Stakeholders during the execution of phase II 2022 salary inspection programme in Abuja

By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) implementing increases in salaries, allowances and fringe benefits without its approval to desist from such acts.

The Chairman, National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Mr Ekpo Nta, gave the warning at a Two-Day Training Workshop for Salaries Inspectors in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop is for the execution of the Phase II of the 2022 Salary Inspection Programme.

According to Nta, the commission over the years , through the salary inspection programmes, found out that some agencies are implementing unapproved salaries, allowances and fringe benefits.

I want to unambiguously, state that even where the establishment Acts of any fully funded, partially funded and self-funded federal agencies allow its board to determine its remuneration.

It can only do so after statutory input in line with Section 3(1) of the NSIWC Act 1999. This is irrespective of whether their establishment Act predates 1993 or not.

They are bound by our Act in the same way and manner that the Public Procurement Act 2007, the ICPC Act 2000, Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007, etc upon enactment.

Whether pre-dating or post-dating their establishment Acts, apply to all federal government agencies.

The chairman said it was based on this that the federal government issued two circulars signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

He said the circular directed all MDAs to desist from implementing any increase without NSIWCs input, and after approvals by the government, such approvals must be conveyed by NSIWC.

The country will not accept fiscal indiscipline where the personnel budget and non-regular allowances of the overhead budgets for public service employees are not controlled and spiral out of control without a corresponding increase in productivity, especially in self-funded institutions.

This can be attributed to unregulated recruitment, implementation of the National Minimum Wage etc., Nta said.

The NSIWC boss reiterated that the commission had through this inspection and other activities saved the government over N400 billion yearly which would have been abused, wasted or misappropriated.

He said this years programme would cover agencies which had obtained approvals to implement new salaries, allowances and fringe benefits within the last six months.

He said they include the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and their parastatals and the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and their parastatals.

Nta urged the salary inspectors to enrich themselves during the workshop, go into the field and carry out the inspection with dedication and zero tolerance for compromise.

He warned that any inspector found acting contrary to set rules and regulations would be sanctioned appropriately for criminal breach of trust or unethical conduct.

He then solicited support and corporation of the selected agencies for the success of the exercise which was a statutory requirement. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Source: NAN News

Chief Odunayo Ategbero

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has advised people contemplating interim national government in Nigeria to bury the thought.

Its National Chairman, Chief Odunayo Ategbero, said the idea of an interim national government was completely alien to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended).

Ategbero condemned the alleged plot by some groups he described as desperate politicians to instigate, mobilise and promote the interim national government after the just-concluded 2023 presidential election.

It is important at this juncture to appreciate the infallibility of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) which does not contemplate any such arrangement in the political space.

It is the view of the BOT of ALGON that Feb. 25s presidential and National Assembly Elections outcome is sacrosanct as announced by INEC, he stated.

Ategbero added that what was important now was moving forward after the elections.

The President-Elect remains Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

Nigeria has had a successful election even as it is acknowledged that there are some obvious infractions which should be left for the courts to adjudicate upon.

The Election Tribunal offers a legitimate opportunity for losers to contest their claim, he said.

Ategbero urged Nigerians to be law-abiding and to be steadfast in nurturing Nigerias nascent democracy in spite of unguarded utterances laden with inflamed emotions.

The BOT also condemns the heightened desperation by some Nigerians weaponising the victory with religious and ethnic sentiments for mere political and selfish gains.

We call on all Nigerians to trust the democratic process against all subterfuge and not to be used by traducers and purveyors of trouble in the interest of more than 200 million Nigerians.

An appeal is hereby made to the Department of State Service for immediate arrest and prosecution of these groups of desperate citizens fanning the embers of interim national government, Ategbero stated. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Alli Hakeem

DD/Website

By Olayinka Owolewa

The Chairman of the Governing Council of Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), Terfa Ityav, has reiterated the commitment of the body to keep up with its development plan.

Speaking during a four-day visit to Kwara on Wednesday, Ityav said that the policy thrust of the commission includes education, agriculture, entrepreneurship, health, infrastructure and security.

We are in Kwara State to inspect and verify some of the projects that are being done by the commission which are in line with our two to five years plan, he said.

The chairman lauded the efforts of the management committee of the commission for the execution of projects with direct bearing on the host communities.

Kwara is the third state after Kebbi and Niger that we are visiting to assess the level of work done by the management committee.

We give a vote of confidence to them because projects that have been shown on papers are actually existing, he said.

Ityav said that the commission would keep improving on the standard of its projects where lapses are noticed.

He said that the commission would consider some of the requests from communities in consonant with its budgetary allocation and capacity.

We have received a lot of requests from communities and we will consider them under our development plan, budgetary allocation and capacity, he said.

The Managing Director of HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Yelwa, disclosed that the visit to the communities was to ascertain the level of projects compliance with their design and specifications.

Projects executed so far have met the aspirations of the communities and I assure you that the commission will not relent in its efforts to ensure that the right quality of projects is delivered, Yelwa said.

The working visit saw the members of the governing council and management staff of HYPPADEC paying courtesy visits to traditional rulers in Edu, Patigi and Moro local government areas of the state where projects are monitored and handed over to the host communities.

