By Angela Atabo

The Electoral Forum, a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) to compel political parties to present regular audit reports of their accounts, in line with the provisions of the law.

This is contained in a communiqu issued and signed by Prof. Adebayo Olukoshi, the Chairman, The Electoral Forum,at the end of the 7th Technical Session of the organization on Thursday in Abuja.

Olukoshi said that INEC must also publish the audit reports after receiving them.

He said that the forum expressed various concerns about elections in Nigeria and recommended strategies to improve the electoral process, ahead of the 2023 general election.

Having agreed that consolidation of democracy involves widespread compliance with rule of law toguarantee a level playing field for candidates in elections, The Electoral Forum hereby recommends as follows:

Engagement of INEC on the proper placement of voting cubicles during the election to ensure the secrecy of the ballots, in line with global integrity standards and best practices.

INEC should train ad hoc staff on the proper placement of the voting cubicles to ensure secrecy of the ballot and privacy in relation to the positions of party agents during the voting process.

The National Electoral Offences Commission should be anindependent bodyand should not be subject to the Attorney General, Olukoshi said.

He said also urged INEC and anti-graft agencies to ensure that there was compliance with the provisions of the law on campaigns.

He said the media should aid in boycotting negative news, hate speeches and ensure balanced coverage.

He added that mainstream and social media should be use to curb misinformation, disinformation and the issues pertaining to the misuse of media during the electioneering period.

He called for therevival of strategies and alliances by CSOs like before and which brought the changes in the electoral process between 1999 -2010 the first 10 years of democracy in Nigeria.

Olukoshi said that taskforce by citizens and CSOs should be formed to enable Nigerians to protect their mandate where necessary.

He called on CSOs to blow the whistle where the political classes use state resources for campaigns or personal gain.

He added that CSOs should also focus on the holistic agenda of good governance and not only on good elections as both were equally critical.

Olukoshi expressed concerns about the Electoral Offences Commission being subjected to the Attorney General of the Federation as this may lead to impunity at the highest level.

He called for policy-based and issue-based campaigns, eschewing hate speech in all its ramifications and that campaigns should target real issues facing the country with facts and figures.

He added that politicians should ensure that messages passed during campaigns were violence-free and impact positively on the audience.

In addition, banks and anti-corruption agencies such as ICPC and EFCC should be fully involved in monitoring campaigns and the electioneering period, and the media should spotlight more on policy-based campaigns by candidates and parties, he said.

Olukoshi underscored the importance of security in the electoral process and emphasised that peaceful and credible elections could only be possible through close collaboration between INEC and the security agencies.

He also appreciated the initiatives of INEC such as the establishment of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) and identification of high-risk or flashy areas using electoral risk tools.

He named the tools as: theElection Violence Mitigation and Advocacy Tool(EVMAT), and the creation ofvoting centres for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) to ensure inclusivity for voters like people displaced due to insurgency.(NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Ali Baba-Inuwa

Source: NAN News

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Coordinator, Jagaba Ambassadors and Media Action (JAMA), Alhaji Mohammed Uthman has pledged to mobilise 15 million votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate, Sen. Bola Tinubu, come 2023 elections.

Othman made the pledge on Wednesday at the inauguration of the national executives, zonal and state coordinators of Jagaba Ambassadors and Media Action (JAMA) in Abuja.

He said that the group would use its structures across the 36 states of the federation and FCT to sensitise Nigerians on the leadership qualities of Tinubu.

He said this would ensure victory for Tinubu and Shettima presidential ticket in the 2023 General Elections.

Age is not the issue on leadership but capacity, talent and commitment and Tinubu has all the leadership qualities to take Nigeria to the desired level.

Also, the APC-lead Federal Government has recorded tremendous achievements in both human and capital developments, Uthman said.

Earlier, the National Chairperson of Tinubu/Shettima Support Group, Mrs Hadizatu Mustapha, said the pair of Tinubu and Shettima would put Nigeria on the right track of development.

Mustapha expressed optimism that the APCs presidential candidate and his running mate would hunt for qualified talents to put Nigeria on the path of peace and progress, if elected.

She said that it was a wise decision that APC elected Tinubu as the presidential candidate of the party for the 2023 General Elections.

It is my hope and prayers that this combination of game changers will attract victory for our party come 2023; to revamp the nations economy, enhance national cohesion and restore hope in the country.

The common feature that that connects Tinubu and Shettima is that they are both achievers in their primary constituencies when they were tested.

They are human resources builders whose successors have made them proud and improved on what was set before them, she said.

Mustapha urged members of JAMA not to relent on their efforts to go to the grassroots, mobilise massive support and votes for the party across the nooks and crannies of the country come 2023 General Elections.(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Bashir Rabe Mani

Source: NAN News

By Franca Ofili

Mr Edosa Oviawe, Country Manager, Global Rights, says there is a need for the government to drive incentives for companies operating in Nigeria to make donations to the nonprofit sector

Oviawe, who is also the Chairman, Steering Committee on Civil Society Regulatory Environment, said this on Wednesday in Abuja at the first national conference on civil society operational environment in Nigeria.

There is a need for the government to drive incentives for companies operating in Nigeria to make donations to the nonprofit sector.

The donations are to be deducted from the companys tax liability as stipulated by the Company Income Tax Regulation, he said.

According to him, part of the responsibility of regulators was to ensure civil society organisation (CSOs) have access to needed information on existing guidelines and obligations of the non-profit sector.

