By Naomi Sharang

A non-government organisation (NGO), GreenLight Initiative, has called on governments at all levels to invest in road safety projects in order to reduce the alarming rate of road traffic crashes across the country.

Executive Director of the group, Mr Simon Obi, made the call at an event held in Abuja on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, tagged: Introduction to Road Safety: Advocacy for Youth Involvement in Road Safety was organised, in collaboration with Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).

Obi noted that more than 80 per cent of economic activities relied on road transportation, adding that government needed to make roads safe in order to boost the countrys economy.

Government should invest in road safety, as it is an improvement in the economy.

We cannot do without the road. An improvement in road safety is an improvement in the sustainability of the growth of any country s economy.

We all use the road for almost everything: to go to work; market and school. If we improve investment in road safety, then our economy will improve; the standard of living will also improve, he said.

Obi quoted a recent World Bank report which stated that countries that did not invest in road safety lost three to seven per cent of their annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He also called on government to implement the policy for road safety inclusion in schools curriculum, especially for primary and secondary schools.

That policy hasnt been effective. So we are advocating for full implementation and strong policy backing from the government and strong investment in the policy to make it work, Obi said.

Also speaking, Coordinator of YALI, Abuja network, Mr Okafor Innocent, said that YALI was a group of young persons focusing on civic engagement, entrepreneurship and public management.

It is an initiative of the US Department to raise future African leaders, he said.

Okafor called on government through the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to create more awareness on the various traffic codes to tackle the menace of road traffic crashes. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Wale Sadeeq

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says it will issue Petroleum Prospecting Licences (PPL) to successful awardees of Marginal Fields in the 2020 Bid Round on Tuesday.

Mr Gbenga Komolafe, the Chief Executive Officer, NUPRC, said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PPL is expected to ensure that the awardees contribute to the countrys increased crude oil production capacity which currently stood around 1.4 million barrels per day.

The country had in recent times failed to meet the 1.799 million barrels per day capacity allocated to it by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and hopes that it exceeds that allotted capacity soon.

Komolafe said the licencing would be conducted in pursuant to the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021.

He said that the Commission had in March informed all participants in the 2020 marginal field bid round programme that it had put all necessary machinery in place to conclude the bid round exercise in line with the PIA 2021.

Komolafe also said that the commission would unveil the implementation template for the Host Communities Development Trust for commencement of the provisions under Section 235 of the PIA.

This, he said, was to positively impact against restiveness in the host communities, and in the process guarantee seamless operations, boost investors confidence and provide enabling environment for sustainable development of the countrys hydrocarbon resources.

These will mark the conclusion of some of the most urgent and critical tasks inherited by the Commission when it was inaugurated in October 2021, after the signing into law of the PIA 2021, he said.

He added that the Commission constituted an in-house team to distill and address the concerns of awardees with a view to settling issues affecting multiple awardees per asset and formation of Special Purpose Vehicles by awardees, in line with the respective letters of award.

Komolafe, therefore, urged awardees to avail themselves of the resolution mechanism provided by the Commission in the overriding national interest. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Source: NAN News

By Angela Atabo

Set 2001 graduates of Government Secondary School (GSS) Kuje, Abuja, on Saturday donated study materials to their alma mater.

The Chairman, Set 2001, Mr Zakari Ahmed, while presenting the items on behalf of his mates, said the gesture was in commemoration of the sets 21st anniversary of graduation.

Ahmed said that the community of former students was established to utilise the benefits of bond and social capital to contribute to nation building and give back to the school community that made them.

He said the group had in the past, marked its anniversaries by supporting the students of GSS Kuje with over 500 customised exercise books.

He added that in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the group reached out to Pasali and Shetiko communities in Kuje with food items where over 50 households benefited.

We equally visited an orphanage in Kuje where we donated food items, and this years anniversary, we decided to support learning by donating 50 desks and chairs to the school.

Truth be told, we are counting memories of long nights of studying for exams, sports games, jocks in our locker rooms and classes, senior-junior students mentorship, teachers-students mentorship.

Today, our hearts are knitted with the euphoria of fulfillment that our hopes as students have been birthed into realities.

We are resolute in our resolve to procure comforts and conveniences that will create conducive learning environment; provide career guide to students and offer the best representation of this school in all our duty posts.

Ahmed further called on the school management and other old students to create a forum where the school problems would be communicated so they could be attended to.

He expressed the groups gratitude to the principals, teaching and non-teaching staff, whose collective resilience strewn dreams into realities.

We are transformed because of your commitment to impact in us the virtues of our various endeavours. We are celebrated because you trained and instructed us.

Responding, Dr Bello Gupa, the Principal of GSS Kuje, thanked the set on behalf of the school and FCT Secondary Education Board, for the gesture, adding that the school was in dire need of chairs.

Thank you very much set 2001, the truth is that we are short of chairs; in fact, we have been thinking of what to do about it.

Since I came, we have made about 600 chairs and year in year out, we keep on having shortage of seats.

Now you have come to our aid and I think from now till the end of the term, our students will sit comfortably, he said

One of the teachers who taught set 2001, Mr Dugule Hacks, thanked the group for the initiative, noting that such acts complements governments effort towards providing conducive learning environment.

I want to say that I am proud to be part of a set like yours, continue to do what you are doing, continue to pray, continue to stick together; the almighty God will certainly bless you.

We want to appreciate you all, for even remembering that we, in our own little ways, touched your lives; we appreciate you for looking back to say that where you have been trained deserve much more.

Hacks advised youths to take the forefront in the affairs of the country by taking leadership positions and working hard for the good of the nation.

