Author: tdpel

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has inaugurated the board of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority.

This was done during the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by the President at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.

The President charged the board to make more investments that support economic diversification, as global oil prices are projected to drop to around $40 per barrel by 2030.

He pointed out that their appointment was a call to duty, action and performance, adding that they were eminently qualified for the job.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing long term projects and programmes that create jobs for Nigerians, while pointing out that most of the strategic projects started under his watch will only be felt long after he had left office.

Details of the inauguration were disclosed in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

In the statement, Buhari was quoted as saying, ‘‘This Government operates on the agenda for long term change which we all agree is inevitable. Change happens whether you are ready for it or not.

‘‘As representatives of the Federation, you are required to continue to drive the performance of the Authority to deliver benefits to all Nigerians.

‘‘You must bear in mind that the National Economic Council, your Governing Council and Nigerians as a whole will hold you accountable for this mandate.

‘‘Periodically, you will be required to provide evidence of your stewardship at the Governing Council Meetings where your performance will be assessed.

‘‘The bar before you is very high and all of us are counting on you to deliver. If you do, I assure you that Government and indeed all Nigerians will be unflinching in their support for you.

The President recounted that NSIA, which is one of Nigeria’s premier economic institutions, was conceived to be a store of wealth which may be drawn upon at times of economic challenges thereby encouraging external investors and lenders.

He expressed delight that so far the institution has discharged its mandate dutifully.

‘‘This is why we prioritized the appointment of a new Board to ensure that the Authority does not lose steam and can continue to benefit from the oversight it needs to deliver on its mandate.

‘‘The new Board we assembled has a crop of seasoned, eminently qualified, and experienced professionals.
‘‘We expect these individuals to bring their wealth of experience to bear, in the next phase of NSIA’s journey,’’ he said.

The President also used the occasion to thank the last Board of Directors whose tenure ended in May 2021.

Acknowledging their commitment, dedication and contributions to the implementation of the objectives of the Authority, Buhari said, ‘‘This distinguished group of patriotic Nigerians heeded the call to serve and deployed the best of their abilities to oversee the affairs of the Authority on behalf of the nation over the last four years.”

Notably, the President said the immediate past Board ‘‘guided the organisation through a critical stage of its existence and have left it standing as a credible world-class institution that turns out consistently good results.’’

‘‘This Administration took the very difficult decision to invest for the long term. We avoided taking shortcuts knowing very well that the full impact of most of the projects we started will only be felt long after we have left office.

‘‘Accordingly, in the past four years, both the public and private sectors in Nigeria have partnered on strategic projects with the NSIA.

‘‘On the public sector partnership, we are working with the NSIA on strategic infrastructure projects such as the Second Niger Bridge, the Lagos – Ibadan Express Way and the Abuja – Kano Road, to mention a few.

‘‘On the private sector collaborations, we have projects such as the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative, the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative and the NSIA Healthcare Development and Investment Company amongst many.

‘‘Although these projects and programs have immediately created jobs from a development standpoint, the wider impact on society will only be felt in years to come,’’ he said.

The new Board members are Farouk Mohammed Gumel (North West) as Non-Executive Chairman; Sir Babatunde Sobamowo (South West), Non-Executive Director; Isiekwena Ikemefuna Louis (South South), Non-Executive Director; Ali Goni Kadugum (North East), Non-Executive Director; Oniyangi Kabir Sulaiman (North Central), Non-Executive Director; and Ike Chioke (South East), Non-Executive Director.

In her remarks, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, said from the base position of $1billion when the Administration assumed office in 2015, NSIA now has around $3.5billion in assets under management.

She explained that the Board will, on behalf of the Nigerian people, guide and oversee the NSIA Management’s activities towards delivering outcomes to transform the fortunes of the country.

‘‘Using the NSIA Act as its guide, the Board will be required to superintend initiatives that meet the current and future needs of Nigerians.

‘‘On our part as Government, we will continue to support the Authority with the necessary policies and framework to ensure that the mission of the institution is delivered in a transparent, sustainable and inclusive manner,’’ she said.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has vowed that perpetrators of the attack on the Nigeria Defence Academy would be brought to book, notwithstanding how long it takes to get them.

This was contained in a statement on Wednesday by the Academy’s Public Relations Officer, Bashir Jajira.
The COAS was said to have visited the Nigerian Defence Academy on Tuesday.

The statement was titled, ‘COAS assures NDA of support to tackle insecurity’.

