Dr Hammed Muibi, the Chief Executive Officer, MKH Properties Ltd

By Rukayat Moisemhe

MKH Group has announced the name change of one of its subsidiaries, MKH investment Ltd., to MKH Properties Ltd., effective May 1.

Dr Hammed Muibi, the Chief Executive Officer, MKH Properties Ltd., confirmed the name change in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Muibi said the change of name would not alter the companys financials, legalities and related documentations.

Effective May 1, 2023, MKH Investment Limited will be renamed MKH Properties Limited.

This change of our companys name will allow us to present ourselves as Nigerias most innovative and trusted real estate and property solutions company.

Our commitment will remain our highest priority for our customers and partners across West Africa, he said.

Also, Mr Olukunle Idowu, MKH Group Managing Director, said the company would streamline its focus on providing customers and prospects with ideal exposure to the companys operation and value proposition.

We look forward to rolling out our rebranded collateral, including our product catalogues, presentations and several others.

Our email addresses and corporate website address will be updated to reflect our new company name.

We thank you for your continued support and trust in the brand, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Navy (NN) says the release of Motor Tanker (MT) Heroic Idun, arrested and prosecuted for criminal offences, was in fulfilment of the plea bargain agreement with the Federal Government.

The Director of Information, NN, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Ayo-Vaughan said the Naval Headquarters had on Aug. 19, 2022, announced the arrest of the vessel by the Equatorial Guinean Navy.

He recalled that the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) had entered the Nigerian Maritime Environment (NME) on Aug. 7, 2022 and headed for Akpo Field without any authorisation or clearance.

He said the MT Heroic Idun, with IMO number 9858058, was registered in Marshall Island and had an overall length of 336-metres, 60 metres breadth (nearly the size of 3 football fields) and a carrying capacity of 3 million barrels.

According to him, the vessels Captain, having duly responded to Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) GONGOLA, later failed to comply with the Navy ships order to proceed to Bonny Anchorage to await her NNPCL papers but rather altered her course southward and proceeded at top speed towards the Nigeria/Sao Tome Joint Development Zone.

It also reported her encounter with NNS GONGOLA to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) as a pirate attack, but this was later refuted by IMB because it was not.

Fortunately, MT Heroic Idun was tracked by the Nigerian Navys state of the art Maritime Domain Awareness system and the ship was eventually arrested by the Equatorial Guinean authorities based on a formal request by the Nigerian Navy under the Yaound Code of Conduct.

The vessel was afterwards transferred back to Nigeria on Nov. 12, 2022.

For the brazen act of defiance to constituted authority as exhibited by the vessel as well as the false pirate attack alarm she raised, including the attempt to load crude oil without relevant approval, the NN approached the Attorney General of the Federation/ Minister of Justice and the ship and crew were charged to court at a Federal High Court Port Harcourt on Jan. 10.

Naval spokesman said it was clear that the vessels presence in NME on Aug. 7, 2022 was not just suspicious but with apparent intent to commit a grave crime against the nation.

He said the vessel and her 26 foreign crew pleaded guilty and elected voluntarily to enter into a plea bargain agreement with the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as make restitution to the government.

According to him, the plea bargain was in the interest of justice, the public and for public policy interest.

He added that the owners of the vessel made the plea agreement after due consultations in line with Section 270 (5) (a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

Upon the acceptance of the plea bargain, both parties agreed to the fulfilment of the conditions before any release will be made.

Accordingly, after the conviction and sentencing by the court in line with the agreed terms, MT Heroic Idun and its owners are to pay fines to the Federal Government and make an apology to the Federal Republic of Nigeria in print and electronic media as well as Llyods list.

On its part, the Federal Government agreed not to further criminally prosecute and/or investigate the vessel, her owners, charterers or her crew in the matter of her crime against the state.

Gleaning from the foregoing therefore, the release of MT Heroic Idun is subject to the fulfilment of all aforementioned conditions of the plea bargain to the satisfaction of the Federal High Court.

The online reports and stories of the release of the vessel are thus false, mischievous and misleading.

The Nigerian Navy assures Nigerians that in accordance with its statutory responsibilities and drawing strength from the strategic directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, the Service will sustain a posture of zero tolerance to crude oil theft and other criminal activities in NME.

The Navy shall continue to work in synergy with other maritime stakeholders, navies of the Gulf of Guinea states and strategic partners of Nigeria to ensure that Nigeria derives maximum benefit from its natural resources in the maritime area.

No form of campaign of calumny or malicious online publications will distract the Navy from her unwavering commitment to the dutiful fulfilment of her constitutional mandate, he said. (NAN) ()

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

Illustration for unemployment

By Simon Akoje

Financial experts have urged the incoming administration to embark on reforms that will enhance the countrys business climate to spur economic growth and tackle rising unemployment.

The experts spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

Dr Uju Ogubunka, a former Executive Secretary, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, said the incoming government should embrace economic policies that would improve the business operating environment for corporates to create more jobs.

Ogubunka added that the incoming government should upon inauguration immediately address the uncertainties in the economy to tackle unemployment.

More efforts should be made in addressing the structural challenges impeding inflow of foreign direct investment into our shores.

Issues relating to insecurity must be reduced to the barest minimum so as to enhance investor confidence in the economy, he said.

He added that the incoming government should invest in key infrastructure that would create more employment opportunities.

Investing more funds to fix the electricity challenges is crucial to industrialising the economy.

