Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan

By Okon Okon

The Federal Government in collaboration with Bank of Agriculture on Monday in Abuja inaugurated Federal Public Service entrepreneurship programme (FPSEP) for serving and pre-retiring public officers.

The FPSEP is start-up programmetargeted at preparing prospective retirees that have three years prior to retirement for life after service by providing opportunity for them to acquire new skills.

The initiative will enable retired public servants to have new career choices after their retirement from active service.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan said FPSEP was developed out of the need to pay greater attention to the welfare of the public servants, who constituted the administrative machinery for implementing government policies and programmes.

Represent by Dr Ngozi Onwudiwe, the Permanent Secretary in her office, Yemi-Esan said some aspects of the programme would create window for those in service to earn supplementary income to improve their quality of life, enabling those retiring to cope with life after service.

In addition, the programme will contribute to the development of other sectors of the economy and by implication, increasing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.

The programme consists of two components namely: Agri-preneurship start-up scheme; and pre-retirement training and business start-up scheme.

On the other hand, the pre-retirement training and business start-up scheme is tailored towards preparing public servants for life post-service by providing opportunities for them to acquire new skills for new career choices, she said.

In her goodwill message, Dr Emem Omokaro, the Director-General, National Senior Citizen Centre (NSCC), expressed delight to be part of the programme which would be impactful to senior citizens after their retirement from the service.

Describing the participants at the programme as potential retirees, Omokaro said the centre had a lot of package for senior citizens after retirement hence such initiative should be applauded.

I wish to appreciate the HOCSF for this invitation not only to give a goodwill message but to identify and say a few things to the participants.

This is because the NSCC has the mandates to identify with challenges of older persons that are up to 60 years and above and to carter for their challenges.

In his contributions,Mr Alwan Hassan, the Managing Director, Bank of Agriculture, lauded the HOS for the initiative which would address the plights of retirees after their services to the nation.

Hassan assured the successful participants of the programme of the agencys loan to carry out their businesses without stress.

All you need to do is to get letter of recommendation from your place of work and bring to us to fill the form for the needed fund to start up you businesses. he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Cosmas Ayayi, a participant from office of HOCSF, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the HOS for the initiative, saying it would broaden their knowledge on the next step to take in life after retirement.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FPSEP is the first batch of the programme which attracted 87 participants across three MDAs of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the office of the HOCSF. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Grace Yussuf

Source: NAN News

Old and new naira notes

By Ibukun Emiola

Banks across Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, opened their doors to customers to withdraw cash and transact other financial transactions in line with the directives of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that long queues were witnessed within the banking premises as customers besieged the financial institutions for transactions.

It was also observed that old notes were issued to customers, as new Naira notes was still being rationed to them.

NAN also reports that most banks operated between 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with customers taking turns accessing the banking hall to collect mostly old notes.

In several locations, long queues of customers trying to make withdrawals were recorded, with some of them expressing relief of getting their money after months of scarcity.

Bankers told NAN that the Naira supply situation was expected to gradually ease out within the week and beyond as the CBN had matched its word with action.

Some of the customers told NAN that with the withdrawal limits on both old and new Naira notes, they may be forced to face more hard times ahead.

Mr Olaniyi Olawuyi, expressed joy that banks operated during the weekend as he was able to withdraw cash, after long months.

I was at my bank for financial transactions, although, there were old notes that I withdrew from the Automated Teller Machines, (ATM) but the most joyful thing is that there was no queue at all, while the cash limit remains N10,000.

But in other places, long queues were visible as customers lined up in front of the banking hall and ATM, Olawuyi said.

Mrs Adurayemi Ojeyemi said there were queues where she had gone to withdraw, but expressed optimism that the hardship would reduce after sometimes.

I saw long queues in some other banks, but I thought things would be better than what they had been some months back.

I have been coping at this time by collecting cash from market sellers and so far that has been my way out of this present predicament, Ojeyemi said.

Mr Mayowa Olayinka said that long queues were experienced in the morning, but gradually eased out towards evening as fewer people were seen on queue at most ATM points.

Olayinka said that many people preferred to queue than pay a certain amount on every withdrawal for PoS agents.

Different banks have different withdrawal limits from N2,000 up to N20,000, but they are old notes. I still wonder why the new notes are scarce.

But it is a thing of joy that the CBN has decided to make more cash available for Nigerians, he said.

Ms Lizzy Adelaide decried situation that many banks stopped attending to customers before 4:00 pm, which was the closing hours set by the banks.

She, however, commended the innovations and ingenuity of some banks that have provided other means of attending to their customers complaints.

NAN reports that the CBN directives on weekend banking came a few weeks after the Supreme Court ruling on the case of the redesign of the notes.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Remi Koleoso/Ismail Abdulaziz

Source: NAN News

By Ikenna Uwadileke

Dr Garba Abari, Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), has cautioned politicians against inciting comments capable of threatening the peace and unity of the country.

Abari spoke on Sunday in Abuja when he appeared on the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Some politicians are fanning the embers of disunity through hate speech and derogative comments over the 2023 general elections.

This trend is dangerous and highly inimical to the peace and unity of the country.

The elections are over, but the language of politicians still remain toxic and intemperate. This is escalating the social tension.

It is providing room for those who do not believe in the unity of the country to go about pulling from centrifugal perspectives in order to pull down the roof, he said.

The NOA boss, however, commended those embracing constitutional means to seek redress instead of trying to push for social strife and violence.

Abari particularly urged politicians and their supporters to desist from using denigrating, offensive, hateful or inflammatory remarks.

