FRSC officials at a scene of an accident

By Stanley Nwanosike

Five persons were killed in an auto crash on the Enugu-Awka-Onitsha Road on Thursday.

Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Enugu State, Mr Joseph Toby told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu that 15 persons 10 males and five females were seriously injured in the accident.

He said the two vehicles involved in the crash had a head-on collision while using a single lane.

Twenty persons were in the two commercial vehicles; the five that died were three male and two female occupants, he said.

He added that the injured were taken to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu and to a private hospital on the Enugu-Awka-Onitsha Expressway.

Toby said corpses of the deceased were deposited at the Colliery Hospital mortuary in Enugu.

He blamed the accident on lack of lane discipline, over-speeding and brake failure.

Eyewitnesses, however, blamed the accident on the poor state of the road which compelled many motorists to drive against traffic rather than use the failed lane of the dual-carriage way. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Alli Hakeem

Source: NAN News

President Muhammadu Buhari

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja expressed sympathy over the accident involving a train and a Lagos State BRT staff bus at Shogunle area of Ikeja.

He said in a statement issued by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, that the accident was distressing and extremely sad.

The accident at the level crossing involving the train and the BRT staff bus is distressing and extremely sad. I pray for the souls of the deceased and quick recovery of the many who were injured, he said in the statement.

The president commended the Lagos State authorities and Federal Government agencies for promptly getting involved in relief work.

A train and a bus conveying workers to their work places in Lagos collided onThursday morning, killing about six persons and leaving many injured.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State declared three days mourning of victims of the accident on Thursday. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Alli Hakeem

Source: NAN News

Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Prof. Muhammad Haruna, during a visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya at Army headquarters in Abuja on Thursday (9/3/23)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) says it is awaiting presidential intervention to mass produce guns and other weapons for the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Prof. Muhammad Haruna, said this during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya at Army headquarters on Thursday in Abuja.

Haruna said that NASENI was currently collaborating with some indigenous research Institutions and industries, such as the Nigerian Machine Tools (NMT) Osogbo.

According to him, NASENI, NMT and Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers have jointly produced the 12.7mm AA Gun through reverse engineering.

On the international scene, NASENI has identified some potential partners in the development and production of small arms and light weapons, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Airboat, MRAPS, APCS and light aircraft.

We are doing certain things already and this has Presidential Order and Institutional framework, to ensure this is well coordinated and presented.

The Nigerian Army has seen what we have produced for them before, tested and commented.

With the presidential directive that their requirement, as much as possible should come from the country, we are hopeful of a Presidential intervention to mass produce the guns for the Armed Forces, he said.

Haruna said the agency and the army should revisit their discussions on local production of weapons and MRAPs.

He said this was necessary in view of the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari for the defence sector to look inward for its military equipment, components and accessories.

According to him, armed forces of other countries leverage on their institutions to produce what they need.

The military complex across the globe is made up of so many parts and components that even come from civilian industries, Haruna said.

The executive vice chairman assured that NASENI would help cover a lot of distance for the army in terms of military hardware.

NASENI is also partnering with private sector, locally and internationally, to enhance capacity, so that the products that are coming out of this collaboration are of international standard, he added.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya expressed support for the collaboration with NASENI towards developing and producing military hardware in the country.

Yahaya said procuring weapons and equipment abroad usually took a lot of time to manufacture, ship and clear from the ports after arrival.

If we are producing them ourselves, we can produce mission-specific equipment and weaponry that is suitable to our weather,environment and terrain.

There is no alternative to local production because even with your money, not everything is for sale and sometimes, politics will come into it.

Apart from that, it creates opportunity for employment, development and building technological capacity.

So this is a step in the right direction, the process is on and we will support and encourage you.

What we can do is to help you fast-track it as we are thinking of making our base in Bauchi for the Special Vehicle Plant, and also DICON in Kaduna, he said. (NAN) ()

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

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Source: NAN News

Participants at a ta two-day workshop geared towards advancing genome editing technology, in Abuja on Thursday

By Sylvester Thompson

The African Union Development Agency(AUDA-NEPAD) Centre of Excellence in STI, hosted a two-day workshop geared towards advancing genome editing technology as a tool to drive agricultural productivity in Nigeria.

The workshop organised for Chief Executives and Experts in Research and Academic Institutions, declared open by Dr Adeleke Mamora, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), ended in Abuja on Thursday.

Mamora said Nigerias agricultural sector was facing many challenges such as poor land tenure system, low level of irrigation farming, climate change and land degradation, among others, impacted on its productivity.

All these challenges have stifled agricultural productivity and affected the sectors contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), he said.

Represented by Mrs Monilola Udoh, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mamora stated that genome editing technology had the potential to revitalise agricultural productivity, promote food security and sustainable environment in Nigeria.

