PunchngJan 9, 2021Read original

Kayode Oyero

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, has said the National Identification Number enrolment process will be reviewed should the Federal Government impose a fresh lockdown amid the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

According to him, the ministry will meet with the National Identity Management Commission, and telecommunication operators once the government announces a fresh lockdown and will review the NIN linkage to SIM cards exercise.

Pantami spoke on Friday night while featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme monitored by The PUNCH.

He said, “If a second lockdown is enforced, then, the ministerial taskforce including NIMC and all mobile network operators will sit immediately and review. The task force meets usually within one week.

“So, when there is a second lockdown, we are citizens, we must respect the Federal Government’s directives. When there is any announcement, we will come back to the drawing board immediately and review the whole thing. But now, it has not been announced and these (Covid-19) guidelines are to be respected.”

The minister also said the ministry and NIMC are working on transforming the NIN enrolment process and the onward linkage to SIM cards as required by the Nigerian Communications Commission.

The Federal Government had said telcos subscribers with NIN have January 19 as deadline to link their NIN with their SIM cards while subscribers without NIN have until February 9 to do so.

As of October 2020, the total number of mobile network connections was 207.58 million, but currently, only 43 million Nigerians have NIN, thus 164 million telephone users are at the risk of being deactivated.

( You are mine )

Episode 1

Mia's POV~~~

"Wake up Mia. You are gonna be late for school. " Olivia yelled as she pulled off my blankets.

I groaned as I wake up. I was doing my homework last minute last night hence I slept late.

I heard my sister chuckle while I glared at her. In an instant she put her hands up in defence.

"Shower quick and come down." She said as she walked out of my room. I groggily went to my bathroom and did my morning routine.

As I came out I picked out my outfit to wear today

. I picked out a white shirt with black Jean skirt that reached above my knees and a denim shirt that reached the end of my skirt

I applied some face cream with baby pink lipstick. I got down to have breakfast as I saw bacon and pancakes. 

My saliva drooled seeing it.

As I was about to have breakfast, I realised that I was late for school. "Dad, mum I am late. I gonna head on first. Love you guys. Bye. " I said as I rushed out.

I hear them chuckle. I quickly start walking to my school. I always walked to school even though I had a car. It was walking distance anyway.

As I was walked pass a café, I thought getting myself some Frappuccino to awake myself.

As I entered, the café bell at the entrance rang to announce everyone of me. I walked to counter to give me order. "Hi, I would like a caramel Frappuccino with whip cream please." I said.

As she told me the price, I paid the exact amount waiting for my drink. After a few minutes, my order came up. As I collect my drink, I quickly rushed out.

As I made a few steps out, I pumped into a wall. But as I raised my head straight ahead, I realized it was a chest. I gulped as I realized I had dropped my drink in his shoes.

I raised my head up. As I did, colours drained out of my face. There stood a man who was way taller than me. He had dark brown eyes and black hair. He gave off a dangerous aura.

He was also handsome which made him look kinda scary too. I realised he was glaring at me. I started to get scared.

"I am so sorry. I did not see where I was going." I said as I repeatedly apologized. 

He just glared at me. If looks could kill I would be 6 feet below. Suddenly he scoffed as he stopped me from talking by putting up his hands.

I stopped rambling. He started to come forward as I backed away. Soon I hit the wall. He came dangerously close. I looked down to avoid his gaze.

" How dare you bump on me? Do you know who I am?" He spoke in a calm yet scary voice. I shook my head as I continued to face down. I was really scared to look up at him.

"I could be you worst nightmare. " He whispered as I gasped. I started to quiver. " I am really sorry.

 I did not bump into you purposely. I was late for school, so I did not watch where was I going." I said as I tried to reason with him.

He stared at me for some time. He holds my chin in a tight way and lift my face up. His hands were quite rough. He was looking straight into my eyes as if trying to look into my soul.

After few moments, he let out a breath as he backed away. I quickly took that as my chance and ran away without looking back.

Something in me urged me to look back but I did not. After running and fast walking, I reached my school. As I entered the school, I realised I had come five minutes early.

I went to my locker as I try to catch my breathe. After I did, I took the books I need and was about to turn around when I did, I was startled by someone screaming 'boo' in my face. I yelped in surprise.

I realise it was Ashton my friend who was laughing his ass of right now. "Your face looked really funny." He said as he continues to laugh as my face turn red in embarrassment.

I playfully hit his arm as he pinched my checks. I realised I had dropped my Frappuccino while I was running. Well I guess the scary guy made me awake.

Ash and I started to walk to our class. We were seniors this year and going to graduate this year. 

