC, SAPETROL to end dispute over OML 130 - NaijaAgroNet
NaijaAgroNet:
In efforts to meet the target of revving up production to 3million barrels per day and unlock gas revenues worth about $225 million in the short term and $510million in the long run, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has reached an accord with its partners, reports NaijaAgroNet.
These partners, NaijaAgroNet gathered include China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) and South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETROL), which tend to settle all outstanding issues surrounding the development of Oil Mining Lease, (OML) 130.
Speaking at the signing of Head of Terms (HoT) agreement with the partners Thursday at the NNPC Towers, Abuja, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, said the deal was part of the Corporation’s PSC Dispute Resolution and Renewal Strategy of 2017 aimed at securing out of court settlement of all disputes around the 1993 Production Sharing Contracts (PSC) and agreeing on terms for their renewal.
A press release by the Corporation’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, explains that the dispute arose from recognition of certain cost and discordant interpretation of the fiscal terms of the PSC by NNPC and the Contractor parties.
With the resolution and signing of the Head of Terms (HoT) document which sets out the terms agreed in principle between parties in the course of negotiations, apart from unlocking over $225 million of gas revenues, it will also enable settlement of renewal fees and create an environment conducive to further development of OML 130 with associated benefits to the Federation.
“We are doing this with every other partner in the PSC dispute, we believe that we can close this engagement and conversation with all of you. The HoT will clearly enable us to proceed and have a full settlement, and this will benefit all of us,” Mallam Kyari stated.
He commended CNOOC and SAPETROL for their understanding, while expressing delight that the HoT will facilitate the conclusion of all renewal issues.
In his response, the Managing Director of CNOOC, Mr. Xie Vincent Wensheng, said the agreement has opened a new chapter in his company’s relationship with NNPC, stressing that it has provided a win-win situation for all parties.
On his part, Managing Director of SAPETROL, Mr. Toyin Adenuga, said the resolution of the dispute was a very important step towards further development of OML 130 and other new fields as the terms are now clearly spelt out.
The execution of the HoT signals the resolution of a tax dispute that arose from the $2.3bn acquisition of a 45% stake in OML 130 by CNNOC from SAPETRO in 2006.
The OML 130 consists of the Akpo and Egina Fields which have been producing since 2009 and 2018 respectively.
It is operated by Total Upstream Nigeria Ltd which holds 24% stake, while Petrobras Oil and Gas BV and SAPETRO hold 16% and 15% stakes respectively.
Isaac Oyimah/Editor
Pix: Photo Caption: L-R: Managing Director of SAPETRO, Mr. Toyin Adenuga, NNPC GMD, Mallam Mele Kyari, and Managing Director of CNOOC, Mr. Xie Vincent Wensheng, displaying signed Head of Terms to signal the end of the over 10-year dispute over OML 130.
... Linking agrobiz, sustainable environs, people & technology
In efforts to meet the target of revving up production to 3million barrels per day and unlock gas revenues worth about $225 million in the short term and $510million in the long run, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has reached an accord with its partners, reports NaijaAgroNet.These partners, NaijaAgroNet gathered include China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) and South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETROL), which tend to settle all outstanding issues surrounding the development of Oil Mining Lease, (OML) 130.
Speaking at the signing of Head of Terms (HoT) agreement with the partners Thursday at the NNPC Towers, Abuja, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, said the deal was part of the Corporation’s PSC Dispute Resolution and Renewal Strategy of 2017 aimed at securing out of court settlement of all disputes around the 1993 Production Sharing Contracts (PSC) and agreeing on terms for their renewal.
A press release by the Corporation’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, explains that the dispute arose from recognition of certain cost and discordant interpretation of the fiscal terms of the PSC by NNPC and the Contractor parties.
With the resolution and signing of the Head of Terms (HoT) document which sets out the terms agreed in principle between parties in the course of negotiations, apart from unlocking over $225 million of gas revenues, it will also enable settlement of renewal fees and create an environment conducive to further development of OML 130 with associated benefits to the Federation.
“We are doing this with every other partner in the PSC dispute, we believe that we can close this engagement and conversation with all of you. The HoT will clearly enable us to proceed and have a full settlement, and this will benefit all of us,” Mallam Kyari stated.
He commended CNOOC and SAPETROL for their understanding, while expressing delight that the HoT will facilitate the conclusion of all renewal issues.