He said that the AUDA-NEPAD initiative on genome editing technology focused on innovation, building research and development capacities towards commercialisation of genome edited agricultural products for improved livelihood was timely.

The hosting of an AUDA-NEPAD genome editing research project in NABDA will position Nigeria to take a leading role in driving the technology while building required manpower and infrastructure, the minister said.

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of the National Biotechnology Development Agency(NABDA), said the workshop was another important step by the centre in addressing the problems of different sectors of the economy particularly agriculture.

Mustapha said: As you may be aware, AUDA-NEPAD Centre of Excellence in STI (CoE-STI), had embarked on awakening the consciousness of the continent to the latent potential of this revolutionary tool in the last few months.

He disclosed that precisely, formal engagements with NABDA started in Oct. 2022 and that the agency was pleased with the level of engagement and commitment of AUDA-NEPAD in STI in Nigeria and across the continent.

The NABDA D-G said that as Captains of various institutions, the meeting would afford the opportunity to share experiences and compare notes, appreciate strengths and challenges in order to chart a clear road map.

Mrs Florence Nazare, acting Director of Knowledge Management and Programme of the AUDA-NEPAD, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the workshop, said research and development required adequate resources.

She said the project basically looked at a sustainable financing model, urging that governments should commit more resources from their budgets to drive research and development.

Nazare said that it was important for Africa to domesticate genome editing technology which was important for industralisation and improved livelihoods of African citizenry.

The Director added that apart from government and scientists, they were also working with the private sector and also looking at the model of carrying out research on products of national interest.

She said synergy as the core contract for good and collaborative partnership between the states, private sector, research institutions and scientists was very important.

Nazare said though the AUDA-NEPAD was advancing biotechnology, but safety of the product was also their concern, hence the issue of bio-security and bio-safety was primary.

We also need our scientists that work in the regulatory space to be capacitated to be able to ensure that we can guarantee safety for African citizens, she said.

Prof. Olalekan Akinbo, Supervisor at the Centre of Excellence in STI, AUDA-NEPAD, also in an interview, said that the African Union was working on Agenda 2063 and the focal point was zero-hunger.

He said genome editing technology was an innovation that helped in precision agriculture, adding that the benefits included among others, reduction in time frame to grow or bring up a product.

According to him, genome editing has the ability to address challenges that could not be addressed in conventional breeding, by way of improving agriculture.

Akinbo assured that the technology could provide solution that would meet the teeming population of people, offering benefits that would enhance and get the product to farmers within the shortest time.

Dr Shakirat Ajenifujah-Solebo, acting Director, Genetics and Bioinformatics Department of the NABDA and Desk Officer for the AUDA-NEPAD project, said the workshop afforded CEOs and experts opportunity to define their terms of engagement.

She said this had to do with how they intended to work together in order to ensure that Nigeria benefits from this technology.

Its very important that we come together under the platform of the AUDA-NEPAD project which is not only for genome editing in Nigeria but also for the African continent, Solebo said.

The two-day workshop witnessed presentations by various Chief Executives and Experts in Research and academic Institutions. .(NAN)()

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Source: NAN News

Inclusiveness

By Stellamaris Ashinze

Prof. Enase Okonedo, the Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, on Thursday said that inclusiveness would boost productivity in workplaces and the society in general.

Okonedo made the assertion at the second edition of theSociety for Corporate Governance Nigeria (SCGN) International Womens Day Roundtable, in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable had the theme: The Board-Ready Female: Modelling Ethical Leadership and Driving Transformation.

According to the vice-chancellor, when an organisation inclusive opportunities, it increases productivity and brings out the best from workers.

Inclusion boostcompanys reputation,consumers trust and a mixed gender board have fewer incidences of fraud.

Women in the board could prevent risky-over-investment policy, be fast to apply caution and moderate the over confidence of male chief executive officers, she said.

She added that board-ready females would think out of the box, lead by example and have the duty of care and loyalty.

She said that such females should be able to communicate openly, seek information, ask questions, display values, stand on moral grounds and be fair.

The Chairman, GlaxoSmithkline Consumer Nig. Plc., Mr Edmund Onuzo, said that female representation in Nigerias private and public sectors was still low.

He said that there were many women as qualified as men for jobs.

According to him, women are generally disadvantaged because the society was male-dominated.

We live in a male-dominated society where women are expected to be submissive, sadly and strangely, even in workplaces.

Gender diversity is not easy to achieve because it is a male-dominated world; so, any female aspiring to be a board member should be board-ready, must be of good behaviour and must be transformational, he said.

He urged women to embrace digital literacy and networking for greater efficiency.

The Chief Executive Officer of Acccestra Ltd., Mr Isaac Orolugbagbe, said that cultural perspectives were affecting female board membership.

