Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar III, has advised Nigerian students and youths to avoid acts of violence by embracing peace for progress.

Abubakar made the call at the National Secondary Schools Security Awareness Programme organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) on Wednesday in Abuja.

The programme was in collaboration with Office of the National Security Adviser, NDC and Ufuk Dialogue to commemorate the 2022 International Day of Peace.

The Sultan said that Nigerian society like any other society, had both good and bad people, adding that good people were more than the bad ones.

He said that mentoring young ones who are future leaders remained an important component of peace in the home and the society at large.

He urged parents to start the mentoring from home, saying that if there is peace in the home, then there will be peace outside.

So you must have peace at home first, because everything starts from home.

Your first teacher is your mother from the day you were born, when you came out. They bring you out, cut all the umbilical cord and whatever, wash you clean and dress you up.

The mother is the one handling you from the time until you start running and working, and maybe even until they die.

Your mother is your first teacher and is the most important part of the home.

If you have a good home, look for who is the mother; if you have a bad home, look for who is the mother and that is why the mothers are so important in our lives.

If you have bad children running all over the place, carrying guns, killing people, kidnapping, ransom, or whatever, look at the background, he said.

The Sultan commended the alumni association and its partners for putting the programme together with a view to addressing the future.

He urged all Nigerians to continue to work towards restoring peace, saying peace is not the absence of war.

I believe peace is the presence of justice. If there is no justice, you can not have peace, he added.

The Chairperson of Access Bank Plc, Dr Ajoditsedere Awosika, said the youths must understand that the unity of the country would affect its peace and ultimately result in progress.

Awosika urged the youths to insist on doing the right thing to ensure that peace and unity prevailed in the nation.

President of AANDEC, retired Air Cdre. Darlington Abdullahi, said the programme was put together to create awareness for various for children and students in all levels of educational system.

Abdullahi said the target of the programme was to reclaim the children from the hands of criminal groups trying to induct them into criminality.

He said the programme was also designed to inculcate discipline, loyalty, patriotic tradition in the students as well as and show them the need to do the right thing at all times.

Fevzullah Bilgin, Managing Director, Nigerian Tulip International Colleges, one of the partners in the programme, said youths remained the future of any nation.

Bilgin said that peace had become a significant topic in public discourse in recent time, adding that the position of the youth was also significant.

He said it was important to engage the youths in discussing peace and nation building, saying that conflicts could be prevented if the youths were engaged and their minds purified.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 15 secondary schools comprising nine public and six private schools in FCT were selected for the programme.

A student each from the schools made presentation on peace during the event. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Source: NAN News

The youth, JDPC and Its partners

By Bridget Ikyado

The Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of the Archdiocese of Abuja, has begun a skills training programme for 300 youths to make them self reliant and contribute to societal development.

Mr Josephat Abaagu, the Vice Chairman of the commission inaugurated the Youth Entrepreneurship Development and Empowerment Scheme (YEDAS) on Tuesday in Abuja, on behalf of the Chairman, Damian Dodo, SAN.

The empowerment scheme was in partnership with the Catholic Relief Services.

He said that Nigeria must invest in the youths in order to ensure a better and prosperous future.

A nation which leaves a vast majority of its youth uneducated and unskilled, risks a certain future of poverty, insecurity and high possibility of an ultimately failed state, he said.

Abaagu said that the skills training was initiated based on the realization that nation building is not the exclusive business of government, but a collective effort.

He appreciated His Grace, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese, Rev. lgnatius Kaigama for revamping the JDPC, which is the social arm of the church.

Abaagu said the JDPC in the last two years, has provided potable drinking water in several communities through partnership with different organizations.

We have ongoing revolving loans and micro credits to youths and women in all the parishes, chaplaincies and pastoral areas in the Archdiocese.

In collaboration with INEC, we have sponsored the registration of many hitherto unregistered voters and also trained several for election monitoring duties.

We have provided assistance to IDP camps, relief materials to victims of demolition exercises and fire disaster victims.

We have also provided wheelchair to physically challenged persons and motorcycles to remote pastoral areas for evangelism, the vice chairman said.

He added that the commission has been working to fight human trafficking with support from the United States Agency for International Developments Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement.

He commended the Archbishop for ensuring that the commission realised its vision of a mega multipurpose youth center, to provide skills acquisition in different areas.

The vice chairman said the centre would impart leadership skills, mentorship and to also serve as venue for youth recreation, sports and other programmes.

This will no doubt be a game changer for the youth of the FCT, he added.

Abaagu said that at the end of the training, successful participants would be empowered by the commission

The vice chairman appreciated the Catholic Relief Services for partnering with JDPC to provide relief to just a few of the very large army of the unemployed, unskilled, uneducated, marginalized and often exploited youth of the FCT.

He said that this would make them self employed, employabie and even employers of labour in no distant future.

More than anything else, after training, they wiIl regain their self respect and the dignity God bestowed on all humans at creation.

He enjoined the youth to take the training seriously in order to win the empowerment packages earmarked for successful trainees.

In a project overview, Mr Timothy Ejeh, Programmes Director, JDPC, said the commission had since its creation in 1994, remained committed to delivering on its mandate.

He said the scheme is a two year pilot project to strengthen the skills set and financial security of vulnerable youth in the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, for enhanced livelihood.

Ejeh added that apart from providing them with access to newer and innovative alternative sources of livelihood, it would build and expand youth skills set.

Thereby making them employable, improve market access, consumption demand and supply chain linkages for vulnerable youth in the FCT.

