Start-up materials given to women entrepreneurs to mark 2023 International Womens Day

By Philomina Attah

The Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), Abuja Chapter, has empowered 32 widows, single mothers and young girls with relevant start-up materials to be self-employed and eventually employers of labour.

Chairperson of the association, Miss Joy Esu, in Abuja said that the gesture was to also mark the 2023 International Womens Day.

Esu said that the Society had carefully put together the programme to celebrate and empower the women folk on this all-important event focusing on gender equity, embracing diversity and inclusion to help forge an equal world.

She added that the beneficiaries were carefully selected from different sub-urban settlements within the FCT and its environs, adding that every one of them truly deserved the empowerment scheme.

This was made possible through their engagement in skill-acquisition training and we assistance them with start-up capital.

The next phase is a Skill Acquisition Programme for the beneficiaries.

This is with the view of empowering them with relevant skills and seed capital to help them to commence a Business and to be able to sustain themselves and their families economically.

This is planned in anticipation that we will be able to raise the desired financial support from our partners/supporters, she said.

She further explained that the beneficiaries would be train on book keeping, accounting and financial management to help them manage the financial records for their Businesses.

According to her, SWAN is an arm of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), whose membership is open to female members of the Institute.

She explained that the Society served as an integral part of the Institute to meet the yearnings and aspirations of women for recognition, creating opportunities and an enabling environment for the promotion of socio-economic development of women.

We have carried out sensitisation programmes and career talks in six secondary schools within Abuja and its environs.

The aim is to elicit the interest of the young ones to embrace Accountancy as a Career Path and also inculcate in them self-dignity, discipline and integrity.

We have also organized sensitisation lectures to undergraduates in Four Tertiary Institutions within FCT and environs on the Career Path of becoming a chartered accountant, she added.

She further listed other projects executed by the organisation to include medical outreach, orphanage visitation, hospital visitation, prison visitation and anti-corruption advocacy, among others.

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, the Managing Director, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) commended SWAN Abuja Chapter for the laudable gesture, urging other states to key into such scheme in order to empower more women in the society.

Adesugba, who was represented by Dr Martins Odeh, Head, Corporate Communication, NEPZA, said that education was very important for a woman, adding that, but if you do not have a formal education skill acquisition like this is very important.

There is no society without assistance and there is no society without a woman because it has been measured that a womans management ability is much more than that of a man.

It is said that when you empower a man, you empowered a family alone but when you empowered a woman you have succeeded in empowering both the family and the entire nation, he said

The managing director urged women to press on and do not look at anything that would distract them from achieving their set goals.

He equally advised the beneficiaries to use the support given to them today judiciously and ensure they extend helping hand to those not opportune to be selected.

Mrs Bright Okorie, responding on behalf of the beneficiaries appreciated SWAN Abuja Chapter for the support given to them.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that items donated to the beneficiaries included, sewing machines, electric irons, hair dryers, baking materials among others.

NAN also reports that the beneficiaries were educated on financial integrity to enable them to operate successful businesses with the items. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

Crude Oil theft in Nigeria

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Niger-Delta Safe Environment Group (NSEG) has lauded the Nigerian military on its increased operations aimed at curbing oil theft in the region.

This is contained in a statement on Monday by Mr Ombo Princewill and Felicia Akpabio, President and Secretary of the group, respectively, in Abuja.

The duo said that long years of illegal oil bunkering had caused severe damage to environment and health of people in the region.

They lamented that several residents were afflicted with illnesses as a result of massive environmental degradation caused by the activities of oil thieves.

The officials, however, said that military onslaught by troops of Operation Delta Safe had weakened the activities of the criminals.

According to them, the activities of the Armed Forces, under the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, have helped to protect the environment and save huge resources for the country.

Just last week, the Defence Headquarters announced that it discovered and destroyed 74 illegal refineries and arrested a total of 71 criminals terrorising the zone.

In addition, the troops have also recovered 209,000 litres of crude oil, 145,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 4,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 27 variety of weapons, 468 assorted ammunition, 2 speed boats, 2 outboard engines, 8 vehicles and 4 motorcycles.

We commend the AFN for operations conducted at the creeks, waterways, high sea, towns and cities of Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, which yielded appreciable results.

For long, misguided elements in our region have put our health at risk in their quest for illegal wealth. Women with pregnancy are affected, there are incidences of lung cancer.

Not to be mentioned is the manner our sources of livelihood, fishing and farming, have been greatly affected, the officials added.

They urged people of the region to cooperate with the military in tackling those degrading the environment, causing health hazards and bleeding the countrys economy. (NAN) ()

Edited by Deborah Coker/Maharazu Ahmed

Source: NAN News

Bola Tinubu

The President, Read and Earn Federation (REF), Prince Abdulsalami Ladigbolu, has called on president-elect Bola Tinubu to plan for the development of local talents for global success.