HYPPADEC has constructed schools, drainages, solar powered street lights, conducted medical outreach and distributed motorcycles to aid the security network of the communities in Kwara state within its two years of inauguration.

It was established by an Act of the National Assembly to address ecological challenges from the operations of Hydroelectric Dams.

Its operations is carried out in six states; Benue, Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau and Kogi comprising 56 local governments, 229 political wards and 1085 communities.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

DD/Website

By Bridget Ikyado

The Archbishop of Abuja Arch-Dioceses, His Grace Ignatius Kaigama, says those who saw the recent presidential elections as a referendum between Christians and Muslims or the North and the South have badly missed the point.

Kaigama made this known while delivering a sermon at the 2023 Chrism Mass celebration on Tuesday in Abuja.

The Chrism Mass is a religious service held in certain Christian denominations, such as Roman Catholicism, Lutheranism, and Anglicanism.

It is usually celebrated each year on Maundy Thursday or on another day of Holy Week.

Some of those seeking power in Nigeria are so notoriously narcissistic and myopic.

They only see the interests of theirs or their narrow political constituencies.

Such a view is the most divisive understanding of the Nigerian political reality, he said.

Referring to a bible passage (1 Timothy 3:2), Kaigama said a leader must be sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money, like Judas who betrayed Jesus.

We should search our hearts to see our infidelities, falsehoods, hypocrisies, the good intentions betrayed, promises broken and resolutions unfulfilled, he said

The Archbishop prayed for all priests, political leaders and for all the lovely citizen of Nigeria that they may enjoy peace now and eternal reward after.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Source: NAN News

Mr Lanre Gbajabiamila, DG, NLRC

By Okon Okon

The National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) says it has launched a National Premium Identity Verification Platform (NPIVP) to provide identity of lottery operators in Nigerias lottery industries.

The Director General of the NLRC, Mr Lanre Gbajabiamila, made this known in a statement on Tuesday.

The decision, according to him, was taken following stakeholders engagement meeting on Know Your Customer (KYC) and Verification Issues in Nigerian Gaming Industry, held at the NLRC Headquarters in Abuja.

Gbajabiamila said the measure was initiated by the stakeholders in lottery sector as a move geared towards mitigating and curbing unscrupulous activities in the lottery industry in Nigeria.

The new NPIVP will provide identification in less than 8 seconds, attach real-time human faces to players, minimize fraud, ease compliance and encourage more participation in the industry.

The NLRC D-G, during the meeting, identified the Federal Governments concern about prevalent complaints relating to customers identity and verification in the industry.

He said the initiative was in line with the commissions mission of creating a safe and secure environment for operators and players.

Our mission in the NLRC is to create an enabling, safe and secure environment for operators and players while ensuring the Nigerian Gaming Industry thrives.

As we are aware, the NLRC is the apex gaming regulatory institution in Nigeria, saddled with the responsibility of regulating the operation and business of the national lottery, setting standards, guidelines and rules.

This is to ensure transparency and integrity and also protect the interest of players, stakeholders and the public; while also carrying out periodic industry-wide assessments.

He said there were other duties as may be directed by the President as specified by the National Lottery Act 2005 (as amended).

Gbajabiamila also used the medium to read the riot act to operators and directed gaming operators to identify and verify the players and users of their various gaming platforms to ensure that the collected and collated personal data were secure.

To this end, the commission has collaborated with other Federal Government agencies to promote the gaming industry and ensure a safe and secure gaming environment among others, he said.

Contributing, Clement Omife, Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, a representative of Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), said the agency had done a lot about KYC, especially in partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), being a critical aspect of its mandate.

We really appreciate the NLRC for this wonderful initiative. We have been doing this KYC and I can tell you that it will help to mitigate a lot of criminality in the lottery industry.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mr Babatunde Bamgboye, representative of Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), Association of Nigerian Bookmakers (Lottery Operators), led by their Executive Secretary, Akingba Olabimpe, the CBN representative among others, were present at the meeting. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

Prince Clem Agba, Minister of State for Budget and National Planning

Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, has described Mr Adams Oshiomhole as a dependable leader in the political struggle to build a better Nigeria.

Agba stated this in a letter entitled Birthday Greetings on Tuesday to the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on the occasion of his 71st birthday.

He said that the occasion provided an opportunity to celebrate you and the leadership ideals that you persistently and consistently exemplify.

You have remained a dependable leader in the political struggle to build a better Nigeria, with our dear Edo state, where you served as governor for eight years (from 2008-2016) as a linchpin.

Your patriotism to Nigeria, which you first demonstrated about two decades ago as President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), remains unassailable.

The same goes for Edo, in whose environment, you have continued to positively intervene for the development of our people and the growth of the state.

I must place on record your monumental contributions to the growth of our great party, the All Progressive Congress (APC), which you led as national chairman from 2018-2020.

You did not only lead the party to victory in the 2019 presidential election, but you also ensured that the partys candidates emerged as presiding officers in the National Assembly.

Agba added that Oshiomhole, who is the senator-elect for Edo North Senatorial District, has yet been given another responsibility to serve the people.

God has decided to order your political pathway through the Senate, whose leadership positions you helped the APC to fill in 2019 with the right candidates, and I believe it is for a purpose that will soon manifest.