According to Orolugbagbe, 50 per cent of the population are women and cannot be kept away if the country should record the desired impact.

The Company Secretary, First Bank of Nigeria, Ms Irene Netimah, said that tech women had not been given enough opportunities.

She said that there were many competent women ready to make impacts.

Decision makers have to deliberate on some certainissues so that women are not dropped off at the peak of their careers, she said.

A Partner at IA

rs Liang Huili, Wife of the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, has emphasized the need for redoubled efforts to promote gender equality and advance the global cause of womens development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event is with the theme The Women in Culture showcased over 50 paintings by Female Artists to depict Nigerias vibrant culture.

According to Liang, it is Important to redouble the cause of promoting gender equality and womens development, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic which took a heavy toll on economy, with greater challenges to women

The female artists association of Nigeria was formed in 2001 to give the women the voice to

female rights against against gender-based violence, rape use our a to celebrate women in in every aspect of life.

So the theme of this

Bringing women into technology will result in more creative solutions and they will have greater potential for innovations that will meet women needs and promote gender equality.

This exhibition titled women in cultural showcases over 50 paintings by 20 women and a mguest artist depicting different cultural themes in vibrant colours, and good finishing.

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Lizzy Okoji
The Federal Government of Nigeria Women Ambassadors Network (FWAN-NET) has urged the incoming administration to beat the 35 per cent affirmative action of women representation to 40 per cent women inclusion in its cabinet.

Dr Eniola Ajayi, the Chairperson, FWASN-NE and Nigerias Ambassador to the Netherlands made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during an event organised by the network to mark the 2023 International Womens Day (IWD).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the women ambassadors celebrated the event in line with the global theme of the 2023 IWD Digital Innovation and technology for Gender Equality.

Speaking to journalist at the event, Ajayi said that the Nigerian women were the bedrock and major contributors to Nigerias economy, hence the reason they must be fully involved in all sectors of governance.

The Nigerian woman has a lot to be happy about not because of any affirmation but because we are the bedrock of the society.

When you look at Nigeria and the kind of economy that we have, the reason our economy keeps bouncing out of recession is because of the strength of our informal sector, which is largely dominated by women.

The Nigerian women are very resilience, very powerful, very resourceful, very successful so there is a lot to celebrate about.

Affirmative action is like 33, 35 per cent. The Nigerian government that is going to take over should be looking at 40 per cent of women in governance.

Because the women are very empathic people, we reach out in leadership through team work, we do not have ego issues, we collaborate, we represent and we produce.

That is the kind of women that we have in Nigeria and there is a lot of them all over this country who can make a huge difference in governance.

So, I am looking forward not to 35 per cent but 40 per cent of women representation in the next government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ajayi said.

Ajayi said that the Nigerian women ambassadors had stood out among their male counterparts and that is why the network is driving the message of encouraging younger girls, especially in the digital and technology sectors.

That is why some of us who have found ourselves in this position thought it fit to do this because the motto of our association is For Advancement in Leadership and Diplomacy.

We want Nigerian women to feel empowered and supported, to take their place among the committee of nations.

And I am glad that our male colleagues, knowing the kind of women we are, they came to support us at this event, Ajayi added.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada lauded the women ambassadors on their initiative, noting that the theme for this event is apt, especially as the world keeps becoming more complex and competitive.

Dada said that digital economy had become an integral part of daily lives, as it also served as a powerful tool to advancing gender equality.

Dada said that he was optimistic that the FGN Women Ambassadors Network would offer the necessary support and opportunities for young females to enable them accomplish their potential as diplomats.

With digital technology, women how have access to resources that were hitherto inaccessible or too costly.

Digital economy has enabled women to bring down barriers and access education, and opportunities to start businesses and participate in the global economy.

It has also given them a platform to share their stories and experiences and make their voices heard in matters of policies and advocacies.

Leading to their visibility and recognition in their respective fields, as well as allowing access to financial independence, Dada said

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Liang said that the Women Ambassadors Network initiative is a sure way to achieving 50/50 women representation in governance.

To my Nigerian colleague who set up your own female ambassadors network, it is a great initiative and one that will really help you to achieve your objective to get to 50/50.

I want to share a couple of lessons from the UK and what we have managed to achieve. We have achieved more that 50/50 for our top ambassadors.

We now have female ambassadors to the U.S., the United Nations, to France, to German, Moscow, Beijing, to Brasilia, and Abuja.

Our foreign secretary one thing he did, he designated ambassadors, high commissioners roles that have not yet been filled by women.

And it was to encourage young women to look at the mirror and see themselves in these roles. Very inspiring. Laing said.

