L-R: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada, DG, ICRC and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have opened talks for the revitalisation and commercialisation of Federal Government properties abroad.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mrs Manji Yarling, the Acting Head, Media and Publicity, ICRC, in Abuja on Sunday.

Yarling said the move, which was at the instance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was part of efforts to get alternative funding sources to maintain the nations missions abroad.

It is also to develop or acquire new properties for newly set up missions.

She said the discussions began on January 31, between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and his team and the Director-General, ICRC, Michael Ohiani and his team.

Yarling said the talks continued on February 3, with the inauguration of a Public- Private Partnership (PPP) Unit in the ministry.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting, Onyeama said that funding had become a major problem for the ministry with many of its properties being undeveloped, underutilised or poorly maintained.

He said that over the years, the properties had continued to depreciate while some had even been lost due to the inability of the ministry to develop them in line with the laws of the host nations.

If you go on a tour to some of our facilities, what you see will make one want to cry. So we have been trying to find some kind of solution to the challenges.

According to Yarling, the minister say some of the issues that has put the countrys properties abroad in such dire situations include funding, reduction in staff and change in layouts.

She said Onyeama gave an example of how one of Nigerias diplomatic buildings was now in a commercially busy area with a nightclub right in front of it.

He said, we want to turn those prime properties into money-making ventures, so we have been looking for partners to come on board.

We have to come up with a business model that works and is sustainable.

We really have to do something about these properties that we own and have an inventory of all our assets.

Yarling said Janet Olisa, who oversees the Office of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, said that the ministry wanted to use proceeds from the PPP initiative to maintain its missions and properties abroad.

According to Olisa, we have properties but we do not want to sell, we need the revenue generated from these properties to take care of the properties that we are using.

We want to be able to do a PPP arrangement where the ministry brings in the property while the private investor brings the funds to revitalise the properties.

She said Ohiani informed the ministry that the ICRC was set up to regulate such infrastructure development and management using private-sector funding.

We reviewed the situation about our properties abroad and taken into consideration the economic losses, diplomatic embarrassment and security risks.

We have come up with ideas to bring them to optimal utilisation.

The ICRC as part of its regulatory functions monitors the entire PPP procurement process and also conducts due diligence on the private sector investors to ascertain their capability for any PPP project.

Yarling said Ohiani assured the minister of the commitment of the commission to see the proposed projects to fruition.

Ohiani said that a team from ICRC would be ready to work with the newly inaugurated PPP unit to actualise the goals of the ministry.

With the inauguration of the PPP unit and the first training, all is now set for the technical aspects of the proposed PPP arrangement to commence. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Source: NAN News

Umar Abubakar, holding his certificate and cheque presented to him by CCAPAD

By Polycarp Auta

Umar Abubakar, a 30 year-old Person with Disability (PWD) in Jos, has explained why he rejected street begging and acquired shoe-making skill.

Abubakar, a resident of Bauchi Road community of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau, narrated his story in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Jos.

Abubakar was a beneficiary of the empowerment programme recently organised by a non-governmental organisation, Centre for Community Action for Peace and Development (CCAPAD) for 60 youths in Jos North Local Government Area.

He explained that he came down with polio at age two, adding that he started learning shoe-making since 2001.

I came down with polio since when I was two years old and so, I couldnt go to school or do anything meaningful.

But in 2001, I decided to join someone who repairs and makes new shoes opposite our house to learn because I dont want to be idle.

Even when my friends will convince me that we should go for street begging, I usually reject the temptation because I know such ventures wont help me

I have a family who love and care for me without reservation, and I felt i should also do something that will enable me contribute toward the growth of the family and to also be useful to myself, he said.

Abubakar thanked CCAPAD for the training and starter packs presented to him, adding that it would enable him improve on his work for better service delivery.

This is the first time Im receiving any help since I started learning shoe making and so Im grateful to this organisation.

I want to assure them, my family and indeed my entire community that I will do my best to put these items and the cash donated to me into good use, he promised.

On his physical disability, Abubakar advised parents to ensure regular immunisation against polio for their children to avoid the spread of the disease in the country.

He also advised those already living with disabilities to engage in meaningful ventures instead of street begging or idling around.

Mr Ahmed Salihu, the Executive Director of CCAPAD, said that the initiative was supported by the European Union through the British Councils Agent for Citizen-Driven Transformation (ACT).

He explained that the gesture was part of its project entitled: Strengthening the Culture of Resilience Among Children and Youth in Jos.

Salihu further explained that the project was implemented alongside three other organisations, namely; Centre for Peace Advancement in Nigeria (CEPAN), Community Aid Workers Initiative (CAWI) and Gangare Youth Forum (GYF).

He said that the beneficiaries were drawn from Bauchi road, Anguwan Rukuba, Anguwan Jarawa and Naraguta communities, all in Jos North Local Government Area.

The beneficiaries are largely direct victims of the various Jos crises and so the project is aimed at addressing the conflict consequences.

Some of the beneficiaries are youths that are out of school, drug addicts and those who are into prostitution and all kind of vices.

So, we brought these youth together and first deradicalise them, made them select the kind of skill they want to do and we funded it, he said.

The executive director added that the rationale behind the project is to make the beneficiaries self-sufficient and economically viable, adding that such move would promote peace and tranquility in the society.

We believe that by doing so, are will pull out these beneficiaries of the street and make them better persons.

That once they are can earn a living and support their loved ones, it will be difficult for anyone to induce them with money to indulge in crime, Salihu added.

He further said that the beneficiaries were trained in the areas of shoe making, hairdressing, interior decoration, petty trading and cosmetology, among others.

Mrs Omotunde Clement, the Focal Person of the project in Plateau, said that the initiative aimed at empowering its partners to access funds that would strengthen their capacity to engage effectively and influence development in sectors such

She said that the project was currently being implemented in 10 states of the federation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kayode Olaitan

Source: NAN News

FRSC

By Gami Tadanyigbe

Ahead of the 2023 general election, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has advised motorists in the country to obey all traffic rules and regulations throughout the electioneering period, to forestall accidents.

The Kuje Unit Commander of FRSC, Mr Eugene Nwabuike gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Kuje.

Nwabuike spoke on the sidelines of a sensitisation workshop with the drivers in the area.

He said that some of the drivers were still violating the established traffic laws by driving above the approved speed limit in spite of repeated warnings and cautions.

According to him, the unit has put in place more personnel and operational vehicles to combat envisioned traffic gridlocks arising from political activities, ahead of the general election.