Ladigbolu made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday, while congratulating Tinubu on his victory at the presidential elections.

He said that Tinubus emergence at this crucial time in Nigerias history was indeed timely, adding that his emergence would be a litmus test that must overcome all the shortcomings, brimstone and negativity that had stained the status of Nigeria.

As a concerned citizen and strong believer and supporter of smart intellectuals, who believe in inter-generational mentorship and solidarity, I put forward to you my opinion about the plight of Nigerian youth and the urgent action that needs to be taken to ensure our youth achieve global success.

I believe that there is no keener revelation of societys soul than the way in which it treats its youth because discouraging them is simultaneously destroying the nations prosperity.

This is because Nigeria at present is caught between a slippery muddy cliff and a distant rocky fall and the ultra-light beam for sustainable development for a nation, starts with the mental acceptance of a working ideology conceived by the nations leadership and its subordinates.

Nigeria is one of the worlds largest producers of crude oil and with an abundance of gas and mineral resources, Nigeria is Africas largest economy.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts that Nigeria could become the ninth-largest economy in the world by 2050 if it mobilises its 200 million population into a nation of entrepreneurs and producers, he said.

According to him, Nigerias population advantage can become its Achilles heel as it currently struggles to overcome rising unemployment, unstable power supply, poor education and poverty.

Ladigbolu said Nigeria had a range of issues ranging from governments fiscal deficit which is expanding above budget, unemployment that is trending upwards and uncertainty around petrol prices all combine to create an atmosphere of economic instability.

This uncertainty means that the West African nation has seen a steady outflow of its most promising young talent to Europe, leaving behind a damaging human capital problem.

With an entrepreneurial deficit, the country is unable to develop the broad-based economy needed to provide employment, competition, and innovation as well as insulation from the global price and demand shocks in its natural resource markets.

Mass unemployment and poverty means that many Nigerians lack the basic amenities of life and are vulnerable to crimes such as human trafficking and modern-day slavery.

Furthermore, Nigerias youth population sits precariously at over 55 per cent of the total population, he said.

Ladigbolu said Nigerias youth population boasts some of the most original creative in the world, saying that if given the right tools and environment, Nigerian youth could compete at the highest levels in various industries and exceed expectations.

He, therefore, called for a meaningful enrichment and sustainable programmes in four identified critical areas among the youth such as intellectual, leadership, economy and digital technology capacity building.

He said this would contribute to and accelerate the provision of such improved competencies and capabilities that would in turn enhance the enlightenment of Nigerian youth about the dynamics of international markets. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Celine Damilola Oyewole/Grace Yussuf

Source: NAN News

Nigerian Senate

By Naomi Sharang

The Senate is to resume plenary on Tuesday (March 21), the Clerk of the Senate, Mr Chinedu Akubueze, has said.

A statement issued by Akubueze on Monday in Abuja said that the plenary had been rescheduled from March 14 to March 21.

He said: This is to inform all Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that the resumption of the Senate in Plenary has been rescheduled from Tuesday, March 14 to Tuesday, March 21.

All senators are by this notice requested to resume sitting in plenary on Tuesday, March 21, by 10 a.m prompt.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Senate had on March 2, suspended plenary to March 14, to enable senators participate in the the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.

The election which was slated for March 11 was postponed to March 18 by the Independent National Electoral Commission. (NAN)()

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Source: NAN News

By Yahaya Isah

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) said property valued at more than N23.3 billion were lost to fire outbreaks in the country between October and December, 2022.

This is contained in a statistical report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja by Mr Abraham Paul, the FFS Public Relations Officer.

The report showed that 649 fire outbreaks were recorded within the period under review, while property valued at about N145.4 billion were saved.

It indicated that 28 lives were lost in the fire incidents within the period, while 40 others were rescued.

The report gave the number of properties affected to include 111 public buildings and 230 private ones, 11 educational establishments, 61 shops, 19 factories and banks, nine clubs, hotels and restaurants.

It added that 56 petrol stations, 21 oil and gas facilities, two timber sheds, 63 automobile, 17 markets and 49 others were also destroyed by fire within the period under review.

On the causes of the fire incidents, the report indicated that 122 of the cases were linked to electrical equipment and high voltage, while 16 were due to illegal storage of petroleum products.

According to the report, 32 of the fire incidents were caused by cigarette stub and bush burning,185 by electrical sparks, 37 through gas, 104 due to accidents, arson and automobile incidents.

The statistics further showed that 88 of the fire incidents were due to unknown causes and seven as a result of building collapse.

