By Lizzy Okoji

The Secretary to the Kogi State Government (SSG), Dr Folashade Arike, says Gov. Yahaya Bellos capacity, dedication, sincerity and compassion makes him the right choice for President in 2023.

Arike made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lokoja.

She said Bello had carved a niche for himself and recorded successes across all sectors, adding that his commitment and passion for development is one that Nigerians are yearning for.

Arike said that Bellos style of leadership has also brought unity, peace and security to Kogi and its people, which is what Nigeria needs more at this time.

Empathy, compassion, dedication, truthfulness, sincerity, capacity to deliver on his mandate, commitment to the cause of Kogi State and Nigeria at large are the qualities of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello.

Hardly can you find a leader that has so much passion for development as the Governor does.

Alhaji Yahaya Bello is the man that has carved a niche for himself because of the way he has piloted the affairs of the state since assumption of office.

The Governor has helped the state get better and the best thing we can do as Nigerians is to give him the support he needs to succeed and make Nigeria great.

The qualities I highlighted above do not include the fact that he is the youngest man to have ever held the position. That is also something we should ponder about.

He was a public servant as a federal civil servant and when he decided to run for office, he came straight to say he was interested in being the Governor and the almighty God installed him divinely.

He did not come and say he wanted to be the Chairman of his LGA or the state Assembly member, but a governor. That is to tell you he is a goal getter.

To tell you how great he is, he did not only make history in the state, but also in law. The legal documents of this country are no longer the same, partly, because of him, Arike told NAN.

According to her, the governors investment in infrastructure has changed the landscape of the state, turning places that were hitherto overlooked to areas deserving attention.

The SSG added that the comprehensive and all encompassing reform of the civil services has been successfully implemented, in addition to other sectors.

He has shown doggedness and determination to improve the health, education, road networks, agriculture and other aspects of peoples lives.

Women and youth of Kogi have their places in the table in terms of governance in the state. The Governor has given those demographic their pride of place having been previously neglected.

The energy of the youth, the tenacity and compassion of the women and the experience of others is what the governor is using to bring these impactful developments to the state, she added.

Arike, therefore, advised that as elections approach, Nigerians and politicians should remain peaceful, play politics according to the rules and without bitterness, for the betterment of the country.

She further urged Nigerians to get their Permanent Voter Card and vote for Bello because of his youthfulness, commitment and determination to set Nigeria on a global pedestal. (NAN) ()

Source: NAN News

By Ifeanyi Olannye

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Tuesday felicitated Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on his 65thbirthday anniversary, describing him as a worthy leader.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, Okowa said that Osinbajos contributions to good governance and provision of a window for ease of doing business were sterling and inspiring.

He said that in spite of challenges, the vice-president had continued to make quality contributions to the stability and growth of the nations economy.

The governor recalled Osinbajos peace moves in the Niger Delta which helped in halting agitations and destruction of oil facilities in the region.

On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I congratulate the Vice-President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, as he celebrates his 65th birth anniversary.

On behalf of my brother governors and people of the Niger Delta, I thank you for your diplomatic shuttles that led to the resolution of grievances in our region and ended agitations and destruction of oil assets.

Your Excellency, we are proud of your outstanding accomplishments, uncommon patriotism and humility, which have remained the hallmark of your leadership since you became the vice-president of our great country, he said.

Okowa prayed God to grant Osinbajo good health, wisdom and many more years to serve the country and humanity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Nefishetu Yakubu

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security in Edo, Mr Stephen Idehenre, has reiterated the state governments readiness to encourage more women into agriculture for food security in the state.

Idehenre said this on Tuesday in Benin, when he played host to members of the National Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE), Edo Chapter.

He said that women had the capacity to develop the nation through agriculture and should be supported.

He urged the association to furnish his office with data and information of its members who are into agropreneurs, so that they could be captured in the states intervention for farmers.

The commissioner said the state government was committed to bridging the economic and social gaps existing between male and female genders in the state for a sustainable future.

Idehenre said government was committed to supporting women as evidenced in the number of women appointed as permanent secretaries and commissioners.

Earlier, the National Director of NAWE, Mrs Bridget Ngambu, gave a brief introduction of the association saying the visit was to introduce NAWE to the ministry.

Ngambu said it was also to partner with the ministry to ensure food security in the state.

The director congratulated the commissioner on his appointment and assured the ministry of the associations co-operation to move the state agricultural sector forward. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chimezie Anaso

The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has created an additional area and regional office in Anambra to expand and deepen its operations in the state.

Mr Olanrewaju Onipede, Coordinator, SON in Anambra, stated this during the presentation of the Mandatory Certificate and Assessment Programme (MANCAP) to deserving firms in Awka on Tuesday.

Onipede who is in charge of Awka Office (Anambra 1) said the new area office otherwise known as Anambra 2 was situated in Nnewi while the regional office was also in Awka.

He said the move was to increase the reach of the agency to the firms across the state and ease the rigours encountered in the bid to access SON services and processes.

