By Vivian Emoni

The Federal Government and other relevant stakeholders have expressed commitment through developing measures to achieve net-zero objectives by 2060.

The President of Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, made the commitment at a stakeholders meeting on Net-Zero Nigeria 2060, organised by SPP in Abuja on Friday.

Okereke said that the top 10 net-zero measures was a project which aimed at identifying 10 key steps and decisions that if taken in coming years would enable Nigeria to meet its objective.

The measures to reach net zero will map some 10 key steps and decisions that, if taken, years to come, will underpin a socio-economic transformation required to enable Nigeria to meet its 2060 net-zero objective.

The aim of the workshop is to harvest the idea in different sectors to come up with what they think the top 10 in Nigeria can do to achieve the net zero target.

This project presents these steps and decisions in a format that is accessible to a wider public through communication materials that can stimulate and inform a wider public debate, he said.

Okereke recalled that in 2021 President Mohammadu Buhari announced that Nigeria would cut its emissions to net-zero in 2060, at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP26 in Glasgow.

According to him, the way we are handling the project is that we will go through all the policies that Nigeria has produced in the last 10 years.

The policy includes the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which involve the energy transition plan, the mid-term development plan, the long-term vision and the national recovery plan.

Then from all these documents where interesting measures that can help Nigeria achieve its long-term climate goal are, we will now combine these measures so that anybody can have it in one sheet of document.

This effort will support the measures to go according to their potential to help the country achieve the net-zero target by 2060, he said.

The president said that the NDCs was a very ambitious document, which would be ending by 2030, adding that with the way Nigeria was going, the NDCs might not get to the 2030 target.

He said that there were certain measures the country could take to help tackle climate change as well as building the countrys economy.

These measures will also help to achieve long-term goals by stopping gas flaring and having alternative energy from renewable sources.

These are measures which will also help to reduce the amount of emissions which we are putting into the atmosphere, some of them are organic agriculture farming, climate smart agriculture, he said.

Okereke said that the organisation was also working on the housing sector, adding that the rate people were building houses was worrisome and could cause problems in future.

As the population increases, in the next 40 years, if we do not take action to curtail the situation, then we may not have the chance of achieving the net-zero by 2060.

A failure to put Nigeria on the decarbonisation path in the near term will possibly foreclose the opportunity for net zero emission by 2060.

So, the building sector is one of the important sectors we are giving attention in this workshop, he said.

Dr Iniobong Abiola-Awe, the Director, Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment, said that the international Panel on Climate Change had urged for urgent measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Abiola-Awe said that Nigeria as a Party to the UNFCCC, signed the Paris Agreement that seeks to ensure the limiting of global warming to below two degrees.

She said that government would not relent in its effort toward achieving the global commitment.

Government is partnering other relevant organisations both local and international to ensure that it will continue to drive national actions on climate change.

The ministry will continue to provide necessary technical support and look forward to deliberations from this meeting, she said.

Dr Aisha Mahmood, Special Adviser, on Sustainable Banking, to Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, said that government was executing environmental, social, and governance strategies through policy frameworks.

Mahmood said that the effort in implementation and regulation of the strategy since 2012 was throughout the financial system.

She said that the strategy was being reviewed to align with national priorities such as the Climate Change Act and the Net Zero objective.

The financial system is implementing the strategy by lending and investing decisions, to avoid lending to sectors that will negatively impact the environment, she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Donald Ugwu

Source: NAN News

By Gami Tadanyigbe

E-entrepreneur, an NGO has called on Nigerians, especially the youths to embrace e-commerce and become innovative through digital economy for self-reliance and economic development of the country.

The founder and chairman of E-entrepreneur, Mr Michael Hansen, made the call on Friday in Abuja, during a one-day training and flag-off of Abuja Biggest E-commerce Revolution.

Hansen said e-commerce was the buying and selling of goods and services or the transmission of funds or data over an electronic network, primarily via the internet.

According to him, developments in the area of new online business-to-consumer venture creation has been accompanied by varying degrees of success and also recognised that online venture creation does not materialise overnight.

He said the training discusses the vital entrepreneurial requirements for conceptualisation and the integration of the real and virtual business within the global digital system development.