Ash and I were friends since we were young. The reason we were friends was because we shared the same passion for dance. We both loved dancing. 

We have a dance competition coming in two months and I cannot wait for it.

As Ash and I entered our class we took our seat. " So why were you late today?" Ash asked me while he took his homework out.

 " Well I kinda slept late as I did my homework late." I said as I rubbed my neck. He just laughed at me.

Soon the teacher came and started lesson. After some my mind trailed of to the man at the café.

 He seriously looks like a dangerous guy. I really wish I never see him again.

But boy was I so wrong.

Mia's POV~~

I am currently at the dance studio in my school practicing for my dance competition with Ash. 

Both of us are doing a duet. But at the same time I am also doing a solo performance which is exciting yet tiring. 

We have been practicing for almost 2 hours. We took a break as Ash and I sat down. "Gosh this is so tiring."

Ash groaned while I laughed knowing how much of a complain queen he is. "You are such a complain queen." I said as he stuck his tongue. As he saw the time, "Shit. I gotta go Mia.

 My mum wanted me to come home early." He said as he start to pack. I bid him goodbye as he left.

I went back to train for my solo dance. After another 1 and half hour, I decided to head home.

I realized my phone was dead. I shrugged it off. As I was walking down the street, it suddenly start to rain.

If it was anyone else they would have run off. But I love the rain. I started to skip and hum random tunes while getting wet in the rain. When I reached our house gate, I realised there were 2 new cars outside.

Being confused I reached our porch as I knocked on the door. After some time my mum opened the door with a huge grin on her face.

 But when she saw me, she sighed in irritation, while I grinned cheekily at her. She hated when I play in the rain. She shook her head as she guide me in.

"How many times should I tell you not to play in the rain?" She scolded me as we walked inside. 

"Mum whose car is outside?" I asked in confusion. When I asked this she started to smile widely again.

She guided me inside. As we reached inside I got shocked. Actually shocked will be an understatement.

 "Mia I would like you to meet Mr Mariano and his son." My mum introduced. It was the guy from the café.

The fear for this man came back. I was just standing there frozen. What was he doing in here? Just then my father talked.

 "Sweetheart how about you get changed and come back down? We will explain to you everything." My dad said.

I just nod my head and scurried off. As I reached my room, I locked my room, as I quickly dried myself and changed into a sweatpants and hoodie considering I was shivering.

As I changed finish a thought came to my mind. "I could be you worst nightmare." the words he said came into my mind. 

With that I slowly made my way down. As I took my last step, "There you are. Come and sit down. " My dad told me. I went and sit beside my dad. 

My mum and sister were opposite us while the scary man and his father whom I'm assuming, is sitting at the couch between us.

"Sweetheart, I know you are wondering what's going on in here. Well you see, Mr Mariano and I have been friends and business partners for quite some time.

 Hence we want to enhance our business. Therefore, we have thought of a marriage proposal. 

Olivia will marry Damien, the gentleman right there." He said finish as he pointed at the scary man.

As I process through everything, I was having a headache. So I just nodded my head unable for use my words.

 As I looked up, I saw the scary man staring at me, the same way he was staring at me back at the cafe. 

Not able to handle his stare, I said to my dad that I was tired and going to skip dinner and head on to sleep first. As I bid both the man goodbye.

The scary man, Damien, was kept staring at me. He was literally burning holes at me.

 As soon I bid my goodbye, I rushed out to my room. Once I entered my room I locked my room. I lay down in my bed thinking about everything.

The man that I am so terrified of, is going to marry my sister. Wow fate has a funny way of playing with me.

 I just wish I can avoid him. I am not kidding when I say he terrifies me.

My plan is to avoid him as much as possible. Yap. That's my plan. I heard the front door shutting. Which means that the Mariano's should have left. I heard footsteps coming up.

 Just then my room door was being knocked. Olivia shouted from the other side stating she was not feeling well.

I got up from my seat as I went and open my door. She pushed me inside as she started to squeal that I had to close my ears.

 "OMG. I can's believe that I am going to marry Damien Mariano. Gosh he is hot!" she all but yelled. I just stand there staring at her.

Wow she really is excited. It looks like she already knows him. "You already know him?" I asked as I went back to my bed to lay. "Of course I know him.

 Everyone knows him. He is the top successful bachelor businessman. Wait you don't know him?" she asked as she sat at my bed.

I just shook my head embarrassed. Gosh I really need to start reading the news. Olivia just sat there shocked. 