The management of SON has approved a new structure in Anambra, we now have two state offices in Awka and Nnewi and a state regional office also in Awka.

This is to bring us closer to our clients and reduce transport time and other inconveniences, it is to increase general efficiency, he said.

The coordinator said the organisation had developed a concessionary policy to encourage genuine cottage businesses and enable them regularise their operations.

Onipede warned that production, importation and distribution of unwholesome or unapproved products remained a serious offence, adding that culprits would be fished out and prosecuted.

He congratulated the nine firms which got new MANCAP certificates for 20 products and four others who got revalidation for seven products for passing the approval processes.

The coordinator said the certificate has duration of three years during which the products would be monitored and that firms stand to have them revalidated if they consistently comply with standard or be withdrawn for non-compliance.

Today we issued MANCAP certificates to nine companies for 20 products and revalidated seven products in four companies.

They submitted themselves to the processes and were found worthy, they have been consistent and it is impressive to know that we have not had cause to withdraw any certificate.

That is because they are conscious of our regular visits, surveillance, monitoring and analysis which are most times unannounced, he said.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By olasade Akpan

Mr Buki Ponle, the Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has pledged to give women in the organisation the necessary support they need to excel.

He made the pledge on Tuesday in Abuja, when some female members of staff paid him a visit in commemoration of the International Womens Day celebration.

Ponle, while extolling the numerous virtues of the womenfolk, said that if given the opportunity, women would give their best to the society.

I will always be there to support you and give you the necessary tools to make your job easier, he said.

According to him, those who put women at the back row are just undoing and punishing themselves and their society.

So we always defer to remember because I know their essence and their importance and I know that without women, men cannot move anywhere.

I am happy to note that if you go to any graduation ceremony in the universities, you will see that women outnumber men and it means that women are coming up.

Maybe that is why some men are afraid to let women have their roles in the society, he said.

Ponle said that women would always have a soft spot for men and for their children, adding that was only applicable to men who treat them nice.

He added that, So for this special day, I congratulate you for your numerous strides and I believe that you will continue to make your mark in any area of calling.

The maiden IWD celebration was held in 1911 and in 1975, the United Nations declared March 8 as International Womens Day.

NAN reports that IWD is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

The 2022 theme is: Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Edith Ike-Eboh and Emmanuel Afonne

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) started the week with a move to tackle the challenges of gas flaring in the country.

The NNPC Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO), Malam Mele Kyari, during a panel session at the just concluded Nigerian International Energy Summit (NIES 2022) in Abuja, said part of the strategies would be to ensure that any proposed project without clear-cut plans to commercialise or use up its associated gas would no longer be approved.

He said gas utilisation was a major priority of both the Federal Government and NNPC as efforts were on to build infrastructure to replace the current fuel oil and diesel in the nations factories with gas which is a cleaner source of energy.

Kyari remarked that the trend was in tandem with the global reality of energy transition.

He, however, stressed that Nigeria as a country needed all the hydrocarbon of today to build the energy of tomorrow.

In his keynote message, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, said that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources was ready to provide the needed framework and support for seamless energy transition in the country.

Also speaking at the event, a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, said focusing on fast-tracking oil production, in-country refining, developing funding stream and leveraging the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) were some of the solutions to the industrys current challenges.

He advised that gas should be seen as transition fuel with estimated life span of 20 years, adding that industry players should begin to look at alternative sources of energy such as solar and wind to catch up with the world before 2060.

Other panelists including the Managing Directors of Chevron, SPDC, Exxon Mobil, Deputy Managing Director of Total Energies and General Manager of NLNG expressed commitment to the energy transition aspiration of the Federal Government, while indicating their willingness to partner with NNPC for better business opportunities.

Speaking at the CEO Roundtable session with the sub-theme: Strategies for Confronting the Energy Transition Kyari said a key strategy to tackle the energy transition challenge was to beef up investment in the development of physical infrastructure.

This, he said would get electricity to end users across every part of the country.

We know that in this country, anything less than 30,000 to 40,000megawatts of electricity cannot serve this country adequately.

The population is growing, the middle class is growing, in fact, their energy requirement is very different; rural-urban migration is at its peak.

This means that you need more and more infrastructure on ground to close that gap.

So, we need to be much more productive, industrial growth must be accelerated, infrastructure must be put in place in the short term to grow the economy to a level where we can generate enough revenue to close energy poverty gap.

We must answer the electricity question in the country, Kyari said.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has called on investors in the energy industry to avail themselves of the conducive environment provided by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to accelerate investment in the Nigerian energy sector.

Speaking at the opening of the just concluded NIES 2022, the president said that with the PIA in place, there should be no excuses for players in the nations petroleum industry not to deepen their investments, especially in the gas sector.

The president, who was represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, noted that the world was moving away from fossil fuels.

Buhari said it would be in the interest of the country to speed up its fossil fuel exploitation and make good use of the resources for the betterment of the country rather than abandon the huge oil and gas reserves.

