The Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education, Prof. Idris Bugaje addressing participants at a one-day meeting with the Provosts, Proprietors, Principals of Health Institutions and Registrars of Health Professional Bodies in Kaduna

By Philip Yatai, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

In September 2022, the Police Command in Niger arrested two suspects for allegedly operating an illegal health science college in Bosso Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects were operating a school known as Excellence College of Health Sciences and Technology, somewhere in Maikunkele.

The school was allegedly established in 2020 and commenced admission in 2021 without any authorisation or certification from appropriate government bodies.

The operators of the school allegedly forged a certificate of registration to deceived members of the public to register and gain admission into the school.

As at the time of the arrests, about 100 unsuspecting students had enrolled into the college after paying N78, 000 each for tuition and other charges.

Similarly, in July 2022, theKano State Government shut down at least 26 illegal private health training institutions.

The State Ministry of Health in a statement explained that the institutions were established without recourse to extant regulations governing the establishment and operation of such institutions.

According to Kano State Government, the unrecognised institutions lacked definite sites and offered dubious programmes against the established curricula while extorting exorbitant fees from students and their parents.

In Kaduna State, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Mohammed-Baloni, recently announced plans to fish out and shut down unequipped and unregistered schools and colleges of health sciences in the state.

The commissioner also said the government had closed some of the schools some time ago because they did not meet the minimum criteria to exist and operate.

Similarly, the Gombe State Government, in 2022 banned 10 health training institutions from teaching and awarding certificates to students of health-related fields over alleged non-accreditation.

The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Zubairu Umar had explained thatbecause the institutions were not accredited by regulatory bodies and they did not have the required facilities to train health workers.

These are just few among several of such illegal institutions that scattered all over the country.

Health experts have expressed concern over the high incidence of death arising from handling of patients by unprofessional health workers.

They have tried to establish a link between such deaths and health workers who obtained their certificates from illegal and substandard health training centres.

They particularly argued that any functional health system relies on skilled manpower to deliver the much-needed services.

Worried by the development, the Federal Government, through the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) said it was taking measures to sanitise the system.

Consequently, NBTE convened aone-day meeting with provosts, proprietors, principals of healthinstitutions and registrars of health professional bodies in Kaduna.

The Executive Secretary of the board, Prof. Idris Bugajetold meeting that the authorities will not fold its arms and watch some elements flout regulations on establishment of diploma awarding institutions.

He warned that anybody who decided to call its programme National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) without NBTE registration and accreditation is creating a serious problem for himself or herself.

According to him, NBTE is determined to clean up the system because .

This is why we invited all the provosts and proprietors of health colleges, both legal and illegal and professional bodies, to discuss the challenges and develop a common roadmap to address them.

If it is the registration conditions that are too stringent, let us know so that we can review what can be reviewed without compromising standards.

We will give a moratorium for every health institution to go and regularise its registration, after which, we will bring the full ambit of the law and security agencies at our disposal to close the illegal ones, he told the meeting.

The executive secretary said that the NBTE had already reviewed Bank Guarantee mandatory requirement for registration downwards from N100 million to N25 million.

He disclosed that some of the operators of illegal health colleges were currently being investigated by the Department of State Services (DSS) in two states.

He added that the board had also constituted a standing Disciplinary Committee to try members of staff who were colluding with illegal institutions to give them fake accreditation.

Already, some senior management staff of the NBTE involved have been suspended and as I speak, while some are facing disciplinary committees, we will leave no stone unturned.

One of you gave one of our staff N2.5 million to facilitate registration. It is illegal and we are investigating the fraud. I learned the staff has refunded the money but must face the full wrath of the law, Bugaje said.

Also, the NBTE Director, Inspectorate, Hajiya Bilkisu Daku, said at the session that registration with the board is crucial in the establishment of colleges of health technology offering ND or HND in the country.

Daku added that the board partnered the police, DSS, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission and other anti-graft agencies to curtail the proliferation of illegal institutions.

It has been argued in some quarters that government established institutions alone cannot develop enough manpower required by the nations health sector.

While acknowledging this assertion, NBTE Director, Monotechnic Programmes, Mr Samaila Tanko, said private sector participation in the training of manpower must follow approved channels.

He said NBTE was the agency that regulates all aspects of technical education that falls outside university education.

He said that health training offered by colleges of health technologies and nursing schools was among the training regulated by the NBTE and as they must comply with NBTE regulations.

Dr Sani Barka, Chairman, Association of Heads of Health Training Institutions in Nigeria, said at the event that the proliferation of illegal health colleges in the country was alarming.

Barka, who is the Provost, Gombe State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Kaltungo, commended the NBTE for taking steps to curb the trend.

Also, Dr Bayo Ojo, Chairman, Association of Provosts of Colleges of Health Sciences and Technology of Nigeria, described the move to sanitise the operations of colleges of health sciences as laudable.

Sharing a similar view, Mr Yahaya Tsumi, the Director, Special Duties, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, said what the NBTE is doing is a laudable move to check illegal health institutions.

As a regulatory institution, we are in full support so that the right thing will be done to produce qualified health professionals, he said.

For a country whose health sector needs to be upgraded, Nigeria can ill-afford poorly trained healthcare workers and care givers at whatever level.

This makes it necessary for all stakeholders to play their part in ensuring that training of health workers is done in environments that boast of global best practices.

Source: NAN News

By Abigael Joshua.

Razaq Abubakre, an Emeritus Professor and former Federal Commissioner, says LP Presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, couldnt have defeated the President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu, at the last presidential election.

Abubakre, also a former Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University Ilorin
spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday.

The technocrat alleged that Obis lacklustre performance as former governor of Anambra worked against him.

Abubakre also claimed that Obis inability to build leaders, unlike Tinubu, who had inspired several leaders nationally and internationally, was part of his undoing.

His use of religion in contradistinction to Asiwajus Muslim-Muslim ticket gave him a transient false national spread, Abubakre said.

