By Kelechi Ogunleye

Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, says it is impossible to swap inmates in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service with free citizens.

The minister said the on Friday in Abuja in his opening remarks at the third and fourth quarter 2021 performance review meeting of the ministry and its agencies.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that rumour mills had been replete with stories about how the Nigerian Correctional Service swaps inmates with free citizens.

The allegations we hear are worrisome and most are false and almost impossible.

There is a minimum setback between our facilities and human development areas, but if its not being enforced at some correctional services, we will ensure the enforcement, he said.

The minister assured that no such swapping would be tolerated under his watch, stressing that government would further secure already properly-secured facilities of the Nigeria Correctional Services.

Speaking on current delays in the issuance of travel passports, Aregbesola said the integration of the National Identity Number (NIN) with names database was responsible.

He stressed that Nigerians must know that if the names on their passport bio data and NIN do not tally, it would be difficult to prove that such names identified one person.

We must integrate NIN with passports and thats why most of the delays are not caused by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

For as long as your bio data integrates with your NIN which is in the database of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), then you have no issue.

If the database of NIMC cannot accept your bio data, then the issuance of passport will be difficult, he said.

Aregbesola also blamed periodic server failure at the NIMC for delay in confirmation of NIN and consequently the issuance of passports.

Tally in arrangement of names is important as theselittle things conspire against speedy processing of passports.

Most applicants do not care about these minute details even though we have digitalised the entire application process, he said.

He said the ministry and the NIS were working to ensure that passports applicants were able to track their applications online.

Agencies of the ministry are the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Correctional Service, the Federal Fire Service and the NIS.

The minister urged the agencies to pay serious attention to public perception about them.

What you get the public to see and believe is of great importance and if a user of your service is dissatisfied with your service, then act, appropriately, Aregbesola Advised. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Tolu Aiyegbusi

To boost entrepreneurship, Prof. Isa Pantami, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, has charged youths to be active in the area of digital creativity and innovation to solve Nigerias economic problems.

Pantami gave the charge at the World creativity and innovation day (WCID) expo organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) on Thursday in Abuja.

He said innovation and entrepreneurship were the two globally-accepted models used to address economic problems which could only be achieved by promoting creativity and innovation.

Identity the various challenges we encounter in healthcare, education, security, finance and provide IT solutions to them, he said.

The Minister disclosed that It is indeed really encouraging that in Nigeria our future in digital creativity and innovation is very bright..

There is no doubt about this. If you look at the ideas that are coming up from the discussions.

The quality of the inventions of our young innovators today presented before us shows originality and can be transformed into innovations, that is goods and services.

It is indeed very clear that our future in digital innovation is very bright, he said.

He recounted that many Nigerians start-ups were blazing the trails at the global level from the innovations they were coming up with which he described as encouraging.

He added that the country would always provide the necessary enablement and support for the start-ups in the digital innovation ecosystem.

In his remark, the Director-General, NITDA, Malam Kashifu Abdullahi, seized the occasion to speak on the vital role innovations played in the growth and development of a nations economy.

Innovation is a vital key to the prosperity of any nation, and our prospects for future economic growth largely hinges on our ability to innovate.

He stated that Innovations, particularly market-creating innovations, have the potential to transform nations and lift them out of poverty.

Market-creating innovation pulls infrastructure and investments that can transform the economy and create prosperity.

Abdullahi said that the Nigerian digital innovation space was making waves on the African continent..

He noted that as part of the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, the Agency had identified innovation as a great tool that would enhance the implementation.

At NITDA, we have identified innovation as a critical tool for implementing National Digital Economic Policy and Strategy.

We have taken bold steps to drive our nations prosperity by boosting digital innovation and entrepreneurship.

Our drive towards building a robust framework and infrastructure to bolster technology innovation for all Nigerians has the firm and usual support of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Inuwa stated.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of a cheque award for N2 million to GreenAI, a farming solutions hub, as the winner of the innovation challenge and pitch session.

Other winners that emerged from the competition also got cash prizes ranging from N500,000 to N1 million.

About 50 techpreneurs were at the stand to display their various IT solutions to challenges in agriculture, e-commerce, healthcare, education and e-learning for the partially impaired and physically challenged. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has called on academics and members of other professional bodies to participate actively in the task of making Nigeria a better place for all.

Osinbajos spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, said the vice president received, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, a team of 13 professors who came to endorse and support his aspiration ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

The top academics, drawn from the six geo-political zones, came under the aegis of the Progressive Intellectuals Advisory Group.