In his response, the Managing Director of CNOOC, Mr. Xie Vincent Wensheng, said the agreement has opened a new chapter in his company’s relationship with NNPC, stressing that it has provided a win-win situation for all parties.
On his part, Managing Director of SAPETROL, Mr. Toyin Adenuga, said the resolution of the dispute was a very important step towards further development of OML 130 and other new fields as the terms are now clearly spelt out.
The execution of the HoT signals the resolution of a tax dispute that arose from the $2.3bn acquisition of a 45% stake in OML 130 by CNNOC from SAPETRO in 2006.
The OML 130 consists of the Akpo and Egina Fields which have been producing since 2009 and 2018 respectively.
It is operated by Total Upstream Nigeria Ltd which holds 24% stake, while Petrobras Oil and Gas BV and SAPETRO hold 16% and 15% stakes respectively.
Isaac Oyimah/Editor
Pix: Photo Caption: L-R: Managing Director of SAPETRO, Mr. Toyin Adenuga, NNPC GMD, Mallam Mele Kyari, and Managing Director of CNOOC, Mr. Xie Vincent Wensheng, displaying signed Head of Terms to signal the end of the over 10-year dispute over OML 130.
... Linking agrobiz, sustainable environs, people & technology
Friday, August 7, 2020
Darkpore Media Africa, 9 others top finalists @ food prize - NaijaAgroNet
NaijaAgroNet:
The Rockefeller Foundation has named 10 finalists for the Food System Vision Prize, a global challenge to develop visions of a regenerative and nourishing food system by the year 2050, reports NaijaAgroNet.
... Linking agrobiz, sustainable environs, people & technology
The Rockefeller Foundation has named 10 finalists for the Food System Vision Prize, a global challenge to develop visions of a regenerative and nourishing food system by the year 2050, reports NaijaAgroNet.
A Lagos-based Darkpore Media Africa Ltd, NaijaAgroNet gathered was named as one of the finalists and has identified six key food challenges for the region, from food waste to aging farmers, to address in a multi-faceted plan to build a more nourishing food system.
According to a recent report from the United Nations, 2 billion people face food insecurity and preliminary estimates suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic may add an additional 83-132 million people. Given the fragility of our global food system right now, The Rockefeller Foundation’s prize is supporting Visionaries who are answering the question of how to address these sobering statistics and make our food system more resilient to future crises.
The prize finalists, who hail from Canada, China, India, Kenya, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Peru, and the U.S., were selected from a diverse group of 76 semi-finalists from around the world. Following completion of the Accelerator phase, finalists will be eligible for a prize of $200,000 USD.
According to a recent report from the United Nations, 2 billion people face food insecurity and preliminary estimates suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic may add an additional 83-132 million people. Given the fragility of our global food system right now, The Rockefeller Foundation’s prize is supporting Visionaries who are answering the question of how to address these sobering statistics and make our food system more resilient to future crises.
The prize finalists, who hail from Canada, China, India, Kenya, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Peru, and the U.S., were selected from a diverse group of 76 semi-finalists from around the world. Following completion of the Accelerator phase, finalists will be eligible for a prize of $200,000 USD.
Ayo Midele/Editor
... Linking agrobiz, sustainable environs, people & technology
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Chidebe lifts indigent farmer, Mrs. Nwadiogbu with new house - NaijaAgroNet
NaijaAgroNet: 
NaijaAgroNet:
Lagos-based businessman, and prominent indigene of Awba-Ofemili in Awka-North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Benard Chidebe has donated a complete house to an indigent woman in the town, Mrs Mary Nwadiogbu, reports NaijaAgroNet.
NaijaAgroNet gathered that, Chief Chidebe, also known as Ide of Awba-Ofemili made the donation in company of his wife, Lolo Gloria Chidebe, noted that Mrs. Nwadiogbu was affected by flood a few months ago which swept her home away.
As said by him, his attention was brought to the fact that she had no shelter, hence he acted with the much he could to assist.
Mrs. Nwadiogbu who was full of praises for the Chidebe family prayed God to replenish for them abundantly.
In his reaction to the development, coordinator of Awba-Ofemili Chatroom, Fred Chijekwu Nweke, congratulated Chief Chidebe who also is the Ide of Awba-Ofemili for successfully uplifting this woman with a bungalow located at Umuokpe village in the town.
“The gift of a man makes way for him,” Nweke declared, urging other well-meaning indigenes of Awba-Ofemili to emulate Chief Chidebe gesture.