He recalled the simile employed by Rabiu Kwankwaso, NNPP presidential candidate, during his speech at the Chatham House, London, that Obis electoral fortune was like the foam of Andrews Liver Salt that comes with power and disappears almost immediately.

This is quite apposite to describe his eventual performance, especially during the elections of state governors and House of Assemblies. Unfortunately, desperation is not a good manner, Abubakre said.

He said he could not endorse the permutation that if all the other contestants whose origin was PDP, such as Atiku, Obi and Kwankwaso, joined forces, PDP would have probably won the presidency.

This is underlying the divine intervention favouring Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu ab initio.

The pattern of voting could have changed. For example, the bulk of votes that Obi received from the South-East, parts of South-South and pockets of North-Central could not have gone to Atiku.

Some of it would have also been cast for Tinubu on his merit and record of performance, Abubakre asserted.

He said the internal evidence of this claim is the undiminishing successes and superiority of the APC in all the elections, such as National Assembly, gubernatorial elections and state assemblies, in spite of the global economic challenges.

He said Tinubus superiority lies in his excellent performance record as governor of Lagos State; his cosmopolitan outlook spread nationally and with global ramifications.

It is instructive to note that Tinubus emergence is divine and critical when the nation needs a true unifier, a performer par excellence and a strategic leader focused on nation-building for sustainable and inclusive growth, Abubakre said.

Abubakre was a Federal Commissioner for the Public Complaints Commission for Osun State between 2012 and 2018, and the Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Ilorin from 2001 to 2003. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Razak Owolabi

Source: NAN News

By Oluwatope Lawanson

The International Press Centre (IPC) in Lagos has announced that it is establishing a Centre on the Safety and Protection of Journalists (CSFPJ) as part of activities to commemorate the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2023.

IPCs Executive Director, Mr Lanre Arogundade, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, lamented the increasing attacks on journalists and the media.

Establishment of the centre is to further address the growing spate of attacks on journalists and the threats on media freedom in Nigeria.

Mrs Melody Lawal has been appointed as the Coordinator of the centre.

Lawal has the task of positioning the CSFPJ to strategically coordinate initiatives to respond to the challenge of addressing the worsening state of journalists safety and press freedom in Nigeria, Arogundade said.

The statement quoted Lawal as saying that the indication of the deteriorating press freedom situation was the fact that there were more attacks on journalists and the media in 2022 than the previous year.

Unlike 2021 when forty-one (41) attacks were documented, the IPCs Safety of Journalists Alert Desk recorded sixty-six (66) attacks in 2022 with the perpetrators including law enforcement and security agents; political thugs and hoodlums, and unknown gunmen among others.

The breakdown shows that four (4) attacks were recorded in the North-West; sixteen (16) in North-Central; six (6) in the North-East; twenty-six (26) in the South-West; four (4) in the South-East and ten (10) in the South-South.

The types of attacks recorded include physical assault, abduction, gun attack, threat to life, denial of access to information, unlawful arrest and detention, harassment, threat to sanction and payment of fine.

Twenty-six (26) broadcast journalists, thirteen (13) print journalists and twenty-four (24) online journalists were among those affected.

In terms of gender, fifty-six (56) male journalists and ten (10) female journalists suffered one form of molestation or the other, Lawal disclosed.

According to her, full details of the attacks and the modus operandi of the new centre on the safety of journalists will be unveiled at a media roundtable to be organised by the IPC on May 5.

The CSFPJ coordinator said that the roundtable would be organised in partnership with the West Zone of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the Oyo State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists at Ibadan, Oyo State.

She said that the keynote address at the roundtable would be delivered by Prof. Tokunbo Adaja, Dean, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU).

According to Lawal, the keynote address will have the theme Protecting Freedom of Expression in the Age of Misinformation and Disinformation..

She said that the event would be attended by editors, media professionals and leaders of the NUJ, adding that the press freedom situation in the country would be discussed and recommendations made on how the deteriorating situation could be checked.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) or World Press Day was established on May 3,1993 by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

It is observed annually on May 3rd to recognise the great efforts and contributions of journalists in uncovering the deepest and unknown truths of society.

The theme of the 2023 World Press Day is: Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as the Engine of Other Human Rights.

According to the UNESCO, the 2023 edition marks the 30th anniversary of the United Nations General Assemblys decision to proclaim International Press Freedom Day. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluyinka Fadare/Vivian Ihechu

Source: NAN News

Nura Rimi, Ambassador of Nigeria to Egypt

Mr Nura Rimi, the Ambassador of Nigeria to Egypt, says Nigeria is being accorded top priority by the Egyptian government in the granting of evacuation approval for its citizens fleeing Sudan.

Rimi told the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) on Thursday that the feat was achieved because of the cordial relations between both countries.

NAN reports that the sudden slide into violence between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary group, Rapid Support Forces, had left thousands of foreigners, including diplomats and aid workers, stranded in that country.

He said that many countries chose to evacuate their citizens through the southern part of Egypt because of their confidence in the government and people of that country.

Rimi added that foreign countries refused to use some of Egypts neighbours because of the instability in those countries.

He explained that in offering assistance to the countries seeking evacuation approval, Egypt must first think of the security implication.

It was not an easy decision as I said because security considerations were taken, but Nigerians were within the shortest possible time granted approval to be evacuated through Egypt.

Thats why I kept saying those conditions and guidelines that were given were in good faith because Egypt has to preserve its own national security.

If you look at the countries around Egypt, almost all of them are in one form of crisis or the other.

So, it is always necessary for countries to safeguard their territorial integrity and to make sure that they guarantee their own security because if a country is not secured then nobody will want to leave in it.

Even the citizens will run away and leave the country, he told NAN.

Rimi lauded the sincere efforts of the Egyptian government for the priority given in approving the use of its border to evacuate Nigerians stranded in Sudan.

