By Edith Ike-Eboh and Emmanuel Afonne

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) started its weekly activities with a resolve to quickly end the incessant queues at various filling stations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

By this resolution, the company in collaboration with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) stepped up the supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the FCT from 70 to 140 trucks to combat the lingering fuel queues.

Speaking to newsmen during an inspection tour of filling stations in Abuja, NNPCs Group Executive Director, Downstream, Mr Yemi Adetunji, explained that there were enough petrol in the nations strategic reserve to last 32 days.

We have 1.9billion litres of PMS that can last for 32 day. NNPC is making every effort to ensure energy security for the country.

We have sorted out Lagos. We are working with all relevant stakeholders to bring the situation in Abuja under control; normalcy will be restored in the next few days.

Speaking earlier, the CEO of the NMDPRA, Mr Farouk Ahmed, said that the improvement in the supply of products from an average of 70 to 140 trucks was made possible by the Presidential approval of a 10 freight rate discount increase to petroleum products transporters as part of solutions to the fuel supply challenge.

He charged marketers to play by the rules as NMDPRA would not hesitate to sanction anyone found to be involved in underhand practices.

We are doing everything to bring the situation to normal. We also want to state that there is no increase in the pump price of PMS, and any such sharp practice will be sanctioned accordingly by the Authority, he said.

The tour of the filling stations was to monitor developments and ensure compliance.

In another development, Major stakeholders in the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry have suggested ways to mitigate the continuous rise in prices of diesel and cooking gas in Nigeria.

Among the stakeholders who spoke at a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Joint Committees on Downstream and Gas Resources in Abuja were the Chief Executive Officer of the NMDPRA, Mr Farouk Ahmed and the Group Managing Director/CEO of NNPC Ltd, Malam Mele Kyari.

Leaders of Depot and Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPMAN), Independent Petroleum Marketers Association Of Nigeria (IPMAN), Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) Gas Marketers Association, among others, were also in attendance.

Fielding questions from members of the committee, Ahmed said that the current geopolitical crisis in Ukraine and Russia had affected the global crude oil supply resulting in the increase of petroleum products prices across the globe.

Ahmed said that the rise in the prices of petroleum products was a global phenomenon and not a local problem peculiar to Nigeria.

He added that the landing cost of petroleum product was also a major factor affecting the price of petroleum products.

We need to see what can be done to alleviate the suffering of the people.

If our refineries come back on stream and make foreign exchange available at the official rate of N400 per dollar, things will definitely improve.

We also need to address the issue of vandalism, he said.

On his part, the GMD/CEO of NNPC Ltd., Malam Mele Kyari, said the only way to tackle the rising price of diesel and cooking gas was to increase the production of crude oil.

Kyari said that acts of vandalism of oil facilities have been responsible for the decline in production which in turn was responsible for the unavailability of foreign exchange.

He disclosed that 27,000 barrels were lost in a recent attack on one of the companys facilities.

According to him, besides the Russia-Ukraine war which is affecting the supply of products across the world, most major oil companies are also shutting down in keeping with global emphasis on the shift from fossil fuels over environmental concerns.

No one can guarantee stability of petroleum products supply; the world has never seen this kind of uncertainty. Today, countries are stockpiling products.

Shortly before COVID-19, the world was already facing shortfall of 3 million barrel of supply of oil but with the ongoing intervention, by the end of July we will restore production to a level that is reasonable.

The Chairman, House Committee on Downstream, Rep. Abdullahi Gaya, said that there was need to find solution to the high cost of diesel and cooking gas in order to alleviate the hardship on Nigerians.

Some of the lawmakers said that although Kyari and Ahmed candidly presented the worrisome situation the industry was faced with, they, nevertheless unanimously expressed confidence in their ability to bring the situation under control.

The stakeholders present at the hearing include the Independent marketers, suggested a short, medium and long term solutions to combat the challenges.

They also pledged to work with the NNPC and the regulatory agency to redress the situation.

Meanwhile, the Management of NNPC Ltd. sensitised members of staff to the challenges and opportunities inherent in the transition from a corporation to a limited liability company.

This was in continuation of its stakeholders engagement to achieve a smooth transition.

The NNPC GMD/CEO, Kyari, said at a town hall meeting which held at the NNPC Towers, that it was imperative for all staff to embrace the change with courage and look beyond the temporary discomfort to the huge opportunities that lie ahead of the new NNPC.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the courage to have signed the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) into law, pointing out that the lack of effective regulatory framework and unbridled government interference were responsible for NNPCs losses in the past.

NNPC is now free of burden.

Nigerians are looking up to us, they expect NNPC to lead the way in making profit and adding value for the benefit of the over 200 million stakeholders.

Kyari said that given the volume of the Companys assets that was signed and transferred officially on July 1, 2022, by the Ministers of Petroleum Resources and Finance respectively, the new NNPC would be the most capitalised company in Africa and would be poised to announce its first Initial Public Offer (IPO) in the next three years.

He also informed that the companys financial statement for the year 2021 would be better than that of year 2020 when NNPC reported a profit after tax of 287 billion naira.

In her remarks, the Chairman of the NNPC Ltd., Sen. Margery Chuba-Okadigbo, assured of the Boards continuous support towards the realisation of the goals of the new NNPC Ltd., while encouraging members of staff to imbibe the concepts of dynamism and creativity required for global competitiveness.

She said that deducing from her experience at the helm of the NNPC Board, she had conviction to endorse the GMDs policies on transparency and accountability, noting that the company as envisioned by the PIA can only achieve its objectives through firm commitment to excellence on the part of the entire workforce.

Also in the week under review, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) concluded the marginal oil fields bid rounds kick-started in the year 2020 with the award of Petroleum Prospecting Licences (PPLs) to 161 successful companies.

The commission also officially unveiled the Host Communities Development Regulations and model PPLs.

Speaking at the event in Abuja, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, said that the presentation of the Licences was part of the implementation of the PIA 2021.

He also noted that the category was being handled for the first time.

The minister who commended the management and staff of the NUPRC for ensuring the successful completion of the process, described the conclusion of the process as a giant milestone for the administration.

The implementation of the PIA 2021 is in top gear. Consequently, the new awardees should note that their assets will be fully governed by the provisions of the PIA 2021.

As you develop your assets with the special purpose vehicles (SPVs), ensure that good oilfield practice is employed, environmental considerations and community stakeholders management are not neglected.

It is my strong belief that the awardees will take advantage of the current attractive oil prices to bring these fields into full production within a short period to increase production, grow reserves and reduce cost of production.

The onboarding of new oil and gas players in the petroleum sector is part of this governments policy to encourage more indigenous participation in our petroleum operations, Sylva said.