I am appealing to motorists, particularly the campaign drivers in Kuje, to desist and have attitudinal change while driving throughout the campaign period.

The drivers must be conscious while driving and avoid reckless speeding, especially at crowded areas, to avoid any form of road accident.

We will continue to enlighten the campaign drivers, because the lives of our people is more important to us.

We, therefore, call on other major stakeholders to join hands with the FRSC to save lives especially throughout the campaign period, he urged. (NAN)

Edited by Folorunso Poroye/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Source: NAN News

Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan

By Naomi Sharang

The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan has described as victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Supreme Court Judgement affirming him as Yobe North APC Senatorial candidate.

He stated this while briefing newsmen on Monday, in Abuja, after the judgment was delivered by Justice Centus Nweze of the apex court.

Lawan while thanking God for the victory, said: Let me start by thanking God for his blessing and of course, what had happened today in the Supreme Court.

The judgement on Yobe North particularly, is a victory for APC in Yobe and generally APC across the country.

What happened was democracy at work and the courts gave their various judgements and of course the supreme court gave the final judgement.

I want to at this point, commend the supreme court and of course, the judiciary generally for making this kind of judgment to strengthen our democracy.

This is because it is not only for politicians to work and strengthen democracy it is all of us and all the institutions have their roles to play. So I commend them.

He further thanked the APC for taking this matter to the supreme court.

So today, it is a victory for all of us involved. I am the symbol but the victory is for our party the APC and for democracy.

Lawan also thanked his colleagues in the Senate for the support, love and for the partnership.

He said: I want to recommit myself that I will lead well.

We will always be appreciative of our colleagues who gave us the mandate to lead the ninth National Assembly.

We will be looking at Feb. 25 when the Presidential and the National Assembly elections will take place.

By the Grace of God, Nigerians will vote APC once again. On the 25th, the presidential candidate of the APC, Bola Tinubu will be voted in as President of Nigeria by the grace of God along side Sen. Kashim Shettima, who is the Vice Presidential candidate.

When it comes to the senatorial and House of Representatives, you know what it will be. It will be a landslide majority for the APC and the same thing for the House of Representatives.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the supreme court on Monday affirmed Lawan, APC senatorial candidate for Yobe North.

In a majority judgment delivered by Justice Centus Nweze, the apex court allowed the appeal filed by the APC against Bashir Machinas candidature.

NAN recalled that Justice Monica Dongban-Mensen, who presided over a three-member panel of the appellate court, gave the affirmation in an appeal by the APC challenging the decision of Justice Fadimatu Aminu of the Federal High Court Damaturu.

Justice Aminu of the Federal High Court had on Sept. 28, 2022, declared Machina as winner of the primary election organised by the party on May 28, 2022.

However, having lost the APC presidential primary to Bola Tinubu, the party opted for Lawan to replace Machina.

But Machina insisted that he would not withdraw for the Senate President.

In the face of the controversy, the APC submitted the Senate Presidents name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its senatorial candidate for Yobe North.

Not satisfied with the decision of his party, Machina headed to court to seek redress.

Specifically, Machina in his suit, asked the court to declare him as the validly elected senatorial candidate of the APC for Yobe North Senatorial District.

Justice Aminu had nullified the parallel primary election that produced Lawan on June 9, 2022, insisting that the National Working Committee of the APC conducted a valid primary election on May 28, which was won by Bashir Machina.

Consequently, the trial judge ordered the APC to forward the name of Machina to INEC as the authentic winner of the primary election for Yobe North. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Aderonke Ojediran

Access Bank has unveiled several discounts and mouth-watering freebies on its retail products and services to celebrate its customers in this season of love.

The Valentine season campaign, tagged Love is More, will run from Feb. 1 to March 11, 2023.

Mr Robert Giles, Senior Retail Advisor, Retail Banking, Access Bank, said at the campaigns debut that the initiative was introduced to demonstrate love and appreciation for its customers.

Valentine season provides us with another opportunity to demonstrate our love and appreciation for our customers for the years of loyalty and support for the bank.

We are using this opportunity to thank our customers for their commitment to Access Bank.

We value our customers and non-customers who rely on our services and products to conduct seamless banking activities, and we wish everyone the best of this season, Giles said.

Also speaking, Njideka Esomeju, Group Head, Consumer Banking, Access Bank, said that the campaign was unveiled to appreciate its customers during Valentine.

In the spirit of the season of love, we have unveiled several amazing offers to appreciate our customers during this month of love.

Our customers who sign up for the XclusivePlus annual plan this month of February will not only receive a 10GB of data to share great moments with loved ones but will also get a 10 per cent discount off their total purchases on Konga.

This season, when our women use their W branded debit card at Beacon Health Diagnostics, they will receive a 20 per cent discount on cervical cancer screening. Ladies, you can get your W debit card today from any Access Bank branch close to you, she said.

Esomeju said customers who transact five times every week this February on AccessMore or *901# would qualify to win a N500 top-up on *901# and N1,000 worth of data on AccessMore.

She said that the bank would also provide customers with free vehicle registration when they acquire a brand-new or pre-owned vehicle from one of our registered dealers nationwide.

Salary account holders with Access Bank are not left out, as they can access a bouquet of loan offers and enjoy a five per cent interest rate reduction in the first month of the loan repayment.

We are offering these and so much more to show how much we appreciate our customers consistent patronage.

To join the reward train, dial *901# or download and log onto the accessmore app to open a new account.

You can also visit any Access Bank branch near you to reactivate your account, and then start transacting immediately to enjoy the Valentine season campaign benefits, Esomeju said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Source: NAN News

By Vivian Emoni

The Lift Humanity Foundation (LHF), an NGO, has called on all relevant stakeholders to support and intervene on those vulnerable communities, youth and women, affected by climate change and other environmental crisis across the country.

The Executive Secretary of the LHF, Pius Oko, said this at Post-COP 27 and Pre-COP 28 Consultative Workshop, on Thursday in Abuja.

Oko said that the collaboration of the relevant stakeholders would help to pressurise developed countries to redeem their financial commitment and other support.

He said that such intervention would aid to address environmental crises for those vulnerable communities, the youth and women, thereby assisting in promoting smart agriculture and other activities in the country.

According to him, we want all stakeholders to come together and ensure that the voices of the vulnerable, those that have been suffering from the impact of climate change is heard.

