Source: NAN News

By Dorcas Jonah

The National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) has called for support for the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, as she declares her ambition for the senatorial race.

The National President of NCWS, Hajiya Lami Lau, who made the call in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, said that the council would fully support the political ambition of Tallen.

According to Lau, as the umbrella body of women organisations in Nigeria, the NCWS will do its best to give the minister the necessary support she needs to win.

We join the women and youths from Southern Jos, Plateau State, to congratulate our minister, mother, sister and wife, on her ambition for the senatorial position.

Over the years, there has been a sustained poor representation and gender imbalance of women in all spheres of life.

The World Economic Forums Global Gender Gap Report ranking on Women Political participation, ranked Nigeria as 102 in 2019, the country is worse now than in 2010, when it ranked 99th worldwide.

This is a growing concern for the council and we must work hard to narrow the gap of Nigerian womens participation in politics, she said.

According to her, the success of the Gender Policy Framework largely depends on the extent to which it attracts high level support in government at all levels.

She said that to achieve this, the highest political level of governance must embrace gender equality principles and practice, for any meaningful change to occur.

Even as gender has been adopted at the global level as a yardstick for measuring progress in development, this is a clarion call on Nigerian women not to support or vote blindly come 2023 General Elections.

We will only support political parties that have at least 35 per cent women representation in both elective and appointive positions.

We will also look at parties that have the interests of women in their party structures and manifestoes.

Womens participation is central and crucial to our national growth and development. Now is the time for women to take the bull by the horn

As a council, we will support all women aspirants to make sure they become candidates, and also ensure that we support them to win the various positions they are vying for, she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that a coalition of women and youth groups from Southern Jos, purchased the All Progressives Party (APC), senatorial nomination form for the minister ahead of the general elections

The group said that the action was in recognition of Tallens antecedents in her service to humanity, especially to women and children. (NAN)

DE/DOR

Source: NAN News

By Abiemwense Moru, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Deaths from preventable diseases linked to pregnancy and childbirth are very high in Nigeria.

Indeed statistics released by Health Watch Nigeria, a health communication and advocacy organisation, showed that daily, about 145 women, between the ages of 15 and 45 years die from preventable cases linked to pregnancy and childbirth.

Stakeholders in the public and private health sectors, also stressed that the country should fight the high maternal mortality by improving quality of care.

They also said that manufacturers and distributors of poor-quality maternal medicines should be sanctioned.

The stakeholders said that though sanctions are already in place, but the perpetrators are not deterred.

They advocated stiffer penalties for manufacturers and distributors of poor-quality maternal medicines in the country.

The stakeholders spoke recently in Abuja at a programme on leveraging Public-Private Partnerships to Improve Access to Quality Maternal Medicines, organised by Nigeria Health Watch.

Dr Kayode Afolabi, the Head, Reproductive Health Division, Federal Ministry of Health, said that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), should continue its work as the main regulatory agency.

He said: We are all familiar with the work of NAFDAC as the regulatory agency in this regard and what we should do is to further strengthen NAFDAC.

This will enable NAFDAC to ensure such substandard products are not allowed into the country and then we need to look at the supply chain process.

Particularly those maternal health products that need to be stored with certain conditions of temperature.

Can we maintain the cold chain and if there are gaps, how do we address the gap, should be our priority, he said.

Dr Kay Adesola, President, Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP), said good regulatory mechanisms with penalties should be put in place to curb the circulation of substandard medicines.

We all must take the issue of access to quality medicines as our businesses since no one is exempted from health concerns.

Good mechanisms in form of regulatory policies with effective implementations.

These measures must, however, not be seen taking the place of appropriate penalties to deter the die-hards importing these substandard drugs just for monetary gain.

In some climes, some similar culprits are made to face stiff penalties such as death sentence or life jail.

Apply penalties and see the mileage we will achieve in making maternal medicines safer and more lives saved, he said.

On his part, Prof. Chimezie Anyakora, Chief Executive Officer, Bloom Public Health, in a panel discussion gave insight into the critical role of supply chain management in ensuring the quality of maternal medicines in the country.

He said that maternal medicine quality is determined by factors including manufacturing, supply, storage and distribution of these medicines.

Anyakora stated that concerted efforts and strategic partnership among stakeholders were essential to build capacity in supply chain management in order to ensure quality medicines for the end users.

He also highlighted the role Bloom Public Health and its partners, including DrugStoc, were playing in ensuring proper management of the supply chain from manufacturers to end users.

He added that the distributions were through various projects like: the Drug Revolving Fund Project in Ebonyi to ensure sustainable availability and access to safe and quality drugs.

In her presentation, Dr Chioma Ejekam, Consultant Public Health Physician, said that all women needed access to high quality care in pregnancy and during childbirth.

She explained that most maternal deaths were preventable as the healthcare solutions to prevent or manage complications were well-known.

Ejekam, however, said the issue of quality around these maternal medicines had become a global concern as substandard or falsified (SF) medical products had long been acknowledged as a threat to individual and public health.

She said that penalties should be melted out on those manufacturers and distributors of such falsified or substandard maternal products.

Mr Frank Muonemeh, Executive Secretary, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN), said everyone must be involved in the fight against substandard medicines.

According to him, unless the people are in the drivers seat, from production to the last distribution point, substandard medicines will continue to be in circulation.

He, therefore, called for penalties against producers and manufacturers of falsified medicines.

Dr Chibuzo Opara, Chief Executive Officer of DrugStoc, said some of the key things his organisation was trying to solve was the problem related to supply chain financing and healthcare commodities security.