The vibrant youth leader equally used the opportunity to appeal to others blessed from Awba-Ofemili to use their God-given wealth to be a blessing to the town than resorting to destabilization and fomenting troubles which leads to retrogressive society.
“For those dragging Awba-Ofemili back, I beseech all of you to have a rethink and start using the money in touching people's lives positively rather than spending it on the Police and court cases,” he urged.
This, he said, is exactly what the good people of Awba-Ofemili deserve now, especially the indigents.
*Uj. N. Dominic/Editor/
Lagos-based businessman, and prominent indigene of Awba-Ofemili in Awka-North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Benard Chidebe has donated a complete house to an indigent woman in the town, Mrs Mary Nwadiogbu, reports NaijaAgroNet.
NaijaAgroNet gathered that, Chief Chidebe, also known as Ide of Awba-Ofemili made the donation in company of his wife, Lolo Gloria Chidebe, noted that Mrs. Nwadiogbu was affected by flood a few months ago which swept her home away.
As said by him, his attention was brought to the fact that she had no shelter, hence he acted with the much he could to assist.
Mrs. Nwadiogbu who was full of praises for the Chidebe family prayed God to replenish for them abundantly.
In his reaction to the development, coordinator of Awba-Ofemili Chatroom, Fred Chijekwu Nweke, congratulated Chief Chidebe who also is the Ide of Awba-Ofemili for successfully uplifting this woman with a bungalow located at Umuokpe village in the town.
“The gift of a man makes way for him,” Nweke declared, urging other well-meaning indigenes of Awba-Ofemili to emulate Chief Chidebe gesture.
The vibrant youth leader equally used the opportunity to appeal to others blessed from Awba-Ofemili to use their God-given wealth to be a blessing to the town than resorting to destabilization and fomenting troubles which leads to retrogressive society.
“For those dragging Awba-Ofemili back, I beseech all of you to have a rethink and start using the money in touching people's lives positively rather than spending it on the Police and court cases,” he urged.
This, he said, is exactly what the good people of Awba-Ofemili deserve now, especially the indigents.
Pix: 1. The beneficiary, Mrs. Mary Nwadiogbu in front her new home.
Pix: Chief Benard Chidebe and his Lolo, during the house presentation at Awba-Ofemili on Sunday, August 2, 2020. With them is the beneficiary, Mrs. Mary Nwadiogbu.
Photo credit: Fred Nweke
... Linking agrobiz, sustainable environs, people & technology
Monday, August 3, 2020
Breastfeeding: Still best for mothers, babies during the COVID-19 pandemic - NaijaAgroNet
UNICEF has said that the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for stronger measures to support exclusive breastfeeding, as Nigeria joins the world to celebrate this year’s World Breastfeeding Week themed “Supporting breastfeeding for a healthier planet.”
The call came as UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), in a joint statement, urged governments to find innovative solutions to protect and promote women’s access to breastfeeding counselling, a critical component of breastfeeding support.
Breastmilk saves children’s lives as it provides antibodies that give babies a healthy boost and protect them against many childhood illnesses. While researchers continue to test breastmilk from mothers with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, current evidence indicate that it is unlikely that COVID-19 would be transmitted through breastfeeding.
“The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, like most emergencies, leaves families with children in an extremely vulnerable position. Given the present lack of evidence that transmission of the virus could occur through breastmilk, we recommend that mothers should be encouraged to initiate and continue to breastfeed their babies while observing good hygiene practices,” said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF’s Representative in Nigeria.
UNICEF and WHO recommend that babies be fed only breastmilk for their first 6 months, after which they should continue breastfeeding – as well as eating other nutritious and safe foods – until 2 years of age or beyond. Currently, only 29 percent of Nigerian children between the ages of 0 to 6 months are exclusively breastfed.
Breastmilk substitutes such as infant formula, other milk products, and beverages not only contribute negatively to the health and development of the child, but also to environmental degradation and climate change. Breastmilk, on the other hand, is natural, and is the only food a baby needs in the first 6 months of life.
UNICEF called on relevant agencies to strictly enforce adherence to the National Regulation on the Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and relevant World Health Assembly (WHA) resolutions by putting to a stop to the unwholesome marketing of breastmilk substitutes. Civil society organizations should also not seek or accept donations of breastmilk substitutes in emergency situations.