The elections have come and gone, the elections have been lost and they have been won; there are those who are happy and there are those who are aggrieved.

Our country has provided constitutional processes to seek redress from such incidences; the laws of the land have given us opportunity to seek redress.

Politicians must realise that there is life after elections and I want the media, in its reportage, to be very sensitive to the sensibility of Nigerians, he said.

According to Abari, Nigeria must survive for anybody to actualise whatever political ambition he or she has.

He said, When we have no country, we will have no government, we will have no National Assembly members, we will have no President nor Vice President and no governor.

So, whatever it is that we are going to do, without prejudice to the right of everybody to feel the way he or she feels, please allow peace to reign.

It is a right to feel angry and also a right to feel happy but talk in such a way that the country remains peaceful, stable and secure, Abari said.

He further urged politicians not to create a situation that would lead to a breakdown of law and order through actions that are intemperate and wholesome.

We are better together; if Nigeria breaks, which country in Africa can take 200 million refugees from Nigeria?

God, in his infinite mercy, brought the Kanuri, Efik, Ijaw, Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba, Tiv, Nupe, Igala, Benin and all other tribes we have in Nigeria together.

We didnt bargain to be here, God put us here, so we must be conscious of this.

God has blessed Nigeria abundantly in terms of population, expansive land mass, resources, talents. So, we must be thankful to Him through actions that will bring out these bounties for the benefit of all.

The path to greatness depends on how much we are able to respect and tolerate one another and contribute our quota to national development.

It is easy to destroy but absolutely difficult to rebuild, Abari warned. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Justina Auta

Oxfam Nigeria and Women in Information Technology and Communication (ICT), have advocated for more women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-related fields to advance gender equity.

They made the call during an event, tagged SHESHINES, to create more awareness on gender and creativity in Abuja.

The President, Women in ICT, Ms Kemisola Bolarinwa, stressed the need to encourage the society dismantle stereotypes and long-held beliefs on perceived appropriate careers meant for women and men.

According to her, women are often more productive in every areas, hence the need to increase their presence in technology, which will increase the turnout of inventions, innovative solutions and breakthrough in sciences.

Bolarinwa cited recent breakthrough in the early detection of cancer through the early cancer detection smart brassiere by her Women in ICT team as a perfect example of how creative women in the innovation space could be.

Right now, the invention of the smart bra detects cancer.

This cancer has been a disease that has been there for a very long time but even though we have a lot of men in the sciences, they couldnt think through to solve womens problem through technological invention.

These are part of reasons why we need more women in STEM space generally, she said.

She explained that the smartbra safely detects and monitors potential cancerous cells at an early form, which will reduce death rate by 80 per cent by 2030.

Prof. Olabisi Aina, Researcher and Lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, said the National Gender Policy aims to promote gender equality, women empowerment and human rights.

Aina, who led the 2006 Gender Policy for Nigeria, added that it would also provide platforms for more sectors of the economy such as the sciences, to key into the drive for gender mainstreaming.

The National Gender Policy is an umbrella policy to which we expect that every sector, whether it is labour, environment, health and others, to key into and look at gender issues in their sectors and then draw policy guidelines in order to mainstream gender into what they do.

Women are now competing with men in the workplace and do a variety of jobs from ICT to high profile corporate work.

But in all of this, the environment of work is said for a long time to be very masculinised because men are in majority.

Now that women are entering the labour sector, we recognise the need to make that workplace comfortable for men and women to work, she said.

Also, Ms Esohe Ahior, a legal Practitioner and Head of Department, Poise Graduate Finishing Academy, highlighted the need to upscale youth in technology and innovation to advance their livelihood and enable them contribute to the economy.

Ahior revealed that through the support of OXFAM, they worked with Project Alliance Project to train girls in sectors like graphic design, reproductive health, among others to improve more participation of women in STEM fields as part of the International Womens month.

According to her, over 190 marginalised girls who have been abused and who have become early mothers, and girls the economy has set aside as not being able to do things, have benefitted from the training.

This training will help upscale girls in the technological field. Because in my organisation, women are doing more things in tech than men. Women are the lead trainers in tech, graphic designers, photographers.

It is an eye opener and shows that women are just as hungry to be in tech space like the men, and some are even surpassing the men, she said.

She added that women in STEM field have shown the strength, commitment and tenacity to even supercede societal expectations and the men in technology innovation.

NAN reports that other highlights were poetry recitations, music performances and presentations by various outstanding women and female groups. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

Source: NAN News

Sen. Ifeanyi Araraume says he is not contesting the Imo governorship election under the Labour Party (LP) as he still remains a bona fide All Progressive Party (APC) member.

In a statementby Uche Anyanwu, his
SA Legal and Public Affairs, Araraume described the rumour about such moves as fake and unfounded.

The attention of Senator Ifeanyi Araraume has been drawn to the mischievous and fake list of Labour Party governorship aspirants, making rounds in Sections of the Media wherein his name was published as having picked the expression of interest form to run for the office of governor in Imo state, under the Labour Party (LP).

Senator Arararaume hereby reiterates unequivocally that he is still a bonafide member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Director of Trade and Economic Affairs (South) of the APC presidential campaign council (PCC). he said.

Araraume reiterated that he is not a member of LP and has not picked or paid for any the partys nomination form.

He said that he does not intend to pick the nomination form of the LP now or later in this dispensation.

Senator Araraume is a responsible member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and does not even have the faintest idea who the Labour Party ward chairmam is in his immediate ward.

