By Salisu Sani-Idris

Prof. Mohammed Haruna, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), says the agency will launch solar scheme homes system empowerment in 4,000 homes in Nasarawa State.

Mr Peter Ewu, Special Assistant to the NASENI boss, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said Haruna made the disclosure when he received a delegation of stakeholders from Nasarawa at the agencys headquarters.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the delegation visited the agency in a bid to ensure a successful inauguration of Agricultural Machinery Development Institute (AMEDI), Lafia, and NASENI Skill Development Centre and North Central Zonal Engineering and Science Integrated Laboratory, Keffi.

The NASENI boss explained that the inauguration of the institute in Lafia and the laboratory in Keffi would create employment opportunities for both formal and informal sectors in the state.

He also said that the establishment would ensure the training, skills acquisition and empowerment of youths on different skills such as engineering and scientific.

Haruna, therefore, solicited the support and cooperation of Nasarawa stakeholders towards the successful inauguration of the institute and the laboratory which would be carry out by Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.

He informed the delegation that Gambari, who double as the Special Guest, would inaugurate and lay foundation of the AMEDI Lafia, while the Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa would perform the groundbreaking ceremony at Keffi.

Earlier, leader of the delegation, Aminu Maifata, Executive Chairman, Lafia Local Government, commended NASENI boss for the innovative and transformative strides in the agency.

Maifata also applauded Prof. Haruna for being an exemplary leader and illustrious son of Nasarawa State.

He assured full support and assistance of the delegation in ensuring that the event is successful.

He said that Nasarawa State would continue to be a state of repute in growth and development of the country.

NAN recalls that in a quest to diversify Nigerias economy in line with President Muhammadu Buhari administration agenda, NASENI received a presidential approval for the establishment of North Central Zonal Institute in Nasarawa State. (NAN)

Edited by Angela Okisor/Olawunmi Ashafa

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

The Presidency has frowned at the threats by some opposition members of the Senate to begin impeachment proceedings against President Muhammadu Buhari over nations security challenges.

Some Senators from opposition political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) were reported to have expressed frustration over the nations security problems, giving the president a six-week deadline to address the issue or face impeachment proceedings.

However, Malam Garba Shehu, the Presidents spokesman, in a statement on Wednesday night described the impeachment attempt as ridiculous.

The statement read in part: The performative and babyish antics of those senators staging a walk out notwithstanding, Senate President Ahmad Lawans refusal on Wednesday to entertain the ridiculous motion to impeach our President was quite appropriate and correct.

Rather than making a mockery out of voters by trying to imitate what they see in America, the opposition would be well advised that their time would be better spent tackling the pressing issues Nigerians face, such as the current global cost of living crisis.

Their continued failure to do so goes some way to explaining why they remain in opposition.

In contrast, the President Muhammadu Buhari administration is committed to finding lasting solutions to the emerging security threats, including those left behind by the PDP in the South-South, the Northeast and throughout the federation.

In the last 24 hours, two more Chibok girls were freed, in addition to the three brought home last week.

These kinds of headline grabbing stunts for which the opposition is now well known serve no one, least of all their constituents.

We would respectfully remind them that it is those same constituents that they were elected to serve, and are paid to do so with public money.

The presidential aide, however, expressed the readiness of the All Progressives Congress led administration to partner with all well-meaning citizens including members of the opposition to address the security challenges across the country.

He said: We would welcome their collaboration in our efforts to solve the problems Nigerians face on a daily basis. No one is asking them to waste their time attempting to impeach a democratically elected President at the end of his second term certainly not their constituents.

They should ask themselves: do they want to be in government or do they want to be in the headlines? If they want to be in government they should start acting like it and stop undermining Nigerian voters. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Source: NAN News

By Taiye Olayemi

The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) on Tuesday advised the Lagos State Government to explore the forthcoming National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) to propagate national unity as the 2023 elections approach.

Chief Olusegun Runsewe, Director-General, NCAC, organisers of the annual festival gave the advice during the 53rd National Stakeholders Technical meeting in preparation for 2022 edition of NAFEST, held in Lagos.

Runsewe said that the issue of peace and national unity was quite germane now that the nation was preparing for the 2023 elections.

He emphasised the need to consolidate on national peace and unity through the forthcoming 35th NAFEST slated to hold in Lagos State by November.

This years NAFEST must be used as a vehicle of consolidating our unity, peace and social harmony.

This is important as this years edition of NAFEST is coming just before the 2023 general elections and it is a known fact that election years in Nigeria are usually volatile because of the conflicting and contending political issues by the various political parties in Nigeria.

This NAFEST must be used to propagate, project and enact the fact that peace is the foundation for the growth of any nation, without peace, there can be no social harmony or conducive environment for meaningful elections, he said.

Runsewe noted that Lagos State had roles to play in effecting unity in Nigeria as he evaluated three scenarios to substantiate this.

According to him, significant events took place in Lagos in 1977, 1959 and 1914, which made it obvious that there was a connection between Lagos State and the development of Nigeria.

As a nation, we need to launch the begining of unity during Eko NAFEST, each state is well endowed and Gov. Sanwo-Olu will be unveiling the 37 wonders of Nigeria to showcase how endowed we are as a nation, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the technical committee members of NAFEST commended Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue and Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta for their contributions toward the growth of the nations culture.

The technical meeting holds from July 26 to July 28 with the attendance of all Lagos State commissioners

Also delegates from the National Institute for Tourism and Hospitality (NIHOTOUR); National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO); Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC); Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisations (CBAAC) among other agencies attended the meeting. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Source: NAN News

By Franca Ofili

The Technical Officer on Health Financing at the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigeria, Dr Francis Ukwuije, says the global body mission in Nigeria will boost the health coverage in the country.