To provide mentorship and proper career direction for over 80% of youth who pass through the scheme called YEDES.

To minimize crime among and by youths by 55% through profitable engagement, and provide access to finance through savings, grants, credit, venture capital and equity.

Some of the skills to be taught include Digital Photography and Video Editing, Website/App development, Catering and Event Planning.

Others include, Fashion Design, Poultry and Fish Farming, Graphic Design, Interior decoration, Shoe/bag Making, among others.

In his good will message, Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, represented by Gabriel Ojelade, Deputy Director, Employment, in the ministry, said the Federal Government had established 27 Skills Upgrading and Vocational Training Centres nationwide.

These centres are fully equipped to train youth in over 60 specific skills and trades.

He commended the church for the initiative to empower youth with life long skills to contribute to national development.

In his remarks, the Archbishop who commissioned the scheme commended the JDCP and their partners and urged government and the private sector not to relent in assisting the youth.

He enjoined the participants to be focused and take the training seriously, so as to prosper.

Light the candle, rather than cause the darkness. All we expect right for the nation will happen by the Grace of God, if not now, then later, Kaigama prayed.

Dane Fredenburg, Deputy Country Representative, Catholic Relief Services said, for any nation to prosper, the youth, security, health and education must be taken seriously, which Nigeria is doing.

Also, Emrah Ilgen, President UFUK Dialogue Foundation said the youths were the greatest potentials of any nations and should be focused on.

He commended Nigeria for its effort to curb insecurity by empowering the youths. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

=================

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Source: NAN News

By Glory Abuh-Adejoh

The National Industrial Court on Wednesday restrained the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) from continuing the strike it embarked on Feb .14.

Delivering judgment, Justice Polycarp Hamman, held that the court determined the application based on issue two as formulated by the claimants.

The ASUU by themselves, members, agents, servants or anyone privy to them is hereby restrained from taking further step or taking any action or otherwise any strike action pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit..

The court in addition finds merit in the application for Interlocutory injunction brought by the claimants, he held.

Hamman further said that in granting an injunction, certain requirements such as existence of legal rights, balance of convenience, conduct and evidence of damages and loss needed to be met by the applicant seeking reliefs.

He also discountenanced the argument of Mr Femi Falana, SAN, counsel to ASUU, on the issue that Mr Okechukwu Wampa was not qualified to depose to the claimants affidavit.

Falana had argued in the defendants counter-affidavit that Wampas deposition was based on hearsay.

The court said that Wampa being a legal officer employed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and deployed to the Ministry of Labour and Employment as a legal adviser could depose in the issue and could offer legal advise in the matter.

He resolved the issue citing section 115 (1) (2) of Evidence Act, 2011 and section 12(2) of NICN Act,2006.

The court while addressing the issue of competency of the referral as raised by Falana, it ruled that the issue will be delved into when taking the defendants preliminary objection application and during the hearing of the substantive suit

The judge added that the balance of convenience tilted to the claimants based on paragraph 3,5,6 and 7 of their affidavit.

He said the paragraphs which cited the plight of students who ought to have graduated still in school as the result of the strike and the claimants who owns the public universities that are on strike as balance of convenience.

The court also ruled that the intellect of students who have been out of school for several months equated irreparable loss and damages were the facilities that have been dormant for months.

The court also discountenanced the argument of the defendant which submitted that the urgency of the matter was self- induced.

Falana in his submission had prayed the court for an accelerated hearing in the suit instead of granting an interlocutory injunction.

The court however differed that it was not self-induced as parties had been in negotiation all the while until the defendant declared the strike as indefinite on Aug.29.

The court therefore held that the conduct of the claimants were not reprehensible.

The court in conclusion stated that granting an injunction was at the discretion of the court, that the court however found the application meritorious on the strength of section 256 of the Constitution, section 18(1e) of the Trade Disputes Act and section 17 of the NICN proceeding, as shown by the claimants

The court made no order as to cost and added that the court will be sent back to the president of the court to be reassigned as the court ends its vacation by Sept.27.

News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the the Minister of Labour and Employment on behalf of the Federal Government had filed the matter before the court by way of referral instrument to resolve the issue of the ongoing strike by ASUU.

Also joined as a claimant in the suit is the Minister of Education (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)

GOAA/SH

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Source: NAN News

By Olawale Alabi

Roger Federer brings down the curtain on his illustrious career later this week but the Swiss maestro has assured his millions of fans that he would not become a tennis ghost.

Back in London, down river from where he won a record eight Wimbledon titles, the 41-year-old said he had no intention of walking away from a sport he has graced for so long.

Speaking to reporters at Londons O2 Arena, where he twice won the ATP Finals title, the Swiss was emotional at times as he explained the decision to hang up his rackets.

Asked what his plans were for the future, Federer said he would not disappear like Swedish great Bjorn Borg, who is captaining Europe against the Rest of the World this week.

I just wanted to let the fans know I wont be a ghost. Its funny, I spoke about Bjorn Borg, he didnt return to Wimbledon for 25 years and that hurts every fan, Federer said of the 11-time major winner who quit tennis aged 26.

But I dont think Ill be that guy. I feel tennis has given me too much. I have been around the game for too long. Have fallen in love with too many things.

Youll see me again. In what capacity, I dont know. Still have to think about it a little bit, give myself some time.

Federer announced last Thursday that the Laver Cup, the team event he helped create, would be the last act of a professional career spanning almost a quarter of a century.