This will make the youth to be innovative and begin to create job opportunities in every sector of the economy, Ogubunka said.

Also speaking, Prof. Sheriffdeen Tella, Head of Department of Economics, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, said the government could tackle unemployment through supporting local production and not importation.

Enhancing local production with the right fiscal and monetary policies, is crucial to boost the economy, Tella said.

This, he said, would boost businesses that would lead to more employment opportunities for the teeming youth.

Tella added that the Federal Government should address the rising unemployment by subsidising electricity cost for the productive sector.

Subsidising electricity cost and raw materials for production is key to growing the economy.

More businesses will begin to emerge and the teeming youth would be gainfully employed and become professionals, Tella said.

Mr Nerus Ekezie, former Director National Association of Small and Medium Enterprise, said the incoming government should tackle unemployment by investing more in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Ekezie added that regular dialogues between the government and the various stakeholders in the SME sector was crucial for their expansion.

The dialogue should not only include the stakeholders in production but also the service units so as to be considered in government interventions, he said.

Ekezie said the incoming government could boost the sector by granting tax holidays and foreign exchange for SMEs to enhance their businesses and create employment opportunities.

Such interventions will spur growth in the SMEs sector and more youths could be employed because of their expansion to new frontiers, Ekezie said.

NAN reports that KPMG, a multinational consulting firm, in a recent released report tagged KPMG Global Economy Outlook, H1 2023, noted that the Nigerian unemployment rate had increased to 37.7 per cent in 2022.

The report further said that the figure would rise to 40.6 per cent due to the continuing inflow of job seekers.

It said unemployment would continue to be a challenge due to the slower-than-required economic growth and the inability of the economy to absorb the four to five million new entrants into the Nigerian job market every year.

The report also said that in 2024, the unemployment rate would grow to 43 per cent, while inflation rate would accelerate to 20.3 per cent in 2023 and 20.0 per cent in 2024. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Source: NAN News

D-G, National Senior Citizens Centre, Emem Omokaro

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The Federal Government has canvassed for effective implementation of the national action plan on Ageing in Nigeria.

The Director-General, National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), Dr Emem Omokaro said this on Tuesday in Abuja.

She stated this during a 2-Day Training Workshop for Desk Officers on the Implementation of NSCCs Strategic Roadmap on Ageing 2022 -2032.

Omokaro said that the Strategic Roadmap on Ageing provides a framework for assessing the effectiveness of actions taken to effect change.

This strategic framework will provide the needed multi-sectoral foundational thrust for the robust implementation of the strategic objectives of both the National Senior Citizens Centre Act 2017 and the National Policy on Ageing, aligned with the tenets of the SDG goals.

This strategy should deliver transformational changes needed to promote and protect older persons rights to dignity, security, health and wellbeing, happiness, independence and continued participation in what they have reasons to value.

It will also set the institutional precedent for sector-wide efforts to improve the quality of lives and wellbeing of older persons in Nigeria, she said.

Omokaro said that the objective of the exercise was designed to increase the understanding of the desk officers in relevant MDAs on Ageing.

Their role and responsibilities in the implementation of this strategic roadmap is necessary to develop Desk Officer Engagement Framework towards increasing feedback and Desk Officers effectiveness.

NSCC has through its partnership successfully mainstreamed older person into the NDE Matured People Program and signed an MoU with relevant Agencies to support older persons in Nigeria.

So, with the desk offices, we should be able to strengthen our partnerships with various MDAs, where they already exist and, to leverage on the enhanced understanding of ageing and issues of older persons to evolve more effective partnerships on mainstreaming ageing into specific programsme, she said.

The D-G, therefore, expressed determination to establish ageing desks with focal officers in relevant MDAs to interface with NSCC so as to ensure effective inclusion of older persons.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop had in attendance participants from 40 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as three officers from House Committee on Disabilities and the Committee on Women.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail AbdulAziz

Source: NAN News

Second left: Olorogun James Emadoye, outgoing LERSA president and Mr Sulyman Bello, incoming LERSA president, flanked by well-wishers at the associations investiture on Monday in Lagos

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Outgoing president, Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA), Olorogun James Emadoye, has charged the Lagos state government on the strategic importance of promptly completing the regional roads along the Lekki Epe Axis.

Emadoye said this during the inauguration of the new Executive Council of LERSA on Monday in Lagos.

He acknowledged all efforts Gov., Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and urged him to also begin the construction of the coastal road in addition to all other road infrastructure going on in Lekki Epe Area.

The outgoing LERSA president listed some of his major achievements over the last few years to include the presentation of a memorandum to address the increase on land use charge and a very active environment safety community.

Emadoye said his tenure saw regular roundtable with the state government, political associations, electricity distribution companies, security agencies, businesses and healthcare professionals within the axis.

He said that his administration provided a platform for almost 200 Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and companies to showcase and expand their market reach and procured an official property for LERSA.

We consistently engaged with government to improve road infrastructure, power and had regular interventions with them on issues pertaining to the toll gate.

During the COVID-19 pandemic and following the Xenophobic and Endsars attacks, we intervened with donations of medical items, donated a Toyota Hilux and rebuilt the Ajiwe police station.

We have also commenced the provision of temporary accommodation for police and traffic officers working on the axis by raising funds for the ongoing construction of sleep over bay in Ogombo police station.