Araraume said he is not a man to shy away from what he believes in and will not approach the Governoship contest in Imo state through the back door.

He added that his intentions about the would be without ambiguity whenever he decides to throw his hat into the ring for a contest which he has the requisite qualifications and capacity.

The fake aspirants list under the Imo state Labour Party is a fabrication and the work of mischief makers, who are bent on using his name to score cheap political victory.

The 2023 Imo State governorship election will take place on Nov. 11 due to the late inauguration of incumbent Gov. Hope Uzodinma of the APC.

Uzodinma is eligible to run for re-election, but has not yet stated whether he will do so. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail AbdulAziz

DD/Website

By Bridget Ikyado

Nigerians on pilgrimage in Israel on Sunday urged their compatriots to remain positive in their hope for a better nation.

A cross-section of the 9th batch of the 2022 pilgrims gave the advice in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), while touring the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem.

The Pool of Bethesda is the place where Jesus Christ miraculously healed a paralyzed, according to Christian tradition.

The Nigerians prayed at the pool where Jesus healed the 38-year-old paralytic man, who never saw his miracle coming asking God to intervene in Nigerias economic woes.

They also committed the challenges faced by their fatherland to God for a turnaround, believing that with God all things are possible.

Mrs Caroline Adepoju, Deputy Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, said she believed strongly that Nigerias glory would be restored.

Faith, hope and love abide. I believe Nigeria will be better. Nigeria will overcome its challenges. Nigeria is a developing country and we will get there someday.

Lets be patient and stop the comparison with developed nations, they did not get there in one day.

The paralytic was patiently waiting for his turn. It even came in a way he did not expect. So let us be patient in our prayers for our country.

According to Adepoju, through prayers and proper guide, children with various exposures will also contribute their quota in Nigerias sustainable development.

Also speaking, a cleric, Rev. Simeon Aderibigbe, admonished Nigerians to stop their constant fears of failure.

According to him, people should drop their failure where they failed and move on: dare to forget about yesterdays failure.

Cultivate the habit of praying every morning and night, cultivate the habit of thanking God for everything.

Aderibigbe advised Nigerians to show mercy to people in distress, saying that Nigerians needed to appreciate God for everything.

Do not be lazy. God will bless the work of your hand. Do not put the horse before the cart, find something doing. Take steps and move on.

The clergyman also expressed his optimism that Nigeria would encounter breakthroughs and make impacts on the global arena.

The highpoint of the tour was prayers at the home of Mary, the Mother of Christ, who hailed from Bethesda, according to biblical records. (NAN) (www.nannewsnng)
BTT/SN

Edited by Silas Nwoha

Source: NAN News

By Ahmed Ubandoma

Stakeholders in the healthcare sector have agreed to the full implementation of new formulated standard curriculum for training of caregivers to the elderly in the country.

The stakeholders made this known to newsmen on Saturday the end of a 3-day Stakeholders engagement on the development of national benchmark statement and minimum standards in curriculum for training caregivers to older persons in Abuja.

The stakeholders engagement was organised by the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), UNFPA and National Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

The stakeholders expressed the need for relevant agencies, states and local governments to get involved in the project.

The Director-General, National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) Dr. Emem Omokaro said the meeting was geared towards building a concensus on the need to develop a national benchmark statement and minimum standards in curriculum for training different levels of caregivers.

Omokaro said some of the stakeholders and agencies that have statutory mandate in social and healthcare had issued their commitment towards supporting and certifying the project.

We have NBTE for certification of skills, we have NPHCDA, Nursing and Midwifery Council, WHO, Federal Ministry of Health, UNFPA and other existing care agencies; so for the past three-days we have brain stormed on the challenges of ageing and care provision in Nigeria.

We build concensus and thats the communique that all the agencies signed that theres need to develop a national benchmark statement and minimum standards in curriculum for training different levels of caregivers.

And for standardisation of care agencies and even certification of care agencies operators in Nigeria, So, what we are coming-out here with is a draft benchmark statement and minimum standards in curriculum for training this different levels of caregivers and also certifying care agency operators.

What these means is that we have to now move here to validation after having harmonised the zero draft.

It means we have to now move to states because if we say it is national, then states have make inputs, so what we have here is a zero draft.

Omokaro, therefore, assured the stakeholders that the process of validating the draft document would commence in earnest.

Now, we are going to embark on validation exercise to ensure that we capture even the voices of stakeholders consultative forum on ageing, voices of older persons and then we have input from state departments and agencies in charge of older persons, social welfare departments because these concerns everybody.

So, it is really an excitement for us in the NSCC to initiated these programmes and to have been able to strategically bring all the actors.

We are hoping that by August 2023, we will finish the validation exercise and by then we will have a guideline document for administering care to older persons in Nigeria.

We are calling on all the experts and some more because we now want to develop a standard guidelines and regulations as a policy document, she said.

The Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs, Mr Musa Bungudu said the project was critical and important to the welfare of older persons in Nigeria.

Bumgudu commended the centre for initiating the programme aimed at providing psycho-social and health support to the senior citizens in the country.

I really commend the experts for coming together to develop a training framework that we never had, infact up till, yesterday I couldnt believe the modules for the training that was developed we dont have it in Nigeria, he said.

Mrs Lilian Sule-Jiringho, the Founder of the Centre for Happy Elderly People (CHEP) said the engagement afforded her the opportunity to understand a new dynamics in caring for the elderly.

Sule-Jiringho promised to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in administering care for the elderly in her centre.

My expectations is to see that I have been able to formalised all the training I acquired here and now with the existence of NSCC, who initiated the stakeholders meeting for developing a standard curriculum for training caregivers for the past three-days; we will continue to improve our services.