It is not a discussion for policy makers, it should be a decision that concern people at the grassroots, so let us come together and make sure that voices are being heard through strong advocacy.

Yes, we strongly need more of advocacy and sensitisation, especially to those climate deniers who have refused to understand the impact of climate change in our environment.

Climate change issues are too important to be left in the hands of deniers.

So, we need to educate them to let them know that the climate change we are talking about is real and it is impacting us negatively.

Oko said that in 2022, floods claimed lives of Nigerians, displaced millions of people and washed away hundreds of farms and farm lands across the country.

He said that the issues would continue in frequency and magnitude, if the present trend could not be reversed to build climate resilience.

He urged stakeholders to strongly put more strategies that would support in the implementation of programmes and decisions taken in 2022 at COP 27, held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

He, however, called on Nigerians to intensify more action, especially at the community levels, to ensure that the environmental crisis was tackled effectively.

The Chief of Mission to Nigeria, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Laurent de Boeck, said that climate change, environmental degradation and disaster were reshaping contemporary human mobility patterns around the world.

Boeck said that extensive array of international agreements and frameworks attest to urgency of addressing climate change and human mobility together.

He said that Nigerians should integrate climate risks into humanitarian response plans and programming to ensure response to climate-related displacement.

The Executive Director, Education as a Vaccine (EVA), Toyin Chukwudozie, said that the organisation had a discussion with women and girls in various states affected by climate change and other environmental impact.

After the discussion, we recommended that there should be a guarantee equitable participation of women and girls in all their diversity in climate change policy process, programming and decision making at all levels.

There is a need to be a gender balance and inclusion in selection of decision making bodies such as the Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change and other relevant committees.

Chukwudozie said that women and girls should be involved in conversations about the climate change issues to enable them make solution on how it can be tackled. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

Source: NAN News

The Ijegun-Egba Tank farm owners and Operators have resolved to sell the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to marketers at ex-depot price of N172 beginning from Monday.

This is to ensure that filling stations across the country sell the product at the government approved price and to reduce the hardship faced by Nigeria in accessing it.

In a communiqu by Mr Adebowale Olujimi, Chairman of the group, the owners said they are working with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to achieve an uninterrupted distribution by Monday of the 127 million litres of its February allocation.

We will utilize our storage networks to supply and distribute petroleum products to various part of the country to ensure that Nigerians have Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) for their daily operations. We are also committed to maintaining our transparency in this respect.

That our Tank farms will continue to sell and load at the government regulated price of N172 Ex Depot to all marketers. All our members retail outlets across the Nation will continue to sell petroleum products at the government approved price.

We consider ourselves as an integral part of petroleum product supply chain in ensuring product supply, energy stability and energy security. We have played and will continue to play significant roles in the supply and distribution of petroleum products across the nation.

Our members are committed to ensuring efficient petroleum product distribution, and by extension ensuring energy security in line with the Federal Governments policies and regulations.

The tank farm owner further reiterated their resolve to contribute to National economy, energy security and play significant roles in the supply and distribution of petroleum products across the nation to ameliorate adverse effects the current challenges have on business and commercial activities.

It also restated its members commitment to continue to contribute to governments effort in building a robust business environment to stimulate economic growth, especially in making petrol available to Nigerians.

The association is an umbrella organisation of all the oil companies currently engaged in the operation of petroleum storage tank farms and facilities at Ijegun Egba, Satellite Town, Lagos, along the Ojo Creek Channel.

They are A.A. RANO Nigeria Limited, JGold Nigeria Limited, Chipet International Limited, Emadeb Energy Services Limited, First Royal Oil Nigeria Limited, MAO Petroleum Company Limited, Menj Oil Limited, Ocean Pride Energy Services Limited, Stallionaire Nigeria Limited, Wosbab Energy Solutions Limited and Rainoil Limited.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Source: NAN News

Inflation curve

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Economic experts have urged Nigerians to diversify their asset classes and investment portfolios to hedge against the countrys inflationary pressures in order to enhance profitability.

The spoke at the Nairametrics economic outlook for Nigeria in 2023 webinar with the theme: 2023 Economic Opportunities to Mitigate Impact of Headwinds, on Saturday.

Mr Kalu Aja, a certified financial education instructor, observed that the countrys current inflation rates averaged 20 per cent.

He said that to get returns meant making profits above 21 per cent; a difficult phenomenon.

Aja opined that to make returns in Nigeria, a combination of portfolios and a better handling of the current insecurity situation which trigger food inflation was very critical.

He added that businesses or individuals looking to invest in the country must come together, raise capital to take advantage of commercial papers in the capital market.

Aja noted that the youthful population must invest and build their portfolio over time to get returns in the long-term.

To address the countrys debt situation, Aja said that some percentage of Nigerias assets must be sold to pay off the debt principal as well as foreign debts.

If we can have a handle on insecurity, it would drive inflation down and help to make a real rate of returns.

Investments must be diversified and if you have the means to earn foreign currency risk free; embrace it. You can also do a dollar fund in Nigeria.

Investing in Nigeria now should be very flexible and short term and one must spread risk by having more people invest with you, he said.

Mr Andrew Nevin, the Chief Economist, PwC Africa, noted that Nigeria currently was operating a harsh business environment characterised by multiple taxation, weak purchases and other macroeconomic challenges.

Nevin, however, stated that the real estate environment had improved massively due to the professionalism of the players in the sector and the fact that land held real value that does not depreciate.

The economist said that the best investment class was the brain and charged Nigerians to up-skill and invest in themselves to beat the headwinds.

Nigeria must also expand exports in fields of exports, technology and others against manufacturing or physical goods to fully engage the more youthful and growing population going forward, he said.

Mr Cheta Nwanze, Lead Partner, SBM Intelligence, affirmed that all states in the country particularly Lagos, Ogun, Kano, Anambra, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Nasarawa, and Abuja offered opportunities for investments.

Nwanze stressed the need for better integrate Lagos to Onitsha with road infrastructure to harness trade and commerce activities worth billions of dollars across the region.

Nigeria has been a net exporter of people for many years now as our economy never generates enough jobs to accommodate the unemployed hence the Japa syndrome.

People need to up-skill as quick as possible to match up technology advancement and disruption and Nigeria needs to take advantage of its proximity to Europe to export apparels and other things but we must create quality to be accepted.

Customs must not be solely focused on the unrealistic revenue target set for them and a reform is needed to unleash the countrys potential, he said.

Nwanze advocated the importance of a phased out petroleum subsidy removal spread across the next four years against the once-and-for-all-style to mitigate the impact of inflation and the standard of living of people.