He said that the country needed to improve its cold chain infrastructure for better health services.

He said that, good investment, power supply and transportation could enhance the quality of the cold chain.

On her part, Mrs Vivianne Ihekweazu, the Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, said there should be stronger accountability to reinforce sanctions for substandard medicines.

She advised that policy makers, stakeholders and health workers needed to work together to improve pharmaco-vigilance, since it impacts on the quality of care they deliver.

There is a need for a stronger reporting system and cross collaboration to detect falsified medicines and prevent them from getting to the bedside of a mother, she said.

Ms Azuka Okeke, Chief Executive Office, Africa Resource Centre for Excellence in Supply Chain Management, said the country needed to leverage the PMG-MAN for better medicines.

She said this was necessary as they provide an organised structure for local manufacturers and ensure the production of quality and affordable medicines.

You cannot guarantee the quality of products if you dont know the source.

To achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), we must engage local manufacturers and associations in order to guarantee quality and accountability, she said. (NANFeatures)

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

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Source: NAN News

By Abdul Hassan

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has denied endorsing former President Goodluck Jonathan, as its preferred candidate for the 2023 presidential election.

A chieftain of the ACF, Alhaji Musa Saidu stated in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday in Abuja.

Saidu, who is also the leader of the Arewa community in South-South and South-East, was reacting to media reports stating that a Coalition of Northern Groups has endorsed Jonathan for 2023 poll.

There was never a time the ACF or the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) endorsed a particular aspirant for the presidential election.

That is to say clearly that no coalition or any group that have the mandate to speak for the North, he said.

Saidu, however, said that although the group has the freedom to speak on national issues as a pressure group, it had no mandate to speak on behalf of the North.

I actually read a statement credited to one Abdulazeez Suleiman, the spokesperson for the coalition claiming that the North has endorsed Jonathan for 2023.

I want to say that this is not true, he said.

According to him, it is absurd to accept the groups claim that there is other credible and qualified candidate than Jonathan in all the South-South and South-East states.

We have been living in the South-South for years, we are part of the politics and we know who is who in the area, Jonathan came to power by incidental political circumstances, we know his weaknesses and advantages.

We have more credible candidates than him even within the Buhari administration, you can get them.

Perhaps, the coalitions claims was to attract monetary benefits from the former president, certainly not on the basis of truth, he said.

The chieftain, who urged Nigerians to disregard the claimed, called on the coalition to desist from speaking on behalf of the North.

It is absolutely misleading for a group to speak on behalf of the North without any mandate, doing this is a mischief and tantamount to creating confusion among interest groups, he said.

Saidu lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for urging that all interest aspirants in his cabinet to leave. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ikenna Uwadileke

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Orji Kalu, has said that he never betrayed the South-East in pursuing his political ambitions.

Kalu, in a statement he issued on Thursday in Abuja, reiterated his determination to continue to advance the Igbo cause.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that an elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark had accused Kalu of betraying the Igbo cause by dropping his presidential ambition and supporting Senate President, Ahmed Lawan.

Clark said that although Kalu was one of the oldest vocal frontline politicians in the South-East, he doubted his sincerity and transparency.

The elder statesman added that it was surprising that Kalu did not only drop his ambition to contest the 2023 presidential election, but also declared his support for the presidential ambition of Lawan who hails from North-East.

Kalu, however, dismissed the accusation and said that rather he is doing his best to reintegrate the South-East into mainstream politics.

I have great respect for Chief Edwin Clark; he is an elder statesman and a patriotic Nigerian. I want to sincerely commend him for openly supporting the South-East geo-political zone to produce the next president of Nigeria.

It is imperative I remind him that I didnt betray my people, rather I am doing my best to reintegrate them into mainstream politics.

In the last two years, I have been at the forefront agitating for a Nigerian president of South-East extraction, when most of them were all saying Southern Presidency, Kalu said.

He argued that none of the actors openly said the South-East geo-political zone should have it.

I was shocked that even the zone the entire South-East supported in unity including myself in 2011 and 2015 respectively, has the highest number of contestants without thinking of their brothers.

This is knowing fully well that the South-East zone has remained the only zone in Southern Nigeria that has not produced the nations president since the rotation convention dispensation that began in 1999.

Coming this late hour to support the South-East is rather suspicious to me if they couldnt do it two years ago.

The truth is, Chief Edwin Clark knows the South-East cannot get the ticket of any party in an open contest as it is today without a gentleman agreement to concede it to the South-East.

If all the aspirants from the South-West and South-South cannot support their brothers from the South-East, it is only politically correct to support the North-East geo-political zone, which to me is the shortest route for the South-East geo-political zone to produce the president after their eight years instead of waiting for another 16 years.

It is rather surprising to me that Chief Edwin Clark didnt call the majority of other Southerners including governors working against the South-East to order or the names he called me.

What did you say or do when all the aspirants from South-South and South-West were buying forms to run against South Easterners who have always supported them.

I know some people want us to keep quiet and then allow other Southerners take turn of South-East. If you meant well for the South-East, you could have discouraged other aspirants against running for president.

Nothing stops the South supporting only presidential aspirants from the South-East.

The betrayers are those who dont care about South-East. We are wiser, Kalu said.

The former governor of Abia further told Clark that majority of the Southerners in his party, the Peoples Democratic Party were secretly supporting a North Easterner to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.

The welfare of my people is a passion that is driving me, I am not doing anything to advance my personal interest or seek personal glorification.