It partly read, “The COAS appealed to the Academy staff to remain loyal to the country and not allow the unfortunate incident to deter them from their ultimate objective of grooming officer cadets for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“He further enjoined all officers, soldiers and civilian staff in the Academy to remain vigilant because the fight against insecurity must be a collective effort.

“The COAS vowed that no matter how long it takes, the perpetrators of this heinous act would be brought to justice. He urged the Commandant not to be deterred, but remain focus on the good job he is doing in the Academy.
“He assured the Academy that the Nigerian Army would also provide it with additional operational enablers to further enhance the security of the Academy.”

The NDA commandant, Maj Gen I. M Yusuf was quoted to have briefed the COAS on the new security measures being taken in collaboration with 1 Division Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies in Kaduna State to prevent any future security breach in the Academy.

A child sex offender has had his sentence increased following an intervention by the Solicitor General, The Rt Hon Lucy Frazer QC MP.

Anthony Pitts, 39, sexually abused two victims repeatedly over a 10-year period. On 21 June 2021, he was convicted of 13 sexual offences and sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment at Oxford Crown Court.

Following the Court’s decision, the Solicitor General referred Pitts’ case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme. On 2 September 2021, the Court found his sentence to be unduly lenient and increased it to 18 years’ imprisonment, followed by 1 year on licence.

After the hearing at the Court of Appeal the Solicitor General, Rt Hon Lucy Frazer QC MP, said:

I am pleased that the Court of Appeal saw fit to increase Pitts’ sentence today. His crimes were horrific and long running. His victims have suffered because of his actions, and he has shown them a complete lack of remorse or empathy. I hope today’s decision will bring them some comfort.

It is indeed the responsibility of every adult to protect children against such sexual predators. Parents have the top most responsibility of protecting their own children.

Children falling victim to such sexual predators starts from the neglect or failure of parents to completely protect their own chidlren.

We recommend that every adult with a good heart protect every child in their purview so that such evil as this can be caught on time in our societies worldwide. People guilty of sexual acts on children indeed deserve life imprisonment, because predators will always be predators.

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has promised to give necessary support to traditional medicine practice in the State so that the practitioners can continue to support quality healthcare delivery for all residents.

Sanwo-Olu, who made the promise in his keynote address at the Y2021 African Traditional Medicine Day celebration held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, also promised the provision of a state-of-the-art office infrastructure for the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB) and its practitioners.

The Governor, represented at the event by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said that the present administration has, in addition to the provision of necessary infrastructure for LSTMB, will also invest in clinical trials, research works, evidence-based healing and publication of findings for traditional medicine practitioners.

He emphasised that the same way modern-day doctors are regulated, the Ministry of Health through its relevant agencies will be regulating traditional medicine in order to ensure that the practitioners practise sound alternative medicine.

Speaking on the theme of the celebration, “Traditional Medicine: Research and Development”, the Governor lamented the rate at which deforestation is affecting the entire South West of the State and Nigeria specifically, saying that the development is seriously posing threats to effective traditional medicine practice.

Sanwo-Olu, however, challenged the traditional medicine practitioners to rise up to the challenge and become advocates of reforestation of the environment, where there would be abundant herbs for traditional healing.

In his words, “You need to see yourself as a powerful voice that must be listened to. You should also speak out on this deforestation issue that is happening all around us. The loss of habitat where your natural herbs, roots can be found should be of great concern to all of us, especially you”.

Citing Indian and China as some of the countries of the world that have been making deliberate steps to save their forests from deforestation as a strategy towards strengthening their traditional medicine practice, the Governor promised that the present administration will provide needed guidance for the practitioners and also assist in protecting some of the medicinal plants and herbs that are currently disappearing due to deforestation.

The Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Folashade Jaji, in her goodwill message, said that the celebration will further reassure practitioners of traditional medicine that they are recognised by the State Government as major stakeholders in the provision of healthcare to Lagos residents.

She encouraged traditional practitioners to work hand in hand with medical doctors in ensuring that residents remain healthy and have access to their choice of treatment either through traditional medicine or modern medicine

The Chairman of the Board, Prof. Adebukunola Adefule-Ositelu, thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for the recognition accorded the traditional medicine practitioners since he assumed office, just as she affirmed that more attention is now being paid to traditional medicine within the last 18 months than previous years.

The Registrar of LSTMB, Mr. Olorunkemi Kadiku, remarked that the Board will continue to provide the enabling environment needed to unlock the inherent potentials in traditional medicine to the benefit of mankind.