He also stressed the need for transparency in the use of the removal proceeds to gain the trust of the people.

Mr Ugo-Dre Obi-Chukwu, Founder, Nairametrics, projected that the socio-political challenges facing Nigeria in 2023 included fallout of the general elections, fiscal and debt crisis, corruption, inflation, migration, subsidy removal, protests amongst others.

Obi-Chukwu stated that the outlook for 2023 would be characterised by likely rejection of electoral outcomes, partial implementation of budget and uncertainty in making critical business decisions.

In 2023, Nigerians should expect to pay more taxes as government plans to leverage taxes to boost non-oil revenue and investing in technology to ensure compliance, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Source: NAN News

NEMA Hq, Abuja

By Ruth Oketunde

Mr Mustapha Ahmed, Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has approved the promotion of 229 staff members of the organisation who were successful in a recent promotion exercise.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Manzo Ezekiel, Head, Press Unit, NEMA, on Sunday in Abuja,

Ezekiel said the newly promoted staff were elevated to various ranks which include one substantive director on salary grade Level 17, one deputy director on grade level 16 and eight assistant directors on grade level 15.

Others are 37 staff members promoted to grade level 14 and 55 officers to level 13.

Also, 45 officers were elevated to grade level 12, 29 officers to level 10, 9 officers promoted to level 9 and 5 were promoted to level 8 and 39 others were also promoted to grade level 7.

Furthermore, one staff member was converted from clerical to executive cadre and another from executive to administrative cadre respectively. Also, 10 drivers were converted to works superintendent cadre.

The promotion exercise was conducted in line with the extant provisions of Public Service Rules.

The Management of NEMA approved the outcome of the exercises, which was ratified by the Senior Staff Establishment Committee that included representatives of the supervising Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development as well as the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, he said.

The director-general congratulated the newly promoted staff and urged them to justify their elevation with more commitment to duties and actualising the mandates of the agency.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

Buhari on Katsina vigilantes attack

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday condemned the attack on vigilantes at Yargoje Forest in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, where many lives were lost.

The insurgents ambushed a convoy of vigilantes in the forest as they went to recover stolen cows.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja, the president paid tributes to the vigilantes and their family members.

He said the sacrifices of the brave men who were working to prevent and punish crime in their communities would not be forgotten.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families in this difficult period. May Allah repose the souls of the deceased, the president said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Alli Hakeem

Source: NAN News

New Emir of Dutse, Hameem Sunusi

By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

Gov. Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa has approved the appointment of Hameem Sunusi as the new Emir of Dutse.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new Emir succeeded his father, Dr Muhammad Sunusi II who died on Jan. 31 at the age of 79, after 28 years on the throne.

NAN also reports that Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abdulkadir Fanini, presented the letter of appointment to the new emir in Dutse on Sunday, on behalf of the governor.

The governor said that the new emir was chosen after careful consideration of the names recommended by the kingmakers of Dutse Emirate Council.

He urged the new emir to discharge his duties in the best interest of his people, without preference and unite them for the progress of the area.

NAN reports that until his appointment, the new emir, who was born in 1979, held the title of Daniyan Dutse.

On behalf of the Jigawa State Government, His Excellency, Gov. Muhammad Badaru Abubukar has congratulated HRH Alhaji Hameem Nuhu Sanusi on his appointment and wished him a successful and peaceful reign as Emir of Dutse, he said.

Responding, the new emir, who expressed gratitude to the governor for finding him worthy of the position, promised to justify the confidence reposed in him.

Sunusi, who promised to operate an open door policy, called for the support and cooperation of everyone in the emirate. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abubakar Ahmed and Wale Sadeeq

Source: NAN News

Alhaji Aliko Dangote

The Dangote Industries Limited is the major sponsor of the ongoing 44th Kaduna International Trade Fair which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture(KADCCIMA).

The Trade Fair, which was officially declared open at the weekend, has as it theme: Promoting Value Addition for Economic Growth and Development.

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

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

Speaking to newsmen, the Director General of the Chamber Alhaji Usman Saulawa, said the Dangote Group is a major sponsor of this years Trade Fair, and had been sponsoring the annual event all along.

He said: Dangote Group has been playing the role of supporter and partner for many years. It participation has been adding value to the Chamber.

The DG described this years fair as unique as there would be a Business Round-table session that would help deepen business opportunities for participants.

According to him, this years fair has attracted foreign companies from Niger Republic, Mali, Pakistan, Senegal and Egypt, among others.

The participating companies under the Dangote Industries Limited are: Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar, NASCON, Dangote Fertiliser and Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Limited.

A statement from the Corporate Communication Department of the Dangote Group said participants who seek to do business with any of the companys subsidiaries can avail themselves such opportunity through a special help desk at the pavilion.

It described Kaduna State as one of its biggest markets in the country, given its historical position as the political capital of Northern Nigeria.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Jessica Dogo

An NGO, The Ray of Hope Empowerment Foundation, has empowered pupils of LEA Nursery and Primary School, Kado-Kuchi, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with learning materials.

The NGO, carried out the exercise at the 7th edition of its Adopt A Child And Educate, empowerment programme for schools in communities across the country, on Wednesday.

It provided the 393 pupils in the school with materials like exercise books, uniforms, sandals bags, pencil and biros, among other items.

The National Coordinator, of the foundation, Christybelle Sylva-John, said that the gesture was aimed tlat improving the education of the disadvantaged children in various communities across Nigeria.

Sylva-John said that the gesture would also build their self-esteem aand improve their academic performances.

Our goal is to improve the educational growth of the disadvantaged children in various communities across Nigeria by providing the necessary tools needed for their academic pursuit.

Our vision is to see that no child in Nigeria resumes school without the necessary school supplies needed to help him or her succeed.

To make sure that no child drops out of school due to lack of school fees, she said.

According to her, every child deserves to be educated, saying, education is the first early investment for every childs development.

She said that for nations to develop, their govermemts needed to prioritise budgetary allocations to educational infrastructure.

Sylva-John said that the gesture had been replicated in Benue, Enugu, Niger, Kaduna, Katsina and Imo states, as well as the FCT.

The coordinator urged the Federal Government to do more educationally, and increase the budgettary allocation to schools in the country.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of the less privileged children in our society by empowering them to get quality education.

Since the launch of this programme in 2015, with the support of individuals, organisations and corporate bodies, we have visited several schools in the country and still counting.