He added, however, that the training would provide the youths with innovative ideas and technical skills for improved livelihoods and productivity towards reducing poverty and unemployment in the country.

The Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Villads Veds-Hansen said e-commerce was powered by the internet, where customers access an online store to browse and place orders for products or services via their own devices.

He said the training became necessary following observed need for sustainable interventions in quality skills on digital economic development for self-reliance and gainful networking.

According to him, e-business development typically follows an evolutionary cycle of initial experimentation with Internet technologies and transformation of consumer propositions towards the creation of a commercially viable online presence.

He said the business transactions occur either as business-to-business, business-to-consumer, consumer-to-consumer or consumer-to-business networking channels.

The CEO explained that to achieve its specific objectives, support of wide array of digital entrepreneurs through e-commerce and expert skill support were required for development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Grace Yussuf

Source: NAN News

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Proprietress, Val-Hill Montessori School, Mrs Glory Akpan, has tasked the Federal Government with the urgent need to address the falling standard of education in the country.

Akpan stated this at the first graduation and end of 2021/2022 academic year party in Abuja on Friday.

She said the continued fall in education standard in Nigeria, especially public schools, called for a major concern as this implied a continued decline in its level of economic growth.

She noted that most public schools lacked the needed facilities to aid learning, urged the government to increase budgetary allocations to education.

According to her, government has a major part to play in ensuring a good standard of education, saying education is the key to a vibrant and growing nation.

The Federal Government should take decisive steps towards improving the standard of education.

Education is the key to a vibrant and growing nation. We need to lay good foundation for our tomorrows future leaders today.

A good education is the responsibility of the government. So government has a part to play to ensure the system works well for its citizens, she said.

She explained that the school, which was established in 2021, was aimed at providing a conducive learning environment for all learners to become better citizens in future.

Val-Hill was founded in 2021 to provide a stimulating and nurturing environment that provides children with ultimate success and inner joy to becoming lifelong learners.

The school, which is governed by a Board of Directors, is tailored towards contributing to the general educational well-being and development of the child. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Lydia Ngwakwe

Unity Bank Plc has announced a gross earnings of N27.6 billion for the first half of 2022 ended June 30.

This is contained in the companys unaudited half-year results submitted to the Nigeria Exchange Group Ltd. on Friday.

The figure represented a growth of 17.09 per cent compared with N23.6 billion posted in the comparative period of 2021.

The banks profit before tax during the period under review rose by 23 per cent to N1.8 billion from N1.5 billion in the corresponding period of 2021.

Profit after tax for the period equally increased by 23 per cent to close at N1.6 billion from N1.38 billion in the preceding period.

The key highlights of the financial statements showed growth in interest and similar income, which rose from 18 per cent to N23.94 billion from N20.27 billion in the corresponding period of 2021.

The company said this showed an indication of sustained growth in the loan book as well as improved earnings from the lenders robust digital channels, arising from sustained investment in its digital payment infrastructure.

Similarly, the lender posted sustained asset growth as total assets moved up by seven per cent to N574.3 billion from N538.9 billion in 2021.

Other key highlights of the financial statement include a 12 per cent growth in deposits, which rose to N359.5 billion from N322.3 billion in December 2021.

The bank said the growth in deposit was a clear indication of the positive trend of its innovative retail products targeting several segments of the retail market.

It added that enhanced customer acquisition strategies for emerging products rolled out to the market during the period under review contributed to the growth in deposit.

Commenting on the performance, Mrs Tomi Somefun, the banks Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, said that the bank posted impressive earnings in spite of the challenging operating environment.

She noted that while the key performance indicators continue on an upward trajectory, the outlook for our financial position had now moderated significantly looking at other fees and income lines which performance was hitherto characterised by volatilities in the operating environment.

Somefun said, As the bank aims to further grow all indices to double-digit regions in the coming years, one reassuring take from the financial position lies in the market confidence, as well as steadily growing retail and SME franchise arising from the development of products that resonate with different markets segments.

This, she said, would enable the bank to continue to operate and successfully navigate the tough operating environment, amid rising economic headwinds.