The report also showed that 17 out of the fire incidents were under investigation.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Maharazu Ahmed

Source: NAN News

![Agba felicitates C

Gov. Hope Uzodimma

By Victor Nwachukwu

Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo has sacked his Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Mr Ford Ozumba, over an on-going face-off between the Imo chapter of the NLC and the state government.

This is contained in a statement signed by the governors media aide, Mr Oguwike Nwachuku and made available to newsmen in Owerri, on Saturday.

Gov. Uzodimma has approved the immediate removal of Chief Ford Ozumba, Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, from office.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Declan Emelumba says the governor directed Chief Ozumba to hand over to the Permanent Secretary at the ministry with immediate effect, the statement read.

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company shut power supply to Imo since Thursday in compliance with NLCs directive. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Benson Iziama/Alli Hakeem

Source: NAN News

Amotekun Corps

By Olajide Idowu

Amotekun Corps, the security network of states in the Southwest geo-political zone arrested a 24-year-old suspected rapist in Iwo, Osun, on Friday.

He was alleged to have been keeping a 16-year-old girl in his room for three days while having carnal knowledge of her.

Commander of the corps in Osun, retired Brig.-Gen. Bashir Adewinmbi, told newsmen in Osogbo on Saturday that the security outfit arrested a 28-year-old herbalist almost in Iwo.

The herbalist allegedly defrauded some persons and was also found to be in possession of fake 100 dollar and N1,000 notes.

The suspects were arrested at different locations in Iwo on Friday after reports were made to Amotekun about their nefarious activities.

Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crimes and were handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution, Adewinmbi said.

The Amotekun commander urged Osun residents to always assist security agencies with information that could help to prevent crime and apprehend criminals. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Alli Hakeem

Source: NAN News

By Justina Auta

Mr Abubakar Bello, the Managing Director, Nigerian Export and Import Bank (NEXIM), and other stakeholders have stressed the need for gender equity and womens empowerment to improve access to health, education, economic and political opportunities in the country.

They made the call at a family fun weekend, organised by NEXIM Bank, in commemoration of the 2023 international Womens Day (IWD) celebration in Abuja.

The NEXIM Bank boss said women play significant role in every area of human development, hence the need to ensure they had access to opportunities that would further harness their potentials for the development of any nation.

According to Bello, the bank prioritises anything concerning women, adding that women should be celebrated all the time for their immense contribution to the society.

We should not just celebrate women only on womens day or month.

Women should be celebrated everyday. This years theme, which talks about embracing equity, should not be celebrated only on womens day, but all the time as we are talking about moving forward to the future.

Every womens day, we make promises on equal opportunities, equity, amongst others.

I want a feedback from the women from all the promises made in the past, where are we? Are you satisfied with what we have done? he said.

The NEXIM Bank boss further added that the bank prioritises the well being and health of its workforce to ensure maximum productivity.

We take the competence of women seriously, especially when bringing in new staff. Its not a favour that we are doing to the women, it is a favour that we are doing to the agency.

We are happy about the issues discussed by the speakers. One spoke about being focused, another on health and wellbeing.

Another one spoke about motivation and how to remove obstacles and barriers affecting womens development, he said.

He, therefore, stressed the need to accommodate more women so that they can give in their best in any workforce and the society in general.

Mrs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, stressed the need for programes that would bridge the gap for women to become independent and contribute to national development.

On the issue of challenges affecting women in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, Sulaiman-Ibrahim decried its effects on them, calling for more collaboration to address them.

Women are the most hit, they loose their privacy when such things happen and it is hard for them.

They carry a lot of burden because they become the caregivers, heads of households and other challenges for women when displacement and emergency happen.

We must work collectively to address these challenges facing women, she said.

Mrs Maryam Lemu, a motivational speaker, encouraged women to key into the digital world and give in their best to the development of their homes, community and nation at large.

Digital world should be embraced by everyone and stop focusing on the negative.

Let key people who have access make it possible for more women to have access because once a woman has access to knowledge and she learns, she can empower her family, the society and hopefully generation will be better than what she didnt get.

Dont listen to negativity, sometimes it comes from us, we keep making excuses why we cannot do somethings.

But it is just background noise, so reduce the volume on that and focus on what you can do. The possibilities are limitlessness, she said.

Also, Dr Amina Dorayi, Country Director, Pathfinder, encouraged women to prioritise their health, mental well being and eat healthy food and fruits.

This is one of the best thing you can do for your staff work that prioritises your wellbeing. You are the most important person in your life and those around you, so do not joke with your health. Health is life, health is everything, she said.

NAN reports that other highlights of the day were various sporting activities for staff of NEXIM Bank, their family members and other stakeholders. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

Source: NAN News

By Patricia Amogu

A Civil Society Organisation, Global Network for Sustainable Development( GNSD), has called on Civil Society Organisations and other youth platforms to desist from acts of public incitements, describing the calls for the arrest of Enenche as tyrannical.