I appreciate everyone for your good work and support throughout my tenure as head of the executive council and pray you extend same to the new executives, he said.

The incoming president, Mr Sulyman Bello, said his administration in view of the declining life expectancy in Nigeria, was determined to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to increase life expectancy on the Lekki corridor and ultimately the nation.

Bello said the focus of the new regime would also be on public infrastructure, health, education and security.

I am quite excited with the sterling quality of the assemblage of men and women arrayed beside me in the new LERSA executive council.

Together, we pledge our unflinching loyalty to our residents and stakeholders; working seamlessly with all relevant organs of the state as well as the traditional authorities.

In accepting the mantle of leadership of LERSA, I am aware of the onerous responsibilities involved and pledge my dedication to the cause.

Our role is to work harmoniously together with the elected and appointed officials of state from local government up to the state and federal levels; cutting across the familiar legislative and executive boundaries, he said.

Mr Ayodeji Amodu, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Sanwo-Olu, expressed the state governments commitment to opening up the hinterlands across the state to drive development.

He said that the Lagos state government would continue to have a listening ear and collaborate with all stakeholders to turn Lagos into the mega city it truly is.

NAN reports that an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr Qudus Salami, received the LASTMA man of the year award for his dedicated service to the region. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Source: NAN News

By Deji Abdulwahab
The Niger Delta Youth Council (NDYC) on Tuesday urged the youth to eschew acts capable of destroying the peace being enjoyed in the region.

Its National Coordinator, Mr Abido Jator, made the call in Abuja, while pleading with the aggrieved youths to shelve their planned protest against the management of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The youth had accused the management of NDDC that they did not carry them along and also failed to attend to their needs.

Jator said his group averted the protest planned by the youth at the Unity Fountain in Abuja, adding that people of Niger Delta area have had enough violence and now needed to learn to tow the path of peace.

According to him, peace is an inevitable part of social and economic development.

As law abiding citizens and people of Niger Delta, we have seen enough violence and we need to learn to tow the path of peace now.

Engaging in acts capable of destroying the fragile peace currently being enjoyed in the Niger Delta region and indeed Nigeria, is a costly mistake that should not be contemplated, Jator said.

The group coordinator promised the aggrieved youths that he would use his position to intervene in the matter for a quick resolution of the misunderstanding.

Jator told them to hold him responsible, if the commission failed to address their grievances and meet their needs.

I have confidence in the present management and the Board of NDDC.

I can assure you that I will personally table your grievances and I can confidently say hold me responsible, if your grievances are not addressed as soon as possible.

You should, therefore, remain calm and law abiding as everything will be fine in no distant time.

As you all know, the present Board of NDDC is a brain child of the agitations of youth groups and Civil Society Organisations so they cannot fail us, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olagoke Olatoye

Source: NAN News

Deputy Director General, IOM, Mrs Ugochi Daniels standing with Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo during the inauguration of a new office and a migration health assessment clinic (MHAC) in Benin, Edo, to respond to returnees with medical conditions

By Nefishetu Yakubu

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) on Friday inaugurated a new office and a migration health assessment clinic (MHAC) in Benin, Edo, to respond to returnees with medical conditions.

Inaugurating the office, the Deputy Director General, IOM, Mrs Ugochi Daniels, said the clinic was the third in the country after Abuja and Lagos.

Daniels said that opening of the third migration health assessment center in Benin was significant, adding that it reflected IOMs relationship with the state government over the years.

As we all know, Edo remains the heart of migration in Nigeria. It is, therefore, no-brainer for us to establish a center in a community where migration have driven development.

A center in Edo means we are closer to our clients based in the south-south and southeast, while offering the much needed support for our returnees with medical conditions.

It is our hope that the center will lead us into a new programming areas to complement the vision of the state government, she said.

According to her, I congratulate the IOM Nigeria, especially the Benin sub-office and the migration health unit on the commissioning of a new office and the migration health assessment clinic.

Daniels pledged the commitment of IOM to continue to support the state governments and the Nigeria government in ensuring migration was done and achieved in an orderly, safe and humane approach.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Lead Head, IOM Benin sub-office, Wintana Tarekegn, said IOM started operation in Benin in 2017 and operated from the Migrants Resource Center (MRC), at the Federal Secretariat premises.

Subsequently, the office relocated to a central location within Benin in 2018 to create a better accessibility for returnees and partners working in the field of migration, she said.

Tarekegn said the office had established strong collaboration with the state government and non-governmental organisations.

According to Terekegn, IOM in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, has supported the voluntary return of 30,000 and reintegration over 17,000 Nigeria migrants stranded in Libya, Niger and other countries from 2017 to date.

With Edo and Delta accounting for the highest number of returnees, it necessitated the establishment of the Benin sub-office, she added.

In his remarks, the Governor of Edo, Mr Godwin Obaseki, said that through the state taskforce and the assistance of IOM, the menace of irregular migration and human trafficking has significantly reduce.

Obaseki said We are delighted that IOM was expanding its operational base in the state by opening this new office and upgrading its facilities.

And we believe that this will enhance their capacity to support programmes aimed at tackling this problem and challenges. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Vincent Obi

Source: NAN News

Graduands of the multipurpose vocational skills training organised by IOM in collaboration with Nat Limited and Edojobs, to assist returned migrants

By Nefishetu Yakubu

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) on Saturday graduated 62 youths, including 19 women on wood vocation under its community based reintegration programme in Edo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was carried out under IOMs Nigeria: Promoting Resilience and Sustainable Livelihood for Returned Migrants and Unemployed youths through Community Based Reintegration programme.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, organised by IOM in Benin, the Deputy Director General, IOM, Mrs Ugochi Daniels, said out of the 62 graduands, 19 were females who graduated as carpenters.