NAN reports the Meta (Facebook), and Microsoft were key supporters of the event. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

LIZ/GY

Edited by Grace Yussuf

Source: NAN News

By Deji Abdulwahab

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerians to shun electoral violence and voter apathy that are capable of disrupting electoral process during the March 11 governorship and state House of Assembly elections.

Mrs Theresa Nnalue, NOA Director in charge of Orientation and Behaviour Modification, gave the advice on Wednesday at a -Day Motorised Voters Education in Suleja, Niger State.

The campaign is titled Say No to Violence with the theme Embrace Peaceful Credible Election.

Nnalue, who said that the campaign was to enlighten the citizens on the need for peaceful and violence free elections, urged Nigerians to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner during the March 11 poll.

We are here to sensitise the people about the March 11 governorship and state House of Assembly elections and to encourage them to come out en mass to cast their votes in a peaceful manner.

Our message is that let them shun violence, voter apathy and come out and participate in the March 11 governorship and state House of Assembly. Once there is no violence, votes will count.

There is also need for them to vote the right person they believe he or she will cater for their needs and provide them good governance, she said.

According to her, aggrieved parties should not take law into their hands and follow the right process by going to court to get back their mandate.

Nnalue also urged parents to caution their children to make peace and shun violence and trouble making while casting ballots.

According to her, peace is imperative because without peace, there will be no national development. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Journalists International Forum For Migration (JIFORM) has called for partnership with the Chinese embassy in Nigeria to promote trade facilitation and migration matters through media education.

A statement on Wednesday by Dr Ajibola Abayomi, President, JIFORM, said that the call was made during his visit to the Lagos office of the embassy.

He asked for support on capacity building for journalists covering migration, with a view to achieving better understanding of the trade opportunities in China and on migration reportage.

The JIFORM has been promoting purposeful migration of Nigerians to China and several countries over the years.

We are here to seek your support regarding knowledge sharing to improve the capacity of the JIFORM members in the reportage of economic and migration policies involving China.

We are also open to collaboration that will encourage regular migration to strengthen the relationship between us and your embassy as well as promoting better working relationships with the Nigerian government on foreign policies, Ajibola said.

Responding, Jin Ming Yu, the Deputy Consul General, lauded JIFORM for the visit and pledged to review proposals to support media capacity building.

Yu said that many Nigerians over the years have established businesses in China while Chinese nationals had also played important roles in the Nigerian technology and construction sectors.

He reiterated the desire to work with JIFORM to promote quality information about trade and investment opportunities between China and Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that JIFORM is a non-profit body of over 300 journalists and other volunteers across Africa covering migration matters. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Deborah Coker/Maharazu Ahmed

Source: NAN News

By Fabian Ekeruche

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says two bodies have been recovered at the scene of an accident involving a train and a staff bus in Sogunle area of Lagos on Thursday morning.

Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, Lagos Territorial Coordinator, NEMA, told newsmen in Lagos that the deceased were members of staff of the Lagos State Government

Farinloye said that the state government staff bus was trying to cross the PWD/Sogunle rail crossing while the train, on the rail, was coming into Lagos from Abeokuta.

He said that several other persons injured had been evacuated for proper medical care.

He said that the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) flag Officers were reported to have tried to stop the driver of the bus from crossing before the accident.

Emergency responders at the event are the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), NEMA, Police, FRSC, Civil defense , and the Nigerian Railway Corporation team. (NAN)(www nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Source: NAN News

By Oluwafunke Ishola

A gender expert, Mrs Esther Eghobamien-Msheila says cultural stereotypes and myths are real and should be eliminated to break silence and have a gender-based free society.

Eghobamien-Msheila, Vice-Chairperson, United Nations Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (UN-CEDAW), said this during a webinar on Wednesday in commemoration of International Womens Day.

The webinar organised by Hubert H Humphrey Fellowship Alumni Association (HHHFAA), Nigeria, with the theme: Breaking the Silence on Domestic Abuse.

Eghobamien-Msheila noted that no country in the world has fully eliminated discrimination against women and girls, or achieved full gender equality.

According to her, discrimination persists in all areas of life and transcends national, cultural and religious boundaries, often fueled by patriarchal stereotypes, economic deprivations, threats, among others.

She said that research had shown that GBV has significant lifelong impacts on a persons health and well-being.

Eghobamien-Msheila noted that the economic costs are tremendous and estimated at two per cent of global Gross Domestic Product.

Keeping quiet in the face of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) erodes trillions of dollars from countries, we must work together to break the culture of silence, she said.

Eghobamien-Msheila said that the challenge of providing evidence was a major issue that contributed to the culture of silence by survivors of SGBV in Nigeria.

She said that some NGOs are training survivors of SGBV on using digital tools to gather evidence and upskilling them economically to make them financially independent.

Also, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, said the state government had declared zero tolerance for all form of SGBV crimes.