Having not played competitively since losing in the quarter-finals of Wimbledon last year, Federer will make his final bow with a doubles match, possibly alongside great rival Rafa Nadal.

Federer had still held out hope of making a comeback but said his knee issues had finally forced him to retire.

My knee just doesnt allow me to play at this level anymore, he said.

I came to realise that throughout the summer and then I was just looking for a place in time where I could call it.

It felt very fitting for me to end my career here. Having Bjorn Borg on the bench with me when I walk out is going to be something that is beyond cool and I felt that was something really nice. Having a team behind me as well would not feel so lonely when Im calling it a day.

Federers collection of 20 Grand slam titles has been surpassed by Nadal (22) and Novak Djokovic (21) in an unprecedented golden era for mens tennis.

But whatever the statistics, many still regard him as the greatest player ever to wield a racket.

He claimed 103 career titles, second only to Jimmy Connors, and spent a record 237 consecutive weeks as world number one from 2004 to 2008.

His first Grand Slam title arrived in 2003 when he beat Mark Philippoussis to win Wimbledon and he went on to win it five years in a row before losing to Nadal in a 2008 classic.

This city has been special to me, maybe the most special place, Federer said.(Reuters/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
OLAL

(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Source: NAN News

By Cecelia Ologunagba

President Muhammadu Buhari and some Nigerian political leaders were among world leaders that attended the opening of the General Debate of the 77th session of the General Assembly at the UN headquarters on Tuesday in New York.

The correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buhari was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the UN, Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande.

Others are Chief of Staff of the President, Prof Ibrahim Gambari; Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq.

No fewer than 150 world leaders are attending the largest diplomatic gathering after two years of virtual and hybrid summits.

On Wednesday, Buhari will be the first speaker to address the General Assembly, which is the second day of the General Debate.

He will deliver Nigerias statement around 9:00 a.m. (around 2 :00 p.m. Nigerian time) to other world leaders during the morning session.

Also, he will be attending the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change meeting and Africas New Public Health Order: Rejuvenating the Global Health Security Agenda.

Similarly, Buhari will attend a reception by the U.S. President Joe Biden at American Museum of Natural History.

On Thursday, the President is expected to attend a bilateral meeting on Nigeria International Economic Partnership Forum and High-Level meetings on the Sahel.

Also, Buhari will attend the Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

On Friday, the Nigerian President will attend High Level Breakfast Meeting on Reinvigorating Multilateralism and Achieving Comprehensive Reform of the UN Security Council Commemoration of 15 years of L.69.

Similarly, he will attend the official Launch of Nigerias Integrated National Financing Framework that same day. (NAN) ()

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Angela Atabo

The Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide, says the appointment of Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi, as National Youth Coordinator of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council by the partys Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is apt.

Mr Hassan Aare, President, Yoruba Council in a statement on Monday in Abuja appreciated Tinubu for the gesture.

Hassan congratulated Bello on the appointment, saying that it would help in galvanising Nigerian youths to support Tinubu.

With heart of appreciation to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, APC Presidential Candidate, in consonance with the entire APC National Executive Committee and APC Presidential Campaign Council heartily congratulates Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi .

His appointment as the National Youth Coordinator of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, is in due recognition of his impressive political achievements and exemplary leadership demonstrated as governor of Kogi.

The entire good people of Yoruba Land join other well-meaning Nigerians, as well as members and leadership of the Igbimo Apapo Yoruba Lagbaye, (Yoruba Council Worldwide) alongside all her affiliated organisations globally to specially felicitate with Bello, he said.

Aare said the group received Bellos appointment with endless joy as a good omen towards charting a way forward to mobilise Nigerian youths to vote massively for the APC in 2023.

According to him, the appointment is on point because it is the most important factor to success, ahead of the 2023 APC Presidential Campaign.

He said Bellos appointment was predicated on his superlative wealth of experience and succinct administrative management prowess and his ability to connect with youth groups.

We salute Bellos developmental laid down positive plans for the youths and robust intelligence, with committed interest in line with the APC Presidential Councils campaign mandate, he said.

Aare said the appointment was also in line with the Tinubu led vision of ensuring the enthronement of peace, love and unity as well as guaranteeing welfare for citizens.

He commended Bellos indefatigable roles towards the noble actualisation of Hope 23 for a new Nigeria under the incoming President, Bola Tinubu come 2023.(NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

Source: NAN News

By Philomina Attah

The Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar III, has called on all Nigerians to ensure national unity and cohesion towards ensuring peaceful, free and elections come 2023.

Abubakar made the call at a one-day National Unity Conference of The Alumni Association of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (AANI) on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference is: Nigerias National Unity in the build up to the 2023 General Elections.

Abubakar, who is the Chairman, Heritage Council of AANI, said the problem of Nigeria could only be addressed by Nigerians themselves, adding that elections must not be seen as a do or die affair.

He said it was important for the nation to go back to where it missed the road, adding that Nigeria must retrace its steps towards building a better society.

We have had series of talk shows like this across the country in the last two, three or four years and we are still having more all towards bringing stability, sanity, understanding, love respect amongst all of us as Nigerians.

If anyone is telling you that everything is well in this country he is telling you lies and we have had so many times to say it in front of Mr. President.

Things are not normal and I think to know that you have a problem, you have half of the solution. The other part of the solution of the problem is what we are looking for as part of this conference.

Let us continue to talk to one another, let us not get tired of talking to one another, he said.