When I go back, I am going use the knowledge acquired to improve on my work. So I am very happy to be part of this programme, she said.

Dr Emmanuel Osundu, the Administrator of Tender Loving Care, an NGO expressed confidence on the ability of the centre to achieve its target of formulating a unique standard procedure for managing the health and wellbeing of older persons in Nigeria.

We are here as stakeholders to develop policies and procedures on how to manage the health of the elderly. What I am going home with today is that we have achieved the purpose that is designed for us to come here.

In terms of developing policies, procedures, benchmarks on how to manage the health of the elderly in Nigeria, thats our theme and thats what we accomplished here today. he said (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

AMU/GY

Edited by Grace Yussuf

Source: NAN News

By Justina Auta

The 2023 National Population and Housing Census is to commence on May 3, the Federal Government has confirmed.

Dr Garba Abari, a member of the Publicity and Advocacy Committee on 2023 National Population and Housing Census, confirmed this on Sunday in Abuja when he appeared on the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum.

He said that the three-day exercise would commence May 3 and end on May 5 across the country.

Abari, who is the Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), explained that the census exercise would capture every person, household and structure for national planning and project execution purposes.

According to him, the change in the date was due to the postponement of the 2023 gubernatorial and state houses of assembly elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

That change by INEC made it mandatory for us to also adjust the date for the conduct of the exercise, he said.

He described the census and the 2023 elections as major national events with significant importance which had earlier been planned to hold not too far away from each other.

The census had to be put forward from the initial date of March 29 to April 2nd, now to May 3rd to 5th.

There are two things that informed the shift in date. First, in the course of our planning by the National Population Commission, it was so factored that INEC will also tinker with its own electoral timetable.

The gubernatorial election, as you are aware, had to be shifted by one week. This had a telling effect on the date of
commencement of the census.

Just like election, the Census is also a very long process, from the training, the sub-trainings, retraining leading uptill the very day of the actual house listing and numbering.

These will then be followed by the actual capture of the population.

On the level of preparedness, the NOA boss assured the nation that the National Population Commission was ready to embark on the exercise.

He described the exercise as a significant event that would aid national planning and execution of developmental projects.

He said: Most of the information that have gone out to the public about the census like the awareness creation, sensitisation, enlightenment, advocacy around the census have all been taking place.

Perhaps, not on a scale that will make us feel comfortable to say every Nigerian is now census conscious, census aware, in spite of the very significant role that it has to play in our national life.

But, clearly, the census is absolutely important because it is for development, planning, security, infrastructure development, educational, health and other demographic considerations all encapsulating in one. (NAN)
www.nannews.ng

Source: NAN News

By George Odok

A socio-political group, Us4Us Movement, has canvassed the support of the national leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC) for Sen. Godswill Akpabio to be become the 10th Senate President.

Convener of the group, Mr Richard Romanus, made the call during an interaction with newsmen after an extraordinary meeting of the group held on Sunday in Calabar.

Romanus said that Akpabio had made huge political sacrifices for the party; hence he should be rewarded and supported for the position of the 10th President of the Senate.

He explained that the Us4Us Movement is made up of young political enthusiasts across all political parties in Nigeria.

According to him, the group exist with the sole aim of advancing the socio-political wellbeing of young people and advocating for good governance in Nigeria.

Bearing in mind the huge sacrifices Sen. Akpabio made in the interest of the party and for stepping down his presidential ambition unconditionally for Sen. Bola Tinubu, he should be compensated.

His stepping down overwhelmingly helped in midwifing a seamless victory for Sen. Tinubu during the national convention of the APC.

Also, we are aware that Sen. Akpabio worked assiduously to deliver more than the constitutionally required 25 per cent vote to the APC in a Peoples Democratic Party controlled state like Akwa Ibom.

The leadership of Us4Us Movement hereby resolve to support and appeal for Sen. Akpabio to be elected as the Senate President of the incoming 10th Assembly.

We call on the vast majority of elected Senators to galvanize their support for the Senate Presidential ambition of Akpabio, he said.

Romanus added that in the interest of fairness and expanding the party in the South South geopolitical zone, the leadership of the APC should zone the office of the Senate President to the South-South region.

He noted that the Us4Us Movement was of strong opinion that the interest of young people, especially within the South-South geopolitical zone, would be best protected by Akpabio as Senate President.

We the members of Us4Us Movement hereby unanimously adopt and endorse Akpabio for Senate President, on the strength of his unrivalled track record of performance and commitment to the party and the people of Nigeria.

We urge other elected members of the incoming 10th Senate and the leadership of the APC to overwhelmingly support Akpabio in the spirit of fairness, credibility and competence, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

DD/Website

From left: Dr Adesotu Adebowale,award recipent and President of Yoruba Youths Assembly (YAA) Mr Olarinde Thomas

By Kingsley Okoye

An Entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer, Sotab Continental Limited, Dr Adesote Adebowale, has won a Yoruba youths group 2022/2023 humanitarian Icon award.

The President of Yoruba Youth Assembly (YYA), Mr Olarinde Thomas, in a statement on Friday, said Adebowale was selected for the award based on his giant strides on youth empowerment in Yoruba communities.

He also disclosed that Adebowale had been inducted into YYA 2023 Hall of Fame, given his outstanding humanitarian services.

YYA is an umbrella body of Yoruba youth groups globally, with 38 affiliates in Nigeria and the Diaspora.

