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Nigeria’s Poverty Reduced By Seven Per Cent – World Bank

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The World Bank has estimated that improved access to internet coverage over three years led to a seven per cent reduction in extreme poverty in Nigeria and Tanzania.

This was disclosed in a new brief titled, “Digital transformation drives development in Africa,” noting that the exposure has also led to an increase of 8 per cent in labour force participation and wage employment.

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The World Bank said, “In 2023, a World Bank flagship report found that in Nigeria and Tanzania, extreme poverty declined by about seven per cent after three or more years of exposure to internet coverage, while labour force participation and wage employment increased by up to eight per cent.”

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Kaduna Police Hand Over Arrested Abuja Kidnapper To FCT Command

In the brief, World Bank Chief Economist for Africa, Andrew Dabalen, was quoted as saying, “The minimal usage of mobile internet is a lost opportunity for inclusive growth in Africa. Closing the uptake gap would increase the continent’s potential to create jobs for its growing population and boost economic recovery in a highly digitalised world.”

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The brief further highlights that over the past five years (2016-2021), sub-Saharan Africa experienced an extraordinary 115 per cent increase in internet users, a change that has been instrumental in spurring economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating job opportunities.

The brief adds, “The region’s digital infrastructure coverage, access, and quality still lag other regions. At the end of 2021, while 84 per cent of people in SSA lived in areas where 3G service was available, and 63 per cent had access to 4G mobile coverage, only 22 per cent were using mobile internet services.

READ ALSO: FG Relocates FAAN Headquarters To Lagos

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“The gap between coverage and usage is similarly large for broadband, with 61 per cent of people in sub-Saharan Africa living within the broadband range but not using it.”

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, recently noted that the cost of data in Nigeria was still one of the cheapest in the world, but lamented that many operators are not willing to lay fibre in many parts of the countries outside the major cities because it would be unprofitable.

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JUST IN Ex-CJN, Mohammed Uwais, Is Dead

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A former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Uwais, has died at the age of 88.

The former CJN died in the early hours of Friday, according to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Dr Kayode Ajulo.

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Uwais served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 until his retirement in 2006.

Following his retirement, he chaired the Presidential Electoral Reform Committee inaugurated by late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

READ ALSO: Police Arrest 28 Suspected Cultists In Edo

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The committee included prominent figures such as Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and human rights lawyer, Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. Tributes from legal, political, and civic leaders are expected to pour in over the coming days.

More to come…

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Eid al-Adha: We’ll Work Tirelessly To Ensure A Safer Edo – Okpebholo

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Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has expressed his administration’s commitment to the safety and security of lives and property across the state.

Speaking during a visit by Muslim faithful to the New Festival Hall, Government House, in celebration of Eid al-Adha, Okpebholo, who was represented by his Deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, emphasized that the present administration remains focused on building a secure and prosperous Edo.

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“Our administration is fully committed to the welfare and well-being of all citizens. Security remains the bedrock of any thriving society, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that lives and property are protected across Edo State,” he stated.

He urged citizens to reflect on the values of Eid al-Adha — unity, love, sacrifice, and peace — and to continue to uphold the shared values that promote harmony across religious and ethnic lines.

READ ALSO: Okpebholo Prioritises Security, Workers Welfare, Says Idahosa

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“As we celebrate, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to building a society that is inclusive, tolerant, peaceful, and respectful of all cultures and faiths. Let us extend hands of support to the less privileged, sharing and giving to make the season meaningful for all,” the governor added.

Okpebholo also appealed to parents to preach peace to their children and discourage them from engaging in cultism, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality.

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Benin, Alhaji Abdulfatai Enabulele, commended Governor Okpebholo for the developmental strides recorded in his first six months in office. He lauded the governor’s strategies in combating cultism, kidnapping, and criminal activities, noting that they have contributed significantly to the peace currently being enjoyed across the state.

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Alhaji Enabulele also urged those involved in criminal activities to embrace more progressive ideas and support government efforts toward sustainable development.

READ ALSO: Killers Of Edo Realtor, Isibor, Won’t Go Scot-free, Idahosa Vows

He expressed gratitude to the governor for his benevolence and support to the Muslim community, which he said has made the Eid celebration more enjoyable.

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He further advised that major routes into the state be better secured through the use of vigilante groups, and called on the government to ensure grassroots implementation of the five-point “Agada” plan for inclusive development.

Edesili Anani Okpebholo, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, described the celebration as a reminder of the importance of love and sacrifice. She urged citizens to make kindness and selflessness a daily habit, especially toward the less privileged.

Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, praised Governor Okpebholo for his leadership, fairness, and commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy.

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READ ALSO: Killers Of Edo Realtor, Isibor, Won’t Go Scot-free, Idahosa Vows

“The governor is a man of vision, focused on project-based leadership that aims to improve the lives of our people,” he said.

The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, also acknowledged the contributions of the Muslim community in fostering peace and supporting the government’s efforts.

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He assured that the Okpebholo-led administration would continue on its path of visible and impactful development.

“In just six months, the governor has demonstrated a practical and people-focused approach to governance. The projects so far embarked upon directly impact the lives of citizens, and there’s more to come,” Ohonbamu noted.

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JUST IN: Akwa Ibom Gov Dumps PDP For APC

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The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

He made this known during an official announcement on Friday at the Government House in Uyo, the state capital.

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The governor said the decision followed “three months of wide consultation” with critical stakeholders across the state.

READ ALSO: Governor Eno Endorsed For Second Term As He Doubles Ward PAs’ Salary To N500,000

Eno expressed his gratitude to the PDP for their support during his tenure, stating that it was time for him to make a progressive move.

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The governor said he decided to join the APC, citing his admiration for President Bola Tinubu and the need for Akwa Ibom State to align with the federal government to reap continuous benefits.

Eno also assured the people of Akwa Ibom State that he would continue to work tirelessly for their benefit, regardless of party affiliation.

He said, “After completing the rounds of my consultation as your servant whom you have elected to serve, I have therefore decided to progressively move to the APC.

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READ ALSO: Governor Eno Endorsed For Second Term As He Doubles Ward PAs’ Salary To N500,000

”We’re joining the APC today in the state interest and because of our critical admiration and respect for President Tinubu and to provide the needed support for Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

”We are not joing the APC from the position of weakness but from the position of strength and alive. We are joining the APC out of a need to align our state with the center.”

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Some of the APC Governors who attended the event included the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) and Bassey Otu (Cross River), among others.

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