Having invested massively in technology to drive a major revamp in our digital banking products and channels including the Unifi Mobile App, our USSD, *7799#, internet banking, among others, the major focus is to drive increased optimisation which will enable the bank to provide electronic convenience, she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Editing by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Source: NAN News

By Monday Ijeh

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday raided Wuse Zone 4, home to most bureaux de change in Abuja.

The raid, conducted on other locations across the country, was undertaken days after the CBN blamed currency speculators of exacerbating the crash of the naira against the dollar and other foreign currencies.

An authoritative source at the commission told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the raid was a product of weeks of covert operation.

The idea is to dislodge currency speculators who are massively mopping up all available foreign currencies.

The raid was a product of weeks of surveillance where agents of the EFCC monitored the activities of most of the bureaux de change operators in the Wuse 4 axis, he said.

According to the source, enough intelligence was gathered that some people with massive naira inflow had mobilised resources and are buying up available foreign currency, especially the dollar.

Similar operation has also been carried out at major airports in the country.

Its a nationwide co-ordinated operation and will be extended to major commercial cities of Kano, Lagos and Port Harcourt, the source added.

Efforts to get official confirmation on the raid from EFCC spokesperson, Mr Wilson Uwujaren were not successful as his phone was switched off. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Maharazu Ahmed/Alli Hakeem

Source: NAN News

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Sports Renaissance Africa Partners (SRAP), an international sports Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has called for more focus on coaching clinics to develop grassroots basketball in the country.

Mrs Relindis Mbu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SRAP, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja that with proper coaching and training facilities, Nigeria would bounce back to global reckoning in basketball.

She said to this end, the organisation had concluded plans to organise an internationally certified coaching clinic with renowned basketball skills coach, Ganon Baker.

At SRAP, we are passionate about bringing in experts from the world with tactical experience that can help develop our young talents.

The training clinic and certification programme with the renowned Ganon Baker will hold in Abuja at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium from Aug. 15 to Aug. 20; while that of Lagos is from Aug. 22- Aug. 27, she said.

Mbu said the NGO was working with Baker because of his over 30 years experience in the game and his systematic curriculum that takes young players from zero to pro.

She said SRAP would also be working with other stakeholders and the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to ensure better exposure and scouting for young Nigerian talents.

Terfa Akpoyibo, Chief Operating Officer of SRAP, told NAN that the coaching clinic with Baker which would be a continuous programme would go a long way in developing Nigerias grassroots basketball.

NAN reports that SRAP is a sports business organisation focused on championing industry standards in the delivery of quality sports development in Africa.

While Ganon Baker is one of the the most respected figures in the world of basketball, he has been into training and coaching for over 30 years, working with the NBA, WNBA, CBA, Euro League, NCAA, NJCAA, U Sports among others.(NAN)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Bosede Olufunmi

A total of 260 pilgrims from Kano State, who took part in this years Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia returned to the country on Friday afternoon.

The pilgrims, who boarded AZMAN flight ZQ2349 arrived at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, at about 02:41p.m.

The Executive Secretary of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Muhammed Abba-Danbatta, disclosed this to newsmen on Friday.

He said the pilgrims were obedient and law-abiding in the holy land.

Abba-Danbatta thanked the state government for its support during the exercise.

He also thanked God for the success from the beginning of the Hajj up to the end of it.

The executive secretary disclosed that the second batch of pilgrims was being expected (NAN)()

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Yinusa Ishola

Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere- Ekiti (BOUEST).

Mr Yinka Oyebode, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor who disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Ado-Ekiti, said the dissolution was with immediate effect.

According to Oyebode, the dissolution is in line with the states extant transition policy.

He said Gov. Fayemi thanked the chairman and members of council for their contributions towards the development of the institution.

The governor wishes them the very best in their future endeavours, Oyebode added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

ByPatricia Amogu

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammad Abubakar, has re-assured farmers of the Federal Governments commitment to support with mechanised equipments to promote Agricultural development for a sustainable economy.

Abubakar gave this assurance at the maiden edition of the West Africa Agro- Fair 2022 conference organised by the Afrinex West Africa Limited in collaboration with various stakeholders on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of NIgeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the 3-day event is Promoting Sustainable Economic Development through Mechanised Agriculture .

The minister stressed that the event targeted at promoting mechanisation and funding of Agriculture, creating new market and partnership for exhibitors subsequently promoting agricultural development for a sustainable economic development.