He acknowledged the demands for energy transition and assured that the country was prepared to face the challenges.

Speaking in his capacity as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Sylva, said the world should support a drive to develop African natural gas production, describing it as green energy to boost electricity generation.

Sylva explained that for countries such as Nigeria, which was rich in natural resources but still energy poor, the transition must not come at the expense of affordable and reliable energy for people, cities, and industry.

On his part, the NNPC CEO, Kyari, said that the company would continue to develop Nigerias gas resources in spite of the exit of International Oil Companies (IOCs) from the country due to the global push for energy transition and net zero carbon target.

On energy transition, Kyari said the NNPC would work with its partners to facilitate the process in Nigeria regardless of the massive drop in investment in fossil fuel projects amidst exit of IOCs from Nigeria.

The NNPC boss stated that Nigeria and most sub-Saharan Africa countries were energy deficient.

He said the world had acknowledged the place of gas as a transition fuel, stressing that it would not be possible for gas to play that role unless there were investments in the gas sector to produce, process and make it available to users.

He informed that funding for fossil fuel projects had dropped by about 50 per cent when compared to what it was about 10 years ago.

Also, the Secretary-General of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Dr Sanusi Barkindo, and other African Energy Ministers at the summit defended investments in fossil fuels.

They insisted that the global push for energy transition to net zero carbon emission was not in favour of Africa.

They argued that Africa accounted for less than three per cent of global carbon emissions while some 600 million Africans had no access to electricity, stressing that it would be counter-productive to halt investments in fossil fuels in Africa.

Still in the week under review, the NNPC Ltd. signed a multi-billion dollar Gas Sales Agreement (GSA) with its partners.

The partners are Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Total Energies, ENI and the Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria (GACN).

The aim is to deliver 70million standard cubic feet (mscf) of gas to Dangote Fertiliser Limited for fertiliser production and to support the Federal Government aspiration to boost agricultural development in Nigeria.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, the CEO/GMD of NNPC, Malam Mele Kyari, said that the milestone of delivering that huge volume of gas to Train 2 of Dangote Fertiliser plant was part of the companys drive to ensure greater gas utilisation in the country.

He emphasised that the initiative would boost gas supply to the domestic market in alignment with the Federal Governments plan to transform Nigeria into a self-sufficient nation in fertiliser production.

In his remarks, the Chairman/CEO of Dangote Group, Mr Aliko Dangote, said that the execution of the gas sales agreement would not only help to meet up with fertiliser supply into the domestic market, but would also attract about .8billion foreign exchange into the country.

He commended the NNPC GMD for his visionary leadership that led to the actualisation of the project, noting that with GSA, Nigeria would soon become the 7th largest producer of fertiliser in the world and second in Africa behind Egypt.

On his part, the Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria/Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Nigeria, Mr Osagie Okunbor, appreciated the NNPC GMD and other partners for the effort, describing it as the fastest GSA executed in recent history.

Also in the week, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Chief Timipre Sylva expressed satisfaction with all the measures so far put in place by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the NNPC limited to bring the current fuel supply disruption in the country to an end.

Sylva who stated this when the GMD/CEO of the NNPC Limited, Malam Mele Kyari, and the Authority Chief Executive, Mr Farouk Ahmed, briefed him on the various measures put in place to end the scarcity of PMS commended the CEOs of the two agencies and expressed confidence in their ability to bring the situation under control.

Describing the situation as an accident, the Minister pledged his support to the NNPC and the Authority while appealing to consumers to be patient as all hands were on deck to end the supply disruption.

Meanwhile, the chairperson of the Board of Directors, NNPC Limited Sen. Margery Chuba Okadigbo expressed confidence in the ability of the current NNPC management to drive the company to greater heights.

Speaking on the sidelines at the just concluded NIES 2022, Sen. Okadigbo said the PIA had placed NNPC in a position of global competitiveness, adding that Kyari, The GMD/CEO has demonstrated the requisite capacity to transform the company into a world class energy company.

Visit us on www.nannews.ng for more details. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Sakaruyi of Karu in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the FCT, Emmanuel Yepwi, on Sunday, decried the increasing rate of illegal structures in his domain.

The traditional leader stated this when the Senior Special Assistant on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement to the FCT Minister, Mr Ikharo Attah, paid him a courtesy call at his palace in Karu, Abuja.

Yepwi appealed to the Federal Capital Territory Ministerial Committee on city sanitation to urgently remove the illegal structures and shanties in his domain.

He said it had been discovered that the illegalities was being perpetrated by some criminal elements, who lived in makeshift shanties and other illegal structures in the community.

Yepwi, who expressed worry over the situation, said the suspected law breakers initially came in as law abiding citizens to the community, but over time revealed their real characters, by disregarding procedures and extant laws.

He noted that he had been mobilising the powers within his constitutional reach to fight the illegalities being perpetrated by these elements, but now needed governments support to defeat them and restore sanity to his domain.