In his remarks, Mr Ibrahim Abubakar, Head boy, set 2001 thanked the teachers for being so impactful, adding that God had been faithful to set 2001 for 21 years.

About 21 years ago, we thought that we were being punished by our teachers but looking behind, we discovered that they molded us to become the best we are today, he said.

Abubakar told the school to expect more of such gestures and also urged the students to emulate the good virtues of set 2001.

The Head Girl of set 2001, Ms Grace Inuwa, also appreciated the teachers for their commitment towards ensuring that her mates became great men and women.

You instilled in us character, and the determination to succeed, we realised that after the discipline comes the gift, she said

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlight of the event was the presentation of cash gifts to appreciate their teachers. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chidinma Agu/Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Ifeanyi Olannye

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Friday berated his critics and urged them to come to Delta to assess the level of infrastructural development across the state.

The governor gave the charge while addressing newsmen after inspecting the ongoing projects at the Dennis Osadebey University, Asaba.

Okowa gave assurance that the university would wear a new look by December 2022, when the projects would have been completed.

When people in Lagos and Abuja say that they are not seeing what we are doing, it is either that they dont come home or that they just want to be wicked in their ways.

There is a lot going on in our three new universities and we are proud that we took this decision because the new universities have admitted no fewer than 5,000 students within one year of their approval.

We have also commenced the construction of two hostel projects in the university to accommodate students and it will be useful to us during the National Sports Festival holding in Asaba in November, he said.

On the N25 billion loan for oil palm farmers in the state, Okowa said that it was not a direct loan to the state government, adding that the government was only act as guarantor to the farmers.

It is not a direct loan to the state government; its unfortunate what critics are saying because they need to be informed and if they had listened at the House of Assembly when it was brought before the lawmakers, the letter was very explicit.

We have an economic team and when we are satisfied with a plan, we go through the State Executive Council and then to the House of Assembly for approval.

We are only like a guarantor to the farmers, the oil palm farmers in the state. The loan is to the farmers but the state is acting as a guarantor to them.

In Akwa-Ibom and Edo States, they have borrowed far more than what our people are asking for.

This particular loan is from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to the oil palm farmers association in Delta State for the development of about 17,700 hectares of oil palm.

Its going to be monitored but somebody needed to guarantee it for them and that is just what we have done, Okowa said.

On pensions, Okowa said that only eight states were currently running the Contributory Pension Scheme in the country as 16 states had exited.

He said that the state government inherited a huge backlog of past services as a result of the pension scheme but was doing a lot to defray it.

When we came into government in 2015, we were owing about N100 billion as past services or accrual services.

We were able to investigate the sum and it eventually came down to about N88 billion and since then we have been paying N500 million monthly and we have paid over N36 billion over time.

We have also made a provision of N20 billion from the proposed bridging finance to see what we can pay down for the past services, he said.

On politics of 2023, the governor said that he would not leave any work undone and encouraged Nigerian youths to embrace the PDP, adding that Nigerians would gain from the success story of the Atiku-Okowa ticket.

Here in Delta we have focused a lot on our youths and women because they are very important in this nation, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

Super Falcons Head Coach Randy Waldrum has picked team captain Onome Ebi and 24 other players to represent Nigeria at the 12th Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Ademola Olajire, Director of Communications at Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), in a statement on Friday said the 25-player list was an interesting mix of the old guard and new blood.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition is scheduled for Morocco from July 2 to July 23.

Veteran players Tochukwu Oluehi, Ebi, Rita Chikwelu, Osinachi Ohale, Francisca Ordega and Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene are on board.

There are also defenders Ashleigh Plumptre, Nicole Payne and Michelle Alozie, midfielder Regina Otu and forwards Vivian Ikechukwu, Gift Monday and Ifeoma Onumonu, Olajire said.

He however added that eight of the players who made the Falcons camp in Abuja were dropped.

These are goalkeeper Rita Akarekor, defenders Chidinma Okeke, Ngozi Emenayo and Opeyemi Sunday, midfielders Suliat Abideen, Amanda Mbadi and Charity Adule, and forward Anam Imo.

NAN reports that the Super Falcons will take on South Africas Banyana Banyana in their first match of the competition on July 4.

They then take on Botswana on July 7 and Burundi on July 10.

All the four semi-finalists at the competition in Morocco will qualify to represent Africa at the 2023 FIFA Womens World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

NAN reports that the Falcons contingent will depart Nigeria for Morocco on Monday.

SUPER FALCONS FULL LIST FOR MOROCCO 2022

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Tochukwu Oluehi (Maccabi Kishronot Hadera, Israel); Yewande Balogun (Coppermine United, U.S.)

Defenders: Glory Ogbonna (Santa Teresa FC, Spain); Onome Ebi (En Avant Guingamp, France); Osinachi Ohale (Deportivo Alaves, Spain)

Ashleigh Plumptre (Leicester City, England); Nicole Payne (West Virginia University, U.S.); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, U.S.); Akudo Ogbonna (Edo Queens)

Midfielders: Peace Efih (Kiryat Gat, Israel); Halimatu Ayinde (Eskilstuna FC, Sweden); Toni Oyedupe Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain); Regina Otu (Minsk FC, Belarus)

Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Rita Chikwelu (Madrid CFF, Spain); Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (Eskilstuna FC, Sweden)

Forwards: Francisca Ordega (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Vivian Ikechukwu (WFC Gintra, Lithuania); Chinonyerem Macleans (GSK Gornik Leczna, Poland)

Ifeoma Onumonu (NY/NJ Gotham FC, U.S.); Uchenna Kanu (Tigres Femenil, Mexico); Asisat Oshoala (FC Barcelona, Spain); Gift Monday (Bayelsa Queens). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Olawale Alabi

Source: NAN News

By Polycarp Auta

Super Eagles skipper Ahmed Musa on Friday advised Nigerians to be wary of and also stop patronising fake social media accounts created in his name.