He said that such would ensure total compliance with such regulations.

It is therefore imperative for the regulators to constantly engage the CSOs sector with a view to providing updates

Also, providing needed assistance in compliance with the seemingly multiple regulations including complying with the Financial Reporting Council, Oviawe said.

He advocated the need to address the issue of multiple reporting on CSOs by ensuring uniform reporting to the regulatory bodies.

Oviawe said that CSOs in Nigeria were currently burdened with multiple regulatory laws and some of such laws have very insidious provisions that tend to stifle the CSOs operational environment.

CSOs in Nigeria have always been regulated, but recently introduced regulations such as CAMA and the proposed NGO regulation bill have provisions that cast doubt on the intentions of the government.

These kinds of regulations are what continued to put both regulatory agencies and civil society actors at loggerheads, he said.

According to him, the issue of CSOs taxation in Nigeria was still shrouded in a lot of myths and misconceptions.

He said that there was a dearth of information on the tax responsibilities of CSOs in Nigeria.

It is therefore expedient to accentuate that although CSOs are exempted from paying Company Income Tax (CIT).

Where they do not engage in any trade or business, they are however mandated to file CIT returns, Value Added Tax (VAT) returns.

Also withholding Tax (WHT) returns where taxes of corporate service providers have been withheld, whether or not they access grants or carry out projects, Oviawe said.

He said that the Federal and State Inland Revenue Services have an obligation to constantly engage the non-profit in providing an understanding of the existing tax responsibilities and comprehensive guides to aid compliance.

The item 32 part 1 of the second schedule of the 1999 constitution that deals with incorporation, regulation and winding up of bodies corporate has to be moved from the exclusive list to the concurrent list of the Constitution.

It empowers state governments with the legal backing to deal with such issues as the provision currently impedes the country resilience and innovation index.

It is not only relevant but imperative to have harmonization of extant laws regulating CSOs operations in Nigeria, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Source: NAN News

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The African Women in Media (AWiM) will hold its 6TH conference aimed at bringing academia, industry experts, civil society and policy actors together to discuss gender equality and media development in Africa.

Dr Yemisi Akinbobola, Chief Executive Officer, AWiM in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday said the conference #AWiM2022, would share insights and best practices on the intersection of gender equality and media development in Africa.

Akinbobola said that the conference, scheduled for Dec. 8 to Dec. 9, in Fez, Morocco, would feature over 90 speakers with panels, workshops and round-tables.

According to her, the theme of the conference is: United in Action discussions will be wide-ranging across three sub-themes: Gender Equality in and through Media; Collective Action and Representation; and Media Business and Global Challenges.

United in Action refers to the coming together of all stakeholders in gender equality, in our shared experiences, and unity among media practitioners, academics, policy actors and civil society towards gender equality in the newsroom and in media content.

Therefore, the AWiM2022 conference is guided by an ethos of shared best practices and collaborative action to impact positively the way media functions in relation to African women, she said.

She listed the AWiM2022 speakers to include Dr Amina Lemrini, Dr Kenza Oumlil, Belinda Nadine Nyanhete, Dr Catherine Therrien, Dr Ke Cai, Dr Sherehan Hamdallah, Dr Ere Mendie Amapamoere Jennifer, Dr Nonhlanhla Ndlovu and many more.

We are filled with excitement and anticipation as our sixth annual conference draws closer. Not only are we thrilled that the conference will be in-person, we are also hosting it in North Africa for the first time.

We are pleased to work with the International Institute for Languages and Cultures (INLAC), in partnership with Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University and Isis Centre for Women and Development to organise AWiM2022, she said.

Also, Prof. Ennaji Moha, the President and Co-founder of International Institute for Languages and Culture said gender equality and women in media were topics that had not been dealt with widely in North African countries.

He said that the conference would be a golden opportunity for academics and civil society actors to come together and debate on these important and timely issues.

African Women in Media (AWiM) is a network for African women working in media industries globally with the aim of positively impacting the way media functions in relation to women. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Grace Yussuf

Source: NAN News

By Jessica Dogo

The United States National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET) says combating criminal misuse of digital assets is a top priority to the country.

The Inaugural Director of the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET) at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Ms Eun Choi, said this on Wednesday.

Choi, who spoke on the topic: The Rise of Cybercrime and Cryptocurrency, said law enforcement had to rely on the records of intermediaries in order to identify the true identity of those behind the addresses conducting those transactions.

She said digital assets were used in these crimes,because many of the features of these technologies by design make them attractive for the purposes of criminal exploitation.

Choi said that the growing use of digital assets in the global financial system had profound implications for investors, consumers, and businesses.

She also said, with the growth of adoption in digital assets, especially cryptocurrencies had resulting increase in the risk of crimes such as money laundering, cybercrime and terrorist financing, among others.

Choi said digital assets fall under three categories which are the use of cryptocurrency as a means of payment to facilitate criminal activity, cryptocurrency as a means of concealing illicit financial activity and Ponzi schemes.

It is because many of the features of these technologies by design make them attractive for the purposes of criminal exploitation.

We have been at the forefront of investigating crimes related to digital assets before the invention of Bitcoin, which is, of course, the first cryptocurrency, the director added.

Choi, however, said that the DOJ created NCET to help identify, investigate, support and pursue investigations and prosecutions of criminal misuse of digital assets with a particular focus on crimes committed by exchanges.

The NCET sets strategic priorities regarding digital asset technologies, identifies area for increased investigative and prosecutorial focus, as well as tacklesissues arising from the application of existing law to novel uses of digital assets.