He specifically noted with dismay that some of the people, who disguised themselves as traders at Karu market, had taken took over the roadsides and were causing unbearable traffic snarls and inevitable disaster.

Yepwi urged the Ministerial Committee on city sanitation to quickly intervene by removing all illegal structures in Karu, one of the largest satellite towns in the FCT.

Karu is a major satellite town sitting on major road corridors in the FCT. Karu links to Orozo and up to karshi. It should be the best. Sadly, most people choose to sell on the road and cause traffic problems.

I want to appeal to the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello to please help us fully clear Karu of some illegal structures and batchers that were not good for our community

Tell the minister we support him fully for whatever he wants to do to remove all these traders from the roads. We have been warning them to leave but they refused to listen.

Responding, Attah said the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello had expressed similar worry over the illegalities in the Karu satellite town and would work in synergy with all stakeholders to address them.

He also disclosed that the visit to the Sakaruyis Palace was motivated by the myriad of complaints that had continued to trickle in from residents living in the Karu area.

Attah added that more worrisome was a situation where some traders have arrogantly abandoned the empty spaces in the Karu market, and opted to sell by the roadsides, not minding the traffic problems created by their actions.

It is a pathetic scene at the entry point into the Karu model market as traders now occupy the entire road allowing only one car to pass at a time.

Those selling fresh catfish and vegetables now occupy the better part of the road.

Also, the Head, Department of Works, AMAC, Mr Andrew Gaza, hailed the plans of the FCT administration to rid the area of illegalities.

We at AMAC have plans to clear areas in and around the market. Now that the FCT Administration is coming in we support it fully. All these illegality must stop.

If you look inside the market, you will see that AMAC was the first to mark the worrisome illegal structures for demolition. They have completely and badly changed the approved plan for the market. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Victor Okoye

Kada Stars and Bauchi Nets Basketball Clubs were off to a flying start as they began their quest for qualification into the Round of 16 in the Mark D Ball Mens basketball championship in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kada Stars defeated Bayelsa basketball team 64 42, while Bauchi Nets beat TAP basketball club of Ogun State 69 55 respectively in Matchday One Phase 1, Group 3 fixtures on Saturday.

Kada Stars showed their superiority early in the game as they dominated the match right from the blast of the referees whistle to take it 10-7, 22-10, 20-10, 12- 15.

Paul Dibal ran the show for the Kaduna-based clubside as he scored a total of 24 points, including four steals and four turnovers.

Dibal combined well with Umoru Babatunde who also garnered 14 points, including five rebounds and one assist for a massive 22 point lead at the end of a one-sided encounter.

In the other game also played on Saturday, Bauchi Nets came back from two sets down to defeat TAP at the end of a thrilling encounter.

The Ogun-based clubside had taken the first two quarters 17-12, 14-13 for a 31-25 lead at the end of the second quarter.

However, Bauchi Nets rallied in the third quarter to take it 19-10 for a 44 41 scoreline and completed their comeback in the fourth quarter, taking it 25-14 to finish the game with a shocking 14 point lead, for a 69-55 win.

The quartet of Suleiman Hassan, Chidubem Wisdom, Phiip Israel and Armstrong Omoikhudu were instrumental to the teams victory as they scored a combined total of 45 points, including 18 rebounds, four assists and 10 turnovers.

NAN also reports that other results of Matchday One saw Delta Force lose 70-79 to Kano Pillars, while Novena Heartlanders of Imo out-dunked Benue Braves 79-66.

The three-month long championship which resumed on Saturday with the Phase 1, Group three final round of matcheswill end on Friday.

Five teams each are expected to qualify from each of the three (eight-team) groups for the Round of 16, with the best loser joining the qualified teams.

Mo Heat, Gombe Bulls, Hot Coal Ballers, Nile University Spartans and APA Flames have already qualified from Phase 1 Group 1.

Also, Nigeria Customs, FCT Hardrockers, Kwara Falcons, Suleja Bulldogs and Civil Defenders are the already qualified teams from Phase 1 Group 2. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

Dangote Groups Executive Director and President of Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mansur Ahmed, has assured Nigerians that the upcoming Dangote Petroleum Refinery would help address the volatile fuel crisis in the country.

This is coming against the backdrop of torrents of commendations from President Muhammadu Buhari, Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State and Defence Minister Bashir Magashi.

Dangote Group is one of the winners at the Kaduna International Trade Fair that ended on Sunday.

Ahmed also said the refinery, which is due to commence operation later in the year would also impact positively on the Nigerian economy through conserving of foreign exchange and massive job creation.

He described the positive impact as monumental and unprecedented in the history of Nigeria.

Ahmed who was speaking weekend at the Dangote Special Day at the ongoing 43rd Kaduna International Trade Fair said the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, is passionate and desirous of changing the trajectory of the African economy through industrialisation.

The Group Executive Director also officially presented the Dangote Fertiliser to the Kaduna market and public, where he spoke glowingly about how the new product can help address the problems associated with agricultural yield.