"How could you not know him?" she asked bewildered. I just shrugged. She let out a sigh. "Anyway, I am so happy that I am getting married to him." 

she said. When she said that, I saw a glint in her eyes. "I am very happy that you are happy, Olivia.

 Its really good to see you happy even though he is scary." I said sincerely. "Thank you Mia." she said softly. My sister and me are quite close.

We talk for quite some time, and soon she was gone to sleep. As she went to sleep, I went to my laptop and typed in 'Damien Mariano' and waited for the result. 

What I saw made my eyes bulge. He really is the top businessman. Its is also said that he is a ruthless man. Its said he had took down many companies. Wow. That is so much of information.

I am sure as hell staying away from him. With that thought I went to sleep.

TBC😈 Arranged to him 😈

( You are mine )

Episode 1

Mia's POV~~~

"Wake up Mia. You are gonna be late for school. " Olivia yelled as she pulled off my blankets.

I groaned as I wake up. I was doing my homework last minute last night hence I slept late.

I heard my sister chuckle while I glared at her. In an instant she put her hands up in defence.

"Shower quick and come down." She said as she walked out of my room. I groggily went to my bathroom and did my morning routine.

As I came out I picked out my outfit to wear today

. I picked out a white shirt with black Jean skirt that reached above my knees and a denim shirt that reached the end of my skirt

I applied some face cream with baby pink lipstick. I got down to have breakfast as I saw bacon and pancakes. 

My saliva drooled seeing it.

As I was about to have breakfast, I realised that I was late for school. "Dad, mum I am late. I gonna head on first. Love you guys. Bye. " I said as I rushed out.

I hear them chuckle. I quickly start walking to my school. I always walked to school even though I had a car. It was walking distance anyway.

As I was walked pass a café, I thought getting myself some Frappuccino to awake myself.

As I entered, the café bell at the entrance rang to announce everyone of me. I walked to counter to give me order. "Hi, I would like a caramel Frappuccino with whip cream please." I said.

As she told me the price, I paid the exact amount waiting for my drink. After a few minutes, my order came up. As I collect my drink, I quickly rushed out.

As I made a few steps out, I pumped into a wall. But as I raised my head straight ahead, I realized it was a chest. I gulped as I realized I had dropped my drink in his shoes.

I raised my head up. As I did, colours drained out of my face. There stood a man who was way taller than me. He had dark brown eyes and black hair. He gave off a dangerous aura.

He was also handsome which made him look kinda scary too. I realised he was glaring at me. I started to get scared.

"I am so sorry. I did not see where I was going." I said as I repeatedly apologized. 

He just glared at me. If looks could kill I would be 6 feet below. Suddenly he scoffed as he stopped me from talking by putting up his hands.

I stopped rambling. He started to come forward as I backed away. Soon I hit the wall. He came dangerously close. I looked down to avoid his gaze.

" How dare you bump on me? Do you know who I am?" He spoke in a calm yet scary voice. I shook my head as I continued to face down. I was really scared to look up at him.

"I could be you worst nightmare. " He whispered as I gasped. I started to quiver. " I am really sorry.

 I did not bump into you purposely. I was late for school, so I did not watch where was I going." I said as I tried to reason with him.

He stared at me for some time. He holds my chin in a tight way and lift my face up. His hands were quite rough. He was looking straight into my eyes as if trying to look into my soul.

After few moments, he let out a breath as he backed away. I quickly took that as my chance and ran away without looking back.

Something in me urged me to look back but I did not. After running and fast walking, I reached my school. As I entered the school, I realised I had come five minutes early.

I went to my locker as I try to catch my breathe. After I did, I took the books I need and was about to turn around when I did, I was startled by someone screaming 'boo' in my face. I yelped in surprise.

I realise it was Ashton my friend who was laughing his ass of right now. "Your face looked really funny." He said as he continues to laugh as my face turn red in embarrassment.

I playfully hit his arm as he pinched my checks. I realised I had dropped my Frappuccino while I was running. Well I guess the scary guy made me awake.

Ash and I started to walk to our class. We were seniors this year and going to graduate this year. 

Ash and I were friends since we were young. The reason we were friends was because we shared the same passion for dance. We both loved dancing. 

We have a dance competition coming in two months and I cannot wait for it.

As Ash and I entered our class we took our seat. " So why were you late today?" Ash asked me while he took his homework out.

 " Well I kinda slept late as I did my homework late." I said as I rubbed my neck. He just laughed at me.

Soon the teacher came and started lesson. After some my mind trailed of to the man at the café.

 He seriously looks like a dangerous guy. I really wish I never see him again.

But boy was I so wrong.

Mia's POV~~

I am currently at the dance studio in my school practicing for my dance competition with Ash. 

