Sirajo receiving his award

By Joan Nwagwu

The authority of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, has honoured the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Malam Mukhtar Sirajo, with the Pillar of Public Relations Award.

A statement by Mr Stanley Ogadigbo, Public Relations Officer, NIPR, on Thursday, said the ceremony took place at the Assembly Hall of the University on Tuesday in Keffi.

Ogadigbo stated that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Suleiman Mohammed, presented the award to Sirajo and said that the NIPR president bagged the award, based on his contributions to the growth and development of Public Relations in the country.

The University Management is proud of your sterling antecedents as a prime Public Relations professional and particularly for your support towards the growth of the public relations programme in the Institute of Strategic and Development Communication (ISDEVCOM), Ogadigbo reported Mohammed as saying.

Mohammed noted that the award ceremony was part of activities marking the Universitys 2023 International Conference on Communication and Development in Africa.

Sirajo received the award in company of the Council Member representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Ike Neliaku.

Responding, the NIPR boss attributed most of his achievements in the profession to his passion for professionalism and excellence.

He noted that such recognition could only serve as a morale booster to do more for the institute and the country.

The NIPR boss was decorated at the well-attended event along with other eminent Nigerians and international scholars, with the Ag. Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr Emmanuel Akabe as Visitor to the University.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) who was represented by Mr Isa Wasa Francis, was the Special Guest of Honour. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

Iwuanyanwu, some South East Governors and NEC mmembers of Ohanaeze Imeobi

By Emmanuel Afonne

Mrs Aqueen Ibeto, Chairperson Ohanaeze Ndigbo, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, has described the choice of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide as a blessing to the entire Igbo race.

Ibeto stated this in a congratulatory message, signed on Thursday by the Media Consultant, Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK/Northern Ireland, Ms Asa Blessing-Chijekwu, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Her message comes just days after Iwuanyanwu was unanimously endorsed as the president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide during a meeting in Enugu on Sunday of the Ohanaeze Imeobi, the highest decision making of the group.

Time has come for Igbo sons and daughters at home and abroad to come together to chat the way forward through the new Ohanaeze helmsman, in a united Nigeria, Ibeto said.

Iwuanyanwu was chosen as the new President-General of Ohanaeze and presented to Gov. Hope Uzodinma early last month following the death of Prof. George Obiozor in late December 2022.

The National Executive Council of the group had directed the people of Imo to find a credible replacement for Obiozor based on doctrine of necessity.

Ibeto, therefore, described Iwuanyanwu as a man with many parts, noting that his political tact and sagacity were testament to the quality of leadership he would inject into Ohanaeze.

We urge you sir, to focus on collaborating with the diaspora arm of Ohanaeze Worldwide to see how we can forge a common front for the good and future of our children.

By the grace of God, your wealth of experience will be brought to bear in the discharge of your duties as we chart a course for a successful future for every Igbo man in UK.

This appointment is coming at a critical time in the history of our country and Igbo people after the concluded 2023 general election where an Igbo man, Mr Peter Obi, made a significant impact through Labour Party.

We therefore congratulate you believing that with your capacity and political sagacity over the years, you will bring your wealth of experience to bear, Blessing-Chijekwu quoted Ibeto as saying.

It would be recalled that Iwuanyanwu held many public offices, including Board Chairman, Federal Road Maintenance Agency; Board Chairman, Nigerian Investment Promotion and founding Chairman, Raw Materials Research and Development Council of Nigeria.

Other positions he held include Chairman, National Productivity Merit Award; Chairman, Nigerian Sports Development Council; Founding Chairman, Nigerian National Lottery; Chairman, National Orthopedic Hospital Igbobi, Lagos; Pro-Chancellor, University of Calabar, Cross River State.

Iwuanyanwu founded over 20 limited liability companies including Hardel

By Olanrewaju Akojede

The Director-General of Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Oluwatoyin Gafaar, says the state expects a carnival-like Lagos International Squash competition when it kicks off.

Gafaar spoke at a news conference to herald the tournament at the Sports Bar of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lagos will once again host the 200 point-ranking international squash competition.

The international classics, with ,000 prize money for Men and Women categories, will kick off on May 9 and end with a final match on May 13.