I pray that the Almighty God will continue to strengthen you as you do not tire in providing dependable and sharply-focused leadership to us in Edo State and others across the country who look up to you for inspiration.(NAN)

DD/Website

Gen. Lucky Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence Headquarters has clarified that the UN Peacekeeping fighting vehicles and equipment sighted recently in Benin, Edo were meant for deployment for peacekeeping mission in South Sudan.

The Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Gusau said circulation of the video of the said equipment on social media, had given rise to insinuations that were inimical to public peace which might cause panic.

He said that presently, Nigeria is contributing troops to various UN Peace keeping operations; the most recent is United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), Southern Sudan.

The Mission is commanded by a Nigerian, Ma.-Gen. Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr.

It should be noted that the UN doesnt have its own troops, rather it enter into agreement with troops contributing countries to provide their personnel and equipment for operations in its various missions.

Therefore, it is imperative to state emphatically that the military fighting vehicles and equipment painted in UN colour as sighted are being moved through the Warri port for movement to the mission area in Southern Sudan.

The Defence Headquarters under the leadership of Gen. Lucky Irabor, wish to assure Nigerians that our nation is not under any threat that will warrant the deployment of UN troops on our soil, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a video clip titled, tension as heavy military UN trucks arrive Nigeria, surface on one BVI Youtube channel on Sunday.

The commentator was seen raising alarm that something was cooking in the country that the government was not telling the citizens. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Source: NAN News

By Patricia Amogu

A legal practitioner and mediation expert, Mr Chijoke Nnanna-Ibeku, says mediation can replace the law courts in the resolution of conflicts in Nigeria if the necessary structures are put in place for it to thrive.

Nnanna-Ibeku stated this, while speaking at a ceremony organised for the graduation of peer mediators at the primary and junior secondary school levels in Abuja.

Sooner than later, mediation will no longer be an alternative but the main thrust for the resolution of conflicts in Nigeria.

This is the second time we are graduating these children.

The idea is to imbibe the culture of mediation among children as much as possible children who will become future leaders; who will hold political offices, and change the narrative of conflict resolution in Nigeria.

I always say that in a class of 60 students who have undergone the peer mediation training, at least three to ten of them will imbibe this training and make it a normal practice in their lives, he said.

He said filling up the gaps left in the wake of resolving conflicts along ethnic, religion, cultural, and political diversities is a major focus of the programme.

According to him, that will go a long way towards bringing peace and reducing conflicts to the minimum.

We have in our template to certify 240 children as Peer Mediators this year .

This will be achieved every quarter by certifying 60 children as peer mediators.

Mrs Margaret Ibeku, Co-ordinator, Three Cs met Mediators, said the training was organised to preach the language of peace and create a generational change among children, so that peace becomes the language.

It is worrisome to see kids of about 10, 11 years of age fighting along tribal lines.

We felt the best way is to get these young minds to begin a generational change.

Firstly, preaching the language of peace, mediating in their families.schools, and communities, and as they grow up, they will continue to take it to the outer world.

Right now, we are working with all the government schools in the FCT, she said.

Mr Munsir Sule, an architect who is the Director of Physical Planning and Project Monitoring, described the training as a laudable one, and one of great interest to the board.

He said the programme was apt and timely.

Speaking on behalf of the chairman, Dr Alhassan Sule urged the children to imbibe the culture of peer mediation which they have been trained on and see the beauty in diversity.

It is a laudable programme, and it brings better understanding among peers. They should see further than the issue of citizenry.

It is cheaper than going to the courts. We are still going to train the teachers on this for them to better impact on the children, he added.

Highpoints of the day was the award of certificates to the students and parents.

There were dance competitions and the staging of drama by some of the children.

The News Agency of NIgeria (NAN) reports that Three Cs Met International Institute Of Mediation Negotiation Counseling and Conciliation organised the training. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Source: NAN News

By Justina Auta

Oxfam Nigeria, an International NGO, says empowering women financially and economically will make them independent.

The organisation said it would also make them self-reliant which was critical to their life, as it would end Sexual, Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria.

Ms Helen Akinyemi, Oxfams Programme Manager on Gender Justice, said this during a community-based assembly of rural women in Abuja, in partnership with Nigeria Women Economic Development (NigWED) project to address SGBV.

Akinyemi said that poor economic status and financial dependence of women had further exposed them to violence and rendered them more vulnerable to abuse.

Most of the issues discussed, you will realise that most of the contributory factors of GBV lie in the economic development of women.

We want them to know what to engage in that will generate income and help them to participate actively in the productive sector.

All these will help to resolve gender issues, because when you solve one, you are solving the other. They are interconnected, she said.

According to her, Oxfam has carried out several sensitisation and advocacy exercise to end all forms of violence against women, children, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups.

The feedback has been so encouraging that is why we are here again and we were asked to bring it down to the women in rural community level.

Because these are the people that are most affected and they dont have the necessary information, sensitisation and their consciousness are not being raised.

It is something that they too can go back to their communities, as most of the attendees here are women leaders, and have group of women that they work with.

So, they will take it back to these groups as well as the communities and households to sensitise them and achieve the change that we are looking for in ending GBV, she said.

According to her, the attendees were also educated on where, when and how to seek help when faced with violence or witness any.

