By Salisu Sani-Idris

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged its supporters in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) to remain calm over an appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the election petition tribunal ruling which gave victory to its candidate.

Alhaji Murtala Usman-Karshi, the APC AMAC Candidate for the Feb. 12 FCT Area Councils election said this on Monday in Abuja when he received some party members led by the AMAC APC Chairman, Alhaji Muktar Abubakar on a solidarity visit.

The FCT election petition tribunal sitting at the Magistrate Court Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, had nullified the election of Zakka Maikalangu, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as AMAC Chairman.
Delivering judgement, the three-member panel led by Chief Magistrate Muinat Olashade Oyekan, declared Murtala Usman Karshi of the APC as the authentic winner of the Feb. 12, AMAC poll.

However, Maikalangu has filed an appeal against the tribunal judgement.

Usman- Karshi urged his supporters to remain prayerful while awaiting the outcome of the appeal filed by the PDP candidate.

He expressed optimism that the appeal court judgement would be in his favour.

I will continue to appeal to our people to remain calm and be law abiding with the appeal of the tribunal judgement, maintaining peace is our culture, lets adhere to that and wait for the appeal judgement.
I want to appreciate you for identifying with me over the verdict passed by the tribunal, as we are vindicated at the tribunal so shall we in the appeal judgement.

Because you can not suppress the truth no matter how much you try. it is only the guilty ones that are afraid.

We urge our people to remain calm and be steadfast in prayers. By the Grace of God, the verdict of the Appeal Court will vindicate us.Our people should have faith in God as well as the judiciary as it is the last hope of the common man.

Whatever God has written and ordained, no human can obliterate it, he said.

He commended them for remaining calm and law abiding and assured that God willing, he would be crowned as the winner at the poll at the end of the legal tussle.

Earlier, Abubakar, who led hundreds of APC loyalists to Murtalas house, assured him that the party was solidly behind him in all the struggle.

We are here to re-assure you of our support and we shall continue to remain solidly behind you, he said.

The Chairman also assured him of the partys readiness to mobilise the people of the area for APC. (NAN) (www.nannew.ng)
Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Ali Baba-Inuwa

Source: NAN News

As Russia again accused Ukraine of shelling the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant in the south of the beleaguered country, concern grew for the safety of the complex which has seen repeated shelling in recent days.

An accident at the Ukrainian nuclear plant in Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya would be far worse than the Chernobyl or Fukushima disasters, Yevheny Zymbalyuk, the Ukrainian ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in Vienna.

He warned of severe consequences not only for Ukraine, but all of Europe.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also warned of the danger of the current situation. Any attack on a nuclear plant is a suicidal thing, Guterres asserted.

What will happen in a radius of 40 or 50 kilometres of the station, that is absolutely not comparable to Chernobyl or Fukushima, Zymbalyuk added.

Analysts however say compared to the plants at Chernobyl and Fukushima, Zaporizhzhya is better protected thanks to a separate cooling circuit and a special protective layer, although it would probably be unable to withstand a targeted military attack.

Zymbalyuk again demanded monitors from the IAEA to be sent to Zaporizhzhya along with unarmed international military observers.

He said IAEA representatives should be on the ground by the end of the month.

The IAEA has long complained that it is waiting to access the plant and said that any deployment would require the support of both Moscow and Kiev.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov urged the West to put pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as Moscow accuses Ukraine of shelling the nuclear plant.

We expect that the countries that have absolute influence over the Ukrainian leadership will use this to prevent further shelling, Peskov said, according to the Interfax agency.

Peskov spoke of a highly dangerous activity with, in the worst case, catastrophic consequences for all of Europe.

With his call for the West to influence the Ukrainian leadership, he once again made it clear that there is no longer a connection between Moscow and Kiev after peace negotiations were broken off in May.

New negotiations are not in sight.

In Washington, a White House spokeswoman Monday said the U.S. continues to closely monitor the activity as the NPP the Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration report that the radiation sensors are continuing to provide data, and thankfully we have seen no indications of increased or abnormal radiation levels.

And we continue to call on Russia to cease all military operations at or near Ukrainian nuclear facilities and return full control to Ukraine, spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre added.

The Pentagon announced further arms sales to Ukraine, with a billion-dollar package including additional ammunition for rocket launcher systems and 1,000 Javelin anti-tank missiles.

It also estimates that up to 80,000 people have been killed for or injured on the Russian side in the Ukraine war.

Meanwhile, the go-ahead has been given for a referendum on accession to Russia in the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya region.

The regional governor, Yevhen Balytskyi, said on Monday he was signing a decree ordering the Central Electoral Commission to start to prepare a referendum on the unification of the region with the Russian Federation, according to the Russian state agency Ria Novosti.

Balytskyi spoke at the We are together with Russia forum organised by the occupying forces in Melitopol. Zaporizhzhya, the regional capital, is still under Kievs control.

It is unclear how such a vote, which Ukraine would not recognise, will be organised.