The school is dilapidated. It is in need of toilets, chairs, teachers, more classrooms and the existing ones need to be renovated, she said.

The Headmistress of the School, Mrs Arhanmhunde Edith, said that the gesture has put smiles on the faces pf both the pupils and teachers.

She called on the Kado-Kuchi community to give its support by taking care of the facilities.

The rain spoilt our school. The government can help us renovate the school because most of the buildings are dilapidated.

We always welcome any organisation that is ready to come up with gestures like this. Our doors are always open for such, Edith said.

Isaac Isola, a pupil of the school, thanked the foundation for sharing the learning materials. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Bashir Rabe Mani

Source: NAN News

By Chimezie Anaso

African Law students, under the aegis of Federation of African Law Students (FALAS), say they will explore opportunities for exchange programmes with their peers in other continents of the world.

The Head, Diplomacy and External Affairs of the group, Mr Odira Ezeh, said this during an interactive session with newsmen in Awka on Tuesday.

FALAS is the umbrella body of Law students and young lawyers across the continent.

Ezeh, a student of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam in Anambra, was elected at the just-concluded Second Annual Conference of the body held between Oct. 3 and Oct. 5 at the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

He said the new leadership would manage the affairs of the federation for one year.

Ezeh said the collaboration between the group and law students in other continents, like America, Europe and Asia, was aimed at acquainting themselves with new developments in their different legal environments and work towards convergence.

He further said that the group would further explore scholarship opportunities for members.

According to him, collaboration with our colleagues in other continents would engender greater cooperation among African law students and ensure continued unification of voices in Africa.

As the head of Diplomacy and External Affairs of FALAS, I shall work towards better collaboration in the areas of intellectual exchange, sponsorship opportunities and law updates with students across the world, he said.

Ezeh said that six other officers elected at the conference included Siaffa Kemokai from Liberia (President), Monica Tembo from Zimbabwe (Vice President) and Abigail Ampumuza from Uganda (General Secretary).

Others were Justice Emeh, Nigerian (Deputy General Secretary), Gerald Uchem, Nigerian (Welfare Secretary) and Nokuthula Songo from South Africa, Director of Information and Protocol. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sam Oditah

Source: NAN News

By Chiazo Ogbolu

Dr Bolaji Akinola, convener, Ships and Ports Maritime Football Cup Competition, on Tuesday, said that the competition was aimed at fostering health living and promote recreation in the industry.

Akinola said this at the 2022 Ships and Ports Maritime Football Cup Competition in Lagos.

According to Akinola, the competition which is the 12th edition is one of the two sporting event in the maritime industry; Ships and Ports Maritime Football cup competition and the Ships and Ports Table Tennis competition.

This competition is about bringing together everybody in the maritime industry, government agencies, maritime practitioners in a social setting that is different from seminars and conferences that they are used to.

Apart from bringing the industry together, this encourages recreation and of course, we know the importance of sports and exercise in healthy living. This is what the tournament is all about, he said.

He noted that due to COVID-19, the competition did not hold in 2020 and 2021.

Dr Vicky Haastrup, Chairman, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), noted that the competition was good for industry operators mental health.

Haastrup congratulated Ships and Ports for keeping the competition alive, despite the challenging time, particularly COVID-19.

This is really important for our mental health, it instill unity within the sector; we are a family, everyone in the shipping sector, so it is really so great for all of us to participate.

Like the previous competition, this is going to be a huge success. The winner will carry the cup and its ENL that will carry the cup because I know my boys are up to the task.

This is good for the industry and this championship has come to stay. I say a big thank you to Akinola and I wish everyone best of luck, he said.

Also, Mrs Margaret Orakwusi, Chief Executive Officer, Morbod Fisheries Ltd., said the large turn-out showed that they were there to promote friendship.

This is a competition, so there will be losers and winners. However, you are all winners because you will make new friends and this is what Akinola is doing in the industry. Good luck and may the best team win, she said.

Mr Ahmad Umar, General Manager, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), wished the players the best and hoped that there would be no casualties.

It gladdens my heart to see young men filed out today. We appreciate Akinola, the organiser of this event for doing it every single year.

I wish everyone good luck, but there is no work without hard work, as you people must have prepared yourselves very well for this competition. You should know that the NPA is going home with this cup, he said.

Umar urged the young men to understand that this was exactly what they should be doing, engaging themselves in sports as it is good.

The highlight of the event witnessed the opening match between ENL Consortium and Higher Pacific International (HPI).

At the end of the opening match, ENL Consortium won by four goals to one from HPI.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the Maritime Cup Football Competition was created by Ships and Ports in 2009.

It is to encourage recreation and camaraderie among employees of government agencies, private sector operators, and regulators in the maritime industry.

The competition officiated by approved FIFA-badge referees, has eight teams battle for honours and they are: Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service, ENL Consortium, Josepdam Port Services and the Nigerian Navy.

The other teams are the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), HPI Nigeria and Dynesty Ocean Shipping. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), says the cooperation with Nigerian security has significantly reduced the scale of oil theft in the Niger Delta Region, following the discovery of several illegal pipes.

The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) NNPC Ltd, Malam Mele Kyari made this known on Tuesday in Abuja at the ongoing Energy and Labour Summit 2022 organised by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

Kyari, in a keynote address, spoke on Energy Transition: Positioning the Nigeria Energy Industry for the Future(Government Perspective).

The GCEO while speaking on a wide-range of industry issues such as Energy Transition, Petroleum Industry Act 2021, a brand new NNPCLtd, tackling crude oil theft, he underscored the need for collaboration to halt the crude oil theft to spur economic growth.

The situation of vandals action on our pipelines and generality of crude oil theft has reach to the point that it needs all to react. The government security and regulatory agencies, whether service or operating are on the table today, he said.

Kyari, while expressing optimism that the country will have access to more crude and revenue in the coming weeks said the PIA passage had made the industry competitive, bringing companies back for investments while business decisions were being made.

Also speaking, Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive (CCE), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) commended PENGASSAN for organising the event which dwelt on Energy Transition and its Effect on Workforce in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Sector.

Komolafe lauded PENGASSAN on its constructive roles in ensuring industrial peace and harmony, even as the industry was challenged by global and domestic factors like energy transition, climate change, paucity of financing, crude oil theft and a host of other constraints.

The CCE said remarkably, the oil and gas industry in Nigeria had contributed immensely to the economic growth of Nigeria for over five decades.