She said: There are safe houses in Nigeria, but most of these women dont know. So this is part of the reasons we are here to pass the information across.

Mr Lugard Okonobo, Director-General, NigWED project, said the meeting was to sensistise women on how to be financially independent, sustain their businesses and how to make it thrive amidst economic violence.

Our organisation focuses to addressing economic violence.

He, however, expressed sadness with issues like double taxation for women.

For some of them, their goods are seized at the markets place.

Some dont know how to check their taxes, some are married and their husbands are capitalizing on their ingenuity and education level to suppress them by taking over their economy.

For those who are subjected to SGBV, we try to provide some economic empowerment programmes to sustain them, he said.

He said NigWED, with the support of other partners, had empowered over 500 women with technical support, capacity building, infrastructure, amongst others, to support their business.

Responding to issues raised by some of the SGBV survivors, the DG urged the women to utilise the opportunity to be financially independent and generate sustainable business for themselves.

Some are facing abuse, we have to sit down to look critically and find out the causes because for every effect and reaction, there is a cause.

These things are subject to communication, discussion, dialogue. And with understanding, there will be a solution, he said.

Mrs Blessing Airujuwan, a survivor, said the meeting with other persons and sharing her experience had helped in addressing depression caused by violence and neglect in her marriage.

Airujuwan, therefore, encouraged other women facing any form of abuse and violence to immediately seek help to enable them survive and regain their sanity.

Similarly, a widow and mother of two, Mrs Rebecca Amana, stressed the need for women to be financially independent to reduce some of the factors that exposes them to GBV.

Amana commended the organisers for their support and for providing a platform for the women to share their stories, seek help and get supports to reduce the burden they carry. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Bridget Ikyado

A group, the Alia Alliance, has urged Benue governor-elect, Rev. Hyacinth Alia to strive to meet the huge expectations of the people who voted him to bring about changes in the state.

The group gave the advice when its officials led by the Board Chairman of the Alliance, Mr Peter Ashiekaa, paid a congratulatory visit to the governor-elect on Sunday in Makurdi.

The Chairman said that the victory was a resounding testimony to the peoples resolve to change and redirect the path and course of their history.

It is also a resounding statement of the peoples confidence in your ability to lead them out of the woods to a Benue of growth and prosperity.

We pray God to guide and direct you, and give you the knowledge, wisdom and strength needed for your journey.

As a group, we at the Alia Alliance are proud to be associated with this process and the outcome, and we pledge and commit to supporting your administration in all ways possible to ensure your success, he added.

Also speaking, Mr Jimmy Ajim, a member of the board, commended the governor-elect for his doggedness that calmed all the storms before, during and after the general elections.

Ajim who is also the President of Ior Gboko Foundation, said they would partner with Alia to transform, empower, reform and uplift Benue indigenes, to build a better state.

In his response, the governor-elect thanked the group for its support and pledged to work hard with divine directions to meet the peoples expectations.

God rewards hard work, especially when you dont count the cost, it pays more.

I am not coming for money, I have learnt to work and make money, I am not coming to seek fame, I have worked to make a name.

We need to work together to develop the state, it is ours and nobody will do this for us, and we are not doing this for anyone but for ourselves.

God has chosen me not because I am the most qualified. He doesnt call the qualified but qualifies who He calls. I know with your prayers and assistance, we will prevail, he added.

Alia tasked the group to help mentor the youth on good conduct, and to play active role in the renewal and development of Benue.

It is paramount to start correcting wrong deeds, especially as it concerns leadership and mentorship.

The idea of having or acting as stooge, having manipulative leaders and followers should be corrected, he said.

He pledged not to disappoint the ordinary people who voted him to provide good leadership and better direction to the state.(NAN)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Source: NAN News

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

A political support group, Tinubu Vanguard, has urged the Federal Government and the government of Cross River to take over burial arrangements of late Senate President, Joseph Wayas.

The Director-General of Tinubu Vanguard, Dr Johnny Benjamin, said this in a statement on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wayas, a former Nigerian Senate President in the Second Republic, died in a London hospital on Dec. 1, 2021, after a protracted illness.

He was 80 years old.

According to Benjamin, the National Leadership of Tinubu Vanguard, calls on both the Federal and Cross River governments to take over the burial arrangements of Wayas and give him a national burial were in order.

We deeply regret to identify many undisclosed factors that contributed to the death of this great man who spent a better part of his life serving his fatherland.

Wayas lived a worthy life devoid of abuse of power while serving this great nation in different capacities, especially as President of the Senate, he said.

Benjamin described the late politician as a shining star, who set a strong and positive model for the admiration and
emulation of the younger generation.

He said the neglect of his remains in a foreign hospital was a national embarrassment.

He lived a moderate life, such that he never saw the opportunity to serve
as an avenue to enrich himself, rather, he diligently rendered the desired service to the nation.

We, therefore, call on the government of Cross River and leadership of the National Assembly, to as a matter of utmost importance, ensure immediate settlement of all outstanding issues with the foreign hospital and return his body to be given a national burial.

We also call on the National Assembly to pass a resolution to name a national monument, preferably a library,
after the former Senate President, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

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Source: NAN News

2023 Summit for Democracy

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Leaders of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and democratic actors in Africa have called on leaders on the continent to develop policy frameworks that would ensure better relations between Africa and other western countries.