It is a socio-cultural youth organisation designed to champion the unity, development and emancipation of young people of Yoruba nation, both home and in Diaspora.

YYA is a body that is founded on the principle of patriotism, justice, equity and egalitarianism to actualise harmonious, indivisible and indissoluble Yoruba nation, championed by the younger generation of Yoruba in consonance with the dreams and inspiration of Yoruba founding fathers.

Thomas said final results on the list of nominees indicated that Adebowale was the most outstanding personality amongst the pool of humanitarians nominated for the award in humanitarian services and societal development per excellence.

He described him as a man with love and passion for youth empowerment, having specifically empowered and mentored many youths in real estates, providing employment in construction sector for welders, bricklayers among many other artisans and business people.

He urged the awardee to continue his selfless service of uplifting humanity globally and the Yoruba youths in particular.

Adebowale thanked the YYA for finding him worthy to receive the award, saying it would spur him to continue his humanitarian services in greater dimension, especially to the downtrodden in the society. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

Young female Nigerian tech innovators

By Justina Auta

The UN Women on Thursday showcased various technological innovations by young women and men that advanced gender equality and womens empowerment in Nigeria.

Ms Beatrice Eyong, UN women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said the event was part of activities to mark the International Womens month, with a theme, DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality, in Abuja.

Eyong noted the wide gender gap in employment and education in the technological sector in Nigeria, with women making up only 22 per cent of the total engineering and technology university graduates annually.

This is due to gender stereotypes and social norms that still categories jobs in these sectors as mens jobs, which inhibits women from applying to study and demonstrate interest in such subjects.

It also prevents companies from hiring qualified women for these roles.

According to her, the showcase will demonstrate young women and men in Nigeria digital and innovative solutions to a variety of issues across a number of sectors in the society.

Also speaking, Mr Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of the National Information and Technology Development Agency (NITDA) said the organisation through its several policies and strategies had trained over 200,000 young people on ICT to bridge gender divide.

We trained no fewer than 222,000 Young people in ICT and we believe that we have a growing population, vibrant entrepreneurial and expanding tech eco-system, which if we leverage can provide an opportunity for us to achieve Gender Equality and women empowerment.

Similarly, Mrs Pauline Tallen, Minister of Women Affairs, stressed the need for women and young girls to leverage on technological innovations to improve their lives and bridge the gender disparity in all sectors.

Tallen, represented by Mrs Funke Oladipo, Director, Women Development also highlighted the need to empower women and girls on digital skills, access to technology and support women-led businesses.

Also, Mrs Ola Williams, Country Manager, Microsoft Nigeria said the organisation had partnered with the Federal Government to skill five million youths through the ministry of Communication and Digital Economy to improve on technological innovations.

Williams said these would improve access to jobs, right tools and resources, as well as markets for their business.

Because the world has become a global village, any technology developed today can actually be accessed by anyone in the world.

So that is why beyond just providing skilling mentoring, we are also providing means to employability, she said.

Other highlights of the events include exhibition of technological innovations by young women and men on gender issues, tech-apps, amongst others.

Ms Edeh Catherine-Chinyere,a legal practioner and a hearing impaired person, developed an app, Voice of Disability Initiative an audio translator app that coverts audio to text for persons with heading impairment.

Also, Ms Fatima Haliru-Yahaya, Honor of Haven, e-platform was developed to support women and girls in reporting incidents of sexual and gender based violence.

Also, the UN women launched an app, Buy-from women digital platform to link women farmers and entrepreneurs to markets, information and finance. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Source: NAN News

Bola Tinubu

By Sumaila Ogbaje

A Chieftain of the ruling APC, Mr Austin Oleho, says the victory of Bola Tinubu and Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia will change the economic landscape of the country and promote rapid economic growth.

Oleho said this in his congratulatory message to the President-elect Bola Tinubu and Benue State Governor-elect, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia on their victory at the polls.

He also congratulated the Vice President-elect, Sen. Kashim Shettima, as well as the Benue State Deputy Governor-elect, Dr Sam Ode.

Oleho, who was a major contender in the race for the Benue South Senatorial race under the APC, expressed confidence that Tinubu would waste no time in uniting the nation while giving everyone a sense of belonging.

He described Bola Tinubu as a dogged fighter and democrat who left footprint on the sands of time owing to his antecedents.

The APC chieftain expressed hope that Nigeria would finally see the light at the end of the tunnel as the economic realities being faced by the citizens would become history.

He called on aggrieved parties to close ranks and work with the incoming administration so that the dividends of democracy would be evenly distributed.

Oleho, while extolling the virtues of the Benue State Governor-elect, Alia, noted that when the righteous are on the throne, the people rejoice.

He expressed confidence that Alia had the requisite capacity to lead the state out of the present quagmire into an era of rapid economic growth by harnessing the states enormous potentials for meaningful development.

He advised the party hierarchy to consolidate on the victory, by carrying everyone along while rewarding those who have contributed immensely to the growth success of the party. (NAN) (

Edited by Auwalu Birnin Kudu/Idris Abdulrahman

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Source: NAN News

The Nigerian Mining and Geoscience Society (NMGS) says Nigeria has the capacity to become an attractive destination and mining hub of the world.

Mr Charles Alabo, the President of NMGS, made the assertion on Friday in Ilorin during a news conference organised as part of the 58th Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the society.

He also observed that if properly handled, the mining sector can sustain the economy of Nigeria without depending on oil.

There is need for the government to support individuals and entrepreneurs who are interested in the mining sector.

There is no mineral resources from any part of the world you cannot get in this country. The government can strengthen the industry and also get their shares, he said.