He added that the development would boost activities in the oil and gas sector, increase production output and create additional employment opportunities for Nigerians.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of NUPRC, Mr Gbenga Komolafe, said that the Marginal Field Bid Round was one of the major tasks inherited by the commission on its inauguration in 2021.

He listed some of the constraints that caused the delay in the conclusion of the exercise to include, the interruption brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, partial payment of Signature Bonuses by some awardees, and the unwillingness of some co-awardees to work together in forming SPVs for field development.

Recounting the history of the marginal fields award initiative, Komolafe said that the process which began in 1999 was borne out of the need to entrench the indigenisation policy of the Federal Government in the upstream sector.

He also said that the aim was to boost local content, stressing that since its inception, a total of 30 fields had been awarded with 17 currently producing.

He disclosed that the 2020 Marginal Field Bid Round exercise raked in revenue of about 200 million naira and 7 million dollars into the Federal Government coffers.

Komolafe added that the conclusion of the 2020 Marginal Fields Bid Round brought to an end the era of Marginal Field awards as stipulated by the PIA.

Section 94 (9) of the Act states that no new marginal field shall be declared under this Act.

Accordingly, the minister shall now award PPL on undeveloped fields following an open, fair, transparent, competitive, and non-discriminatory bidding process in line with Sections 73 and 74 of the Act.

He urged the winner of the marginal fields to take advantage of the current market realities and quickly bring their fields to production, stressing that Nigeria was not benefiting much from the upswing in crude oil prices because of production disruptions occasioned by sabotage, theft, and other operational challenges.

A total of 57 marginal fields were presented in the 2020 bid round out of which 41 were fully paid for and 37 fields were issued with the PPL, having satisfied all conditions for award.

Out of the 665 firms that expressed interest in the exercise, 161 emerged as potential awardees.

Some of the successful companies that received their licences include: Ardova Plc, Matrix Energy Ltd., Sun Trust Oil Company Limited, Deep Offshore Integrated Service Ltd., Island Energy Ltd., Sigmund Oil Field Ltd., and Shafa Exploration and Production Company Ltd., among others.

Still in the week, NNPC Ltd. said it was committed to fast-tracking efforts to identify new gas resources and develop existing ones amidst current global yearning for cleaner fuels.

NNPC also said it was making efforts to identify new gas resources to boost revenues for investment in other sectors of the economy as part of its preparation for the global energy transition.

The NNPC GMD/CEO, Malam Mele Kyari, stated this in a keynote address at the First E

National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has urged pilgrims to cooperate with national and state officials to get the best from the various modifications in the conduct of this years Hajj.

NAHCON Deputy Coordinator for Makkah, Alhaji Alidu Shutti, stated this during an on-the-spot assessment of Muna, Arafat, Muzdalifa and Jamrat Holy sites in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Monday.

He said that the officials had been working with different service providers assigned to Nigeria to schedule movements of pilgrims during the three-day stay in the Holy sites.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Holy sites, which are core rituals in the performance of Hajj, are the locations where all the pilgrims from across the globe will camp for the four days and be performing the same act simultaneously.

NAN also reports that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah introduced the movement to reduce incidences of getting lost and overcrowding as well as avoiding fatalities among pilgrims.

It reduced the number of pilgrims going for the stoning of the devil at Jamrat from 250 to 90 at a time from each state.

It also scheduled the time that buses would convey the pilgrims from Arafat to Muzdalifa for staying some part of the night.

Similarly, to ensure better control, the Saudi authorities also introduced a fine of 50,000 riyals (about N11.5 million) and six months imprisonment for anyone doing the Hajj without permission.

Shutti said that NAHCON would ensure that pilgrims were given the best service in the Holy sites.

For the past three weeks, the Saudi authorities have been working on these sites and today, you can see the difference, even from when we visited last week Monday.

The sleeping spaces are ready; the toilets have been modernised, while the air conditioning system is also working.

Nigerian pilgrims have been allocated service areas from one to 18. One to 14 is allocated to states pilgrims while four is for private tour operators to camp their pilgrims.

NAHCON will ensure that pilgrims perform their religious rites comfortably, he said.

Similarly, Head of NAHCON Medical mission in Madina, Dr Hamidu Liman, has urged pilgrims to keep fit for the five-day stay at the Holy sites and beyond.

He urged them to take time out of their spiritual exercise to rest and eat good food in order to maintain good health.

The Hajj rites, as you know, are very tedious and rigorous exercise. We are here for Ibadat and we must do it, but as much as possible, we must find time in-between to rest and eat good food, he said. (NAN)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani/Wale Sadeeq

Source: NAN News

The latest outbreak of the Ebola disease in Congo has officially been declared over, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday.

The organisation said that the outbreak affected the north-western quateur province, with the first case recorded there on April 23.

It said that in total, there were four confirmed cases and one suspected case, all patients died of the disease.

In a previous outbreak in the province between June and November 2020, a total of 130 cases were detected and 55 people died.

However, the latest outbreak was the 14th recorded in the country of 90 million since 1976.

Between 2014 and 2016, the largest-ever outbreak of the disease took place in West Africa with more than 11,000 deaths.

Ebola infection often leads to high fever and internal bleeding, and is life-threatening. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Halima Sheji/Sadiya Hamza

Source: NAN News

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Monday promised to ease economic and financial sanctions on Mali.

Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, made the announcement at the closing press conference of the 61st Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Accra.

According to Brou, Malian authorities have taken steps in passing the electoral accord and in setting up a monitoring mechanism for transition.

He said that the authorities had also taken steps to prepare a new constitution for the country.

He said that Malis transition would end in March 2024 in a framework of a 24-month transition period.

Brou said that ECOWAS decided to lift all the economic and financial sanctions imposed on Jan. 9.

That means, essentially, the closure of the border, the freezing of financial assets.

Those sanctions are lifted, he said, adding that ambassadors of ECOWAS member-states to Mali would return to Mali.

However, as the process needs to be monitored, the heads of state decided to maintain individual sanctions and maintain suspension of Mali from the organs of ECOWAS institutions, he said.(Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng )

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed/Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Source: NAN News

By Okeoghene Akubuike

Financial experts say the increasing inflation rate in Nigeria has impacted negatively on the living standard of Nigerians.

The experts who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the rising inflation rate has reduced the purchasing power of individuals leading to a decline in living standards.

Acccording to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigerias inflation rate increased to 17.71 per cent on a year-on-year basis in May 2022.

The NBS also said that prices of selected food items had increased in the last 12 months in its latest Food Price Watch report in the same period.