It also complements President Muhammadu Buharis action plan on food security, economic development and job creation.

This will avail participants with the opportunity to introduce their products and services, make contacts with leading Agricultural manufacturers across the world and platform for new engagements.

It will drive Investment into Agricultural sector, provide opportunity for youths and improve national economic growth for families, he said.

According to him, it is pertinent to note that there is a nexus between technological growth and food security.

Modern technological food equipments are meant to provide efficiency in production and processing , while Nigerian farmers have used rudimentary equipments over the years with little productivity.

The Government is working with local and international companies to engage in bi-lateral and multilateral agreements, aimed at providing basic Agricultural machineries for our farmers.

About 10,000 tractors and 50,000 processing equipments are expected to be imported and will be distributed to all local governments across the country which will create hundreds of jobs.

The government is doing everything possible to increase the number of tractors in the country to be made available especially to small holder farmers, he said.

According to him, agricultural sector is a fundamental driver of the economic diversification and growth, agriculture is the only sector with endless resources and we can never move away from Agriculture, he added.

The President, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Dr Farouk Rabiu-Mudi, said that the laudable initiative will not stop at boosting productivity and boosting the economy but will also hinder post harvest losses associated with storage equipments.

This development in the Agriculture space draw definitely affect everybody because of the high cost of food in the country.

Without mechanisation, the issue of food price hike may further soar higher because unlike manual labour, its a more subsidized farming method, its faster and saves a lot of time spent on labour in the farm.

Using manual labour for one hectare of land will cost you about N40,000 but with mechanised equipment you do same land tilling at just the cost of N6,000.

This way, the cost of production is reduced and the cost of food will be reduced automatically,also post harvest loses will be reduced drastically, he added.

NAN also reports that Afrinex West Africa Ltd, Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Abuja trade fair centre and All Farmers Association of NIgeria and Tata are among notable partners in the West Africa Agro fair 2022.

NAN reports that mechanization is a multi-dimensional concept widely used in agriculture(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Amina Ahmed

Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, Executive Chairman, Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, said that the agency has confirmed its first case of Monkey Pox.

Mohammed told newsmen on Friday in Bauchi that two other suspected cases were under observation and investigation.

One person has been diagnosed with the disease while two others are under observation.

The patient came from Adamawa and he is presently receiving medical attention at one of the facilities in the state.

We will not allow him to go until we are satisfied with his condition so that he does not infect others.

Unlike Cholera where you have to wait for about 15 cases before you declare an outbreak, with just one confirmed case, you can declare an outbreak of Monkey Pox, he added.

He, however, assured the public that the agency in collaboration with development partners were working to curtail the spread of the disease.

Mohammed further explained that surveillance had been intensified to ensure that suspected cases are immediately treated.

He appealed to the general public to look out for symptoms of the disease for effective medical management.

Mohammed listed the symptoms to include: fever, headache, muscle and back ache, swollen lymph nodes; chills and exhaustion.

He listed others as: respiratory symptoms and a rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth and other parts of the body.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Rukayat Adeyemi

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has said that more insurance companies may be sanctioned through liquidation as part of its moves to reposition the industry.

The Deputy Commissioner, Technical, NAICOM, Mr Sabiu Abubakar, made this known at the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Second Edition of 2022 Business Outlook Seminar in Lagos on Thursday.

The theme of the seminar was: Economic Policies of the Government in 2022: Challenges, Issues and Prospects.

Recently two insurance companies licences have been withdrawn and these are: Niger Insurance and Standard Alliance Insurance.

Though managing the death or failure of financial institution is very demanding, nevertheless more may still be liquidated in order to sanitise the insurance sector, he said.

Abubakar noted that NAICOM had strengthened its regulatory oversight to ensure that operators discharge their obligation by settling genuine claims timely.

The deputy commissioner said that insurance regulation and supervision were always the bedrock of national economic development.

He noted that NAICOMs reforms and regulatory initiatives would positively impact the insurance industry and the industry would witness tremendous development and growth.

Abubakar urged insurance practitioners to comply with and support the commissions efforts.