I also lost my businesses fighting for the political interest of the Igbos. I cannot betray them now if I didnt do it yesterday, Kalu said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Obike Ukoh

Source: NAN News

By Sylvester Thompson

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, the Director-General, National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), on Thursday said President Muhammadu Buhari had signed the NABDA Establishment Bill 2022 into law in April.

Mustapha said in Abuja during a Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety Regulation Sensitisation Workshop for NABDA Board Members that the bill which would officially be gazetted had expanded the agencys scope of activities.

In April 2022, President Muhammadu Buhari signed the NABDA Establishment Bill 2022 into Law and this has since been officially gazetted (No.69 Vol. 109). The Act has expanded NABDAs scope of activities.

We are now fully recognised as a research institute with the mandate to create awareness, coordinate, facilitate, deploy, domesticate and carry out research in all areas of biotechnology for the development of the nation.

Nigerian scientists in the field of biosciences are delighted that their nation was among the comity of nations on course in appreciation and application of modern biotechnology research.

I am so optimistic that these activities have the potentials of improving the quality of life and create job opportunities for the people, Mustapha said.

The DG assured that the immense benefits derivable from this technology are globally acknowledged, adding that they varied as the vast scope of the technology itself dating back to the first to the third versions.

Consequently, Nigeria as a developing nation was quick to embrace biotechnology by producing a well-developed, robust and all-inclusive biotechnology policy.

NABDA has been able to create the necessary awareness amongst the political class, farmers and the public on the importance of biotechnology to our national development, he said.

Mustapha further stated the agencys efforts and gains farmers were making from the commercial planting of two biotech crop varieties, BT cotton and BT cowpea, saying Bt cotton has the potential yield of 4.1 to 4.4 tonnes per hectare as against 650 to 960kg of the local variety.

Similarly, he also compared Bt cowpeas potential yield of 2.9 to 3 tonnes per hectare as against the local variety with 350kg per hectare.

We note with appreciation, the commitment of President Buhari Administration to the revitalisation of the agricultural sector as a strategic cardinal policy in diversification of the Nigeria economy, Mustapha said.

He said the workshop was organised by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB)in Africa, Nigeria chapter.

In her presentation on Agricultural Biotechnology Advocacy in Nigeria, OFAB Nigeria Experience, Dr Rose Gidado, Country Coordinator of OFAB, gave a breakdown of agricultural biotechnology and why it matters.

She said there was urgent need to hasten up because of the total number of undernourished people in the world; more than 282 million people were from Africa.

More alarming is the fact that the figure keeps increasing; 118 million people were facing hunger in 2020 than in 2019.

Recently, the war between Ukraine and Russia has further thrown several millions across the globe into severe hunger and malnutrition, more specifically, regions across Africa that depends on the conflicting countries for food supply, Gidado said.

Others who made presentations were: Prof. Paul Oyenekwe, keynote speaker and Director-General of Sheda Science and Technology Complex, spoke on: Biotechnology in National Development: The role of research and Development Agency in Knowledge Economy.

Prof. Chiedozie Egesi, a speaker and Director, Next Generation Cassava Breeding Project-IITA, spoke on: Plant Genetic Modification: The case study of Bio-fortified Cassava Plus and Highlights on Genome Editing.

Prof. Rufus Ebegba, Director-General, National Biosafety Management Agency, also spoke on: The Imperatives of Biosafety regulation in Nigeria. (NAN)()

Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Moses Omorogieva

A gateman with Mabila Hotel in Ikorodu, Lagos State, was killed in the early hours of Wednesday by some gunmen and robbed some officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) that lodged there.

The Police spokesman for Lagos Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said that the JAMB officials had been relocated to a safe place.

The PPRO said, One Prof. Odunsi, an official of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) who lodged at the hotel was robbed of his two phones, one HP Laptop and N20,000 cash.

Similarly, two female officials of JAMB, who lodged at the hotel, were robbed of their phones and jewellery, he said.

The spokesman said that the hoodlums shot the hotels gateman, simply identified as Peter, 40, who attempted to prevent them from escaping.

He explained that the gateman was rushed to an undisclosed hospital where he later died, adding that the corpse had been deposited at the Ikorodu General Hospital mortuary.

Hundeyin said that the police got a distress call at about 2.40 a.m. on Wednesday that some hoodlums had invaded the hotel located at No. 60, Omodisu St., Asolo-Owutu, Agric area in Ikorodu.

He said that based on the call, the police from Owutu Division went to the place immediately, adding that when the hoodlums sighted the police van coming, they all fled in a Lexus SUV.

The Commissioner of Police for Lagos State, CP Abiodun Alabi, has assured that no stone will be left unturned. He has ordered a serious manhunt for the suspects, he said. (NAN) ()

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Peter Dada

Source: NAN News

By Justina Auta

Healthcare

The Ultimate Health Management Services, an Health Management Organisation (HMO), on Wednesday urged its newly appointed Board of Directors to improve health insurance services to ensure universal health coverage.

The Managing Director of the HMO, Mr Lekan Ewenla, gave the task in a statement on Wednesday, in Abuja after its Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new board members include Dr Minapuye Bob-Manuel, Medical Director of Valentine Hospitals in Port-Harcourt; Alhaji Abdulaziz Mashi-Abdullahi, a retired federal permanent secretary; and Mrs Susan Giwa-Osagie, an Independent Nin-Exe utive Director of Regency NEM Insurance, Ghana.

According to the statement, the new members will replace three retiring directors who have completed their terms of office.

The appointment of the three new board members were ratified by the shareholders of the company at the AGM.

They should support in driving the vision of the organisation.

That is by focusing on the enhancement of the existing operational processes and procedures that would further concretise the growth and the expansion strategy of the company.