Alabo therefore urged the federal and state governments to do more in curbing illegal mining, adding that some indigenous people support foreigners who come to scavenge the land.

He emphasised on the need for sanity in the sector, if the country can utilise the resources effectively.

On the conference, the MNGS president explained that the week-long forum would create the needed awareness, inform the public and provide the cutting edge knowledge economy to drive the extractive sector of the nation.

He added that the theme of the event is entitled: Development of Nigerian Earth Resources: Current Realities, which is apt because of the great potential the sector holds for Nigeria to diversify the economy towards sustainable development.

Alabo observed that Kwara has become a city that presents ambience of modernity in network of roads, functional airport, flourishing private and public universities that run Geoscience and mining programmes.

He congratulated Gov. AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq over his re-election and wished him a fruitful tenure. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Source: NAN News

Sunday Dare and President Buhari

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has lauded the medal-winning efforts of several Nigerian athletes and their counterparts in other sports, saying that their dedication and commitment is awe-inspiring.

Malam Garba Shehu, the Presidents spokesman in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said the president stated this when he received the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare.

Dare had recently received Special Recognition Award for Contributions to Sports Development in Nigeria and the Africa Region from President Mohammed Solih of Maldives.

Speaking after receiving the trophy from the Minister, the president thanked him for the honour to the country.

He recounted the exploits of Nigerias national football team, Super Eagles, at national and international stages, noting he still hasnt forgotten Nigerias absence at the Qatar World Cup 2022.

While commending Dares enormous contribution to sports development, the president expressed delight that he had been recognized and applauded outside the shores of the country.

Buhari noted that under Dare, Nigerias sports sector had developed from recreation to business.

He added that with revamping of infrastructure, laurels had been harvested at international events by our athletes while harmony and unity of purpose had prevailed in several sporting associations.

The president also applauded the Ministers commitment, dedication and service to the nation in a sector that brings young and old together, as well as athletes and fans.

He extended his best wishes to the Sports Minister, urging him to continue to give his best for God and country.

In his remarks, the minister thanked the president for his tireless support towards sports matters in the country.

He cited the generous and timely funding from the government to all sporting organisations and their many local and international engagements.

Dare described the recent donation of N200 million to Team Nigeria at the last Commonwealth Games as deeply inspiring. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Source: NAN News

Mr Jude Nnadozie

By Fortune Abang

Toastmasters (TM) International Club, a non-profit organisation, has underscored the need for adequate investment in skills development, particularly for women, to achieve meaningful growth in Nigeria.

Mr Jude Nnadozie, President, Hatlab TM Club, District 94, Division E, Area 30, Abuja, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

He spoke against the backdrop of the Clubs bi-monthly meeting, with the theme: The leading edge, in commemoration of the 2023 International Womens Day (IWD).

Nnadozie said, When you join platforms like TM, you will meet other people and develop your skills which is important. So, the things we learn are enormous.

This is why we have special meetings where we celebrate great women. By our theme, we put spotlight on things women who succeeded in their chosen career have done to succeed.

Today, we brought together lots of distinguished women on the platform of TM, because they have been there for a while and conquered many grounds we look forward to conquer in life.

Not just women and girls, but generally on what people can do to succeed in various endeavors.

In her general evaluation, Mrs Stella George, Division E Director of Toastmasters International, urged people to always participate in meetings to imbibe modern skills which could enable them tackle modern challenges.

The division director quoted Mahatma Ghandi, saying: The best way to gain yourself is to lose yourself to serving other people to reiterate the importance of leadership.

According to her, Toastmasters International is a place people could build noble character and become more productive.

Here you learn about emotional intelligence, interpersonal communication skills, quick thinking, and the ability to organise a group of people.

You need to build capacity and support others; this is what makes the world go round because you never get tired doing what you love while serving humanity, she said.

High point of the event was recitation of Resilience as key word of the day and panel discussion on gender equity being moderated by Udanga Jarigbe, a Toastmaster.

The discussion by Distinguished Toastmasters Stella George (Division Director), Toju Cole, Soji Salu, Alhassan Mohammed and Titi Ojo, stressed the need for people to understand and be dedicated to core values to achieve success in their career.

The event also featured general evaluation, introduction of table topics by Mr Ifeanyi Nwoko, Vice President of Hatlab Toastmasters Club, and cutting of cake to commemorate the IWD.

NAN reports that TM International Club promotes improvement in public speaking, self-confidence, leadership and networking skills. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne/Vincent Obi

Source: NAN News

State House Clinic

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the re-designation of the State House Clinic back to Medical Centre.

The Permanent Secretary, State House, Tijjani Umar made this known after a pre-commissioning inspection of the new Presidential (VIP) Wing of the State House Medical Centre by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.

Mustapha was accompanied by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr Zainab Ahmed and Minister of State Finance, Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba.

Umar said: In March 2019, the President had given approval that the State House Medical Centre, Asokoro, which was facing challenges with funding, deterioration of infrastructure and equipment, be scaled down to a Clinic until the challenges were addressed.

Now with improvement in the problem areas and the addition of the new VIP Wing with state-of-the-art facilities, we can no longer operate as a Clinic. It is now to operate as State House Medical Centre.

According to him, all is set for the inauguration of the new world class facility by the President to add to the growing number of completed and commissioned legacy projects of this Administration.

Umar added that the calibration, testing of equipment and training of medical personnel are ongoing, and the presidency is determined to ensure that the Centre remains fully operational and well maintained after inauguration.

