By Dorathy Aninge

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has trained some youths from Angwan Jukun Community in Makurdi, Benue State on Age Appropriate Sexuality Education.

Speaking at the close of the two-day training on Saturday in Makurdi, Mr Steve Aborishade, the Advocacy and Marketing Manager of the foundation in Nigeria, said that the training was aimed at addressing sexually transmitted diseases in community.

Aborishade said that the exercise was in collaboration with Education as a Vaccine (EVA).

Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) can contribute to reducing HIV, STIs, and pregnancies among adolescents and young people.

This training will empower them with the information and skills to make meaningful and informed choices that can protect them from abuse, exploitation, and infections.he said.

Aborishade said the exercise would also address rising incidences of unintended pregnancies and abortion among young girls and its attendant consequences.

He attributed promiscuity by young people to the high poverty level of most parents, which makes the children vulnerable as they try to make ends meet.

Most of these girls date older men for the money, whereas these men have other sexual partners which makes them prone to infections from unprotected sex.

This intervention can empower adolescents and young persons to negotiate safe sex or abstain from sex, Steve said.

He explained that the trained youth would serve as champions of Age Appropriate Comprehensive Sexual Education in the community.

He also said that AHF and its partners would work with the participants individually toward achieving the desired goals.

Aborishade also said that each participant was expected to train 12 persons in a group and work with them to cascade the knowledge down to other young people in the community.

One of the participants, Miss Catherine Sunday, 27, thanked the foundation for impacting them with the appropriate knowledge on sexuality.

She said that the training had improved her self confidence to talk about issues concerning sexuality to her friends.

She noted the high rate of abortion, unplanned pregnancy, sexual abuse and rape in the community, and expressed confidence that the training would help to change the narrativesl.

Another participant, Miss Salamatu Abdullahi, 16, said that the training had exposed her to what with her parents or teachers couldnt teach at home or in school.

Abdullahi, who said her friend dropped put of school owing to unwanted pregnancy, promised to cascade the knowledge she acquired from the training to other young people in the community.

She thanked AHF for putting up such a programme and promised to keep her own part of the bargain by educating her peers about sex and sexuality.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the foundation alongside its partners, recently inaugurated a Community Committee on Comprehensive Age Appropriate Sexuality Education in the community.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Polycarp Auta and Isaac Ukpoju

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

They Nigerian Army says it will not be deterred by mischief makers and enemies of the country trying to create disharmony in the service.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig;-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu was reacting to a fake report by some online media that the voluntary retirement of some personnel was due to corruption, poor condition of service and low morale in the Army.

The spokesman said the enemies of the country have again failed in their efforts to dampen the morale and fighting will of loyal, dedicated and patriotic fighting force of the Nigerian army.

Nwachukwu said that Nigerian army was not a conscript army, but an organisation entered into voluntarily and with clear policy on discharge and retirement of soldiers and officers.

He said that Army personnel have the right to apply for voluntary discharge, when they deemed it fit and also met the terms and conditions.

The Army spokesman advised the mischief makers to be abreast of the Armys 2017 revised Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service of Soldiers/Ratings/Airmen, so as to stop embarrassing themselves in the eye of the public.

It is thus, the inalienable right of a personnel to voluntarily or on medical grounds, apply for discharge, if they meet the terms.

It is therefore not an aberration that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt;-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, granted approval for 91 NA/32/4792 WO Ndagana Ishiaku and 242 others to voluntarily discharge from the Nigerian Army, as being unprofessionally manipulated by some media, he said.

Nwachukwu said that the COAS had made critical intervention on troops welfare to raise their morale in the theatre of operations.

He added that the interventions included provision of car and housing loans, construction and renovation of accommodations, as well as residences and vehicles for Regimental Sergeant Majors.

Others include the provision of scholarship to children and wards of fallen heroes and other unique interventions in the theatres of operation to sustain and heighten the morale of troops, he said.

These interventions evidently account for troops game changing onslaught in the North East.

It must also be mentioned, that the quantum of equipment that have been injected into the theatres and prompt payment of operational allowances, have all turned the tide against the insurgents.

Also worthy of note is the welfare flight for troops, which has significantly reduced the burden of troops travelling in and out of the theatres.

In addition to huge commitment on the medical needs of wounded-in-action soldiers and the barracks communities.

Equally important, is the fact that troops are now being regularly and consciously rotated from the frontline, hence, issues of overstay and battle fatigue are gradually being overcome, he said.

Nwachukwu said that some of the recently discharged soldiers were beneficiaries of the COAS giant strides in welfare interventions.

He said that the COAS congratulated the those leaving the Army for their gallantry, patriotism, loyalty and courage while in service and wished them the very best.

Nwachukwu said the COAS would continue to make direct impact on the welfare and wellbeing of both serving and retired personnel.

He said a luncheon has been planned for retired commanders to honour them for their services to the nation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Maharazu Ahmed

Source: NAN News

By Angela Atabo

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Global Ambassadors (BATGA), a support group for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate of Sen. Bola Tinubu has recalled how he risked his life for Nigeria in the past.

Mr Kayode Olabode, National Coordinator (BATGA), disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

Olabode said the former Lagos State governor had been working and putting his life in harms way for cause tailored towards making Nigeria work.

He said that it is time for the nation to reciprocate the gesture by supporting Tinibu to win presidential election in 2023.

Even when he was in the United States, he was there for Late MKO Abiola during his presidential campaign.

He was a major supporter of Afenifere and NADECO pro-Democrats and good governance against the military junta.

He came back home to contribute immensely to make Nigeria great. Lets use Lagos State as a case study.

As an Executive Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu stood his ground and ensured that he created 37 LCDAs in addition to 20 LGAs making a total of 57 LGA.

Olabode said that this created lot of employments for Lagos Youths both Indigenes and non-indigenes.