Abubakar called on all Nigerians to see their diversity as an act of God, adding that God was never wrong to have allow the different ethnic groups to coexist as a nation.

For us to be united, we must know who we are and we must know our history.

We now have people who dont know history in their youth. All they do is to insult leaders and call people names, call other ethnic nationalities derogatory names and if you dont stop that, you cannot get unity that you are all shouting for, he said.

AANI President and former Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar, said that Nigeria like all countries of the world was not immune to developmental challenges.

Abubakar said the nation had had its own share of political, economic and social crises, occasioned by poor planning, inadequate management, lack of accountability

He listed others to include: poor citizen participation and in particular, non- implementation of robust policy frameworks and strategies to drive the critical sectors of the economy.

These, he said had resulted in stunted economic growth which promoted poverty, unemployment and crimes that snowballed into insurgency, kidnappings and armed conflicts in many parts of the country.

Abubakar said the misfortunes were threatening the unity, security, economy and all aspects of the nation.

He said that AANI decided to convene the conference with composition cutting across diverse backgrounds.

He said the aim was to interrogate the circumstances that led to the current state of affairs and proffer realistic and workable recommendations and implementation strategies for a more united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

As we approach the forth coming general elections, there is the urgent need to address all contentious issues and debilitating circumstances, in order to create an enabling environment for the orderly transfer of power that will deepen our democracy.

This conference therefore provides opportunity for stakeholders, to hold frank and dispassionate discussion on the magnitude of the challenges facing our country and participate in developing adequate recommendations and a realistic road map, for their implementation.

No doubt there is an urgent need for a change of attitude and the world view of the average Nigerian, especially the elites and the political class, who have responsibility to provide effective and purposeful leadership, for the transformation of this country.

There must be a comprehensive strategy and aggressive advocacy to stabilize the polity and promote a proactive agenda for the development of our dear country, Nigeria.

We must rededicate ourselves to the Project Nigeria and provide durable solutions to the prevailing situation in the country.

This requires comprehensive planning and the enthronement of accountability, good governance and sustained advocacy throughout the country, he said.

AANI president said that NIPSS had contributed immensely in addressing Nigerias developmental challenges, by engaging in research and advocacy that had proffered several recommendations and implementation strategies, on virtually all aspects of political, social and economic lives.

According to him, there is the need for a policy framework for the implementation of the research findings and recommendations from NIPSS, many of which are left to gather dust on the shelves. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi says physical fitness remains the cornerstone of troops combat readiness in contending with myriads of security challenges confronting the country.

Magashi, who was represented by the Director, Army Affairs, Mr Sunday Attah, said this at the opening of the 2022 Armed Forces Inter-Service Sports Competition (2022-AFISSC) on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said that physical fitness also helps to keep service personnel in top state that would enable them to carryout and achieve assigned tasks.

The minister said the inter-service sports competition, organised by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) was designed to provide the platform for the services to interact with one another towards sustaining the good relationship built and enjoyed over the years.

According to him, the importance of physical fitness to an armed forces such as ours cannot be over emphasised, particularly at this time that Nigeria is contending with a myriad of security challenges.

It is physically and mentally fit personnel that make the difference in combat operations.

These physically and mentally fit personnel are able to endure tough weather and terrain conditions and other stressful harsh battle conditions.

Physical fitness therefore remains the cornerstone of troops combat readiness as it keeps Service Personnel in top physical state that enable them carryout and achieve assigned tasks.

On the whole, physical fitness is the basis for service personnels good health and physical wellbeing, he added.

Magashi said the current security challenges confronting the nation were enormous and thus, calls for synergy and cooperation among the three services.

He said that avenues such as sports competition, needed to be continuously created to facilitate mutual interaction amongst troops.

The minister commended the troops for their efforts and sacrifices at tackling the security challenges as well as the DHQ for organising the sports competition.

He charged the participating athletes to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship and strive to put in optimal performance towards winning laurels for their various services.

Furthermore, let fair play be your watchword as you keep in focus, the objective for the organisation of this sports fiesta.

I will not end my remarks without assuring you all of the unflinching commitment of the President Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, at ensuring the best of welfare and working conditions for our armed forces personnel.

He appreciates the huge efforts and great sacrifices you all are making to keep our dear country, Nigeria safe and prosperous, he added.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, said the event was aimed at strengthening the ties among troops, instilling discipline and readiness to serve a common cause in the armed forces.

Irabor, who was represented by Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, said that friendly sporting competition helps in fostering desired working relationship and promoting synergy among members of the armed forces.

This, according to him, is because fitness of the body and contentment of mind come more readily in the free atmosphere of games.

More so, sports provide a basis for team work that is needed for troops to be able to function with a cohesion that is often called upon both during peacetime military engagements and combat operations.

As we all know, warfare is a grueling experience and the ability to advance long distances with full combat gear through rugged terrains and to fight effectively requires strength, agility and stamina from troops.

This can only be conditioned through sports and effective physical fitness training.

As such, team sports have been found to provide both physiological and psychological benefits that reduce stress, illness and injuries, especially during operations.

Accordingly, physical fitness and mental alertness of personnel have become key considerations for the armed forces to meet increasing demands of current and emerging threats, he said.

Irabor said the military had made giant strides in encouraging personnel and their families to always engage in sports through organised events like half marathon, children sports clinic and various sports championships.

The CDS said the competitions were aimed at promoting synergy and cooperation between the AFN and other security agencies, adding that it had also encouraged troops to build fitness and maintain combat readiness.