Vivour-Adeniyi said the state does this through a multidisciplinary approach of enacting laws and policies geared toward preventing and providing support to survivors of SGBV.

According to her, statistics have shown that 70 per cent of survivors economically depend on their abusers, thus making some of them choose to remain in an abusive relationship.

She said that the state government initiated an empowerment programme for survivors to serve as a pathway to new beginnings, financial independence and encourage more survivors to speak out.

Vivour-Adeniyi stressed that the states law protects survivors of SGBV from all forms of discrimination, stigmatisation and ensure that they have access to medical legal and counseling assistance.

Similarly, Dr Funmi Akinola, the Chief Consultant Psychiatrist, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Oshodi, said more awareness and collaboration was required to support survivors of SGBV.

Akinola said that violence could have lifelong impacts on a persons health and well-being, noting that psychological effects are rarely seen but have devastating effects.

According to her, the effects can include physical and mental health conditions such as anger, guilt, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and death.

Akinola said support should be provided to survivors in getting them to a safe house and rebuilding their self-esteem on their road to healing.

Also, Mrs Abosede Oyeleye, President, HHHFAA Nigeria, said violence undermines the safety and dignity of women and girls.

Oyeleye, however, called for increased enlightenment on the need for mutual respect among citizens. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Source: NAN News

By Patience Yakubu

Two travel agents, Clement Ekhueorohan, 30, and Courage Chinonso, 38, were on Thursday sentenced to four years imprisonment each by a Kaduna Chief Magistrates Court for visa fraud.

The duo, both residents of Kabala Coastain, Kaduna, were charged with conspiracy, fraud and theft.

Delivering judgment, Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel held that both Ekhurorohan and Chinoso were guilty of defrauding Philip Adetutu and five other victims of N11. 6 million.

The magistrate did not give the convicts an option of fine.

He also ordered the convicts to restitute N2.1million each as compensation to the victims.

Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Insp. Chidi Leo, told the court that the convicts between March and Oct. 2022, in Ungwan Rimi area of Kaduna, obtained N2.1million each from Adetutu and 5 other victims to procure a French, Australian and Malta visa/ tickets for them.

Leo said that after fraudulently collecting the money from the victims, the duo failed to fulfil their own part of the bargain and all efforts made to collect the money from them failed.

The offence, he said, contravened the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

Leaders of Atunluse Initiative

By Segun Giwa

A socio cultural organisation, Atunluse Initiative, has inaugurated local government coordinators across the 18 LGAs of Ondo State.

This is as the Chairman of the Organisation, Otunba Akinsola Akinbobola, charged coordinators and members of the organisation to dream big ahead of the coming projects.

Akinbobola stated this on Thursday in Akure, during the inauguration of the coordinators.

He explained that the inauguration would have taken place in the last quarter of 2022 but was postponed till after the general elections.

Akinbobola, who was a former Special Adviser on Political and Mobilisation to the immediate past Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, urged the coordinators to see the task ahead as a personal assignment and a test of their capacity.

He said that the task ahead was beyond the current political schemes, saying with hard work and prayers, its achievable .

Let us dream big and work towards achieving the dream in line with the mission and vision of Atunluse Initiatives.

Our mission is to ensure a better life for everybody, a society where affordable and quality education, good health care, good roads, constant electricity with safety of life and property will be available for all.

Its important for you to take into cognisance that while youre building Atunluse, you are also building yourself through the big Atunluse platform, he said.

Also, the Director General of the Organisation, Elder Sikiru Adetona, while congratulating the coordinators, charged them to be hard working and remain focused in the face of challenges.

See yourselves as God chosen and endeavour not to disappoint yourselves and the organisation; you are our ambassador in your respective local government areas; I therefore urge you to work assiduously to achieve the set goals.

Many are called, but few are chosen; once again, I congratulate you all for being among the few that were chosen, he said.

The Co-ordinator of Atunluse Initiatives, Mr Shalom Olaseni, enjoined others to spread the gospel of Atunluse Initiatives in every nook and cranny of the state.

Olaseni urged them not to hesitate in contacting and intimating him periodically on the progress of their assignment.

I urged you all to work in unity with other grassroots leaders in your local government areas, to make Atunluse great, urging them to do the job like their personal job.

Akure South LG Co-ordinator, Mr Alaba Asekunowo, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, promised to work hard and spread the gospel of Atunluse Initiatives across local governments.

We are ready to take the organisation to the nooks and crannies and we are also ready to work for ourselves; we will take this responsibility beyond the expectations of the leadership of group, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Taiye Agbaje

Abuja, March 8, 2023 (NAN) Some indigenes of Plateau living in the U.S., on Wednesday, have urged all political parties and candidates in the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections to abide by the signed Peace Accord and accept the outcome of the elections.