The National Coordinator ,GNSD, Mr Phil Roberts, made the call in a statement on Friday, in Abuja.

Robert said that such groups were hired to silence the voice of reason and render our nation a tyrannical and dictatorial enclave .

A society where citizens live in perpetual fear and bondage.

It is advised that such groups should stop further acts of public incitements against the person of Dr Paul Enenche, their actions so far are tantamount to a gross abuse of his fundamental human rights as a free citizen

A certain provocative and inconsequential call by a faceless self-acclaimed Civil Society group, Centre for Social and Economic Rights (CSER) for the arrest of Dr Paul Enenche and Pastor Sarah Omakwu is such that threaten national security .

The fact that they make such calls especially regarding the arrest of Dr Paul Enenche in particular, in spite of the fact that he is not the only one calling for electoral probity and justice, makes their motive questionable,Roberts said.

According to him, other renowned clerics from both Islamic and Christian faiths drew the attention of the government to the irregularities that characterised the recent elections, yet these faceless groups are bent on calling for the crucifixion of one man.

The conduct of these groups is antithetical to democracy and freedom of speech, they represent the worst enemy of the Nigerian nation as they are out to sabotage the efforts of both the state and the citizens in building a more tolerant, progressive and inclusive society.

One wonders if these individuals masquerading as a civil society groups understand what civil society advocacy stands for, how can you call yourself civil while you are brazenly advocating for tyranny and dictatorship?

How can you be advocating a civilized society, while at the same time, calling for undemocratic use of force to stifle citizens freedom of speech as in the constitution?, he said.

According to him, how can you be a centre for citizens rights, while openly fighting to deprive them of their fundamental human rights?

How can you address yourself as civil while openly canvassing for illegitimate use of force by agents of the state against her citizens?

How can you be fighting for and against citizens rights at the same time? This is nothing short of bareface hypocrisy and duplicity, it added.

He noted that the country was advancing as a civilised society and they cannot drive us backward in their brazen pursuit of filthy lucre.

They are, therefore, advised to stop further acts of public incitements against the person of Dr Paul Enenche as their actions so far are tantamount to a gross abuse of his fundamental human right as a free citizen.

They have no moral or legal basis to call for the arrest of a law-abiding, responsible and impactful citizen in free expression of his civic and political opinion as guaranteed by the constitution.

It therefore ,stated, that any further incitement by such groups against the person of Paul Enenche would be taken as a deliberate and willful provocation, aggression and assault, he said. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Thompson Yamput

The Inspector General of Police (I-,G), Mr Alkali Baba, has presented cheques of N16 million to families of police officers who died in active service in Kogi.

The IG made the presentations through the Kogi Commissioner of Police, Akeem Yusuf, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration: DCP Abel Audu at the Commands Headquarters in Lokoja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports in Lokoja that the N16 million cheques were presented to the next of kin of 28 Police Officers who died in active service in the state..

Baba explained, this gesture is part of the Group Life Assurance Scheme and IGPs Family welfare Insurance aimed at improving the welfare of the families of the deceased Police Officers,

,This is also aimed at encouraging other Officers who are in active service to give their best to the nation, which will not forget their patriotism and services.

To us as a force, the loss of the deceased personnel is tragic and painful but we all have to bear it as God knows why, he said.

He, however, urged the beneficiaries not to misuse the funds but should endeavour to make judicious use of them for the betterment of their families.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs S. John, expressed appreciation to the IGP for the gesture and promised to make good use of the money for the benefit of their families. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

Market women in Lagos celebrating International Womens Day

By Oluwatope Lawanson

A non-governmental organisation, Women Liberation and Transformation Group (W-LIT), have called on women to embrace innovation and technology to enhance gender equality.

The Executive Director of W-LIT, Mrs Olanike Mic-Taiwo, made the call at a meeting of market women at Bariga/Shomolu, Lagos, to celebrate the 2023 International Womens Day (IWD).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting, which was sub-granted by Women Advocate Research and Documentation Center (WARDC), was funded by Ford Foundation.

IWD is celebrated on March 8 annually to raise awareness on women issues.

The 2023 IWD had the theme: Digital Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality.

Mic-Taiwo said that the theme was apt considering the Nigerias transition to a cashless society where technology was playing a vital role.

She urged governments to provide information and communication technology hubs in markets and rural communities so that women and girls could be trained to be digitally inclined and leverage social media platforms to grow their businesses.

She called on governments to bridge the digital gap especially in rural communities, saying that women and girls were lagging behind in the digital space.

She said that technology was essential in advancing gender equality.

If women and girls can access and use technology safely, they can amplify their voices.

Women should take advantage of opportunities in the digital space to improve their businesses and end violence against them.