Ukwuije said this at a meeting between the Health Financing Mission of WHO in Nigeria and Prof. Mohammed Sambo, Director-General, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) on Tuesday in Abuja.

He noted that Nigeria had very high out of pocket expenditure of more 70 per cent on health.

Ukwuije said that the country had more than 50 per cent of the population and in some states up to 80 per cent that needed healthcare.

He said that Nigerias population had fallen into poverty due to ill health or due to payment for healthcare.

He said the efforts at implementing compulsory health insurance in Nigeria was as important as advancing the development of the country.

I wish to state that as WHO, we have the mandate to support member states in their priority areas.

We can see that financing health insurance is one of the accelerators that the country has chosen and also primary healthcare towards universal health coverage, he said.

According to him, WHO mission to the NHIA is useful for the reasons that, first-it would help to support the NHIA and energize it towards operationalizing the new law to gain the benefits therein.

Secondly, to ensure that we have good representation and high level advocacy to the government of Nigeria and to those who make the laws and policies in the country.

Thirdly, to finally to support the country in mopping up areas of health financing for the attainment of the Universal health coverage, he said.

Speaking, Sambo, said the National Health Bill assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari was critical elements of nations development.

Buhari had on May 21, signed the National Health Insurance Authority Bill 2022 into law; the new legislation repeals the National Health Insurance Scheme Act 2004.

The President during the signing said the new law makes provisions for the setup of a trust fund to ensure the coverage of 83 million poor Nigerians who cannot afford to pay premiums as recommended by the Lancet Nigeria Commission.

The NHIA director-general said that the bill signed by the President was not only a big commitment to achieving his vision of the next level agenda but also a desire to ensure healthcare delivery.

Population of Nigeria as a symbol of art and health is one of the critical elements of development, Sambo said.

Sambo said the bill recently updated by the president was the trajectory and roadmap for attainment healthcare services in the country.

What is left is how will health insurance agents partner to support government gesture by ensuring that the effort not only operationalize but has been put to the best use for the teeming population of Nigeria, Sambo said.

the director-general said that the framework would enhance coverage of informal sector which recommendation, essentially to the covenant for the vulnerable segment of the population.

We need to ensure that this law will look to constitute about two million population which has given an opportunity to establish what is called vulnerable efficiency activities, Sambo said.

Country Representative of the WHO in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Molumbo, said the3-day engagement was an opportunity for them to interact with the leadership of NHIA to look into ways of implementing the NHIA bill signed into this year.

According to him, WHO believes that it is the best way to go if Nigeria is to achieve the universal health coverage in Nigeria.

It is a good opportunity for us and it is a privilege to be part of this high level advocacy meeting to review strategies on how we will operationalize this health insurance authority bill.

Also how WHO can offer support to strengthen NHIA to deliver in its mandated.

We also want to use this opportunity to interact with as many stakeholders as possible to enable the NHIA to drive the universal health coverage in Nigeria.

Mulumba said the origination would do all that was necessary to meet high level government official and put across their message.

For financing in Nigeria, we need to refer out of pocket expenditures in the country, this is the right way to go and we will work to support authority in that respect, he said.(NAN)()

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Maureen Okon

The South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Thami Mseleku, has called for stronger collaboration between his country and Nigeria for effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

The envoy said the collaboration would help to facilitate the acceleration of developing on the continent.

Mseleku made the call in Abuja at the grand finale of a stage play titled Philomena produced by Monalisa Chinda, Bimbo Mannuel, Zack Ineydo and Rekiya Ibrahim-Atta to advocate the course of girl child in Africa.

He said that Nigeria and South Africa, the two leading African economies, had deeper collaboration but if the relations could be made stronger it would enhance the implementation of AfCFTA.

At the moment the main issue for us in Africa is to make the Africa Free Trade agreement work in practice, not just on paper, and for that to happen, the leading economies of Africa should actually collaborate.

They are trying. Theyve collaborated when it came to negotiations about the agreement itself, when it came to aspects of that agreement like standards and so on, they are working together, but we want to see that trickle down to real business.

In other words, we want to see and there has been talk already between the two countries about where we could actually strengthen each other in order to actually make it an inclusive kind of agreement.

For example, in South Africa we have a very strong and established car manufacturing industry; in Nigeria we have the potential of reviving the textile industry, the clothing industry, or the fabric industry, he said.

According to him, those cars need that textile industry, those cars need that fabric. So, we could actually be collaborating to say how do we ensure that the completeness of the car is actually a collaboration?

The completeness of the BMW, which is produced in South Africa, the Toyota, which is produced in the South Africa but the local cars that are here, they actually benefit from the engineering that weve actually established.

And, through these German and other countries, establishments of their manufacturing hubs in South Africa. So its those kinds of things that we are actually looking at.

But let me emphasize the most important thing in this is people to people relationships. If we make sure that our people actually interact independent of government, but also directed by our governments, then we will go far.

Because in that way then theyll actually begin to understand one another to cross pollinate to learn from one another, and to live as Africans to realize that were actually Africans, he said.

Speaking on the play, the envoy commended the producers for putting it together to pass a message to the entire world about a girl child, adding that film industry was also a tool to enhance diplomatic ties between the two countries.

First of all, I think the script itself is dealing with very serious issues and issues of our society and that particularly I like the fact that its focusing on women. And the men are hitch.

Our women are actually finding themselves in difficult situations as a result of what I would call gender based violence, that it to say the kind of manner in which we treat our women and young girls.

I mean Philomena at 16 found herself in a situation in which she found herself and it actually shaped her life. That to me is a very important issue, that it was raising of course brought to life by a very vibrant and experienced cast.