Daniels said the project set up a multipurpose vocational skills training facility in collaboration with Nat Limited and Edojobs, to assist returned migrants within their community to have access to socio economic opportunities.

The importance of vocational training cannot be overstated, especially in Nigeria where unemployment among the young people is high

Vocational training provides practical skills and knowledge that are directly relevant to the workplace, making graduate of such programme highly employable and ultimately addressing the key drivers of irregular migration.

Edo state has a history of woodwork artistry and this training leveraged on that to promote a blend of learning the wood trade and exposing them to opportunities that are bound within the space.

I am particularly pleased to learn that of the 62 graduate today, 19 are females. In a fast changing world, it is important to ensure that we support women to attain economic independence, she said.

Daniels thanked the Swiss and Netherlands governments for their generous financial support towards the programme.

According to her, special thanks to the Edo Government for collaborating with IOM to successfully implement the project through Edojobs and the Benin Technical College.

She reiterated IOMs commitment to continue to support the government of Nigeria and particularly the Edo Government to provide adequate support to migration issues in the state.

Miss Osayomo Usuanlele, on behalf of the graduands, thanked IOM for the opportunity and promised to make good use of the knowledge learnt.

Highpoints of the event was the presentation of certificates and starter packs containing carpentry tools, including generating sets to all 62 carpenters. (NAN)(www nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Ebere Agozie

The Centre for Legal Rights Advancement (CLRA), a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), has called for the abolition of the practice of all forms of corporal punishment in the country.

The founder of CLRA, Prof Ben Angwe, made the call in a statement in Abuja to commemorate the 2023 International Day Against Corporal Punishment of Children.

The International Day against Corporal Punishment of Children is observed April 30 of every year.

Angwe noted that the practice of all forms of corporal punishment in Nigeria was a serious violation of Childs Rights Act 2003 and the International Convention on the Right of the Child, among other laws.

He said that relevant stakeholders should advocate the review of Section 295 of the Criminal Code, Section 55 of the Penal Code and other similar legislations that permit the use of force to correct children.

These sections undermine the the relevant provisions of the Childs Rights Act and other national laws, as well as related international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.

Corporal punishment is against the Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

This ugly practice constitutes an obstacle to the realisation of the right of the child to health, development, safe environment and education.

Unfortunately, such acts are usually carried out by some parents, guardians, caregivers and teachers, in spite of legal provisions.

Angwe who is a former Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) regretted that Nigeria was not among the 65 countries out of about 199 that currently banned all forms of corporal punishment.

He commended the 36 states of the Federation for passing into Law the Violence Against Children Legislation and the majority of the states for adopting and passing into Law the Childs Rights Act in their various jurisdictions, even as he urged them to ensure their smooth implementation.

He called on government at all levels and other stakeholders to double their collaboration to end corporal punishment in its entirety.

I use this opportunity to condemn all forms of child rights violations including child trafficking, child labour and child abuse both at home and in school.

Instead of indulging in such despicable practices, all decisions involving children should be taken in their best interest as enunciated in the Childs Rights Act.

There is a need to comply with the relevant national, regional and international laws prohibiting harsh or degrading treatment, and desist from spanking, hitting, punching, kicking, confinement in small spaces and subjecting any child to a fixed posture for long periods.

Parents and other custodians of children should rather use verbal warning and make references to good moral conduct of persons of reputable character in the society, bearing in mind that an abused child is usually sad and could carry such a mood to adulthood with the attendant unpleasant consequences to the larger society.

He, equally, commended the banning of corporal punishment in Europe, most parts of East Asia, South America and Zambia, urging Nigeria and other affected countries to adopt best practices in Childs Rights Protection. (NAN)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Ruth Oketunde

The National Community Ethics and Value Environmental Compliance Corps, a non- governmental organisation (NGO), has called for the establishment of a national agency to revive respect of ethics and values among Nigerians.

Mr Musa Kelvin, the organisations FCT Commandant, made this call at the end of a training on Promotion of Integrity and Attitudinal Change among Nigerians in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training, which had about 70 participants, were trained on being change agents in their various communities.

Kelvin said that there was need to re-awaken the consciousness of integrity, accountability, discipline and morality among Nigerians, which had been on a decline for so long.

According to him, it is important to have integrity police at the grassroot level to consistently monitor and correct every act of misdemeanor among Nigerians.

In line with bringing back the moral standards, we need agents who would inculcate it in people, remind and educate them about behavioural change.

The essence of this training is to keep these agents abreast of the current realities that have devoid our ethics and respect for values.

This is also in line with President Muhammadu Buharis vision of promoting ethical values among Nigerians, he said.

Kelvin called also on the legislatures and the presidency to look into the bill for the establishment of a National Agency for Ethics and Values Compliance, adding that it would be a good legacy they would be giving Nigerians at the end of their tenure.

It is necessary to bring back Nigerians to these moral values that we have lost and to also redeem our image to the outside world, he said.

He added that the organisation was already working with various government agencies to ensure behavioural change among Nigerians.

We are already working with the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Security agencies, Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), among others.