It leads the departments efforts to coordinate with domestic and international law enforcement partners, regulatory agencies, and private industry to combat the criminal use of digital assets.

We also assist in training and recovering in tracing and recovering digital assets, including cryptocurrency payments to ransomware groups.

We build upon and strengthen the capacity of the department and its partners to dismantle the entities that enable criminal actors to flourish and profit from abusing digital assets, she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was organised by the U.S. Department of States Foreign Press Centres in collaboration with Meridian International Centre. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Alumni Association of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (AANI), is set to hold a high-level conference to discuss Nigerias national unity.

The National Publicity Secretary, AANI, retired Brig.-Gen. Dani Usman, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Usman said the association was concerned about divisive tendencies in the country, hence the need for the conference.

He said that the conference with the theme, Nigerias National Unity in the build up to the 2023 General Elections, will hold on Sept. 20.

Usman said the institute had since its establishment in 1979 remained a reservoir and think-tank on public policies in Nigeria.

As one of the foremost stakeholders in the Nigerian state, we are deeply concerned over the countrys growing insecurity, violent extremism, and ethno-religious crisis, especially as we approach the 2023 general elections.

This underscores the need to interrogate the circumstances that led to the present national challenges and proffer appropriate recommendations and implementation strategies, he said.

The AANI spokesman said Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will chair the conference while retired Gen. Martin-Luther Agwai will be the keynote Speaker.

Agwai was a former Chief of Defence Staff and ex-Special Adviser to UN Secretary-General on Peacekeeping.

Also, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad-Abubakar III, who is also the Chairman of AANI Heritage Council, will be the Royal Father of the day, while FCT Minister, Malam Mohammed Bello, will be the Chief Host.

Other prominent Nigerians expected to attend the conference include, Gov. Babagana Zullum of Borno, that of Jigawa, Badaru Abubakar and other governors from across the country.

The rest include members of National Assembly and the Federal Executive Council, as well as eminent Nigerians from diverse backgrounds, among others, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Source: NAN News

By Doris Esa

The Federal Government has expressed determination to ensure that the country was free of dog- mediated human rabies to achieve zero rabies target by 2030.

Speaking at a workshop in Abuja, to validate a National Strategic Plan for Elimination of Dog Mediated Human Rabies in Nigeria, Dr Maimuna Habib, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria (CVON), said the target was a global agenda.

Habib, who is also the Director of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that rabies was one of the deadliest zoonosis in the world.

She was represented by Dr Peter Umanah, Chief Veterinary Officer, Animal Health Division.

She said that the virus was caused by neurotropic RNA virus of the genus Lyssavirus.

Habib said that dogs were the main reservoir of the diseases and remained the commonest 99 per cent means of transmission to humans.

She, however, said that in spite of the associated high fatality, rabies is 100 per cent preventable.

In Nigeria, dogs are predominately the major reservoir of rabies with over 1, 000, 000 persons at risk of exposure to rabies virus through dog bite annually as majority of dogs are unlicensed, unvaccinated and roam freely in the environment, she said.

Habib said that the country, in the past few months had witnessed increasing cases of Rabid Dog bites which had resulted in deaths.

Habib reiterated the need to institutionalise and consolidate the One Health Initiative in the country.

She said that zoonotic diseases like rabies could only be eliminated by concerted and collaborative efforts of relevant stakeholders.

She said that the Federal Government had stepped up measure to align with the global agenda of achieving freedom from dog mediated human rabies by 2030.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in collaboration with the Ministries of Health and Environment, and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control as well other relevant stakeholders produced a draft National Strategic Plan for elimination of dog mediated human rabies, she said.

In a goodwill message, Dr Guy Kouame, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), representative, said that rabies was an deadly disease and had devastating effects in terms of mortality.

It requires that all hands must be on deck to ensure the fight against rabies is effective.

The FAO pledged their support toward the control and eradication of rabies in Nigeria, Kouame said.

Also, Dr Olayinka Umar- Farouk, Deputy Project Director, Risk Communication Breakthrough ACTION Nigeria (BA-N), said the scourge of rabies in Nigeria is one that is preventable.

Umar- Farouk who was represented by Dr Obinna Onuoha, BA- N, said the zero rabies by 2030 was achievable, and called on all health stakeholders to really dig in and put in the work required to end rabies.

Dr Dorcas Mernyi, Programme Manager, Zoonotic Programme, ministry of Health, said rabies is a worrisome disease that requires all to collaborate and end it.

She said stakeholders would ensure that a document was produced to eliminate rabies in the country in 2030.

The WHO representative, Dr Kikeope Oluwarore, said the organisation is supporting Nigeria to eliminate rabies from the country.

The Head of Epidemiology, NCDC, Dr Abubakar Jafiya, said the Centre would continue to work to ensure that dog- mediated human rabies is eliminated.

The Director AU- IBAR, Dr Nick Nwankpa, said rabies had recorded the highest number of outbreaks from 2015 to 2020 in Africa when compared to other zoonotic diseases.

Also, Dr Samuel Anzoku, Chief Veterinary Officer, Public Health, said eradicating rabies by 2030 was part of the global agenda.

Meanwhile, the National Technical Working Group on Implementation for elimination of dog- mediated human rabies was inaugurated by Habib.

The Chairman of the Technical Group is Dr Habib.

Some of the terms of reference included, facilitate implementation of the National Strategic Plan(NSP) for elimination of dog mediated human rabies.