Breastmilk saves children’s lives as it provides antibodies that give babies a healthy boost and protect them against many childhood illnesses. While researchers continue to test breastmilk from mothers with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, current evidence indicate that it is unlikely that COVID-19 would be transmitted through breastfeeding.
“The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, like most emergencies, leaves families with children in an extremely vulnerable position. Given the present lack of evidence that transmission of the virus could occur through breastmilk, we recommend that mothers should be encouraged to initiate and continue to breastfeed their babies while observing good hygiene practices,” said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF’s Representative in Nigeria.
UNICEF and WHO recommend that babies be fed only breastmilk for their first 6 months, after which they should continue breastfeeding – as well as eating other nutritious and safe foods – until 2 years of age or beyond. Currently, only 29 percent of Nigerian children between the ages of 0 to 6 months are exclusively breastfed.
Breastmilk substitutes such as infant formula, other milk products, and beverages not only contribute negatively to the health and development of the child, but also to environmental degradation and climate change. Breastmilk, on the other hand, is natural, and is the only food a baby needs in the first 6 months of life.
UNICEF called on relevant agencies to strictly enforce adherence to the National Regulation on the Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and relevant World Health Assembly (WHA) resolutions by putting to a stop to the unwholesome marketing of breastmilk substitutes. Civil society organizations should also not seek or accept donations of breastmilk substitutes in emergency situations.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, availability and increased access to health care workers, including midwives and nurses, to deliver skilled breastfeeding counselling to mothers and families is essential. Efforts must be made to increase investment in maternal, infant, and child nutrition interventions at the community level support and to implement policies that support maternity leave for 6 months in the public sector, and an enabling environment for breastfeeding in the private sector. Advocacy for paid paternity leave must also continue to ensure full participation of both parents in the early moments of the child.
“Through strengthened policy provisions and increased investment for breastfeeding, we can ensure that mothers in Nigeria are empowered to breastfeed their babies,” said Peter Hawkins. “Breastfeeding is still the safest during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“Through strengthened policy provisions and increased investment for breastfeeding, we can ensure that mothers in Nigeria are empowered to breastfeed their babies,” said Peter Hawkins. “Breastfeeding is still the safest during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.”
... Linking agrobiz, sustainable environs, people & technology
Sunday, August 2, 2020
COVID-19: Collaboration with private labs raises test by 50% - NaijaAgroNet
NaijaAgroNet:
The government of Lagos State has said that accreditation of some seven private and public laboratories increased testing on the populace over COVID-19 by 50 per cent, reports NaijaAgroNet.
Disclosing this, the incident commander and governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, informed NaijaAgroNet at the weekend that in June, for instance they expanded COVID-19 testing capacity in Lagos with the accreditation of seven private laboratories.
“In the week ending July 26, 2020, we successfully tested close to 9,000 samples in Lagos State, across the public and private sector laboratories, a 50% increase from the approximately 6,000 samples tested in each of the preceding two weeks..” he said.
Lagos, he said, believes that this increased testing will lead to an rise in the number of daily confirmed cases of the CoronaVirus in Lagos State.
“This is a welcome development, since our capacity to contain the pandemic depends significantly on how successful we are in identifying all the existing cases,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu also mentioned that they have seen a general decrease in positivity rates in Lagos State over the past two weeks, which, combined with the increase in testing numbers, paints a very encouraging picture of the outcome of responses strategy.
“We will continue to fine-tune our efforts and strategies to build on our successes and close any existing gaps,” he said.
Lagos, he said, has patterned response strategy after Mumbai, India, which like Lagos is a densely populated mega-city with similar demographic and climatic conditions.
“I must however say that we are also recording similar results in terms of our successes,” he said.
... Linking agrobiz, sustainable environs, people & technology
Disclosing this, the incident commander and governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, informed NaijaAgroNet at the weekend that in June, for instance they expanded COVID-19 testing capacity in Lagos with the accreditation of seven private laboratories.
“In the week ending July 26, 2020, we successfully tested close to 9,000 samples in Lagos State, across the public and private sector laboratories, a 50% increase from the approximately 6,000 samples tested in each of the preceding two weeks..” he said.
Lagos, he said, believes that this increased testing will lead to an rise in the number of daily confirmed cases of the CoronaVirus in Lagos State.
“This is a welcome development, since our capacity to contain the pandemic depends significantly on how successful we are in identifying all the existing cases,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu also mentioned that they have seen a general decrease in positivity rates in Lagos State over the past two weeks, which, combined with the increase in testing numbers, paints a very encouraging picture of the outcome of responses strategy.
