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World Bank Mulls COVID-19 Vaccine Production in Africa

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The World Bank will in the next few weeks make some major announcements concerning its efforts to commence the production of COVID-19 vaccines in some African countries.

The bank said it had already begun consultations with some African manufacturing hubs to that end, noting that the move is to ensure that the jabs are available and accessible to poor nations.

Speaking yesterday at the Global Health Summit co-hosted by the European Union and Italy, the President of the bank, Mr. David Malpass, stated that there is an urgent need to find faster and more effective ways to get vaccines to people in developing countries and to plan for future health emergencies.

He added that in the first year of the pandemic, the World Bank Group committed $108 billion to help countries respond to the health, economic, and social impacts of the pandemic and authorized $12 billion to help them access and deploy vaccines, with the goal of vaccinating a billion people in developing countries.

According to him, by mid-year, the bank expects to have vaccine support operations in 50 countries with at least $4 billion committed and urged countries, manufacturers, vaccine intermediaries and on-the-ground providers to increase the transparency of their own commitments.

He also urged countries with excess vaccine supplies to release their surplus doses as soon as possible to developing countries that have vaccination operations already in place as well as increase the transparency of delivery commitments.

He said: “Regarding vaccine supplies, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) is making debt and equity investments in health projects and is helping developing countries manufacture vaccines and related supplies.

“As we speak today, Makhtar Diop (Managing Director, IFC) has been meeting with potential manufacturing hubs in Africa and building partnerships with development finance agencies. We’ll be announcing positive developments on this front in the coming weeks.”

Malpass projected that the negative impact of COVID-19 on human capital will be deep and may last decades, noting that over a billion children have been out of school.

“At Tuesday’s Summit on Financing of African Economies, I announced our commitment to provide $150 billion in financing for sub-Saharan Africa over the next five years, a dramatic step up on previous years.

“This draws heavily on contributions from International Development Association (IDA) donors, the World Bank Group’s strong leveraging and mobilisation capabilities, and the reflows from previous loans,” he added.

He stated that it will take large new resources to build resilience to shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that many low and middle-income countries need stronger health systems, both for their COVID-19 vaccination campaigns to succeed and to be able to manage and recover from future outbreaks.

He said to build preparedness, the global community would need major investments in infrastructure and digital connectivity, which are crucial, while maintaining its focus on the particular risks to women, girls, the poorest and most vulnerable.

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had said last week that Intellectual Property (IP) waiver alone wasn’t enough to narrow the huge COVID-19 vaccine supply gap between rich and poor countries.

Okonjo-Iweala, while speaking to the European Parliament, had said it was clear that discussions around vaccine patents alone would not suffice, noting that global leaders need to do more to ensure that there is equitable production and distribution of the jabs.

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How to Modify NIN Data: Date of Birth, Name, and More

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In Nigeria, the National Identification Number (NIN) is a crucial identification tool used for various official purposes.

However, errors or changes in personal information may occur over time, necessitating modifications to the NIN data.

Fortunately, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has introduced a convenient solution – a mobile application that allows individuals to modify their NIN data from the comfort of their homes.

Why Modify NIN Data?

Errors in personal information on your NIN can lead to complications in official transactions, including banking, telecommunications, and government services. It’s essential to ensure that your NIN reflects accurate and up-to-date details to avoid any inconvenience.

Steps to Modify NIN Data

  1. Download the NIMC Mobile App: Start by downloading the NIMC mobile application from the designated app store on your smartphone.
  2. Registration/Login: If you are a new user, register on the app by providing the required information. For existing users, log in using your credentials.
  3. Enter NIN and Details: Once logged in, enter your NIN, last name, and email address to access the data modification channel.
  4. Select Modification Options: The app allows you to modify various details, including your name, date of birth, mobile number, house address, and email address. Choose the information you wish to update.
  5. Submit Changes: After making the necessary modifications, review the changes and ensure accuracy. Then, submit the updated information through the app.
  6. Confirmation: Upon successful submission, you will receive a confirmation message acknowledging the changes made to your NIN data.