In his address, CIINs President, Mr Edwin Igbiti, said that the seminar was organised for key players in the insurance industry and other finance sub-sectorto review the business environment in the country.

Igbiti said that the review was for the performance of the industry in the immediate past year and way forward for the new year.

The programme among other things, examined the national budget, reviewed the thrusts of the fiscal and monetary policies of the government and estimated how these would influence the insurance industry in particular and the economy in general, he said.

According to him, the seminar was important considering the challenges bedeviling the country such as; insecurity, high inflation rate, debts, oil subsidy as well as the upcoming elections.

Igbiti stated that even though there was a positive projection of the global industry at the beginning of the year, the deliberation would have its effect on the insurance industry and the economy in general. (NAN)()

Edited by Adeleye Ajayi

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, says the Nigerian Army will continue to balance its participation in Peace Support Operations vis-a-vis ongoing Internal Security Operations.

Yahaya said this at the closing of the maiden Nigerian Army Peace Support Operations seminar on Thursday, in Abuja.

He was represented by the Chief of Operations (Army), Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Akinjobi, at the seminar with the theme Nigeria in Contemporary Peace Support Operations Environment.

He said that while the Nigerian army had renewed its drive at up-scaling its participation in peace support operations, it was not oblivious of the myriad of security challenges bedeviling the nation.

According to him, this is also considering that Nigerian armys internal security operations could be supported from accruals to Nigeria from the UN thereby augmenting governments support to the Nigerian army.

The COAS said that Nigerian armys continuous participation in peace support operations and contribution to regional and global peace would project its military and diplomatic element of national power.

He added the participation would also enhance its relevance in the comity of nations.

Yahaya said the objective of the seminar. which was to provide an avenue for participants to interact and share experiences as well as exchange ideas in peace support operations was achieved.

It is believed that the knowledge gained here will significantly contribute to better preparations and performances in our current and future participation in peace support operations, he said.

The Chief of Operations, Maj.-Gen. Akinjobi, said the seminar of such nature was long overdue, adding that Nigeria had a lot of experience in peace support operations.

He said that Nigeria was at one time the third largest troops contributing nation to the UN peace support operations globally, adding that it played leading roles in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

He said the Nigerian army had continued to send troops for peace support operations in spite of its commitment to internal security operations across the country.

According to him, it is based on all these that it is necessary to begin to look ahead into the future into how they can properly do things better.

It is remembering some of the challenges we have had in the past and trying at this time to bring in experts from different fields to guide us and to offer their views.

We want to see how we can invest all into whatever support policy we will come up with, he said.

Retired Maj.-Gen. Moses Obi, a former Chief of Training and Operations (Army), commended army leadership for organising the seminar being a major contributor to please support operations.

Obi, who was one of the resource persons at the seminar, said the seminar had enabled them to share ideas and try to send ideas to appropriate authorities.

He said that Nigerias major role in stabilising West Africa made the seminar to be important and appropriate.

Mrs Julie Sanda, a Principal Research Fellow at the National Defence College, said the seminar was timely particularly at a time the nation is grappling with security challenges.

Sanda said the popular discourse had been that since the nation was facing its own challenges it should not participate in peace support operations.

She said the current challenges had shown that there was actually a connection between Nigerias internal challenges and those of its neighbours and the international community.

So, I think it is important that we have gathered over these three days to look at these issues together, she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the seminar had participants from the military, security and intelligence agencies as well as other relevant stakeholders. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Tosin Kolade

Mr Kunle Adesida, the Co-Founder, Cranium Integrated Solutions Limited,
has urged stakeholders to digitise healthcare systems for Nigeria to meet its universal healthcare target.

He made the call on the sidelines of ongoing 2022 Digital Health Summit in Abuja on Thursday.

He suggested the introduction of hospital management software to improve access to care and service delivery.

According to him, digitising healthcare is an opportunity for patients to participate in managing their health and
support hospital authorities in developing comprehensive policies.

He called on hospitals to partner his organisation in its newly introduced Cranium Hospital Management Software,
designed to manage all aspects of hospital operations.

He added that the key benefits of using the Cranium Hospital Management Software is easy access to doctors data
to generate varied records, including classification based on demographic, gender, age.

It is especially beneficial at out-patient point, hence enhancing continuity of care; also, internet-based access improves the ability to remotely access such data.