He commended the organiser of the Trade Fair, the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) for organising yet another successful Trade Fair.

The Dangote Industries Limited is the major sponsor of the Trade Fair with the theme: Re-strategizing Nigerian economy for Global Competitiveness.

Speaking, President of KADCCIMA, Alhaji Suleiman Aliyu, described the partnership with Dangote as very important for deepening commercial activities in the country.

He said the support of the Dangote Group towards the success of the Fair cannot be quantified.

Group General Manager of the company, Bello Dan-Musa, said the company would not rest on its oars in gingering the economy through its numerous philanthropic strides, being represented by its Corporate Social Responsibility schemes and the Aliko Dangote Foundation.

Representatives of the various Business Units of the Dangote Group also spoke on the companys products. They are: Alhaji Abdulsalam Waya(Dangote Sugar), Alhaji Ahmed Tijana(Dangote Cement), Mr. Isaac Oladele(Dangote Fertiliser) and Mr. Ifeanyi Tobi(Dangote Salt).(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ikenna Osuoha

The Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) has restated its commitment toward achieving a HIV-free Nigeria by the year 2030.

The Chief Executive Officer of the institute, Dr Patrick Dakum, gave the assurance when he featured on the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja on Sunday.

Dakum said the institute was working in partnership with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and the Federal Ministry of Health to achieve the global goal of 95-95-95.

Nigeria is striving to meet UNAIDS goal of 95-95-95 by 2030, which is a global target.

He explained that it means that 95 per cent of persons should be tested; the 95 per cent who tested positive are placed on treatment and 95 per cent of persons achieve viral suppression, making the virus undetectable.

According to him, the undetectable level of HIV depends on the kind of machine used, saying that the country has 1.8 million people living with the virus.

The IHVN boss, who commended the country in general and NACA for containing the spread of the virus, said Nigeria has done pretty well and government has been providing coordinating mechanism through NACA.

If you look at what we have done in placing people on treatment, it is close to half a million.

The chief executive officer noted that the institute, in a bid to ensure a healthy Nigeria, tested about 13 million people.

We have tested about 3.5 million pregnant women too, so it is wide.

He affirmed the determination of the institute to support vulnerable groups, especially women and women. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Ikenna Osuoha

The Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) is fully indigenous and operating as an organisation, its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Patrick Dakum, says.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday that the institute, since inception in 2004, had remained indigenous for the provision of quality healthcare for Nigerians through collaboration with the University of Maryland in the U.S.

We are fully indigenous. We collaborate with the University of Maryland in the U.S. and other partners through memorandum of understanding.

We will continue to get technical support from University of Maryland in the area of programme implementation and HIV surveillance.

Dakum, who said that the institute had qualified virologists and reputable scientists from Nigeria as researchers, including Prof. Emeritus Umaru Shehu as Chairman of the board, noted that Shehu was one of the researchers at the forefront of the eradication of small pox.

He added that IHVNs collaboration with the University of Maryland was quite wide. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Source: NAN News

By Abujah Racheal

The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has advised the Federal Government to convert the COVID-19 pandemic isolations centres across the country to Emergency Infectious Disease Centres for future outbreaks.

The Chief Executive Officer of the institute, Dr Patrick Dakum, gave the advice in Abuja at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja on Sunday.

NAN reports that an isolation unit ensures that healthcare staff and the centres are equipped to deal with infectious disease outbreaks.

In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, the Federal Government, with the intervention of the Coalition Against COVID-19 and other partners, improvised and created the best possible equipped isolation centres across the country.

Dakum, therefore, said such centres could be converted to function as high-level isolation units for any infectious diseases even when COVID-19 was over.

He added: I always give an example of the country doing this at the point where it had Ebola then.

I went to the United States of America and decided to visit an Ebola isolation centre just to learn what they were doing. There was no Ebola then, they only had one or two cases.

Suddenly, there was a demonstration on how to respond to Ebola outbreak in future, with personnel in their full Personal Protective Equipment.

So I think the systems that we have developed for the response, the equipment that we have, I hope you know that the GeneXpert machine that were using for tuberculosis detection could be used for COVID-19 test also.

Some of these equipment just need a change of cartridge so we now have a widespread deployment of that equipment.

He explained that the GeneXpert machines were used in the country for tuberculosis detection but more were procured and developed to be used for both tuberculosis and COVID-19 across the country.

We also got ventilators that are not just for COVID-19 but for respiratory distress.

Dakum also advised that now that the country has a team for creating awareness on the COVID-19 pandemic, the team can also create awareness on other diseases.

The methodologies used for behavioural change can also be used for other diseases. (NAN) (www:nannews.ng

Source: NAN News

By Abujah Racheal

The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) says its new campus in Abuja is meant to provide a platform for collaborative research and partnerships for quality health services for Nigerians.

The institutes Chief Executive Officer, Dr Patrick Dakum, gave the assurance in Abuja when he featured on the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja on Sunday.