It will also advocate and create awareness on the NSP across the three tiers of Government and other stakeholders. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Gabriel Agbeja

Aero Contractors, Nigerias oldest aviation company, has taken delivery of a second Dash-8 (Q-400) aircraft on Tuesday at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja.

The Nigerian registered aircraft owned by UMZA Air would be operated by Aero Contractors under a joint venture agreement between both parties.

The Dash 8 aircraft is one of the most fuel efficient and modern aircraft in the market and has a capacity of 74 seats.

The Managing Director of the Aero Contractors, Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood, after taking the delivery of the new aircraft, said Nigerians ought to expect efficient, prompt and reliable services when the airline resumes operation soonest with the second Dash-8Q400 Bombardier.

Mahmood, who was represented by Mr Daniel Adah, the Head of Aero ContractorsYou can afford to sell your ticket a bit less because you are consuming less fuel, Abubakar said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Grace Yussuf

Source: NAN News

By Angela Atabo

The European Union (EU) on Monday advised Nigerian politicians to engage in issue-based campaigns, shun violence and hate speech, ahead of the electioneering campaign which starts on Sept. 28.

Ms Samuela Isopi, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said this at the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme Closure of Phase 1 and Launch of Phase 11 in Abuja.

The EU SDGN testifies to the continued partnership with Nigeria that has grown in mutual respect and benefit since Nigerias return to democratic rule in 1999, Isopi said.

She said the rule of law; human rights and democracy were the founding principles of the EU.

The electoral campaign will start in two weeks; as a friend of Nigeria, we would like to see peaceful and issues-based campaigns and we would like to encourage all stakeholders to take a firm stance against violence and hate speech.

As the largest democracy in Africa, elections in Nigeria matter, they matter to Nigeria and Nigerians, they also matter for Africa as their outcome will be watched and felt well beyond its borders.

Nigeria has the responsibility to lead and inspire other democracies on the continent six months ahead of the 2023 General Election, Nigeria is at a pivotal moment in the process.

Who wins the elections is for the Nigerian people to decide; as a longstanding partner, the EU shares Nigerias interest to see a solid process leading to peaceful, free, fair and credible elections, she said.

Isopi said the EU would also want all Nigerian voters to peacefully and freely cast their votes to choose their leaders and contribute to strengthening the countrys democracy and good governance.

She added that the EU was particularly keen to see greater participation of youth, women and people with disabilities.

She said that the mobilisation being witnessed across the country especially among the youth to register in view of next elections was a strong sign.

It is a message from the Nigerians, from the youth in particular, that they believe in democracy.

It is also a sign of trust in the electoral process that has made tremendous progress over the past few years and months.

Thanks to the reforms and the technical innovations introduced by INEC to make elections more transparent and more credible, and to reassure voters that their votes will count and will be respected, she said.

Isopi said EU firmly believed that only a functioning democracy could address citizens needs and build prosperous, resilient and strong societies.

She said it was with that belief in mind that the support to electoral processes was key element of the EUs cooperation policy with its partners.

She said that the EU provided technical support to key electoral institutions and stakeholders since Nigerias return to democratic rule in 1999, with over a 150 million euros committed so far.

She said that the Phase I of the EU-SDGN programme contributed to the reform of the electoral process by building capacities, strengthening institutions, strengthening the role and participation of civil society, contributing to the reform of the legal framework.

She added that building on the success of the first phase, the formulation of phase II was done in consultation with the Nigerian Government and key stakeholders such as the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) and civil society organisations.

She said the overall objective of the programme was to foster a functioning pluralistic, inclusive, participatory and representative democracy in Nigeria.

Even though today marks the official launch of the programme, implementation started five months ago in April 2022, a month before the end of Phase 1.

The programme of which the total amount is 39 million euros will be implemented until 2027, with a focus on six specific components, she said.

Isopi said the programme was aimed at improving the quality of electoral administration in Nigeria and strengthen capacities for legislative and judicial reform in compliance with democratic principles and standards.

She said it would enhance pluralism, internal democracy and equality of opportunity in the political parties and the political party system and empower the media to promote fair and ethical coverage of the electoral process and combat hate speech.

She said the programme also aimed at tackling disinformation, enhance participation of women, youth and other marginalised groups in the political process and empower CSOs and relevant agencies to demand greater transparency and accountability in the electoral and decision making process, and promote greater citizens participation.

Isopi said the European Union would continue to provide targeted support by building on the successes of the past electoral cycles and taking forward the very significant lessons learned within the period.

She called on Nigerians to support and respect the fundamental and independent role INEC as it fulfils its constitutional mandate and should be allowed to operate free from outside pressure, and in turn must demonstrate full neutrality and professionalism.

She said the new electoral act was a major step forward and its full implementation by INEC have the potential to make 2023 general elections a milestone in Nigerias democratic history.

She however, said for this to happen, everyone has to do his part.

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), commended the ambassador for the closure of Phase I and launch of Phase II of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (the EU-SDGN) Programme.

Yakubu said the closure of the Phase I and simultaneous launch of Phase II of the EU-SDGN Programme was a further affirmation of the enduring commitment and support of the European Union towards the strengthening of democratic institutions and the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria.

He said INEC was a key beneficiary of the first phase of the EU-SDGN Programme conceived under the National Indicative Programme 2014 2020.

The support went a long way to complement the Commissions efforts at strengthening our organisational and planning capacity, a major achievement is the progressive provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, especially the deployment of technology at polling unit level, he said.