This is contained in a statement issued by Plateau State Association USA, Inc. (PSA-USA), signed by its National President, Dr. Barth Shepkong and made available to newsmen in Abuja.

In the upcoming gubernatorial and house of assembly elections, we encourage voters to remain peaceful and patient as they cast their votes.

We urge all political parties and candidates to abide by the signed Peace Accord and fully commit to supporting all efforts that ensure that only the Nigerian people decide who wins the election(s).

It is imperative for Nigerias stability and democratic
consolidation that the process is conducted and concluded safely and credibly.

We encourage all actors to calm tensions and avoid violence of any sort proactively, he said.

Shepkong said the association would support and partner with whoever won the election in the state as we continue to advocate for good governance.

Working with Plateau State citizens in the Diaspora will help create a sense of belonging and cement our passionate interests in contributing significantly to our states socioeconomic and political development.

According to him, PSA USA will continue to partner and advocate for a fair democratic process that reflects the will of our people and our collective goal for a #BetterPlateau.

Elections are a fundamental part of a functioning democracy, and all Nigerians deserve the chance to choose their future freely and fairly.

Finally, the future belongs to all of us. Lets work together to make it what we want.

Its time we separate tribe and religion from politics, remember, change begins with you and I. Let us consciously work in building a better society, he said.(NAN)(www.nanmews.ng)

Source: NAN News

Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr James Christoff (2nd left) and Mr Hamzat Lawal, the Chief Executive, Connected Development (CODE) (3rd Left) with others at an event to to mark the International Womens Day in Abuja on Wednesday

By Angela Atabo/ Bukola Adewumi
Canadian High Commission to Nigeria and Connected Development (CODE) have tasked the Federal Government on the need to enact policies that will protect women and girls.

They made the call at a news conference on Wednesday, in Abuja to mark the International Womens Day (IWD) and to share key findings on CODEs GMAA-K project.

The project Galvanizing Mass Action Against Gender-Based Violence in Kano State (GMAA-K) was implemented in Kano State address inequality among others.

Mr Hamzat Lawal, the Chief Executive, CODE. said the call to enact women friendly laws was imperative to address the ills against women in the society .

Lawal said Nigeria ranked 123rd out of 146 countries on the World Gender Gap Gender Equality Index of 2022.

He said that prior to the World Gender Gap ranking, Thomson Reuters Foundation conducted a survey in 2018, and Nigeria ranked 9th in the top 10 list of most dangerous countries for women.

He said that Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) was widespread in Nigeria, with 30 per cent of women aged 15 to 49 having reported experiences of sexual abuse.

He added that 43 per cent of girls were married off before age 18, and 17 per cent married off before they turned 15 and Kano State, in the Northwestern part of the country is a reflective of these peculiarities.

SGBV fueled by cultural and religious factors continues spreading and the state lacks enabling laws to address SGBV, or sanction offenders and ensure victims/survivors get the multidimensional support they require.

Today, we are celebrating International Womens Day and calling all stakeholders across Nigeria to embrace equality not by mere show of words but by actions such as enacting policies that will protect women and girls in society.

The action plan got inputs from various Kano state actors and non-state actors. As of Dec. 1, 2022, the State Assembly held a public hearing on the Child Protection Bill but the house failed to pass the bills as committed to all stakeholders.

It is disheartening to say that policies such as this that ought to protect women and children in society are given a back seat in our society, in Kano state.

Lawal said that commitments from government stakeholders had not been upheld, particularly on the creation of more Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) in each Kano emirate council as Kano state only has one.

The reason CODE commissioned research is to highlight the impact of the project in the state, on lessons learnt, and recommendations for future direction of SGBV programming in Kano state.

Lawal said that to address SGBV in Kano, CODE through funding from the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria inaugurated the Galvanising Mass Action Against Gender-Based Violence in Kano State (GMAA-K)project.

He said the project aimed at galvanizing the public and empowering women to mount advocacies against SGBV and domestic abuse as well as engage the government for the enactment of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law.

He said CODE in January 2021, implemented the first phase of the GMAA-K in Kano, as the Canadian High Commission seeing the inroads being made with the project in Kano supported the second phase of the project in November 2021.

The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr James Christoff, said this years IWD was a reminder that all women from all ages and walks of life have a place in every aspect of the society.

Today, we celebrate the achievements of all women and girls who are building a stronger and more inclusive future, but we cannot forget that there is more work to be done.

In Nigeria, this is particularly important as we know Nigeria is facing an SGBV crisis .

At homes, in schools, on the streets, at work, on the internet, between conflict zones and IDP camps; SGBV has become normalised and most often goes unpunished sometimes blaming survivors.

Certain groups such as women with disabilities are at greater risk to experience gender-based violence, the scale of this issue is tremendous.