Prof. Aminu Usman, of the Kaduna State University, said the rising inflation rate meant devaluation of individual income, which amounted to falling purchasing power.

Usman, a lecturer at the Department of Economics, said individuals would now purchase fewer commodities with the same given amount of money.

This scenario implies that peoples living condition are deteriorating, especially for low-income groups, whose income is rigidly fixed while prices are skyrocketing.

It signifies the descent of many poor to further poverty and worsening conditions of living.

He said that a major contributor to the inflationary pressure was food inflation caused by rising food prices, adding this is expected because the rains have set in and old stocks are finishing.

This is coupled also with the high cost of fertiliser and heightened insecurity which combined to discourage farmers and farming. This has also caused very low projections for agric output, he said.

Mr Ben Ekeyi, a Public Financial Management Consultant, said that Nigerias inflation rate had a negative impact on the purchasing power of Nigerians in diverse ways.

Ekeyi said one of the impacts included reduced ability to purchase needed and required goods and services, especially where there was no corresponding increase in income.

Others are a lower standard of living, increased poverty level as Nigerians are increasingly unable to access necessary goods and services.

Increased school dropouts, especially at primary and secondary levels. More Nigerian families have become unable to sponsor their wards education, thereby, leading to drop out from schools.

He said that economists had established a link between lower purchasing power resulting from inflation and an increase in crime rate.

According to him, where households are unable to cater for the needs of their members, there is a likelihood that some will go into criminal activities.

Ekeyi also said low purchasing power had been linked to increased social vices like prostitution, thuggery, youth restiveness, and suicide rates among others.

He said that low purchasing power had also increased urban-rural migration, as some Nigerians living in the cities were gradually relocating to their rural communities to due to the high cost of living in the cities.

According to him, the low purchasing power also has the potential of leading to death.

When a person is unable to meet basic needs, especially in the area of health care, he is most likely to die, he said.

Mr Paul Alaje, a Senior Economist with SPM Professionals said with the high inflation rate,

it means that someone who had N100,000 this time in 2021, now has less than N85,000 this year for committing no crime.

It means that the value of what money can buy has reduced. What is the implication? People will now be able to buy less.

If they could buy two bags of rice before with their income, now they can buy less than two bags.

Does it mean that hunger in the family has reduced? The answer is No. People are still hungry but their livelihood resources now have weaker purchasing power.

Alaje said this situation may put several families in jeopardy as some members may lose their jobs because of the failure of their employees to pay them due to a decline in sales.

So, when inflation and unemployment set in, you have what we call stagflation, that is a situation where peoples hunger, poverty and deprivation is elevated or increased significantly.

He said the general socio-economic implication was an increase in the crime rate.

Alaje said the average inflation rate for a nation should be between three to five per cent but unfortunately, in the last seven years Nigerias inflation rate had been in double digits.

A cross-section of Nigerians who spoke to NAN said the increasing inflation rate had reduced their standard of living and made saving impossible.

Mr Isaac Ighure, a pensioner said the inflation rate had reduced his standard of living, adding that it was the same situation with many pensioners in the country.

Ighure said many families were cutting corners in a good way just to be able to eat.

Among pensioners and the elderly, inflation is wreaking a lot of havoc, we are barely managing to survive.

Pensioners are on their own, they are suffering, the government does not support pensioners in any way and there is no policy for the elderly in general.

How do you pay your childrens fees, pay rent, treat medical issues, etc, as a pensioner? Some pensioners are maintaining their graduate children who do not have jobs.

You see many old people dying of hypertension because of all these problems. Their life span could be prolonged if the government can take the responsibility for the health of the elderly, he said.

Mrs Tosin Ajayi, a Public Servant and mother of three, said the high cost of living caused by the inflation had become unbearable.

As a mother and a public servant, it has not been easy to survive in todays economy. You will not believe that 90 per cent of the familys income is used for expenses. You cannot save anymore.

The cost of living is high and it is becoming unbearable for everyone. From food items to other consumables, gas, electricity, etc, it is worrisome.

What I do as a mother is to tell my kids the reality on ground. I tell them that it is unacceptable to waste food and to be appreciative of what your parents give you.

We are calling on the Nigerian government to seek out ways to reduce the inflation rate, 17.7 per cent rate is unacceptable to us. This is crucial to prevent crime rate and illegal activities, she said.

Mrs Lynn Ikechukwu, a housewife and mother of three, said the inflation rate had made it difficult for her to plan and budget for her home.

It is not easy to plan and budget with the increasing inflation rate. For instance, between September 2021 and May 2022, the cost of diapers has gone from N6,000 Naira to N7,000, to 7,500 and now N9,500.

Every time you go to the market the price of food items keeps increasing, now it is almost impossible to buy tomatoes. You have to forgo some food items. Tell me how someone can plan in such a situation?

Ms Chioma Ibeh, an online food vendor, said the inflation rate had resulted in a decline in customers which had slowed down her business.

The prices of food have increased enormously. For almost every food item I buy, the prices have increased to as much as N2,000.

Before my 2.4 litres of edikaikong soup used to go for N15,500 and N16,000 but now I sell for N18,000 to N18,500.

When I tell clients the amount for a particular size bowl of soup or stew they complain and say it is too expensive. But at the end of the day that is the reality of the situation in the country.

I wish the economy can have a balance because inflation is making my business very slow.

In a week, I can go without having any food orders and this is bad for people like me that have this business as my only source of income, how do I pay my bills?

Mrs Amaka Eze, a market woman, said the increasing inflation made it impossible for her to make profit from sales, adding that things had never been this bad for her business.

Since I started this business of selling foodstuff, I have never seen anything like this before. I used to buy a carton of Titus fish for N20,000, now it is between N40,000 to N45,000.

A carton of Panla used to be N6,000 now it is N12,000. I buy a dustbin basket of tomatoes for N4,000, people are no longer coming to buy food items like before because there is no money.

It is so bad that some decent guys even come to my shop to beg for a cup of garri to drink because they have no money to buy food to eat, she said.

NAN recalls that the World Banks latest Global Economic Prospects Report said the damage from COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine had intensified the slowdown in the global economy.

The report said this had led to a period of weak growth and increased inflation, which had raised the risk of stagflation, with potentially harmful consequences for middle- and low-income economies alike. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Source: NAN News

By Bridget Ikyado

Mrs Doreen Damisah, the Convener of Winning Women Initiative, says good marriage is the bedrock of a strong society because it provides the foundation of strong families which leads to better nation.

Damisah said this on Sunday at the third anniversary of the initiative, which has the theme Marriage and relationship in the 21sth century.

The convener added that strong family could lead to progress and development of any society and helped to address ills that might manifest.