According to him, over 9,000 Practitioners have benefited from our continuous training programmes initiated by the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, stressing that the initiative had assisted in professionalising traditional medicine practice and addressing quackery.

He pleaded with stakeholders to cooperate, collaborate and support each other in the various fields of traditional medicine and equally uphold high ethical standards in the discharge of their obligation to patients and mankind.

“We are at a point in our onerous journey in achieving parity and recognition accorded conventional healthcare practitioners and products, as such, all hands are needed on deck”, Kadiku stated.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has now cancelled general cut-off marks for admission into tertiary institutions.

Instead, institutions can now set their own minimum scores for admission.

The decision was taken by the JAMB board at the 2021 policy meeting which held virtually and was chaired by the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu.

Speaking during the meeting, the Registrar of JAMB Prof. Is-haq Oloyede said some universities proposed different cutoff marks.

Cutoff marks

The proposed cutoff marks and institutions are:

University of Maiduguri proposed 150, Usman Dan Fodio University Sokoto proposed 140, Pan Atlantic University proposed 210, University of Lagos 200, Lagos State University 190, Covenant University 190, Bayero University Kano 180.

Closure of amendment for 2021 admission

The stakeholders approved October 29, 2021, as the deadline for the closure of amendments for 2021 admissions. The stakeholders resolved to allow the ministry to decide as they could not agree on the December 31, 2021 deadline for all public institutions and January 31st 2022 for all public institutions.

2021 admission guidelines

All the stakeholders adopted the 2021 admission guidelines, which states that all applications for part-time or full-time programmes for degrees, NCE, OND, and others must be posted only through JAMB.

The meeting approved that for Direct Entry, DE, the maximum score a candidate can present is 6 and the minimum is 2 or E, as required by law.

The candidate’s credentials must be uploaded on CAPS and recommended by the institution, JAMB approves and the candidate accepts the offer of admission.

If candidates have not accepted an offer, the institution can change the candidate after informing JAMB.

Also approved at the policy were the guidelines that every institution is at liberty to admit candidates based on its own minimum score approved by the institution and the policy meeting.

The meeting also resolved that every institution should maintain its own minimum score as approved by the policy meeting.

According to the stakeholders, the 2021 admissions will be conducted only through CAPS, no institution is allowed to admit candidates without uploading their details on CAPS.

Oloyede further disclosed that for the 2021/2022 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, the board is introducing two new subjects: computer studies and physical and health education, bringing to a total of 25 subjects.

The stakeholders also exempted prison inmates, visually impaired and foreign candidates from sitting for post UTME exercise.

Speaking on the 2020 admissions, Oloyede said out of the 956,809 admission spaces in the 962 higher education institutions in the country about 600,000 have so far been admitted.

While saying there are many admission spaces that have not been filled up in several courses due to lack of qualified candidates, Oloyede said private universities in the country were only able to admit 36,381 candidates out of the 120,938 slots available to them.

Only gamers can understand how frustrating technical problems encountered during a game can be. The performance of the set-up depends on many factors that in most cases have to do with the optimization and the network where you connect.

The launch of Red Dead Redemption 2 revealed the problem of game development in the saturation of the PC, generating a shower of criticism to NVIDIA for the poor reaction of its graphics cards in games that require technical specifications above normal.

Many of the technical problems present when playing have a relatively easy solution, which is why TDPel Media presents 4 technological tricks to boost your performance in video games from HDGamers.

VPN improves gaming experience

It is clear to online gamers: there is nothing better than a stable connection with a low ping time. The advantages of using VPN with the PlayStation 5 , and on other consoles such as Xbox or Nintendo Switch, is that it provides a seamless connection, since it allows you to connect to different servers, many of which are close to those of the game.

Furthermore, its use is linked to other technological benefits, including:
Reducing game latency.
Change geographic location to take advantage of releases from other regions or connect to IP-blocked servers.
Protect personal data and ensure our privacy online.
Protect yourself from a possible DDoS attack.

Perform periodic maintenance on your PC

This step is often forgotten even by veteran players. Dust that accumulates in the vent portion then advances to components over time, leading to obsolete thermal paste and permanent damage to the interior of the CPU. This situation slows down the maximum power that our operating system can provide.

To solve this problem, follow the following recommendations:

Carry out a deep cleaning of the equipment, especially in the refrigeration area.
Update installed drivers.
Change the thermal paste periodically.