I must thank President Abdulfattah el-Sisi for graciously accepting to opening the Egyptian borders to Nigeria.

These borders were open first and foremost to Nigerians before any other nationality.

I met my colleague ambassadors from other countries waiting and waiting for approvals to be able to bring in their citizens to be evacuated.

Nigeria was, I believe, the first country to be given this approval and then other countries followed suit.

I must also thank my friend, the ambassador of Egypt to Nigeria, Amb. Ihab, who not only facilitated the granting of this approval but also happened to be in Egypt at that time and worked hand in hand with me to make sure that this exercise succeeds, he said.

Rimi further said that the Nigerian embassy in Cairo liaised with its counterpart in Khartoum, Sudan, to arrange for the safe evacuation of citizens residing there.

Colleagues in Khartoum were overwhelmed; so we helped by sending our staff of Sudanese origin from Cairo to go to Khartoum to assist them in evacuation, he said.

The envoy lauded the Nigerian community in Cairo for coming to the assistance of fellow citizens in dire need.

Nigerians in Cairo assisted because they offered food, fruits and water to the victims.

This shows the spirit of Nigerianness. It is a good gesture in the face of such emergency, he said.

He advised Nigerians living abroad to always be prepared in times of emergencies in order to make their passage easy.

It is good to always have your traveling documents in places that are handy.

I am sure the Sudan crisis did not start in one day. There was enough time for people to start making plans for leaving if it gets to an emergency, he said.

Rimi said that the embassy staff in Cairo offered the best service to its citizens and other government agencies involved in the evacuation process.

We try our best within our available resources to give every citizen the best service delivery. And, so far things are going according to plans.

The embassy facilitated the process but other agencies of government whose responsibility it is to arrange and execute the evacuation of Nigerians in war-torn countries and crisis situations were also involved, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

Source: NAN News

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

Strategic Outreach Support (SOS), an NGO, has given financial support to 500 rural and market women in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The spokesperson for the group, Mr Raqaz Ivori, told newsmen on Friday, shortly after the empowerment, that the support was to complement the ease of doing business.
He explained that the SOS was a Tax Exempt and Not-for-Profit organisation that focused on providing the relevant elements of sustainable development to communities in the areas of Health, Education, Artisan/Skill Acquisition.
He added that the organisation used strategic partnerships as the necessary tool to sustain humanity.
This Programme is tagged Market Women Support Fund initiative, powered by SOS and in partnership with Zenith Bank.
Over 500 women, including food vendors, retail provision sellers, and farm produce traders became beneficiaries of the Market Women Support Fund.
The capital funding exercise saw a very large turnout of women and women trade associations in Dutse/Bwari Area Council of the FCT.
It started with an account registration facilitated by Zenith Bank. Over 500 unbanked women had new accounts opened and credited with the sum of N10,000 naira each.
The funding was made available by SOS. This exercise would be extended to other area councils in the FCT, after which it will be taken to every local government area of the country, Ivori said.
Ivory explained that the purpose of the funding support was for the renovation of existing market infrastructure and building new markets, and support with providing clean water, sanitary facilities, electricity and safe storage
Others are to support with providing small funds for market women to help their weekly contributions and expand their goods and services, stocks and sales.
Also, working with partners on adult literacy and entrepreneurial training Programmes as well as savings and loans associations and providing daycare centres and playgrounds for children and health facilities for the market.
Lastly, another reason for the funding is spearheading the advocacy movement of market women across Africa and the world, he stressed.
Ivory also hinted that a seminar to promote the establishment of funding for market women to boost trade of small/medium scale enterprises, to also cushion the global economic challenges, would hold soon.
According to him, the title of the seminar is Influencing Global Policy Implementation for Sustainable Development, slated for Tuesday in Abuja.
He explained that the seminar would have Rev F. I. Omobude, President of NCGC Worldwide and former President of PFN Nigeria, as keynote speaker and guest of honour.
Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare, Minister for Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen and members of the local and international NGO community would be in attendance. (NAN)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

Federal Commissioner, NCFRMI, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim with some IDPs stakeholders at its programme on Thursday in Abuja

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The National Commission for Refugees, migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) said that 4000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) would be enrolled into the just launched Transitional Learning Centre.

The Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim disclosed this while launching the Transitional Learning Center on Thursday in Abuja.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim said that the initiative was part of the ongoing intervention under its Project Educate All.

She said the Commission had engaged 54 instructors from the IDP hosting communities to serve as facilitators.

We are pleased to announce that 4,000 learners between the ages of five and 18 will benefit from this phase of our programme in eight IDP camps located in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nassarawa State.

These camps include New Kuchingoro, Takuchara, Karamajiji, Wassa, Waru, New Karshi, Malaysian Garden, and Yimutu, with 700 pupils already enrolled.

Furthermore, to ensure the success of this initiative, we have engaged 54 instructors from the IDP hosting communities to serve as facilitators, she said.

According to her, this engagement has not only provided much- needed employment in this communities but also allowed us to prioritize the localisation of our interventions and promote the sustainability of the programme.

She acknowledged that education played a fundamental role in promoting peaceful coexistence, adding that lack of it during displacement could have severe social and economic consequences for both displaced and host communities.

She further explained that having access to education during crisis was imperative with over 52 per cent of the 69 million displaced individuals globally under 18.

She noted that displacement crises were increasingly protracted and often affect the time a child took to grow, develop, and prepare for adult life.

Despite significant improvements in enrolment access to education over the last ten years, most children living in conflict-affected contexts are often left behind.

We must not forget that education is a fundamental human right, and the right to quality education should not stop because of conflict and displacement.

Children must be able to go to school, learn in a safe environment, and be given a chance to develop their full potential, whether they live in an IDP camp, a makeshift settlement, a town, or are still on the move.

It is important to stress that education is a right enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of Children and a collective responsibility of all stakeholders, she added.