She said the Winning Women Initiative was set up in 2019 to equip, empower and support women.

The initiative has created learning platform where women are taught empowerment lessons, topical issues on health, relationships, career, business, family, ministry and other life transforming topics applicable to life situations, she added.

Damisah said that the initiative had helped women to take control of their physically, spiritually, mental and life.

These sessions have also helped in equipping us with wisdom, knowledge and strength to overcome challenges of our lives, she said.

According to her, the organisation will now focus on mentorship and offering leadership coaching for members.

Plans are ongoing to access Federal Government loans and grants as a demonstration of our commitment to truly see every woman being a winner in the economy, the convener said.

Mrs Funmi Olubakin, a marriage coach, said it entailed responsibilities, companionship, sacrifice, commitment and forgiveness.

She spoke on the theme Marriage and relationship in the 21sth century.

She advised couples to shun deceit, irresponsibility and falsehood, to make their marriage work.

Close your ears from the noise of people in the market square and face what you have come to get in your marriage.

Little challenges and stories should not cause distraction to you, whatever battles you have to loose to make your marriage work, is worth it, Olubakin said.

She advised couples to prioritise their marriages and focus on life time companionship.

Reintroduce and revive cultures such as hugging, kissing, chatting, strolling, shopping together and cooking together, this simple things rejuvenate the home, she added.

Mrs Adebola Onesi-Lawani, who spoke on Parenting, children and teenagers in the 21st century, urged parents to be abreast with the happenings in the world.

Onesi-Lawani, a family counsellor, said being abreast with trends in the society, would equip parents on various ways to advise and train the children in a more understanding and friendly manner.

She cautioned parents against negative behaviour, saying that children copied and imbibed what their parents were doing.

Dont concentrate on only the academics of your children; check what is influencing your child and talk about it, work it out better with the child.

We have sexual abuses, yahoo and yahoo plus. We have what is known as LGBTQ, meaning lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender.

Fight for your children and protect them against wrongs, expose them to everything and speak of the dangers of indulging in such acts, she added.

She pleaded with parents to also pray more for their children and play with them.

Mrs Esther Reng, an Etiquette coach, advised women to talk less, ensure personal hygiene and proper etiquette to sustain their marriage.

Learning trades, crafts and indulging in empowerment programes to assist a man is necessary, as well as obidence and submissiveness were key to sustainable marriages, Reng said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Florence Onuegbu

The FinTech Association of Nigeria says Financial Technology (FinTech) operators accounted for 63 per cent of the 1.37 billion dollars funding raised in Nigeria in 2021.

President of the association, Mr Ade Bajomo said this on Saturday in Lekki, Lagos, at a dinner held at the FinTech Platinum Awards ceremony.

Bajomo noted that Nigeria had been well-positioned in Africa and in the global FinTech ecosystem.

He said that Africa could currently boast of 10 unicorns out of which seven Jumia, Fluttwerwave, Andela, Chipper Cash, Airtel Africa, OPay and Interswitch are Nigerian.

In a similar light, Nigerian start-ups raised 1.37 billion dollars of the four billion dollars raised in Africa in 2021.

Of these, the FinTech space alone accounted for about 63 per cent of all total funding, compared with just 25 per cent in 2020.

The growing investor confidence in African FinTech reflects the continents huge potential due to deepening mobile and internet penetration, a youthful population, increasing consumer sophistication and income, amongst many other factors.

When you think about how far FinTech in Nigeria has come, you should thank the incredible entrepreneurs who envisioned, pioneered and executed strategic moves that have now crystallised into strong and growing companies, Bajomo said.

According to him, in spite of the enormous achievements, there is always the need to look back and appreciate how far the FinTech ecosystem has come in the country.

He said FinTech in Nigeria raised about 600 million dollars in funding between 2014 and 2019, compared to more than one billion dollars raised in one year alone.

Bajomo said that few years ago, real time payments and digital (quick) loans were almost impossible.

He added that Nigeria is now home to about 250 FinTech companies, in spite of huge infrastructural, regulatory and financial challenges.

The associations president said the trajectory was not set to slow down by any means as by 2025, Africa would be home to 1.5 billion people, most of who would have grown up with the internet.

He said that the continents demographics would include a vast group of digitally-literate but under-banked customers, who could be tapped by home-grown and foreign FinTechs.

Bajomo said the FinTech Platinum Awards was to create a world class award ceremony which would raise the standard of the top global awards within the sector.

He said the association was strongly positioned to play strategic, critical and unbiased roles in creating an enabling environment for FinTech to continue to thrive in Nigeria.

This, he explained, would be by providing leadership for FinTech ecosystem evolutions in the country and across the continent.

The award for the Female FinTech Trailblazer was worn by Ms Odunayo Eweniyi, Co-founder, PiggyVest, for starting something ground-breaking and at the same time, a strong force in the industry.

The award for Ground-breaking Achievement went to Carbon Microfinance Bank, as one of the first organisations to do something innovative in their space, while adhering to ethical standards.

The Ecosystem Enabler award was received by Banwo

By Ruth Oketunde

Nigerians leaders must imbibe the moral code of the Rotary Club in their personal and business relationships, to make Nigeria great, Rotarian Yusuf Alli, announced in Abuja on Saturday.

Alli was speaking shortly after his investiture as the 11th President of the Abuja Maitama District 9125 of the club.

He said that embracing the four-way test of the Rotary Club would mark a turning point in Nigerias quest to achieve sustainable development.

According to him, the four-way test asks the questions: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships and will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Alli, who is also a media executive, said that if Nigerian leaders embraced the four-way test in their day-day activities, they would turnout a nation that would become a showpiece in the comity of nations.

Nigerians, especially our leaders, should learn from Rotary International to overcome Nigerias problems. We need to respect our diversity, uphold equity and justice and provide opportunities for all.

Unless all Nigerians have equal access to basic needs, we wont be able to make it as a nation, said Alli, who becomes the first male president of the Abuja Maitama District of the club.

He pledged that he would do things differently as president of the district by ensuring that more lives were touched in the district, saying that he would place service above self during his tenure.

The Rotarian said that he would also work assiduously to achieve the set goals of the charity, to provide equal access to the basic needs of life among less-privileged people in the community.

He also appealed to Nigerians having the means to contribute to the Rotary Foundation, to enable the body to improve health, provide quality education, improve the environment and alleviate poverty in Nigeria.

Also speaking, the chairman of the event, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, congratulated Alli for his investiture as the 11th president of the club.

Shettima, a former Governor of Borno, called on the club members to give back to the society and the under-privileged, to make life worth living for everyone.