This is with a clearer view of the future of health insurance programme and the implementation of business models that will stand the organisation out in the industry and the country, he charged them.

Ewenla expressed appreciation to the outgoing officials for being valued board members and transforming the HMO into a world-class organisation operating with innovative work processes and procedures. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Mogbede

Barely 48 hours after disassociating himself from moves by some groups to draft him into the 2023 presidential race, former President Goodluck Jonathan has finally made up his mind to vie for the top post.

Nigeria is set to go to the polls next year in a crowded contest parading many contestants in both the ruling APC and several opposition parties, including the main opposition PDP.

On May 9, Jonathan had rejected presidential expression of interest and nomination forms bought for him by people, described as nomadic Fulani pastoralists and Almajiri communities.

He was quoted as saying that it was an insult for people to buy the form for him without his consent but the former president has now made u-turn on the issue.

A dependable source in Jonathans camp, who pleaded anonymity said that the former president had indeed, joined the APC formally, having registered at his Otuoke Ward in Bayelsa.

The source disclosed that Jonathan was expected to submit his completed APC expression of interest and nomination forms bought for him earlier in the week by Fulani groups and pastoralistcommunities on Thursday.

According to the source, the former president has secured the support of the required number of APC delegates from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Several bigwigs of the party have also been calling Jonathan to pledge their loyalty and support to the former president, the source revealed.

The source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) political correspondent late on Wednesday that some influential African leaders had called Jonathan earlier on Monday to advise him to contest the election in the interest of Nigeria.

At least three top African leaders called the former president on the matter. They all urged him to run.

One of them specifically told him that it didnt make sense travelling all over Africa settling disputes only to shy away from leadership responsibility in his home country.

Another reminded him of the implication of failing to put the experiences he garnered as a former Nigerian president and as a continental statesman to good use, the source added but did not mention the names of the African leaders.

The source cited some of the African leaders as telling Jonathan that Nigeria was passing through challenging times and needed a unifier like Jonathan at this time.

Jonathan, who lost power to incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari, was born in 1957 in the Ogbia district in Bayelsa State.

He was previously of the PDP party on whose platform he ruled Nigeria until he lost the presidential election to Buhari in 2015. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Lucy Ogalue

The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has reiterated deepened commitment to the promotion of the countrys non-oil export.

Mr Emmanuel Jime, Executive Secretary, NSC, said this when Dr Ezra Yakusak, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) led a team to visit him on Tuesday in Abuja.

Jime expressed the councils readiness to partner with the NEPC to ensure compliance of trade rules by exporters and importers in the country.

I am informed that there is a high level of non compliance to trade rules, now we think that this is actually a problem of both importers and exporters.

So to address this challenge the NSC will like to collaborate with you to organise more enlightenment seminars and you have already called for it, so this is our acceptance of the need to have that partnership.

And in doing this, we intend that there should be seminars so that exporters and importers can imbibe ethics of integrity in international trade.

These are areas I think that partnership will lead us into developing and understanding.

The NSC is fully committed, I want to promise you this, to support all measures towards promoting non-oil export in Nigeria.

And in this regard, we are ready to synergise and collaborate with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council to be able to achieve this, he said.

On the Domestic Export Warehouse (DEW), Jime explained that it was the councils duty in collaboration with critical agencies to develop the standard operating procedures for the warehouse.

We think we also need to provide guiedlines for setting of tarrif for the operation of the export warehouses, he said.

Jime advocated the usage of the inland dryport as part of the domestic warehouses.

He said the council would create a level playing field for ports service providers, users and exporters.

We intend to remain fair in our activities.

We are unbiased and we think its our job to ensure that decisions taken in the ports sector are arrived at true consultations with all the stakeholders.

Jime granted the request of Yakusak to assign some officers of the NSC to join the NEPC team in a walk aimed at sensitising Nigerians on the need to massively invest in the non-oil sector on May 13.

Earlier, the NEPC boss commended the NSCs efforts and collaboration aimed towards repositioning the non-oil sector of the country.

While also commending shippers council for the role they were playing on the DEW project, Yakusat appealed that a desk officer be assigned as liaison on the DEW matters and project.

I also want to request that an officer be specifically assigned as liaison on the domestic export warehouse matters and project.

This will ensure smooth interface between operators of the project and exporters as well as speedy or smooth take off of the project.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the DEW initiative, when fully implemented, will curb logistic constraints in the non-oil sector.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Patricia Amogu

Prof. Ebele Uzodike, Registrar/ CEO of Optometrist and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN) has been conferred with the Integrity Icon of Nigeria, Ethical conduct and Self-Value awards.

The investiture and award which had 250 Federal MDAs secretly investigated and scrutinized, with about 20 emerging finalists had ODORBN clinging Second position.

The awards were presented by the Centre for Ethics and self-value orientation in Abuja.

Uzodike in her remarks said the honor would spur her to capitalize on what the board has done credibly well already to deserve this honor and build on them to achieve greater heights.

They have recognised me in three categories, in the areas of Ethics, Transparency and Selfless service, I have had several awards but I have never dreamt of being honored with multiple awards in one standing.

Leaders must do what they must to make a good name for themselves while in the office.

Money is not everything, your staff take-home pay and remuneration must be paramount if you must hold them accountable in the discharge of duties.

Look into your management, they must work as a team, if all hands will be on deck within a period of 5 to 10 years this country will be a beautiful place, she said.

The professor thanked the Centre for Ethics and Self-Value Orientation (CESVO) for honoring her and the ODORBN management team with the award.