Zelensky has already warned that referendums organised by the occupying forces would end all chances of peace talks with Russia.

Balytskyi did not give a specific date for the planned vote. In the past, the beginning of September was discussed as a possible period.

Meanwhile, a Russian soldier in the northern Ukrainian city of Chernihiv was sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of war crimes.

The court considered it proven that the tank soldier fired on a multi-storey apartment building, carrying out an order shortly after the war began at the end of February, Ukrainian public television reported on Monday.

The soldier had pleaded guilty and is to be imprisoned for 10 years, but the sentence will only become final after a possible appeal. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Source: NAN News

By Fabian Ekeruche

The Federal Government says that the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACreSAL) project is critical to lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty.

Mr Mohammed Abdullahi, the Honourable Minister for Environment, said this at the ACreSAL technical workshop on Monday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop is organised for the Ministries of Environment, Agriculture and Water Resources in conjunction with the World Bank.

The ACReSAL Project is one of the central components in President Muhammadu Buharis strategy of ensuring environmental sustainability.

And improving community livelihoods toward lifting 100 million people out of poverty, Abdullahi said.

He said that his passion for the ACReSAL project exposed him to further understand the environment portfolio and its link with the broader society.

I am also very passionate about ACReSAL.

It is the first project that heralds my assumption of duties when Mr President redeployed me to the Federal Ministry of Environment.

I saw the political will and desire of the three ministries in ensuring that targets are meant, Abdullahi said.

According to him, ACReSAL is all about sustainable land management.

He said that the ministry was deliberate in inviting stakeholders from the National Parks Service and the Great Green Wall Agency to engage with the World Bank to ensure the success of the project.

The minister urged the Project Management Units (PMUs) from the different states to be diplomatically independent in their relationship with their state governors.

He added that the ACReSAL project had the mandate to ensure land restoration, wetlands cultivation for the improvement of the land to make them fit for cultivation.

He added that the ACReSAL would
strengthen Nigerias long-term enabling environment for an integrated climate-resilient landscape.

I am here to motivate and energise you.

And also to encourage you to deliberate on the Draft Annual Work plan prepared by the various PMUs and clears same for onward transmission to the steering committee for approval.

This is the much-needed step that will kick start disbursement of funds by the World Bank for implementation activities to begin, Abdullahi said.

He expressed gratitude to Dr Joy Agene and her team from the World Bank on their efforts toward the full implementation of the ACReSAL project. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has affirmed that status quo remains in respect to ExxonMobil/Seplat Energy share acquisition.

Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive (CCE), NUPRC made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, consented to the acquisition of ExxonMobil shares in the U.S.A by Seplat Energy Offshore Limited.

Responding to media enquiries on latest development about the transaction, Komolafe clarified that NUPRC, in line with provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 was the sole regulator in dealing with such matters in Nigerian upstream sector.

He said as it were, the issue at stake was purely a regulatory matter and the commission had earlier communicated the decline of Ministerial Assent to ExxonMobil in this regard.

The CCE said as such, the Commission further affirmed that the status quo remained.

That position remains the status quo and to the best of our knowledge as a regulator nothing has changed.

The Commission is committed to ensuring predictable and conducive regulatory environment at all times in the Nigerian upstream sector, he said. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Cecilia Ijuo

The President, African Development Bank (AfDB) Dr Akinwumi Adesina says the bank is set to deliver climate-adapted, certified wheat and other staple crops seeds to 20 million farmers.

Adesina said this in a document titled, Averting an African Food Crisis: The African Food Production Facility
and obtained on Monday in Abuja.

He said the initiative, which was part of activities by the bank would tackle food crisis in African countries including Nigeria.

The president said the delivery of seeds and increased access to agricultural fertilizers would be done through the banks African Emergency Food Production Facility.

Adesina said within the next two years, the facility would allow farmers to produce 38 million additional tonnes of food.

He said that part of the plan was a 30 per cent increment in local production worth an estimated 12 billion dollars.

He also said that it would facilitate better global investment in Africas agricultural sector.

Adesina said that the facility would also support enhanced governance and policy reforms.

From the onset, the African Development Bank realised the strategic need to tackle the devastating impact of the war on Africas food security.

It is important to prevent unrest and even more human suffering.

In May, the bank established a 1.5 billion dollar African Emergency Food Production Facility.

In less than 60 days, it put into action 1.13 billion dollar-worth of programmes under the facility across 24 African countries.

Half a dozen more programmes are expected to get underway by September as more governments apply to the facility, he said.

According to him, food aid cannot feed Africa because Africa does not need bowls in hand.

Africa needs seeds in the ground and mechanical harvesters to harvest bountiful food produced locally.

Africa will feed itself with pride because there is no dignity in begging for food.

The president said that the African Emergency Food Production Facility had benefited from stakeholder consultations.

He said the price of wheat had soared in Africa by more than 45 per cent since the war in Ukraine began.

Adesina also said fertilizer prices had gone up by 300 per cent while the continent faced a fertilizer shortage of two million metric tonnes.