We must never give back to society just to please ourselves because this seems to be the mindset of many.

The society is not the beggar here. Society is the source of the material possessions over which we scrutinize our balance sheets to determine the size of charities to dispense or authorize.

Earlier in her speech, the immediate past President of the club, Mrs Victoria Unoarumi, said that during her tenure in the 2021/2022 rotary year, the club achieved much in membership drive and providing impactful projects.

She said that 21 projects were executed, some of them focusing on maternal and child health, disease prevention and treatment, basic education and literacy, among others.

Unoarumi pleaded with the club members to give the new president needed support for him to succeed and move the club higher.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event also featured the induction of new members as well as presentation of awards to some notable Nigerians, who have distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavours.

The awardees include: Prof. M.S. Haruna, Sen. Aishatu Ahmed, Wale Babalakin, Aliyu Abdulhameed, Igho Sanomi and Saliu Mustapha.

Others are: Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Ahmad Ahmad, Inuwa Kashifu, Fabian Nwora and Mukhtar Galadima. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Silas Nwoha

Source: NAN News

By Stanley Nwanosike

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) says more than 20 transformers have been attacked by vandals across the companys franchise network within the South-East in the past three weeks.

The Head of Corporate Communications, EEDC, Mr Emeka Ezeh, said in a statement on Sunday in Enugu that four of the suspected vandals had been apprehended.

Ezeh, who narrated the ugly experience EEDC had been going through in the hands of vandals, reiterated the companys resolve to continue working with critical stakeholders to ensure that the elements perpetrating the dastardly act were apprehended and brought to book.

According to him, there is no day that passes without the company receiving a report of electrical installation being attacked by vandals.

It has gone so bad that the vandals now go as far as draining transformer oil, even after carting away the armoured cables, a situation which is disheartening, he said.

He said that the suspected vandals apprehended had been handed over to the police stations for proper investigation and possible prosecution.

The EEDC spokesman also called on customers to be more involved in securing electrical installations serving them.

Ezeh commended the efforts of the security personnel, Vigilante Groups as well as the President-General of communities and their teams for the efforts in apprehending the suspects.

There is need for our customers to be more vigilant in ensuring that electricity installations sited within their neighbourhoods are protected against attacks by these criminal elements in the society, he said.

Ezeh stated that vandals capitalised on the poor availability occasioned by the drop in quantum of power generation experienced in the sector in recent times, to perpetrate the criminal acts.

He said the drop in power supply had adversely affected the companys daily energy allocation.

We keep committing millions of naira, restoring vandalised installations and this is no longer sustainable, considering our current financial state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Shuaib Sadiq

Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara has begun training for a newly-established security outfit, Community Protection Guard (CPG) to tackle banditry and kidnaping in parts of the state.

The announcement was contained in a statement by Malam Jamilu Birnin-Magaji, Press Secretary to the Governor in Gusau.

The statement said the new outfit would give needed support to the conventional security agencies in their effort to end banditry and kidnapping that had ravaged the state.

Matawalle said at the exercise, that his administration had resolved to tackle the states security challenges head-on by implementing new security measures.

The Governor said the government came up with additional measures for combating insurgency in the state.

Among the new measures is the recruitment of CPGs in each of the 19 Emirate Councils of the state.

He said the decision to establish the CPG was informed by his administrations desire to use possible options to deal with the increasing act of banditry causing loss of lives, untold hardships and rupturing inter-communal peace in parts of the state, the statement said.

It said that the governor urged the guards to concentrate fully on their training as the task ahead of them was enormous and daunting.

As Community Protection Guards, yours is a patriotic call, your names would stand out in history as people with remarkable patriotism, selflessness and love for peace.

Only people with courage and bravery will offer to serve as guards of their communities, bravely standing up to face the brutal infamy of the bandits, Matawalle said.

The governor also called on them to work within the parameters of the rules of engagement which would be clearly spelt out during the training.

He counseled them as newly-recruited guards, to serve as agents for the restoration of normalcy and peace in their communities.

Matawalle said at the end of the training, the CPG members would be deployed to their various communities in the 19 Emirate Councils of the state to complement the security forces in the fight against banditry and sundry crimes.

He reminded them to remain disciplined throughout the exercise and to keep in mind that they were trained for a life saving mission that would spare their neighborhoods from terror and suffering.

He said their efforts would restore the dignity of human life and peaceful co-existence in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Zamfara Command, CP Ayuba Elkana, said the training was part of series of measures being taken to tackle crimes.

Elkana expressed the commands support to Matawalle in the fight against banditry.

He urged the recruits to be law abiding, God-fearing in the discharge of their duties to achieve the desired goals.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Mamman Tsafe, said the guard was established to assist the security agencies in securing the state.

The event was attended by the Speaker, Zamfara House of Assembly, Alhaji Nasiru Magarya, Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Kabiru Balarabe, and Chief of Staff, Government House, Malam Ibrahim Suleiman.

Others included the State Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad, members of the State Executive Council as well as Heads of security agencies in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ijendu Iheaka/Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Ephraims Sheyin

GetBundi, a digital educational platform dedicated to the study of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in junior and secondary schools, has been unveiled in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the platform is curriculum-based delivered in form of video content and taught by quality teachers across Africa.

Already, 1008 hours of audio-visual content covering six years of post-primary education has been developed, using the West African syllabus.

Mr Osita Oparaugo, founder of the platform, while unveiling it, said that the educational technology platform was designed to ease access to high quality education to young Africans.

The platform is designed to change the life of the African youth and the trajectory of the African continent. GetBundi programmes are designed to help African youths overcome challenges with STEM subjects.

The product is targeted at equipping youths across Africa with high quality, accessible and affordable education.

According to him, there is also a revision for competitive examinations like JSSCE and SSCE with monthly live questions and answer sessions, while future deployments would focus on UTME, IELTS and TOEFL programmes.

Oparaugo, however, explained that the product was not a replacement for the traditional or physical school.

It is a supplement that can be used as a teachers aid, to support continuous learning in in-school students and as a study guide for out-of-school students/home schoolers.

The courses are also useful for persons who intend to retake examinations, change their courses at the University or transit to another course that is science-based.

Oparaugo said that the outfit would soon launch a product that would focus on Science Technology and Innovation (STI) skills.

These skills will include video editing, digital marketing, graphic design and coding courses.

Users, who successfully complete this course, will earn a Diploma, he added.

Oparaugo said that the STI skills category would boost trade and help to build an African market driven by technology.

Acquiring skills is a must for anyone in the 21st century, especially in Africa.

STEM-focused remote jobs are in high demand and are well-paying. With so many people willing to make such switch but not knowing where to start, GetBundi is the one-stop for that, he said.