Musa said such fake accounts created on Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms in his name were aimed at defrauding unsuspecting members of the public.

Musa, in a statement released in Jos, added that some of these fake accounts were being used by criminal elements to defraud innocent people.

He decried the activities of the fraudsters and said they were aimed at tarnishing his image, that of his football academy and agents.

I wish to advise the general public not to engage anyone using fake Facebook, Twitter or any social media accounts in my name, my agents or representatives to discuss football or any financial transaction.

The operators of such accounts have been deceiving and defrauding innocent people about a non-existent football academy and other deals, thereby bringing my name and integrity to disrepute.

Members of the public are hereby advised that I dont run my football academy and Sports Centre online.

The recruitment and engagement processes are never virtual and no one should request for money from them virtually, Musa added.

He said it was therefore in the best interest of members of the public to verify every social media handle and information before being used as a cheap prey to swindlers.

Musa, however, promised to use his activated cyber security agents to go after the fraudsters and ensure they were brought to justice.

He listed his verifiable social media accounts as follows: Ahmed Musa MON on Facebook and @Ahmedmusa718 on Twitter. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Olawale Alabi

Source: NAN News

By Chiazo Ogbolu

Sen. Gbemisola Saraki, Minister of State for Transportation, has called for Public, Private Partnership (PPP) to create an enabling environment for the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to thrive.

Saraki made the call at the Ministerial Consultative Meeting with the media on Friday in Lagos.

Saraki said her visit to Lagos was to take stock of the state of the two ports in Lagos, which were in dire need of repairs.

For the country to reap from AfCFTA, we need to make the ports more competitive. We know that the largest number of cargoes come to Nigeria, we need to take advantage of that.

The state of the ports in Lagos made my move imperative, and the ministry seeks to drive a closer relation and synergy between the private and public sectors in ensuring an enabling environment exists in which business can thrive.

Especially for AfCFTA, being the champion in the transportation sector, it was critical for me to come to know where we are in our preparedness compared to our neighbouring countries, she said.

Saraki noted that the blue economy at times sounded like a puzzle but it could create a lot of jobs in the maritime sector, adding that if the country didnt have oil, maritime would be the next biggest sector of the economy.

We need to take advantage of what God has given to us. We have a large young population and wealth and there are many ways we can engage our youths in employment in the sector.

The floating dockyard is an area that can provide jobs for the youth as it has been estimated to provide up to 20,000 jobs and we have gone to the Naval Dockyard to see how best we can put it to use.

Government has this programme of bringing Nigerians out of poverty in the next ten years and we need to have the maritime industry contributing to that, the floating dockyard will see to that contribution.

I assure you that before the end of this administration, we will have the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), which has gone up to 350 million dollars, and also the National Transport Policy, she said.

She said it was disheartening to see that nothing had changed as regards the CVFF, stating that it had to be disbursed, especially with the commencement of AfCFTA as the country needed vessels to trade.

On the connection of the lekki Seaport, she said the port must be connected to the rail as the authorities had taken congnisance of evacuation of cargoes when establishing the port. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Salif Atojoko

Source: NAN News

Falconets Head Coach Chris Danjuma has invited 30 players to the national under-20 women teams camp for preparations for this years FIFA Under-20 Womens World Cup finals in Costa Rica.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria has never missed a FIFA Under-20 Womens Championship since the competition began as an Under-19 Championship in Canada 20 years ago.

They have now been drawn to take on France, Canada and Korea Republic in Group C of this years tournament scheduled for Costa Rica from Aug. 10 to Aug. 28.

All invited players are to report in Abuja on Sunday, according to a statement on Friday by the Communications Department of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

NAN reports that theFalconets overcame challenges from Central African Republic (CAR), Republic of Congo, Cameroon and Senegal to qualify for the World Cup.

The mundial is a competition which they have been runners-up twice (2010 and 2014) and reached the semi finals in 2012.

ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS

Goalkeepers: Nelly Ekeh; Monle Oyono; Inyene Etim; Peace Obidinma

Defenders: Oluwatosin Demehin; Omowunmi Oshobukola; Rofiat Imuran; Jumoke Alani; Motunrayo Ezekiel; Rihanat Kasali; Oluwabunmi Oladeji; Oluchi Ohaegbulem

Midfielders: Bashirat Amoo; Esther Onyenezide; Adoo Yina; Chidinma Ogbuchi; Chinyere Kalu; Amarachi Odoma; Chioma Olise; Favour Emmanuel; Deborah Ajibola

Forwards: Joy Jerry; Mercy Idoko; Flourish Sebastine; Taiwo Lawal; Precious Vincent; Blessing Okpe; Juliet Adebowale; Joy Omewa; Chiamaka Okwuchukwu. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Olawale Alabi

Source: NAN News

By Muhammad Auwal Adam, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The mandate of the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), established under Section 35 of the National Lottery Act 2005, is to facilitate the achievement of national development goals through the promotion of access to lottery funding for good cause projects, which are transformational and sustainable, with lasting impact for people and communities.

Since the Fund commenced operation, it has recorded achievements in many areas of national development.

They including: education, sports, provision of potable water, healthcare service delivery, among others.