Improved monitoring of drug usage and study of effectiveness, which can lead to reduction of adverse drug interactions, while promoting
appropriate pharmaceutical utilisation.

We are calling on stakeholders to digitise healthcare delivery system to meet universal healthcare target in the country.

Dr Toyin Lawal, the Director, Nursing, UCLA Health, California, U.S.A., said digital health is critical, as it connects people to healthcare services at the right time and in a sustainable manner.

She said the benefits include access to healthcare to those in rural areas with limited resources, reduced maternal and child mortality ratio, patient safety and improved medical education.

Lawal said data management could also be achieved, saying with access to a smartphone, one would be in control of ones health.

She added that the implementation of digital health services is in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal three with the set targets of healthcare.

This is founded on the mission that ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages is essential to sustainable development.

Dr Rowland Ojinmah, the President, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), said no one should be denied healthcare services, saying it entailed all population accessing quality care when needed.

Ojinmah, represented by Dr David Meshach, said Nigeria is a party to the WHO Universal Healthcare Target, hence the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme in 2005.

The NMA president, who called for private sector partnership and an accountable system that would check corruption, said such move would promote healthcare delivery for citizens.

Highlights of the event was the presentation of awards of excellence in healthcare delivery to governors of Lagos, Ekiti, Abia, Delta and Edo states.

Also, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, Dr Raphael Akangbe, Dr Adeolu Arogundade and Prof. Chimezie Anyakora were honoured with Awards of Excellence in Healthcare delivery.
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Source: NAN News

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Assembly says it is proposing a law to make it compulsory for all private schools to supply their personnel data to the Universal Basic Education (UBEC).

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere made the disclosure, while briefing newsmen after monitoring the ongoing 2022 National Personnel Audit in FCT Schools, on Thursday in Abuja.

Ihonvbere expressed concern over alleged non-compliance with the exercise by some private schools which resulted to the arrest of a UBEC official.

I am really shocked to hear that some private schools close their doors and refuse to grant access to UBEC staff who are conducting the ongoing 2022 National Personnel Audit.

They are taking a major risk and you will see what will happen next year. Even the school where the UBEC staff was arrested, I am surprised that the commission has not closed down the school to serve as a lesson to others.

I can assure that along with my colleagues, we will be proposing a law to make it compulsory for every private schools to supply 100 per cent of their personnel data even without being asked.

And to also grant 100 per cent access at all times to UBEC, SUBEB and UBEB members of staff.

The private schools think they are island because they are private. They should know that they are private within the laws of Nigeria, he said.

Ihonvbere expressed the hope that the outcome of the audit would go a long way towards ensuring that at least all the levels of personnel set out the right standard.

He said that the exercise would enable the committee identify the shortfalls and generate the relevant courage to make amendments where there were gaps.

So that we can better serve the work of the commission and other relevant agencies that are involved in the audit.

The challenges of basic education in 1960 when Nigeria attained political independence are still there in spite of trillions of naira spent, committees upon committees, workshops, conferences and the different governments.

The challenges are still there from infrastructure to staff in the administrative sector, lack of quality teachers to the invasion of schools by untrained and unqualified teachers.

I have been to schools where children are siting on the floor in 2022 in the capital city of a state that has collected billions from Universal Basic Education Commission.

Children were siting on the floor and the government did nothing. Some governors have also collected about N11 billion and they could not renovate a single school.

Earlier, the Executive Chairman of FCT Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Alhassan Sule said the audit would enable the board to have at its finger tips data that concern enrollment, teachers and other infrastructures for better plans.

And I think it is better you plan when you have data at your finger tips instead of making estimate, so that you will have accurate information on what you are going to do.

I have been suggesting that the best thing the Federal Government will do for Nigerian citizens is to ensure that free and compulsory basic education for our children are effective.

Government should ensure that our children get quality basic and compulsory education; that is the only way we can reduce the issue of terrorism, Sule said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the schools visited by the committee include the Pilot Science Nursery and Primary school, Wuse Zone 5, Junior Secondary School Zone 3, Wuse Abuja among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Grace Yussuf

Source: NAN News

By Perpetua Onuegbu

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was on Project Web Tool (Pro-Track) for Conditional Grants Scheme (CGS) State Focal persons and Monitoring and Evaluation Officers on implementation of SDGs-CGS at the grassroots.