He said that the projection was to support and upskill 10 million Africans in the next 10 years through STEM and STI digital skills acquisition.

On the cost of the product, he said that 50 dollars (or N25,000) would be charged per year, 36 dollars (or N18,000) per 180 days, while those subscribing for 90 days would pay 20 dollars (or N10,000).

Expatiating on the relevance of science and technology, he said that Singapore used it to transform to a developed nation while China used technology to become a global leader.

These countries have flourishing economies as a result of the critical role scientific and technological advancements have played.

He said the outfit was discussing with ECOWAS, Southern African Development Community and the African Union regarding the GetBundi product.

We are also seeking partnership with global NGOs and multinational companies seeking to impact Africa, to cater for youths who need the product but are incapacitated by poverty, security issues, gender discrimination, among others.

Oparaugo reminded African leaders that technology was ruling the world and wondered how humanity would have coped when the whole globe was shut down by COVID-19.

He explained that excellent teachers were being engaged from Nigeria, Ghana and other countries to handle content delivery, adding that GetBundi was particularly good for Nigeria where security issues and strikes were inhibiting quality education.

Oparaugo disclosed that the platform was modelled after the Chinese distance learning programme.

We want Africa to learn a lot from China. We borrow money from China. Our children should learn how that country grew from rags to massive riches.

We want NGOs, CSOs and governments to buy into this platform. We are exporting lots of manpower. Lets build our human resources so that the world can learn from Africa, he said.

Mr Joseph Edgar, Chairman, Duke of Shomolu Productions Ltd, a play producing outfit, who spoke at the ceremony, described the platform as apt, very good and timely.

Our children do not have quality education in spite of the millions we pay. What I have heard here is a huge leap forward.

GetBundi is exciting. It can open up good educational spaces for more than 60 million people.

The platform can address educational challenges like security, transport, huge fees, uniforms, books, among others.

Edgar, however, suggested the need for certification to get more parents to buy into the platform.

GetBundi is democratising education; but I suggest you seek governments approval to run a formal entity like an online secondary school and university, he said.

Mrs Ede Egbuche, Chairman, Fasyl Technology Group, in a remark, described the platform as a very good initiative.

With several bottlenecks bugging educational growth, this idea is a product of good thinking. It is a solution to a myriad of educational concerns, she said. (NAN) nannews.ng

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Commander, Army Headquarters (AHQ) Garrison, Maj.-Gen. Kabir Garba alongside officers and soldiers on Saturday, embarked on tree planting exercise within barracks in commemoration of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2022.

The exercise was conducted within Mogadishu Cantonment and barracks within the AHQ Garrisons Area of Responsibility (AOR) such as Yaraduwa Barracks and CBA extension.

During the exercise, the commandant said the aim of the exercise was to create awareness by supporting units under his command and the barracks community to take a stand against deforestation and actively participate in greening of environment.

Garba added that the tree planting exercise was also in line with the Chief of Army Staffs position on tree planting, adding that the COAS had always demonstrated it by planting a tree in all the building projects he had inaugurated in recent times.

It is also worthy to note that the exercise is in line with tree planting campaign of the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Mohammadu Buhari.

Buhari has pledged to plant 25 million trees in Nigeria to enhance the countries carbon sink as part of the countries efforts to implement the Paris Climate change agreement, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NADCEL is celebrated from July 1 to July 6 every year across army formations and units.

The 2022 edition, which will take place in Owerri, Imo State, had commenced with news conference on Wednesday, follow by the Jumaat prayer on Friday while the interdenominational Church services will be held on Sunday in all formations.

Other activities lined up include humanitarian outreaches while grand finale would take place on July 6 in Owerri. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Florence Onuegbu

The Lagos State Government says the Opebi-Mende-Ojota Link Bridge will be completed by June 2023.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Mrs Aramide Adeyoye said this at the commencement of bored piling for the Opebi-Ojota Link Bridge at Maryland, Lagos on Friday.

Bored piling can be literally called a form of building foundation that provides support for structures.

Adeyoye said that with a total length of 3.9 kilometres, the project was designed to provide direct link between Opebi, Mende, Maryland and Ojota to Ikorodu road.

She said that the bridge would reduce the perennial traffic on Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Way, and traffic on other roads around the environment.

According to her, the project designed in conjunction with the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation will not only provide infrastructure solution, but also a transport solution that ensures value and relief for the motoring public.

She said the project was a vision to reality, and also brought about innovation, as part of the bridge would be for working and exercising for residents.

Adeyoye said the construction of the bridge would bring about learning opportunities for students and creating of jobs.

On his part, the commissioner for transportation, Mr Frederic Oladeinde said the Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olus administration was determined to provide infrastructure that would be complemented by decent Inter-modal transportation system, befitting of a mega city like Lagos.

Oladeinde described the project as huge, as it would connect communities to Ojota, and enable commuters to navigate from Ikeja to the Island, and at the same time, reducing travel time.

So when you look at the population of Lagos, you will understand that it is important that we develop our public transport. To develop the public transport, you must have good infrastructure.

So we are developing the infrastructure required to ensure that we put a decent public transport on our network for our people.

One of the reasons why we are working with the ministry of works is to ensure that the junction connection is efficient for public transport to take, because we need to give priority to public transportation.

So when you look at all the projects that we are doing, it is project that will either connect community on our project or will make our public transport better, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Jan. 26, Sanwo-Olu announced the kick off of the construction of the bridge, which was conceived over 20 year ago.

Sanwo-Olu described the project as a legacy of his administration to ease the burden of commuters. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Source: NAN News

By Justina Auta

The National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) is poised to give its infrastructure a facelift after 30 years of its existence for the development and empowerment of Nigerian women.

The Director-General of the centre, Dr Asabe Vilita-Bashir, said this on Friday in Abuja at the inauguration of the committee that would facilitate and monitor the renovation exercise.

According to her, the present structure needs a facelift.

She added that her vision for restructuring, repositioning and rebranding of the edifice was an opportunity to strengthen womens work and progress in national sustainable development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ace broadcaster, Moji Makanjuola, is to chair the committee, while the NCWD boss will co-chair the committee with other members.

Responding, Makanjuola said that the committee would work toward restoring the glory of the centre.

She said we are being called upon to consolidate on the gains of our predecessors who had the foresight to invest in development and empowerment of women.

We, therefore, have a mandate to renovate, upgrade and improve our collective heritage to generation of Nigerian women for now and in the future.

So long as there is a voiceless and unemployed woman anywhere on Nigerian soil, we are all unemployed and voiceless.