The Executive Director, CESVO, Prince Yakubu Salih Musa said that various criteria were put in place while checking credibility of the MDAs to receive the awards including checking for participatory management style, staff welfare and discipline.

We are privileged to be in this very strategic agency that have conducted their affairs with credibility and transparency, with innovative leadership skills, we are here to thank the management for a job well done.

We honor them for changing the narrative of governance and corruption in Nigeria, we have also offered awards to five heads of department and six heads of units.

We are also going to be conducting a retreat and training on Ethics for the awarded staff of the Agency later in the year as part of our recognitions for their contributions to better the face of governance in Nigeria, he said.

Uzodike has many awards to her feather including Award for the best final year student in Clinical Optometry, Certificate of professional achievements, health leadership impact award, icon of humanitarian service among others (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Afonne

Music Promoter Peter Omotoso, popularly known as Pedrotech has called on the Federal Government to issue a bailout fund to the Nigerian music industry to boost the sector.

Omotoso, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pedrotech World Limited, an entertainment and management company based in the UK, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said the bailout fund was needed to avoid the looming crash of the music industry, and to enable hunters of music talents and other stakeholders reposition the sector in Nigeria for better results.

It will be a good step in the right direction if there can be a bailout for the Nigerian music industry, because as a talent hunter, almost everyone you see on the street has one unique talent or the other.

Only few are able to fight their way to the top, and that is why many are still irrelevant.

We need to invest in the industry and to get better results, it will be beneficial to the country on the global stage, Omotoso said.

According to him, massive funds are needed in the music industry to make the country stand out and maintain its music uniqueness in the world market.

Omotoso said that Nigerian music had a unique selling point with its sound and genre, which had made it the cynosure of international artistes, who now craved for collaboration with Nigerian performers.

Nigerian music is on another level now and the competition between artistes is getting tougher by the day.

Those days when you have a hit song making waves throughout the year is long gone; hits now hardly last for more than three months.

We create good music and the fact that Afrobeat is recognised and appreciated globally, is a big plus to the industry.

The Nigerian music industry is inestimable because we have not even explored 10 per cent of the talents we have, and when you hear the figures exchanging hands within the industry, you will understand what I am talking about.

To bill an artiste for an event, or collaboration, or advert, it is in large figures. There is so much to make in the industry and I see it not declining but progressing ultimately, he added.

The music promoter urged upcoming artistes to pay less attention to fans who always compared artistes, because this had led to unhealthy competition.

Even when they have a hit song, they should not be relaxed with a hit, but work positively and be surrounded by positivity, Omotoso added.

NAN reports that Omotoso who is a promoter, talent manager and a global entertainment plug, who has worked with Nigerian music artistes such as Style-plus, Durella and Zlatan.

He currently manages Commissioner Dj Wysei. (NAN) ()

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Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, has urged the leadership of the FRSC Staff Cooperative Ltd. to ensure prudence and integrity in the management of its resources.

Oyeyemi made the call at the cooperatives 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, in Abuja.

He said that the focus of the cooperative was to empower officers and marshals of integrity to be able to create other sources of income apart from salaries.

Oyeyemi, however, enjoined the members to always fulfill their expected obligations and uphold the cooperative ethics and practices so as to continue to actualise the dictum of each for all, all for each.

He said the leadership of society would be able to ensure better performances and resilience of the society to fulfil its mandate, if all members continue to do their bits.

Oyeyemi urged the leadership of the society to continue to work hard to satisfy the demands of members.

What you have seen is a success story that today we declared a dividend of N60 million and the profits have been rising from the last six years.

So, it shows that if the cooperative is properly managed, It will reduce burden on the government but the foundation must be on integrity and trust and industry itself.

Once that is done, I think things will go better. So the best advice is for people to form cooperative groups based on integrity that will reduce pressure on the government and on the society, he said.

FRSC boss assured members of the cooperatives commitment to continuous growth to the overall benefits of members.

He said the management had provided exceptional guidance and leadership to the society in the areas of investment, programmes and pursuits from 2014 to date in its commitment to strengthen the society.

He said the corps had recently approved another N300 million auto-loan facility for staff, which is a joint venture between the cooperative and Post-Service Scheme.

The focus of the facility, according to him, is to essentially ease the mobility challenges faced by most officers and marshals when reporting to work.

In addition, Stanbic IBTC/FRSC staff cooperative loan was also approved to enable staff meet their basic needs due to pressure on monthly salary as their common source of income.

However, a Committee headed by the DCM (AHR) was set up for the review of loans and advances to members.

So far, disbursement for auto loan is ongoing and we can assure you that all members requests will be properly attended to and loans granted with ease, while considering applicants integrity with appropriate recommendations, he said.

The President of the Society, ACM Shehu Mohammed, said the results for the 2021 financial year was a reflection of resilience and commitment of his team in the face of challenging economic conditions, especially the effects of COVID-19.

Mohammed said the society experienced yet another year of strong growth, mainly attributable to increased patronage by FRSC Staff to IBTC Bank Loan Scheme, which contributed 45 per cent of net operating income during the year.

According to him, the total disbursement of IBTC loans within the financial year 2021 was N1.2 billion to 4,200 beneficiaries while the cumulative disbursement from the commencement of the scheme in 2014 to date is about N5.09 billion to 13,531 beneficiaries, mainly FRSC Staff.

The positive impact of increased revenue from our day to day business activities stood at 40.78 per cent over the year 2020 from N608.7 million to N856.9 million resulting to improved profit for the year 2021.

The profit before Investment Income rose by 33 per cent compared to year 2020 to close at N94.8 million.