The capacity building programme was organised in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

A participant, Mr Musa Damagum, a focal officer from Yobe said that globalisation had made it necessary for such a workshop to update stakeholders on best measures to implement the policies.

Globally today, monitoring and evaluation is the best way to ensure that projects are done according to specification.

You will have to evaluate using your Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to see whether the project is actually been delivered as it is proposed to be delivered.

The Pro-Track capacity building, the main objective is to avail state offices, state focal points, the opportunity to build skills, e-management of projects using the specially designed monitoring and evaluation tools, digital tools,

On her part, Ms Christina Ude, Imo Focal Officer said, the Pro-Track tool would enable the state officers to monitor and tracks the SDG programmes in various states.

She added that with the tool, focal persons could easily monitor what contractors are doing and transmit the report timely.

She commended the initiative and called for more trainings in the states especially in the area of healthcare, education, water supply and electricity.

Mr Abdulahi Arah, from Niger praised the innovative technology introduced by Office of the President.

He, however, urged the Federal Government to release more funds to the states to ensure that the SDGs targets were met.

Speaking earlier during the opening of the workshop, Ms Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, SSA to the President on SDGs, said the workshop was to familiarise participants with international best practices on monitoring and evaluation.

She explained that participants were taught on how to use computer-assisted software in tracking SDGs projects.

The presidents aide said that the measure would accelerate the implementation of projects at the grassroots levels among other objectives.

NAN reports that participants were drawn from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.(NAN)(www,nannews,ng)

PUO/FEO/JTJ

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Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

He made the governments position known at an event by the National Population Commission (NPC) to commemorate the 2022 World Population Day (WPD) in Abuja on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the WPD is annually celebrated on July 11 to raise awareness on various population issues such as the importance of FP, gender equality, maternal health and human rights.

The global celebration has A World of 8 Billion: Towards A Resilient Future for All Harnessing Opportunities and Ensuring Rights and Choices for All as theme for 2022.

Represented at the event by Dr Salma Anas-Kolo, the Director, Family Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Ehanire said it would be difficult for Nigeria to achieve human capital development without fertility reduction.

He, therefore, reiterated Federal Governments commitment to reduction of fertility, saying the focus was on sustainable domestic financing.

He added that we have intensified action on how to sustain financing of family planning, especially family planning commodities, as they are integral part of reproductive health rights.

The minister affirmed the determination of the ministry to mobilise the private sector in the advancement of access to family planning commodities.

The NPC Chairman, Alhaji Nasir Kwarra, who called for a shift from quantity to quality population and from liability to assets, expressed the commissions commitment to work in tandem with the Revised National Population Policy.

He described the policy as people-centred and would continue to promote the rights of individuals and couples to freely and responsibly decide when and how to space their children.

Ms Erika Goldson, the Deputy Country Representative of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), emphasised the need for bodily autonomy and protection of women and children.

Goldson identified rights and choices as critical components in transitioning the global population to assets where no baby would be unwanted.

Dr Amina Dorayi, the Country Director, Pathfinder International, said the protection of women and girls is paramount in achieving human capital development.

Dorayi explained that such could best be achieved through access to family planning and empowerment of women.

She called on stakeholders to collectively ensure that women and girls enjoyed optimal Reproductive and Sexual Health Rights (RSHR).

Dr Ejike Oji, the Chairman, Technical Management Committee, Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), commended President Muhammadu Buharis commitment to population management.

Oji said that the president had demonstrated political will to achieve Demographic Dividend through the launch of the National Population Policy and funding for family planning.

He called on all to continue to support the call for fertility reduction, aimed at not only achieving Demographic Dividend but averting
population disaster. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Source: NAN News

By George Edomwonyi

Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo says the state government has concluded plans to launch a resident identification card for residents to tackle insecurity in the state.

Obaseki made the announcement at the Edo North Security Council Meeting held in Auchi, Administrative Headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo on Thursday.

According to the governor, all persons residing in Edo will be registered and given an identity card which will be linked to their Bank Verification Number (BVN) for properidentification.