Makanjuola assured the centre of the committees commitment to do a good job. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Source: NAN News

By Naomi Sharang

Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) has trained the Original Inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on advocacy and negotiation skills to aid them in the promotion of their cultural rights and values.

Executive Director of the Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Ms Faith Nwadishi, conducted the training in Abuja on Friday, which also featured a presentation on Theatre For Development.

According to Nwadishi, advocacy is a veritable tool used to foster development and change in the society.

We see theatre for drama as a campaign tool and a strategy that we can use to raise awareness concerning the plights of the original inhabitants of the FCT as well as promote the cultural rights and values of the people.

We find it necessary to validate the theatre for development advocacy drama to see if it reflects and tells the story of the indigenous people of the FCT.

This is aimed at promoting the cultural values and rights of the original inhabitants of the FCT through drama and art forms.

She said that the project was implemented from a funding by the McArthur Foundation through chirched which is a two year programme.

In 1976 the Federal Government decided to create the FCT as the capital for Nigeria.

At that time, there were a lot of insinuations that it was a no mans land. But we have found today, that this place is a not a no mans land; there are people who were living here; nine different tribes.

These, she said, included Gwari, Gwandara,Koro, Apo, Bassa, Ganagana, Ebira, among others.

Nwadishi recalled that other issues faced by the inhabitants included the failure of the National Assembly to make provision for the office of a Mayor when the 1999 Constitution was amended.

The lawmakers voted against the nomination of a Minister from the FCT to the Federal Executive Council.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya has vowed to bring to justice terrorists behind attack on troops location in Shororo, Niger State.

Yahaya gave the assurance while addressing journalists at Mogadishu Cantonment Jumaat Mosque prayer in commemoration of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration NADCEL 2022 on Friday in Abuja.

He said the terrorists had on Wednesday, ambushed troops in Shiroro while responding to distress call of terrorists attack on a mining site with unspecified number of casualties.

The COAS said that even though the Nigerian army had faced challenges, it was determined to address them towards bestowing a peaceful and secured Nigeria.

He said the celebration of 159 years of existence of the Nigerian army was a time to reflect on its performance.

He added that the army would use the occasion to look back with pride to appreciate the contributions and sacrifices of its officers and soldiers over the years as a key instrument of national unity and security of the country.

159 years of this, is not a small period.

Over the years , we have proven ourselves both in Nigeria and abroad with our competence and skills, commitment and dedication with which we do our jobs.

It is time to appreciate our troops including those who have paid the supreme price in their to ensure Nigeria is secured and remain united.

We will continue to appreciate the support of the president and all those we have supported us.

We have had our challenges, recently in Niger , we had one but we are addressing them. We are not deterred by any challenge from all those criminals .

As we speak, we are on their trail and we will and I say we will get those criminals in Niger and other areas throughout the country, he said.

The Acting Deputy Director, Islamic Affairs, Army Headquarters Garrison, Lt.-Col. Musa Abbas, who officiated the Jumaat, urged Nigerians to learn to tolerate one another religiously, socially and otherwise towards achieving their full potentials.

Abbas added that Nigerians must be truthful to one another and strive to live in peace with one another.

He said the special Jumaat service was anchored on the promotion of national unity through religious tolerance peaceful coexistence.

There is no way for us as a nation to reach the greatest height we wish for without tolerating one another; we have to tolerate one another religiously, socially.

We have to tolerate one another in all ramifications and we cant achieve that if we are not sincere with one another, truthful to one another, we must strive and live peaceful with one another, he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Jummaat prayer was part of activities lined up to mark the NADCEL 2022 slated to take place in Owerri, Imo form July 1 to July 6.

There is also going to be interdenominational church service across army formations nationwide on Sunday as well as humanitarian activities in all operational areas nationwide. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), FCT chapter on Friday called on prospective voters to eschew all forms of electoral violence and being used as touts during and after the elections.

The Programme Officer of FIDA, Esther Ikenye, made the call at the community sensitisation for Kori and Kofai communities in Bwari Area Council of the FCT supported by Action Aid under the We-You Pro Project.

She also called on all Nigerians to make use of the extended continuous voters registration opportunity to get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) .

The purpose of the sensitisation is to educate them on continue voters registration exercise and key provisions under the Electoral Act.

And, also to promote the inclusion of women, youths and PWD in key electoral and governance processes across the FCT ahead of the 2023 general elections, Ikenye said.

She said that the simplified version of the Electoral Act was given to members of the communities for them to enhance their knowledge on voters education and their rights.

Ikenye, however, advised women, youth and PWD to support their counterparts to change current narratives.

The Programme officer of FIDA, Chioma Okoye-Chukwuma, said FIDA provided legal support to female political candidates who wish to challenge election results where there were clear cases of irregularities that denied them the mandate.

She said FIDA also served to increase the participation and representation of women in decision making and governance.

Okoye-Chukwuma said members of the communities should ensure they get their PVC and support women, youths and PWDs who want to take leadership positions.
The Secretary of the District Head of Dutse Alhaji, Mr Hamzat Zakari, said the programme was educative and interactive as it sensitises the people on the civic rights and continuous voters education.

We were told to ensure our PVCs were in good condition, we were told the procedures to follow if any ones PVC was damaged in order to vote for candidate of their choice.

This is the right time to change the negative in the society by our votes, he said. (NAN)
Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Adebola Adegoke

The European Union (EU) has inaugurated the Team Europe Initiative (TEI) Nigeria Green Economy project aimed at stimulating sustainable climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy for economic growth and diversification.

The EU ambassador to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ms Samuela Isopi, unveiled the project at the 8th EU-Nigeria Business Forum tagged: Nigeria and the New Economy on Friday, in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of the TEI Green Economy Project are: Denmark, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

According to the ambassador, the TEI Green Economy consists of 60 projects of different nature to be executed across the agricultural and energy sectors by 2027 and is valued at 1.3 billion Euros.

Isopi said the project was aimed at improving the competitive advantage of Nigerias agriculture and energy sectors, with emphasis on access to clean and renewable energy as well as job creation, skills and capacity development.

She added that the project was a result of collaborative efforts with the EU and member states, private and public sectors and the development financial institutions.

She assured continued support for the Nigerian government in the implementation of its economic diversification policies and new partnerships with the private sector.

In line with the EUs Green Deal, the Green Economy Initiative will support the Nigerian governments efforts to diversify the economy by combining support to enhance access to renewable energy for productive uses and boosting the development of the agricultural sector.

Collectively, the actions will help Nigeria attain the SDGs and put the country on a sustainable development path.

The initiative will offer support in areas of expertise and strong European contribution such as climate-smart agriculture, technological and digital solutions, vocational training, employment and entrepreneurship creation as well as access to sustainable energy, she said.