So, it was really a beautiful script in the hands of very beautiful craftsman artists that were able to present the script. So, I really enjoyed it, he said.

The Executive Producer of the play, Monalisa Chinda said the focus of the play was mainly advocacy for girl child, stressing that there was the need the for her tohave the needed support that will make her achieve her goal dream.

Chinda called for support from individuals and organisations to help the girl child achieve her dream, stressing that government could not do it alone.

She urged the parents not to abandoned their responsibility of parenting

There are a lot of messages in this particular Philomena. We are also talking about the very sensitive area which is parenting. You cant live parenting for government. Parents are not doing their jobs.

Why would a girl get pregnant at the age of 16? Where were you? What were you doing? Theres no excuse. That is what is obtainable now

Even though some cultures permits marriage at the age of 13 or 16, but this is one is different. It was just out of not being supervised and all of that and she fell into the wrong hands. So, basically its just an advocacy. its an act of evangelism.

So, were begging all individuals, to be more serious even though government wants to help you, how are you presenting yourself? You will be addressed the way you dressed .

There is need to inculcate discipline in everything that we do, in our workspaces in our lives, in everything youve given in dealing with other human beings.

Its important we deal with this issue so, Philomena has come to stay. Were going to do a series on it.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Bosede Olufunmi

A Kano Sharia Court on Wednesday ordered that a 52 year-old civil servant, Bashir Saleh, who allegedly beat up his wife be remanded in a correctional centre.

The police charged Saleh who lives in Kabuga Quarters, Kano with assaults and causing grievous hurt.

The Judge, Malam Ismail Muhammad-Ahmed, who gave the order,, adjourned the matter until Aug. 22 for hearing.

Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Insp Abdul Wada, told the court that Fatima Muhammed of Hotoro Mahuatta Quarters, reported the matter at the Hotoro Police Station on July 20.

The prosecutor said that the complainant alleged that at about 9p.m the defendant engaged in an argument over a minor and he beat her up.

He said the offence contravened the provisions of Section 165 of the Penal Code.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Source: NAN News

Preliminary data early on Wednesday indicated that the volume of gas delivered from Russia to Germany via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline was sinking, as Russian gas provider Gazprom had earlier said.

While 27 million kilowatt-hours of gas arrived at the German terminal in Lubmin between 6 a.m. (0400 GMT) and 7 a.m., the volume had decreased to 17 million kilowatt-hours between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m.

The volume is expected to sink further.

According to the Nord Stream 1 website, a supply of just over 14 million kilowatt-hours per hour was predicted for the rest of the day.

Russian gas company Gazprom had announced it would cut down the volume of gas deliveries via Nord Stream 1 from 40 per cent to 20 per cent of capacity.

Russia is blaming the reduced volume of gas deliveries on technical issues resulting from the sanctions imposed against Moscow by the West.

However, the German government is among those who see the lower gas deliveries as Moscow exploiting its leverage against the heavily reliant German and, indeed, European, energy market for political purposes.

The chief of the German networks agency, Klaus Mller, accused Russia of weaponising its gas supply in an interview with German broadcaster Deutschlandfunk.

According to pipeline operator Eugas, Gazprom had booked extra capacity in its Transgas pipeline through Slovakia for Wednesday, suggesting that it was making up for lower deliveries in Germany, as reported by the German Spiegel newspaper.

The Transgas pipeline travels through Slovakia to Austria and Germany.

However, it was not yet clear whether Gazprom would really send more gas. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Cecilia Odey/Obike Ukoh

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Christian Clerics under the aegis of United Pastors Initiative for Good Governance (UPIGG) has called on Nigerians to support the government and Armed Forces of Nigeria in the efforts to tackle insecurity.

The National President of the group, Rev. James Muya, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Muya commended President Muhamamadu Buhari and the military in their efforts so far in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other criminalities in the country.

He, however, urged the government to increase its effort in the fight against insecurity and towards ensuring a peaceful general elections in 2023.

The cleric also lauded the service chiefs for the renewed synergy towards addressing the myriad of security challenges confronting the nation, adding that such collaboration had yielded positive results.

He called on the Federal Government to ensure the protection of all citizens in all parts of the country.

Finally, we enjoin all well-meaning Nigerians to give maximum support to the present government in its relentless efforts at tackling insecurity in the country.

In this light we plead for the assistance of your kind office to help in securing our members as we carry out a nationwide campaign promoting our mandate, especially in areas where insecurity is paramount, he said.

Responding, the Minister of Defence represented by the Director Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr Benson Odama, called on religious leaders to pray for Nigeria without taking sides.

The minister said the nations challenges were surmountable, saying the challenges were often times underestimated.

He stated that the government would continue to do its best while urging the clerics to continue to support and pray for the military, especially the young men and women who put their lives in harms way for citizens to have peace.

According to him, they need the support of all Nigerians and need them to appreciate the efforts of the armed forces

We need peace in this country, because without peace, no aspect of our economy will progress.

Preach peace in your churches, neighborhood, and in your families because that is the only way to go.

We are close to elections, we pray for peace, we pray for good leaders that will take us from where we are to where we want to be.

That will happen if men of God like you will dispassionately pray without taking sides, because you are expected to be apolitical, neutral and impartial, and that is the only way we can move forward as a nation, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Lizzy Okoji

Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi has expressed grief over the death of the Army officials killed in an ambush on the Presidential Guard Brigade on Sunday by suspected terrorists in the Federal Capital Territory.

Bello also commiserated with the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Army in a statement made available by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed , on Tuesday in Abuja.

The Army officers were ambushed after they responded to a distress call from the Nigeria Law School, Bwari.