They advised that the framework should focus on clear, coordinated and established objectives, methods of work, strategies and priorities for Africa and its citizenry.

The CSO leaders made the call in a communiqu issued after a two-day Summit for democracy made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday by Wealth Ominabo, Communications Officer, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.

The summit tagged: Strengthening African Partnerships and Amplifying Africas Global Voice, held in Lusaka, Zambia, was jointly organised by Open Society Foundation -Africa (OSF-Africa) and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS).

The communiqu stated that the leaders deliberated on Africas place in the world and focused on the navigation of partnerships within a dynamic and shifting global multilateral system.

We call upon all African stakeholders and partners including the African Union Commission, AU member states, civil society organisations and all other relevant stakeholders to further develop a robust communication policy at country-levels.

This will help the continent to set its agenda and put more focus on Afro-centric goals and establish an office of global communications, which should include a continental press agency and television.

Engage in peer-to-peer technical exchange with similar organisations in projecting Africas image, and interests, the leaders said in the communiqu.

They also called on Africa leaders to develop an independent mechanism to monitor and evaluate its partnerships.

The CSOs and democratic actors also called on Africa leaders to establish and maintain strategic intelligence units at the continental and regional levels to support its economic diplomacy.

They also called on Africa leaders to enlist the support of African universities and research institutions to assist the continent in shaping its international relations through research and other knowledge products.

We also call upon all African stakeholders and partners to encourage African Civil Society and the African Diaspora to play a role in shaping and coordinating a common African position.

They should identify and strengthen African soft and smart powers in international relations, the communiqu added.

The summit applauded the AU position to bid for an additional African seat in the G-20 as well as the efforts made to streamline the AUs multiple partnerships. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne/Ismail Abdulaziz

DD/Website

One of the participating artists, Zizah Okeugo

By Fabian Ekeruche

Puresouls Learning Foundation, in partnership with Terra Kulture, Lagos, on Sunday commenced a week-long art exhibition to commemorate World Autism Day 2023.

A statement issued on Sunday by Dotun Akande, Founder of the Puresouls Learning Foundation and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, said that the exhibition scheduled to hold between April 2 and April 8 has as its theme Embracing Art Through the Lens of the Differently Abled.

According to him, the exhibition, which is the third of the foundations annual Autism Day, is to demonstrate that children on the autism spectrum have unique abilities that should be celebrated.

Akande said the exhibition would feature works by children living on the autism spectrum and those with other related developmental disorders.

Some of the young artists whose works would be featured include Zizah Okeugo, Christine Mike-Nnaji, Daniel Ayomikun Okolie, Oluwadamiloju Yomi-Adeyemi, Preye Azazi, Funom Oti Wenyang and Chijindu Chukwunomnso Ijomah, Akande said.

He said that the theme of this years event emphasises the importance of creative activities in supporting the mental development of children living with autism spectrum disorders.

He also noted that it would showcase talented young artists who have overcome societal barriers and stigmatisation to express their creativity through their art.

At Puresouls, we have grown to appreciate the challenges, authenticity and individuality of children living with autism spectrum disorders and their ties to creativity.

Having found that art therapy can help stabilise emergency care, develop skills, and keep an optimistic psyche, we are focused on using this to aid the development of their self-esteem, self-awareness, and mental control.

The exhibition will feature an array of inspiring artworks, ranging from paintings to drawings, showcasing the unique perspectives of these young artists.

The exhibition is open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to attend and show their support for these young artists.

Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase some of the artworks on display, and the proceeds will support children on the autism spectrum, Akande said.

He noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) expected everyone, including those with autism, to have the best physical and emotional wellness they could achieve.

Akande regretted that those on the autism spectrum were frequently subjected to stigma and discrimination, including unfair denial of health care, education, and chances to interact and contribute to their communities.

The statement quoted Mrs Esther Okeugo, a parent of one of the participating artists, as saying that every child, regardless of their abilities or limitations, had a unique talent that can be nurtured and celebrated.

The exhibition provides a platform for children living with autism to showcase their artistic talents and remind us that developmental challenges do not define them.

As a parent of one of the featured artists, I am proud to be a part of this event that celebrates the creativity and resilience of our children and encourages society to embrace inclusivity and diversity, Okeugo said (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne/Vivian Ihechu

Source: NAN News

INEC ballot box

By Deborah Coker

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Uhogua, near Benin, have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to create a Polling unit in their camp.

The IDPs in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said that this would protect them against thugs and allow them exercise their franchise.

They claimed they were attacked by suspected political thugs at Oronsanye Primary School polling unit where they had gone to vote during the March 18, House of Assembly election in the state.

The IDPs are mainly from Borno and Adamawa States, running from insecurity in the countrys north east region.

Some of them came from Chibok, Biu, Askira Uba and Gwoza.

Suleman Ayuba, one of the IDPs told NAN that, with what happened on March 18, they were already feeling insecure.

It was obvious that we were the target, because there were two polling units in the primary school, but the attack was carried out in ours.

Our people were injured, we lost our phones and other valuables, yet till now, nobody in the state have come to sympathise with us after the attack unleashed on us.