Yakubu reassured that the commission would work together with the consortium of partners to implement the support to its component of the EU-SDGN II.

He said the choice of the partners signified a vote of confidence in their capacity to undertake actions and implement activities that are critical to promoting the institutionalisation of democratic norms in our country.

He said INEC would work with the implementing partners for free, fair, credible and inclusive elections.

He added that the commission would continue to welcome the deployment of international and domestic election observers in line with INECs guidelines.

This, he said was because the commission considered the deployment of such election observation missions as a means of enhancing public confidence and trust in Nigerias elections. (NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

Source: NAN News

By Femi Ogunshola

A Coalition of Civil Society Groups (CSOs) has commended the National Chairman, All Progress Congress (APC), Sen. Abdullahi Adamu for appointing Mr Ben Duntoye, a Special Adviser on Civil Society of the party.

This is contained in a statement jointly signed by some of the CSOs on Monday in Abuja.

Mr Charles Ibiang, the National Coordinator of the Civil Society Coalition for Good Governance said Duntoyes pedigree, commitment to national development, credible records within the Civil Society space gave him the leeway.

He described Duntoye as a man with strong faith in the ideals of the APC, adding that this must have been responsible for his appointment.

Ibiang said: Adamu is the first political party chairman in Nigeria to recognise the role of civil society in this manner, as a way of deepening democratic governance in Nigeria.

Mr Jubril Muregi, the National Chairman of the Arewa Young Leaders Consultative Forum (AYLCF), said Duntoyes appointment was a clear demonstration of Adamus belief in the potency of the civil society

According to him, Adamu deserves commendation for this historic and strategic appointment of a seasoned personality.

The Civil Society Community sincerely appreciates him for his leadership and commends him for this gesture. He was quoted as saying.

In a related development, a foremost Youth Leader, Mr Blessing Akinlosotun, President Nigerian Youth Congress, extolled the virtues of Duntoye, describing the appointment as the right step.

He said that Duntoye was former President of Pan-African Youth Union (PYU) and a former President, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).

He said Duntoye was a member of the Civil Society, Youth and Women delegation to the National Political Reform Conference 2005 and the head of the Youth Delegation to the National Conference 2014.

He said Duntoye was equally one of the Civil Society Representatives in the Nigeria Vision 2020 Steering Committee and was a former Commissioner for Information and Communications in Kwara State. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Grace Yussuf

Source: NAN News

By Ruth Oketunde

The UK group, IA-Foundation says the Nigerian government should enact a law to punish parents and guardians, using their children to engage in economic ventures during school hours.

The Chief Executive Officer of IA-Foundation, Mrs Ibironke Adeagbo, gave the advice in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

Adeagbo was speaking against the backdrop of a report released recently by UNESCO, which put the number of out-of-school children in the West African country at 20.2 million.

The report, released on Aug. 18, alarmed Nigerians, who have been expressing their disgust on the development as well as the continued closure of public universities in the country.

Public universities in the country have been shut for more than 200 days, due to a face-off between the Academic Staff Union of Universities and the federal government.

The Nigerian government needs to enact a law to punish parents and guardians using their children and wards for economic ends, rather than sending them to school, said Adeagbo, who has sustained a campaign to tackle Nigerias out-of-school crisis.

British-born Adeagbo said that Nigeria was having about eight per cent of the estimated 244 million out-of-school children in the world.

She suggested that the issue of out-of-school children should be made a standing agenda in the weekly federal executive council meeting of the federal government.

Nigeria should demonstrate the political will to tackle the out-of-school crisis because the problem is indeed, a time bomb.

She said that 17 states in the country were having high numbers of out-of-school children with 14 of the states in Nigerias north.

Adeagbo pointed out, however, that governments intervention might do little to resolve the problem, unless the pervading insecurity in the country was tackled decisively.

She expressed her regrets that people in tertiary institutions in the country were also dropping out of school because of endless strikes by university teachers.

The education rights campaigner advised Nigeria to invest in information technology to bring education closer to the masses, especially in rural communities.

Education is under siege in Nigeria and government must do the needful to save he future of Africas most populous nation, said Adeagbo.

She re-stated her advice to the federal government to seek foreign assistance to address challenges in the country, especially in tackling insecurity and the education sector.

Education in Nigeria, which is Africas top crude oil exporter and one of the largest economies in the continent has been in turmoil in recent years.

The development has made millions of kids to stay out of school with university students in public institutions also forced out of classrooms, due to persistent strikes by teachers.

But the federal government has been making strident efforts to resolve contentious issues with the university teachers, to get the institutions to re-open. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Silas Nwoha

Source: NAN News

By Gami Tadanyigbe

Pupils and students resumed in some private and public schools within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who visited some schools within Gwagwalada and Kuje Area Councils saw students in their large numbers in their classes.

NAN reports that parents were bringing in students in some schools namely Madona Nursery and Primary School, Demonstration Primary School, St. David Nursery and Primary school in Gwagwalada Area Council.

At the Girlcrest Nursery and Primary School and Arada International College in Kuje Area Council, the schools security personnel were checking temperatures of pupils and they were made to use hand sanitisers before entering their classes.

Mrs Evlyn David, a parent, appealed with schools to be considerate with tuition and other fees, especially with the hard economic situation in the country to enable students resume school.

David said that her childrens school had a sharp increase in the fees when she went to pay for their school fees and other fees were also increased.