The governor stated that it was more saddening to find out that two out of the fallen gallant officers, namely Capt. Samuel Attah and Lt.Ibrahim Suleiman were illustrious sons of Kogi.

Bello condemned the terrorist ambush, describing it as a dastardly act and a show of cowardice, while urging authorities to expedite actions and ensure the arrest of those responsible and also forestall any future occurrence.

He added that the concern of incessant but cowardly uncoordinated attacks by terrorists must receive keen attention.

The governor also called for brutal response from respective security agencies, asserting that the Nigerian internal sovereignty must not be at the mercy of criminal elements.

Bello commiserated with the families of the deceased, particularly the father of Lt. Suleiman, retired Col Suleiman Babanawa from Okpo, Olamaboro Local Government and Capt. Samuel Attah from Ibaji Local Government Area of the state.

He also extended his commiseration to the Nigeria Army over the death of some of their finest officers.

Bello prayed for God to grant the fallen officers eternal rest and that every person hurt by their shocking and painful demise, should receive succour from their pains. (NAN) ()

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Isaiah Eka, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

As the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021 gathers momentum, some institutions of government have started to critique the law, with the view of exploring how best to implement it for the overall benefit of the nation.

One of the institutions, theRevenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), recently organised a retreat with the aim of engaging various stakeholders to address some issues in the PIA in order to ensure smooth implementation and optimise the flow of revenues into the Federation Account.

At the end of the retreat on the PIA implementation in Uyo, the Commission decried the obvious neglect of its critical roles in the implementation of the law.

It observed that there are some sections of the PIA that are inconsistent with the provisions of relevant sections of the constitution.

It identified the inconsistency in the provisions of Section 24 (4)-(5) of the PIA, 2021 which stipulates the remittance of operating surplus ofNigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) into Consolidated Revenue Fund, while the Commission itself is being funded from the Federation Account.

The Commission made it clear that its role as the revenue mobilising institution of the nation was not properly considered in the enactment of the Act.

This was a major point raised in the communique issued at the end of the

retreat that brought together experts and stakeholders to brainstorm on the Commissions roles in the implementation of the Act.

In the communique signed by the Acting Chairman of RMAFC, Mr Umaru Abdullahi, the Commission said there was need for a second look at the Act to ensure productive implementation.

The Commission noted that its cardinal role of mobilising revenue into the Federation Account needed to be defined in the Act to ensure efficiency.

Urgent measures should be taken to address sections of the Act that are inconsistent with the constitution.

The measures can come in the form of judicial interpretation or legislative actions, it said.

It further stated that the operating surpluses from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) should be remitted into the Federation Account.

Such operating surpluses should not go into the Consolidated Revenue Account as currently provided in the PIA, 2021, it said.

The Commission urged governments at all levels to collaborate towards tackling insecurity in the country to make the nation attractive to investors.

It also said that the shareholding of the NNPC Ltd should be clearly defined to reflect the three tiers of government.

It added that the existing collaboration between the FIRS and the RMAFC should be sustained to achieve the realisation of the new tax regimes in the PIA.

There should be stringent operational policy regime to enable the nation to achieve and sustain the expected increase in revenue earnings under the PIA.

However, the participants agreed that it is still too early to gauge the exact impact of the PIA on the federation revenue, but careful monitoring of its implementation is required so that steps can be taken in time to mitigate any adverse fall outs.

RMAFC commended the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government for enacting the Act after several years of procrastination.

Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom, who spoke at the opening ceremony, renewed calls for alternative sources of revenue for the nation, stressing that diversification will save Nigerias economy from collapse.

Represented by his deputy, Mr Moses Ekpo, the governor said that the countrys overdependence on petroleum revenue had become counterproductive.

He said that investing in agriculture, small and medium scale enterprises, aviation and tourism would provide lifelines for the nations economy.

Emmanuel said that the search for alternative energy sources was already having adverse effect on oil.

The world is already thinking towards other sources of power. As a nation, we should begin to explore alternative sources of revenue.

We have to urgently diversify our economy and be less dependent on oil. The industrialised nations are already looking at alternatives, he said.

The governor further stated that Nigeria should determine how the decentralisation of the oil industry would benefit the Federation Account and the host communities.

Acting Chairman of RMAFC, Abdullahi, described the oilindustry as a critical part of the nations economy.

He said that although the industry contributed less than 10 per cent to the countrys GDP, it accounted for over 80 per cent of nations foreign earnings.

So any adverse change in the industry will have a major and long term impact on federation revenue.

This is perhaps the reason successive governments have continued to give attention to the sector, he said.

Delivering a lecture, entitled: Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and Its Impact on Federation Revenue, Mr Uche Nwagbara, a Director in RMAFC, said the PIA would promote efficiency in the sector.

Nwagbara who listed other benefits of the PIA to include: proper sector regulation and host community development, said that the Act was a good omen to the nation.

He noted that with the PIA, 2021, undue bureaucratic bottlenecks is removed by reducing time for approval of licences for new operators at the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments of the sector to a maximum of 90 days.

According to him, with the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act, the sector is expected to attract more investors.

He also opined that the PIA envisages expansion of the sector to make it more profitable for the benefit of Nigerians and investors alike.

Nwagbara said that in the long term it is expected that government revenues will definitely increase.

He said that the increased revenue would be used to finance critical government projects like transportation infrastructure, expansion of electricity generation and distribution, education, healthcare among others.

Nwagbara said that with the creation of the host community fund, it is expected that there will be reduced hostilities in the oil producing areas.

He said that this will lead to improved crude oil and gas production and increase in the federation revenue.

All in all, he said that the outcomes will bebased on how the Petroleum Industry Act is implemented.