The squash tournament, backed by Professional Squash Players Association (PSA), is expected to attract players across the world, from France, Germany, Hong Kong, England among others as well as host country, Nigeria.

Gafaar, who restated the commitment of the state government to sports development, noted that the state would continue to witness more landmark international tournaments.

This is one of the classics that we have been sponsoring and have interest. We also have other classics, and we have been on this journey for a while.

This competition, Lagos International Squash Classic, is unique because it is a ranking tournament recognised by the world body.

We are happy because we will be hosting players from across the globe in Lagos participating alongside our home-based players.

We will always identify and support this competition because we are always showing interest in the development of sports and at this time around, we will do more, he said.

Gafaar also expressed the intention of the commission to encourage more home grown talents and groom them to stardom, a vision that the international squash classic represents.

We look forward to a carnival like tournament with such an international feel in the world of squash game.

The game is a good one that encourages sportsmanship and is already developed in Nigeria.

Hopefully, we are going to have exciting games with Nigerian talents and their foreign counterparts. We are proud to be associated with squash association, he said. (NAN)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

Dr Hammed Muibi, the Chief Executive Officer, MKH Properties Ltd

By Rukayat Moisemhe

MKH Group has announced the name change of one of its subsidiaries, MKH investment Ltd., to MKH Properties Ltd., effective May 1.

Dr Hammed Muibi, the Chief Executive Officer, MKH Properties Ltd., confirmed the name change in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Muibi said the change of name would not alter the companys financials, legalities and related documentations.

Effective May 1, 2023, MKH Investment Limited will be renamed MKH Properties Limited.

This change of our companys name will allow us to present ourselves as Nigerias most innovative and trusted real estate and property solutions company.

Our commitment will remain our highest priority for our customers and partners across West Africa, he said.

Also, Mr Olukunle Idowu, MKH Group Managing Director, said the company would streamline its focus on providing customers and prospects with ideal exposure to the companys operation and value proposition.

We look forward to rolling out our rebranded collateral, including our product catalogues, presentations and several others.

Our email addresses and corporate website address will be updated to reflect our new company name.

We thank you for your continued support and trust in the brand, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Navy (NN) says the release of Motor Tanker (MT) Heroic Idun, arrested and prosecuted for criminal offences, was in fulfilment of the plea bargain agreement with the Federal Government.

The Director of Information, NN, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Ayo-Vaughan said the Naval Headquarters had on Aug. 19, 2022, announced the arrest of the vessel by the Equatorial Guinean Navy.

He recalled that the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) had entered the Nigerian Maritime Environment (NME) on Aug. 7, 2022 and headed for Akpo Field without any authorisation or clearance.

He said the MT Heroic Idun, with IMO number 9858058, was registered in Marshall Island and had an overall length of 336-metres, 60 metres breadth (nearly the size of 3 football fields) and a carrying capacity of 3 million barrels.

According to him, the vessels Captain, having duly responded to Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) GONGOLA, later failed to comply with the Navy ships order to proceed to Bonny Anchorage to await her NNPCL papers but rather altered her course southward and proceeded at top speed towards the Nigeria/Sao Tome Joint Development Zone.

It also reported her encounter with NNS GONGOLA to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) as a pirate attack, but this was later refuted by IMB because it was not.

Fortunately, MT Heroic Idun was tracked by the Nigerian Navys state of the art Maritime Domain Awareness system and the ship was eventually arrested by the Equatorial Guinean authorities based on a formal request by the Nigerian Navy under the Yaound Code of Conduct.

The vessel was afterwards transferred back to Nigeria on Nov. 12, 2022.

For the brazen act of defiance to constituted authority as exhibited by the vessel as well as the false pirate attack alarm she raised, including the attempt to load crude oil without relevant approval, the NN approached the Attorney General of the Federation/ Minister of Justice and the ship and crew were charged to court at a Federal High Court Port Harcourt on Jan. 10.

Naval spokesman said it was clear that the vessels presence in NME on Aug. 7, 2022 was not just suspicious but with apparent intent to commit a grave crime against the nation.

He said the vessel and her 26 foreign crew pleaded guilty and elected voluntarily to enter into a plea bargain agreement with the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as make restitution to the government.

According to him, the plea bargain was in the interest of justice, the public and for public policy interest.