At the FCT level for instance, we have approval of the Universal Basic Education Board to establish moral integrity clubs in schools to catch them young and inculcate in them respect for ethical values.

With NEMSA, we are working with the organisation to correct wrong electrical connection that leads to fire outbreak in markets and houses in various communities, among others, he said.

Speaking also, Mr Gana Yusuf, the organisations Commander-General, added that there was need for re-orientation on the importance of ethics and values of the Nigerian culture.

Yusuf, who spoke on the topic Ethical Steps to Undertake During Field Activities urged the participants to discharge their duties effectively, saying that they must be the change they want to see.

It is important for Nigerians to know that whatever we do today will return back to us, either good or bad.

So we expect Nigerians to embrace integrity and attitudinal change, because lack of respect for these had affected us for so long.

The participants should also endeavour to inculcate behavioural change by ensuring that they correct any deviation from ethical norms.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Kayode Olaitan

Source: NAN News

Buses for the evacuation of Nigerian students in war-torn Sudan

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The Federal Government has explained that the sum of 1.2 million dollars allegedly spent in hiring buses for the evacuation of Nigerian students in Sudan was due to the dire need of the war situation.

This is contained in a statement signed by the spokesperson of the ministry of Humanitarian Affairs Mrs Rhoda Iliya.

It was also signed by officials of the ministry of foreign affairs Ambassador Janet Olisa and Dr Sani Gwarzo of Humanitarian affairs ministry in Abuja on Saturday.

The outcry over the negotiated sum of 1.2 million dollars for the buses hired for the exercise, is uncalled for.

The amount in question was negotiated in a condition of war and where there are competing demands for same bus services by other countries also trying to evacuate their citizens.

The general public is hereby advised to discountenance the unverified information being circulated on the social media as some of them are either due to ignorance or sheer mischief, it said.

The statement also appealed for cooperation and understanding of all Nigerians in the ongoing efforts to ensure all Nigerians stranded in Sudan are returned home safely.

The first batch of 13 buses conveying six hundred and thirty seven (637) evacuees had arrived the identified safe borders at Aswan, Egypt.

The evacuees are undergoing necessary documentation and clearance before admission into the Egyptian territory for their eventual evacuation to Nigeria in the coming hours by the Nigerian Air Force and Air Peace airline, who have been on standby for the operations.

However, the movement of the second batch of 29 buses will commence on April 29 and the evacuees are advised to be at the designated locations with only one luggage.

It advised Nigerian students awaiting evacuation from Khartoum to cooperate with embassy officials for proper documentation while embarking on the buses to the designated locations.

This will go a long way in speeding up the process and avoiding unnecessary delays with documentation and clearance upon arrival at the Aswan, Egypt.

The government expressed commitment towards successful evacuation of all Nigerians stranded in Sudan before the expiration of the extended 72 hours ceasefire agreement.

We want to use this opportunity to extend our appreciation to friendly countries who have in one way or the other assisted in bringing succour to Nigerians fleeing the war in Sudan.

Particularly, Nigeria acknowledges the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for graciously assisting with the evacuation of eight Nigerians from Sudan to safety in its territory, from where they would be airlifted back to Nigeria, the statement added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Auwalu Birnin Kudu/Ismail AbdulAziz

Source: NAN News

By Dorcas Jonah

The Chairman, Police Service Commission (PSC), Mr Solomon Arase, has solicited the support of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) to promote harmonious working relationship between the commission and the media.

Arase said this on Friday in Abuja at an interactive session with the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ), in Abuja.

He said the commissions mandate include appointment, promotion, and discipline of all police officers except the Inspector-General of Police.

According to him, we are committed to collaborate with the media to ensure proper working relationship with the commission and in extension the police force.

He said that he had also held similar stakeholders meeting with relevant bodies to ensure a seamless working relationship with the commission.

Arase said that the commission had agreed that there was need for synergy between PSC, the police and the media to ensure a properly motivated friendly working atmosphere.

He said there would be constant training between police and the media for interface to ensure proper working relationship for the good of the country.

He said they were ready to change the negative narratives about the frosty relationship that had existed between the commission and the public, adding that the commission had been very silent in recent times.

Responding, the NUJ President, Isiguzo, congratulated the Arase on his appointment, adding that the union would work with the commission to ensure success.

The two leaders agreed to work together for the good of Police, the media and the nation at large. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Bolanle Lawal

An NGO, Balm In Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development (BIGIF), has urged media professionals to promote girl-child education in Ekiti.

Its Executive Director, Ms Oluwatumininu Adedeji, made the plea on Saturday at one day Media Roundtable on Girl-Child Education in Ado-Ekiti.

Adedeji said the programme was aimed at engaging media professionals on the need to coordinate strategic communications in addressing poverty, promoting gender equality and
changing cultural beliefs and practices that limit the opportunities available to girl-child.

She said that the group was commissioned as a Consultant by the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), Ekiti with the support of the World Bank to undertake a statewide research on the subject.

BIGIF is honoured to have the opportunity to engage with you at this event. We know that the media controls the society and is capable of changing human behaviours, living style and moral thoughts through positive messaging.

The socioeconomic factors and cultural norms affecting girl-child education in Nigeria are complex and intertwined.

To address these factors require a multi-faceted approach that involves addressing poverty, promoting gender equality and changing the cultural beliefs and practices that limit the opportunities available to girls.

Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of our adolescent girls and ultimately, in the future of our society, Adedeji said.

Commenting, Mrs Modupe Ajayi, representative of the Project Coordinator of AGILE, said the focus was to ensure the enrolment of adolescent girls in schools in the state.

Ajayi said further that the programme was also aimed at developing life skills that would help them to navigate adulthood.

Highlights of the event were interactive and break-out sessions with the aim of addressing the behavioural problems, among other factors that hinder girl-child education in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Olagoke Olatoye

Source: NAN News

Buhari receives Tinubu at Presidential Villa

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has met behind closed doors with the President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu, and later offered Friday prayers at the State House Mosque, Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

A statement by Malam Garba Shehu, on Friday in Abuja confirmed that the two leaders had a closed-door meeting at which they greeted one another on the Sallah occasion following the completion of the 30-day Ramadan fast.

According to Shehu, they privately discussed a host of issues of common concern to them.

The President-elect was accompanied to the State House by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and two Governors, Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano and Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara.

The Majority Leader of House of Representatives, Alhassan Doguwa was also in the entourage of the president-elect.

The presidential aide quoted President Buhari as bidding a farewell to the visitor, saying: Thank you for joining us in prayer. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Source: NAN News

By Dorcas Jonah

Initiative for Citizens Rights, Accountability and Development, a CSO, has urged the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to investigate alleged illegal activities of Novelty Polytechnic, Kishi, Oyo State.

The CSO, in a petition on Friday, alleged that the activities of the institute violated the standards of NBTE.

Mr Luqman Hassan, Executive Director of the group, said that the polytechnic established satellite campuses, outreach and study centres, which had been banned by NBTE.

Hassan said that the institute was also running diploma programmes that had been banned by NBTE, hence putting students and parents at a disadvantage.

He said: Findings revealed that Novelty Polytechnic, Kishi flouts rules and laws guiding the establishment and management of academic institutions, especially polytechnics in Nigeria.

The Polytechnic does not concern itself with the approved standards in line with the National Minimum Standards of Education Act.

Neither does the school run in conformity with any laid down quality assurance mechanism of NBTE.

Hassan also alleged that the polytechnic currently did not have qualified lecturers, and that those engaged could take as much as 14 courses, on a meagre salary of N35,000.

This is against International Labour Standards and best practices, he said.

However, the Proprietor of the polytechnic, Dr Abdul Salami, who responded to the allegations in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said they were baseless.

Salami said that the petition was the handiwork of some aggrieved members of staff of the institute.

He said the polytechnic had followed all laid down rules and standards by appropriate bodies, adding that the institute had qualified lecturers, debunking all the allegations in the petition. (NAN)

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Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

Source: NAN News

President Muhammadu Buhari

By Temitope Ponle

President Muhammadu Buhari has called for African Governments to connect to Africas Diaspora for the sustainable development of the continent.

Buhari said this in his keynote address at the ongoing Global African Diaspora Symposium (GADS) which was held in Abuja on Thursday.

The president was represented by the Minister of Transportation, Mr Muazu Sambo.

The president said African governments needed to harness human and material resources of the Diaspora.

This, he said, would enable them to become forces to be reckoned with in regards to sustainable development of their homelands, regional bodies, and national governments.

He said this could be done through remittances, medical missions, educational visits, tourism, investments and enterprises, among others.

On this note, there have been foreign and national initiatives to harness the potentials of the African Diaspora in the development of the African continent.

The African Union, African governments have been making efforts towards mobilising the African diaspora for the social and economic development of African communities worldwide.

There have been statements by high level officials of several countries, calling for quote unquote, turning the brain drain into brain gain.

The African Union has designated the Diaspora as the sixth region and some African governments have established cabinet positions within the governments to mobilise the diaspora.

These are all laudable initiatives geared towards the economic growth of Africa by connection with the African diaspora.

Moreover, he said the objectives of the symposium would lead to outcomes that portrayed to the entire African Diaspora, a possible sense of belonging and homecoming, with an ease of entry or movement for the Diaspora into Africa.

Buhari also said it would be beneficial for an improved collaboration on Diaspora engagement between multilateral organisations.

Speaking, President, ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, said building stronger connections between Africa and Diaspora globally was pertinent to the contribution of the Diaspora to global security, stability and development.

Touray said it would enable the Diaspora recognise that they are important actors in the integration and development of Africa.

For this reason, there is a need for continuous evaluation of the extant policies and regulations for enhanced Diaspora engagement.

I call on participants to this important conference to help us move from business as usual.

Concrete and actionable Diaspora strategy, both strategies that will serve both the members of the diaspora and Africa.

Also speaking, President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni said the theme of the symposium had a role to play in shaping Africas future.

Museveni was represented by Amb. Abbey Walusimbi, Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, Uganda.

The Ugandan president said African Governments should work towards a more integrated and prosperous Africa to recognise the importance of the Diaspora community.

He said recognising their importance would encourage them to take an active role in the development of their different countries.

This is very critical to ensuring that Diaspora resources and expertise for the benefit of Africa and that the Diaspora community is engaged in our coordinated transformation agenda.

He also said the symposium provided the opportunity for stakeholders to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore innovative solutions for division and sustainable development in Africa.

Meanwhile, in his message, Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo said economic integration was the single biggest force that could help African Union realise its economic ambitions outlined in Agenda 2063.