Many African countries have already seen price hikes in bread and other food items.

If this deficit is not made up, food production in Africa will decline by at least 20 per cent and the continent could lose more than 11 billion dollars in food production value.

The banks 1.5 billion dollar strategy will lead to the production of 11 million tons of wheat, 18 million tons of maize, sic million tons of rice and 2.5 million tons of soybeans.

The bank will provide fertilizer to smallholder farmers across Africa over the next four farming seasons.

This will be done using its convening influence with major fertilizer manufacturers, loan guarantees and other financial instruments, he said.

Adesina further said it would create a platform to advocate critical policy reforms to solve the structural issues that impede farmers from receiving modern inputs.

He said it included strengthening national institutions overseeing input markets.

According to him, the facility had a structure for working with multilateral development partners.

This he said would ensure rapid alignment and implementation, enhanced reach, and effective impact.

The president also said it would increase technical preparedness and responsiveness.

He said it included short, medium, and long-term measures to address both the urgent food crisis and long-term sustainability and resilience of Africas food systems. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Source: NAN News

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Newly crowned 2022 Most Gorgeous Girl Nigeria (MGGN), Ruqayyah Adeboye has pledged to focus on girl-child education during her reign

Adeboye told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that as a beauty queen, her priority will be to use her platform to create awareness on girl child education across the country.

NAN reports that the 23-year-old Law graduate who was crowned as the 2022 MGGN in Abuja stressed the importance of education in developing Nigeria.

As a Muslim, I have a lot of job before me. I have to go all out and preach the importance of education.

Girl education means that you dont have to offer someone your body before getting anything in return.

Education will also help young girls communicate better, so educating them is the best gift we can offer them, she said.

The beauty queen also emphasised the need to strengthen all institutions that will help the country meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

The Kwara State born Queen called on women to be proud of themselves in any field of human endeavour, adding that femininity means being strong and able to excel regardless of obstacles.

NAN reports that the queen was presented with a brand new Mazda Cx 9 SUV after her crowning on Saturday by Mr Paul Edeh, President, MGGN.

Edeh said the pageantry was a unique one designed to celebrate the hard working Nigerian woman and showcase Nigerias rich culture.

He said the first assignment for the Queen will be to interface with the FCT Education Board to organise the FCT Inter School Festival in September.

The crowning ceremony was attended by the managing director MGGN and Queens mother Grace Ene, past winners, family members and philanthropists.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Source: NAN News

By Bridget Ikyado

Malam Isah Suliaman, the Deputy Imam, Navy Estate Central Mosque, Karishi, Abuja has charged Nigerian youths to brace up for nation building.

The Imam made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

He said the future of the nations youth required that they use acquire skills to earn a living and not allow themselves to be used as political thugs during elections.

Practically, every youth has one talent or the other, all they need is to develop this talent and explore it to be self-reliant for societal growth.

I advise youths in the country to use their God-given talents for nation-building and shun social vices capable of giving Nigeria a bad name.

The cleric said time has come when every Nigerian should elect visionary leaders, who will make the country great and not vote buyers, who have selfish interest.

He specifically implored the youths to strive toward a better society by imbibing skills that would make them assets to the society.

Besides, he called on the government to initiate policies that would address the challenges facing young people to give them a sense of belonging.

The Imam said it would enable them to contribute to societal development.

He said the management of the mosque had organised a programme where contemporary issues were discusses.

We chat with the youths, we talk on issues such as social vices and the dangers involved, we also talk about means to develop them the family society at large.

The Muslim cleric said peace and security for development were dominant at such events.

The Imam said that Islam, which is an Arabic word, was derived from Salam which means peace, adding that without peace, they would be no progress.

He called on leaders to come together and discuss challenges facing young people and how to invest in them for development.

Sulaiman said they had gone out and within the mosque advising their members on the need to vote and be voted for.
He further advised the youths to strive toward taking over the nations leadership, saying that such could only be possible if they worked very hard to become productive.

The Imam called on government to restructure the country for inclusive governance, justice and development, which would go a long way to curbing insecurity. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Grace Yussuf

Source: NAN News

By Perpetua Onuegbu

Takeout Media Global, an NGO says it will give out 10,000 dollars to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to boost their businesses.

Mr Elijah Affi, the Creative Director of Takeout Media Global, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Takeout Media Global (TM Global) is an innovative full-service communication and tech agency.

According to him, the media company will be offering three Nigerian business owners brand consultation and development services worth 10,000 dollars.

With proven expertise in research, brand identity, brand strategy, digital branding, PR and strategic communications,

TM Global has over the years enabled brands to adapt and gain a competitive advantage in both the private and public sectors of the country.

The team of creative has introduced the TM GoGlobal Challenge to give Nigerian business owners an opportunity to play in the international market thereby elevating their reputation.

Nigerian SMEs between five and 10 years of market operations are eligible for the challenge, he said.

He said to participate in the competition and interested business owners should visit GoGlobalChallenge and make a one-minute video introducing the business and how winning the challenge would impact their businesses.