Both of us are doing a duet. But at the same time I am also doing a solo performance which is exciting yet tiring. 

We have been practicing for almost 2 hours. We took a break as Ash and I sat down. "Gosh this is so tiring."

Ash groaned while I laughed knowing how much of a complain queen he is. "You are such a complain queen." I said as he stuck his tongue. As he saw the time, "Shit. I gotta go Mia.

 My mum wanted me to come home early." He said as he start to pack. I bid him goodbye as he left.

I went back to train for my solo dance. After another 1 and half hour, I decided to head home.

I realized my phone was dead. I shrugged it off. As I was walking down the street, it suddenly start to rain.

If it was anyone else they would have run off. But I love the rain. I started to skip and hum random tunes while getting wet in the rain. When I reached our house gate, I realised there were 2 new cars outside.

Being confused I reached our porch as I knocked on the door. After some time my mum opened the door with a huge grin on her face.

 But when she saw me, she sighed in irritation, while I grinned cheekily at her. She hated when I play in the rain. She shook her head as she guide me in.

"How many times should I tell you not to play in the rain?" She scolded me as we walked inside. 

"Mum whose car is outside?" I asked in confusion. When I asked this she started to smile widely again.

She guided me inside. As we reached inside I got shocked. Actually shocked will be an understatement.

 "Mia I would like you to meet Mr Mariano and his son." My mum introduced. It was the guy from the café.

The fear for this man came back. I was just standing there frozen. What was he doing in here? Just then my father talked.

 "Sweetheart how about you get changed and come back down? We will explain to you everything." My dad said.

I just nod my head and scurried off. As I reached my room, I locked my room, as I quickly dried myself and changed into a sweatpants and hoodie considering I was shivering.

As I changed finish a thought came to my mind. "I could be you worst nightmare." the words he said came into my mind. 

With that I slowly made my way down. As I took my last step, "There you are. Come and sit down. " My dad told me. I went and sit beside my dad. 

My mum and sister were opposite us while the scary man and his father whom I'm assuming, is sitting at the couch between us.

"Sweetheart, I know you are wondering what's going on in here. Well you see, Mr Mariano and I have been friends and business partners for quite some time.

 Hence we want to enhance our business. Therefore, we have thought of a marriage proposal. 

Olivia will marry Damien, the gentleman right there." He said finish as he pointed at the scary man.

As I process through everything, I was having a headache. So I just nodded my head unable for use my words.

 As I looked up, I saw the scary man staring at me, the same way he was staring at me back at the cafe. 

Not able to handle his stare, I said to my dad that I was tired and going to skip dinner and head on to sleep first. As I bid both the man goodbye.

The scary man, Damien, was kept staring at me. He was literally burning holes at me.

 As soon I bid my goodbye, I rushed out to my room. Once I entered my room I locked my room. I lay down in my bed thinking about everything.

The man that I am so terrified of, is going to marry my sister. Wow fate has a funny way of playing with me.

 I just wish I can avoid him. I am not kidding when I say he terrifies me.

My plan is to avoid him as much as possible. Yap. That's my plan. I heard the front door shutting. Which means that the Mariano's should have left. I heard footsteps coming up.

 Just then my room door was being knocked. Olivia shouted from the other side stating she was not feeling well.

I got up from my seat as I went and open my door. She pushed me inside as she started to squeal that I had to close my ears.

 "OMG. I can's believe that I am going to marry Damien Mariano. Gosh he is hot!" she all but yelled. I just stand there staring at her.

Wow she really is excited. It looks like she already knows him. "You already know him?" I asked as I went back to my bed to lay. "Of course I know him.

 Everyone knows him. He is the top successful bachelor businessman. Wait you don't know him?" she asked as she sat at my bed.

I just shook my head embarrassed. Gosh I really need to start reading the news. Olivia just sat there shocked. 

"How could you not know him?" she asked bewildered. I just shrugged. She let out a sigh. "Anyway, I am so happy that I am getting married to him." 

she said. When she said that, I saw a glint in her eyes. "I am very happy that you are happy, Olivia.

 Its really good to see you happy even though he is scary." I said sincerely. "Thank you Mia." she said softly. My sister and me are quite close.

We talk for quite some time, and soon she was gone to sleep. As she went to sleep, I went to my laptop and typed in 'Damien Mariano' and waited for the result. 

What I saw made my eyes bulge. He really is the top businessman. Its is also said that he is a ruthless man. Its said he had took down many companies. Wow. That is so much of information.

I am sure as hell staying away from him. With that thought I went to sleep.

TBC