Dakum said that the newly completed campus, a seven-storey twin tower in Abuja that would house the International Research Centre of Excellence (IRCE), would promote care and treatment, capacity building and research into infectious and non-infectious diseases in Nigeria.

He added that the building was equipped with hematology, chemistry, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), microbiology, biorepository and gene sequencing laboratories, training centre and office spaces.

According to him, IHVN will continue to drive equitable access to health for both individuals and communities through innovative and evidence-based strategies.

Dakum recalled that the institute received support from partners and corporate organisations during its fundraising and ground-breaking ceremonies for the structure in March and November, 2016.

He added that the structure represents the possibilities that are attainable in a public-private partnership with the health of Nigerians as the focus.

The IRCE would encourage mentorship and training on global health methodology, epidemiology, scientific and medical ethics, clinical trials, among other areas.

The chief executive officer said that the institute was committed to the fight against HIV, tuberculosis and other diseases across the country.

He said: our efforts have continued to yield results since our establishment in 2004. We have tested more than 15 million individuals for HIV, enrolled over 540,000 clients on treatment for HIV, provided treatment for more than 50,000 individuals with tuberculosis and drug-resistant tuberculosis.

We have also improved infrastructure of more than 300 health facilities, contributed to the establishment of national reference laboratories, as well as supported over 100 laboratories in the country.

In the area of capacity building, we have trained close to 50,000 healthcare providers since inception, as well as carried out quality research. All these have strengthened healthcare practices and the system.

With support of our funders like the U.S. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Global Fund to Fight HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), U.S. National Institute of Health, among others, we have made giant strides.

This tower reflects our commitment to do more, he said. (NAN) (www:nannews.com)

Source: NAN News

By Ijeoma Okigbo

Visiting Sokoto United secured their first win of the ongoing 2021/2022 Nigeria National League (NNL) season by beating Oyah Sports FC of Abuja 3-1 on Saturday.

In their Group A1 fixture played at the Area 10 pitch, an Uche Collins brace and Mouktar Umars solitary strike gave the visitors their first win in four matches.

Sokoto United dominated the Match Day 4 game well enough in the first half and Collins gave them the opening goal in the 20th minute.

The second half saw the home team overcoming their seeming lethargy, applying more pressure on their opponents and this eventually paid off with William Udes 62nd minute equaliser.

Collins responded four minutes later for the Sokoto United team as he reclaimed the lead for his team.

Umar, however, sealed the victory for his team as he scored during a goal scramble two minutes into added time.

After the game, Martial Amodu, an excited captain of Sokoto United, lauded the team for the effort.

I am so happy with this win, especially as our states Commissioner of Sports, Bashir Usman, is here to watch us. It is such an amazing feeling.

I appreciate the efforts of the team. We all put in our best to see that we are successful today.

Our next game is at home against Zamfara United and I am sure that we are going to sustain this tempo and secure maximum points, Amodu said.

On his part, Abdulrazak Mohammed, coach of Oyah FC, who are yet to pick a point in three matches, said the team needed to correct a few lapses.

Today, we didnt play like a team. The players didnt perform to instructions. Although the officiating was fair, there are a lot of things we need to get right.

We will go back to the drawing board and prepare better ahead of our next game against EFCC FC, Mohammed said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Naomi Sharang

The National Chairman, Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Malam Falalu Bello, says the party has not zoned out any of its political seats ahead of 2023 general elections.

He made this known in Abuja on Saturday during a meeting of the partys National Working Committee (NWC) with the Board of Trustees (BOT) and other party stakeholders.

Bello said: We have not zoned out the presidency to any part of Nigeria. Anybody from anywhere in Nigeria is free to come and contest for the presidential seat in PRP.

We are not considering zoning. Anybody can come from any part of the country to contest. What is important to us is someone who has integrity.

We will develop a template for selection of leadership in Nigeria and that template will cover the presidency, the governors and members of the national assembly.

On the level of preparedness by the party, Bello said: We shall contest, we have members that have indicated interest.

We are in all the 774 local government. We have held congresses. We are now ready to move to the last level of leadership in the party which is the national convention.

This meeting will look at what it takes to have a national convention and arrange for one to be held very shortly, he said.

Bello further said that PRP was considering alliances with other political parties to form mega parties to challenge the ruling APC and the PDP.

We are in discussion with some groups; the NC Front, and Rescue Nigeria Mission.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Ifeanyi Olannye

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has congratulated former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as he clocked 85 years.

Okowa said this in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Saturday in Asaba.

He said Nigeria benefited immensely from the former presidents leadership at various times as several tangible key infrastructure and, economic reforms, were hallmarks of his leadership.

Okowa commended the former president for always lending his voice on national issues and for his patriotic and unrelenting service to the country and humanity.

He described the octogenerian as an epitome of nationalism and statesmanship and lauded him for his sustained contributions to peace and unity in Nigeria.