Majority of our people are still receiving treatment in health facilities outside the camp, even money to pay their hospital bills, we dont have and we are still looking for.

Similarly, Philemon Emmanuel, another IDPs, called for another election to be conducted for the IDPs who were de-enfranchised during the attack.

According to him, it is not good that many of us were de-enfranchised by political thugs in spite of having our PVCs and candidates we wanted to vote for.

We are Nigerians, though IDPs for no fault of ours. So politically, we have a right to join other Nigerians in deciding who we want to lead us.

Government have been carrying out rerun in other places, so they should also consider this camp, in view of what happened at the polling unit during the state assembly election, so that our vote can count.

Pastor Evelyn Omigie, Assistant Coordinator of the camp said that there was the urgent need for the federal government and INEC to create a polling unit in the camp.

According to her, we need a polling unit in line with the federal government directive, that polling units must be situated in all IDP camps across the country.

I dont know why this people should not be allowed to have their own polling unit. If we have one here I think we wouldnt have experienced what we did during the election.

Also in spite of what happened, and what we have expended on hospital bills, nobody has come to sympathise with either the victims or management of the camp.

She called on the federal government to investigate the incident and unravel the perpetrators of the attack on the IDPs polling unit.

We want them arrested, tried in court and jailed for their crime against the IDPs.

Imagine, all the trauma they went through before. The sound of guns that God delivered them from, resurfaced again that day.

So the government should try as much as possible to bring the perpetrators to book, she said.

Omigie also called on the government to support the camp financially so as to be able to treat the IDPs who sustained various degree of injuries and make them healthy again.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Source: NAN News

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi

By Dorcas Elusogbon

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called for peace and orderliness in the ancient city of Ile-Ife and its environs.

Ooni, who spoke through his Second-in-Command, Obalufe of Ifeland, Oba Idowu Adediwura, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Ile-Ife.

He said as the royal father of Christians, Muslims and traditionalists and as a leader who championed peaceful coexistence globally, there was no reason why his home should be in turmoil.

He said that as a direct descendant of Oduduwa, the progenitor of Yoruba race who also preached peaceful coexistence, he believed there was no reason why people of different faiths should not live peacefully in tolerance.

He noted that the two major faiths and traditional worshippers had coexisted peaceful in ages past and that there should not be hostilities between them now.

Four persons were reportedly injured when traditional religion worshippers attacked worshippers in a mosque in Ile-Ile on Thursday.

Traditionalists in the town had announced on Wednesday that the Oro cult would perform some rituals in some parts of Ife between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., advising residents to avoid the areas.

According to one of those in the mosque, Mr Abdulazeez Bashir, Oro adherents broke through the fence and began flogging worshippers with canes, instructing them to leave the ablution area.

One of them even attacked the Imam, Alhaji Abdullateef Adesiyan while coming into the mosque. He was beaten with a cane and hit on the face with a rod.

When I discovered that about five persons had been injured, apart from the Imam of the mosque, I had to call the Ife Chief Imam, Alhaji AbdulSemiu AbdulHammed to intimate him with the happenings.

The situation could have escalated into a big crisis when other Muslims began to gather around, but the traditionalists eventually left. The victims were later taken to a hospital for treatment, Bashir said.

When contacted, Osun Police Command spokesperson, SP Yemisi Opalola confirmed the incident, stating that an investigation into the mosque invasion had been launched.

Oba Ogunwusi promised to renovate the mosque that was affected as well as pay the hospital bill of the Imam of the mosque.

The Chief Imam of Ifeland, Alhaji AbdulHammed, told NAN on Friday that the trouble had been settled.

He confirmed that the traditional religion worshippers assaulted the Imam of Idiomo Mosque, Ilare, Alfa Adesiyan, inside the mosque.

AbdulHammed called for maintenance of fundamental rights of religion, speech and peace among others.

There is no family throughout Africa that practices one religion.

There should be freedom for individuals to practice whatever religion they choose without coercion, he said.

The Chief Imam appealed to indigenes to ensure that they maintained peace and orderliness during each festival in the town, stressing that there is no profit in violence. (NAN)()

Edited by Alli Hakeem

Source: NAN News

By Gabriel Agbeja

Mr Akin Olateru, Director-General, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has urged journalists to promote transportation safety network and development through proper reportage of occurrences across the country.

A statement from Mr Tunji Oketunbi, NSIM General Manager of Public Affairs on Friday in Abuja stated that Olateru gave the advice when new executive members of the Abuja Transport and Aviation Correspondents Association (ATACA) paid him a courtesy visit.

According to him, such move will help to properly educate the society to quickly understand occurrences in the transportation sector.

Olateru commended the critical role journalists played in the dissemination of accurate information derived from investigations and final reports of occurrence.

The NSIB boss stated that journalists reportage had greatly improved the image and the general well-being of the Bureau and the country as a whole.

He further commended the media for the critical role played in the actualisation of the establishment of the NSIB.

Olateru called for the continuous support of the media and other stakeholders in the fulfilment of the Bureaus new mandate of investigating accident and serious incident that occurred in the air, rail, marine and other modes of transportation in Nigeria.

Nigeria as a country should move in line with the world by separating the regulatory body from the investigating body, so as to avoid conflict of interest, and ensure objectivity in what we do.