Mr Abdul Muhammad, in his presentation entitled: Legal and Constitutional Issues in PIA Implementation, said the PIA is challenged by implementation issues regarding fiscal federalism.

Muhammad said the PIA was enacted to reduce the bureaucratic bottleneck associated with the management of Nigerias oil and gas sector.

According to him, the Act will create efficient and effective governing institution, with clear and separate roles for the petroleum industry.

The Act when fully implemented will establish a framework for the creation of a commercial oriented and profit-driven national petroleum company.

Promote transparency, good governance and accountability in the administration of the petroleum resources of Nigeria.

The PIA, 2021 will foster a business environment conducive for petroleum operations and deepen local content practice in Nigeria oil and gas industry.

The Host Communities Development Trust Fund is the most laudable innovation in the Act, this will bring hostilities to the barest minimum if not eliminated, Muhammad said.

Indeed, the driving force of the Act, is to ensure national prosperity and peace in the oil producing communities. (NANFeatures)(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Justina Auta

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has advocated the creation of special desks in media organisations and other offices to handle cases of Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV).

The Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Mr Emmanuel Ogbeche, made the call on Tuesday at an event organised by Supporting Hands Initiative, ComfortStream Aid Foundation, NUJ and NAWOJ in Abuja.

Ogbeche, while making a presentation on Gender Based Violence Reporting, described it as a pandemic, stressed the need for more advocacies and awareness to curtail the menace.

According to him, the need to encourage people to speak out when abused would reduce the trend and ensure pepertrators are punished, which will serve as deterrent to others.

The way forward is to speak out and for organisation that has workplace guidance concerning issues of sexual humiliation, there are organisations that have it whereby you cannot have relationship with your fellow colleague.

They should have places, where such abuses can be reported to a special desk where such abuses can be handled because when there are no rules of guidance, it also enables this things to happen, he said.

The chairman also advised journalists to ensure all stories on SGBV are investigated, fact-checked and reported until justice is served.

Similarly, Ms Anne Daniels, Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, also called on the government and relevant stakeholders to ensure a reform of the health sector.

Daniels also advised the public, particularly media practitioners to take their health serious and engage in regular medical checkup.

Ms Omotayo Akinremi, a nephrology nurse, Garki Hospital, advised the public to desist from junk and fast food and administering unprescribed drugs to reduce risk of kidney problems.

Akinremi, also the founder of Omotayo Kidney Care Foundation, advised that people should take more water, balanced diet, exercises and regular medical check to improve their health status.

Similarly, Mr Adeoye Olusegun, a Counselor and Therapist, encouraged Nigerians to always speak out, as well as take mental health serious.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other highlights of the day were the free vital checks, urinalysis and counselling therapy for journalists. (NAN)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Okon Okon, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

In the just-concluded celebration of the Civil Service Week, marked globally, the Federal Government expounded its quest to reposition the service with the unveiling of a Culture Change Video.

During the week-long celebration, the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP) from 2021 to 2025, was also inaugurated.

The pilot phase of the Federal Civil Service Bus Scheme and the ground breaking ceremony for the Federal Integrated Staff Housing (FISH), award of the outstanding civil servants in MDAs, among others, were the high points of the event.

The theme of the 2022 Civil Service Week is Performance Management System (PMS): Impact on Productivity.

The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, at her assumption of office, introduced several reforms to reposition the civil service for improved efficiency and professionalism.

Yemi-Esan said that the Federal Government underscored the need to introduce the FCSSIP 2021 to 2025, initiated by the office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF).

She said the FCSSIP was designed to reengineer the Federal Public Service for increased productivity and quality service delivery.

According to her, the scheme is also aimed at addressing some critical issues in the Federal Civil Service, focusing on capacity building and talents management, performance management system, IPPIS and human resource management, innovation, digitisation and staff welfare.

The Federal Government, however, through the office of the HOCSF, has recorded some of the achievements in its quest to turn the civil service to an Efficient, Productive, Incorruptible and Citizen-centred (EPIC) world class service.

This was achieved through some innovative and proactive programmes and policies under the flagship programme of FCSSIP, she said.

Yemi-Esan said the commemoration of civil service week provided a platform for African nations and Nigeria in particular to recognise the value and virtue of service to the community.

The celebration, according to Yemi-Esan, will provide opportunity to highlight and share best practices on how to reposition the service for enhanced performance.

She explained that the theme for 2022 celebration was adopted as an innovative way of not only getting more work done efficiently and effectively, but also ensure objective way of measuring performance of individual civil servant across board.

This is why far-reaching efforts are being made in the Nigeria Civil Service to replace the subjective Annual Performance Evaluation Report (APER) with PMS.

Hence, the choice of the theme is informed by the need for us to highlight the importance of PMS and galvanise action towards its emplacement in the service.

President Muhammadu Buhari who also spoke at the event, said he was delighted to celebrate Nigerian civil servants at the occasion of civil service week, not only to symbolically commemorate the day.

He expressed delight about the ongoing efforts to return the civil service to its pride of place in delivering efficient and effective services to the nation.

Buhari described the present crop of Nigerias civil servants as engine room of government and commended them for partnering the government in driving the implementation of its programmes, in spite of difficult economic situation.

I want to specially appreciate your commitment and dedication during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which your professionalism contributed significantly to contain the spread of the virus to the wonder of the global community.

Speaking on the significant of the FCSSIP initiative, Buhari explained that the initiative was approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2021, with the aim of transforming the nations civil service into a world class service for accelerated development.

The Culture Change Video will go a long way to reinforcing some of the competencies required for improved service delivery and it is a tool for sensitising the civil servants on the required attributes.

The FCSSIP 2021 to 2025, which I am also going to launch today, contains the initiatives for transforming the civil service into a world class service for accelerated development.