He added that even when the then President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo stopped Lagos State Allocation,he managed the states IGR prudently and ensured he didnt owe any civil servants.

Olabode urged Nigerians in diaspora to see Tinubu as case study of a transformational leader and a political strategist.

He described his record as feats no governor in the country since return of democracy could match.

Prosperity will not forgive any Nigerian who fails to support Tinubu. Hes like the messiah Nigerians have been clamouring for, he said.

Olabode said the opportunity for Nigerians in Diaspora to drum up support for one of their own to get elected as president of Nigeria has come.

He said that this would make them to be part of his government that would make Nigeria work.

Olabode further added that citizens should be more concerned about a Nigeria that works rather than ethnic politics .

He appealed to those clamouring for secession to sheath thier swords , join hands to build the country by channelling their energy, time, and resources towards that direction.

It is actually funny how some of these people protest in foreign lands and United Nations headquarters,sadly, even if they protest on the moon, their request will not be granted.

Dividing the country will not make any part of the country a better nation whether Yoruba Nation or Biafra.

What every Nigerian needs at this point is to have a reorientation and change of mindset towards our country.

It is time to be more patriotic and work effortlessly towards building a Nigeria that works rather than tribalistic Yoruba and Biafra Nation.

You cant be living peacefully and comfortably wherever you are and be fuelling a crisis in your motherland.

Nobody needs a soothsayer to know that dividing Nigeria at the moment is not the solution to the myriads of problems bedeviling the country,he said

He said that there is no country without challenges,however, with collective effort of its citizenry some of the endless challenges could be amicably resolved.

He urged all support groups and citizens for Tinubu and Shettima not to be deterred by negative comments of othe groups both online or offline but concentrate on building a formidable team in wards to guarantee victory. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

ATAB/JTJ

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Muhammad Nasir

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State, has urged the state government to halt the planned transfer of the salaries of junior workers from the Ministry of Local Governments to the Local Governments.

Alhaji Isa Sadiq-Achida, the state APC Chairman, gave the advice in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto on Saturday.

Sadiq-Achida said, the state chapter reliably learnt of the move, which was intended to be used as a political weapon against staffers suspected of supporting parties other than the ruling party in the state.

It is instructive to note that, for years now, there have been calls for the granting of financial autonomy to Local Government Councils, as contained in the relevant laws.

This was practised by previous administrations in the State. But, unfortunately, the calls have all along fallen on deaf ears.

However, within the past few weeks, in the wake of growing discomfort on the part of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), administration in Sokoto, the ministry for LG announced plans of the staff salaries transfer.

Therefore, let me warn that the APC will resist any attempt to infringe on the rights of every law abiding citizen by way of withholding his salary, for political reasons.

The APC Chairman added that the new found love of local government staff by the state government was both surprising and suspicious.

Otherwise, how can a government that has defied all calls by well meaning citizens, for the past three years, suddenly decide to introduce this half-measure.

If the government is indeed serious and sincere in wanting to improve the LG system in the state, it should rather fulfill its promise of paying N30,000 minimum wage to LG staff and Primary School Teachers.

It should equally release the LG funds being held in its custody and which we have reason to believe is mostly being illegally diverted to inexplicable purposes, he alleged.

He said the sincerity of the government will enable the LGs to execute life-changing projects for their people.

Sadiq-Achida said, this is the best and most effective way to transform the LG system and improve the security situation in the state as well as make life worth living in the rural areas.

Reacting to the allegations, Alhaji Abdullahi Hausawa, the spokesperson of PDP in the state said the gesture was intended to give more powers to the local governments.

This is a system which was practised long ago, but later following a verification committees recommendations, the junior officers salary was moved to the ministry.

So, the state governments decision followed the calls by the people to give more powers to the LGs, to make them more active and ensure the staffers diligent in their duties.

Moreover, there are many senior and junior officers who are supporting different political parties and the government has not stopped their salaries as alleged by APC, he said.

Hausawa, who is also the Commissioner of Home Affairs, restated the state governments commitment to continue to protect the rights of all citizens in the state, irrespective of their political or religious leanings.

(NAN) (www.nannews.ng

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Mogbede

The All Progressives Congress (APC) 2023 Presidential Campaign Council has said that the list of members of the council being circulated on social media and published by some online news platforms is unofficial.

Mr Bayo Onanuga, Director of Media and Publicity of the council, said in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, that the purported list did not emanate from the council.

He, therefore, urged the public to disregard it, adding that the partys leadership and its presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu would formally unveil the campaign council.

Onanuga said that the party understood the interest of the general public in the APC and its presidential candidate.

He, however, urged the media to exercise restraint in disseminating information that were not correct.

While quoting the Secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Mr James Faleke, Onanuga said that the various directorates of the campaign were still being put together.

He said it was being done in consultation with the APC governors and other critical stakeholders. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Shuaib Sadiq/Bashir Rabe Mani

Source: NAN News

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

A political support group, Buharists for Tinubu (B4T) says Sen. Bola Tinubu, stands the best chance to win the 2023 presidential election.

Convener of B4T, Dr Uche Diala, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

According to Diala, Tinubu is the candidate to beat due to his nationalist stature.

The chances of Tinubu in the 2023 presidential polls could not be any brighter.

With an exceptional track record of performance, exceptional leadership credentials,a pan-Nigerian and nationalist stature, there is no surprise why he is the candidate to beat.

His pro-democracy credentials and his performance as governor of Lagos state clearly stand him out, he said.

He, however, said there was need to make effort to convince more Nigerians on the immense development potentials of Tinubu succeeding President Muhammadu Buhari.

All that is needed is to get even more Nigerians to see the need to elect a proven achiever.

We shall respectfully make many more Nigerians see that to ensure a landslide victory, he said.

.