Show samples of your products. Follow @takeout.media and @tm.con on Instagram and using the hashtag #GoGlobalWithTMGlobal.

The participants must have a viable product that is available in the market. These products must be made in Nigeria and have the required regulatory certifications.

They should also be willing to invest a certain sum toward producing the marketing collaterals that the team will create after the branding process.

The judging criteria for choosing a winner will include your market affinity, product authenticity, product compliance, scalability, passion, must be indigenous and diverse, the creative director said.

Affi said the winners would be revealed at the TM conference (TM Con), which would take place in Abuja.

The TM Con is a premiere conference set to connect key players in the tech and media industries.

He said it would equip the creative community with the knowledge they needed to scale their business and transition from passion to profit.

Affi said that the company had gained a reputation in the market as one of the most creative and resultoriented agencies in the Federal Capital Territorywith international clientele. (NAN) ()

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Edited by Grace Yussuf

Source: NAN News

By Bridget Ikyado

Rev. Hyacinth Alia, the 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue, has called on the people to work for the unity and the good of the state.

He made the appeal at his 32nd priestly anniversary and Thanksgivings Mass in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue on Sunday.

His media aide, Mr Isaac Uzaan, stated that the Thanksgiving service was put together by Ihugh Network for Fr. Alia at St. Winifred Catholic Church, Ihugh.

Alia expressed profound gratitude to God for the privilege to share in the priesthood of Jesus Christ at the service of the people of God for more than 32 years.

He appealed to Benue people to shun ethnicity and religious issues and come together to build a good Benue.

Alia said the sitting government had completely abandoned issues germane to the development of the state, leading to untoward hardships for the people.

He said he chose to enter into the political arena having noticed the poor condition of Benue people and the urgent need to change the unfavourable political situation in the state.

Contrary to speculations in some quarters that I have been stripped of my priesthood, I am a priest forever.

I have only taken a sabbatical from public ministration to salvage the political clime in the state, he said.

Rev. Alia promised to turn around the fortunes of the state for the good of the people and the nation at large.

Earlier in a sermon, Rev. Fr. Clement Mato, Parish Priest of the church advised Christians to remain resolute in their faith in the belief that God would rescue them in difficult situations.

He blamed politicians for the general hardship in Benue and called on the people to take advantage of their numerical strength to participate in politics.

The cleric prayed for Gods guidance and mercies upon Benue.

Prominent political bigwigs in Benue, support groups, the clergy and many faithful attended the thanksgiving. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Alli Hakeem

,

Source: NAN News

By Ginika Okoye

First Bank Limited has reopened its headquarters (Coomassie House) located at the Central Business District, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the office was on Aug. 4, sealed by the FCT High Court Enforcement Unit over its failure to comply with a garnishee order.

A garnishee order is one of the options open to a judgment creditor to enforce a judgment that has been made in his favour.

It is a common way of enforcing a judgment debt and is solely used to enforce monetary judgments against a debtor to recover money

NAN correspondent who monitored the reopening on Monday in Abuja, reports that both the bank staff and customers were seen doing their transactions.

Some of the customers who spoke to NAN said they heard rumour about the sealing of the bank.

A customer who preferred to speak under condition of anonymity said, I heard about it but I came to make some transfers today and I am happy that the bank is open now.

The bank management should do everything to make sure that such issues do not come up again because it is not good for their image, the customer said.

NAN reports that officials of the FCT High Court Enforcement Unit had on Aug. 4, stormed the banks office with towing vans and cranes and towed some of its valuables.

Items carted away included stand-by generators, Hilux vans and air conditioners among other valuables.

However, the Bank in a statement said that their Coomassie House Branch was not sealed.

On Aug. 4, there was an unlawful enforcement at the banks Coomassie House branch of a garnishee order.

The order was issued by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja which the bank is still challenging in court.

While the bank has taken appropriate legal steps to deal with the situation, we wish to reassure our customers of unhindered banking services and unique customer experience in all our branches, the bank said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire has urged the military to increase awareness on mental health among its personnel toward addressing impact of post-trauma and stress disorder among troops.

Ehanire made the call at the opening of a Mental Health Resilience and Wellness Course 2 (MHRWC2) of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) on Monday in Abuja.

The minister was represented by the National Coordinator, the National Mental Health Programme of the ministry, Dr Tunde Ojo.

He said that the effort should include programmes that would address stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness, saying it was one of the greatest barriers to accessing care.

The minister also stressed the need to create conducive working environment including one that promotes mental wellbeing and proactively addresses the mental health needs of officers and men when identified.

Unfortunately, there is the high tendency to give priority to the physical health needs ahead of mental health which should be looked into.

I am aware there is dearth of mental health professionals in the country, and more so in the military as there are less than five psychiatrists in the entire military formation in the country.

May be the statistics is much better for others like clinical psychologists, mental health nurse and medical social workers.

I want to encourage you to invest more in this area trough recruitment and in service training.