Based on the financial results laid before you, the cooperative management proposed a dividend of 4 kobo for every N1 saved by members as dividend pay-out for the year 2021 financial year, which translated to 33 per cent increase over the previous year 2020.

The total proposed dividend for the year under review is N60 million payable as the AGM is concluded and endorsed by the corps marshal, he said.

The president said the earning per share had also improved steadily over the years with 6 kobo in 2017; 18 kobo in 2018; 20 kobo in 2019; 49 kobo in 2020 and 66 kobo in 2021.

He added that the cooperative had remained consistent in dividend payment since 2018 with N31.8 million in 2018; N36 million in 2019; N45 million in 2020 to N60 million in 2021.

A member of the cooperative, Albert Hansen, a Superintendent Commander, said the society had continued to help members to achieve many things like housing needs.

Hansen said he had been able to execute projects through loans from the cooperative, adding that the FRSC cooperative society had been ran in the most efficient manner. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Jacinta Nwachukwu/Chiazo Ogbolu

Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on Tuesday pledged to provide logistics and formulate policies that would sustain piracy decline in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).

Dr Bashir Jamoh, Director-General of NIMASA, made the pledge at the Fifth Plenary of the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Collaboration Forum/Shared Awareness and Deconfliction (GoG-MCF/SHADE).

The forum had the theme: Enduring and Sustainable Security.

Jamoh said that, in sustaining piracy decline, collaboration was of essence among member-countries so that each countrys boundaries and limitations would be considered, to prevent any form of conflict.

According to Jamoh, the regional forum provided an opportunity to share mutual maritime concerns, jointly face threats and create mitigations.

According to him, Nigeria, through NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy, stands ready as co-chair of the SHADE to continue to provide every necessary support in collaboration with the ICC.

He said that SHADE would be nurtured to maturity and give laudable results.

Two years ago, we connected virtually with a dark, sad and persistent cloud of blue crimes enveloping the region, but today we gathered with the cloud opening and we are seeing the sun gradually shining through.

No one can easily forget the frequent reports of attacks on ships and kidnapping of seafarers in the GoG in 2019 and 2020 when they reached their peak, he said.

Jamoh noted that the attacks hadnegative economic effects on seaborne trade in the region.

While it is important to recognise success so far made, the future must, however, be the focus.

Our deliberation over the next two days must be forward-looking even as it seeks to provide specific ways to maintain the current momentum, offer concrete solutions to ensure sustainability and build on success, he said.

He said that more remained to be done in terms of the legal framework to enable SHADEs existence.

SHADE must be nurtured to remain a force for good.

As members, we owe a collective duty to this forum to keep its dialogue robust and guard it from slipping into complacency as to become a toothless bulldog.

Our SHADE must be strengthened through cooperation, coordination, collaboration and communication.

Security success can never be solitary achievements, he said.

Nigerias Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Awwal Gambo, said that SHADE would offer a veritable platform for GoG nations and other partner-nations to congregate and cooperate to address piracy challenge facing the region.

Gambo represented by Rear Admiral Garba Saidu, Chief of Policy and Plans, Nigerian Navy, said that challenges experienced by member-countries should not deter their collaborative efforts toward reinforcing initiatives to advance and coordinate maritime security activities.

Much has been achieved but there is still room for greater collaboration in the areas of information sharing, increased presence of naval assets and strengthened legal frameworks among the GoG nations as well as international partners.

The safety and security of shipping in the GoG is a vital enabler in the recovery process of global economy and trade suffered due to COVID 19 pandemic.

It is therefore imperative for us to succeed in this drive, he said.

Other stakeholders present at the plenary include Dr Paul Adalikwu, Secretary-General, Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa; Admiral Narciso Fastudo, Director, Interregional Coordination Centre (ICC-Yaounde); and Rear Admiral Solomon Agada, Co-Chair, SHADE-GoG/Maritime Collaboration Forum.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SHADE was established by Nigeria and 22 other countries of the ICC in July 2021.

The forum is to implement more effective operational counter-piracy cooperation between navies and shipping industries. (NAN)(www nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Federal Government says it will continue to work with stakeholders for the improvement of the West African Gas Pipeline Project (WAGP) performance.

Chief Timipre Sylva, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening of the meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the West African Gas Pipeline Authority (WAGPA) project.

The WAGP project, is a visionary project originated from the ECOWAS Energy Policy and aimed at fostering economic development and integration among ECOWAS States through cross border natural gas transportation.

Sylva said over the years, the Nigerian government had shown leadership in ensuring that WAGPA was properly positioned to ensure that the objectives for which the organisation was set up were achieved.

The minister described the meeting as a commitment and dedication to the success of the project which was a true proof of economic integration and cooperation in the sub-region.

He said the meeting came at a very critical time, especially the changing socio-political landscape occasioned by the Russian-Ukrainian war that had put pressure on global gas demands across Europe.

He said since inception, the committee had worked collectively to achieve some successes and projects through cooperative efforts of member countries in spite of the challenges in the sector.

Sylva included the projects completed as Open Access, implemented in 2012; Improved Gas Availability; and Takoradi-Tema Interconnection Project (TTIP) which has significantly increased gas flow through the WAGP.

He noted others as Lifting of Force Majeure that was in place by Nigeria Gas Company (NGC) between June 2013 and October 2020; and the reforms of the Access Code to the WAGP Network Code.

Another project, according to the minister is the ongoing amendment to the WAGP Act and the WAGP Regulations.