But, unarguably, since Dr Bello Maigari, became the Executive Secretary of the Fund in 2019, the Fund has deepened healthcare delivery across the six geo-political zones.

From 2019 to date, the Fund has among other healthcare intervention programmes provided: Modern electric delivery beds to General Hospital, Gombe, ultra sound machine with monitor to General Hospital, Daura, Katsina State, double hydraulic delivery beds to the Primary Health Centre, Onikan, Lagos State.

Laboratory autoclave machines were also donated to many health institutions across the country.

World class medical equipment were also inaugurated by the Fund at Primary Healthcare Clinic, New Karu, Nasarawa State.

Vital medical equipment were also donated to Kugba Maternity and General Hospital, Agbowu, Abeokuta, Nneto Maternity Home, Abia, General Hospital Umunze, Anambra, Eja Memorial/Joint Hospital, Itigidi, Cross River State, and Joint Hospital Amaigbo, Imo State among others.

It is evident that health institutions and communities across the six geo-political zones have benefited from the Funds intervention.

Maigari, at the various presentations, stressed that Fund, would live up to its mandate.

Maigari, at the inauguration of medical equipment at Gbaja Randle Hospital, Mother and Child Care, General Hospital, Surulere, Lagos State, noted that the Fund was saddled with the mandate to promote social inclusion and healthy wellbeing of Nigerians.

He said that the Fund had, over the years, enhanced capacity delivery of many health facilities across the country to enable them cater for the health needs of patients, pregnant women, children and the vulnerable.

Nevertheless, the Fund has significantly recorded impressive interventions in various aspects of nation-building.

As I speak to you, Nigerias gaming market is the fastest growing in Africa, with the sales revenue approximately two trillion naira annually, this indicates that lottery is a wealth generator, the NLTF boss said.

According to him, Nigerias gaming market, if properly utilised, would generate huge revenue for national development and create more job opportunities that would help actualise President Muhammadu Buharis pledge of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty.

The executive secretary also reiterated the commitment of NLTF to live up its mandate when some vital medical equipment were presented to New Karu Primary Healthcare Centre in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Maigari said that the handing over of the 34 equipment was a significant milestone in the funding of lottery good causes project in the country.

He listed the items as one digital x-ray, 10 kidney discs, five thermometers, 10 HIV kits, one colour ultrasound machine and one genotype machine among other medical equipment.

The essence of the intervention is to provide vital medical equipment to under-served communities to save lives and check the deteriorating health conditions leveraging the use of hi-tech diagnostic equipment, he said.

He also stressed that the intervention was to provide high standards of care to vulnerable segments of the society in some states in the six geo-political zones.

Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, who was represented by Mr Philip Dada, Commissioner for Works and Transportation, expressed delight over the gesture by the NLTF, stressing that it would reduce the already overstretched facilities at the clinic.

Maigari, who recently presented vital medical equipment to 12 primary healthcare centres selected from the six- geopolitical zones, said the equipment would provide more access to health delivery.

The items included digital x-ray machines, colour ultrasound machines, suction machines, kidney discs, hydraulic beds, wheelchairs, blood banks etc.

Our hope is to see projects of this nature in every constituency in the country seeking to save and change lives for the good of all Nigerians.

The goal is to ensure, everyday, Nigerians living in rural communities have access to modern laboratory and radiology services as a critical first step in receiving decent and quality care.

It is alarming that people travel long distances from remote communities to urban areas just to obtain basic laboratory services such as x-rays, blood tests, etc. which often result in patients dying even before receiving proper medical attention.

For us in the Trust Fund this is a major concern which needs to be addressed urgently, more so if we are to change the current narrative that our hospitals are not just mere consulting clinics.

Hence this vital and constructive effort by the Fund to equip healthcare institutions with basic radiology facilities across the nation, Maigari said.

Maigari noted that the NLTF was established under Section 35 of the National Lottery Act 2005 to take custody of a certain percentage of all national lottery operations in the country for investments to promote the wellbeing of the nation.

Promotion of good causes is a social service to the nation which can cater for the sick and the unemployed and uneducated, the talented but undiscovered young sportsmen, the victims of natural and ecological disasters, the refugees and homeless.

It is, therefore, an agency that can assist the government to promote social stability, poverty eradication, social cohesion and economic wellbeing, he added.

When vital medical equipment were presented by NLTF to two healthcare centres in Edo in September, 2020, Maigari said that the equipment would complement the efforts of the state government to make a difference in saving lives.

The health institutions were, Usen General Hospital, in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, and Ogbesse Maternity Home, in Ovia North-East Local Government Area.

Bello listed the equipment as phototherapy machine, delivery beds, blood banks, haematocrit centrifuges, defibrillators and infant incubators

Other equipment were baby cots, hospital beds and mattresses, Olympus, bucket cent, sonicaid, cardiotocography, suction machine, autoclave, among others.

Bello who said the intervention was imperative as Nigeria was dealing with the devastating effects of COVID-19, noted that the agency was committed to ensuring better healthcare delivery across the country.

The target is to cover the entire 774 local government areas across the nation, including the Federal Capital Territory.

I am here to re-affirm that our intervention will continue to be pursued in a broad, distinctive, integrative and inclusive manner across the country, whilst also ensuring that good causes offer long-term value to society and give good value for lottery money.

Let me reassure you that NLTF has put in place a robust and comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system to help the agency track the progress of its intervention programmes, and in particular, the utilisation of these facilities in this hospital, he said.

He, however, solicited support from stakeholders in the health sector in raising awareness on the value of lottery funding to modern life and its transformational legacy to the nation.