Okowa remarked that the former president had, through acknowledged efforts and effect, etched his name and Nigerias in global reckoning, adding that he was a well-respected personality in global affairs.

On the occasion of your 85th birth anniversary, I heartily rejoice with you and your family on behalf of the government and people of Delta.

As a country, we recall with nostalgia, the economic reforms in the banking, communication and health sectors, introduced during your administration which paved way for the revolution in the Nigerian economy.

At 85, you have continued to give yourself to the service of our nation in various ways, including your frequent fatherly admonitions to the nation at various levels.

I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for your life and to pray that He continues to bless you with robust health, guidance, protection and enduring provisions.

I wish you, our dear father, a well-deserved 85th birth anniversary celebration, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Nurul Yaqeen Islamic Foundation, a faith-based organisation, has reiterated commitment to the provision of world-class Islamic and western education to the youth and children of the less privileged at affordable cost.

Director of the foundation, Imam Yahya Al-Yolawi, gave the assurance at the Third Annual Quranic Graduation held on Saturday in Abuja.

Al-Yolawi also said that the foundation is working assiduously to train and equip children and youths to be good ambassadors of Islam through academics and non-academic activities.

We are also committed to ensuring that the foundation becomes one of the five top Islamic centres serving humanity in the Federal Capital Territory in terms of Islamic education and formal education, and a place where the less privileged will be given attention to their religious, family, social and financial issues through various lectures, skill acquisition and empowerment programmes.

Similarly, we are determined to be a leading Islamic centre with quality and Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based Quran teaching and learning.

The director explained that the mode of teaching at the foundation will be an individual approach to make sure no child is left behind, noting that students speed and achievements largely depend on readiness, parental support, determination, interest and ability of the student.

In 2016, some of our teachers received courses on ICT-based teaching and learning for the period of two months which eventually led to some changes in the curriculum, method of teaching, Days and time of Islamic session.

A unique approach in teaching Arabic letters (huruf) that grant the expected result was equally put in place. The output was so great and enviable as we are able to produce more than 50 graduands within a short period of time.

As from 2012 to 2022, hundreds of students, if not thousands, were able to learn how to read Quran, as well as writing and reading Arabic texts, although some of them did not complete Quran due to boarding school, change of location or sudden disappearance of student.

Presently, we have 44 graduands on our list and by 2023 some of them will complete their recitation of the Glorious Quran in few month.

He revealed that the foundation which was operating with 23 staff both academic and non-academic staff had
Secured ICT training Center approved by Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy through NITDA.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory League of Imams, Sheikh Tajudeen Adigun, said reading as far as Islam is concern is key to learning and a process of success in education.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that the high point of the event was the presentation of gifts to the overall best graduating student and others. (NAN) (www.nannewws.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Saturday discussed issues ranging from constitutional role to security, economy among others with two prominent traditional rulers in Delta.

Osinbajo was in Delta for the thanksgiving Mass of late Chief Patrick Ideh, a renowned legal practitioner and nationalist who passed away at the age of 95.

The thanksgiving Mass was held at the Mother of The Redeemer Catholic Church, Effurun, Warri.

After the Mass, the vice president, accompanied by Delta Deputy Governor, Kingsley Otuaro, paid courtesy visits to the palaces of Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Dr Emmanuel Sideso, and Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.

Receiving the vice president in his palace, Sideso thanked Osinbajo for his respect for traditional rulers.

He said, however, that traditional rulers in the country are not happy that the issue of constitutional role for the traditional rulers was not considered by the National Assembly.

You have always been there for us; I am the Chairman of the National Traditional Rulers Summit in Abuja.

The last summit we held, you represented the president; you physically came and stayed with us throughout the summit.

On behalf of the traditional rulers in the whole country, we are appealing to you and the president to look at this again; I dont think it is too late to look at it and perhaps call us and advice us on why it cannot be done at the moment.

We are the grassroots people; and if there is any problem, you people come to us and seek our prayers because you are our children, he said.

He urged the vice president to intervene on the quest for constitutional role for the traditional institution.

In his response, Osinbajo said he was in the kingdom to honour late Chief Ideh who is an illustrious son.

The vice president said he is hopeful that the National Assembly would eventually attend to the question of constitutional role for traditional rulers.

But I think that there is a genuine desire by traditional rulers to be more intricately involved; to be more directly involved in governance and government in Nigeria.

And just going by the track record that we see even in this kingdom, it is very evident that your role has been instrumental in keeping the peace here.

So, I think traditional rulership is so important in keeping law and order and in maintaining peace in all of our communities.

At the palace of Olu of Warri, Osinbajo congratulated Atuwatse for ascending to throne of his fathers.

He said the traditional institution has a vital role to play in addressing the security challenges in the country.

As you know, coming into office, we had on top of our agenda, as the president stated, the economy, security, governance, and corruption.

The role of the traditional council, the traditional rulership in our country is critical to security; absolutely critical and I am happy that this is something that you also, not only recognises, but accept as a major function of the traditional rulership.