According to him, this is unlike in the past when there was no investigation into the cause of transportation mishaps and the authorities were more focused on punishing the offenders.

The new NSIB will carry out independent investigations of transportation occurrences, determine the causal factor and proffer safety recommendations to prevent reoccurrence.

The bureau is at the critical level of the bills implementation and this is the time we need your assistance, cooperation commitment, understanding and professionalism, in pursuing the noble objective, he said.

Speaking, the new Chairman of the ATACA, Mr Oru Leonard, expressed appreciation for the support and assistance the Bureau had shown toward ATACA members, especially in the area of training on accident investigation reportage.

The chairman said the recent training really informed the members about the processes and procedures of accident investigations.

He further said the training impacted on how to better inform the public about accidents and incident occurrences in a more professional and concise manner that would not instil fear or cause havoc.

Oru, however, called for more of such gesture and support of ATACAs activities by the bureau.

He said a deeper collaboration and partnership between the two organisations would be mutually beneficial to both parties.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Bureau, in collaboration with Southern California Safety Institute (SCSI) organised a week-long training titled: Investigation Management- Media Relations for the Abuja correspondents.

NAN further reports that a similar training has been previously organised by the bureau for aviation correspondents in Lagos. (NAN)

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Source: NAN News

Illustration for digital economy

By Justina Auta

The Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has inaugurated a Digital Economy Community of Practice (DECoP) to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development in Nigeria digital ecosystem.

The event held in Abuja, Thursday, is in partnership with the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to identify and boost the capacity of key digital players, and engender inclusive public-private sector collaboration.

Prof. Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, said the 2020-2030 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy was built on eight implementing pillars.

Pantami said the pillars were geared towards expanding the scope of the digital economy and make it more flexible to accommodate the needs of all citizens.

This is just an effort to ensure total inclusion, we are trying to cascade digital economy to reach our states.

When it comes to digital skills, we have so many initiatives including skills for women, persons with disability including our children, he said.

Mr Laoye Jaiyeola, Chief Executive Officer, NESG, said the growth achieved by the digital economy offered great opportunities however; it posed the risk of exclusion especially for women and girls who were mostly affected.

Access to and use of digital devices and services are neither universal nor equitable with women and girls disproportionately affected, leaving the most vulnerable digitally excluded.

The absence of a robust collaboration framework between the regulatory agencies, the private sector and development partners is an area within the digital sector that requires attention, he said.

Also, Mr Jonathan Bacon, Political Director, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and United Kingdom, said Nigerias digital economy had the potential to benefit all citizen, stressing the need to ensure inclusivity.

We have been trying to support digital inclusion.

And, I would like to particularly recognise the efforts of Nigerian government in deepening digital inclusion through various policies and one good example of these is the gender digital inclusion framework, he said.

Dr Osasuyi Dirisu, Executive Director, PIC, emphasised the need to bridge digital divide through cross-sectoral collaborations amongst digital stakeholders.

Dirisu said the collaboration would support an enabling environment for innovation, digital inclusion and expansion of the digital economy in critical sectors.

She said: At the PIC, we prioritise inclusivity and diversity, hence our partnership with the FCDO to implement this project.

Without focused collaboration amongst stakeholders, the unintended consequences of digital economy growth will be the widening of existing income gaps, exacerbation of inequalities and deepening poverty.

We firmly believe the DECoP will support an enabling environment for innovation, digital inclusion and expansion of the digital economy in critical sectors.

Ms. Maryam Gwadabe, member, DECoP, said the community would provide platforms to encourage the inclusivity of women in the Nigeria digital economy.

Having me there will have a representation of women. We will actually engage and share our Knowledge, experience, and expertise on how to involve women to become digitally inclusive, she said.

The DECoP is to be implemented in five pilot states to identify and accommodate digital initiatives at the sub-national level and identify, boost the capacity of key digital players.

They are expected to engender inclusive public-private sector collaboration to enable digital growth and capabilities especially for underserved groups at the sub-national levels. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

Birthday

By Femi Ogunshola
A Group, Asiwaju Project Beyond 2023, FCT Chapter, on Friday celebrated the President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubus 71st birthday with orphanage and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Abuja.
Barr Rilwan Okpanachi, Director-General of the group, led other members to visit the orphanage, Halal Children Home and the IDPs camp, all in Abuja.

He said it was the desire of the President-elect that his 71st birthday should be celebrated with the less privileged, adding that the group also came to cut the birthday cake with the orphanage.

He said though the President-elect was not at the orphanage, the group had his instruction and permission to celebrate with the vulnerable.

According to him, the information the President-elect passed to us in celebration of his birthday was that everybody should pray for Nigeria and take care of the less privileged.

We have come to identify with them and give goodwill message that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is with them, he belongs to everybody and that is the message we have brought here.

He said that Tinubu, once sworn-in as the President, would ensure free education for the children and everybody, irrespective of strata would benefit from the gesture.

He assured the children that Tinubu would not abandon them, adding that the President-elect regarded them as priority and would do everything needed to ensure they got the best from the country.

Hajia Ramat Abubakar, President, Halal Home, said the orphanage started as a response to the IDPs crisis in the country, adding that so many children had been left vulnerable.