Diala described Tinubu as detribalised, self-confident, liberal and independent minded; with a nationalistic flair.

These are exceptionally strong qualities that undoubtedly qualify him as the best suited of all the candidates for a time as this, he said.

On the controversy surrounding his choice of former Borno governor, Sen. Kashim Shettima as running mate, Diala said that the choice was guided purely by political consideration.

I totally appreciate and respect the sentiments of those Nigerians who feel uncomfortable about the same faith ticket, especially the sincere ones.

But, like I have said on several other fora, it is a needless controversy. That was a purely political decision; one that was not premeditated nor planned by the APC.

Tinubu, a southerner, having emerged as presidential candidate through a clearly democratic and transparent process, needed to balance the ticket in such a way that would guarantee greater chances of victory.

With the choice of Shettima, a fair, liberal-minded Nigerian, I am even more confident that we can achieve more.

Both of them will surely build on the key foundations that have been laid by the Buhari administration, he said.

Diala added that if elected, Tinubu would address current and evolving challenges; including insecurity, the economy and move the nation even closer to its potentials.

He urged Nigerian to set aside ethnic and religious sentiments and elect a nationalist-without-borders who had the capacity to build the nation.

Diala added the B4T group was informed by the desire to unite supporters of Buhari to elect a successor that will consolidate and improve on his achievements.

There is no question that running on the APC platform, Tinubu will inherit the assets and liabilities of Buhari and the ruling party.

He will no doubt run on his exceptional track record as former executive governor of Lagos state, but equally, on the manifesto, legacies and achievements of the last seven years.

We do not have any challenge whatsoever selling Tinubu to Nigerians, because he comes more relevantly qualified than any of the other candidates.

With his excellent track record as ex-governor in Lagos state, plus all the excellent work done and ongoing by the Buhari administration, Tinubu stands a better chance for victory in 2023, he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Source: NAN News

By Bridget Ikyado

The UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, has commended Nigerian women for their drive in enhancing empowerment for economic development.

Eyong gave the commendation on Friday, in Abuja when she received a delegation from the National leadership of the Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigerian (WOWICAN)

According to her, involving non government agencies and having other interreligious partnerships for women empowerment is a wise decision to grow an association and the country at large.

She noted that interrelationships also promoted peace in a nation and enhanced growth and development.

Partnering traditional rulers and getting to the grassroots is very necessary for effective and efficient services, child education, challenges in capacity building and cooperative management, personal hygiene are critical and would be looked into, she said.

She urged the women not to allow their children and wards get involved in electoral violence and malpractices such as rigging, vote buying and selling which had a long term negative effects on the society.

She said that UN Women had developed a new five-year plan from 2023 to 2027, known as Our Strategic Notes, adding that the plan was done in a unique way.

We went round the six geo political zones and had town hall meetings; we met with the women and ensured they spoke out, expressing themselves.

They told us what they wanted, how they wanted it and why. We seek to know the issues and how they could be curbed.

She noted that a holistic involvement programme which was multifaceted, multidimensional was developed as womens needs were not the same and thus should be captured as presented by affected persons.

Eyong also said that her office had collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and other relevant agencies in how to tackle gender issues.

She said that the UN women would partner them in all they had listed for empowerment and curbing gender based issues as it concerned national development.

She further told them that the Federal Government had approved two major programmes initiated by the UN Women with other UN donor in support.

Eyong listed the programmes as rural women economic programme and the market women transformative initiative.

The first which is the rural women economic programme, as we all know agriculture is the countrys backbone, we want to ensure food security and reinforce women capacity.

We will inform and educate them of the market generally, hygiene and how to sell their produce anywhere by stating the details, price, quantity and location as companies and other countries will be involved in the trade.

The second, which is the market women transformative initiative, food wastage and storage is a key factor resulting to poverty and all farmers should note and have a way to go around this.

These farmers need to be transformed from informal to formal ways of carrying out their activities, she said.

She assured them that the UN Women was with them for any women empowerment programme leading to national development.

We are a credible partner and will like to work with you and the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) including the Muslim women.

In his speech, Osalobo Osemhenjie, Programme Specialist, Womens Leadership and Participation, said women involvement and participation was critical as the general elections approached.

We are going to different institutions, strengthening women leadership capacity. This will enable them observe elections to mitigate Gender based violence and other election violence.

We also collaborate with the media, political candidates, political parties, traditional rulers and the National Centre for Women Development, she said.

Earlier, Deaconess Victoria Ihesiulor, National President, Women Wing of the CAN commended that UN Women , stressing that they had come to seek for partnership in women development programmes.

She sought for continuous assistance by the UN Women in gender equality globally, womens empowerment and the girl child education.

Our education programmes have helped out over 5,000 vulnerable families with educational materials, as well as adult literacy for educationally disadvantaged single mothers who are victims of rapes or had been abandoned.

We have equally helped 3,500 educationally disadvantaged mothers to read and write at the basic levels.

Other areas she listed included economic empowerment to address challenges of capacity in business management for women.

The women also specially invited the UN Women representative to their national convention coming up in October in Enugu.

She said WOWICAN had membership strength of over 48 million women and girls across Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Femi Ogunshola

Raymond Emamezi Okoro also known as RayEm has released an eight-track album titled: Albedo, the album includes his previously released singles, New Life and Jason.

The singer, while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday said Albedo is his third project as an upcoming artist.

He said the technical meaning of Albedo is the amount of light something reflects compared to the amount of light it receives.

In Albedo, I reflect the different kinds of light I have received in different ways. Many people think you have to be one thing or the other, and thats what Albedo serves to disapprove.

The fast rising artist said that the project was special and very personal to him, adding that he was exploring two extreme sides of himself.

He said that both sides were the outcome of influence and experience with one side being love and the other side being life on the streets.

The main themes of Albedo are fatherhood, change, love, commitment, determination, and confidence.