Another parent, Mrs Dorothy Zakaria, said she was happy that both the school and parents had provided necessary safety equipment for students resumption.

She called on the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government to reach a workable and speedy resolution to enable university students go back to school.

One of the students at Arada International College in Kuje, Mohammed Mani, expressed delight with the resumption, saying he is happy to continue with his studies after two months at home.

Also, Miss Joy Ukari, another student said she was excited that the school had finally reopened; adding that she was fully prepared for the resumption. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Grace Yussuf

Source: NAN News

By Ibironke Ariyo

Acting Corps Marshal Dauda Biu of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has charged Commanding Officers to ensure that Staff under their purview maintain political neutrality, as well as avoid any form of participation in political rallies and campaigns and also avoid piloting political convoys.

In a statement by ACM Bisi Kazeem, Corps Public Education Officer on Monday in Abuja, he disclosed that this was to put their operation in perspective as activities for the 2023 general elections gather momentum across the country.

Biu gave the directive in reference to the FRSC (Establishment) Act which stipulates the status of the Corps as a public service agency that does not have any political affiliation.

He said that the FRSC was solely established to provide essential services to all citizens, irrespective of their political interests or representation.

The Corps Marshal, however, directed the Commanding Officers to be sensitive to the plight of road users and prepare to tackle any traceable traffic gridlock that could arise as a result of the political activities.

He added that they should ensure adequate deployment of personnel for ease of movement in form of traffic controls and traffic calming.

Biu reassured the public of the Corps readiness and commitment to making the roads safer at all times and admonished them to always abide by established road traffic regulations.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Source: NAN News

By Victor Okoye

Nigerias Ekanem Ekwueme has been unanimously voted into the board of the All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) Ladies Association as the Trustee in charge of the West and Central Africa region.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the announcement of the result took place at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Tanzania.

The result saw Ekwueme unanimously voted in by all the West and Central African delegates.

Juliet Monyei-Inyere, the President, Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), who confirmed Ekwuemes victory to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, said she was voted unopposed during the associations Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Dar es Salaam.

A hearty congratulations to our past LGAN President, Ekanem Ekwueme on her unopposed election into the Board of the AACT Ladies Association.

She was voted into the board as the new Trustee in charge of all the West and Central Africa region during the AGM in Tanzania on Friday.

It was indeed an overwhelming and well deserved victory for one of our own.

Here is wishing her a very successful tenure of four years. We are proud of her, she said.

Ekwueme, who is also the only certified female World Handicap System (WHS) Course rater in Nigeria, told NAN that she was elated to have been voted into the board.

She added that she would bring all her experience to bear in the discharge of her duties for the next four years.

I am really delighted and elated to have been unanimously voted into the board of the AACT.

Indeed this is not just a victory for me, but also a big one for Nigeria and the whole West and Central Africa as well.

I hope to bring all the experiences I have been able to gather over the years to bear in the discharge of my duties in this highly exalted office for the next four years, she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Victor Okoye

Team Nigeria finished in an impressive seventh position out of 20 countries which participated at the just concluded prestigious All Africa Challenge Trophy 2022 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Golf tournament is a biennial continental ladies golf championship in Africa that had its inaugural edition in May 1992.

Nigeria hosted the 1996 and 2010 editions at the Ikoyi Golf club, Lagos and the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

Each participating country is represented by three players and a non-playing captain.

Using Eisenhower scoring, the best two scores per round count towards the daily team score in the 54-hole stroke play format.

NAN also reports that Nigeria ladies golf team scored 488 gross to settle for 7th place out of 20 countries in this years championship which was the 15th edition.

Amina Wilfred and Evelyn Oyome were the players on the Nigerian team.

South Africa ladies team won the 2022 Golf Championship at the Gymkhana club in Dar es salaam, Tanzania.

The victors who have now won the title for a record 12th time, had a combined total score of 444 gross in three rounds, five strokes better than North Africans, Morocco.

South Africas team had Brown Bobbi, Gabrielle Venter and Bronwyn Leigh Doeg.

The trio were impressive throughout the three rounds of action.

Morocco (449), host Tanzania (455), Kenya (458), Zimbabwe (476), Uganda (480), Nigeria (488), Zambia (496), Ghana (498) and Gabon (517) completed the championships top 10 leaderboard of the best three scores in 54 holes.

Egypt who has one title to its name, settled for the 11th spot, Ivory Coast (12th), Mauritius (13th), Malawi (14th), Botswana (15th), Cameroon (16th), Rwanda (17th), Mali (18th), Burundi (19th) and Togo (20th).

Juliet Monyei-Inyere, the President, Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) who confirmed the result to NAN on Sunday, said it was the best performance by Team Nigeria in more than a decade.

I want to congratulate my able Nigerian Team who went with me to the All Africa Challenge Trophy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 2022.

I can proudly say that we went, we saw and we conquered.

Even though Nigeria featured two players instead of three (due to travel document issues), we were able finish seventh out of 21 countries, which is our best performance in over a decade, she said.

She noted that the trip was hugely successful as Nigeria also won the position of the AACT Trustee for the West

By Mohammed Tijjani

The Police Command in Kaduna State says its operatives have rescued three kidnapped victims, recovered arms, ammunition and operational vehicles in two different locations.

The Commands Public Relations Officer, DSP Muhammad Jalije, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna.

Jalige said, the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Usman Babas directives on rigorous visible patrols and domination of public space by Police had continued to yield the desired outcome.