He added that the owners of the vessel made the plea agreement after due consultations in line with Section 270 (5) (a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

Upon the acceptance of the plea bargain, both parties agreed to the fulfilment of the conditions before any release will be made.

Accordingly, after the conviction and sentencing by the court in line with the agreed terms, MT Heroic Idun and its owners are to pay fines to the Federal Government and make an apology to the Federal Republic of Nigeria in print and electronic media as well as Llyods list.

On its part, the Federal Government agreed not to further criminally prosecute and/or investigate the vessel, her owners, charterers or her crew in the matter of her crime against the state.

Gleaning from the foregoing therefore, the release of MT Heroic Idun is subject to the fulfilment of all aforementioned conditions of the plea bargain to the satisfaction of the Federal High Court.

The online reports and stories of the release of the vessel are thus false, mischievous and misleading.

The Nigerian Navy assures Nigerians that in accordance with its statutory responsibilities and drawing strength from the strategic directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, the Service will sustain a posture of zero tolerance to crude oil theft and other criminal activities in NME.

The Navy shall continue to work in synergy with other maritime stakeholders, navies of the Gulf of Guinea states and strategic partners of Nigeria to ensure that Nigeria derives maximum benefit from its natural resources in the maritime area.

No form of campaign of calumny or malicious online publications will distract the Navy from her unwavering commitment to the dutiful fulfilment of her constitutional mandate, he said. (NAN) ()

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

Illustration for unemployment

By Simon Akoje

Financial experts have urged the incoming administration to embark on reforms that will enhance the countrys business climate to spur economic growth and tackle rising unemployment.

The experts spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

Dr Uju Ogubunka, a former Executive Secretary, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, said the incoming government should embrace economic policies that would improve the business operating environment for corporates to create more jobs.

Ogubunka added that the incoming government should upon inauguration immediately address the uncertainties in the economy to tackle unemployment.

More efforts should be made in addressing the structural challenges impeding inflow of foreign direct investment into our shores.

Issues relating to insecurity must be reduced to the barest minimum so as to enhance investor confidence in the economy, he said.

He added that the incoming government should invest in key infrastructure that would create more employment opportunities.

Investing more funds to fix the electricity challenges is crucial to industrialising the economy.

This will make the youth to be innovative and begin to create job opportunities in every sector of the economy, Ogubunka said.

Also speaking, Prof. Sheriffdeen Tella, Head of Department of Economics, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, said the government could tackle unemployment through supporting local production and not importation.

Enhancing local production with the right fiscal and monetary policies, is crucial to boost the economy, Tella said.

This, he said, would boost businesses that would lead to more employment opportunities for the teeming youth.

Tella added that the Federal Government should address the rising unemployment by subsidising electricity cost for the productive sector.

Subsidising electricity cost and raw materials for production is key to growing the economy.

More businesses will begin to emerge and the teeming youth would be gainfully employed and become professionals, Tella said.

Mr Nerus Ekezie, former Director National Association of Small and Medium Enterprise, said the incoming government should tackle unemployment by investing more in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Ekezie added that regular dialogues between the government and the various stakeholders in the SME sector was crucial for their expansion.

The dialogue should not only include the stakeholders in production but also the service units so as to be considered in government interventions, he said.

Ekezie said the incoming government could boost the sector by granting tax holidays and foreign exchange for SMEs to enhance their businesses and create employment opportunities.

Such interventions will spur growth in the SMEs sector and more youths could be employed because of their expansion to new frontiers, Ekezie said.

NAN reports that KPMG, a multinational consulting firm, in a recent released report tagged KPMG Global Economy Outlook, H1 2023, noted that the Nigerian unemployment rate had increased to 37.7 per cent in 2022.

The report further said that the figure would rise to 40.6 per cent due to the continuing inflow of job seekers.

It said unemployment would continue to be a challenge due to the slower-than-required economic growth and the inability of the economy to absorb the four to five million new entrants into the Nigerian job market every year.

The report also said that in 2024, the unemployment rate would grow to 43 per cent, while inflation rate would accelerate to 20.3 per cent in 2023 and 20.0 per cent in 2024. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Source: NAN News

D-G, National Senior Citizens Centre, Emem Omokaro

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The Federal Government has canvassed for effective implementation of the national action plan on Ageing in Nigeria.