Addressing State House correspondents, Mustapha described the newly built VIP wing as money well spent.

He further expressed his excitement and fulfilment that the project was completed within a year as envisaged and will be commissioned after equipping under a year and a half.

The minister of Finance also expressed delight that the project was delivered dead-on-time, and on budget, recounting that funding for the edifice was provided on time in the 2022 appropriation.

The facility here is world class and we are looking forward to the inauguration very soon.

I have volunteered myself as one of the people that will come for medical here on test run to testify that what we have here is comparable to the best around the world, she jocularly said.

The ground-breaking ceremony at the VIP wing was performed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, on Nov. 1, 2021 and work began by Julius Berger Nigeria, the construction company that built the Presidential Villa.

The VIP Wing, which is a specialised/Intensive Care Centre dedicated for the exclusive use of the President, Vice President and other VIPs, spans over a total of 2,485m2 floor area on a suspended floor with a basement. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Source: NAN News

By Abigael Joshua.

Volunteer groups from civil society organisations have urged the Nigerian government to reactivate policies on water to curb pollution.

They jointly gave the urge in Abuja during a campaign to mark the World Water Day 2023.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet) led a team from the African Activists for Climate on a clean up of the Jabi Lake Park.

CSDevNet National Network Coordinator, Mr Abu Steve, called on government to use the opportunity of the World Water Day celebration to reinforce the policies on waterways.

Steve said that if Nigeria must conserve biodiversity and manage her water very well, the issue of plastic wastes must be taken seriously.

Should in case these policies are lying dormant, it is time to reactivate them to make them guide us.

It is time to sensitise the people on how to reuse, recycle some of these plastics instead of dumping them anyhow.

We have life under water, that this source of pollution of plastic wastes are dangerous to, he said.

Steve said the World Water Day 2023 is an important day and called on the government to take action on water related issues in the country.

We call on these companies that produce plastic to enforce a law on how to take back the wastes from the society.

We are also calling on the public to change their lifestyles of littering the environment with plastics and other wastes, he said.

Mr Femi Olubiyo, a volunteer from CSDevNet said that their main objective at the Jabi Lake Park was to create awareness and sensitise the public on how to keep water clean to be healthy for humans and animals.

In safeguarding our environment, everyone has a role to play, we cant just leave it for the government alone.

When we fail to take care of our water, it threatens sustainable development, biodiversity and peoples access to good water and sanitation, Olubiyo warned.

Ms Bilkisu Aliyu, a volunteer decried the lack of waste bins around the Abuja metropolis and called on stakeholders in charge of waste collection to introduce them.

Aliyu urged the management of Jabi Lake Park to ensure that there are sanitation security officers within the lake, to checkmate the dumping of plastics and other wastes within the park.

Mr Paul Sambo, who is also a volunteer in the clean up exercise decried the level of indiscriminate dumping of plastics in the water bodies.

NAN report that the World Water Day 2023 is celebrated with the theme: Accelerating Change.

NAN further reports that the World Water Day is held annually on March 22, since 1993.

The day celebrates water and raises awareness of the two billion people living without access to safe water.

The World Water Day is about accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Razak Owolabi

Source: NAN News

By Grace Alegba

The Lagos State Government has advised secondary school students to come up with innovations to address water, sanitation and hygiene issues.

The Managing Director, Lagos Water Corporation (LWC), Mr Muminu Badmus, made the call on Wednesday at the Grand Finale and Maiden Annual Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Essay Competition.

The event, which was part of activities to mark World Water Day, was organised by the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE) in collaboration with LWC and held at Victoria Island.

It had over 80 schools and representatives from six education districts in Lagos in attendance.

Badmus commended participants in the essay competition, saying the students must go beyond classroom knowledge to providing solutions.

The managing director said analytical skills would help the students to become game changers and pledged continuous support for the essay competition.

He urged secondary school students to keep participating in the competition to boost their knowledge, exposure and get important research skills to become solution providers.

Badmus cited example of Ansar-udeen Grammar School, ADGS Surulere which invented a water Filtration and Purification system a few years ago, which won them the Nigerian Stockholm Junior Water Prize.

He said that the winners went on to represent Nigeria later that year in Sweden and were commended for their innovation.

By asking the right questions, you can develop analytical skills and Investigate effects by digging deep into their causes.

When you know the cause of a problem, the solution would easily fall on our laps, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Miss Chioma Joseph, SS2 student of Keke Senior High School, Ifako Ijaye, clinched the overall best position in the senior category.

Vetland Senior Grammar Schools Olaoluwa Olaniyn came second while Oyewole Egunjobi of Ayangburen Senior High School and Josephine Hunpe of Lagos State Senior Model College, Kankon Badagry both came third place.

In the Junior Secondary category, Miss Chisom Ezeanya, Lagos State Junior Model College Ojo came first; Esther Ajileye, Eva Adelaja Junior Girls Secondary School came second while Blessing Nwabueze of District Junior College Agege, came third.

NAN reports that winners were given laptops and other educational gift items while some schools also received cash donations.

The National Chairman, NIMechE, Dr Funmilade Akingbagbohun, said over 80 schools from six education districts participated in the essay writing on topics related to water, sanitation and hygiene.

Akingbagbohun said the competition was organised to address a lacuna in the space of water sanitation and hygiene in Nigeria and engineering is about problem solving.

She thanked the Lagos State Water Corporation for supporting the programme, and commended all the six education districts that participated.

The chairman said 20 out of 80 schools qualified for the grand finale, with seven emerging as winners.