Quite a number of market women are not digitally inclined and it has really affected their businesses especially with the cashless policy in Nigeria.

Some of them are already experiencing various challenges at home and in their businesses, she said.

Mic-Taiwo advised market women to be digitally inclined to attain greater heights.

She also encouraged women to be active and contribute their quotas to societal development through innovations and technology.

They should know that the cashless policy is the new normal and a reality.

The era of carrying huge cash about is phasing out; therefore, market women have to embrace technology to be relevant in their businesses, she said.

Mic-Taiwo advised market leaders to have a database of market men and women, indicating their businesses.

She said: By so doing, when opportunities arise from the state government, they can be easily accessible.

Also, it helps to monitor activities of their members, they can be easily identified. It will also help to curb violence.

The Iyaloja-General (Market Leader) of Somolu, Mrs Modupeola Olufojude, urged governments to sensitise market leaders about technology and innovations.

According to her, this is the time for market men and women to embrace best global practices.

They should know how to leverage technology and social media space to boost businesses, she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Source: NAN News

Dr. Ibrahim Kana

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, says that the Presidential Transition Council will make life and governance more comfortable for the incoming president.

Kana said this in a statement by Mrs Victoria Agba-Attah, Director of Press and Public Relations of the ministry, in Abuja, on Friday, .

Kana said this, while speaking at the joint session briefing between the officials of the ministry and members of the Transition Technical Task Team (TTTT).

The permanent secretary disclosed that the roadmap had already been drawn for him for a quick start of his administration.

He gave assurance that the presidential transition council inaugurated by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, on Feb. 14, would enable a seamless transition of power from one presidential administration to another.

According to him, the Transitional Council is charged with the responsibility of facilitating and managing the 2023 Presidential Transition Programme and the handing-over process by the current President to the President-elect.

The council is to look at the nine priority areas of the current administration in drafting the template.

The Provision of security to all the citizens of Nigeria is among the nine priority areas of the current administration, he said.

He promised that individual saddled with the responsibility of that mandate, he would do everything possible to comply with the directives of the council.

He also promised to ensure that it succeeded in meeting up with the expectation of Mr. President.

As a ministry, we have started the transition processes having set up our own ministerial transition task team.

We are on ground and we hope to comply according to the directives of the TTTT in meeting with the deadline given to us, he said.

He commended the members of the TTTT for the presentations which according to him were based on The Presidential Transition Process of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and MDA Transition Guide and the Introduction of the Performance Review Session.

He said the briefing session was highly technical and apt and assured the members of the TTTT of ministrys readiness to deliver on quick time, all the prayers as well as the directives of the Task Team to enable a seamless transition process.

Kana revealed that the entire management of the MoD had been charged by the Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi, to work with the TTTT to deliver within the stipulated deadline.

He added that the process of the transition had the full support of the minister.

Earlier, in his presentation the representative of the Office of the SGF, Mr. Ibrahim Hassan, said the purpose of the briefing session was not to audit the ministry but to provide the needed guidelines to all the stakeholders for a hitch free process of transition of power.

Hassan explained that the council was chaired by the SGF and had members from MDAs.

He further said that the two documents to be produced for the 2023 presidential transition process included compendium of policies.

The others he said were programmes and projects that were delivered to implement the nine priority areas of the Federal Government and Sector briefing notes to provide status of performance of the Administration underneath priority areas.

In attendance at the briefing session were the members of the TTTT and the Management staff of the ministry. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Isaac Aregbesola

Two transparency groups have threatened to drag the leadership of North East Development Commission (NEDC) to the EFCC and ICPC over alleged mismanagement of N146.19 billion.

The groups, People Advocacy for Transparency and Accountability (PATAI)and Al-Mushaid Initiative for Transparency and Accountability (AITA), gave the NEDC up to March 15, to respond to the allegations.

The Executive Chairman of PATAI, Mr Francis Bassey, and the President of AITA, Amb. Aminu Majidadi, issued the ultimatum during a joint news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

According to them, the commission has refused to respond to the petition earlier sent to it by some patriotic Nigerians.

He added that the two groups have also sent three reminders to the commission dated Janu. 18 and 31, as well as Feb. 14, 2023, without response.

Bassey explained that the core allegations bordered on corruption, financial misappropriation and abuse of office.

He claimed that the N146.19 billion was the budgetary allocation to the commission.

According to him, money has been paid in full for projects not completed or even abandoned.

The abandoned projects include construction of central workshop in Maiduguri, Borno; construction of Birma Primary School at Kashimbila in Taraba; Madagali and Pinlla primary schools projects in Adamawa.

Others are supply of equipment at Eye Clinic Centre in Azare; construction of ICT training centre; construction of College of Legal and Islamic Studies, Misau, all in Bauchi state, he said.