Earlier, Edwin Ajah, Zonal Coordinator, National Lottery Trust Fund South-South Zone, said the intervention would help those who cannot afford to pay for exorbitant fees in private hospitals to access vital services.

He noted that the agency is poised to change the lives of Nigerian citizens.

Speaking on behalf of the recipients, the Medical Director of Usen General Hospital, Solomon Aiguobasimwin, commended the agency for the donation, adding that the items would contribute significantly to healthcare delivery.

Undoubtedly, the grassroots intervention by NLTF is impactful and if sustained would deepen healthcare delivery across the country. (NANFeatures)

Source: NAN News

By Gami Tadanyigbe

The University of Abuja in collaboration with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Thursday, held its first Chair event for technological development of the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the event is titled Post World War II Reconstruction and Economic Development in Japan -Lesson for Nigeria.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Naallah, at the event said the establishment of Japanese Language and Culture Institute in the university was to help Nigeria emulate its technology and scientific development.

According to him, Japanese culture and language has taken technology and science to a greater height of globalisation and networking.

The university of Abuja understands the importance to instill in our students spirit that will lead them to succeed in life.

This is a nation that has not got so much in resources but has focused on human resources to make sure that it is at the top of the whole world.

The university has established the Japanese language and culture Institute and JICA is now working with us to make the institution a major centre for Japanese language, education and culture in Nigeria, he said.

Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, said the country has modernised and created a rich, prosperous, free and democratic nation focusing on the rule of law.

Kazuyoshi said that Japanese tradition and identities had earned its place as the first non-western country to become a developed fast growing country.

He said one of the secrets of the Japanese economic strive after World War II is the Meiji Restoration which marked the beginning of the transition from a non-western culture to a modern Japan.

Today, the Japanese Government offers opportunities for people to study in Japan and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology is reviewing applications for Japanese Government Scholarships.

We have currently received over 1,000 applications from Nigerians, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Franca Ofili

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has received ,000 dollars from Coca-Cola Foundation to accelerate vaccination for Nigerians against COVID-19.

Mr Chima Nwankwo. Coordinator, Communications and Advocacy of the society, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

The grant, awarded through the #StoptheSpread fund, administered by the foundation is valued at ,000 dollars.

It will focus on increasing vaccine uptake and logistic support in key states where there have been established vaccine hesitancy in Nigeria.

IFRC will work with local Red Cross Society teams and volunteers to execute the programme.

This donation will enable the cross access some of the hardest to reach communities in Nigeria, he said.

Quoting Mr AbubakarKende, Secretary-General of the Society, Nwankwo said: If we are to have any chance at stopping COVID-19 transmission, we must ensure that we make it possible for these communities to not just understand the danger this virus portends, but also through personal protection and access to vaccination.

He said the mobilisation campaign would create public enlightenment messages about the benefits of taking the vaccine and also help interested persons find a vaccination site closest to them.

According to him, the society volunteers have already commenced risk communication and community engagement activities in communities in Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kogi, Ebonyi and Edo states.

He said that as part of the intervention and community advocacy, the cross volunteers would provide useful information to members of the communities about the benefits of the vaccine.

Nwankwo said that the volunteers would also address the quell rumors and myths associated with virus.

He said they would provide clear answers to questions relating to the pandemic as well as direct community members to medical facilities where they could get vaccinated safely.

According to him, the campaign will run until October. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Source: NAN News

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Education Secretariat, on Friday in Abuja vowed to shut down any school that failed to meet the minimum standard of educational curriculum.

Mrs Magdalene Uzoanya, Acting Director, Quality Assurance Department of the Education Secretariat, issue the warning at a meeting with the leadership of National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), FCT chapter.

She reiterated the determination of the department to enforce compliance with the Nigerian Educational Curriculum and ensure quality in both teaching and learning in the FCT.

The director also warned private schools that operate with expired accreditation certificates to desist from such act.

She cautioned such school against preventing officials of the FCT administration from accessing their schools for routine inspection to desist from such acts or face the full wrath of the law.

Uzoanya said there are various stages, procedures and approval for the establishment of schools.

She insisted that all statutory laws and other regulations pertaining to management of schools in the FCT must be fully complied with.

She warned that any unregistered and illegal schools would be close down, adding that no substandard schools would be allowed to exist in the FCT.

The director frowned at the non-compliance to the guidelines and non-payment of the approved annual accreditation fees by some private school owners.

She said especially those with magnificent infrastructures, describing such act as against the laid down rules.

The department will not issue recognition and accreditation certificates to any school found wanting in this regard.

She advised school proprietors to pay the approved fees due to the administration, adding that the department would not issue certificates to those who were yet to pay the fees.

This is important in the revenue drive of the FCT Administration.

She assured that the department would not compromise on its mandate of monitoring and inspection of schools to ensure total compliance to the minimum standards, while registering and accrediting of both private and public schools.

The Deputy Director and Chairman, Revenue Taskforce, Malam Mudi Mohammed said the schools should brace up and pay their fees.

He warned that it was no longer business as usual because the taskforce would not leave any stone unturned to ensure schools operating in FCT complied strictly with the guidelines, especially as it regards prompt payment of annual accreditation fees.

Mohammed said available record showed that many schools were indebted to the FCTA and his team was ready to recover the debts.

Responding on behalf of the proprietors, Mrs Rukayyat Agboola, the Chairperson of the association said the new executives of the association were in the department to interface and work in partnership with the regulatory body.

She said the many challenges faced by school owners, especially in the face of the prevailing economic situation and the COVID 19 pandemic, which forced many schools to close down due to financial constraints.