According to him, there should be a multidisciplinary team to reflect the holistic approach to mental health and not just the biomedical approach.

The federal ministry of health is available to give you technical support in achieving any of these, he said.

Ehanire said that the ministry was leading the initiative for the improvement of mental health care services in Nigeria by developing a National Mental Health Bill 2020, for an Act to repeal the Lunacy Act of 1958.

This, he said was passed by the two chambers of the National Assembly in 2021, and awaiting assent by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said that proactive measure had been put in place with the establishment of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in March, pending conclusion of the legislative processes on the bill.

Ehanire said the government had also engaged a consultant psychiatrist to coordinate the national response to the rising burden of mental health, neurological and substance use disorders in the country.

According to him, the national mental policy is in the process of being reviewed to reflect current realities and global best practices.

He commended the centre for designing the training being facilitated by the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation, Peace Building Consult and other stakeholders.

Also speaking, Dr Ojo said that mental health had been a major issue as a result of the security challenges such terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, with officers and men being deployed in the warfronts to defend the country and protect lives.

He said the personnel were being exposed to a lot of risk factors that might make them to be predisposed to mental disorders.

The minister said that there was a high level of mental health conditions among troops arising from anxiety, depression and substance abuse.

According to him, when people are at the warfront, they are trying to get some coping mechanisms and one of that is using drug.

We are here to help them and also sensitise the stakeholders that mental health is everyones business and that we cannot afford not to talk about it, he said.

The Director-General of NARC, retired Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab said the second course was designed to improve the understanding of mental health and build resilience by participants drawn from different facets of the society.

Wahab said that a lot of people felt that only those who had contact with problematic situation that could be stressed forgetting the fact that the society itself was full of factors that could contribute to stress.

He said that both the military personnel and their families and other victims had been affected hence the need to bring a crossbreed of every sector of the country to look at the issues.

Wahab said that rather than being judgmental about people who had mental health issues, there was the need to see how it could be managed as well as reduce the risk involved.

He said the enormous impact of the first course informed the resolve to bring in participants from all levels of government. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi/Ese E. Eniola Williams

Source: NAN News

By Ikenna Osuoha

Alhaji Nasir Kwarra, the Executive Chairman, National Population Commission (NPC) has advised trainees on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to be ready to contribute their quota towards the success of 2023 digital census.

Kwarra gave the advice while declaring open 10-day Capacity Building Training for ICT department of the commission in Ado, Nasarawa.

He said the training was imperative given the shift from the manual processing of data as applied in previous census to digital census.

This is an innovation and a shift from the manual process that we normally used in previous censuses.

This exercise involves many advanced technological equipment both in hardware and software which we have already acquired and still acquiring but not totally familiar with, he said.

According to the chairman, these include, cloud computing, cloud server, on-premises server, advanced cyber-attack threat and data security.

Kwarra said the staff needed to be acquainted with the technologies for the benefit of not only the department but the entire commission.

He described the training as a roadmap towards the success of the 2023 census by through the provision of technical pathways and operational framework for other departments to function optimally.

Mr Clifford Zira, Federal Commissioner for Adamawa and Chairman ICT Committee, said the essence of the workshop was to equip participants with modern technological knowledge to efficiently manage data.

Zira, who urged the participants to take advantage of the opportunity, expressed the determination of the commission to conduct a digitally accurate and acceptable census. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Uche Anunne

Source: NAN News

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command has released two former governors, Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame, as well as three others from costodial centres.

The Public Relations Officer, FCT command, Mr Chukwuedo Humphrey disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

Humphrey said that the letter of their release was sent to the command by the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy Committee on Monday.

He said that the two former governors were pardoned on ill health and age grounds and were released immediately, but did not disclose the names of the three others

We have no right to hold them further as soon as we have the letter of clemency from the presidency.

If we do, it will be against their fundamental human rights.

They have left the facility today. We got the warrant of release today and have done the needful.

Dariye and Nyame were in Kuje custodial centre while the three others were in Suleja custodial centre, he said.

NAN reports that the ex-governors were among the 159 prisoners pardoned by the Council of State during a meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on April 14.

Jolly Nyame, 66, ex-governor of Taraba from 1999 to 2007, was serving a 12-year jail term at the Kuje prison over misappropriation of funds while he was in office.

Mr Joshua Dariye, 64, who governed Plateau between 1999 and 2007, was also jailed for corruption during his time as governor between 1999 and 2007. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Ejike Obeta

Source: NAN News

By Ibironke Ariyo

The General Overseer, Jesus Praise Evangelical Ministries International, Dr Femi Lanre-Oke, says his ministry will begin Operation Feed the Poor to reach out to the poor in the Federal Capital Territory.

Lanre-Oke, who said this during the church service on Sunday in Abuja, added that there was need to feed the poor as it connotes love and care.

He said that at least 100 children would be fed beginning from first Sunday in September, adding that he believed the operation would go a long way to solve hunger in the nation.

He also said that there would be provision for bus to bring people to church, adding that it would not only be for orphans but every one who was poor.