Bassey listed other abandoned projects to include the mass housing project in Dadin Kowa, Gombe State, and 200 mass housing units in Nguru as well as a 300 mass housing project in Damatutru, both in Yobe.

He claimed that there were also abandoned projects in Jalingo, Sadauna, Zing and Ussa Local Government Areas of Taraba, among others.

According to him, the two groups have conducted thorough investigation of the claims in the petitions and awaiting the response of the NEDC.

He said that their concern was to ensure accountability in the handling of public funds so that it would benefit Nigerians.

It is on the account of promoting transparency and accountability by holding those in authority accountable that we gave the Commission a chance to respond to issues of grave allegations raised against them.

We also wrote several memos to the Commission to address the issues raised in the petitions against them. It is sad to note that they have not responded positively to our enquiries till date, he stated.

Reacting to the allegations, the Head, Corporate Services, NEDC, Mr Abba Musa, declined comment, stressing that he was not authorised to speak on the issue.

He said that it was only the managing director that had the mandate to speak on the matter.(NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Source: NAN News

Map of Abia State, Nigeria

By Leonard Okachie

At least 16 political parties and their Governorship Candidates for the March 18 poll in Abia on Thursday signed a Peace Accord to be of good conduct during the exercise.

The event, organised by the state Police Command, took place at the Officers Mess, near Government House, Umuahia.

It was attended by Chief Ikechi Emenike (APC), Chief Okey Ahiwe (PDP), Chief Enyinnaya Nwafor (YPP), Bishop Sunday Onuoha (ADC), Mr Mascot Uzor-Kalu (APP) and Dr Ukpai Iroh Ukpai (NNPP), amongst others.

The ADD candidate, Onuoha, who spoke on behalf of others shortly after the signing formalities, gave assurance that they would abide by the electoral guidelines and shun violence.

He said: Abia is Gods Own State and we are God-loving people.

We are going to show Abia people, Nigerians and indeed the whole world that Abia will be a reference point for peace.

In an opening remark, the Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Bala, who supervised the signing formalities, commended the political parties for their peaceful disposition during the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

He urged them to continue to be peace ambassadors of their parties and see themselves as brothers and sisters, irrespective of party inclinations.

The state police boss assured them that the security agencies would provide a level playing field for all the candidates and their parties in order to ensure a peaceful poll.

Similarly, Mr Clement Oha, the INEC Administrative Secretary promised that the commission would deliver a credible election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 16 political parties signed the accord. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Sam Oditah

Source: NAN News

ECOWAS Heads of State and Government

By Temitope Ponle

Womens Forum of the ECOWAS Court of Justice has described gender balance as not an issue concerning the woman, but an economic one.

President of the forum Mrs Frances Ibanga, said this at the Womens Forum of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice International Womens Day (IWD) celebration which was held on March 8.

She identified advocacy, inclusive mindset, and tangible action as elements needed from all at the sub-regional level.

Framework for the protection and promotion of the rights of women are provided for the ECOWAS vice treaty and annex protocols and convention, she said.

She also said the day was a global one to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

This day provides a useful opportunity to reinforce the fact that everyone has a role to play in forging a more gender-balanced world and the importance of treating women fairly and equally, without any bias or prejudice.

The theme of the 2023 IWD is Digit All: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality.

She said the theme was carefully selected to celebrate the women who were championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education.

This theme exploring the impact of the digital gender gap widening economic and social inequalities aims to highlight the importance of protecting the rights of women in digital spaces and the need to address ICT gender-based violence.

Furthermore, technology and innovation are part of our everyday life.

We needed to tackle our daily humanitarian challenges in every sphere of life be it business, education, or entertainment.

As technology advances, we see the wide digital divide between genders, and the divide has become the new face of gender inequality, she added.

Ibanga, however, said the growing inequalities were becoming increasingly evident in the context of digital skills and access to technologies.

She said the United Nations 2020 data revealed that seven per cent of women did not use the internet and were also grossly underrepresented in tech-related fields.

She said the report showed only 22 per cent of positions in artificial intelligence held by women.

She also said 2023 IWD was the day to take the campaign to the next level, re-emphasing gender equality is basically creating the same opportunities to the human perspective agenda.

Let us, therefore, speak in one voice and ask in unison to protect the rights of women and girls in digital spaces as technology empowers women to capitalise on opportunities and express their opinions, she said.

Also speaking, Mrs Pauline Tallen, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development said the aim of the IWD celebration at the court was to discuss and raise awareness.

Tallen said the awareness raised was on how to improve access to digital tools for achieving gender equality and empowerment of women and girls.

A gender-responsive approach to innovation in digital education can increase the awareness of women and girls regarding rights and civic engagement.

Advancements in technology offer different opportunities, address development, and humanitarian challenges and achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.