Osinbajo said that he and the deputy governor had worked extensively in some of the conflicts in oil producing communities that had led to a decline in oil production.

He said that they were able to achieve results by going round to speak to various communities.

We want to see that security challenges; oil theft and some of what we are seeing in the Delta and in many of our oil producing communities are swiftly brought to an end, he said.

Atuwatse had earlier in his welcome remarks, said that Osinbajos visit was divine as it coincided with the end of the week the kingdom visited Itsekiri communities in other parts of Nigeria, including Ogun and Kogi States.

According to him, there is an affinity between Itsekiri people and Osinbajo as the vice president is their in-law through his marriage to late Chief Obafemi Awolowos grand daughter.

In response to the vice presidents remarks, Atuwase said that traditional rulers were committed to ensuring security and unhindered oil production.

I am very happy that our deputy governor is here and will bear witness to our commitment to not only security in this axis but in ensuring that the oil production here does not dwindle, especially now with global events oil is now approaching US per barrel.

And Nigeria has to, as much as it can, benefit from that development; not quite long ago, we did something unprecedented.

Traditional rulers are here to ensure that they are bridge builders between government and the people.

We have committed ourselves to ensuring that where we had a hitch in Ogidigben where the production was shut down, we have committed ourselves to making sure that not only are things restored but the International Oil Companies (IOCs) commitment to the community, which as the cause of the breakdown, is finally resolved.

He said he is willing to collaborate with the Federal Government in ensuring lasting peace and transforming the Niger-Delta region.

Please, let the president know that once there is anything that resembles a security situation, he can call on us and he has our full cooperation, Atuwatse said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Chairman of Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Ltd., Alhaji Ahmed Wadada on Saturday, felicitated with former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 85th birthday anniversary.

Wadada, in a congratulatory message made available to newsmen in Abuja, commended Obasanjo for his commitment to oneness and indivisibility of the country.

The PAN boss, who was a former two-term member of the House of Representatives, prayed to Almighty God to grant Obasanjo many more fruitful years.

The message read: On behalf of myself and my family, I wish to heartily congratulate you on the milestone of attaining 85 years.

I equally wish to congratulate you on your service to the country, and your commitment to oneness and indivisibility of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

There is hardly any major episode in Nigerias short history where your name and contribution does not feature.

On this special occasion, I pray that Almighty God grants you many more years to see Nigeria grow and develop beyond all of our wildest dreams.

Wadada also appealed to Obasanjo to continue availing those in leadership positions the benefits of his experience and wise counsel for the unity, stability and progress of the nation.

You are a statesman who has made invaluable contributions to the growth and development of our country, Nigeria.

I salute your steadfast love for our nation and your continued zeal toward a united and prosperous Nigeria, Wadada said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Afonne

A Professor of Animal Science, Grace Jokthan, has highlighted the importance of livestock as the country march towards achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustaining Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Jokthan, who is a member of the Governing Council, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), spoke in Abuja while delivering the 18th inaugural lecture of the institution.

She said achieving rapid livestock production would play an important role in Nigerias attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the eradication of poverty and hunger thereby guaranteeing healthy lives.

The SDGs adopted by member States of the United Nations in 2015 is a universal call for action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.

The availability of adequate livestock feed source has been linked to reduction in poverty, hunger, malnutrition and the economic well-being of the populace.

In Nigeria like most developing countries, many of the poor rural households have 1-3 livestock and rely on them for livelihood.

The contribution of these livestock to poverty reduction and improvement of living standard has not been fully appreciated, yet in some households, livestock remains the only source of income for meeting household needs.

The livestock sector can contribute in multiple ways to ending hunger (SDG2) and all forms of malnutrition (SDG3) through increasing the direct consumption of nutritious animal-source foods, income and revenue generation, foreign exchange and job creation.

The world livestock and its products are assets to human livelihoods and, through quality nutrition, promote human health and well-being, Jokthan said.

According to her, research shows that men are more likely to own and control larger and more valuable livestock such as cows, bulls and oxen, while women tend to own smaller valuable livestock such as goats and poultry species.

Jokthan added that the bedrock of livestock sector was hinged on the availability of high-quality feed sources and efficient feeding programmes.

She also said that training of farmers, access to information and linkages with stakeholders on the uptake of new technologies were necessary to improve farmers knowledge.

There is need for the introduction of alternative high yielding planted fodders and the development of complete feeds to benefit smallholder farmers.

This can be achieved through introducing, supporting and building capacity on the formulation of feed rations amongst small scale farmers.

More investment in research, data accumulation and information sharing between public and private sectors will be a step in the right direction as these feed sources will play an increasingly important role in the future as human and livestock population expands.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters said he was elated with the achievements of Prof. Jokthan who is currently the Director, Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL).

Peters said he almost became a professor of Animal Science but eventually became a professor of chemistry.

He commended Jokthan for her research work and inaugural lecture which dwelt on indigenous feed sources: increasing animal protein supply for improved livelihoods. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News