Through this period, he said the industry metamorphosed from one dominated solely by international Operators, to an industry with many indigenous players pulling their weight positively across operations in the petroleum value chain.

He said the success and growth witnessed in the industry over this period could be hinged on robust government policies such as Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act and PIA 2021 and other regulations, Investments and competent workforce.

Nigeria could further strengthen the resilience of our resources by considering initiatives to decarbonise existing oil and gas operations and continue to encourage investment in lower-carbon energy infrastructure such as gas pipelines.

It is expected that gas reserves would be a more resilient energy source under a range of energy transition scenarios, said the CCE.

He further listed some robust regulatory enablers to facilitate these energy resilience approaches that would make our hydrocarbon projects low carbon emitters and more attractive to investors to include the National Policy on Decade of Gas which is hinged on the Natural Gas Expansion Programme.

Others, according to him are Natural Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme, Natural Gas Flare Elimination and Monetisation Plan in line with Section 110 of the PIA, 2021.

He also included Guideline for Management of Fugitive Methane and Greenhouse Gases Emissions in the Upstream Oil and Gas Operations in Nigeria and the inclusion of Gas Infrastructure Fund in PIA.

He underscored the need to begin to develop local innovative financing solutions to develop our huge gas resources as the number of international traditional investors have dropped drastically.

To this end, he said the Africa Export Import bank (Afrexim) and Africa Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) had decided to set up an Africa Energy Bank to provide capital for oil and gas projects in Africa. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Source: NAN News

By Stephen Adeleye

The Command Army Records (CAR), Lokoja, on Tuesday, launched an exercise aimed at fishing out criminals from their hideouts in Kogi, tagged: Exercise Enduring Peace ll.

Speaking at the official inauguration in Okene, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya, said the exercise was designed to be conducted in the last quarter of the year to checkmate all forms of criminality as the yuletide season approaches.

According to him, the exercise is a result of the prevailing security challenges across the country, as similar exercises are also ongoing in other parts of the country under different names depending on the peculiarity of each region.

The COAS, who was represented by the Commander, Command Army Records (CAR), Maj. Gen. Sunday Igbinomwanhia, said exercise enduring peace II would hold from Oct. 18 to Dec. 22, 2022.

He explained that the exercise would involve stages of operational activities, including patrols, ambushes and raids of criminal hideouts.

He added that it would involve some non kinetic activities in form of Civil-Military Cooperation programme, such as free medical outreaches in some selected communities among others.

Our choice of medical outreach in support of the exercise is deeply rooted in our belief that the support of the host communities is key to the success of the entire operations.

He stressed that the medical outreaches would ameliorate the existing health challenges within the targeted communities, and foster existing cordial relationship between CAR and host communities.

The COAS further disclosed that the exercise is a joint venture involving all security agencies in Kogi as well as Vigilante Group to ensure peace across the state.

Yahaya emphasised that the decision to make it a joint exercise was in line with his vision to have a professional Nigerian Army, ready to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in defence of Nigeria.

Therefore, we must work together to achieve the common goals of safeguarding the lives and properties of Nigerians everywhere, he said.

The COAS commended Gov. Yahaya Bello for providing the enabling environment for them, while appreciating heads of security agencies for their continuous support and collaborations

Speaking in his own capacity, Igbinomwanhia appreciated the COAS for providing the resources for the free medical outreaches and the entire exercise.

Kogi is a peaceful place and very strategic and important to our nation. We must keep Kogi very safe and habitable for residents and passersby.

We promise that wherever the criminals are, we will make Kogi unconformable for the criminals in whatsoever, he said.

In his remarks, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who flagged off the exercise, thanked the COAS for organising the wonderful exercise to keep criminals out of the state and Nigeria at large.

Bello assured the COAS of the full support of the State Government, saying the exercise was timely especially coming towards the 2023 general elections.

He urged all the Local Government Chairmen and the traditional rulers and the entire people of the state to continue to cooperate with the State Government as well as the security agencies.

He assured that Kogi would remain a peaceful and secure state as far as Nigeria is concerned, saying, if Kogi is in turmoil, the nation would be in turmoil being bordered by nine States, including the FCT.

Bello, therefore, warned that anyone no matter how highly placed in the society who got himself or herself involved in any criminal activity would face the wrath of the law.

I will continue to lead this exercise from the front to ensure enduring peace for the people of Kogi. We cone in peace and we mean business, Bello said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Attah Igala, Mathew Opaluwa, and other royal fathers were present at the occasion.

The Attah Igala, who is the President of Kogi State Traditional Councils, commended the COAS for the exercise, and assured of the continuous support from the traditional institution for the security agencies and the state government. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Our Habitat, an Environment Protection Coalition, has thrown its weight behind the Armed Forces of Nigeria over the destruction of illegal oil bunkering vessels in the Niger Delta.

The coalition in a statement by the Convener, Davidson Wariboko, on Tuesday, also faulted the call for the sack of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor by a human rights lawyer.

Wariboko said that investigations by the coalition had revealed that some of those condemning the burning of the vessel were collaborators of oil thieves in the region.

According to him, the CDS had defended the destruction of the vessel, saying there was nothing sinister about the swift destruction of an oil bunkering vessel by security operatives.

Irabor has explained that there were various approaches, various solutions to a problem and at any time based on certain factors, certain considerations, available to those that are at the frontline, actions were taken based on the directive which are contained in the rules of engagement.

He quoted Irabor as saying, the burning of the vessel, it is because the thief was caught in the act and the procedure, if you are caught in the act, is that everything you are using to undertake that criminal activity should be destroyed and that was done.

What investigation do you need that you find somebody who decided to deplore several pumping machines and has several hoses that are deployed to a dug out pit where crude oil is stored over a period?

It was caught in the act. So, the instrument of operation was what was destroyed. I think it is straightforward. Whether that is the best is a different matter entirely but did they act in line with the rules of engagement? Yes, they did.

The coalition leader said that the armed forces had shown strong determination and courage to tackle oil bunkering more than ever in recent times.

He said that oil thieves had caused terrible environmental damage to oil producing areas, adding that decisive actions against them was justified.

According to him, they are causing the country a huge economic losses and at the same time causing environmental degradation in oil producing areas.

Calling for the sack of the CDS show the oil thieves are fighting back.

They are hiding behind the law to condemn the destruction of the vessel, while at the same time causing serious environment degradation in the cause of their criminal activities.