She said the Commission regarded education as an essential foundation for individual, social, and economic development and a pillar for equality, respect, tolerance, and dignity.

According to her, basic education and vocational skills development are priority areas of our integrated approach towards ensuring durable solutions.

Therefore, since 2021, the Commission has scaled up technical and financial provisions in education in emergencies and protracted crises.

In line with the Commissions camp exit strategy and delivering durable solutions to persons of concern (POCs), with strong consideration for host communities, the Commission signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (Areai).

This is to support the implementation and facilitate access to accelerated and informal educational opportunities for IDP, refugee, and migrant children.

This is through a comprehensive multi-layered approach that matches learning and academic skills with psycho-social support and life skills training, she said.

She said the main objective was to promote social integration or re-integration into formal education in camps and host communities.

She further explained that the Transitional Learning Center was an outcome of this very robust collaboration.

The learning center is more than just a school. It is a place where children can regain a sense of normalcy and stability in their lives.

It is also a place where these children will make friends, learn new skills, and dream of a brighter future and build their foundation needed to succeed in life.

Given the human-centred design nature of our interventions as a key fundamental of our Strategic Roadmap, it is important to note that aside from members of the IDP community, host community members are also playing a critical role in co-leading the implementation process of the Transition Learning Centers.

Bi-monthly workshops for key stakeholders are deployed as part of quality control measures.

Sulaima-Ibrahim also said that workshops are also hosted at the Centre that focus on training local stakeholders and women groups on peacekeeping, self-awareness, basic hygiene education, and prevention of violence against children, including gender-based violence (GBV) and disabilities.

In addition to providing comprehensive education, the Commission is committed to promoting sexual and reproductive health and HIV prevention of children in displacement, she added. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

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Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Ekemini Ladejobi

Source: NAN News

Amb. Hassan Tukur

By Deji Abdulwahab

Amb. Hassan Tukur, the Patron of the Unveiling and Rebranding Nigeria Initiative, has called on Nigerians to be hard working and dedicated towards nations building, saying these attributes pay and can never go unnoticed.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by the Programme Manager, Unveiling and Rebranding Nigeria Initiative, Malam Abdulkadir Lawal.

Lawal stated that Tukur gave the advice when he was awarded a honorary doctorate degree by the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Oyo State.

According to him, Tukur, who is also the former Principal Secretary to President Goodluck Jonathan, expressed his high regard for the award, which he described as unique.

For all of us at the Unveiling and Rebranding Nigeria Initiative, this is a milestone. This award speaks volumes as it highlights my hard working and dedication towards nation building.

These pay and can never go unnoticed. I am indeed honoured and grateful. It is my prayers that this begins our thrives, marking great achievements, Tukur quoted as saying.

He noted that he once aspired to become a lecturer, but eventually ventured into diplomacy.

This change was largely influenced by the elimination of my mentor and lecturer, Dr Bala Muhammed on July 10, 1981 in Kano; a traumatising event that altered his view on academic-centred careers.

Therefore, receiving an award in the academic world is a unique feat for him, Tukur said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Source: NAN News

Caroline Popoola

By Mateen Badru

Alpha Global, a Non-Governmental Organisation, has advocated for best practices in early childhood education and development.

The Founder, Caroline Popoola, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday.

Popoola highlighted the significance of leadership in childcare setting and the different qualities a childcare leader should possess.

She said the group was passionate about promoting early childhood education successes with focus on effective leadership and management, and urged educators and practitioners worldwide not to settle for less.

Popoola, also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alpha Childcare and Alpha Chains Limited, stressed the need for value and ethical-driven leadership

Alpha Global is set out to unlock the power of early childhood education, explore practical strategies for success and create a strong foundation for childrens learning and development.

It is a leading organisation in early childhood education, providing innovative solutions, resources, and support to educators and practitioners worldwide.

With a strong emphasis on effective leadership and management, Alpha Global aims to promote the success and well-being of children in their early years, she said.

Popoola said the group had webinars which highlighted its commitment in providing innovative solutions, resources, and support to educators and practitioners worldwide.

She said the group had an upcoming conference on July 8 in Nigeria, and for the first time in Ghana.

According to her, the conference will bring together experts in the field of early childhood education to further explore best practices, exchange ideas and enhance the quality of early childhood education in Africa and beyond. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chidi Opara/Oluwole Sogunle

Source: NAN News

Payment

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of eTranzact, an electronic and mobile payment solution company, Mr Niyi Toluwalope, says the Nigerian Payment System is among the best in the world.

Toluwalope said this in Calabar, at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)Seminar for Finance Correspondents and Editors, on Wednesday

He presented a paper titled Designing and Implementing a Robust Payment Architecture.

According to him, Nigerias payment system has developed into one of the most advanced payment ecosystems globally.

In terms of development and adoption of modern payment systems today, our payment architecture is characterised by growing fintec startups and active regulator involvement.

He, however, said that there was still more work to do.

According to him, every payment system possesses attributes that are formed by the quality and standards of the stakeholders.

He listed infrastructure, regulation, talent and capital as factors needed to build an ideal payment system.

No payment architecture exists without the physical infrastructure like servers, network connectivity and software tools supporting the proper collection, storage and transfer of data to facilitate payment transaction processing.

Payment networks have to be governed by regulatory guidelines to enable the responsible deployment of payment solutions to prevent harm to the ecosystem.

However, regulations have to evolve to enable the payment architecture of the future through the adoption of regtech to design and enforce guidelines, he said.

He said that talent was critical to building the payment architecture of the future, adding that the ideal payment architecture could only be delivered also by the sustainable injection of capital.

Payments in Nigeria has entered a new era of growth and requires that stakeholders view payment infrastructure through new lenses.

Efficiency can be achieved by reducing repetitive investment in payment infrastructure while ensuring competitiveness.