According to him, all the caterers in the church should organise themselves and liaise with the welfare unit and ensure this operation is carried out effectively.

Every one struggling with feeding, tell them to come to church. As they are fed with the word of God, they will be fed with food as well.

We are looking at 500 Naira each to feed a child and at least 100 children will be fed every Sunday beginning from First Sunday in September.

I know this will move alot of people to church but I know the God I serve will provide and supply all that is necessary to carry out the operation.

I also know this will be a great movement and I believe souls and lives will be touched with this little way of showing love to the poor, he said.

Lanre-Oke encouraged church members to key into the operation and ensure they were also partakers of the blessings attached to giving by contributing their quota. (NAN).

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Solomon Asowata

Source: NAN News

By Bridget Ikyado

Rev. Canon Jonathan Bello has called on Christian faithful to look up to God as the author and finisher of their faith as the country passes through challenging times.

Bello, who is the Vicar, St. Peter the Rock Anglican Church Navy Estate Karishi, Abuja urged Nigerians to keep hope alive in Christ.

He noted that God has great plans for Nigeria which would manifest in due course.

The servant of God hinted that hope makes a believer not to be ashamed because hope is the expectation of what is good, and expectation is the mother of manifestation.

He said as children of God, *we are to be bold and not to be afraid or denounce our faith when faced with challenges.

He encouraged Christians not to stop going to Church for fear of insecurity.

Nothing should stop us from serving God,
When we meet, praise and pray together
most evil plans are aborted.

He highlighted ways through which a Christian could reactivate his hope to include the scripture, belief in God and new mentality.

Bello said the church had advised its members of the need to ensure they observed their civic responsibility.

We have told and ensured our members get their PVC and participate in the forthcoming general elections,

We have let them know that if only they vote for the right candidates,that is when we will have better leaders and leadership; we need visionary and God fearing leaders.

He called on government to sit up and take decisions on fishing out the bad eggs in the society causing general unrest in the society.

The vicar said the church had engaged the youths in seminars, exposing the dangers of election violence and other social vices.

The canon said: the Church represents peace and light; the Church is not for violence or negative acts, as the Church teaches winning of souls and unity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

================
Edited by Grace Yusuff

Source: NAN News

By Lizzy Okoji

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has debunked the allegation by some Nigerian lawmakers on recruitment irregularities at the institution.

Sen. Edwin Snowe, Leader of the Liberian Delegation at the Parliament, refuted the allegation, while speaking with the Parliamentary correspondents on Sunday in Abuja.

Snowe was reacting to the outrage that erupted over the alleged recruitment irregularities process on ECOWAS.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigerians Lawmakers had threatened to pull out of the Parliament alleging that Nigerians were being shortchanged in its recruitment exercise.

The Nigerian delegation also threatened to withdraw the countrys membership of the regional bloc if it refused to suspend the ongoing recruitment exercise as recentlry directed in the 2022 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja.

Snowe, however, refuted the allegation describing it as a misrepresentation of the real issues by the Nigerian delegation, stressing that the recruitment process at the Parliament was competitive.

He also said that the Nigeria delegation that raised the alleged scandal were filibustering to impress Nigerians so as to canvass for votes ahead of the 2023 general elections in Nigeria.

Recruitment into the ECOWAS institutions is very competitive and cannot shortchange any country let alone Nigeria that has made invaluable contributions to the development of the community.

There was no resolution reached at the plenary to suspend recruitment into the P5 positions as is being insinuated by Nigerian legislators. Nigerians are adequately represented in ECOWAS Parliament and other institutions of the community, Snowe said.

Regarding the recruitment, Snowe insisted that the report of a resolution to suspend the recruitment process was not true.

He explained that a motion was entertained by the First Deputy Speaker who was the presiding officer on the issues raised by Nigerian MPs on Nigerians being shortchanged.

Snowe said the issue of recruitment was being handled by a Nigerian firm contracted by the Community to take applications and shortlist successful citizens of the sub-region for interview and wondered why Nigerian lawmakers are crying foul.

He added that the matter was referred to the Bureau for further action, adding that it does not constitutes a resolution to suspend the process as the whole community activities could not be stopped because some lawmakers from a member country raised issues.

There was no vote taken on this matter, two Nigerian lawmakers raised the issue about the recruitment process.

There was this staff skill audit that was done at ECOWAS and the results came out not too favorable to some of the staff occupying certain positions. So, the lawmakers linked the staff skill audit debate to the recruitment process.

But the Deputy Speaker asked the Bureau to take seize of the matter and investigate it and get back to the Parliaments Plenary at the earliest possible time.

There was no vote taken because resolution at Parliament is based on vote, Snowe further explained.

Snowe said that apart from the P1 to P3 positions which were junior cadre, there wasno record of recruitment into the P5 positions, which was the bone of contention, as no decision had been reached on it.

He further explained that the recruitment for the P5 position was within the jurisdiction of the Management Succession Committee( MSC) of the ECOWAS Commission which was chaired by the President of the Commission.