The Director-General, National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), Dr Emem Omokaro said this on Tuesday in Abuja.

She stated this during a 2-Day Training Workshop for Desk Officers on the Implementation of NSCCs Strategic Roadmap on Ageing 2022 -2032.

Omokaro said that the Strategic Roadmap on Ageing provides a framework for assessing the effectiveness of actions taken to effect change.

This strategic framework will provide the needed multi-sectoral foundational thrust for the robust implementation of the strategic objectives of both the National Senior Citizens Centre Act 2017 and the National Policy on Ageing, aligned with the tenets of the SDG goals.

This strategy should deliver transformational changes needed to promote and protect older persons rights to dignity, security, health and wellbeing, happiness, independence and continued participation in what they have reasons to value.

It will also set the institutional precedent for sector-wide efforts to improve the quality of lives and wellbeing of older persons in Nigeria, she said.

Omokaro said that the objective of the exercise was designed to increase the understanding of the desk officers in relevant MDAs on Ageing.

Their role and responsibilities in the implementation of this strategic roadmap is necessary to develop Desk Officer Engagement Framework towards increasing feedback and Desk Officers effectiveness.

NSCC has through its partnership successfully mainstreamed older person into the NDE Matured People Program and signed an MoU with relevant Agencies to support older persons in Nigeria.

So, with the desk offices, we should be able to strengthen our partnerships with various MDAs, where they already exist and, to leverage on the enhanced understanding of ageing and issues of older persons to evolve more effective partnerships on mainstreaming ageing into specific programsme, she said.

The D-G, therefore, expressed determination to establish ageing desks with focal officers in relevant MDAs to interface with NSCC so as to ensure effective inclusion of older persons.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop had in attendance participants from 40 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as three officers from House Committee on Disabilities and the Committee on Women.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail AbdulAziz

Source: NAN News

Second left: Olorogun James Emadoye, outgoing LERSA president and Mr Sulyman Bello, incoming LERSA president, flanked by well-wishers at the associations investiture on Monday in Lagos

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Outgoing president, Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA), Olorogun James Emadoye, has charged the Lagos state government on the strategic importance of promptly completing the regional roads along the Lekki Epe Axis.

Emadoye said this during the inauguration of the new Executive Council of LERSA on Monday in Lagos.

He acknowledged all efforts Gov., Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and urged him to also begin the construction of the coastal road in addition to all other road infrastructure going on in Lekki Epe Area.

The outgoing LERSA president listed some of his major achievements over the last few years to include the presentation of a memorandum to address the increase on land use charge and a very active environment safety community.

Emadoye said his tenure saw regular roundtable with the state government, political associations, electricity distribution companies, security agencies, businesses and healthcare professionals within the axis.

He said that his administration provided a platform for almost 200 Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and companies to showcase and expand their market reach and procured an official property for LERSA.

We consistently engaged with government to improve road infrastructure, power and had regular interventions with them on issues pertaining to the toll gate.

During the COVID-19 pandemic and following the Xenophobic and Endsars attacks, we intervened with donations of medical items, donated a Toyota Hilux and rebuilt the Ajiwe police station.

We have also commenced the provision of temporary accommodation for police and traffic officers working on the axis by raising funds for the ongoing construction of sleep over bay in Ogombo police station.

I appreciate everyone for your good work and support throughout my tenure as head of the executive council and pray you extend same to the new executives, he said.

The incoming president, Mr Sulyman Bello, said his administration in view of the declining life expectancy in Nigeria, was determined to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to increase life expectancy on the Lekki corridor and ultimately the nation.

Bello said the focus of the new regime would also be on public infrastructure, health, education and security.

I am quite excited with the sterling quality of the assemblage of men and women arrayed beside me in the new LERSA executive council.

Together, we pledge our unflinching loyalty to our residents and stakeholders; working seamlessly with all relevant organs of the state as well as the traditional authorities.

In accepting the mantle of leadership of LERSA, I am aware of the onerous responsibilities involved and pledge my dedication to the cause.

Our role is to work harmoniously together with the elected and appointed officials of state from local government up to the state and federal levels; cutting across the familiar legislative and executive boundaries, he said.