Free up space and configure the operating system correctly

The consumption of resources in areas other than gaming can affect the performance of our CPU, especially if we have limited specifications.

The steps to follow are those:

Configure power saving so as not to limit the performance of the components.
Free up resources and close applications that are running in the background.

Configure the graphical settings of each game

Not all games have the same development process, so their operation varies on the computer where it is installed. What can be done to solve this detail is to complete the following steps in the configuration of each game:

Set the resolution to 100%.
In the textures section, raise it to the maximum or medium level, a low level will ruin the experience.
Don’t remove shadows from the game.
We hope that this short guide has been helpful for you and that you have learned some tricks to improve the performance of your video games.

Alperda Gorria

The latest technology no longer belongs exclusively to large corporations, the most advanced laboratories or the armies as was customary in the last century. The democratization of technologies is a reality today. Devices as revolutionary as a 3D printer can be purchased by anyone to physically create their own designs.

The Internet and the productive capacity that humanity sustains at this time has allowed the concept of technological democratization to develop , which means that most people have access to technologies shortly after they are created. A fact that was not the norm just 30 years ago. Artificial intelligence, drones, robots, autonomous vehicles, and 3D printers can be purchased and used by the majority of the population without waiting for permission from governments, the military, or large corporations.

3D printers are one of those technological tools that are quickly and easily making their way through the population. An expansion that takes place largely thanks to increasingly affordable prices and 3D Printing Courses offered by specialized pages such as 3D printers.com, with expert teachers who sell i3d Academy certificates.

What is a 3D printer?

This innovative technological tool is nothing more than a machine that allows the creation of the most varied objects on a physical, tangible scale . These parts are pre-designed on a computer that will send the manufacturing order to the printer to make the design in detail.

These devices are capable of printing in a three-dimensional space from toys to human prostheses, models of buildings, decorative objects, cases for mobile phones, and even entire houses. There seem to be no limits to the capabilities of a 3D printer.

The most common ones, those that are spreading rapidly through homes, are by no means large appliances, take up little space and consume few energy resources . It is possible to have them in any corner of the house and give them the most creative uses imaginable.

To make them work it is essential to use any of the software available for it. The most popular software for 3D printers are Slic3r, Cura or Netfabb. Each one will be designed to meet specific needs and complexities.

With these programs it is possible to build an object from the accumulation of a certain number of layers of melted material on a platform in a sequential way , which is what it is about.

The operation of a 3D printer

It is not complicated, but it is not overly straightforward or simple to operate a 3D printer to obtain good results. You have to study and practice to define more precisely the objects you want to produce .

The first step is the creation of the digital file . It is the model to be printed designed inside a computer using digital techniques. This file is essential, without it it will be impossible for the machine to give volume and body to the desired object.

To create the previously digitized figure, these printers work using extrusion technology . Extrusion is using a melted substance, usually resin or plastic, so that the object is built layer by layer.

As already indicated, the manufacturing process of these devices to create physical objects has its origin in a digital design, that is , it is additive . This is one of its main qualities, which gives it the power to create very complex pieces that are difficult to achieve with other manufacturing systems.

Brief historical review of 3D printers

Machines dedicated to 3-dimensional printing are not recent inventions. Its origin took place in 1976 , when the first inkjet printer appeared . From that moment on, the possibility of replacing the ink with other types of more solid materials would be investigated. In 1984 was when the first real steps were taken to achieve this adaptation, thanks to the technological advances of the moment.

It is worth asking, therefore, who invented it , who is credited with the conception of such an extraordinary machine. Well, the first application that was carried out to patent it was made in Japan in 1981 by Dr. Hideo Kodama , although the project did not come to fruition, since the Municipal Institute of Industrial Research in Nagoya for which he worked ran out of funds. Although this inventor scientist came to create two additive manufacturing methods that would work with photo-sensitive resin.

Others also tried it in the 1980s, in this case from a team of French engineers (Alain Le Méhauté, Olivier de Witte and Jean-Claude André). In the same way, the project was abandoned when the project ran out of funds, in this case because they did not find possible areas of application.

Finally it was Charles Hull in 1984 who would become co-founder of the prestigious 3D Systems company, which would invent what is known as stereolithography, which would later evolve to the current 3D printer .

This first machine already allowed the creation of a three-dimensional object from digital data from a computer. In these beginnings it was used to create model designs, models so that users could get an idea and even test the creation before going to the production of the final model and accessing their investment.