According to him, these accomplished feats were against the backdrop of a complaint received on Sept. 4, that one Yusuf Abubakar of Dorayi quarters in Kano State has been abducted.

On the same date at Barde village in Ikara LGA of Kaduna State, the abductors were demanding for N50 million ransom.

On receipt of the complaint, the Commissioner of Police Kaduna State, Mr Yekini Ayoku, directed the Divisional Police Officer Ikara to spread his operational dragnet to ensure the victim was rescued unhurt and culprits arrested.

Consequently, on Sept. 9 at about 2015hrs, Police Operatives attached to the Division while on intensive purposeful crime prevention patrol along Ikara- Tashan Yari road, intercepted a motorcycle conveying three persons riding in a suspicious manner.

The operatives promptly caught up with the motorcyclists after a high-speed chase and two of the riders on sensing Police pursuit jumped off the motorcycle and fled into the bush, he added.

Jalige said the operatives upon search of the motorcycle, recovered a concealed AK47 rifle loaded with 10 rounds of live 7.62 X 39mm ammunitions.

He said the identity of the rescued man was later discovered to be the Yusuf Abubakar of Dorayi whose report of kidnap was earlier received by the Division.

The victim and the exhibits were moved to the Police Station for further investigation while the fleeing culprits are being trailed for arrest.

The victim has been medically evaluated and reunited with his family, he said.

Jalige also said on Sept 9, at 0245hrs, operatives of the Command attached to Hunkuyi Division, while on aggressive patrol on Zaria Kano expressway, intercepted a suspicious Ford Mini Bus with Reg No. ZAR 532 XR and the occupants rather than heed the police order to halt for search, engaged the Operatives in a gun duel.

The operatives responded gallantly and in the ensuing melee, the hoodlums fled with varying bullet wounds leaving behind two female occupants of the said vehicle who were rescued.

Upon search of the vehicle, an AK47 Magazine loaded with 30 rounds of live 7.62 39mm ammunition were recovered.

He said the preliminary investigation revealed that the two female occupants were the wives of one person at Kwanar Dangora, Kano State who were earlier abducted by the hoodlums.

The CP commended the officers for the achievements and tasked them to do more, to reduce crime and criminalities to the barest minimum in the state, Jalige said.

He equally called on the public to be security conscious at all times and alert security agencies on noticing any suspicious movement and activities around them. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

Olukayode Babalola

Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation ( SGF), says the Keffi Unity Polo Tournament will go a long way in creating harmony among Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliations.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the tournament on Sunday in Keffi, Nasarawa state Mustapha said: We need to lower the heat in the political atmosphere.

Platforms like this will create harmony and for people to be at ease, watch a game of polo and reflect on the issues of Nigeria is a welcome development

On the coming elections, the only responsible thing for the people to do is to make sure that they register to vote so that their voices may be heard.

The SGF urged Nigerians to avoid acts that will further aggravate the already tensed situation in the country.

We should take a cue from what just happened in Kenya where a declaration was made at the end of an election and instead of resorting to self help the loser went to Court.

And the Court had the opportunity to give its verdict and the loser accepted the verdict in the interest of the nation.

I think that is a very good lesson that we should imbibe as a nation.

At the end of the exercise in 2023, there will obviously be a winner, so the loser must either accept the loss in good faith or approach the Court to be heard.

He said the off-season election in Osun was a testament to the Federal Governments readiness to be neutral come 2023.

As a government, we have demonstrated that we will never interfere with the electoral process.

The off season election in Osun was a clear demonstration of our commitment to a clean and fair electoral process, Mustapha added.

He also commended Mr Ahmed Wadada for his initiative, adding, it was capable of creating harmony across political divides.

Also speaking, Minister of Sports, Mr Sunday Dare, praised the objective of the tournament, which according to him attracted several dignitaries and politicians from different political parties.

Dare pledged to ensure that his ministry supports any sporting activity that promotes unity among Nigerians.

Using polo as a tool to promote unity of our country is very encouraging and we pray that more people will play Polo.

The ministry will always support every sport that engages Nigerians and promotes unity, whether its polo, golf, football or athletics

The idea of hosting a national polo game came up and Wadada discussed it with us and we supported it.

I am happy to see the dignitaries here and polo has truly been used to promote harmony, so, Wadada had done a great job, he said.

PDP Presidential candidate, ex-Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, represented by Babangida Aliyu, former Niger governor described the tournament as apt and critical in bringing people together.

This provides an opportunity to have open conversations in a friendly atmosphere on issues causing divisions in the country.

Coming here is very important, because we need these kinds of activities bring people of all kinds together to understand that politics is not a physical war.

Instead, it should be more a war of wits, a war of ideas. A war of getting people to appreciate who to vote for, he added.

APC Presidential candidate, Sen. Bola Tinubu, was represented by Yusuf Husseini, Director-General, Tinubu Presidential Ambassadors of Nigeria and Diaspora (TPAND).

He said that bringing all the political stakeholders together indicated that the 2023 General Elections would be devoid of rancour.

Hence the call on more Nigerians to emulate Keffi Polo ranch by coming up with initiatives to promote unity.

This tournament is a very good platform for all individuals, irrespective of party affiliations to come and express their oneness and one love.

We are together and will work together for the success of the electoral processes, he said.

Ogianme Atuwatse III, Olu of Warri and the Emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Chindo-Yamusa, extolled the objective of the tournament.

The duo pledged to support any initiative geared towards fostering peace and unity in their domains and in Nigeria in general.