RayEm, who got married in 2021 and just had a son, said one of the tracks, New Life was inspired by the birth of his son and portrayed how the experience had changed his world.

He said that it was designed to calm the soul and make the listener think about and appreciate life, adding that the Sabalibella track is dedicated true life-long love.

On the other hand, theres Jason and Sekede which are amapiano-styled street and club anthems and express determination and confidence to succeed.

The artist said Albedo had been well received by music lovers and fans alike, adding that it was a project he would allow to digest before releasing another.

And by that, I mean music videos and other forms of content to flesh out the art and drive it home for the fans and listeners.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Grace Yussuf

Source: NAN News

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has rolled out regional awareness and sensitisation workshops on the importance of Codex Alimentarius standards and codes of practice for food safety.

This is contained in a statement on Friday in Abuja, by Mr David Tsokar, Communications Specialist for FAO.

Tsokar said the aim of the awareness/sensitisation was to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair practices in the international food trade.

He said this would be achieved by educating the key stakeholders on the importance of the food safety standards and codes.

He explained that the awareness would also ensure the safety, quality and fairness in international food trade, the Codex Alimentarius or Food Code.

This is a collection of international standards, guidelines and codes of practice adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, he said.

He also said that during the awareness raising workshops in Kano and Lagos States, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, who chairs the National Codex Committee (NCC), highlighted the issues of food safety practices to participants.

He advised them to pay attention to quality and standards in food production and processing, to ease trade facilitation, especially at the international markets.

The NCC membership in Nigeria is made of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, the Private sector, All Farmers Association, Research Institutes and the Food Industry.

The Minister pointed out that little or no attention was given to the issue of safety, quality and standards in food production, processing and trading and that it was high time to take the message down to the grassroots for awareness, Tsokar said.

Similar, Director-General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Malam Farouk Salim, harped on the need for enhanced synergy between regulatory agencies, the private sector and research institutes.

He said this would continually contribute to the efforts of ensuring food safety in the country.

Mr Fred Kafeer, FAO Representative in Nigeria, noted that food safety is an essential path to sustainable food security and could be attained by establishing workable food safety control systems.

Kafeer, represented by the projects Focal Point, Mrs. Saadiya Haliru, also notedthat the safety control systems could transform to international food standards.

Among the recommendations made was Local Education Levels Communication (IEC) handbooks by FAO, interpreted and translated into different local languages for distribution.

Recommendation was also made to include journalists in the membership of NCC to effectively assist in the dissemination of information.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Deborah Coker/Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Angela Atabo

The Christian Aid UK in Nigeria, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) on Friday said anestimated 8.4 million women, men and children need humanitarian assistance in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.

Mr Temitope Fashola, Country Director of the group disclosed this at a news conference to mark the 2022 World Humanitarian Day in Abuja.

The theme for this years celebration is: The Human Race; It Takes a Village.

According to Fashola, the conflict in North-East Nigeria has generated an alarming and large-scale humanitarian and protection crises, that show no sign of abating.

He said the group had been delivering humanitarian assistance to conflict and crisis-affected people across nine states of Adamawa, Anambra, Benue, Borno, Delta, Gombe, Kaduna, Kogi and Plateau.

The country director noted that the organisation with its humanitarian response team of 60 staff and 38 volunteers, had been working in different locations to respond to the needs caused by floods, violent clashes and insurgency.

He said that communities of intervention include: Biu, Bayo, Hawul, Mafa and Kwayo Kusar Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Borno, as well as in Michika and Madaggali LGAs in Adamawa.

In 2022 alone, an estimated 8.4 million women, men and children are in need of some form of humanitarian assistance in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) states, with over 2.2 million displaced people.

According to the March 2022 Cadre Harmonise, there are 4.1 million people at risk of hunger this lean season, normally lasting from June to September.

Among them is an estimated 587.955 people, who are projected to be at emergency levels (phase4). This crisis is happening to a population that is already highly vulnerable, as millions of people have been pushed into survival mode.

Malnutrition is increasing and threatening the survival of more than a million highly vulnerable children, approximately 1.74 million children under five, are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition across the north-east in 2022.

Of these, over 300,000 are expected to suffer from sever acute malnutrition and are at high risk of death, if they do not receive urgent treatment, he warned.

Fashola further noted that about 80 per cent of people in need of humanitarian assistance across the North-East states are women and children.

He explained that the development disproportionally affect women and girls, as they face increased risk of violence, such as abduction, rape and domestic abuse.

He said that humanitarians in the region work in extremely challenging circumstances, often risking their lives and safety to reach people in need.

According to him, the security environment is volatile and unpredictable and includes threats to both humanitarian assets and personnel.

Fashola noted that findings by the Aid Worker Security Database (AWSD),since 2015, had shown that 35 aid workers had been killed in the North-East, 22 wounded and 28 kidnapped, adding that so far, in 2022, six aid workers had been kidnapped.

He said the group therefore joined the rest of the world to honour and applaud the thousands of volunteers and professionals.

He added that these persons risked their lives daily to deliver urgent healthcare, shelter, food, protection, water and much more, to crisis-affected and hard to-reach communities.

Just like it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a whole community to help people in need; in an emergency, the first people to respond are always crisis-affected people themselves.

The world may feel fractured right now, but this humanitarian action is evidence that unity and solidarity are still alive and strong, as individuals, our impact is limited, but together, we have tremendous power, he stated.

Fashola encouraged states to invest their own resources in assisting and protecting their citizens in disasters.

According to him, Christian Aid will continue to advocate for governments in Nigeria at all levels, along with the private sector, to mobilise necessary resources to reach vulnerable populations.

He said the group has over 3,000 households benefitting from the ongoing humanitarian responses that cut across food distribution and nutrition, cash distribution, education in emergency, protection, agriculture and WASH.