He pointed out that the regional bloc recognised the immense contributions of Nigeria and had taken steps to give Nigeria adequate representation in ECOWAS institutions.

At the Parliament as I speak to you, there are 73 staff members and 35 of them are Nigerians.

We breached the Rule of Procedure, we breached the Supplementary Act and gave Nigeria a deserving platform at the Parliament.

This consideration made is not out of weakness, it is out of our own appreciation for the roleNigeria has playedin our sub-region.

For Example at the Authority of Heads of State and Government the chairmanship is rotational. At the Parliament, the Speakership is rotational on alphabetical order.

But on our own, outside the Protocol the Supplementary Act of the Parliament, outside our standing rule, we have agreed that when Nigeria is not chairing as Speaker, Nigeria should always serve as First Deputy Speaker even when there is no rule that supports that.

Each country has a committee chair at the Parliament currently with the exception of Guinea Bissau.

We also said that because of Nigerias magnanimity we have given Nigeria two committee chairmen positions because of our respect for what tax payers money has done for the region.

Nigeria permanently chairs the Finance Committee and and another committee in addition to the First Deputy Speaker when Nigeria is not serving as Speaker, Snowe noted.

He cautioned the Nigerian lawmakers not to cast unnecessary aspersions on the Parliament and its Speaker Sidie Tunis by misrepresenting of facts.

ECOWAS was founded on solidarity, there is nothing that makes might right in the community. The Nigerian delegation questioning the recruitment process is misrepresenting the decisions that emanate from the plenary.

I understand that our brothers are going for election and sometimes they filibustering because they want the vote and support of their constituencies to feel that they represent Nigerias interest at the Parliament.

But we will not allow the Parliament to be used as a stepping stone for the reelection of politicians, Snowe added.

Nigerian representatives at the parliament issued the threat when some principal officers in the regional bloc allegedly defied the directives and embarked on the illegal process of recruiting their relatives and cronies.

The lawmakers cite the huge financial commitments which Nigeria makes to the body amid its internal security challenges.

They alleged that there was no commensurate return on investment for Nigeria in ECOWAS for all the country has done and is doing for the region from its inception in 1975. (NAN)()

=======

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged full support for three major international events scheduled to hold in Nigeria in October and November.

According to him, these events are opportunities to showcase the nations rich heritage in culture, arts, tourism and entertainment as well as advancements in media freedom.

Nigeria will be hosting the 2022 UNESCO Global Media, Information Literacy (MIL) Week in Abuja in October.

The country will host the first Global Conference on Cultural Tourism and Creative Industry in Lagos also in October.

In November, it will host the 2nd Global Association of Literary Festivals Conference in Abeokuta.

President Buharis spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, stated on Sunday in Abuja that the president welcomed decisions by organisers of the three separate historic events for Nigeria to host the fiestas.

The organisers are UNESCO, the UN World Tourism Organisation and the Global Association of Literary Festivals.

The president assured all stakeholders and participants of the warmth and hospitality of the people of Nigeria.

On MIL Week, Buhari noted that it is instructive that Nigeria is attracting positive international attention as a country that promotes media freedom and freedom of expression.

According to him, the country recognises the important roles information, literacy and media education play in sustainable development.

On the first Global Conference on Cultural Tourism, the president noted the rapid growth of Nigerias film, fashion, music, and ICT sectors.

He assured that the increase in international appeal and acceptance of Nigerias products would continue to spur government to devote more resources to the sectors.

Herecalled the Creative Industry Financing Initiative (CIFI), established by his administration to provide single-digit interest rate financing for young Nigerians in fashion, film-making, music and information Technology.

CIFI is managed by the CBN in collaboration with the Bankers Committee.

According to the president, the 100 million dollars re-development of the National Theatre, Lagos, into a world-class Creative Park is also on-going.

The National Theatre complex has been handed over to the CBN and the Bankers Committee.

President Buhari said he trusted that the literary world would find many good things to celebrate about Nigeria when members meet in the historic city of Abeokuta.

Abeokuta is the homeland and birthplace of one of Nigerias finest literary icons and Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka.

The president expressed delight to welcome international visitors to Nigeria and urged compatriots to use the period to exhibit the values that make us a unique, friendly and peace-loving people. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Alli Hakeem

Source: NAN News

By Ibrahim Bello

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has reiterated his commitment to complementing the efforts of Federal and State Governments in providing higher quality education in Kebbi.

Malami made this known during a prize- giving day of Rayhaan Model Academy Birnin Kebbi, on Saturday.

He described the establishment of Rayhaan Model Academy as part of his contribution to complement the efforts of the governments in stabilising education in the state.

This informs the decision to have a trailblazer model academy, Rayhaan Model Academy Birnin Kebbi.

He said the school was established out of the aspiration to complement governments effort in the promotion of quality education for the country.

Malami expressed optimism that the academy would produce high Calibre of intellectuals in universities who would join the wider competitive global society.