This is by empowering a qualified set of fintechs with demonstrable capabilities to provide payment infrastructure needs for the rest of the industry, he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Ikenna Uwadileke

Researchers under the aegis of Research for Impact, Knowledge, Economic and Sustainable Development (RIKE-SD) have advocated the use of research and innovations to address economic challenges facing communities.

The Executive Director RIKE-SD, Dr Mustapha Popoola, who said this in Abuja on Thursday, said that it would enable communities to feel the impact of research and ensure the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to Popoola, RIKE-SD is looking at connecting research to the communities, hence developing realistic data that will help the economic development of the communities.

Part of what we have noticed is that investments have gone into research and some of them come out with results and outcomes.

Some of these outcomes are littering the African continent whereas when we are not looking at research as a solution we are looking outside to import some of the things we can manufacture locally.

So, in doing all of this there is a great disconnect between people that are actors in the practice of research and the end users, Popoola said.

He said there was a need to change the narrative to enable people to have the feeling of satisfaction and fulfilment derived from research works.

Until when the communities start feeling the outcome of research we cannot be talking about figures and language that researchers understand but do not feed into the communities, Popoola said.

He blamed the failure of the academic system in the country on disconnect between the communities and the institutions of higher learning.

If we are not taking development to the community we are not talking to the society. We need to start creating communities around knowledge.

When we talk about agriculture and we are looking at food security, we need to have a community of practice for food security, not only associations of people that are experts in agriculture, he said.

While emphasising the need for Nigeria to adapt to indigenous solutions to its problems, Popoola said that the country could not meet up with global economic trends due to a dysfunctional knowledge enterprise.

Many of the solutions we are using are copy and paste. Can we start looking at adapting to indigenous solutions to our problems, Popoola said.

He further said that governments should begin to embrace research outcomes in forming policies geared toward improving the lives of the citizens.

What we are going to do is research result evidence synthesis. When you say you come up with some research results, can we synthesis some evidence and when we have that evidence can we feed it into the government.

For example, part of what we are saying is that in drafting legislation in other parts of the world, there are issues that are technical, researchers and technical people are invited to speak to those issues.

That does not mean that they are lawmakers but we have not seen that connection between the political class and the researchers but there are researches that are going on that are supposed to assist, he said.

Popoola, however, urged Nigerians to embrace research and researchers.

Almost everybody needs to have business in research; it is not a business for scientists alone.

Indeed, we expect all of us to take ownership of research, it is not owned by researchers, not owned by the academia, it is owned by all of us, he said.

On his part, the Chairman Board of Governors, RIKE-SD, Mansur Ahmed, said that the time was ripe for Nigeria to embrace research outcomes to solve problems.

This is the time for us to turn inwards and ensure that sustainable development of our people originates from within us.

Communities from different perspectives need to come together to say we need to do this together, particularly the government, private sector, the academia, industries, societies represented by various community groups must come together to decide, Ahmed said.

Also, Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, Chairman Board of Finance Trustee, RIKE-SD, emphasised the need to institutionalise research and development in Nigeria.

He described it as the bedrock of sustainable development the country needs to move forward. (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)

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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Source: NAN News

House of Representatives members-elect

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos says it is exposing House of Representatives members-elect to tasks ahead in areas of health, education, security among others.

Its spokesman, Prof. Sola Adeyanju, made the declaration on Thursday in Abuja when he spoke with State House correspondents on the side-lines of the Strategic Leadership retreat for newly-elected public office holders.

The essence of this retreat is to make sure that we expose our lawmakers, particularly the newly-elected lawmakers to those researches that had been conducted in specific areas of our national life.

Areas like health, education security; there are lots of works that had been done and recommendations made; and we have a lot of implementation strategies that can help lawmakers to know what their role will be.

We want a situation where the newly-elected lawmakers will come and they will be able to hit the ground running.

We want to give them an idea of what kind of bill and in what areas we actually need some bills and areas needing some law making, he said.

Prof. Adeyanju added that there was the need to implement recommendations already made as they would have far-reaching impacts on the country.

For instance, recommendations had been made on the kind of educational system that we could have where we would not be having incessant strikes.

We have worked on funding healthcare services which concern people at the grassroots and how government can look for funding to make sure that healthcare services are okay.

Some of these recommendations are lying fallow out there and we felt we should expose the incoming lawmakers to them before the next Assembly is proclaimed so as to help the country, he said.

Some of the legislators-elect also spoke with the newsmen.

Inuwa Garba (PDP-Gombe) Yamatu Deba Federal Constituency said the retreat had equipped the lawmakers-elect with the requisite knowledge for law-making.

I have to appreciate NIPPS for this very laudable initiative by organising this programme which I believe will empower members-elect with some basic requirements of the tasks ahead.

I believe we have gained a lot in terms of the quality of presentations and the answers to so many questions that were raised, he said.

On her part, Chinwe Nnabuife, member-elect representing Orumba North and Orumba South Federal Constituency of Anambra, said the retreat was enriching.

This programme is very informative and educative; coming from our backgrounds; we have been made to know what the processes of policy-making are, she said.

Nnabuife added that newly-elected lawmakers had been made to understand policy making, policy implementation and policy evaluation.

For us in the 10th Assembly, we are particular about making policies and ensuring that they are implemented and evaluated for the good of Nigerians; it is not going to be business as usual, she stressed.

The first two days of the retreat were dedicated to governors-elect, their deputies and senators-elect. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Alli Hakeem

Source: NAN News

Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Mr Kamal Olowosago, presenting document to one of the beneficiaries of the apartments

By Abiodun Lawal

The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) on Thursday inaugurated 72 units housing estate in Emuren, Sagamu, Ogun State.

Speaking during the inauguration, Mr Madu Hamman, Managing Director, FMBN, said the residential housing estate was developed by LSDPC under the FMBN Cooperative Housing Development Loan window.

Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Mr Kamal Olowosago, presenting document to one of the beneficiaries of the apartments

Hamman said the project, fully funded by FMBN, was in fulfillment of its commitment to the realisation of the home ownership dreams of Nigerian workers who were contributors to the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme.