She said all hands must be on deck for effective collaboration towards achieving a clean environment.

The Chairman said everyone had a role to play in ensuring improved water and sanitation facilities, to promote hand washing and prevent diseases.

Akingbagbohun said that every aspect of life required water.

She said the use of polluted drinking water and poor sanitary conditions in Nigeria had increased water-borne diseases including diarrhea and cholera.

The chairman gave statistics on the consequences of poor sanitation and water and the need to target the youth as game changers to provide solutions.

The guest speaker, Ms Cherish Jefferson, said the problems of water required multi-sectoral solution because its impact affected every sector and segment of life.

Jefferson, a 500 level student of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Lagos, called for collective action, saying SDG 6 was the most important which must be pursued to solve societal problems.

She said SDG 6 stated that everyone should have safely managed water, good hygiene and sanitation and focused on ending open defecation by 2030.

Jefferson called for deliberate efforts towards conserving water to mitigate the impact of climate change.

Simple action like turning off a tap is important, she said.

She also called for recycling of water, volunteering to support community-led initiatives for change and increased awareness campaigns.

Dr Adetola Salau, Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on STEM Education said 1,000 children die daily from bad water, sanitation and hygiene, hence the need for creative ways for water conservation.

Salau promised to join the Lagos Water Corporation in the partnership, while urging the students to create prototypes on ideas they have toward solving problems in their communities.

She enumerated various aspects of engineering the students could explore while reeling out examples of teenagers providing solutions in some countries.

Other speakers, including the representative of the United Nations and the Commissioner for the Environment, explained measures and solutions being provided for flooding, and how STEM education was aiding creativity.

They enumerated challenges of COVID-19, hand washing, scarcity of drinking water, poor sanitation, among others.(NAN)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Source: NAN News

President-elect Bola Tinubu

By Emmanuel Mogbede

The President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu, has travelled out for lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia, as well to marshal out his transition programme, ahead of the May 29 inauguration.

Mr Tunde Rahman, his Media Aide said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, adding that the President-elect left the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos enroute to Europe on Tuesday night.

The President-elect decided to take a break after the hectic campaign and election season to rest in Paris and London.

Preparatory to going to Saudi Arabia for Umrah (Lesser Hajj) and the Ramadan fasting that begins Thursday.

While away, the President-elect will also use the opportunity to plan his transition programme, Rahman said.

He cautioned media organisations against publishing rumours, fake news and unsubstantiated claims, urging them to always seek clarifications from the Tinubus media office before publishing.

Rahman said the President-elect had directed that all his senior aides and campaign staff to go for a short rest. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Benson Iziama/ Ali Baba-Inuwa

Source: NAN News

FEC meeting

By Ismaila Chafe

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved 984. 7 million dollars for the procurement of maintenance equipment for the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC).

FEC also approved N5billion for the provision of accommodation to staff of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)

Minister of Transportation, Muazu Sambo and the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami disclosed these when they briefed State House correspondents at the end of the weekly council meeting.

The meet was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to Sambo, the NRC equipment are specifically meant for the Kano-Maradi rail line connecting Nigeria and neighbouring Niger Republic.

He said: A memorandum presented by the Ministry was on behalf of the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

The memorandum sought councils consideration and approval for the award of contract for the procurement of rolling stock operation and maintenance equipment for Kano-Maradi standard gauge rail line that is currently under construction.

The contract was awarded to a company that is also the contractor handling the railway project in the sum of 984,722,302.05 dollars inclusive of 7.5 per cent VAT with a completion period of four years.

He also disclosed that the council approved over N510 million for the supply of customised Fire Service Vehicles for the Nigerian Ports Authority.

The Federal Ministry of Transportation also presented a memo to the council on behalf of two of its agencies.

The first agency was the Nigerian Ports Authority which sought to provide for the award of contract for the construction.

And supply of four customised Fire Service search and rescue vans for extrication of accident victims for Rivers Ports, Port Harcourt, Lagos Port Complex, Tin Can Island Port and Marina Headquarters all in Lagos.

The Council considered the memorandum and approved the award of the contract as recommended and reviewed by the Bureau of Public Procurement in the sum of N510, 934,600 million inclusive of 7.5 per cent VAT with a completion period of nine months, he said.

On his part, the Minister of Justice said the Council approved N5 billion for the construction of residential accommodation for officers and men of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

According to the minister, this has become necessary because to further secure the lives and property of personnel of the agency, who have been making tremendous success in the fight against drug cartels and barons.

He said: As you are aware, there has been renewed and sustained onslaught by the NDLEA against drug cartels and barons. Within the three quarters of 2023, about 18, 940 arrests were affected by the NDLEA and indeed drugs worth an estimated value of over N40 billion were confiscated.

The successes that were recorded unfortunately translated to unprecedented threats and attacks on personnel; the officers, men and other ranks of the agency.

Thus, the need has arisen for the Nigerian government to consider the possibility of taking security measures that will now provide the desired protection to officers and men of the NDLEA.

He further revealed that the council gave approval for the construction of two categories of barracks totalling 192 flats.

Accordingly, two contracts were awarded to two different contractors. The first one is for the construction of barracks comprising a total 92 units of three bedroom semi-detached flats for Narcotics Superintendents and Narcotics Assistant Superintendents at the cost of N2, 267, 785, 450.83.

The second contract was in the sum of N2, 889, 480, 320. 55 for the construction of barracks comprising a total 100 units of two and three bedroom semi-detached flats for Narcotics Superintendents and Narcotics Agents, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Grace Yussuf

Source: NAN News