“We will continue to fine-tune our efforts and strategies to build on our successes and close any existing gaps,” he said.
Lagos, he said, has patterned response strategy after Mumbai, India, which like Lagos is a densely populated mega-city with similar demographic and climatic conditions.
“I must however say that we are also recording similar results in terms of our successes,” he said.
Nenye Dom/Editor
... Linking agrobiz, sustainable environs, people & technology
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
OPEC-Nigeria think of post-COVID-19 market - NaijaAgroNet
The OPEC-Nigeria Bilateral Meeting that took place last week ended with a signal of the strong dialogue and cooperation between OPEC and Africa’s biggest producing country, reports NaijaAgroNet.
Such a dialogue, NaijaAgroNet gathered, is key for compliance with the OPEC global production cuts deal of April, to which all of OPEC’s African member countries have agreed to. Nigeria’s support to global market stability and energy cooperation is significant and gives confidence to operators and future investors seeking to do business in West Africa.
“African producers and service companies are the hardest hit when there is volatility in the market. H.E. Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo and Dr. Ayed S. Al-Qahtani leading these discussions sends a strong message that collaboration and sticking to the principles of a stable market is good for Nigeria, its producers and the economy at large,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman at the African Energy Chamber.
“We continue to support the Government of Nigeria, and the country’s Ministry of Petroleum Resources in their effort to improve the environment for investment and getting the industry to rebound post-Covid-19. We believe they are right in making this a priority and we welcome the bold initiatives by Nigeria’s leadership,” he added.
Nigeria’s ongoing Marginal Fields Bidding Round was launched in earlier this year and has already been met with significant success, reportedly attracting hundreds of bidders. The round is expected to result in a new wave of local content development in Nigeria, a country already widely regarded as the most successful example of local content and capacity building across the continent.
Such a dialogue, NaijaAgroNet gathered, is key for compliance with the OPEC global production cuts deal of April, to which all of OPEC’s African member countries have agreed to. Nigeria’s support to global market stability and energy cooperation is significant and gives confidence to operators and future investors seeking to do business in West Africa.
“African producers and service companies are the hardest hit when there is volatility in the market. H.E. Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo and Dr. Ayed S. Al-Qahtani leading these discussions sends a strong message that collaboration and sticking to the principles of a stable market is good for Nigeria, its producers and the economy at large,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman at the African Energy Chamber.
“We continue to support the Government of Nigeria, and the country’s Ministry of Petroleum Resources in their effort to improve the environment for investment and getting the industry to rebound post-Covid-19. We believe they are right in making this a priority and we welcome the bold initiatives by Nigeria’s leadership,” he added.
Nigeria’s ongoing Marginal Fields Bidding Round was launched in earlier this year and has already been met with significant success, reportedly attracting hundreds of bidders. The round is expected to result in a new wave of local content development in Nigeria, a country already widely regarded as the most successful example of local content and capacity building across the continent.
Monday, July 27, 2020
OPL oil scam: Group wants Malami to declare full recovered assests - NaijaAgroNet
NaijaAgroNet:
Group of anti-graft civil society groups has has Nigeria's Justice Minister and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami, to make full disclosure on recovered assets linked to the OPL multi-billion dollar oil scam, reports NaijaAgroNet.
Assets running into billions of dollars have been recovered due to local and international litigations but there are increasing public outrage against the lack of transparency in the process
The lack of openness in the entire process continues to fuel public suspicion that corrupt officials might manipulate the procedure for personal gains.
A consortium of anti-corruption groups across the world are raising series of fresh questions on the role of Malami and the funding arrangements that Johnson and Johnson, the Nigerian legal firm that has the fiat for all OPL 245 recovery claims has entered into with Drumcliffe Partners, a U.S. litigation fund, to finance various OPL 245 related asset recovery cases.
On Sunday, the Corner House, Global Witness, Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) and Re-Common through a letter to the AGF Malami launched a filament of global campaigns for transparency in the quantum of assets recovered from the scam which lid was been blown open. In the petition, the groups raised 25 critical questions for Malami.
"Nigerians need to know assets recovered relating to the OPL 245 scam. This is one of the most significant corruption cases in Nigeria involving billions of dollars in stolen funds used by political figures to procure assets kept across the world. It is important that Nigerians and the international community know how many assets have been recovered", the groups said in the jointly signed statement on Sunday.