Christoff said that gender equality and empowerment of women and girls were at the heart of the Canadas Feminist Foreign policies due to thebelief that gender equality was key to building a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world.

He said that the commission under its Canada Fund for Local Initiatives had been working with CODE over two years to galvanise action against gender based violence in Kano state.

He however, hoped that the report would chat the way forward to curb SGBV.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Grace Yussuf

Source: NAN News

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Auwal Gambo, and the Executive Vice Chairman, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammad Haruna, during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Naval Headquarters in Abuja, on Wednesday (8/3/23).

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Navy and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop navys capacity in ship building and maritime technology.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Prof. Mohammad Haruna and the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Auwal Gambo, sealed the deal at Naval Headquarters Abuja, on Wednesday.

Gambo said the MoU was another milestone in the Nigerian Navys efforts at strengthening interagency collaboration for enhanced security within the nations maritime domain.

The CNS commended NASENI for changing the dynamics of engineering, and facilitating research and development initiatives across sectors in the country and beyond.

He said that as part of the collaboration, a NASENI team had visited the Naval Dockyard in Lagos to refine the Nigerian Navys local shipbuilding, construction and fabrications for the maritime industry.

According to him, the indigenous shipbuilding effort has enhanced the presence of the Nigerian navy at sea which led to significant reduction of piracy.

Gambo said that the efforts had culminated into the delisting of Nigeria from the international list of piracy-prone countries in the world.

This has ultimately reduced high insurance premium which is known as risk premium, usually factored into shipping costs due to prevalence of piracy incidents around any part of the world.

These high costs are passed on the consumers, you and I, which enables shipping companies recoup their losses, as it were.

Now the good news is that prior to delisting Nigeria from the International Maritime Bureau list of piracy prone countries in March last year, the insurance premium has been reduced from ,000 to .

I assure you that the Nigerian navy will sustain this feat by the grace of God, he said.

The Naval chief said the MoU would re-ignite partnership between both organisations in several ways, including research and development for enhanced security.

He added that it would also foster operations and administrative engagements to achieve sustainable blue economy for Nigeria.

Gambo said the sustained efforts and support from the federal government was instrumental to the successes recorded by the Nigerian navy and thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his unflinching support.

I wish to assure you that the Nigerian Navy is well positioned to meet the terms of this unprecedented memorandum of understanding and I look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership for the benefit of our great country.

I therefore, implore both parties, the Nigerian Navy and NASENI to be committed towards the attainment of the objectives of the memorandum of understanding for the good of Nigeria and benefit of Nigerians, he added.

The Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Prof. Mohammad Haruna, said the MoU would help to save foreign exchange and produce what was needed locally to enhance national security.

Haruna commended the Navy for its creativity and ingenuity in developing local capacity.

He said that the Navys stride at its Dockyard in Lagos would ease the collaboration in terms of research, fabrication of spare parts and ship building.

According to him, the MoU will provide tangible results for the benefits of our country,

The Chief of Policy and Plans (Navy), Rear Adm. Suleiman Garba, said the MoU was a milestone in the joint technology revolution in Nigeria.

Garba said that the navy needed fruitful partnership with technological agencies such as NASENI to aggregate their human and financial resources to be self reliant.

Also speaking, the Chief of Naval Engineering, Rear Adm. Suleiman EL-Ladan, said the MoU was designed to harmonise the capacity of the navy and NASENI to take ownership of engineering and technical development for Nigeria.

El-Ladan said the arrangement started in 2016, adding that the two parties would constitute a joint implementation committee to ensure proper execution of the MoU.

According to him, under the agreement, the Nigerian navy will provide research and development focus areas, capacity to start off, design and construction of fishing vessels as well as oil tankers.

He said the MoU had a five-year lifespan, after which it would be expanded. (NAN) ()

Edited by Benson Iziama/Maharazu Ahmed

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Source: NAN News

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa

Source: NAN News

Some women who participated at the IWD organised by the Nigerian Shippers Council

By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Mr Emmanuel Jime, says the council has surpassed the 35 per cent affirmative action of the United Nations on gender equality.

Jime said this while celebrating the International Womens Day (IWD) with the Women in Logistics and Transport Nigeria (WILAT), in Lagos on Wednesday.

The event had the theme: Embrace Equity through Innovation and Technology.

Jime was represented by NSCs Deputy Director of Human Resources, Mrs Ada Okam.

He said that the council was gender-friendly as reflected in the number of women in its top management cadre.

Precisely, women constitute 45 per cent of the high-profile cadre as well as occupy other juicy positions.

In line with embracing equity, the council has already trained over 65 per cent of its female staff locally and abroad in different capacity building programmes to properly position them in the organisation.

Council will do more where our female members of staff demonstrate the requisite capacity. I commend our female staff for showing capacity by performing excellently in their designated offices, he said.