This, he said, would ultimately among other things give a licencing power to WAGP authority to oversee the activities of the Shippers as it related to the WAGP, for free and fair business environment.

However, there are more to achieve and we are determined to get to the zenith of our targets, which are to deepen gas supplies and utilisation within the ECOWAS sub-region.

The global community has classified gas as part of renewable energy.

Since we cannot but join the global energy transition train we must hurry to exploit the abundant natural gas deposits within the borders of our respective countries, he said.

On the institutional level, he said the meeting was a follow-up on the extraordinary meeting of the committee held in Accra, Ghana on Nov. 16, 2021 to consider issues related to the appointment of the Director-General of WAGPA.

He said the solution that emerged from its discussions in Accra, in November 2021 to move ahead with the appointment of a Nigerian as a Director-General for WAGPA was very critical.

In the circumstances therefore, I will seek the understanding and cooperation of all to be guided by the provisions of WAGPA Treaty in reaching a sustainable, profitable and fair decision on this matter, he said.

He then appreciated the effort of its partner, the West African Gas Company Ltd. (WAPCo), as Operator of the pipeline to implement the International Project Agreement and assure transportation of natural gas from entry points to customers in the State Parties.

He said the ECOWAS Commission had initiated the West African Gas Pipeline Expansion Project (WAGPEP) and was currently working with the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP) Project for possible synergy between the two projects.

I also know that WAPCo and WAGPA are working closely with the entities to provide technical assistance and experience to achieve the synergy to increase the potential to deliver natural gas for more countries in the ECOWAS sub region and beyond, he said.

In a remark, Ms Chafari Hanawa, Director-General, CoM, WAPGA said it would accelerate growth within WAGPAs mandate under the WAGP Treaty, International Project Agreement (IPA), the Enabling Legislation, the WAGPA Regulations and other applicable instruments.

She said it would collaborate with WAPCO and other stakeholders in the WAGP project to identify area of gap in the delivery of better services by WAGPA and abridge such gap to ensure increased and sustainable flow of gas.

This is important because adequate flow of gas to end users through the WAGP will fast track positive growth of the power sector of the countries, accelerate industrialisation, generate employment, increase revenue for the State Parties and increase infrastructural developments for our people.

Dr Matthew Prempeh, Ghanas Minister of Energy and Chairman of the Committee, while declaring the meeting open called for plans to extend pipelines further along west African Coast up to Morocco to supply natural gas countries along the pipeline route and in-land.

It is for this reason that effort must be made to enhance operational efficiency of pipeline and strengthen the regulatory authority to perform its role, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Donald Ugwu

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) says the sixth Iraq Energy Forum (IEF) will host the formal launch of OPECs history book to commemorate the organisations 60th anniversary.

The history book, titled OPEC 60 years and beyond: A story of courage, cooperation and commitment, was prepared to commemorate the organisations 60th anniversary.

According to a statement by OPEC on Tuesday, obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) the sixth Iraq Energy Forum (IEF) is slated to hold in Baghdad, Iraq, from June 18, to June 20.

OPEC Secretary-General, Dr Mohammad Barkindo, will be in attendance, it said.

The statement said the focus of the publication was to bring to a wider readership OPECs history, its objectives and its achievements over its first six decades.

It said the Iraq Energy Forum, the countrys energy and economic flagship event, would provide platform for lively discussion and interactive exchange between a wide range of industry stakeholders.

In its sixth iteration, the forum will attract government officials, policy-makers, decision-makers, industry leaders, experts and analysts from Iraq and beyond.

The event will be held under the theme The Middle East as The Cornerstone of Global Energy Security.

It will cover a number of key issues related to energy, including global energy security, the energy transition, uncertainties related to economic recovery, investment, as well as sustainable development, it said.

It noted that the the Secretary-General would also receive the prestigious 2022 Iraq Energy Award from the Iraq Energy Institute for his years of dedication to the organisation, its Member Countries, the energy industry, and his support to Iraq and its people.

The statement quoted the Secretary-General as stating: We are extremely excited to return to Baghdad and to take part in the sixth IEF, which is taking place at a decisive moment in the history of the energy sector.

IEF 2022 promises thought-provoking discussions on some of the most important issues of our times, from global energy security to the Middle Easts key role in the energy transition.

Since I attended the first IEF in 2016, the forum has grown into a premier regional event that attracts luminaries from Iraqs energy industry, high-level policymakers and some of the foremost thinkers on energy, Barkindo said.

He said as the birthplace of OPEC in 1960 and one of the worlds most important oil providers, Iraq, the cradle of civilisation and the land of prophets, was especially well suited to host discussions on how to ensure a stable, secure and sustainable energy future for all.

Ali Allawi, Iraqs Deputy Prime Minister of Economic Affairs and Minister of Finance, is among the confirmed participants in the leading energy industry event.

OPEC Secretary-General participated in the Iraq Energy Forum in 2019. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Donald Ugwu

Source: NAN News

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Mo Heat, Kano Pillars and Hot Coal Ballers Basketball Clubs have all qualified for the Elite Eight Round of the ongoing Mark D Ball Mens basketball championship in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that all three teams won their two consecutive group games to maintain their winning run in the championship, with a game to spare.

Mo Heat currently top Group A with four points and a goal difference of 80, having out dunked Bayelsa Waves 100-30 in their first group A game before defeating Police Baton 87-77 in their second game.

They are closely followed by Delta Force which also have four points with a goal difference of 35 having beaten Police Baton 53-48 in their first group A game and thrashed Bayelsa Waves 76-45 in their second game.

Kano Pillars currently lead the pack in Group B with four points and a goal difference of 38.