He said it also has 1,639 households participating in 20 different Income-Generating Activities (IGAs) such as food, processing, tailoring, making of caps, shoes, bags and other wears, bricklaying, production of briquette and energy-efficient stoves.

Fashola said that these interventions were being implemented with a view to meeting the immediate needs of the people, boosting economic growth, creating jobs and improving the overall livelihood(NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Ruth Oketunde

The Redemption Ministries Champions Place, an Abuja-based church, says it has empowered no fewer than 50 youths on requisite skills and capacities to stand out in their various business endeavours.

Mr Hippolite Amadi, the pastor of the church, said that the gesture was geared towards preparing the next generation with the right mindset and requisite skills to guarantee a thriving future.

He said that the event with the theme Sustainable Wealth, was also aimed at raising leaders, capable of managing resources that would bring about national development.

We are hosting the programme because we believe that if we raise and build capacity for youths, there will be multiplying effects.

One person with one talent or skill developed will help and impact the next person and at the end of the day, we will be driving a larger society and Nigeria will be better.

Youths are very vulnerable, if they dont know what they should know and do what they should do, no matter what we do, we will still have issues that we need to address.

We know that government come up with policies that everybody must comply with and we know that they have good intentions but we also need to collaborate with government to see where we can come in to help, he said.

Mr Sam Okoro, Convener of the Programme, said the meeting was borne out of necessity to transform the minds and develop the skills of youths in the society.

This Programme was borne out of a need, mostly because you find people that are perfect in one area and are seriously lacking in another and we want to find a way to balance it out.

If they are Christians for instance, you see that they are spiritual in one part and are lacking in life generally, so we felt we should have a platform share experiences and teach them things.

Where we can arrange lessons and ensure that we have balanced individuals and if a society have more of balanced individuals, some of the ills and disgust we complain about will be taking care of.

Because if we have someone that is perfect in one place and lagging in another place, the lack will always find you out and mess one up eventually, he said.

Mr Emmanuel Sanni, a Human Resource Consultant, said that the event was organised to assist youths with business idea and strengthen start-ups of young entrepreneurs.

We have come together to touch lives because the environment in Nigeria have become so tensed because of lack of job opportunities and inability of people to find their level in life.

And so these few people have decided to bring young people together so that their lives can be touched, so that the right mindset can be created.

Because nobody achieves success without the right mindset and right mindset begins with God and having an idea and running such ideas into their future, he said.

A beneficiary, Mrs Ngozi Amadi, appreciated the church for organising the programme.

I have really benefitted from this programme, it is an awakening for me, my mind is already transformed and I am ready to hit the road, she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Kayode Olaitan

Source: NAN News

By Mohammed Tijjani

The Kaduna State Government said Troops of Operation Forest Sanity have foiled a kidnap attempt, rescued a father, his daughter and one other person in Chikun Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, made the disclosure in a statement on Friday in Kaduna.

Aruwan said Troops of Operation Forest Sanity foiled a kidnap attempt in the Ungwan Madaki general area of Chikun local government area.

This was reported to the Kaduna state government in an operational feedback following the rescue mission in response to a distress call from the area.

According to the report, the troops arrived the area and engaged the bandits, forcing them to flee and abandon their victims.

Three victims were rescued by the troops, a father along with his daughter and one person, he stated.

The commissioner said the Kaduna state government received the feedback with gratitude and praised the troops for their swift response and successful rescue.

The victims have been reunited with their families, Aruwan said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya has called on military commanders to promote synergy and cordiality with other stakeholders in the efforts to surmount the nations security challenges.

Yahaya made the call while delivering a lecture titled, Military Strategic Leadership: My Perspective to participants of the Nigerian Air Force War College Course 8/2022.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Friday in Abuja.

He said that building synergy and cordial working relationship with all stakeholders in the security sector was essential for operational success and attainment of the common goal of defending the nation.

The COAS said that commanders as leaders in the military, should ensure interoperability, integration and synergy with other services, security stakeholders, as well as Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

Earlier, Commandant of the College, AVM Shayo Olatunde, said the training in military strategic leadership was critical in developing the capacity of participants, as future military leaders.

Olatunde expressed appreciation to Yahaya, saying he was the first COAS to deliver a lecture in the college.

Meanwhile, Yahaya has inaugurated the newly constructed 4-bedroom official residence of the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering, Markurdi.

According to Nwachukwu, the COAS said the project was part of effort to meet the welfare of personnel and empower RSMs in the Nigerian army.

The COAS emphasised that the project is one of the welfare programmes aimed at regenerating and strengthening the office of the RSM as custodians of discipline and regimentation in the Nigerian army.

He charged all RSMs to ensure discipline was maintained in all formations and units of the army.

Gen. Yahaya also inaugurated the newly renovated Command Children School as part of several civil military cooperation efforts of the Nigerian army.

The Commandant Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering, Maj.-Gen. Joseph Omali, said the newly inaugurated project would inevitably bring succour to both personnel and the civil community, he added.

Present at the inauguration of the project were the Chief of Operations (Army). Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Akinjobi, Provost Marshal (Army). Maj.-Gen Robert Aiyenigba, Chief of Military Intelligence (Army), Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Salihu and Commander Operation Whirl Stroke, Maj.-Gen. Kevin Aligbe.

Others are Air Officer Commanding, Tactical Air Command, AVM Precious Amadi and Commandant, Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies, Brig.-Gen. Yahaya Abdulhamid. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Source: NAN News

By Bridget Ikyado

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev. Dr Yakubu Pam, says pilgrimage is not Tourism as it requires a lot of patience and sacrifice.

Pam said this when he addressed the 8th batch of intending pilgrims to Israel and Jordan on Thursday at the Pilgrims Terminal, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

According to him, as pilgrims you must endure what you pass through in the course of your pilgrimage journey.