According to him, the theme Performance Management System (PMS): Impact on Productivity, is focused on a self-introspection of how the means of assessing what the civil servant does on a daily basis and would affect the generality of the public service and by extension, Nigerians.

The president, nevertheless, assured the civil servants of his administrations commitment to improve the civil service.

Accordingly, I have set up the Presidential Committee on Salaries to harmonise salaries service-wide.

It is my hope that the outcome of the committees work will provide the impetus for an upward review of the salaries of deserving civil servants, having recently increased the Duty Tour Allowance of all civil servants as a starting point.

Some stakeholders have hailed the planned reposition of the civil service, saying it was long overdue.

They attributed the poor state of the civil service to years of poor remuneration.

They said that the civil service reform was necessary, as it would improve efficiency, effectiveness, professionalism and democratic character of the civil service.

A civil servant, Mr Emmanuel Usoh, commended the Federal Government for its innovative projects and reformation programmes, but called for urgent harmonisation of salaries and emoluments of all government agencies.

Usoh also appealed to the government to create conducive working environment for public workers.

Yes, it is true that the present government through the introduction of reform programmes wants to strengthen the civil service.

But my worry is that for how long shall we continue to work with out dated equipment in our offices?

Some of us cannot boast of computer sets in our offices, let alone comfortable office spaces.

Another civil servant, Mrs Margaret Benson, also appealed to the Federal Government to fast-track the implementation of the salary harmonisation, adding that many civil servants are feeling disillusioned working in the system.

With workers in organisations such as NNPC, CBN, NDIC among others, receiving better packages than the rest of us, how can we cope with the present high cost of living?

It is discouraging seeing someone you are on the same level, the same academic qualification, but he is earning more than you, are we not working for the same government?

I will appeal, as we are made to understand that the FCSSIP contents will also affect staff welfare, let government do something about this harmonisation to boost the morale of other civil servants, Benson said.

Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), who spoke, described PMS as a pace-setting system that distinguishes serious and forward-looking organisations aspiring to reach the pinnacle in a 21st century competitive world.

According to Oyeyemi, who was a guest lecturer, PMS clearly articulates the vision, goals and objectives of an organisation and stipulates ways of achieving them via strategic focus, without undermining human resource capacity as key variable to their realisation.

Using the FRSC as a case study, he listed planning, monitoring, development and improvement, periodic rating, feedback mechanism and continuous improvement as key elements to the successful implementation of PMS.

Commending the head of service for taking a bold step in the implementation of PMS, Oyeyemi viewed it as a right step in the right direction towards enhancing productivity.

In all, the strategic plan by the Federal Government is to reform and reposition the age-long institution for better service delivery to Nigerians. (NANFeature)

**If used, please credit the writer as well as the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Bosede Olufunmi

The Emir of Kano, Dr. Aminu Ado-Bayero, has renewed his drivers licence at the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Drivers Licence Main Centre located at Kano State Internal Revenue Services, Kano.

The Emir obtained his first licence in 1982, according to a statement on Tuesday.

The statement was issued by the Sector Commander FRSC Kano State Sector Command, CC Zubairu Mato, in Kano.

The statement said sequel to courtesy visit of the Emir; there is need for traditional rulers to encourage their subjects to process their licences.

The exercise is good and an excellent example, it said.

It also highlighted importance of obtaining the licence as it could serve as personal ID card.

It said it could also be used for many national and mandatory functions in the bank, for insurance, hospitals to help clarify claim about oneself.

The national drivers licence can be exchange with their countries drivers licence, the statement said.

Earlier, Ado-Bayero called attention of the general public driving vehicles, tricycles popularly known as Keke Napep and motorcycles to do their licences as well renew them when they expire.

He also urged other traditional leaders to show sign of leadership and come out in person to renew their licences.

He thanked the Sector Commander of the FRSC Kano State Commander, Chairman Kano Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) and Director Road Traffic Service for their diligence in making motoring environment safe and easy in the state.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By EricJames Ochigbo

A motion to halt the proposed nationwide ban of commercial motorcycles operation by the Federal Government has been stepped down by the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

The motion which was sponsored by Rep. Abubakar Yallemen (APC-Jigawa) prayed the house to urge the Federal Government to halt the proposed nationwide ban.

The motion called for adequate palliative measures before such decisions are implemented, adding that such ban should be restricted to local government areas where mining and terrorist activities occur.

Presenting the motion, Yallemen said that the proposed ban would render millions of Nigerians jobless, which could be catastrophic for a nation grappling with unemployment and poverty.

He said while banning commercial motorcycle operation as a means of curtailing security challenges, the welfare and wellbeing of the citizenry should be considered foremost.

Yallemen said the security and welfare of the people should be the primary purpose of government as provided in Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution.

However, after a brief consultation with the sponsor, the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Ahmed Wase, stressed the need for the parliament to support the Federal Government in combating insecurity.

We appreciate what our brother has brought, and our appeal to government is, as it implements this policy or if it is going to implement, it should look at those areas that are not vulnerable.

Most of us; 90 per cent of community if not to 99 per cent, this is the only means of transportation.

So we appreciate this motion but in line with our principles to help curb the incessant insecurity in our country, we have to cooperate with government.

You cannot imagine what is happening today in Abuja, I will be frank with you, I went through DSS report, 44 reports were given before the attack of Kuje; I want to confirm to you, I read through all the reports.

It has to do with this, there is no community that an attack will happen that you will not have an intel and this is part of the intel they have given as to what will happen.

I want us to cooperate with the government and step down this motion, he said.

Responding, Yallemen said having listened to the presiding officer, the bill should be stepped down for further legislative consultations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abubakar Ahmed/Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Kingsley Okoye

The Senate on Tuesday confirmed Mohammed Bello as Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

Bellos confirmation was sequel to the consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs.

Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Olubunmi Adetunmbi, presented the report.

Adetunmbi said that from the available documents and the presentation made to the committee, the nominee satisfied the requirement for appointment as the chairman of the commission.

He added that, the nominee is very well experienced and adequately exposed at the top levels of government administration and has acquired the capacity to function as chairman.

Adetunmbi disclosed that there were no petitions against the nominee and no objections raised from the Senators from his state of origin for his nomination.

The nominee is proper and fit to occupy the office of the Chairman in the Commission, the lawmaker said.(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

KC/BRM/JTJ

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani/Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Deji Abdulwahab

A political group, Tinubu Youth Disciples (TYD) has called on Nigerian youths to put aside tribal and religious sentiments in order to build a better and united nation.

The Convener of the group, Prince Koyoyo Uhrorho, gave the charge on Tuesday at the Unveiling/Inauguration of Tinubu Youth Disciples (TYD) in Abuja.

Uhrorho said, At this critical stage in our country, Nigeria, the sentiments that have divided and held us down as a country should be abandoned and put aside to build a better nation.

By divine mandate, we were born Nigerians by tribe and nationality before religion was introduced, it is therefore awkward to promote the issue of religion to the detriment of our great nation.

On the Muslim/Muslim ticket of Tinubu/Shettima, it is our take that what this country needs at this crucial time is competence and the ability to deliver.

The problem bedeviling us today is not religion, hence the hullabaloo about the Muslim/Muslim Tinubu/Shettima ticket is unnecessary politicised and misplaced.

He said that the group, having carefully studied and analysed the antecedents, track records, developmental stride and youth-oriented governance of Tinubu had decided to support his presidential candidacy for 2023.

According to him, the group identifies with the need for the Nigerian youths to stand, galvanise and mobilise fellow youths in support of Tinubu/Shetima mandate come 2023

Uhrorho also dispelled that the notion that Nigerian youths are not in support of Tinubu/Shettima ticket.

It is worthy of note that a great percentage of the Nigerian youths in politics are in the APC and are very ready to support the Tinubu/Shettima mandate.

We hereby reassure Nigerian youths that under Tinubu/Shettima the Nigerias dreams would be a reality, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the TYD is a forum for the Nigerian youths with membership cutting across the country, who share the political ideologies of Tinubu.

It was also birthed to actualise the vision of the Nigerian youths to effectively participate in politics. (NAN) ()

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Ibukun Emiola
The Oyo State Government has sanctioned some head teachers for collecting illegal fees and denying pupils access to examination halls in the ongoing Public Primary Schools Unified Examinations.

Dr Nureni Adeniran, the Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), made this known in a statement on Monday in Ibadan, while monitoring the examination.

Adeniran said that five head teachers of Methodist Basic School (School one to five), Gan-gansi, were found culpable in the alleged illegal collection of fees, spearheaded by the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) of the school, who chased the pupils home.

He said that the present administration had abolished collection of any development levy in all schools across the state.

Adeniran frowned at the role of the school authority who compelledparents to contribute the said fee.

No doubt, SBMCs, PTAs can contribute to the development of their local schools, but it must not in any way affect the education of pupils.

No child should be discriminated against in the state education sector, Adeniran said.

According to him, some parents had reported to the board that head teachers of the school denied their children access to the examination hall for failing to pay the N100 development levy charged by the schools management and SBMC, through a popular radio station in Ibadan.

Adeniran said that the present administration, under Gov. Seyi Makindes leadership, would not fold its arms and allow saboteurs to ridicule its efforts in mandating free education.

For denying Gov. Seyi Makindes pupils access to write examinations,queries have been issued to head-teachers of the affected schools, he said.

The SUBEB chairman, also directed that all learners should be allowed to sit for examinations without any form of hindrance.

He urged teachers in all public schools to adhere strictly to the state governments policies and directives on education.

Some of the schools visited included IMG, Ibuko Ibadan South East LGA; Ratibi Muslim School, Molete, South-West; IMG Basic School, Idi-Iroko, Molete.

Adeniran, who led a team of officials from SUBEB also visited Islamic Mission School One, Bode, Ibadan; Methodist Basic School One to Five, Gan-gansi and Community Primary School, Awotunde, Ona-ara LGA and a host of others.

He said that the monitoring exercise would continue in the course of the week, which would also be extended to other zones of the state, including Ogbomoso, Oyo, Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Olagoke Olatoye

Source: NAN News

By Joan Nwagwu

The Federal Government on Monday says it has shut down the diving operations of Scorpion Oil Services onboard MV African Installer offshore Lagos for operating without the requisite approvals.

Mrs Lauretta Adogu, the Director of Factories of the Federation in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, said this during a monitoring exercise conducted by the ministry and the Chief Inspector of Diving, Mr Julius Ugwala.

Adogu, who is also the Director, Occupational Safety and Health Department, said this in a statement signed by Mr Olajide Oshundun, Head, Press and Public Relations in the ministry.

The director said the shut down had become necessary as they had also violated the provisions of the Factories (Diving at Work) Regulations, 2018.

She said that the monitoring exercise was aimed at ensuring full compliance with Nigerias Factories (Diving at Work) Regulations, 2018.

According to her, the diving operations being carried out by the contractor, Scorpion Oil Services, posed huge threats to the divers.

She also said that an on-the-spot assessment also revealed that the company was using inappropriate equipment and unqualified personnel.

Adogu said that Scorpion Oil Services also disregarded the Local Content law, with the operations wholly dominated by foreigners.

The operators did not comply with the Factories (Diving at Work) Regulations, 2018.