He said that several talents discovered from competitions of this nature were representing the country in different international sporting events and recording exploits.

According to him, the Cross Country Team to represent Nigeriain the 58th World Military Cross Country Competition slated to hold at Beja, Portugal in October, would be selected from the Inter-Service Sports Competition.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the competition features male and female athletes from the Army, Navy and the Air Force.

They will compete for laurels inBasketball, Cross-Country, Football, Taekwondo and Volleyball. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Maharazu Ahmed

Source: NAN News

By Temitope Ponle

The President of African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, Dr Akinwumi Adesina would join other world leaders for the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Solomon Mugera, the Communication and External Relations Department, AfDB on Tuesday.

Adesina would discuss global issues such as the impact of climate change, Russias war in Ukraine and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Mugera, this is the first time in two years that the general assembly is being held in person due to the pandemic.

The assemblys theme this year is, A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges.

It reflects the urgent and unprecedented need for global cooperation to confront these issues.

The AfDB delegation, led by its president, is expected to participate in a number of high level meetings.

Theseinclude the Global Food Security Summit, and a high-level meeting on the Sahel jointly organised by the UN and the African Union.

Others are a presidential dialogue group on nutrition, a meeting of the Global Crisis Response Group on food, energy, and finance, and an inaugural meeting.

The inaugural meeting would be the Global Leadership Council for the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet.

Adesina is expected to meet with the Director-General of the World Health Organisation, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the President of the Rockefeller Foundation Raj Shah, and other development partners.

He would also attend the Nigeria International Economic Partnership Forum, a conference for international business investment.

Other participants expected to attend include President Muhammadu Buhari, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation and Aliko Dangote, the President Dangote Group.

Also, Bill Gates, co-founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Mark Zuckerberg, the Chief Executive Officer of Meta, Facebooks parent company, and Satya Nadella, Chairman, Microsoft Corp, would participate. (NAN)

TOP/ OYE/EEE

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Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/Ese E. Eniola Williams

Source: NAN News

By Bukola Olaifa

Mr Daniel Okafor, National President, Potato Farmers Association of Nigeria (POFAN) has called for the establishment of farmers security outfit to combat the incessant killings of farmers by herders and bandits.

Okafor said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said that the recent increase in the high cost of food items was as a result of farmers not going to farms, as they should because of activities of herders and bandits.

We have lost some of our farmers while working on their farms both men, women and youths.

This is impacting negatively on production and economic growth, he said.

He said there was need to also train farmers on security tips and more training on agricultural best practices to improve production.

Okafor appealed to the Federal Government to make special budget available to farmers to boost production in the face of post-COVID-19 recovery. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Joseph Edeh

Source: NAN News

By Nabilu Balarabe

The Yobe Government says it will utilise N10.8 billion of the N18 billion refund received from the Federal Government on road construction projects.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the recent N18 billion refund covers payment of five major roads constructed by the state on behalf of the Federal Government.

The Commissioner for Works, Alhaji Umar Dudaye, stated this ON Tuesday during the ministerial briefing organised by the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

He said that N10.8 billion, representing 60 per cent of the refund would be spent on road construction to enhance transportation and ease movement of goods and services in the state.

Dudaye said the ministry had completed 15 road and drain projects, covering about 50 kilometres across nine local government areas from 2019 to 2022.

The commissioner, however, said five other roads covering about 90km were under construction.

The commissioner listed the roads to include 30km Bulanguwa-Kumagannam, 18km Danchuwa-Garin Bingel and 5.7km NTA Potiskum-Gujba.

Others were four Kilometre Buni Yadi road, 3.7km Nguru township road, 2.7 km Potiskum township road, 2.5km Obasanjo-Mallamatari-Gujba road, 2.5km Jaji-Maji township road, among others.

Dudaye said two pedestrian bridges had been completed at Damaturu Modern Market and Damaturu Cattle Market, while three others were under construction at Nguru, Gashua and Potiskum markets.

The commissioner said the ministry had renovated the partly damaged Katarko bridge, adding that it would rehabilitate Kaliyari and Jajere roads damaged by flood. (NAN)( www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Source: NAN News

By Ugonne Uzoma

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) on Tuesday began specialised skill development programme for 40 retirees in Imo.

The SMEDAN Director-General, Mr Olawale Fasanya, who started the programme on Tuesday in Owerri, said it was aimed to promote skills development and financial independence among retirees.

Fasanya who was represented by the Assistant Director, Enterprise Development and Promotion, Mr Tunde Oloidi, said the programme would be on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).

He said this would not only alleviate poverty but also promote self-reliance.

He added that the programme would enhance participants engagement in productive ventures as they would be provided with starter packs in vulcanising and food processing at the end of the training.

Oloidi noted that the decision to focus on food processing and vulcanising stemmed from the assessment exercise conducted by the state manager of the agency.

It is a programme designed to provide entrepreneurship skills, refresher vocational skills and provision of empowerment materials to fill capacity gaps of the target group.

This will ensure they earn income through filling the artisanal gap in Nigeria and consequently promote skills development among retirees, he said.

He further commended the state Governor, Hope Uzodimma, for providing an enabling environment for MSMEs to thrive in the state.

Also, Mr Paul Ozumba, the Commissioner for Labour, Productivity and Employment, commended SMEDAN for promoting job creation and empowerment in the state.

Ozumba, who was represented by Mr Kelechi Ekomaru, a staff member of the ministry also commended the agency for including Imo in the programme and urged beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity.