The managing director stated that the commitment led to the development of the FMBN Cooperative Housing Development window through which the estate was delivered successfully.

He said that FMBN had continued to ensure that Nigerians had access to decent and secure accommodation through affordable mortgage financing and access to products in the Nigerian financial services sector.

He appreciated Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos and Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, for the support extended to FMBN and the National Housing Fund (NHF) scheme.

This support has ensured consistency of NHF contributions by the state workforce.

This project consists of 72 housing units comprising 48 units of two-bedroom terrace apartment and 24 units of three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.

The estate is fully serviced with basic infrastructure including internal road network, drainages, electricity, and water to create a conducive and liveable environment, he said.

By this endeavor, we are not only reducing the housing deficit in the country, we are also creating jobs and tackling unemployment, he said.

The FMBN managing director appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for his support which he said made the project a reality.

In his remarks, Mr Ayodeji Gbeleyi, Chairman, Board of Directors, FMBN, said the projects reaffirmed the commitment of FMBN to deliver affordable housing to Nigerians, who were contributors to the NHF scheme managed by the bank.

Gbeleyi lauded the Ogun State Government for allowing the project to be located in the state, adding that the synergy deserved commendation.

In his speech, Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Mr Kamal Olowosago, said that his government would continue to prioritise workers welfare.

Sanwo-Olu commented FMBN for the scheme, saying that the government would continue to collaborate with the bank in ensuring that the state workers benefited more in various housing projects.

Oba Adesegun Abolaji, the Elemuren of Emuren, Sagamu, expressed gratitude for siting the project in his community, promising that he was ready to donate another 20 hectares of land for another phase of the project.(NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Olawunmi Ashafa

Source: NAN News

Ms Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello, Executive Director, FAME Foundation

By Deji Abdulwahab

The FAME Foundation has warned against threats to life, stigmatisation, discrimination and cyber bullying of women journalists, urging government at all levels to protect them by all means.

Its Executive Director, Ms Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello, gave the advice on Wednesday at a news conference held in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day 2023 (WPFD) in Abuja.

Ogunleye-Bello said the call became necessary as it would enable journalists to enjoy their right to freedom.

She praised women journalists in particular and called for an end to the bullying that some women journalists were facing.

On this day, I celebrate journalists for their courage, passion, and determination to bring the news to every corner and nook of the earth.

I particularly celebrate women journalists and ask for a stop to cyber bullying, threats to life, slut-shaming, and discrimination for doing their job.

They have the right to practice journalism and report the news like any other person. The rights of women journalists are human rights, protect them, Ogunleye-Bello said.

According to her, press freedom is the foundation of free speech, adding, if the press is allowed to speak freely, so would the general public.

She added that marking the day should serve as a reminder to the government of their commitment to press freedom and media workers.

Ogunleye-Bello urged other media outlets and personnel to be vigilant and truthful in their duties, refrain from bribery, stop publishing false news and always defend their integrity.

Ogunleye-Bello expressed her excitement, love, and respect for the media and the tremendous expansion of media companies in Nigeria.

World Press Freedom Day is celebrated on May 3 every year and the theme 2023 is: Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Source: NAN News

By Naomi Sharang(08032918464)

Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA), a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) has tasked stakeholders in Nigeria to ensure the protection of the press from undue interference in the discharge of its duties.

The groups Executive Director, Ms Faith Nwadishi said this on Thursday in Abuja at the commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day organised by CTA in collaboration with the Abuja chapter of the University of Calabar, Theatre Arts Alumni Association (UCTAA).

We call on all well- meaning Nigerians to join us in standing up for the press and protecting them from undue interference.

We are here to not only commemorate the World Press Freedom Day but to celebrate the resilient and indefatigable Nigerian press and journalists who have kept the flag flying high amid stifling environment and circumstances, she said.

Nwadish said that UNESCO acknowledged that freedom of expression was a driver for all other human rights.

The press must be allowed to fulfill its roles as a watchdog for society, educate and inform citizens and generate public opinion without fear of harassment, violence, or undue pressure from government or other actors, she said.

She expressed concern over Nigerias ranking in the World Press Freedom Index which she said had fallen further to 123 out of 180 countries in 2023.

The executive director said that the ranking had reinforced the urgent need to address the challenges facing the press and protect its rights to operate freely without fear of intimidation or harassment.

As we mark World Press Freedom Day, we must reaffirm our commitment to upholding the fundamental right to freedom of expression and ensuring that journalists can carry out their critical work without undue interference or censorship.

The press is a vital component of any democratic society and we must work together to protect and promote press freedom, Nwadishi said.

She reminded media practitioners of their social responsibilities in society by discharging by discharging their duties without fear or hindrance.

A free press is critical to any democratic society and we must do all we can to protect and promote it, she said.

Earlier, the alumni coordinator, Mr MacDonald Ekemezie, said that the association was established to serve as a rallying point for former school mates.

We are also communicators and therefore, we said it is important we join our voice to reinforce the voice to say that the press should be free.

A lot of our members are practicing journalists so whatever affects the core media also affects us. We say no to molestation, harassment and intimidation of journalists.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Press Freedom Day is celebrated annually on May 3 as a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.

The 2023 theme is Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights. (NAN)(ww.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

Source: NAN News

court

By Taiye Agbaje

A Federal High Court, Abuja has restrained Seplat Energy Plc from holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) fixed for May 10 pending the hearing and determination of the substantive matter.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a ruling, directed parties in the suit not to tamper with the subject matter until the issues before the court were resolved.

The ruling was handed down at the hearing of a motion on notice for interlocutory order moved by Kalu Onuoha, counsel to the plaintiff, seeking for an order, restraining the respondents in the suit from holding the AGM.

The development followed the oral application by Onuoha, urging the court to caution the respondents from taking any action until the matter was dispensed with, after the court learnt that some of the respondents were yet to be served in the matter.