He said that the idea to launch the resident identity card became imperative due to the growing trend of insecurity in the state.

We are launching Edo State Resident Identity Card for people living in the state and for those who want to stay in Edo.

Residents of the state must have identity cards and the identification cards will be link to their BVN.

This idea is for us to identify those living in Edo and to be able to deal with the security challenge in the state, he said.

Obaseki said that security had now become its administration priority, adding that the government was ready to deal decisively with insecurity in the state.

Government purpose is to protect its people and when any government fails to perform that function, it is a failed government

This Edo North security counciil meeting is a follow up to the meeting organised by the Acting Gov of Edo, Philip Shaibu while I was on vacation.

So this expanded meeting is to let you know what we have done and hear from you, he said.

Obaseki tasked the heads of local government administration to hold weekly security council meeting and reports their activities to the state security council.

The governor disclosed that the state government would soon commenced the enforcement of the anti-grazing law by August, registration of motorcycles and tricycle riders, markets and motor parks in the state.

He added that combing of bushes by the local vigilantes and hunters was yielding positive results and assured them of adequate training and empowerment in order to discharge their duties effectively.

We are going to integrate vigilantes into our state security architecture and any vigilante group that is not registered will be disbanded.

By Aug. 5, all these people, we must have their phone numbers and their photographs and we have agreed to provide them additional logistics and remuneration will be offered to members of the vigilante, he said.

Some traditional rulers who spoke at the meeting commended the state government for the initiative and for being proactive to security matters.

They appealed to the government to come up with a welfare package for the local vigilantes and hunters across the state. (NAN) ()

Edited by Solomon Asowata

Source: NAN News

By Patience Aliyu

Plateau Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development Victor Lapang says the state government has put in place plans to create more than 20,000 jobs for youths in the state.

He made this known on the sidelines of a capacity building workshop organised for youths by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) on Thursday in Jos.

The workshop is entitled: Harnessing the opportunities in non-oil export trade, geared towards enlightening the youth on opportunities available in export.

Lapang, who commended NEPC for organising the event, noted that it was a great step towards providing the youth with sources of livelihood and increase their economic activities in the state.

He added that the state government had inaugurated a team of experts to look into the creation of 20, 000 jobs for youths in the state.

The state government inaugurated a committee which has 20 parastatals, including non-governmental organisations, he said.

Lapang noted that some private organisations and individuals were already working in consonance with government towards the creation of the jobs.(NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Kayode Olaitan

Source: NAN News

By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Wednesday said seven ships that had arrived the ports were waiting to berth with petroleum products and others.

NPA, in its Daily Shipping Position, listed the products waiting to berth as: bulk gypsum, bulk fertilizer, petrol and container.

It said that another 17 ships at the ports were discharging bulk wheat, frozen fish, general cargo, steel products, container, bulk sugar, base oil, petrol and bulk urea.

Meanwhile, 23 other ships also laden with petroleum products, food items and other goods were expected from July 27 to Aug. 5.

The authority said that the ships were expected to arrive at the Lagos Port Complex.

It indicated that the ships contain general cargo, bulk salt, bulk gypsum, bulk sugar, bulk urea, container, frozen fish, bulk wheat, bulk steam coal, petrol and automobile gasoline. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Source: NAN News

By Bridget Ikyado

Rev. Duke Akamisoko, the Lord Bishop of Diocese of Kubwa, Anglican Communuion, says
the Church is building an ultra-modern medical centre in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to enhance healthcare
delivery.

He made this known at the 2022 pre-synod press conference organised by the Church on Wednesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this years Anglican Communion Synod has I Chose and Appointed
You To Bear Fruit That Will Remain John 15:16 as its theme.

According to him, the Church is focusing on completion of the 250-bed medical centre to also check medical tourism.

He added that when completed, the medical centre will be one of the best in the FCT, with state-of-the-art equipment
and trained professionals in the different fields of medicine and healthcare.

He said that the medical centre is part of the Churchs contributions to the society.

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the bishop advised all presidential candidates to ensure inculsivness.

Meanwhile, the 5th Synod is scheduled for Friday, July 29 up until Sunday, July 31 at St. Peters Church, Karu, Abuja.
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Source: NAN News