Mr Ayodeji Amodu, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Sanwo-Olu, expressed the state governments commitment to opening up the hinterlands across the state to drive development.

He said that the Lagos state government would continue to have a listening ear and collaborate with all stakeholders to turn Lagos into the mega city it truly is.

NAN reports that an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr Qudus Salami, received the LASTMA man of the year award for his dedicated service to the region. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Source: NAN News

By Deji Abdulwahab
The Niger Delta Youth Council (NDYC) on Tuesday urged the youth to eschew acts capable of destroying the peace being enjoyed in the region.

Its National Coordinator, Mr Abido Jator, made the call in Abuja, while pleading with the aggrieved youths to shelve their planned protest against the management of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The youth had accused the management of NDDC that they did not carry them along and also failed to attend to their needs.

Jator said his group averted the protest planned by the youth at the Unity Fountain in Abuja, adding that people of Niger Delta area have had enough violence and now needed to learn to tow the path of peace.

According to him, peace is an inevitable part of social and economic development.

As law abiding citizens and people of Niger Delta, we have seen enough violence and we need to learn to tow the path of peace now.

Engaging in acts capable of destroying the fragile peace currently being enjoyed in the Niger Delta region and indeed Nigeria, is a costly mistake that should not be contemplated, Jator said.

The group coordinator promised the aggrieved youths that he would use his position to intervene in the matter for a quick resolution of the misunderstanding.

Jator told them to hold him responsible, if the commission failed to address their grievances and meet their needs.

I have confidence in the present management and the Board of NDDC.

I can assure you that I will personally table your grievances and I can confidently say hold me responsible, if your grievances are not addressed as soon as possible.

You should, therefore, remain calm and law abiding as everything will be fine in no distant time.

As you all know, the present Board of NDDC is a brain child of the agitations of youth groups and Civil Society Organisations so they cannot fail us, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olagoke Olatoye

Source: NAN News

Deputy Director General, IOM, Mrs Ugochi Daniels standing with Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo during the inauguration of a new office and a migration health assessment clinic (MHAC) in Benin, Edo, to respond to returnees with medical conditions

By Nefishetu Yakubu

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) on Friday inaugurated a new office and a migration health assessment clinic (MHAC) in Benin, Edo, to respond to returnees with medical conditions.

Inaugurating the office, the Deputy Director General, IOM, Mrs Ugochi Daniels, said the clinic was the third in the country after Abuja and Lagos.

Daniels said that opening of the third migration health assessment center in Benin was significant, adding that it reflected IOMs relationship with the state government over the years.

As we all know, Edo remains the heart of migration in Nigeria. It is, therefore, no-brainer for us to establish a center in a community where migration have driven development.

A center in Edo means we are closer to our clients based in the south-south and southeast, while offering the much needed support for our returnees with medical conditions.

It is our hope that the center will lead us into a new programming areas to complement the vision of the state government, she said.

According to her, I congratulate the IOM Nigeria, especially the Benin sub-office and the migration health unit on the commissioning of a new office and the migration health assessment clinic.

Daniels pledged the commitment of IOM to continue to support the state governments and the Nigeria government in ensuring migration was done and achieved in an orderly, safe and humane approach.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Lead Head, IOM Benin sub-office, Wintana Tarekegn, said IOM started operation in Benin in 2017 and operated from the Migrants Resource Center (MRC), at the Federal Secretariat premises.

Subsequently, the office relocated to a central location within Benin in 2018 to create a better accessibility for returnees and partners working in the field of migration, she said.

Tarekegn said the office had established strong collaboration with the state government and non-governmental organisations.

According to Terekegn, IOM in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, has supported the voluntary return of 30,000 and reintegration over 17,000 Nigeria migrants stranded in Libya, Niger and other countries from 2017 to date.

With Edo and Delta accounting for the highest number of returnees, it necessitated the establishment of the Benin sub-office, she added.

In his remarks, the Governor of Edo, Mr Godwin Obaseki, said that through the state taskforce and the assistance of IOM, the menace of irregular migration and human trafficking has significantly reduce.

Obaseki said We are delighted that IOM was expanding its operational base in the state by opening this new office and upgrading its facilities.

And we believe that this will enhance their capacity to support programmes aimed at tackling this problem and challenges. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Vincent Obi

Source: NAN News