Since assumption of office as the CDS, Gen. Irabor has met stakeholders in the oil sector, security, traditional rulers and others in a bid to tackle the stealing of our common wealth.

At no time in the history of Nigeria like now, has the leadership of the Armed Forces shown determination and courage to face the economic saboteurs headlong. It seems they are now fighting back, he said.

The coalition urged residents of the oil producing areas and other stakeholders to cooperate with the military to tackle the criminals and make their environment better. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

This is because, it is only when one is well and healthy that he/she will begin to think of any economic, political or social activity.

However, this has not been the case as ethnicity, religion and other issues have remained on the front burner, forgettingthe popular
saying that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation.

This maxim makes it imperative for political office aspirants to articulate a comprehensive health financing mechanism to achieve Universal
Health Coverage (UHC), where all individuals and communities receive health services they need without suffering financial hardship.

And to achieve UHC and more, Nigeria Health Watch organised a conference on the Future of Health in Nigeria to remind politicians vying
for offices in the 2023 general elections to take note, key in and make provisions toward ensuring good health for all Nigerians.

At one of the events which took place in Abuja, the Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, Mrs Vivianne Ihekweazu, said in a few
months, Nigerians will be going to the polls to decide on the new leadership that will drive all sectors of the economy for the next four years.

In spite of the health sector being a critical driver of the economy across the globe, it has not received optimum attention across different leaderships.

Achieving UHC requires strong political will at different levels of governance, including the national and sub-national level.

Ihekweazu said at the media and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) roundtable organised by Nigeria Health Watch in collaboration with Centre for Universal Health that as
political parties begin their campaigns, it is important that CSOs and the media engage their candidates as well as citizens.

For the candidates, this engagement will put into perspective, the challenges in the health sector and the required policy interventions that will
change the narrative.

According to her, the media as agenda setters should work toward making politicians commit to public health financing a key part of their manifestoes.

Ihekweazusposition was buttressed by Robert Yates, Executive Director, Centre for Universal Health when he said as media, how can you change the political
discourse, you can do it, and it does happen, if the politicians and individuals emerge, they will get it.

This will involve sensational reporting of people dying in the hospitals as they need to be catered for, put your heads together and identify the leaders who are willing.

Dr Grafar Alawode, the Programme Director, DGI Consult, shared and reviewed the work done by the UHC2023 Forum on Citizen-led Health Agenda.

He said that Nigeria had made some progress in terms of fighting child and infant mortality, adding that maternal health care required more health system strengthening of having health care workers and facilities in place.

Alawode, therefore, called for the incorporation of the role of other sectors in health design and implementation.

He also called for leveraging Human Capital Development as springboard for multi-sectoral and coordinated actions that include health, education, nutrition, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and livelihood sectors.

Also, Dr Omokhudu Idogho, the Managing Director, Society for Family Health, said it is critical to take UHC to the states level because I see situations where a lot of fundamentals at the federal level are soon coming together, some of the laws are in place and how this work will be determined at the state level.

Ifeyinwa Yusuf, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Nigeria Health Watch, said there is need to do more in exploring other internal local resources to increase and pool public financing for health.

She said a human capital development approach should be employed in communication to the government for increased funds allocation and release for health.

We have to do things differently, by contextualising our interventions and communication to identify influential people/individuals who can bring a change in the health space,
engage with each other more, the media and CSOs.

Meanwhile, Prof. Ben Akabueze, the Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation, says health investment service is a catalyst for economic growth.

Akabueze said this at the 8th Future of Health Conference with the theme The Political Economy of Health: Investing on the Future of Nigeria, organised by Nigeria Health Watch
was germane because it would provide the opportunity to discuss the determinants of health outcomes in various options available for sustainable healthcare financing in Nigeria.

Akabueze, who was represented by Prof. Olumide Ayodele, the Technical Assistant to the director-general, Budget Office of the Federation, said the event also created an avenue to discuss measures for effective healthcare delivery across the country.

Akabueze, who gave keynote address on financing healthcare sustainably in Nigeria, said the importance of improved healthcare services for economic growth and development could not be overemphasised.

According to him, health investment service is a catalyst for economic growth through higher labour force, higher labour productivity, innovations and improved well-being of the population.

He added that it is generally said that health is wealth; a healthy population engenders economic prosperity.

It is, therefore, imperative to ensure significant investment in health, effective delivery of healthcare services and equitable access to healthcare services.

Health is high on Nigerias development agenda; inview of social economic returns of healthcare investment, a key objective of the National Development
Plan 2021- 2025 is to enable a healthy population.

Akabueze, who said there was need for primary healthcare to be funded at the local government level, urged stakeholders to be involved to reduce
mortality rate and enhance workforce.

He urged government, CSOs and business associates to shape and monitor health interventions to ensure the desired impact.

He also commended the consistency of the Nigeria Health Watch for organising health conferences focusing on topical issues.

Also, Prof. Mohammed Sambo, the Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), said it was discovered that the first law establishing
Health Insurance scheme was not able to take Nigerians closer to UHC.

He explained that health insurance everywhere in the world is to ensure that everyone is covered, adding that in Nigeria,
successive administrations have tried to amend the NHIS law for 23 years but not able to get that done.

However, on May 19 this year, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Act was repealed and the National Health Insurance Authority Law was enacted.

The implication of the new law is that health insurance will now be for every Nigerian and every resident in Nigeria.

The law has also made provision for the coverage of vulnerable population. Health Insurance is normally not a free healthcare as somebody has to pay.

As someone who is not employed has no means of payment because of his economic status, someone has to pay for him or her.

That is why in this new law, there is Vulnerable Group Fund provision with various innovative financing mechanism employed to ensure that
vulnerable people receive health services.

He, therefore, said that funding should come from innovative financing mechanism to bring money into the healthcare delivery system as no country had been able to achieve UHC without public financing.

On her part, Dr Sarah Alade, the pecial Adviser to the President on Finance and Economy, said discussions on healthcare are ongoing because of its importance, noting, however, that when people are poor, health spending is least because they have to feed first.

At the same time, however, we cannot have sustainable development without health.

Also, Dr Obi Ikechukwu, the Commissioner for Health, Enugu State, who spoke on political leadership in health, said that health system governance must be strengthened for accountability.

Health system governance means strategic frameworks that existed and combined with effective oversight, coalition building, regulation, attention to system design and accountability.

He explained that strong governance in health systems must be guided by competent leaders with clear vision and the ability to motivate and mobilise other health system stakeholders.