Bethesda announced a new version of Skyrim at QuakeCon 2021, in celebration of the game’s 10th anniversary. The new version, called Skyrim Anniversary Edition , arrives on November 11 to PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X / S, with free updates on new consoles.

Skyrim Anniversary Edition is the “most definitive version” of the game . Includes the base game and all three expansions. But the big news this time around is the inclusion of 500 pieces of Creation Club content (mods). This content brings a lot to the game, from simple things like weapons and spells, to more meaningful additions like missions and bosses. Among them are also fishing, survival mode and new missions of Saints and Seducers.

In addition to the Anniversary Edition news, Bethesda also announced that Skyrim Special Edition owners on all platforms , including Xbox Game Pass, will get three Creation Club content: Fishing, Survival Mode, and new missions from Saints and Seducers.

The Special Edition will receive a free update on PS5 and Xbox Series X / S, including Game Pass, on November 11.

Bethesda will also offer a paid upgrade path from the Special Edition to the Anniversary Edition, which unlocks all of the aforementioned Creation Club content.

Here’s your guide on how to setup your PHCN BEDC Prepaid meter from any of the PHCN companies e.g Ikeja or Eko electric.

All steps below should/may only work when there’s power in your area and the prepaid meter is blinking green and red light.

Connect the BEDC box to the Meter outside

Depending on your meter type, if your prepaid meter is just installed, you are required the use the 100 units that came with your new meter for a period of at least 2 weeks, during which you cannot recharge your meter. Towards the end of this 2 weeks period, you should get your activate number through text to your registered number. If after 2 weeks you have not received your activate code, you should visit the nearest PHCN office, but preferably visit the office who came to install your meter, or call the customer care.

Normally, your activation code will arrive in that 2 weeks. If you finish your follow come 100 units however before 2 weeks, you cannot recharge and will not have power till you receive your activation code.

Or

Your prepaid BEDC box should come with a piece of paper that includes your meter no and token Numbers.

The first step to setting things up before trying any of the short codes is to connect the box to the one outside.

Enter your meter no and hit enter. You should see the words “Connect” on the screen and then “Success” after a few seconds. If this step fails, make sure you’re close enough to the box outside and also that there’s power(light) in your area. I noticed that if there’s no light, you can’t connect to the box.

This step registers your BEDC box to the device outside.

Top up / Buy power tokens

PHCN gives you 100kW of power the when you purchase a meter. They take this money back the first time you load purchase credit for your new meter.

For example, rather than getting around 118 units for N6k, you’ll end up with 18units. When you recharge subsequently, you’ll then get the full value of your recharge.

Load token.

Input your token into your BEDC box and it should show you your new credit/unit balance as a result of your recent top up.

That’s how you setup a brand new BEDC box from PHCN.

If you are still having issues, visit the nearest PHCN customer center.

The Federal Government on Thursday said it was not considering a lockdown despite rising cases of COVID-19 infections across the country.

Speaking at the weekly ministerial briefing organized at the State House in Abuja, Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, said the number of cases were not threatening enough, yet, for a lockdown to be considered.

On Wednesday Nigeria had recorded 790 cases of new COVID-19 infections, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

The figure was the highest in about six months.

A recent surge in infections has been partly attributed to the Delta variant, which is believed to be more contagious and deadlier.

Nigeria is expected to step up its Covid vaccination program after receiving over four million doses of the Moderna vaccine from the US government last week.

Only about one percent of the population has been vaccinated, so far.

The second phase of the national vaccination programme is expected to kick-off next Monday.
More vaccines expected

Minister Ehanire also said on Thursday Nigeria is not only relying on donated vaccines from other entities.
The countries has benefitted from vaccines donated by COVAX and the US.

According to Ehanire, Nigeria has procured nearly 40 million doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine through the African Union.

He also assured those who have taken the first shots of the AstraZeneca vaccine of the availability of second doses by the end of August when 3.9 million doses of the vaccine type is expected to arrive the country.

No work, no pay

On the current strike action by resident doctors across the country, Minister Ehanire said the Federal government would implement a ‘no work, no pay’ rule.

He said the doctors, under the aegis of the National Association of Resident Doctors, should obliterate the option of strike as a tool to resolve their issues.

Minister Ehanire said the doctors should consider other options in the interest of the country, particularly at a time the country is in a war situation.

Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige, has earlier threatened that the Federal Government would replace the striking doctors.

The doctors are striking over unpaid benefits, among other issues.