According to her, the orphanage started eigth years ago as a response to the IDP crisis.

We realised there were so many children who were vulnerable, we started with a small house and from there we continue to increase.

We have two branches in Abuja, one in Lagos and Kaduna. Our moto is: every child deserves a brighter future.

We pray that the president-elect will get the needed wisdom to lead us alright.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that items distributed included 100 cartoons of indomie, 100 cartoons of spaghetti, 15 bags of 50 kg rice, flour, sugar, beverages, dustbin, vegetable oil water, among others.
NAN also reports that the group visited the IDP camp at Kuchingoro, along airport road, Abuja, where food and water were shared to the people to break their fast. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Remi Koleoso/Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has called on the President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu, to create a ministry with the responsibility of addressing the plights of retirees in the country.

The South-West zone of NUP made the call after its quarterly meetingin Abeokuta on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was attended by chairmen and secretaries of NUP from Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Lagos and Ekiti states.

Speaking with newsmen after the meeting, the Zonal Public Relations Officer of NUP, Olusegun Abatan, said that the creation of the ministry would turn the fortunes of pensioners around in the country.

President Muhammadu Buhari has done quite a lot for pensioners. He really helped them and so we are appealing to Tinubu to please give the matter of pensioners serious attention.

We want a separate ministry that will be solely addressing matters that have to do with pensioners under the administration of Tinubu, he said.

Abatan alleged that governors of South-West states were owing pensioners in the zone huge sums as gratuities and pensions.

He urged all the governors in the zone to implement the consequential adjustment and the 35 per cent increment in pensions without further delay.

Abatan particularly cited Ogun, Ekiti and Osun states where he claimed that the gratuities of pensioners were paid last in 2012.

They are owing arrears of pensions, gratuities and other entitlements, including gratuities and entitlements to the next of kin of some deceased pensioners.

We want to appeal to our governors to step up their interests in the affairs of pensioners, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Benson Iziama and Wale Sadeeq

DD/Website

The D-G Energy Commission of Nigeria, Prof. Eli Jidere (2nd L), the Minister of Science Technology and Innovation, Dr Adeleke Mamora (3rd L),UN Environment Programme expert (UNEP), Mr Brian Hojul (4th L) and others at the National Stakeholders Consultative Workshop on Energy Efficient and Climate-Friendly Cooling in Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

By Jessica Dogo

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), Dr Adeleke Mamora, has lamented that Air conditioners (ACs) utilised in the country had less energy efficiency ratio (EER).

Mamora said this at the National Stakeholders Consultative Workshop on Energy Efficient and Climate-Friendly Cooling in Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

The one-day workshop was organised by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).

He also said that it was below internationally acceptable minimum energy performance standards (MEPS), adding that the importance of the workshop on scaling up energy- efficient and climate-friendly cooling in Nigeria could not be over-emphasised.

It is a fact that Nigeria is the largest market in Africa and this applies to the cooling sector also.

With the current growing population, combined with improving lifestyle, urbanisation and rising global warming, Nigeria will continue to experience growing demand for ACs, refrigerators and other cooling devices.

Thus, becoming one of the fastest growing ACs and refrigerators market in the world.

Unfortunately, most of the ACs utilised in the country have energy efficiency ratio (EER) below internationally acceptable minimum energy performance standards (MEPS), Mamora said.

He said that Nigeria, through its National Energy Policy and Climate Protocols had joined the rest of the world to recognise energy efficiency as one of the most cost-effective means of providing energy security.

The minister said it would also increase economic productivity, reduce local air pollution, and help mitigate Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.

According to him, its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), an unconditional greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction target of 20 per cent and a conditional reduction target of 47 per cent below the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario by 2030 were set.

Mamora said: To achieve this, energy efficiency best practices across all sectors, as one of the climate change mitigating priority measures, has set conditional target of 2.5 per cent per year reduction in energy intensity.

The Director-General of Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) Prof. Eli Jidere says 80 per cent of electricity supplied in Nigeria is from fossil energy, the greatest emitter of carbon dioxide (CO) emissions.

He said ECN with the support of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), had in 2017 conducted an energy audit of selected public buildings in Abuja.

According to him, the study showed that over 60 per cent of electricity consumed in public buildings was from space cooling.

Jidere said: It should also be noted that 80 per cent of electricity supply in Nigeria is from fossil energy. the greatest emitter of CO emissions.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all is also anchored on the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency as key pillars.

Mr Brian Hojul, a United Nations Environment Programme expert (UNEP), said this served as an opportunity to improve lives of every family save money on utility bills.

I view this as an opportunity for us not only to improve the lives of everyday families to help a family save money on their utility bills.

It will make your businesses more competitive. It will save public resources instead of the ECN and others spending so much on electricity bills free up those resources for other investments, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister inaugurated a National Technical Committee on Sustainable Cooling in Nigeria.

The committee comprises Energy Commission of Nigeria, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Federal Ministry of Environment (Dept. of Climate Change (DCC) and National Ozone Office (NOO}).

Others were Nigerian Customs and representative of the organised private sector.

The committee is expected to provide general guidance to the projects implementation with focus on data collection, data analysis for updating MEPS, the ACs market monitoring and verification training. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Source: NAN News