In evangelism, there is no hurry, you are patient and ready to sacrifice.

Pilgrimage is not luxury, it is a journey to an expected end.

He said that it was not a journey that was very easy in all ramifications as you must have patience and must experience delays.

Pam also admonished the intending pilgrims to be of good conduct while at the airport in Israel and Amman, Jordan.

He urged them to cooperate with the airport officials as well as the Commissions staff by obeying instructions.

He intimated the intending pilgrims that the Commission through the Ground Handlers in Israel and Jordan had made all the necessary arrangements that would make their Pilgrimage exercise a hitch free one.

He pointed out that the current cost of Christian Pilgrimage is meant to encourage christians to participate actively in Pilgrimage as the cost is comparatively cheap and affordable, considering many variables.

The cost of Pilgrimage is very cheap because we want to encourage christians to go on Pilgrimage.

Rev Pam further reiterated the importance of Pilgrimage such as serving as a veritable platform for enduring fellowship amongst the pilgrims and more importantly Pilgrimage is for spiritual impartation and transformation.

He congratulated all the intending pilgrims for scaling through the Commissions screening exercise which qualified them to embark on the spiritual journey.

The 8th batch of intending pilgrims were made up of Yobe and Borno contingents as well as Consular. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ese Erica Williams

Source: NAN News

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted below normal to above normal rainfall in the months of August, September and October (called ASO season), across the country.

Its Director-General, Prof. Mansur Matazu, who addressed newsmen in Abuja, quoted the agency as predicting above normal rainfall conditions over the northern states like; Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigwa, Yobe, Borno, Bauchi.

NiMet further predicted normal rainfall conditions over Kebbi, Gombe, northern Kaduna and Adamawa.

Normal to above normal rainfall conditions are expected over most parts of the Southwestern states like Lagos, Ogun, Osun, much of Oyo, Ondo, parts of Ekiti and Edo .

Normal rainfall conditions are expected in the central states, most of Kaduna, Adamawa, Edo, Ekiti, Oyo, parts of Bauchi, Gombe and Ondo.

Normal to Below normal conditions are expected over the South-South and the inland states such as Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu, it said.

The agency said it would continue observing and monitoring rainfall events across the country and for forecasting of various rainfall events on different time scales and lead times.

It further said it would keep rendering provision of early warning products and services and timely dissemination of vital information and advisory services on weather and climate related events.

NiMet said that it would keep up its constructive engagement with all relevant stakeholders for adequate uptake and utilisation of weather, water and climate in formation.

The agency advised states and National Emergency Management Agencies to intensify adaptation, mitigation and response mechanisms.

It further advised states that were expected to experience varying degrees of flood episodes to begin their awareness campaigns through field extension workers for possible response activities especially at the high risk areas.

According to it, measures to prevent mud-like disasters by relevant authorities especially in the South East are advised to be put in place.

It urged the public to heed to other advisories by Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and NEMA. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Chioma Ugboma

Source: NAN News

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has advanced reasons why its meeting with the Prof. Nimi Briggs-led committee of the Federal Government on Aug. 16 ended in deadlock.

The union explained that the deadlock came into being because of a certain award of Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS) said to have been prepared by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to it.

The union, in a press statement signed by its President, ProfEmmanuel Osodeke, on Thursday expressed anger that the award, presented by the Nimi Briggs-led team came in a manner of take-it-or-leave-it , in ordinarily sheet of paper.

The ASUU president said the award salary, was against the principle of collective bargaining based on the Wages Boards and Industrial Councils Decree No. 1 of 1973, the Trade Dispute Act (1976).

He said it was against the ILO Conventions 49 (1948), 91(1950), 154 (1988) and recommendation 153 (1981), Udoji Commission Report of 1974, and Cookey Commission Report of 1981.

According to him,the report also provided a platform for resolving such important issues as special Salaries and Conditions of Service of University Staff, University Funding, roles of Pro Chancellors, Vice-Chancellors, and National Universities Commission (NUC).

He said that a key outcome was a special salary scale for university staff known as University Salary Structure (USS).

He, therefore, said the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, should return to the New Draft Agreement of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Renegotiation Committee, whose work spanned a total of five and half years, as a demonstration of good faith.

According to the statement, tagged: Why ASUU Rejects Governments Award of Salary, the union claimed that government imposed the ongoing strike action on them, and has encouraged it to linger because of its provocative indifference.

The Munzali Jibril-led renegotiation committee, submitted the first Draft Agreement in May 2021 but governments official response did not come until about one year later.

Again, the Award presented by the Nimi Briggs-led Team, came across in a manner of take-it-or-leave-it on a sheet of paper. No serious country in the world treats their scholars this way.

Over the years, particularly since 1992, the union had always argued for, and negotiated a separate salary structure for academics for obvious reasons.

ASUU does not accept any awarded salary as was the case in the administration of Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar. The separate salary structures in all FGN/ASUU Agreements were usually the outcome of Collective Bargaining processes, he said.

He said the major reason given by the Federal Government for its miserly offer, which was paucity of revenue, was not tenable.

This is because of several reasons, chief of which is poor management of the economy. This has given rise to leakages in the revenue of governments at all levels.

There is wasteful spending, misappropriation of funds and outright stealing of our collective patrimony.

ASUU believes that if the leakages in the management of the countrys resources are stopped, there will be more than enough to meet the nations revenue and expenditure targets, without borrowing and plunging the country into debt crisis as is the case now.

At the commencement of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement on March 16, 2017, both the federal government and ASUU teams agreed to be guided by some terms of reference.

ASUU, however, expressed regrets that the former reneged on its side of obligations and agreed in the agreement, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ariwodola Idowu/Grace Yussuf

Source: NAN News

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Royal Commonwealth Society, Nigeria Branch has pledged to mediate between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government using the instrument of Academic Diplomacy to resolve the situation.