The Regulations stipulate that before any diving operation commences within the Nigerian territorial waters, there must be an authorisation approval issued by the Director of Factories of the Federation.

Additionally, the Local Content law says Nigerians should be considered first for such operations, but the operators did not meet that requirement, as the place was filled with expatriates, she said..

She also added that diving operations must get authorisation approval before commencement, and this company has not requested for any approval and does not have one.

The company is being closed for non-compliance to these, and work here has been prohibited, she said. (NAN) ()

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Source: NAN News

By Sarafina Christopher

The Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners, Repairs and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN) has appealed to the Federal Government to review its proposed ban on motorcycle.

Mr Samsudeen Apelogun, ACOMORAN President made appeal at a news conference in Abuja on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on July 21, the National Security Council proposed a nationwide ban on commercial motorcycle operation.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, who disclosed the councils plan linked it to the fight against terrorism.

According to Apelofun, the proposed ban on commercial motorcycles will create more problems because they also serve as means of transportation to the people.

The council is proposing to put an end to the means of mobility and source of livelihood of 40 million Nigerians.

This will have a negative effect because motorcycles are means of commercial transportation that has provided the needed jobs for millions of Nigerian citizens,

Some of this riders are graduates of higher institutions who would have been an added weight on an already over-blown unemployed sector of the country.

Commuters see motorcycles as a relief to traffic and other transportation problems while riders see it as a source of livelihood, he said..

The ACOMORAN president said that without doubt, motorcycles had enhanced mobility for the middle income earners and also contributed to increase in productivity through increase in man-hours.

It has also improved accessibility, employment opportunities and job insecurity thereby, reducing poverty through improved income and a boost economic growth.

A reliable and affordable road transportation system plays a very useful role in the social-economic development of nations. Apelogun said.

He further said that members of the association were law abiding citizens who believed there was dignity in labour.

We struggle every day to provide for our families and also ensure we dont do anything that will contravene the law of the land.

We ensure we pay our tax daily to the government in form of tickets and levies and never fail to comply with safety directory.

We want to put it on record that 95 per cent of those riding motorcycles are doing it because they dont have any better option and they are unwilling to resort to crime, he said.

Apelogun noted that the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the association introduced a security wise app called NISPSAS.

This app ensures the proper registration of the database of all riders and proffers a lot of advantages in helping to compose riders.

ACOMORAN as a body foresaw this kind of plan by the government which led us to introduce an innovative idea to develop an app named ACORIDE,

ACORIDE is a large database that serves a regulatory purpose between the association, riders and commuters, the association leader said.

He, however, reiterated the associations promised to support the Federal Government in bringing to book anyone or group that intended to jeopardise its efforts.

We, therefore, appeal to the government to carefully think through the proposed action which will subject severe hardship on the masses.

We also appeal passionately to the government to take holistic view of the problem concerning the ban and call for a parley with all the stakeholders to proffer solutions, he added.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Bassey/Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Angela Atabo

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the deadline for the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise remains July 31, and those who register more than once would not get their PVCs.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC FCT, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, made this known at a news conference on the commissions state of preparedness for the 2023 general elections, on CVR,PVC validity andcollection in Abuja.

Bello said that all CVR activities except the collection of already printed PVCs would be suspended on Sunday July 31, adding that the commission increased the closing hours to 5pm daily including Saturdays and Sundays.

According to him, this was done to accommodate the reawaking of those who now realised that they need their PVCs at the last hour of the programme that has been ongoing for over a year.

He said, The number of people who registered and whose registration has been invalidated is becoming alarming; a lot of people have registered in one or two registration centres.

They will get nothing by doing so whatever their intentions were, because at the end of the day, they will be declared as people without PVC at all.

Any double or triple registration is null and void, we will go through our machines after these exercise and clean our register so that we can come up with the list of people who genuinely are going to in 2023.

So let me appeal to people thatthey should always tell our staff at registration centres exactly what they want to do ,whether they have never registered before ,they have lost their cards ,or it is defaced, or they want transfer from one place to another.

Bello urged them not to register afresh because it would not help them .

He appealed to residents to patronisecentres close to their locations, adding that there was no need for people in the suburbs to come all the way to INECs office in Area 10.

He said that the commission on Monday July 25, began special registration for Persons With Disabilities at the designated CVR centres to ensure inclusivity explain that both PWDs and other Nigerian could use the under listed centres.

TheCVR centresremains : City Centre -Diplomatic Park, Area 1 , Gwarinpa GSS Life Camp, Wuse GSS Zone 3 , Kabusa Primary School and Lugbe Primary School.

Others areGiwa Gwagwa Primary School,GUI -Gosa Primary School, Karshi- Karshi Development Centre,Orozo Orozo Primary School.

The rest are:Nyanya G.S.S Nyanya ,Kubwa- L.E.A Primary School Kubwa,Dutse-Aljaji L.E.A Primary School Dutse, L.E.A Primary School, Dawaki L.E.A and Primary School, Mpape, he said

Bello said that the commission had made an arrangement with a Civil Society Orgainsations (CSOs) to make PVC collection easier for citizens at the end of the CVR exercise, using SMS to reach them at their nearest locations.

He added that those who participated in the CVR would get theirPVCs by October.

The REC said that the commission had investigated the claim by residents that its staff were charging them money before registering them.

He said that the commission found out that the claim was false because the people involved were not staff of the commission, but those who claimed to be volunteering and the issue had been addressed.

He said that INEC was working to ensure that anything that would mitigate the 2023 elections is taken care of.

Bello said that the 2023 general elections would be much more better than previous elections conducted so far in the country.

He appealed to politicians, electorate and other stakeholders to cooperate with INEC to make it work .(NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News