She advocated for a grant from the government for private school owners to enable them ease the financial burden being faced. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Grace Yussuf

Source: NAN News

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

The technical working group on repatriation of Nigerians displaced from the North-East on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, submitted its report to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

President Muhammadu Buhari, had in February, inaugurated a Presidential Committee on the Repatriation, Returns and Resettlement of Displaced Persons in the North-East chaired by the vice president.

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, who chaired the technical working group, spoke with State House correspondents after the submission of the report to the vice president.

Zulum disclosed that no fewer than 50, 000 indigenes from the North-East who were refugees in Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic had been repatriated so far.

The president has inaugurated a committee few months ago that will look into the repatriation of indigenes of Borno and other states of the North-East that are living in the Republic of Chad, Cameroon as well as Niger.

Sequel to his inauguration, the vice president inaugurated the technical working group, sub-committee, which is headed by my humble self.

This afternoon, we presented the report to the vice president with a view to ensuring that the repatriation exercise from Cameroon will continue immediately while the repatriation of Nigerians that are living in the Republic of Niger and the Republic of Chad will resume very soon.

Within the last few years, we have repatriated no fewer than 50, 000 people but we still have more than 200,000.

He expressed optimism that indigenes of Borno and other states in the North-East who were willing to return would be re-established.

The governor said that the security situation in the region had improved as he hoped that the president would make the needed approvals for the repartitions.

So, what we are looking now is to see how we can repatriate indigenes of Borno State that are living in Niger especially those that are from Malumfatori, Abadam Local Government Area that are willing to come back.

While we have those from Gwoza Local Government Area, Bama Local Government Area mainly that leaving from Cameroon; they are also willing to come.

We also have indigenes of Kukawa and Marte Local Government Areas that are living that living in Chad.

So, I think the vice president will do the needful to ensure that the president gives immediate approval in terms of funding and other logistics required for the re-establishment of these communities in Borno State; the security situation has greatly improved, he said.(NAN)

========

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

The President of the FCT Baptist Conference, Rev. Dogara Gwana, has called for collaborative efforts to promote religious harmony, peaceful coexistence and social cohesion in the country.

Gwana made the appeal on Thursday at a press conference to mark the opening of the 7th Annual Session of the FCT Baptist Conference, holding in Abuja.

He said that the church would partner with the media to pray earnestly for Nigeria to attained its full potential and play prominent role in the comity of nations.

He observed that Nigeria was facing multifaceted challenges, ranging from social unrests, insecurity, and criminality, which required concerted efforts to address.

We appreciate the presidents commitment during the Democracy Day message to Nigeria where he promised to end the insecurity before his tenure ends.

We call on the president to keep his word and mobilise all government apparatus to go after these criminals until they are fully rounded up.

This we believe is within the capacity of our military, if there is government will power and true commitment, Gwana said.

On the closure of universities, he said government and labour unions in the universities must return to the negotiating table.

We appeal to the Federal Government and the leadership of ASUU to return to the negotiating table with the sole aim of rescuing the future of our younger generation, he added.

He also spoke on the high cost of living in the country due to hyper-inflation which has made everyone, both the rich and the poor to cry.

Although the Federal Government has invested heavily into the local rice production, yet the price of even the local rice produced in-country is still at the rooftops.

Foodstuff, transportation and other daily needs of the common man are completely unbearable.

On the 2023 national elections, Gwana expressed concern over the use of money to buy delegates during the political parties primaries, describing the situation as most unfortunate.

He said that government must take punitive measures to curb the trend.

The FCT Baptist president also said any attempt by any political party to pick presidential running mate from same religion would be unfair and unjust.

It is not in keeping with the principles of fair play and equal representation, he added.

He therefore called on the presidential candidates to aim at healing the country and apply wisdom in the actions they would take toward selecting their running mates.

We call on all citizen living in the country to do whatever it takes to get their voters card, in order to be able to participate in the coming general election. Praying is good, but is not enough.

We commend INECs efforts at making the registration easy by establishing more centers and booths.

We are confident that the processleading to the elections will continue in the direction of fairness and justice, he added.

He also called for the return of mission schools taken over in the 70s by government, saying doing so would help their original owners to restore sanity back to the system.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Grace Yusuff

Source: NAN News

By Bridget Ikyado
A clergyman, Pastor Adonri Osaretin has urged civil servants to shun all corrupt tendencies and work diligently in the service of humanity and the country.

Osaretin who is the pastor in charge of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Springforth zone, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

The clergyman said that public servants had a share in the success or failure of any administration in the country, because of their role as the engine room of any government.

For the public servant, I think that they should know they have a great responsibility to themselves, generations yet unborn, and to this country.

The politicians, whether they fail or they succeed depends on how strong the civil service is.

So, before you look out to the politician, first of all you have to be sure of what you are contributing.

You have to make sure you are delivering the results you are supposed to deliver for the attainment of the collective goal.

I dont have any doubt that Nigeria is a great nation and Nigeria can be greater.

But, the speed with which well get to that level we want, depends on how much we all put to the development of Nigeria, Osaretin said.

The pastor, a retired civil servant, said for one to succeed, there must be focus, trust in God, consistency and diligence in the work people do at every level in life.

I have tried to be focused, I have tried as much as possible to make sure that what I do affect the lives of people, he said.

On the forthcoming general elections, Osaretin urged all eligible voters to obtain their voters card, in order to choose those who will lead them after the end of the present administration.

Get your PVCs, vote, dont stay in one corner and criticise, vote your conscience.