Earlier, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Dr Josiah Ugochukwu, said the programme was a welcome innovation and perfect for pensioners.

He said most pensioners had nothing to fall back on after retirement and as such, would greatly benefit from the programme.

This is a well thought out programme and it is a welcome development; most of us have been idle because we have nothing to fall back on after retirement.

This will go a long way in alleviating the idleness while giving us a chance to earn a little more in addition to our pension and help us with our responsibilities, he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Bridget Ikyado

Chief Vincent Ighile, President of Edo Community Leaders Association in the FCT, has urged the Federal Government to complete the dualisation of the Benin-Auchi-Okene road, which has turned into a death trap.

Ighile made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after a stakeholders meeting of the association in Abuja.

He said that the government should hasten work on the road project to save lives of commuters using the road.

According to him, the road has completely broken down and required immediate intervention.

The terrible state of the road is causing untold hardship to our people back home and has prevented them from pursuing their day-to-day activities.

Most crops get bad due to the delay in transportation from the source to its destination while commuters now lose quality hours as a result of the traffic gridlock, he added.

The association president said it was more cheaper now to travel by air than drive through the dilapidated Benin-Auchi-Okene road.

Ighile said that they have made several appeal on government to repair the road before it becomes completely impassable.

The road has become a death trap and spot for kidnappers to carry out their evil activities, the association president added.

He, therefore, appealed to the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola and members of the National Assembly to save the situation.

Look at the sufferings and untold hardships of the good people of Edo and commuters who hold their hearts in their hands when using the road.

Commuters at times spend days on the road when heavy trucks fall or vehicles break down, he said.

Ighile also said many commuters have died as a result of accidents on the road while some were abducted by gunmen who take advantage of the bad state of the road to perpetrate their criminal activities.

He advised the government to have a sincere culture of road maintenance instead of waiting till the complete collapse of a road before intervening.

The cost of maintaining roads is cheaper than constructing new ones, well continue to engage with the government to ensure the completion of the dualisation of the road, he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulations Commission (NUPRC) says it will ensure that regulations and key policies necessitated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 are developed and gazetted.

The commission said this would enable the industry operators to align their operations with the PIA 2021 provisions as quickly as possible.

Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive, NUPRC, said this on Monday in Abuja at the opening of second phase of its consultation with stakeholders on regulations development as mandated by Section 216 of the PIA.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the seven draft regulations to be considered include Acreage Management (Drilling and Production) Regulations and Upstream Petroleum Environmental Regulations.

Others are Upstream Petroleum Environmental Remediation Fund Regulations; Upstream Petroleum Safety Regulations; Unitisation Regulations; Upstream Petroleum Decommissioning and Abandonment Regulations and Frontier Exploration Fund Regulations.

Komolafe, represented by Capt. John Tomla, Executive Commissioner, Health, Safety, Environment and Community, NUPRC, said that the consultation was in furtherance of the initial regulations reviewed in April.

He recalled that six draft regulations were presented for discussion in April during the first phase of its consultations with stakeholders which included Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Host Communities Development Regulations and Royalty Regulations.

Other regulations reviewed were Domestic Gas Delivery Obligation Regulations; Nigeria Conversion and Renewal (Licence and Lease) Regulations; Petroleum Licensing Round Regulations and Upstream Petroleum Fees and Rents Regulations.

He said that stakeholders inputs from the engagement were incorporated where necessary, in the draft regulations which were forwarded to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for vetting, legislative standardisation and approval.

According to him, one of the regulations, the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Host Community Development Trust regulations, has been gazetted while the remaining five have been finalised and ready for gazette.

Our commitment to create an enabling environment for growth and investments in the Upstream Oil and Gas industry in Nigeria has steered our focus towards working with all stakeholders, he said.

He reiterated that the process of formulating the above regulations had been rigorous because they were products of critical evaluation and hard work by the commissions regulation development team and the Presidential Implementation Committee on PIA.

He called for robust and intellectual discussion on the regulations to come out with robust regulations with best international best standard.

Dr Joseph Tolorunse, Commission Head of Compliance and Enforcement, said that the forum served as an avenue to listen to stakeholders views on the regulations and secure their buy-in which would determine PIAs implementation.

Tolorunse said for theory and practice of administrative rule making had poignantly shown that if regulation entities were part of regulations making, compliance would be achieved by more than 100 per cent.

With this procedure of rulemaking, it is believed that consensus will be built, trust between the regulator and the regulated entities will improve and ultimately the regulations will be easier to implement and sustained.

The three-day forum has in attendance officials from the oil and gas operators, World Bank, Indigenous and International Oil Companies and other stakeholders in the industry.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Kayode Olaitan

Source: NAN News

By Joan Nwagwu

The Federal Government says it will adjust workers salaries to meet the current realities in the economy of the country.

Sen. Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Employment said this at the public presentation of the NLC of 40 publication titled, Contemporary History of Working Class Struggles on Monday in Abuja.

Ngige said that the Federal Government was very much aware that the N30,000 National Minimum Wage had depreciated.

Yes the inflation has increased worldwide and it is not confined to Nigeria, that is why in many jurisdiction, it is an adjustment of wages right now.

We as the Nigerian government, we shall adjust in confirmative with what is happening in wages.

More importantly, the 2019 National Minimum Wage Act, right now has a clause for the review, which we started then, I do not know whether it is due next year or 2024.

But before then, the adjustment of wages will reflect what is happening in the economy,just as government has started the adjustment with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), he said.