When parties have submitted to the court , parties should hold themselves, restrain themselves from doing anything that will affect the res (subject matter) until the issues are resolved.

Parties are hereby order not to tamper with the res until issues are resolved, Justice Ekwo had declared in a ruling on April 28 but sighted on Wednesday.

The judge consequently adjourned the matter until May 31 for respondents to show cause.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the plaintiffs; Boniface Okezie, Hon Bright Nwabuogu, John Isesele, Okonkwo Timothy, Augustine Ezennachukwu had sued Seplat Energy Plc, Mr Roger Thompson Brown, Mr Basil Omiyi, Dr Charles Okeahialam and others.

Others include Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, Rabiu Bello, Mrs Bashirat Odenewu, Emma Fitzgerald, Mrs Edith Onwuchekwa, and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as 1st to 10th respondents respectively.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Source: NAN News

Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) logo

By Bosede Olufunmi

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has engaged proprietors of public and private secondary schools in Kano State on the importance of education system management: ISO 21001.

The Director-General of the organisation, Mallam Farouk Salim, said ISO 21001 certification was a management system standard specifically designed for educational organisations with the aim of improving quality and effectiveness of education.

According to him, the standard provides a framework for implementing and maintaining a management system that ensures the holistic development of learners.

It covers all aspects of the educational organisation, including curriculum development, teaching and learning processes, assessment and evaluation, student support services, and staff development, he said.

Similarly, Muhammed Said, Assistant Director of Education Education Quality Assurance Service (FEQAS), from the Federal Ministry of Education, described the system as part of activities in education sector, where all hands must be on deck.

Said said there was a little gap in education system where non governmental organisations, individuals and influencial indigenes needed to step in to bridge the gap.

Some stakeholders, Kassim Akinriola from St Louis Secondary School, and Hassan Ibrahim from Gwarzo Secondary School, both in Kano State, thanked the organisation for organising the forum, which they said was beneficial to them.

NAN reports that stakeholders from private and public secondary schools, education sector, union bodies, among others, attended the forum.

The Director, System Management Certification, Mr Nyako Felix, presented a paper on Implementing ISO21001 and its benefits to schools. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

L-R: Assistant Director of Radiotherapy, National Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Patrick Ida (left); Vice Chairman, WHHF, Egnr. Titus Omolewa (2nd left); WHHF Programmes Manager, Joy Okoye (3rd left); WHHF Board members, Victor Okoye (5th left); Emma Okoye (4th right); Pauline Okoye (2nd right) and Barr. Patrick Abah, WHHF Legal Adviser (right); alongside the recipients of the money grant for cancer patients on the occasion of the 4th memorial anniversary of Late Evang. Helen Titilayo Okoye at the National Hospital, Abuja

By Victor Okoye

The William and Helen Heritage Foundation (WHHF) on Tuesday donated N1.5 million to aid the treatment of cancer patients in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the donation, which was part of activities to mark the fourth memorial anniversary of the late Rev. Helen Titilayo Okoye, was made at the National Hospital, Abuja.

The patients were presented with a cheque of N 300,000 each to assist them in the treatment of various cancer-related diseases.

Mrs Okoye who was the wife of Rev. William Okoye, the General Overseer of All Christians Fellowship Mission and former Aso Rock Chaplain, passed away on May 2, 2019 at the National Hospital, Abuja at age 63.

Until her death, she was the founder and coordinator of the Fellowship of Pastors Wives and Women in Ministry based in Abuja.

She was also the National Director of Worship, and the National President of the Women Fellowship, All Christians Fellowship Mission and a well sort after speaker in Christian women programmes nationwide.

A prayer warrior of note, she ran a 24 hour prayer chain network for individuals, families, the church and the nation.

Mr Titus Omolewa, the Vice Chairman of William and Helen Heritage Foundation, told NAN that the donations this year were made specifically to the treatment of cancer patients.

He noted that the late Okoye who died of cancer was a generous giver who had a large heart for people.

Today we are here as a foundation to give back to the people who actually inspired the creation of the WHH foundation.

In 2019, our mother in the Lord Rev (Mrs) Okoye passed on to glory as a result of a cancer-related ailment.

Afterwards, a foundation was made in her honour to ensure that even though she passed on from a cancer disease, we can also help people because we know the legacy she left behind.

So, we want to make sure that the legacy that she left behind continues. So that is one of the reasons why the foundation was created, he said.

He explained the WHHF board of trustees decided that this year the foundation concentrates its attention on the indigent cancer patients.

He said the foundation decided to give out money grants to about five patients who were currently suffering from cancer-related ailments.

He noted that cancer treatment was very expensive, adding that there was usually not much of aid for such patients in the country.

The WHHF therefore found it necessary this year to look into a few people because we couldnt handle everybody as it is a very massive project.

So, we singled out five cancer patients that we are assisting. We have taken care of three today at the National Hospital, alongside two other patients who are unavoidably absent here today.

We have discussed with the management of the hospital and they graciously allowed us to handle three patients this year who are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

We have been able to give the three patients a token and we hope that this token can be used as part of their treatment.

We are aware that these treatments ranging from chemotherapy to radiotherapy and various types of tests that are usually done are very expensive.

However, we believe that this token will go a long way to help them, he said.

Pst. Emmanuel Okoye, the first son of the deceased and a board member of the WHHF, said he was elated by the gesture, adding that it was a way of preserving the good name and legacy of his late mother.

I feel happy that we are doing this in honour of our mum to remember her name and what she lived for.

So, I am elated and we have prayed along with the patients trusting God to perfect their healing, he said.

Dr. Patrick Ida, an Assistant Director of Radiotherapy at the National Hospital Abuja, said the kind gesture by the foundation had registered something eternal in the hearts of the patients.

What the WHHF has done today (Tuesday) can never be forgotten by these patients.