Look at the issues, look at the persons who can overcome those things delaying our development in Nigeria, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

BTT/MZA/ORO

Source: NAN News

By Busayo Onijala

Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, a former Minister of External Affairs, has said the time is right to hold the third Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC), adding that sports should also be introduced to the celebration.

Akinyemi, who is also a former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), made this known during an event, The Second Conversation Series organised by NIIA and the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, on Thursday, in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, themed: FESTAC of Sports highlighted the historical impacts of the first and second festivals.

NAN also reports that the first FESTAC took place in Dakar, Senegal in 1965 and was designed to bring the black race together while also trying to revive African traditions.

Meanwhile, FESTAC 77 was the largest gathering of blacks in history, with over 58 countries and 17,000 participants.

According to Akinyemi, the vision of FESTAC should not be allowed to die and the addition of sports is necessary because of its importance in promoting soft diplomacy.

The former DG urged that sports should be used to build in black solidarity around the world adding that it had the ability to help us forget our differences .

We are embarking on building a new world order because the war between Russia and Ukraine is destroying the old world order.

Sports can be one of the instruments that we blacks will put on the table for that new order, he said.

He applauded NIIA for coming up with the vision and concept of a FESTAC of Sports and urged the media to help spread the conversation that had been started.

Similarly, the Director-General of NIIA, Professor Eghosa Osaghae, said FESTAC had laid a template for what could be done using the prowess, area of strength and comparative advantage that blacks and Africans had to show to put the world together.

Osaghae stressed that sports diplomacy had come to stay, adding that the festival would change the world positively, bringing people of different races together.

We will continue to have conversations about this and consequently, the outlines of a global movement created around a festival of arts, culture and sports will emerge.

This will change the course of the history of the black race, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Busayo Onijala

For the German government, addressing climate change and doing everything possible to mitigate its consequences are a top priority, says Marton Kver, Acting Consul General of the countrys mission in Lagos.

Kver stated this at a press conference, on Thursday in Lagos, organised by the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria (AHK Nigeria) ahead of the West African Clean Energy and Environment Trade Fair and Conference 2022 (WACEE22).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WACEE 2022 will hold from Oct. 19 21 at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos.

Having held virtually in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, this year, WACEE will hold as a hybrid event with the theme Catalysing Sustainable Investments.

Kver said the conference would provide a platform for over 1500 visitors and over 50 exhibitors in the clean energy, water, and circular economy sectors.

According to him, having an event that brings together saving the planet, strengthening the economy and creating economic ties is like having the best of both worlds.

He added that the consulate in Lagos and the German Foreign Service across West Africa would support WACEE 2022 in all ramifications.

For all Nigerian businesses and everyone who is a stakeholder in these different sectors; circular economy, water and renewable energy, this will be a key event you will be proud to be a part of.

Nigeria has been for many decades, one of the economic partners of Germany in Africa, as witnessed by the number of German businesses and historic ties.

We are also happy that in partnership with the Swiss Consulate General, we are hosting the second Swiss-Nigerian Forum at WACEE 2022, he said.

He said Germany was one of the world leaders in developing industries with regards to renewable energy, noting that German companies in Nigeria came to build sustainable partnerships and to innovate.

Also, Katharina Felgenhauer, AHK Nigeria Delegate, said the trade fair and conference had attracted leading inventors, service providers, manufacturers, suppliers and distributors, investors and industry experts.

She added that it had served as a gateway for these stakeholders to access West African markets.

WACEE has also sparked important policy discussions around its three main topics and has served as a launchpad for startups providing innovative solutions to tackle challenges across the subregion, said Felgenhauer.

She said AHK Nigeria had sought endorsements from various government agencies but also wanted to make sure that the trade exhibition, as well as the conference remained private sector driven.

This, she said, was because sustainability also meant business viability.

We want to make sure that the conversations and discussions about technology and business models are driven by the private sector because they are the ones who will have to implement, the delegate said.

Speaking on solutions to challenges faced by investors, Felgenhauer said the role of AHK Nigeria was to support investments to make sure that more German companies were attracted to Nigeria.

We will not shy away from challenges. I think we have issues to tackle but we also have a lot of good local partners, German partners and international partners to have these conversations, she said.

Andrew Aryee, Head, Competence Centre Energy and Environment, AHK Nigeria, explained that the trade fair would include open interactive sessions, insightful workshops, tailor-made training programmes, and an exhibition.

According to him, the three-day tailored plenary programme will bring together industry experts, business leaders, and relevant decision-makers.

He said they would examine key sector topics and engage in thought-provoking conversations around recent developments, challenges and opportunities in the focused sectors across West Africa.

These sectors, he said, included technology providers, key industry players, investors, industry experts as well as political and economic decision-makers. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

Source: NAN News

By Solomon Asowata

Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has stepped up its collection efficiency with the unveiling of IRecharge, a payment platform, to ease payment of electricity bills by customers.

Dr Tinuade Sanda, the Managing Director, EKEDC, made the announcement while speaking at the companys headquarters on Thursday in Lagos.

Sanda said the payment solution was done in collaboration with IRecharge Tech-Innovations.

Sanda said, As deeply ingrained in our mission statement, we seek to improve the quality of life for all our customers by utilising cutting-edge technology and innovative processes to supply electricity sustainably, reliably, and safely.

As a result, what is happening here today is a testament to that notion. I am excited about this payment solution by IRecharge.

It will further ensure both our postpaid and prepaid customers go through a seamless process of paying their electricity bills and purchasing their prepaid meter tokens without any hassles.

The new service enables customers to make their frequent utility bill payments through the use of a unique NUBAN account number.