The minister also explained that the Federal Government did not take ASUU to court over the prolonged strike of the union as some people claimed.

Ngige said he would have failed in his duties if he did not refer the matter to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) after seven months of protracted discussions and negotiations with the union, which failed.

He recalled that ASUU was at the stage of Collective Bargaining(CBA) negotiation with their employers, the Federal Ministry of Education when they embarked on strike.

He regretted that the ASUU leadership did not even understand the import of CBA negotiation because they lacked the nutrients of labour unionism.

According to him, we have to counsel our brothers on negotiation. No negotiation is forced. You cannot say it is either you give me 200 per cent or I will continue my strike.

There are laws guiding strike. There are ILO principles on right to strike. Nobody can take it away.

But, there are things that follow it when you embark on strike as a worker and they are enshrined in the laws of our land.

It is written in Trade Dispute Act. The ILO principles of strike talks about the right of a worker to withdraw services. There is also right to picket. These are things that are done.

Nigeria is respected in ILO. Some people said Federal Government took ASUU to court. No. I referred the matter after seven months of protracted discussions and negotiations that failed, he said.

Ngige recalled that he conciliated the dispute twice, first on Feb. 22, one week after the commencement of the strike and some agreements were reached, and he brought everybody back on March 1 for another conciliation.

He added that the only thing left was going back to the Federal Ministry of Education for the renegotiation of the 2013 agreement.

Some people are saying 2009 agreement. The 2009 agreement has been renegotiated in 2013/2014 with the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. It is an anathema to use 2009 agreement.

What is left is the renegotiation of their conditions of service, which is their right. It should be done but they are negotiating it under the principle of offer and acceptance and it broke down irretrievably there at the Federal Ministry of Education.

That kick-started Section 17 of the Trade Dispute Act whereby the Minister of Labour and Employment, whoever it is, if you dont transmit according to the dictates of Section 17, TDA, 2004, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

This means you would have failed in your function. Therefore, I had to transmit, he said.

Ngige, however, said the transmission did not mean that the matter could not be settled out of court.

He said either of the parties involved; the Federal Ministry of Education and ASUU could approach the NICN for out of court settlement.

He maintained that Nigeria must be guided by laws and nobody should use the dispute to harass anybody.

The pro-chancellors said they want to do counter offer. I told them to do it as quickly as possible. Those are ingredients of labour relations.

It is not enough if you misinform your membership. That should be a disservice. We should read through things as it is and interpret same way. If I leave them in education, they will stay there two years,Ngige said.

On the 40 years of NLC, Ngige said: A fool at 40 is a fool forever. A wiseman at 40 is a wise man forever. NLC is a wise man forever. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

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Edited by Grace Yussuf

Source: NAN News

By Tosin Kolade

A Development Training Institute, Coinmac International, on Monday advised the Nigerian Government to adopt Geographic Information System (GIS) to improve tax collection in the country.

Coinmac Managing Director, Mr Ayo Salam spoke at the opening of a training workshop on Tax Policy, Fiscal Analysis and Revenue Forecasting for FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) in Abuja.

Salam said there was the need for all business owners, informal sectors, service providers and organisations to be forced to pay tax, saying an effective tax administration is knowing who the taxpayers are, where they are located.

He said that every citizen must be subjected to the law to pay tax from their income.

According to him, there is the need for all tiers of government to diversify its revenue base by seeking alternative means of revenue generation as the dwindling oil revenue is worrisome.

Government needs to practically shift attention from oil to development of other revenue sources, especially non-oil exports to support Internally Generated Revenue from taxes.

The reliability of the institutional framework for tax processing and enforcement must not be questionable to ensure sustainable development through taxation.

GIS can provide an efficient and improved system to not only increase revenue collection, but to monitor the prices and identify defaulters.

Salam said that most revenue service organisations had adopted GIS in implementation of their duties, adding that an efficient GIS could store accurate information on tax payable and monitored virtually.

He said FCT was a reference point for tax administration in Nigeria as tax collection stood at N188 billion, surpassing projected revenue target of N109 billion in 2021.

He said implementing blockchain technology for tax compliance would be an opportunity for taxes to be collected on goods and services consumed on different electronic platforms.

Training Facilitator, Mr Muhammad Sabiu, said the FCT-IRS had made huge strides in tax system with enrollment of more than 1.2 million people into its revenue collection system.

He said that had led to the collection of the highest revenue since inception, saying there was a Withholding Tax of N26 billion in 2021.

Sabiu said Nigerias continued reliance on oil was not sustainable as the global market dwindled, calling for more Nigerians to pay taxes for economic growth and development.

Nigerians keep complaining about poor infrastructural development and others, we can do more by funding all we want ourselves when we pay taxes.

Nigerians should pay taxes if they do not want government to borrow, in the UK, you pay 40 per cent on inheritance tax, and so many other things.

Lecturers are calling for more funding for the institutions, if we have a good tax system, all these things can be sorted out. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Source: NAN News

By Ahmed Ubandoma

Three-days after the alleged gruesome murder of a 22-year-old Kano lady Ummukulsum Buhari by her Chinese lover, a public affairs analyst Mr Abdul-Aziz Yusuf, urges parents to always monitor their daughters dealings with male.

Yusuf gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Monday in Abuja.

He also emphasised the need to caution parents, especially mothers to guide their daughters properly in their quest to choose their future husbands without recourse to the material things.

Parents, especially mothers should put extra efforts in seeing that their female children dont fall into relationships that are capable of harming them and they should lead by example.