The Country Director of the society, Mr Blackson Bayewumi, said this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

Bayewumi appealed to ASUU to embrace meaningful dialogue, consultations and compromise at resolving the prolonged academic strike, given the fact that the Federal Government was confronted with several other challenges with limited resources.

He urged the union to also consider the lean income of the government to call-off the strike in the interest of the students, their parents and the nation in general.

It is now essential for the Royal Commonwealth Society Nigeria Branch to intervene in the ongoing industrial action by members of ASUU, in Nigeria after over six months of shutting down academic activities in all public universities.

There is the Article XI of the Charter of the Commonwealth adopted on Dec. 14, 2012 by Commonwealth Heads of Government, and signed on March 11, 2013 by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, of England, and Head of the Commonwealth.

This article shows that access to education, among others, is accorded high priority by the Charter of the Commonwealth.

Nigerian universities are members of the Association of Commonwealth Universities which is one of the associations accredited to the Commonwealth, he said.

Bayewumi said that the association championed higher education as the cornerstone of stronger societies, with a mission to build better world through higher education.

He, therefore, said that the importance of higher education to the social, political, economic, industrial, medical, scientific and technological development of a nation could not be over emphasised.

Besides, keeping young men and women idle for long at this age should be totally avoided, as the popular saying: An idle mind is the devils workshop.

Our esteemed young men and women should be properly educated, mentored and productively engaged for posterity of the country, he said.

NAN reports that the union had been on strike since Feb.14, over alleged refusal of the government to keep to agreement entered with the union.

The union demands included implementation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU renegotiation Agreement and deployment of UTAS, payment of outstanding arrears of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA).

Others are payment of promotion arrears, and release withheld salaries of academics. (NAN) ()

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru/Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, has urged private polytechnics and monotechnics to be innovative by introducing attractive packages to their educational menu.

Bugaje gave the charge on Thursday, in Abuja at the presentation of operational licences to new polytechnics and monotechnics.

He said that there was the need to ensure that every student should graduate with at least one certified skill in addition to their National Diploma.

According to him, skills today have become the global currency of labour and we must key into it by linking up our training with relevant industries in our environments and facilitate hands-on training and apprenticeship.

Most of the licences today are for private sector and I must appeal to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to do whatever is necessary to assist these institutions with good admission quotas to avoid them folding up.

Equally necessary, our private polytechnics and monotechnics must become innovative by introducing some attractive packages that will not be found in public polytechnics and monotechnics.

This isan area you need to think outside the box to bring out something attractive, something innovative, something different and something that you dont find in the public polytechnics.

You can, in addition to the national diploma, introduce training skills to your students, he said.

The executive secretary said this would make the students graduate with a certificate in skills, while calling on the new polytechnics and monotechnics to put in place National Skills and Qualification Framework (NSQF) in their institutions.

He added that there was the need to key into the NSQF so that graduates ofpolytechnics and monotechnics would be able to get dual certificates which are: the National Diploma ( ND ) and the NSQ.

This will allow them take up jobs which are today available in Nigeria. There are lots of skill gaps in many of the infrastructure projects, the railway programmes, the refineries in Lekki and several other projects across the country.

We are importing labour from Asia because we dont have certified and qualified skills from Nigeria to take up these jobs. We have degree holders, diploma holders without qualifications in requisite skills.

So, I am appealing to you to create these innovative channels. Skills training is the panacea to Nigerias current unemployment rate, this is the only root we can use to export labour to the rest of the world, he said.

Bugaje explained that many countries of the world were already earning foreign exchange from skills training before the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019.

He identified Bangladesh to have exported 11 million skilled labour to the world, especially, to the Middle East and Europe as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.

He said that there were lots of skill gaps across the western world, stressing thatpaper qualification was not enough for anybody.

He said, hence, we must begin to give the youth training in skills.

Also, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institution and TETFund , Sen. Ahmad Kaita, said that the senate would support the polytechnics and monotechnics to achieve their desired mandate.

Kaita who was represented by his Media Adviser, Mallam Abdulkadir Lawal, said that the Nigerian Senate was very determined and focused to give whatever assistance it could to thepolytechnics in the country.

As you are all aware, polytechnics in Nigeria are so much focused on providing technical and vocational education to Nigerian students.

The Nigerian Senate will not relent in giving all the assistance these polytechnics deserve in discharging their duties, he said.

Mr Ema Abdulfatai representing Novelty Polytechnic, Kishi in Oyo State, promised to key into the mandate of NBTE by providing skills to the institutions students.

Also, Mr Henry Ijohor, representing Harry Pass Polytechnic, Mkar, Gboko in Benue, implored those who received the licences to imbibe NBTEs standards to better the educational sector of the country.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Deborah Coker/Peter Dada

Source: NAN News

By Felicia Imohimi

The International Fund For Agricultural Development (IFAD) has identified youth mobilisation for agriculture as critical for transformation of food system in Nigeria.

Ms Dede Ekoue, IFAD Nigeria Country Director, said this at the 2022 edition of Federal Government of Nigeria/IFAD Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) National Youth Forum on Wednesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the programme is Promoting Sustainable Youth Empowerment in Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship.

Ekoue said youths accounted for 70 per cent of its population and the size and youthfulness of the Nigeria population offers great potential to expand the countrys capacity at the regional economic hub of Africa and globally.

According to her, this can be achieved by using agribusiness, entrepreneurship and technology to improve the livelihoods of youths and women, thereby enhancing food security, boosting economic growth and accessing decent employment.

She decried that in spite of the youthfulness of the countrys population, the average age of farmers in the sector was 60 per cent.

Ekoue said it implied that the sector was yet to maximise the countrys demographic dividend of young population.

Nigerias young women and men should remain top priority by all of us. They deserve our support to reach their full potential, allowing them to prosper and also ensuring sustainable productive life, Ekoue said.