They defeated Plateau Peaks 53-49 in their first game, before dishing out an 83-50 whitewash to the current NUGA games champions, Nile University Spartans in their second game.

They are closely followed by Gombe Bulls with four points and a goal difference of 42 and have also booked a berth in the last eight.

The Bulls thrashed Nile University 80-51 in their first group game and defeated Plateau Peaks 82-69 in their second game.

Hot Coal Ballers are the current pace setters in Group C with four points and a 74 goal difference, closely followed by Nigeria Customs with same number of points but 30 goal difference.

Hot Coal Ballers thrashed Apa Flames 80 50 in their first game, before thumping Novena Heartlanders 100-56 in the second game.

Group D is still looking dicey as all four teams namely: FCT Hardrockers, Kwara Falcons, Suleja Bulldogs and NSDC Defenders are still in with a chance of qualifying for the last eight, having played two games and recorded one win each with one defeat.

Only the top two teams from each group will qualify for the elite eight of the championship.

The final round of matches will be played on Tuesday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

NAN reports that on Monday, Gombe Bulls beat Plateau Peaks 82-69, Apa Flames 64- 49 Novena Heartlanders, Suleja Bulldogs 81- 65 NSCDC Defenders.

Other results are Delta Force 76-45 Bayelsa Waves, Mo Heat 87-77 Police Baton and Kwara Falcons 64- 55 FCT Hard Rockers. (NAN)(www nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Source: NAN News

By Georgina Adegbie

Marylove Edwards, Mary TenuMicheal, Oyinlomo Quadri, Stella Udokwelu and Racheal Adunoye were among players who on Monday advanced to the second round of the ongoing DavNotch National Open Tennis Championship.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that they progressed after first round games in the ongoing competition at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

Edwards defeated Loveth Ogah 6-1 6-1, while TenuMicheal beat Blessing Anoma 6-2 6-1.

Quadri on her part beat Destiny Okhinaye 6-1 6-4, while Udokwelu beat Esther Olamide 6-1 3-6 6-4 and Adunoye beat Maryam Salami 6-1 6-2.

Quadri, a former national number one, later told NAN that the game was like a training session for her ahead of playing in the competitions final match.

The game was like a warm-up for me. I have come to win this second edition of the championship.

It is in the quarter-finals to the final rounds that I expect to put in my full strength in my game. Todays (Mondays) match was an easy game for me she said.

NAN reports that DavNotch Nigeria Limited is sponsoring the competition, which is being organised by the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF).

The main draw of the championship started on Monday in the female category with the round of 32 matches.

A total of 64 players will feature in the main draw of the championships male category.

The championship which started on Thursday is expected to end on Saturday. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Olawale Alabi

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Antswen

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said it had obtained a court order to forfeit all abandoned vehicles and motorcycles within its premises in Benue.

This is contained in a press statement on Tuesday signed by the Command Public Enlightenment Officer, DCC Suleman Mohammed for the Sector Commander and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi.

The FRSC stated that it relied on the provisions of its Establishment Act 2007 to obtained the interim order to forfeit all the abandoned accidental vehicles and motorcycles under their care in the state.

The statement noted that people should claim their cars or motorcycles or forfeit them.

Interested owners of all the abandoned accidental and impounded motorcycles should visit the various formations of the Federal Road Safety Corps where his/her accidental and impounded motorcycle is kept for identification, documentation and reclaiming.

Attend the Federal High Court to show cause why his accidental or impounded motorcycles or vehicle should not be forfeited permanently to the Federal Government through the Federal Road Safety Corps, it stated. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited by Benson Iziama

Source: NAN News

By Ruona Isikeh

The Igbinedion University Okada (IUO), has graduated over 15,000 students in different disciplines since its inception in 1999.

The Chancellor of the university, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, said this on Tuesday during the 23rd Founders Day Celebration of the university held at Okada, near Benin.

He said that most of graduates had distinguished themselves in their various endeavours in Nigeria and abroad.

Represented by the Deputy Chancellor of the university, Dr Lucky Igbinedion, he said that the critical role of education in the growth and development of any nation cannot be overemphasized.

In the immortal words of the revered international icon, Nelson Mandela, education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

Providing the right kind of education in quality without interruption is even more imperative, he said.

Igbinedion described this as the primary motivation for the establishment of university.

Though over 100 private universities have followed in our trail since 1999, the realisation of our vision of private sector-intervention in the provision of tertiary education was protracted, painstaking, and challenging to the extreme.

It is therefore to the eternal glory of Almighty God that, 23 years after, the university has not only come of age but continues to lead the pace.

it has continued to champion higher education revolution through innovation, entrepreneurship and research.

I must register my debt of gratitude to our development partners and dependable alumni for their continuous support and solidarity over the years, he said.

He appreciated the universitys members of staff for their commitment to its growth and development.

Earlier, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, Vice-Chancellor of the university, said it remained in the vanguard of digital literacy, uniting people of different cultures through knowledge exchange.

We are celebrating not just 23 years of our existence, but we are indeed proclaiming our rich heritage in revolutionising the higher education landscape.

This we have done through the delivery of world class education in a highly conducive global environment, inspiring a culture of creativity and innovative experience, he said.

According to him, the university has introduced Skills Set and Master Classes in all academic programmes.

This, he said, was to further enhance the skills content of the curriculum and the university a truly entrepreneurial university.

He appreciated the National Universities Commission (NUC), Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for their support to the institution over the years.

They have individually and collectively added value to our academic engagements, he said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Hawa Lawal/Uche Anunne

Source: NAN News