Its worrisome that many of the bad habits some children learn come from their parents because they usually follow our footsteps.

Ladies should learn to report cases of harassments, as it can harm them in the process of the relationship, Its sad that Ummukulsum is dead.

Her death should serve as a lessons to our other ladies who are in such kind of relationships, he said.

The analyst also enjoined parents to take close-watch on the interactions of their daughters with their male friends to be in the know and put them on the right path.

NAN reports that, the deceased was allegedly stabbed to death on Sept. 16, by her Chinese lover, Geng Quanrong, 47 years, at Janbulo quarters, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano after a series of misunderstanding (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Grace Yussuf

Source: NAN News

By Mustapha Yauri

Mr Sunday Dare, the Minister of Sports, Youth and Social Development, has urged tertiary institutions to review and update the curriculum for the training of physical health educators towards harnessing the entrepreneurial opportunities in sports.

The minister made the appeal during the 50th National Conference of National Association for Physical, Health Education, Recreation, Sports and Dance (NAPHER-SD) in Zaria.

The conference was titled: Business potentials and tapping in the profession of physical, health education recreation, sports and dance.

The minister said the draft National Sports Industry Policy developed by the ministry in collaboration with Nigeria Economic Summit Group has re-classified sports from recreation to business.

Dare, represented by Prof. Olawale Moronkola, Director-General, National Institute for Sports, said the intent of the policy was to turn sport into a vehicle for empowerment, development and growth through sports industrialisation agenda.

He, therefore, described sports as a big-time business with many entrepreneurial opportunities to explore in the areas of selling and marketing of (products, rights and services) and running gym/fitness centres.

Other areas include sports media, sports equipment manufacturing, sport clubs and consultancy services, among others.

The minister, who restated the commitment of the government to provide an enabling environment, urged tertiary institutions to tailor their curriculum in line with new trends in the sector.

Earlier, Prof. Rafiu Okuneye, the President NAPHER-SD, said the theme of the conference was a wake-up call; the association believed in and keyed into.

Through this forum, the association would enhance the propagation further that sports is business, recreation is business and dance is business. The time to identify and explore all business potentials in our profession is now, he said.

The Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Prof. Kabiru Bala said physical education was one of the disciplines with numerous job opportunities such as teaching, sports coaching, sports management and exercise science, among others.

Bala, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics, Prof. Danladi Ameh, said there was a need for a transparent and credible manner to engage the private sector to collaborate, ensure deliverables to the practitioners in the sector.

For his part, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, Chairman, National Institute for Sports, also urged the association to redouble effort and work closely with state governments toward reviving sports in primary and secondary schools.

We used to have Physical Education and later physical health education, but this component of education is almost gone in schools.

Go to our primary and secondary schools you will not see facilities for physical education or physical health education classes.

I think this association has a role to play in bringing this lost glory back in schools, Galadima said.

He also tasked the association to have strong and vibrant state chapters with a view to promote sports and education to enable the younger generation come up with sound education and sports together.

He said the association in collaboration with its key stakeholders need to do more in promoting sports and education towards harnessing the business potentials in sports. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Source: NAN News

By Ibironke Ariyo

Nineteen persons have been confirmed killed while eight others injured in a Sunday auto crash at Yangoji-Gwagwalada Road in the FCT.

Mr Dauda Biu, Acting Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, confirmed the figures to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) when he visited the accident scene.

Biu said the crash which occurred minutes into Sunday involved three vehicles two Toyota Hiace buses with registration numbers MUB- 30 LG and DWR-985 XJ and an articulated vehicle.

Biu said 31 persons were involved in the accident comprising 11 males, one female and 19 others who were charred beyond recognition.

Out of the 31 victims, eight persons comprising of seven males and one female sustained varying degrees of injuries, while 19 others were burnt beyond recognition.

Investigation showed that the main causes of the crash were speed limit violation and wrongful overtaking which eventually resulted in loss of control, he said.

According to him, the Toyota Hiace bus with Registration Number MUB- 30 LG, crashed into the Citroen articulated vehicle and burst into flames, killing everyone on board.

The second bus hit the first bus from behind and also caught fire. Fire melted the second bus with Bauchi State number plate.

It was coming from Takai, Kano State while heading to Benin. The Citroen vehicle loaded chicken feeds from Zaria in Kaduna State and was heading to Akwa Ibom.

The nineteen corpses were trapped but extricated by rescue operatives, Biu said.

He added that police had taken over the investigation and met with relevant authorities for the mass burial of 18 of the mutilated corpses.

The bodies could not be preserved for identification as they were burnt beyond recognition.

Clearing of obstructions for free flow of traffic is still ongoing as you can see and we will do our best to ensure we have a crash-free society.

Injured victims were taken to a nearby hospital in Kwali in the FCT and one identified male corpse was deposited at the mortuary at Kwali General Hospital, he said.

Biu cautioned road users to always avoid excessive speeding, wrongful overtaking and other bad driving behaviours.

He also admonished commuters to always plan their trips to fall within day time and avoid night trips because of hazards associated with dark hours.

He also re-emphasised that the Corps would step up both sensitisation of the motoring public and enhance its patrol activities to deter traffic violators.

He admonished the public to always call the FRSC toll free line 122 and the National Traffic Radio 107.1 FM which were always available for all road users to report emergencies at any given time.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Acting Corps Marshal was accompanied by the management team and other rescue operatives. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Alli Hakeem

Source: NAN News