The minister, however, said growing inequalities were becoming increasingly evident in the context of digital skills and access to technologies, with women being left behind.

She said the need for inclusive and transformative technology, and digital education was crucial for a sustainable future.

Also, Beatrice Eyong, United Nations Women Representative to Nigeria said the 2023 IWD theme was allied with the theme of the ongoing 67th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York.

The theme for the CSW 67 is innovation and technology, technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women.

DigitAll also is a call is a clarion call from all stakeholders for the need to invest more in digital solutions and this theme is also reminding us of the importance of innovation and technology for gender equality.

Eyong said there were many studies that had shown the importance of gender equality.

The UN representative, however, said the world womens levels of internet connectivity were low due to a number of gender-specific barriers, which create a digital gender gap.

Women with internet access are around twice as likely to recall that they were able to find products at a good price.

They were able to open a bank account and they were able to find people to hire to do work for them.

Such examples show the transformative potential of internet access and inclusion in digital technology for women, which contribute to closing the gender gap, advancing gender equality and womens empowerment.

Failing to do so brings significant political, social and cultural costs and in particular economic costs.

She also said there was a digital platform, developed by UN women globally, that enabled women to access information in real-time about the climate of the market of inputs and enabled agricultural extension officers to train women online to monitor farms. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

DD/Website

Don seeks adoption of outcome-based education in engineering

Engineering

By Olatunde Ajayi

Ibadan, March 10, 2023 (NAN) Prof. John Olorunmaiye, the former Vice-Chancellor, Crown-Hill University, has called for the adoption and implementation of the Outcome-Based Education (OBE) to enhance the quality of engineering education in Nigeria.

Olorunmaiye made made the call at the second Prof. Olusoji Ofi Distinguished Academic Lecture 2023 organised by the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE), Ibadan chapter, on Thursday.

He said the adoption of OBE in the training of engineers would make them employable globally.

According to him, OBE emphasises student-centered learning and focuses on output instead of input.

Olorunmaiye, the guest lecturer at the event, listed some of the problems affecting the delivery of high quality engineering education in Nigeria as inadequate number or quality of academic and non-academic staff in many universities.

We also have excessive number of students in some universities especially public universities, lack of modern equipment or inadequate number of equipment in the laboratories, weak or poor industrial training programmes and poorly motivated staff, among others, he said.

Specific and clearly defined outcome must be described to the students to set their own expectations and means to achieve the desired outcome.

If the students trained in the engineering programmes run in Nigerian universities are to compete well with products of similar programmes trained in developed countries, there is a need to enhance the quality of engineering education, he said.

Also speaking, the National Chairman, NIMechE, Dr Olufunmilade Akingbagbohun, said that the lecture was apt as it addressed what the country needs for growth and development.

Akingbagbohun said engineering remains the bedrock of growth and development for any country.

Any nation that aspires to grow or develop requires engineering because the profession is about problem solving, she said.

She said that NIMechE had created many solutions in engineering with professional development and innovation strategic programme.

We have started industry academic parley by taking people from industry to the academia to bridge the huge gap between the classroom and industry, she said.

The celebrant, Prof. Olusoji Ofi, the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, University of Ibadan (UI), said that the guest lecturer who also graduated from UI represented the original design concept of engineering profession of the university.

Ofi, a Fellow of Nigeria Society of Engineers and the inventor of the first instant powdered pounded yam in the world, thanked NIMechE for the recognition of his contributions to the engineering profession.

Earlier, Chairman, NIMechE, Oyo State chapter, Mr Victor Ogunranti, also a Fellow of Nigeria Society of Engineers, said that the lecture was named after the celebrant to give him a long-deserved proper recognition for his humble sacrifice and service as the doyen of Mechanical Engineering. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
TUN/JNC

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence Headquarters said on Thursday that a total of 1,332 terrorists and their family members surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai across North East in the last two weeks.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, made this known during the bi-weekly news briefing on the operations of the armed forces in Abuja.

Danmadami said the surrendered terrorists comprised 222 adult males, 411 adult females and 699 children.

He added that while eight terrorists were neutralised during the period, troops also apprehended 35 terrorists logistics suppliers and rescued 19 civilian victims.

Danmadami said the troops recovered 10 AK47 rifles, one LMG, seven rounds of 5.56 ammunition, one LMG link containing 111 rounds of 7.62mm NATO.

Others are 200 rounds of LMG ammunition, 46 rounds of 7.62mm special and 12 rounds of refilled and 7.62mm special.

He added that troops also recovered two dane guns, four AK47 magazines loaded with 102 rounds of 7.62mm special, 24 other AK 47 magazines, 36 hand grenades and one motorcycle.

All recovered items, rescued civilians, and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action while surrendered terrorists and members of their families are being profiled for further action, he said.