This is indeed one of the best ways we can preach the gospel through our actions and kind deeds as Christians, he said.

Mrs. Theresa Peter, one the beneficiaries of the grant, expressed gratitude to God, the foundation as well as the doctor who recommended her for the grant.

Honestly I am so happy and I want to appreciate the foundation as well as the doctor that recommended me for this grant.

I also appreciate God for what he has done for me and making me to be a partaker of this programme.

Words fail me to express my feelings. I dont know that God loves me like this. I honestly did not expect this at all, she said.

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Martina Lukas, said she was overwhelmed with joy, adding that she had nothing much to say but to simply thank the WHHF as well as Dr. Ida for recommending her to the foundation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

Sirajo receiving his award

By Joan Nwagwu

The authority of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, has honoured the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Malam Mukhtar Sirajo, with the Pillar of Public Relations Award.

A statement by Mr Stanley Ogadigbo, Public Relations Officer, NIPR, on Thursday, said the ceremony took place at the Assembly Hall of the University on Tuesday in Keffi.

Ogadigbo stated that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Suleiman Mohammed, presented the award to Sirajo and said that the NIPR president bagged the award, based on his contributions to the growth and development of Public Relations in the country.

The University Management is proud of your sterling antecedents as a prime Public Relations professional and particularly for your support towards the growth of the public relations programme in the Institute of Strategic and Development Communication (ISDEVCOM), Ogadigbo reported Mohammed as saying.

Mohammed noted that the award ceremony was part of activities marking the Universitys 2023 International Conference on Communication and Development in Africa.

Sirajo received the award in company of the Council Member representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Ike Neliaku.

Responding, the NIPR boss attributed most of his achievements in the profession to his passion for professionalism and excellence.

He noted that such recognition could only serve as a morale booster to do more for the institute and the country.

The NIPR boss was decorated at the well-attended event along with other eminent Nigerians and international scholars, with the Ag. Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr Emmanuel Akabe as Visitor to the University.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) who was represented by Mr Isa Wasa Francis, was the Special Guest of Honour. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

Iwuanyanwu, some South East Governors and NEC mmembers of Ohanaeze Imeobi

By Emmanuel Afonne

Mrs Aqueen Ibeto, Chairperson Ohanaeze Ndigbo, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, has described the choice of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide as a blessing to the entire Igbo race.

Ibeto stated this in a congratulatory message, signed on Thursday by the Media Consultant, Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK/Northern Ireland, Ms Asa Blessing-Chijekwu, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Her message comes just days after Iwuanyanwu was unanimously endorsed as the president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide during a meeting in Enugu on Sunday of the Ohanaeze Imeobi, the highest decision making of the group.

Time has come for Igbo sons and daughters at home and abroad to come together to chat the way forward through the new Ohanaeze helmsman, in a united Nigeria, Ibeto said.

Iwuanyanwu was chosen as the new President-General of Ohanaeze and presented to Gov. Hope Uzodinma early last month following the death of Prof. George Obiozor in late December 2022.

The National Executive Council of the group had directed the people of Imo to find a credible replacement for Obiozor based on doctrine of necessity.

Ibeto, therefore, described Iwuanyanwu as a man with many parts, noting that his political tact and sagacity were testament to the quality of leadership he would inject into Ohanaeze.

We urge you sir, to focus on collaborating with the diaspora arm of Ohanaeze Worldwide to see how we can forge a common front for the good and future of our children.

By the grace of God, your wealth of experience will be brought to bear in the discharge of your duties as we chart a course for a successful future for every Igbo man in UK.

This appointment is coming at a critical time in the history of our country and Igbo people after the concluded 2023 general election where an Igbo man, Mr Peter Obi, made a significant impact through Labour Party.

We therefore congratulate you believing that with your capacity and political sagacity over the years, you will bring your wealth of experience to bear, Blessing-Chijekwu quoted Ibeto as saying.

It would be recalled that Iwuanyanwu held many public offices, including Board Chairman, Federal Road Maintenance Agency; Board Chairman, Nigerian Investment Promotion and founding Chairman, Raw Materials Research and Development Council of Nigeria.

Other positions he held include Chairman, National Productivity Merit Award; Chairman, Nigerian Sports Development Council; Founding Chairman, Nigerian National Lottery; Chairman, National Orthopedic Hospital Igbobi, Lagos; Pro-Chancellor, University of Calabar, Cross River State.

Iwuanyanwu founded over 20 limited liability companies including Hardel

By Olanrewaju Akojede

The Director-General of Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Oluwatoyin Gafaar, says the state expects a carnival-like Lagos International Squash competition when it kicks off.

Gafaar spoke at a news conference to herald the tournament at the Sports Bar of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lagos will once again host the 200 point-ranking international squash competition.

The international classics, with ,000 prize money for Men and Women categories, will kick off on May 9 and end with a final match on May 13.

The squash tournament, backed by Professional Squash Players Association (PSA), is expected to attract players across the world, from France, Germany, Hong Kong, England among others as well as host country, Nigeria.

Gafaar, who restated the commitment of the state government to sports development, noted that the state would continue to witness more landmark international tournaments.

This is one of the classics that we have been sponsoring and have interest. We also have other classics, and we have been on this journey for a while.

This competition, Lagos International Squash Classic, is unique because it is a ranking tournament recognised by the world body.

We are happy because we will be hosting players from across the globe in Lagos participating alongside our home-based players.

We will always identify and support this competition because we are always showing interest in the development of sports and at this time around, we will do more, he said.

Gafaar also expressed the intention of the commission to encourage more home grown talents and groom them to stardom, a vision that the international squash classic represents.

We look forward to a carnival like tournament with such an international feel in the world of squash game.

The game is a good one that encourages sportsmanship and is already developed in Nigeria.

Hopefully, we are going to have exciting games with Nigerian talents and their foreign counterparts. We are proud to be associated with squash association, he said. (NAN)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News