Akufo-Addo was represented by Amb. Sena Siaw-Boateng, Ambassador of Ghana to the Kingdom of Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and Head of Mission to the European Union.

Integration, indeed, is championing the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement of which its secretariat is based in Accra.

This challenge demands commitment, patience, and clear sightedness, as well as the consistent support of our Diaspora. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Source: NAN News

By Joan Nwagwu

The Organised Labour have described the Federal Governments decision to suspend the removal of fuel subsidy as the best option.

Mr Benson Upah, Head of Information,Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said this to newsmen while reacting to the recent suspension of the subsidy removal by the Federal Government on Thursday in Abuja.

It would be recalled that earlier, the National Economic Council (NEC) had planned for the removal of subsidy on petroleum product.

According to Upah, we are glad that they have begun to see the light and decided to do the right thing.

Because the path they wanted to toe on the detriment of the ordinary Nigerians would have set the country on fire.

There would have been instantaneous reaction. Of course, we would have been glad to coordinate those reactions.

But happily, they have beginning to see the light. Our advice would be that they should take a lesson from the document we gave them on the so-called fuel subsidy removal.

The answer cannot be far from domestic production, he said.

He said the decision would enable all the corruption building into the system to be minimised.

Upah, therefore, called on the Federal Government to fix the existing refineries or build new ones, instead of importing refined petroleum products.

Also, Mr Nuhu Toro, Secretary General, Trade Union Congress (TUC) on his part said that the Federal Governments decision to suspend fuel subsidy removal was a good move.

Though its coming late but the Federal governments decision to suspend the move to remove fuel subsidy has alluded to the fact that such harsh economic policy ought to have been a product of social dialogue which was not done.

We told Nigerians earlier on that the policy is ill-timed and is not acceptable. So it is good that the government has done a U-turn because the policy cannot be forced down our throat, he said.

Toro said that it was good that the government had to rethink its decision on the removal of fuel subsidy.

He also added that refurbishing the existing refineries and production of petroleum products in our country is in the best interest of the country because of the huge advantages.

First, it would create jobs, make the petroleum products available for consumption and probably reduce the price of the products. It will also guarantee foreign direct investment and make Nigeria a better of place.

We are confused that our refineries are not working and we have asked over time, why are the refineries not working.

So there is a strong need for a deliberate effort by the incoming government to ensure that our refineries work.

All the monies they claim goes to the process of deregulation can actually be utilised to make our refineries functiona,he said.

He added that the decision to revise that policy had further vindicated Nigerians as this was the right thing.

He however, charged the incoming government that the instrumentality of social dialogue should be leveraged upon on issues that affect the general project of Nigeria, adding that the voice and interest of Nigerians could be accommodated.

Policies should not just be drafted overnight and pushed through peoples throat. Nigeria belongs to all of us.

We are all critical stakeholders and must be part decision making and implementation body to ensuring that our country move forward, he said. (NAN)()

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Source: NAN News

Abike Dabiri-Erewa

By Ismaila Chafe

The Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa says over 5,500 Nigerian schooling in war-torn Sudan are among the first batches of Nigerian citizens being evacuated from the troubled country.

Dabiri-Erewa made the disclosure at the weekly ministerial briefing organized by the Presidential Communications Team, on Thursday in Abuja.

According to her, there are over three million Nigerians residing in Sudan and efforts are being made to evacuate as much as possible from the country, if the war persists.

She, however, maintained that priority would be on children, students and women.

She said already, 13 buses had departed Sudan for Egyptian border Aswan, from where the returnees would be airlifted back to Nigeria.

She said:We have some buses that have departed from the African International University in Khartoum, Sudan and as I speak, I think they are just about two hours away from Aswan in Cairo.

Others departed from the Elrazi University also in Khartoum.

All in all, 13 buses have departed for Aswan border in Egypt where they will be received by the Nigerian Ambassador there and the Director General of the National emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Habib Ahmed, who is already there with some officials.

According to NIDCOM chairman, it is now time for Nigeria to focus more on Nigerians in Sudan and other parts of Africa because there are many of them residing in other African countries.

When we were talking about Diaspora voting, some people were saying when we do that, it may not augur well. But we said no, we need to go to places like Sudan where we have millions of Nigerians who migrated there years ago and they have relationships and businesses there.

The data is being worked on but I want to tell you categorically that by the time we finish the research we are doing, perhaps Sudan would be one of the largest areas where we have the largest concentration of Nigerians in diaspora.

Everytime we focus on Europe, America and all that, it is time to focus on Africa and Africans in the Diaspora,she said.

Dabiri-Erewa said as the evacuees return to Nigeria, they would be given some stipends to help them settle down before joining their families.

NEMA will decide what would be given to the returnees because the funding is with the Ministry of Humanitarian affairs and Disaster Management. Usually is just a little amount.

The last one, we gave them we evacuated people, we gave them . So, it depends on the budget they have.

But we in NIDCOM give them recharge cards, SIM cards and sometimes phones. Usually they get just to hold and these are students coming back to their families. They are not refugees, they have homesshe said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Source: NAN News

From L-R: Fasina Olakunle, Director PPP Department, State House, Mrs Agalasi Ehigie, Director, Infrastructure Management Department, OHCSF representing the Head of Civil Service and DG ICRC and Chairman of 3PUCF, Michael Ohiani at the 2023 Public-Private Partnership Consultative Forum

By Okeoghene Akubuike

Mr Micheal Ohiani, Director-General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), says the Federal Government remains committed to infrastructure development in Nigeria through Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

Ohiani said this at the 1st Quarter 2023 Public-Private Partnership Consultative Forum (3PUCF) and the Inauguration of State House PPP-Unit in Abuja on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was hosted by the State House.