Defence spokesman said the air component of Operation Hadin Kai also eliminated scores of terrorists in their enclaves during several air interdiction operations.

According to him, feedback revealed that the airstrike dealt a heavy blow to the terrorists as several terrorists were neutralised with their logistics destroyed.

In North West zone, Danmadami said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji and other operations had continued to sustain their dominance over the menace of terrorists and other criminal activities in the zone.

He said the troops had within the weeks in review, neutralised 13 bandits as well as rescued 23 kidnapped victims.

According to him, troops recovered seven AK47 rifles, 12 AK47 magazines, 158 rounds of 7.62mm special, one locally fabricated weapon, four Improvised Explosive Devices and two dane guns from the bandits.

He said troops also recovered one motorcycle, one handheld radio, nine bicycles, 39 rustled cows, 74 sheep and N10.5 million cash.

Danmadami said that the recent cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), coupled with the sustained effort of the military had led to reduction in incidences of kidnapping. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Ezugu/Ejike Obeta

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence Headquarters says the troops of the armed forces, nabbed eight political thugs at Okehi in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi during the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, made this known at the bi-weekly news briefing on the operations of the armed forces on Thursday in Abuja.

Danmadami said the thugs were arrested in an attempt to disrupt the electoral process in the area.

He said the troops recovered three pump action guns, two locally fabricated AK 47 rifles, six locally made assorted guns and two daggers.

Danmadami said the troops of Operation Safe Haven had on Feb. 26, arrested five suspected cattle rustlers and recovered 35 rustled cattle at Lobirin village in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.

He added that the troops also on March 4, responded to an attack on Angwan Lilu in Royom Local Government Area of Plateau and engaged the criminals in a fire fight.

He said the encounter led to the recovery of several weapons from the criminals who fled.

In Benue, Danmadami said the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke conducted a raid operation to Utange village in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, neutralising two bandits and recovered cache of arms and other sundry items.

In the same vein, troops conducted fighting to within Zaki-Biam town in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area and arrested seven terrorists.

Preliminary investigation revealed that suspects have been involved in criminal activities within the local government area.

Troops also recovered AK47 rifle, 19 locally made pistol, one dane gun, two machetes and four mobile phones from the terrorists.

Accordingly, within the weeks in focus, troops in the North Central Zone recovered five AK47 rifles, three pump action guns,19 locally fabricated pistol and three dane gun, he said.

According to him, six locally made assorted rifles, 163 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 17 empty cases of 7.62mm ammunition, two machetes, two wrist watches, seven mobile phones and 35 rustled cattle were recovered.

Troops also neutralized two terrorists and arrested seven suspected terrorist as well as eight political thugs.

All recovered items, arrested terrorists have been handed over to relevant authority for further action, he said. (NAN) ()

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

PEBEC Secretary, Dr Jumoke Oduwole and other PEBEC staff during a media briefing in Abuja

By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring Ministries, Departments, and Agencies(MDAs) complied with the Executive Order 001(EO1) on Transparency and Efficiency in the Nigerian Business Environment.

Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Special Adviser to the President, Ease of Doing Business and Secretary, Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), said this on Thursday in Abuja.

Oduwole restated PEBECs promise to continuously track and keep the business community updated on MDAs performance through its Executive Order report.

She said in the PEBECs 2022 EO1 Compliance Report, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) performed the highest with 81.11 per cent.

She said the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC) came second and third with 78.68 per cent and 68.37 per cent respectively.

The PEBEC secretary said Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) came fourth with 64.59 per cent and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) fifth with 63.68 per cent.

According to Oduwole, the codification of EO1 directives in the Business Facilitation Act 2022 is a major development in the efforts to entrench EO1 in the psyche of the Civil Service.

She expressed optimism that the legal provisions enshrined in it would serve as a stimulus for a more transparent and efficient public service delivery in Nigeria.

On penalties for noncompliance, Oduwole said there were penalties for public office holders in the public service rule.

She, however, called on the private sector to report cases of corruption or abuse of the act.

She urged Nigerians to explore the Business Facilitation Act 2022 to ensure the reduction in most bottlenecks encountered in doing business in the country.

The secretary also called on the media to collaborate with PEBEC to create more awareness among the public on the benefits of the Order.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the EO1 was issued as the President Muhammadu Buhari administrations first Executive Order on May 18, 2017.

It is meant to strengthen the implementation of business climate reforms and deepen collaboration among MDAs by instituting a systemic change management process for reforms.

EO1 mandates MDAs to submit monthly reports to the PEBEC Secretariat, the offices of the Head of Service (HOS) of the Federation, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and SERVICOM.

The PEBEC, chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, was established in July 2016 by Buhari to remove critical bottlenecks and bureaucratic constraints to business in Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Ismail AbdulAziz

Source: NAN News