She said the TEI would forge new partnerships with member states interested in supporting Nigerias circular economy efforts.

Ms Inga Stefanowicz, EU Team Leader, Green and Digital Economy in Nigeria, said the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Development Financial Institutions would assist various players in the value-chains in the agricultural and energy sectors.

By combining EIBs investment facilities with the European Development Finance Institutions and EU member states, the flagship initiative will create space for EU trade and investment while generating job opportunities for Nigerias youth.

In agriculture, support will be provided to promote and increase climate-smart agricultural production and value-added creation in selected value chains to address food insecurity, increase agricultural exports, tackle skills gaps and create jobs.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and state institutions will be supported in the delivery of its mandate, and in particular, development of agricultural education, integrating ICT and technical and vocational education and training, she said.

Stefanowicz added that field interventions would concentrate on creating positive spillover effects through the value chains including smallholder farmers, aggregators, processors, manufacturers, wholesalers, transporters and retailers.

She said interventions in the energy sector would include capacity building, policy dialogue and advisory services with the ministry of power and its agencies, in developing an enabling policy environment, and adoption and implementation of measures.

They will concentrate on effective delivery of the Ministrys mandate including the Paris Agreement Commitment, Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) targets as well as the development of new energy access business models with the private sector.

She added that the team would work with the Federal and State governments to address obstacles to ease of doing business and investment.

Dr Mohammad Abubakar, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, lauded the initiative, adding that the agricultural sector had the largest potential to diversify the economy and provide the broad-based growth necessary for development as a new growth engine.

Abubakar, who was represented by Dr Emmanuel Olaleye, Director, Agri-Business and Market Development, said the agricultural sector was essential to job creation, securing food supply, lowering inflation and expanding foreign exchange earnings.

He said the Federal Government would continue to prioritise activities in the agriculture sector through targeted policies to attract investments, in line with the diversification drive and achieving food security.

According to the minister, some of the policies include the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation policy, National Agricultural Resilience Framework (NARF, 2014), Agricultural Promotion Policy, (APP, 2016-2020), and National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP, 2019-2025), among others.

He also emphasised the need for farmers and investors to tap into opportunities of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for the country to become Africas largest producer of crops like Maize, Rice, and Soybeans.

The ministry has identified what needs to be done to achieve this by promoting the use of a better variety of seeds that are high yielding, disease-resistant, and adaptive quality.

We also seek to promote mechanised production through the Green Imperative that is government-enabled but private-sector driven that will reduce human effort and enhance productivity while removing drudgery in the farming operation and strengthen value chain linkages.

Others include increasing investments in commodity exchanges; aggregation and backward/forward integration; supporting agricultural research and development; and reducing the risks associated with farming by de-risking agricultural productivity, he said.

He solicited the support of the EU and the EU countries to assist with capacity building for Nigeria and its companies to prepare proposals to access the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

EU companies and their Nigerian counterparts should take advantage of available GCF to attract Green Projects to Nigeria.

Execution of green projects will contribute to the reduction in Green House Gas (GHG) emissions as envisaged in the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) strategy, he said.

Markus Wauschkuhn, Germanys Cluster Coordinator for Sustainable development projects in Nigeria, said Germany would continue to contribute to Nigerias competitive advantage through the Nigerian Competitiveness Project.

According to him, the project focuses on improving Nigerias export potential in the area of ginger, tomatoes, chili, leather and garment and other resources to Europe. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

Source: NAN News

By Cecilia Ologunagba

The UN Deputy Secretary General, Amina Muhammed, has tested negative for COVID-19 after testing positive for the virus some days ago.

UN Spokesperson, Mr Stphane Dujarric, disclosed this at a news conference on Friday at UN headquarters in New York.

Mohammed had earlier announced the development on her Twitter handle on Tuesday, saying: I have tested positive for COVID-19.

Grateful to be one of the privileged to have been vaccinated as I think of the millions still without protection. Let us continue to push for vaccines leaving no one behind.

Happy to continue online in isolation, my full commitment to the #TransformingEducation pre-summit.

Mohammed was supposed to attend the summit of the Transforming Education programme organised by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) before she discovered her status in spite of being vaccinated.

Dujarric said as we told you earlier, the Deputy Secretary-General tested positive for COVID-19.

In addition to cancelling her in-person activities in Paris, she will no longer travel to Lisbon, for the closing of the Ocean Conference.

She is, however, expected back in the office on Tuesday, as we understood she has tested negative a short while ago, which is good news, he said.

The UN correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mohammed is slated to meet with the Bayelsa Governor, Douye Diri on Wednesday.

Diri is in the U.S. on economic and cultural mission to two states of New York and New Jersey. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By George Odok
Activities at the Calabar Port were boosted on Thursday as a general cargo vessel berthed with 204 heavy-duty trucks, 22 cubic metres of pipes and other containers.

Speaking with newsmen on Friday in Calabar after the berthing of the vessel, the Port Manager, Mr Festus Olumati, said this was coming three years after a ship berthed there last.

The manager said that Calabar Port was still viable and of economic benefit to the state and to Nigeria.

Olumati said that the Calabar Port was safe for berthing, hence the need for customers to patronise it to clear their general containers.

The significance of the berthing of this vessel is to tell the world that Calabar Port is active and working. The rumour going round that nothing is happening in Calabar Port is fake.

The length of this vessel is 190 metres, and this has never happened in recent times at Calabar Port.

The cargo on board is 204 trucks, 22 cubic meters of general cargo, especially pipes and we also have some containers in it.

In the past three years, it has never been like this; we are happy to tell the world that we are receiving a cargo vessel that we have not had in the past three years, Olumati said.

He said the berthing of the ship was in line with the Nigerian Ports Authoritys (NPA) resolve to revamp the port to attract customers, adding that it would generate employment for Calabar residents.

Olumati added that more than 50 persons were supporting the shipping company in the discharge of the trucks and the containers.

In his remarks, Mr Edward Akpan, General Manager of the terminal operator used in the berthing, said that the vessel sailed from Singapore.

Akpan noted that the owners of the cargo consider Calabar Port as a preferred terminal based on the support given to them over the years.

As a terminal operator, we woo our customers by giving them some incentives to berth at Calabar Port.

Our customers are satisfied with our mode of operations and I want to appreciate NPA for its continuous support for the terminals.

When vessels berth at Calabar Port, the owners are always here to ensure that their cargo is not dented and they have been so amazed with recommendations on our path for jobs well done, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there was beehive of activities at the port during the discharge of the trucks and the containers. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chidinma Agu/Alli Hakeem

Source: NAN News