He called for political leaders who would ensure a complete state of physical, social and mental wellbeing and not just the absence of disease.

Ikechukwu also said there should be a continuous state of adjustment of physical, social, mental and environmental stimulus.

He added that there should be a commitment to determination of the cost of healthcare which would drive efficient health benefits package at all levels.

Dr Hakeem Belo-Osagie, the Chairman, Metis Capital Partners in his opening presentation, said there is need to look into how the government economy is being
run as a whole and what the money is spent on.

He said ensure those contesting for 2023 elections have interest in our economy. Health is a priority and it should be health and health.

Public healthcare is crucial, sanitation is crucial as good sanitation goes far in health.

During panel discussion on the Economy of Health, Dr Olumide Okunola, Senior Health Specialist, Health Population and Nutrition, World Bank, said without public health financing, achieving UHC would be difficult.

He explained that for livelihood to improve, the economy must get better as faster growth is needed to create greater opportunities.

He said if you can reduce petroleum subsidy, you can finance health, education, among others.

Okunola expressed concern on how local government spending would be accounted for, now that they have autonomy, saying will
local councils spend on health? How do you ensure more than 95 million Nigerians are able to survive?, he asked.

He, therefore, said there is need to establish strong foundation for a diversified economy and investing in physical, financial, digital and innovation infrastructure.

There is need to build solid framework and enhance capacities to strengthen security and ensure good governance and enabling a vibrant, educated and healthy populace.

Prominence should be accorded to human capital development especially health, education and social protection in resource allocation.

Another panelist, Prof. Obinna Onwujekwe, Lancet Nigeria Commissioner, said public health is known for at least two decades that good health can be achieved at low cost if the right policies are
in place.

We know this from comparative studies of countries at the same level of economic development that revealed striking differences in health outcomes.

According to the studies, factors that contribute to good health at low cost include a commitment to equity, effective governance systems, and context-specific programmes that address the wider social and environmental determinants of health.

An ability to innovate is also important. Above all, government needs to be committed.

Another panelist, Dr Onoriode Ezire, Senior Health Specialist, World Bank, who noted that Nigerias health sector is still largely underfunded, said investment in health is
directly related to the growth of the economy.

Ezire said the indexes are still poor, adding that productivity of the country is a function of the state and status of the health of the people in the country.

According to him, investment in health contributes to achieving other developmental goals like reduction in equity and promoting shared prosperity.

Government at all levels must prioritise health as lessons from COVID-19 are still fresh in our minds. Government may use a mix of method to prioritise health funding.

Civil society and health promoters have a role to play. Advocate as may be necessary, provide the relevant evidences and data, improve the quality and timeliness of our data, Onoriode advised.(NANFeatures)

Source: NAN News

By Taiye Olayemi

The Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) has advised Nollywood actors on improved film production and jettison all forms of internal conflicts capable of distracting them from submitting qualitative movies for subsequent Oscars awards.

Mr Victor Okhai, the DGN National President, gave the advice in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

Okhai gave the advice against the backdrop of the recent media exchanges between the Nigerian Oscar Selection Committee (NOSC) and Nollywood filmmakers.

He said this had generated concern among Nigerians over the countrys lack of representation at the 2023 Oscars.

He noted that rather than allow this to cause internal rancour, Nollywood actors should remain focused on production of qualitative films.

Nigerian filmmakers approach their craft differently because they are all driven by the desire to win the Oscars.

They do this, rather than by the need to ensure that the films they are submitting to the International Feature Film (IFF) category of the Academy Awards are technically and artistically up to par, he said.

Okhai noted that that Nigerian films were not eligible for submission at the awards ceremony due to a number of factors.

He said some of the factors included lack of funding for collaborations and technical support from foreign institutions.

He explained that meeting minimum tech specs and strict adherence to the requirements for qualification and submission instead of whipping up sentiments remained a basic challenge.

He said prior to the establishment of the Nigerian Oscar Committee in 2013, Nollywood productions frequently failed to meet the technical requirements of a cinema film due to the emphasis on home videos.

With the emergence of multiple streaming platforms, they appear to be more promising, but it remains to be seen how far and sustainable the current trend will last.

The Nigerian film industry is attempting to demonstrate that it can compete favourably with other developing film nations throughout the world.

Even if the quality of Nollywood productions improve, an Oscar nomination or win is not certain as we continue to drag ourselves out there, especially when the Oscars are coming up.

The Oscars are merely a marketing game in which anyone who can attract attention can win, the quality of films at the Oscars will not depreciate, as good films will always stand out.

National interests should take precedence over personal interests, as the Oscar is not the beginning and end of the world, Nigerian filmmakers should focus on making good films and avoid dragging ourselves before the Oscars, he said.

According to him, to be eligible for the Acad emy Awards, a film must also meet a number of additional requirements, such as being dominated by the native language of the country it represents.

Another requirement is that the film must be released during the calendar period mandated by the Oscars, having appropriate English subtitles, he said.

He added that the film must have been seen in cinemas or theatres for at least seven days in the nation it represents before being shown on streamers like Netflix, Amazon, and terrestrial television.

In 2019, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences caused a stir by disqualifying the first Oscar entry from Nigerias massive film industry.

The submission of the film was seen as a watershed moment for the countrys film industry, a film called Lionheart, which is Genevieve Nnajis first directing debut that met every other requirement.

And it was disqualified from the International Feature category because the 95-minute film, Lionheart is largely in English, with an 11-minute section in the Igbo language.

The decision prompted widespread outrage and criticism in the Nigerian, British, and American film industries, with many blaming colonialism rather than Nigerian filmmakers.

Nigerians expectations were dashed once more when The Milkmaid, a Hausa language insurgency thriller, produced and directed by Desmond Ovbiagele, failed to make the first shortlist of the 15 foreign films chosen for the International Feature Film category in December 2020, he said.

Okhai noted that in nearly 75 years, just three African films had won the Oscars for best foreign feature.

He said in spite the enormity of Bollywoods film industry, India had never won the award for best international film as the category had been dominated by Europe.

Can we begin by winning top film festivals, where we can compete on the global stage with the best, can we focus solely on winning our own top film festivals?

The world, like our colleagues in music, accepted and applauded our stars before the Grammys, quality comes first, followed by recognition.

With the kind of production that has been coming out of the business in recent times, we are well on our way.

The Oscars will find us at the right time if we focus more on the work that we do, the recognition that we get from the work that we do is far more valuable than any validation that will come from any external source, he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Source: NAN News