Following earlier media publications by the group titled The Ministry of Justice Needs To Get Its Act Together On Asset Recovery" raising questions about the Ministry of Justice's handling of asset recovery and damages claims, particularly in relation to the OPL 245 corruption scandal, Global Witness was contacted by Montfort Communications, a public relations firm that defends the legal team of Nigerian central government. The groups said Montfort offered to arrange a meeting to explore earlier raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the asset recovery deal saying is was ready for an open meeting driven by overall public interest.
The groups have raised 25 fundamental questions seeking answers from both the OPL 245 asset recovery lawyers and Malami who, as senior law officer and Minister of Justice, should be abreast of the funding arrangements and their implications for Nigeria.
The groups said Nigerians are anxious to know how many OPL 245 related contracts have been signed between Johnson and Johnson and Drumcliffe, on what dates, when and how was Malami informed of the existence of such contracts.
The group stated "Nigerians want to know if any complaint has ever been made to any official body or official of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in respect of terms of the contracts, has Johnson and Johnson or any legal firm employed by Johnson and Johnson explained the terms of the contracts to any official of the Federal Government and whether any assessment has been made by Johnson and Johnson or any legal firm employed by Johnson and Johnson of potential conflicts of interest that might arise from the contracts?" It said contracts signed with all relevant authorities relating to the asset recovery should not be shrouded in mystery.
The coalition asked Malami to clarify what fees and expenses arising from Nigeria's asset recovery does Drumcliffe fund and what does it not fund, who is Drumcliffe's counterparty in the funding agreements adding whether it was the Federal Government or Johnson and Johnson.
The groups asked further "How much funding has Drumcliffe allocated or spent to date on the various OPL 245 asset recovery efforts (Italian civil claim, JP Morgan, Shell-Eni etc), what is Drumcliffe's typical rate of return, or what lowest rate of return Drumcliffe will accept, and also Drumcliffe's contractual rate of return in the case of FRN/OPL 245 recoveries.
It noted that litigation funders typically prefer to deduct what is owed to them prior to recovered assets or damages being remitted to the claimant. The coalition asked Malami to confirm that in the OPL 245-related contracts entered into between Johnson and Johnson and Drumcliffe, all recovered monies will be automatically credited to the Federal Government without prior deductions adding that if this is not the case it would wish to know what procedure will be followed.
"Has that procedure been sanctioned by the Attorney General or the Solicitor General? What deductions would be made and how these consistent with Government policy on asset recovery claims. What assurances can you give that Drumcliffe is not controlling the FRN's legal strategy? What codes of conduct, if any, does Drumcliffe subscribe to in the USA? Who regulates Drumcliffe? and what are the key regulatory requirements?"
It said, it is important to know what assurances can Malami give that Drumcliffe has the capital in reserve to support the Federal Government's asset recovery efforts long-term, who is paying the FG's £850k legal costs from the recent case it lost against Shell, Eni and others in London and when did the FG's legal team in the recent Shell and Eni case first inform the government that Drumcliffe would not be liable for the £2 million adverse costs in the Shell, Eni and others case in London.
The groups asked further "Who is liable for putting up any securities for costs in other ongoing cases, Drumcliffe or the FG and if it is the government, are they aware of this and when did you first inform them of the development.
It also wanted to know if Drumcliffe had funded other FG and OPL 245 asset recovery cases before, why are Drumcliffe's funds incorporated in Delaware, who typically invests in Drumcliffe's litigation funds and what due diligence has been undertaken by Johnson and Johnson on the investors in Drumcliffe? And on Drumcliffe itself.
It asked further "Has the FRN been informed of the names of the investors in Drumcliffe and what contingent liabilities have been built up by the FRN for OPL 245 asset recovery cases undertaken through Johnson and Johnson? Who sanctioned these liabilities."
Assets running into billions of dollars have been recovered due to local and international litigations but there are increasing public outrage against the lack of transparency in the process
The lack of openness in the entire process continues to fuel public suspicion that corrupt officials might manipulate the procedure for personal gains.
A consortium of anti-corruption groups across the world are raising series of fresh questions on the role of Malami and the funding arrangements that Johnson and Johnson, the Nigerian legal firm that has the fiat for all OPL 245 recovery claims has entered into with Drumcliffe Partners, a U.S. litigation fund, to finance various OPL 245 related asset recovery cases.