She explained that the worlds youth population, expected to grow employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for young women and men, remained limited particularly for those living in economically stagnant rural areas of developing countries.

Agricultural development presents an opportunity to meet young peoples aspirations for stable jobs and access to social services which are normally absent in rural areas.

This ambitions constitute common push factors promoting an increase in migration for young men and women in most developing countries, she said.

The country director hinted that the FGN/IFAD-assisted VCDP had tremendously continued to significantly contribute to the promotion of sustainable youth empowerment in agribusiness and entrepreneurship among young men and women in the country.

According to her, there are over 35,000 youths participating in the project at the moment.

Ekoue said that the alignment of IFAD Country Strategy with the Federal Government priorities provided the organisation a unique opportunity to play a central role in empowering the Nigerian youth.

According to her, it also avails the opportunity in transforming rural areas, reducing poverty and contributing to achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Youth is a key priority for the 12th Replenishment of IFAD Resources (IFAD12) as reflected in IFADs Strategic Framework.

The FGN through our key partners- Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Ministry of Finance-IFAD has co-financed and is co-financing projects that are youth-sensitive.

We are also promoting sustainable empowerment of young men and women in agribusiness and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

She identified IFAD as a premium partner and ever ready to contribute as part of the United Nations Systems to a sustainable partnership and collaboration with the government and all stakeholders.

The partnership according to her, is making greater progress on the ground for the young women and men for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and life, living no one behind.

Dr Fatima Aliyu, National Programme Coordinator, FGN/IFAD-VCDP, said the programme objective was to increase the incomes, food and nutrition security of smallholders and producers who cultivated not more than five hectres of either cassava or rice.

According to her, the programme also targeted at processors who process not more than two metric tons of cassava and mill not more than four metric tons of rice daily and traders on a sustainable basis.

IFAD-VCDP is implemented by the Nigerian government with funding support by IFAD in nine states of Anambra, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Kogi, Niger, Nasarawa, Ogun and Taraba.

IFAD assisted-VCDP of the FMARD Youth Forum holds every year to discuss contemporary issues relating to youth and entrepreneurship development in Nigeria to showcase the programmes contribution to government efforts at combating youth unemployment in Nigeria.

Dr Mohammad Abubakar, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, in his keynote address, said the huge population of Youths was largely unemployed or under employed.

Represented by Mr Ubandoma Ularamu, Director, Projects Coordinating Unit (PCU) FMARD, however, said the population was endowed with resourcefulness, patriotism necessary for national growth and development.

He says The need to harness and develop these potentials to their fullest has been one of the major policy focus of this administration with the ministry playing the major role being the largest employer of labour both actual and potential.

The ministry is currently implementing a robust national youth and gender policy aimed at empowering youth and women, developing potentials for growth and contribute to national developments.

Agriculture is a key sector of the Nigerian economy which ensures food security, creates jobs, opens up rural economies, provides raw materials and develops latent resources and potentials.

It has remained a major contributor to Nigeria from the non-oil sector. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Saidu Adamu/Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Chief Executive Officer, FAE Envelopes, Mrs Layo Bakare-Okeowo, on Wednesday said that paper industry could equate oil revenue generation for Nigeria if revived and maximally exploited using backward integration policy.

Bakare-Okeowo made the assertion at the companys facility tour by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) in Lagos.

According to her, the paper industry, which she referred to as a gold-mine, will generate more foreign exchange, tackle unemployment, and contribute to the countrys Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The FAE boss, however, stated the need for a functional paper mill in the country and the proper implementation of backward integration policy to ensure ease of access to raw materials for production.

She quoted that the sum of five million dollars was enough to create paper mills cluster to drive the sector to full potential for the countrys sufficient use and for exports.

She also called for more support to the sector to engender more research in pulp and paper as well as capacity building to develop the industry.

Billions of dollars is what is being expended to import paper into the country, meanwhile, God has blessed us with so much raw materials that can be transformed into making paper.

We have the Kenaf specie for paper production with a gestation period of six months against that of wood that its gestation is about 12 years.

Also, waste products, bamboo, sugar cane, jute leaves popularly called ewedu are all raw materials that can be transformed to paper with a quick turn around time for investment.

Once all these are in place, the future of the Nigeria paper industry is endless and could become self sufficient and also begin to export both in the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and globally, she said.

Bakare-Okeowo said that in spite of the obvious challenges with the operating environment, her passion to drive Nigerias industrialisation agenda to fruition was part of what had sustained the envelope business for over forty years.

She reiterated the companys commitment to becoming more innovative in its drive to secure contents of envelopes, saying that the company had in its pipeline, a fireproof envelope.

With the elections coming soon, there is need for tamper proof envelope which is water resistant and can be used to secure votes once sealed.

Again, the future of paper is endless and we hope that the government can do what is necessary to drive the sector to its full potential seeing that Egypt has 25 functional paper mills, she said.

President, LCCI, Dr Michael Olawale-Cole, reiterated the chambers interest in the success of all manufacturing companies at the heart of its operations.

He called for continued amiable relationship to drive Nigerias industrialisation agenda for all round growth and prosperity of the nations economy.

Ude John Udeagbala, President, NACCIMA, advocated the need for proper succession planning for businesses in Nigeria to engender sustainability.

Also, Mr Adesoji Adesugba, Managing Director, Nigeria Exports Processing Zones Authority(NEPZA), charged players in the paper industry to take advantage of the Free Trade Economic Zones across the country.

This, he said, would enable industries enjoy the maximum incentives such as duty free imports at the free trade zones.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 400 million metric tonnes of paper is being imported into the country annually.

In spite of the current global digitalisation, paper continues to be important for job creation, forestry, and education and literacy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Saidu Adamu/Olawunmi Ashafa

Source: NAN News