I hope in the nearest future, the students from the academy will contribute immensely in the fields of engineering, medicine, industries, administration and entrepreneurship, among others, he said.

Malami commended the parents and guardians for entrusting the care of their wards in the academy and promised to ensure that their dream had come to fruition.

The minister also appreciated both teaching and non-teaching staff for their contributions to the development of the academy.

Earlier, Dr Nasir Idris, the APC governorship candidate, lauded the tremendous contribution of Malami to educational development and service to humanity in the state.

He said that the name of the minister would be written in gold as a politician per excellence and unique philanthropist.

Idris said his political journey would not be complete without the minister.

The Chairman, Board of Directors of the Academy, Malam Isiyaku Abdullahi, disclosed that the academy had graduated 102 students in the event out of 405 students currently in the school.

The school has become one of the best in the state within such a short period of operation and the choice of many children and parents in the state, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Alhaji Bashar Illo, the Chief Launcher at the event, donated N5 million; Alhaji Garba Illo and his relatives donated N5 million and Dr Nasiru Idris gave N10 million.

Others are Khadimiyya For Justice and Development Initiative which donated a mobile science laboratory with N1 million. (NAN).

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Busayo Onijala

Indonesia is set to host a three-day International Muslim Lifestyle trade fair focused on Islamic products and services from Aug. 26 to Aug. 28.

The Indonesia International Muslim Lifestyle Trade Expo, holding at Indonesia Convention Exhibition, Tangerang, aims to connect the world with the Indonesian Islamic Community.

Ms. Wini Adam, Spokesperson for Lima Events, organisers of the show, said in a statement that the expo is a business matching and business-to-business exhibition.

She said it would attract tens of thousands offline visitors and millions of online viewers from various countries.

She said the expo would cover eight main sectors, namely; Halal Food and Beverages; Halal Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals and Herbal; Halal Travel and Destinations.

Others are: Islamic Finance and Banking; Halal Media and Recreation; Modest Fashion; Islamic Education, Books and Publishing; Sharia Property and Infrastructure.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Indonesia has a large muslim population of 229 million (about 87.2 per cent of the total population of 255 million), the most populous Muslim-majority country in the world.

Estimates by the State of the Global Islamic Economy (SGIE) Report 2022 indicate that the worlds 1.9 billion muslims spent the equivalent of 2 trillion U.S dollars in 202.

The amount was spent across the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, fashion, travel, and media/recreation sectors impacted by Islamic faith-inspired ethical consumption needs.

According to Adam, the three-day expo will feature workshops, products presentations, business meetings as well as site visits to plantations, centres of Islamic economic development and halal industry sectors in Indonesia.

She added that, More than 100 local and international exhibitors and over 50,000 trade visitors and consumers are expected to participate in the exhibition covering an indoor area of over 4,800 square metres.

She said that the fair was Indonesias biggest business-to-business exhibition of Islamic

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), says it has embarked on visitations to ascertain the implementation and progress of AGILE projects in beneficiary states.

Mrs Amina Haruna, National Project Coordinating Unit, AGILE, said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday.

She said this was part of preparations for the take-off of the project.

The AGILE Project is a five-year initiative of the Federal Government with support from the World Bank.

It aims to improve secondary education opportunities for adolescent

girls in the implementing states as well as empower them to earn living.

The implementing states are: Borno, Ekiti, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, and

Plateau.

While embarking on the visitation in Ekiti, Haruna said the team wanted to find ways it could be of assistance to ensure effective project implementation for optimal results.

She said there was the need for synergy among team members, and with the

state government so as to achieve the goals of the AGILE Project in the state.

Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Project Coordinator, Mrs Oluwayemisi Alokan, said the project would lead to the utilisation of the School Improvement Grants (SIG), for the renovation of existing infrastructure in schools in the state.

Alokan said their were challenges faced in implementing the project but subsequent efforts were made to address them.

The visiting team also met with the State Commissioner for Education,

and Permanent Secretary, Science and Technology, Ekiti State Ministry of Education, Dr Kofoworola Aderiye, and Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, respectively.

They expressed delight at the visit and pledged their commitment to the success of the AGILE Project in the state.

In Katsina State, the State Project Coordinator, Mr Mustapha Shehu, also took the NPCU team around the projects sites.

They ascertained the ongoing construction and renovation in accordance with the World Banks prescribed construction and

renovation standards.

The team commended States Project Implementing Unit (SPIU) on the standard of work and advised it to partner with the Ministry of Agriculture, alongside community youths on the planting of trees in the targeted schools to mitigate the challenges of climate change.

The team also held a meeting with Katsina States Commissioner for Education, Associate Prof. Badamasi Charanchi.

The commissioner expressed delight at the visit, expressing governments

commitment to the improvement of girl-child education in the state.

Part of the facilities inspected in Ekiti and Katsina States include: school

buildings being constructed or renovated, laboratories, libraries, hotels and their

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities.

The AGILE project has World Bank support to the tune of 500 million U.S dollars with prospects of improved funding. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News