On Sunday, the Corner House, Global Witness, Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) and Re-Common through a letter to the AGF Malami launched a filament of global campaigns for transparency in the quantum of assets recovered from the scam which lid was been blown open. In the petition, the groups raised 25 critical questions for Malami.
"Nigerians need to know assets recovered relating to the OPL 245 scam. This is one of the most significant corruption cases in Nigeria involving billions of dollars in stolen funds used by political figures to procure assets kept across the world. It is important that Nigerians and the international community know how many assets have been recovered", the groups said in the jointly signed statement on Sunday.
Following earlier media publications by the group titled The Ministry of Justice Needs To Get Its Act Together On Asset Recovery" raising questions about the Ministry of Justice's handling of asset recovery and damages claims, particularly in relation to the OPL 245 corruption scandal, Global Witness was contacted by Montfort Communications, a public relations firm that defends the legal team of Nigerian central government. The groups said Montfort offered to arrange a meeting to explore earlier raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the asset recovery deal saying is was ready for an open meeting driven by overall public interest.
The groups have raised 25 fundamental questions seeking answers from both the OPL 245 asset recovery lawyers and Malami who, as senior law officer and Minister of Justice, should be abreast of the funding arrangements and their implications for Nigeria.
The groups said Nigerians are anxious to know how many OPL 245 related contracts have been signed between Johnson and Johnson and Drumcliffe, on what dates, when and how was Malami informed of the existence of such contracts.
The group stated "Nigerians want to know if any complaint has ever been made to any official body or official of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in respect of terms of the contracts, has Johnson and Johnson or any legal firm employed by Johnson and Johnson explained the terms of the contracts to any official of the Federal Government and whether any assessment has been made by Johnson and Johnson or any legal firm employed by Johnson and Johnson of potential conflicts of interest that might arise from the contracts?" It said contracts signed with all relevant authorities relating to the asset recovery should not be shrouded in mystery.
The coalition asked Malami to clarify what fees and expenses arising from Nigeria's asset recovery does Drumcliffe fund and what does it not fund, who is Drumcliffe's counterparty in the funding agreements adding whether it was the Federal Government or Johnson and Johnson.
The groups asked further "How much funding has Drumcliffe allocated or spent to date on the various OPL 245 asset recovery efforts (Italian civil claim, JP Morgan, Shell-Eni etc), what is Drumcliffe's typical rate of return, or what lowest rate of return Drumcliffe will accept, and also Drumcliffe's contractual rate of return in the case of FRN/OPL 245 recoveries.
It noted that litigation funders typically prefer to deduct what is owed to them prior to recovered assets or damages being remitted to the claimant. The coalition asked Malami to confirm that in the OPL 245-related contracts entered into between Johnson and Johnson and Drumcliffe, all recovered monies will be automatically credited to the Federal Government without prior deductions adding that if this is not the case it would wish to know what procedure will be followed.
"Has that procedure been sanctioned by the Attorney General or the Solicitor General? What deductions would be made and how these consistent with Government policy on asset recovery claims. What assurances can you give that Drumcliffe is not controlling the FRN's legal strategy? What codes of conduct, if any, does Drumcliffe subscribe to in the USA? Who regulates Drumcliffe? and what are the key regulatory requirements?"
It said, it is important to know what assurances can Malami give that Drumcliffe has the capital in reserve to support the Federal Government's asset recovery efforts long-term, who is paying the FG's £850k legal costs from the recent case it lost against Shell, Eni and others in London and when did the FG's legal team in the recent Shell and Eni case first inform the government that Drumcliffe would not be liable for the £2 million adverse costs in the Shell, Eni and others case in London.
The groups asked further "Who is liable for putting up any securities for costs in other ongoing cases, Drumcliffe or the FG and if it is the government, are they aware of this and when did you first inform them of the development.
It also wanted to know if Drumcliffe had funded other FG and OPL 245 asset recovery cases before, why are Drumcliffe's funds incorporated in Delaware, who typically invests in Drumcliffe's litigation funds and what due diligence has been undertaken by Johnson and Johnson on the investors in Drumcliffe? And on Drumcliffe itself.
It asked further "Has the FRN been informed of the names of the investors in Drumcliffe and what contingent liabilities have been built up by the FRN for OPL 245 asset recovery cases undertaken through Johnson and Johnson? Who sanctioned these liabilities."
... Linking agrobiz, sustainable environs, people & technology
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)