While Eko Disco is making great efforts toward the availability of adequate power supply to customers, we must also secure our revenue by ensuring customers find it easy to pay their electricity bills.

She assured the customers that the platform was not only fast and convenient, but was also safe for them to make their transactions.

Sanda reiterated that the company would explore innovative ways to deliver values and improve its service delivery in order to maintain its leadership status in the Nigerian power industry.

Mr Tomi Araromi, the Managing Director, IRecharge Tech-Innovations, said the launch was to sensitise EKEDC customers about the new payment platform.

Araromi said payment of electricity bills could be made with just one bank transfer to these account numbers.

He added that it was aimed at providing a safe and reliable bill payment experience to customers.

He said: The new payment solution provides and pairs a unique NUBAN number to every prepaid meter number and postpaid account number.

Payment to this NUBAN numbers automatically generates and sends a token/receipt to the payee via SMS, Email and WhatsApp without convenience fees.

Customers through this solution will have access to convenience, accessibility, transaction security, shorter turnaround time, 24/7 customer support, instant value receipt and several other benefits.

Araromi said the permanent account numbers could be retrieved through the IRecharge website, downloading the IRecharge App, by dialing 66061# USSD Code or via WhatsApp through 09096666612.

He said payments to these account numbers could be done via several channels such as internet banking, ATM transfer, USSD transfer, bank deposit and at any mobile money agent location (POS).

On their parts, Mr Innocent Ike, the Managing Director, Polaris Bank and Mr Usifo Ogbebor, Group Head, Power Sector, Zenith Bank, lauded EKEDC and IRecharge for the initiative.

They maintained that collection of bills was a critical part of the power industry value chain, adding that the innovative platform would improve ease of making payments for customers. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has made a passionate appeal to Nigerians to be tolerant of one another and embrace peace for the general good of the society.

The presidents spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, in a statement in Abuja, said Buhari made the appeal after visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Rwanda on Thursday.

Buhari toured the permanent exhibitions at the Memorial and laid a wreath at the mass graves where more than 250,000 victims of the genocide were buried.

He also paid tribute to the memory of the victims and prayed for healing for the survivors.

After the historic visit, the president told journalists that a lesson from his visit was the need for Nigerians to continue to be tolerant of one another.

He added the nation should preserve its own historical antecedents from the Nigeria Civil War (1967-1970).

I went through all the experiences from 15 January 1966 to date.

I was a Governor, Minister, and Head of State and went through detention. I returned to partisan politics and will finish my two-terms as constitutionally allowed.

We fought a 30-month bitter civil war and we killed about a million of each other. Nigeria went through this kind of terrible development process, Buhari said.

Before departing, the president also wrote in the visitors book:

Remembering the victims of this dark history of the Rwanda Genocide, we pray that humanity will never experience this kind of hatred, wickedness and violence to others because of their ethnic background, religion and beliefs.

Nigeria is strongly committed to the prevention of mass atrocity anywhere in the world and believes that perpetrators of such crimes; and their enablers, anywhere in the world must be held accountable.

The Nigerian leader is in Kigali, Rwanda to participate in the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

He will hold bilateral talks with the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson on Thursday.

Buhari will also attend the official opening of CHOGM on Friday, followed by high-level meetings of Heads of State and Government. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Razak Owolabi

Source: NAN News

Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, says the Combat Support Arms are considered as enablers for the successful prosecution of any operation by the Nigerian Army.

Yahaya said this at the closing of the Combat Support Arms Training Week (COSAT) 2022, hosted by the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps on Thursday in Abuja.

He was represented by the Commander of Artillery Corps, Maj.-Gen. Tari-Timiye Gagariga.

Yahaya said the role of the combat support arms was critical to the accomplishment of assigned missions, especially in todays 21st century asymmetric warfare.

He said it was with the realisation of such critical roles that the Nigerian Army would continue to count on the professional disposition of its personnel in the ongoing efforts to keep the country safe and united.

According to him, this years training week has provided a window for realistic reassessment of the capabilities of the combat support arms vis--vis the challenges therein.

We must therefore, device formidable ways through which some of these challenges can be overcome to achieve mission objectives.

While, we look forward to internalising some of the observations and solutions, including lessons learnt, I want to also seize this opportunity to urge you all to continue to discharge your responsibilities professionally.

I also charge all Nigerian army personnel to conduct themselves professionally in the discharge of their constitutional responsibility, he said.

The COAS said it was expected that the gains achieved during the 2022 COSAT week would manifest in the field in the days to come.

He said the theme: Building Competencies in Combat Support Arms to Enhance Contemporary Nigerian Army Operation in a Joint Environment, had inspired rich discussions and interactions between participants throughout the period.

He enjoined the combat support arms to take note of the observations and solutions proffered during the interactive sessions to further develop their professional competences.

I have no doubt that everyone has gained immensely from the rich lectures and illuminating views of our erudite colleagues, both retired and serving distinguished officers.

I believe the training week afforded participants the opportunity, especially for the combat support arms, to appraise the state of their operations and readiness in providing effective support to the combat arms and the Nigerian army in general.

This is crucial, particularly as the nation faces myriad of security challenges.

As you are aware, the army is expected to deliver on her mandate at a time we are engaged in different operations across the country to safeguard law abiding citizens and to defend the territorial integrity of the country, he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian Army Combat support week is an annual training organised by the various combat support arms, such as artillery, engineers, signals and intelligence among others.

The week provides an avenue for participants who are serving and retired senior military officers to brainstorm and re-strategise toward providing effective support to contemporary security operations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News