The Chairperson of WILAT, Mrs Khadijat Sheidu-Shabi, said that 15 years ago, the percentage of women in the maritime industry was about seven.

According to her, women currently occupy more administrative positions.

She said, however, that there were not enough women in the technical sector of the maritime industry.

She listed the areas still dominated by men to include engineering and seafaring.

Mrs Ufon Usoro, National President, Chartered Institute of logistics and Transport (CILT), urged women to create opportunities for themselves.

We should create opportunities and make the society to realise that we are hardworking, smart and ready to contribute, she said.

Usoro urged women to avoid giving excuses but put in their best in any given assignment.

You just need to rearrange yourself and do what the men do to get to the top, she said.

She expressed satisfaction at the theme of the 2023 IWD celebration.

I am very pleased about the theme of the IWD which is equity through technology. We need to create opportunities for ourselves, encourage our girls to be good in science and mathematics because that is where you start if you want to be good in using technology, she said.

The state Chairman of CILT, Alhaji Bashir Ambi, said that no society would be complete without women.

Ambi appealed to the Federal Government to encourage more education of women in technology especially in rural areas. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Source: NAN News

Khuraira Musa, President, Arewa Development Support Initiative

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Arewa Development Support Initiative (ADSI), has urged the President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu to ensure youth and women empowerment, as well as girl-child education, especially in the northern part of the country.

In a congratulatory letter signed on Wednesday in Abuja, the President of the initiative, Khuraira Musa, aligned with the vision of the President-elect in the actualisation of economic empowerment, skills acquisition, capacity building and inclusiveness for nation-building.

According to her, ADSI desires to partner with the incoming administration in the actualisation of a grassroots campaign manifesto in these areas which are part of its activities over the years.

Musa said: We the board and members of Arewa Development Support Initiative (ADSI) extend warm congratulations to you as the President-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

You demonstrated resilience in running a hard-fought campaign by symbolising hope, unity, patriotism and economic success.

But importantly, ADSI is excited to read about your trademark of fast-track development, excellence and filling the best person for the job which hallmark is required to addressing the many challenges our country is facing.

She said the initiative was aware of how Tinubu impressed Lagosians with a clear vision and ability to get the job done against the most formidable opposition.

Musa added: As you get on with the business of government as President- elect, ADSI desires to be your worthy partner in the actualisation of some of your grassroots campaign manifesto to our northern brothers and sisters.

Which largely was on economic empowerment, skills acquisition, capacity building and inclusiveness for nation-building which are at the heart of ADSI objectives.

ADSI trusts that you will continue to work for improved youth programs, gender equality especially in the northern part of Nigeria as well as women, girl-child education and most importantly, having more women in your cabinet.

She said that the initiative was a developmental, capacity building and SDG advocacy organisation with an impressive presence in all 19 states of the North and FCT.

Musa said: Our large membership comprises personalities of all vocations from all walks of life mainly of northern extraction of all faiths.

We wish you much success in your demanding office, good fortunes and firm health, as well as to the entire members of your family. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Source: NAN News

Bola Tinubu

By Deji Abdulwahab

The Amalgamated All Progressives Congress (AAPC) Support Groups has called on political parties to embrace the hands of fellowship and brotherhood extended to them by Sen. Bola Tinubu, the nations President-elect.

The Director-General of the group, Dr Kailani Muhammad, made the call on Tuesday at a meeting with the Leadership of APC Grassroots Independent Campaign Council in Abuja.

Muhammad urged them, as patriotic Nigerians, to join Tinubu in nation-building so as to move the country forward.

We are calling on the opposition parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party and their members to accept the hands of fellowship and brotherhood extended to them by our principal, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

We saw PDP leaders and their members yesterday parading themselves on the streets of Abuja, belittling themselves after they have gone to court to challenge the election of the president-elect.

They have already gone to court and it has given them a note that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should give them the result sheets, which INEC is ready to do.

We are happy domestically here in Nigeria that all and sundry supported the Feb. 25 presidential election where Tinubu and Shettima emerged as winners.

They should know that it is not selection, but an election and that is why international community has also confirmed that the election was free and fair, he said.

The director-general said that various groups on the platform had been deployed to 28 states to ensure victory during the March 11 Governorship and state House of Assembly elections.

We have also set up committees to go round 28 states as we did in the last Presidential and National Assembly elections.

We deployed them to man all the 146,000 polling units in Nigeria, he said.

In his remarks, Mr Silas Agara, the National Coordinator, APC Grassroots Independent Campaign Council, said that purpose of the meeting was to unite various APC support groups.

According to him, the meeting is to promote unity, cohesion, mutual understanding, among the APC Support Groups. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olagoke Olatoye

Source: NAN News