According to Ohiani, since the last 3PUCF meeting held in December 2022, the Federal Government has achieved more successes and milestones in major sectors to achieve a PPP economy.

The director-general said the 1st quarter meeting was scheduled for March 2, 2023, but had to be postponed due to the general elections.

Ohiani, who gave a summary of the PPP projects recorded since the last meeting, said there were more projects at the inception stage waiting to commence development.

He said: We have over 200 projects at different stages of the development and procurement phases.

In addition to over 40 projects at the implementation phase, I believe that together, we can do even more in the year, he added.

He listed out some projects the commission had issued Outline Business Case (OBC) Compliance Certificates to include the development of Ports of Ondo Multipurpose Deep-Sea Port and the Benin Port Project in Edo State.

Ohiani said others included the Expansion and Development of Snake Island and the Lagos Multipurpose Sea Port project of the Federal Ministry of Transportation.

The Burutu Port Complex Phases 1, 2, and 3 projects had the OBC Compliance Certificate revalidated,Ohiani said

He revealed that in the PPP Procurement Phase, the following had been accomplished, with the issuance of Full Business Case(FBC) Compliance Certificates.

Revalidation of the FBC Compliance Certificate for Establishment of an Aviation Leasing Company (ALC) of the Federal Ministry of Aviation.

The Refurbishment, Operation and Management of the water system at Tin Can Port, Tin Can Island by Nigeria Ports Authority.

These give a total of 153 OBC Compliance Certificates and 75 FBC Compliance Certificates issued by the Commission to date, which is a record on its own.

Ohiani also listed out some projects that had received the Federal Executive Councils approvals to enable them achieve Commercial Close.

He said the projects included the Central Offshore Waste Reception Facility (OWREF) Concession and Eastern Offshore Waste Reception Facility (OWREF) Concession.

The director-general said others were the e-custom project of the Federal Ministry of Finance and the National Fire Detection and Alarm System project of the Federal Fire Service under the Ministry of Interior.

Development of Cassava Bio Ethanol Value Chain project of the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning.

The design, construction and financing of a Mixed Development Comprising Residential Houses, Hotels, Recreational Facilities and Office Blocks for Commercial Purposes Under a PPP arrangement of the FRCN.

The Permanent Secretary, State House, Tijjani Umar, in his address, commended the ICRC for creating a roadmap to handle projects and programmes on infrastructure development through PPP.

I share the spirit that 10 years from now because we have placed our fingers in the right places and we have planned, execution is guaranteed to be delivered.

Umar gave his assurances that the state house would work closely with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies(MDAs) for the greater good of the country, adding we should seek ways of using technology to attract viable projects.

He disclosed that the state house in consultation with the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, identified and tentatively screened three of its projects for possible consideration of final cases of PPP.

They include the State House Wildlife Sanctuary and Citizens Park, State House Medical Centre, and State House Lagos Facility and we have trained our staff to prepare for this he said.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), and Chairman of the meeting, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan, called on more (MDAs) to create PPP departments.

Yemi-Esan, represented by Mrs Agalasi Ehigie, Director, Infrastructure Management Department, Office of the HCSF, said the ICRC was doing a lot to ensure the infrastructure needs of the country were met.

NAN reports that the forum, which was inaugurated 10 years ago at the State House, provides a platform for PPP departments in MDAs and stakeholders to share ideas, success stories, and challenges on their PPP projects to drive economic growth in Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Vivian Ihechu

Source: NAN News

From left: Representative of the Director-General, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Mr Chukwuma Ngaha; Assistant Director RMRDC/Head Lovastatin Pilot Plant, Mrs Uche Maduegbunam; Deputy Director, Engineering Design Development Division, RMRDC, Mr Obassi Ettu, RMRDC, and others during the RMRDCs facility tour on breakthrough in process technology and local content development and innovation in Abuja

By Sylvester Thompson

The Federal Government through the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), has established the agriculture and mineral resources International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) certification laboratory in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the newly established lab is aimed at analyzing agro and mineral resources produced in accordance with international standards for exportation.

Mr Obassi Ettu, Deputy Director, Engineering Design, Development and Technical Assistant to the Director-General of the council, said the laboratory will curb the short-changing of exporters by other investors.

Ettu, who took newsmen on a tour of the newly constructed facility, added that it was part of the achievements of Prof. Hussain Ibrahim, the Director-General of the council.

He said the laboratory was part of RMRDCs response to the nations requirements for quality infrastructure.

Exporters can short-change themselves by exporting their materials raw, what you need is value addition and it can be done by knowing what is inside the raw materials.

It is done when the laboratory provides you with a characterisation of what is contained in the raw materials and with it the raw materials value rises.

For instance, lead zinc exporters who sell raw zinc are given anything because they need money.

But after analysing the lead zinc, you would find silver, copper, lead and zinc leading to the value of the material.

This would be listed out in the ISO certificate and an added value in the market, he said.

Dr. Fortune Alabi, Assistant Director and Head, Pharmaceutical Materials Division, said the laboratory was ISO certified, hence whatever result it presented was accepted worldwide as a well certified analysis. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Source: NAN News