Benefits of the NIMC Mobile App

  • Convenience: With the mobile app, you can modify your NIN data anytime, anywhere, without visiting NIMC offices.
  • Accuracy: Ensure that your NIN reflects accurate information, minimizing discrepancies in official transactions.
  • Time-Saving: Avoid long queues and bureaucratic processes by using the app for quick data modifications.

Conclusion

The NIMC mobile app offers a hassle-free solution for individuals seeking to modify their NIN data. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your NIN reflects correct and updated information, facilitating smoother interactions in various sectors.

Embrace the convenience of digital innovation and make necessary modifications to your NIN data with ease.

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Aliko Dangote Foundation Launches N15bn Food Intervention Programme

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Aliko Dangote - Investors King

In a bid to alleviate hunger and address the economic challenges facing Nigeria, the Aliko Dangote Foundation has announced the launch of a N15 billion food intervention programme.

The initiative spearheaded by the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, aims to provide essential food items to vulnerable communities across the country.

The food intervention programme was officially unveiled during a ceremony in Kano on Saturday, where Mr. Dangote emphasized the importance of compassion and solidarity, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

He highlighted the significance of all stakeholders, including individuals and institutions, in supporting the government’s efforts to tackle hunger and promote social justice.

This intervention, estimated to benefit over one million people, will see the distribution of 10kg bags of rice across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria.

Mr. Dangote emphasized that the programme’s modalities involve collaboration with state and local governments, as well as community partners, to ensure effective delivery of the food items to the most vulnerable individuals, irrespective of their background.

Also, the Aliko Dangote Foundation will distribute 10,000 iftar meals during Ramadan in Kano municipality, further extending its support to those in need during this auspicious month.

The foundation’s commitment to humanitarian efforts extends beyond food relief, as it has been providing daily bread relief programmes since 2020, producing and distributing over 32,000 family-size loaves of bread across Kano and Lagos states.

The launch ceremony was attended by Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who commended Mr. Dangote’s philanthropic gesture and urged other wealthy individuals and businesses to emulate the Dangote Group’s example in supporting the government’s efforts to alleviate economic hardship in Nigeria.

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Education

International Students in Germany Get Pre-Study Work Rights Under New Law

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Germany has implemented a new segment of its revamped skilled worker law, granting international students significant pre-study work rights.

This move aims to attract skilled workers from various sectors while fostering integration and easing financial burdens for students.

Under these fresh regulations, non-EU citizens applying for study visas can now arrive in Germany up to nine months before their studies commence.

During this period, which was previously not permitted for work, students are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week.

This change particularly benefits prospective students from developing countries, offering them the opportunity to support themselves financially while preparing for their academic pursuits.

The revised skilled worker law also extends its support to individuals interested in apprenticeships in Germany.

Third-country nationals seeking apprenticeships can now reside in the country for nine months, provided they demonstrate a B1-level proficiency in German and are below the age of 35.

During this preparatory period, they are permitted to engage in part-time work, laying the groundwork for their transition into full-time training once they secure an apprenticeship position.

Moreover, the new regulations enhance work opportunities for international students already enrolled in German institutions.

The permitted work duration for students has been extended from 120 to 140 full days in any calendar year, equivalent to 20 hours per week, or 280 half days per calendar year.

This adjustment acknowledges the financial challenges students may face and provides them with greater flexibility to manage their expenses.

In addition to pre-study work rights, graduates of German universities now benefit from an extended post-graduation stay of 18 months for job hunting.

This extended period offers graduates ample time to seek employment opportunities within Germany, with the option to apply for permanent residence after two years of continuous employment.

Overall, these amendments to Germany’s skilled worker law underscore the country’s commitment to attracting and retaining international talent.

By providing enhanced work opportunities and support mechanisms for students and graduates, Germany aims to strengthen its position as a hub for global education and professional development.

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