Ahmed Wadada, Founder and Promoter of Keffi Polo Ranch said that organizing the tournament with the objective of promoting unity was as a mark of responsibility and responsiveness.

He said: As a mark of responsiveness in the sense that we all know what obtains today in our political dealings.

The tension is so much. So, being responsive to it made me to be responsible to have conceptualized this tournament.

We have been able to convey the message of the objective of the tournament.

This is to create a platform that will bolster peaceful coexistence of the political gladiators and players who will also in the long run ensure a hitch-free general elections in 2023.

We have demonstrated that it is not everything that must be viewed through the realm of politics.

Wadada stated there were people from all the political divides, adding, this is the message we try to preach.

The tournament is centred around unity and the representation here has shown.

The spirit of sportsmanship obtainable in sports in general and the game of Polo in particular must be seen to prevail in the forthcoming elections.

We must know that not all will be winners in the coming election. So, as we prepare to win, we must prepare to accept defeat if it comes.

.NAN reports that at the final of the tournament, Team Malco Mines defeated Team Keffi Ponys 8-7 via penalty shootout to win the tournaments champion trophy. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Source: NAN News

By Kingsley Okoye

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa, Sen. Chimaroke Nnamani has commiserated with King Charles III and the United Kingdom over the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Nnamani, a former governor of Enugu State, in a condolence message to King Charles III, described the late Queen as a revered monarch that ever lived on earth.

He said the late Queen was an uncommon monarch, who paid attention to duty and promoted excellent work ethics.

He said that she was also diligent and had an unwavering commitment to the welfare and security of her people.

Queen Elizabeth was a quintessential monarch who spread goodwill in all nooks and crannies of the world.

She was royalty personified and gave dignity and meaning to monarchy to the admiration of the world.

She promoted world peace and cooperation especially through the Commonwealth Games. Above all, she exhibited an uncommon humility.

Her death is arguably an end of an era, she left indelible footprints in the sand of time

Our condolences to King Charles III, the British Royal Family, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth nations on the passage of Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, he said.

Nnamani prayed God, in His infinite mercy, to grant her eternal rest.

He urged the people of England and commonwealth nations to immortalise the great monarch for her numerous contributions to humanity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chidi Opara/Chioma Ugboma

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) on Saturday inaugurated staff quarters for NAOWA College and 500 seater multipurpose hall for NAOWA Model Nursery and Primary School in Abuja

Some deserving members of staff including teaching and non-teaching staff the two schools were also honoured with gift items for years of meritorious service.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while the staff quarter was named after Mrs Nnena Ihejirika, the 500 seat auditorium was named after Mrs Martha Bamayi, both former presidents of NAOWA.

While Mrs Bamayi established the NAOWA model school in 1999, Mrs Ihejirika established NAOWA college in 2013.

The incumbent president of NAOWA, Mrs Salamatu Yahaya said the structures were products of her vision of Sustaining Legacies and Upholding the Tenets of Unity and Service.

Yahaya said that past leaders of NAOWA had carved a niche for themselves and secured ample space in the associations hall of fame through their remarkable leadership styles and establishments of sustainable legacies.

According to her, sustaining these legacies through maintenance of existing structures, construction of additional structures, standardisation of all facilities and enhancement of quality services through capacity development programmes for NAOWA members and staff, are the operating principles of her vision.

This Commissioning Ceremony is an avenue to celebrate and immortalize two great NAOWA past Presidents who have made noteworthy impacts in the growth structure of NAOWA.

In this regards, we resolved that the newly constructed Staff Quarters here at the NAOWA College Abuja be named Mrs Nnenna Ihejirika Staff Quarters and the Multipurpose Hall at NAOWA Model Nursery and Primary School Asokoro be named: Mrs Martha Bamaiyi Multipurpose Hall.

This is indeed, our way of showing respect and also engraving continuity as a mantra in the leadership structure of NAOWA at all levels.

It is also a way of preserving history for the benefit of NAOWA members, prospective leaders. staff and students of these institutions, as well as the public at large, she said.

NAOWA president said that the 19 members of staff rewarded with gift items, had put in an average of 15 years meritorious service in the services of the two schools located in Asokoro.

She said the gesture was their way of showing appreciation for their hard work, commitment, perseverance and determination in the developmental process of the School.

She appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, commandants of army institutions, commanders and other senior military officers for their support towards the establishment of the structures.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Yahaya commended the efforts of the past and present leadership of NAOWA for their foresightedness in supporting the educational development in the Nigerian army.

Yahaya also commended the officers wives for taking the lead in addressing the needs of their homes as well as supporting to meet the educational needs of their children.

He pledged to continue to support NAOWA in their quest to touch lives within and outside the barracks.

The President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Vickie Irabor, lauded the vision of the past presidents of NAOWA who established the schools that had become flagship in the military community.

Irabor said the women had continued to hold the home front fronts while their husbands were being deployed in various fronts to confront security challenges.

On her part, Mrs Bamayi thanked the NAOWA president for recognizing her contribution to the development of education in the Nigerian army.

She urged the association to sustain the vision of the founders and continue to build on the existing structures.

Mrs Ihejirika on her part commended the successive NAOWA leadership for sustaining and expanding the legacy of the past leaders.

She thanked Mrs Yahaya for acknowledging and remembering her for an honour to name the colleges staff quarter after her.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of various gift items like plasma LED television set to 19 teaching and non-teaching staff of the schools in recognition of their meritorious services over the years. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Ma

Source: NAN News

Source: NAN News