The group was led by Prof. Shehu Adamu, the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

These days, you find all sorts of pretenders claiming expertise in everything under the sun without any real expertise.

So, it is important that academics do not vacate that space to allow all sorts of people to begin to postulate on practically every issue, he said.

The vice president recalled his experience as an academic who became an Attorney-General.

Osinbajo welcomed the interest of the professors in the upcoming 2023 presidential elections.

One of the most important things I recall when I served first as Attorney General of Lagos State was that it is so important for those of us who are in academics to participate because not only are we among the more knowledgeable groups, we have also done more work.

The path that you have chosen is a very crucial one because in the future, more intellectual groups will take the responsibility that is really theirs.

And I think that for those of us who are from the academic community, it is a privilege that we have being the intellectual crme de la crme of our society, and this comes with responsibility.

The vice president appreciated the groups endorsement of his presidential aspiration.

He said that if there was any sort of endorsement that had given him particular joy, it was the groups endorsement.

Because if one is endorsed by professional colleagues, people who live their lives by critical analysis and evaluation; it is worth celebrating.

These matters are not to be taken lightly. For a professor to say that he supports a political cause, it is a weighty matter indeed, because you are aware that a lot of reflections go into it.

But when you have 13 professors all over the country saying that they are aligned to one cause; I am greatly humbled; it is one of those things that doesnt happen often.

We will work together to make a significant difference for our country, Osinbajo said.

Earlier in his remarks, Adamu said the visit was to intimate the vice president on activities and efforts of the group to support his aspiration to become Nigerias President.

He said the academics were convinced of Osinbajos capability to lead a more prosperous Nigeria; hence their resolve not only to endorse him, but also offer their expertise and do what it would take to ensure that he emerged victorious.

Adamu said the group would engage in activities, including media engagements, community mobilisation, and partnerships with other professionals, among others, to shape public opinion in a manner that will lead to a successful run by the vice president in 2023.

Another member of the delegation, Prof. Nasiru Musa Yauri, the Vice Chancellor of the Al-Kalam University, Katsina, said members of the group had decided not to fold their arms.

We will do whatever it takes to actualise the PYO 2023 project, he said.

Moreso, Prof. Chukwuemeka Nwanegbo, the Head of Political Science Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, said that members of the academic community would throw their weight behind the vice president.

We do not want to sit back and watch the political terrain disallow you from emerging.

So, we want to work with you, other professionals and students to actualise your bid, he said.

Aside Adamu, Yauri and Nwanegbo, the other academics at the meeting included Prof. Yahaya Baba, Usman Danfodiyo University in Sokoto and Prof. Mashood Omotosho, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Others were Associate Prof. Philips Okolo, Director of the Institute of Peace and Security Studies, Niger Delta University, Prof. Shola Omotola, Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Prof. Danjuma Abubakar, IBB University, Lapai and Associate Prof. Abdullahi Jibrin, Federal University Lafia.

Associate Prof. Atelhe George, University of Calabar, Prof. Saleh Mohammed, Federal University Kashere, Gombe State, Prof. Haruna Adama, University of Yola and Prof. Ike-Elechi Ogba, Ebonyi State University were also in the delegation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Philomena Attah

The Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye has lauded the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) for establishing its Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday while inaugurating the agencys ACTU, Owasanoye said the inauguration was a display of strong testament and commitment by NAN.

The chairman who was represented by Mr Olayinka Aiyegbayo, a Deputy Commissioner, added that such commitment portrayed NAN as being in the forefront of driving the anti-corruption initiatives of the Federal Government through the unit.

Owasanoye urged members of the ACTU to stay in the part of integrity by being responsible and responsive in performimg their duties.

He urged them to avoid any oppresive act given the strategic role they were expected to play.

In his remarks, Mr Buki Ponle, the Managing Director of NAN urged Nigerians to fight corruption at individual level for the fight championed by the Federal Government to be successful.

Ponle said that corruption was a monster that had defied solution over the years, as such it should be fought with all vigour.

This fight must also be fought collectively. NAN will identify itself with anything that stands against corruption, he said.

In his speech, Dr Razak Owolabi, chairman of the newly inaugurated anti corruption unit said the unit was not out to witch-hunt any member of staff.

Owolabi, a Deputy Editor in Chief, said the unit could not function without the support of management and staff of NAN.

He solicited for the support of the Managing Director and staff to make the job of the unit successful and for it to be worthy of emulation by similar units in federal ministries, departments and agencies.

Other members of the agencys ACTU are, Mr Ugochukwu Nwogute (Secretary), Mr Aliyu Abubakar, Mr Dele Olorunfemi, and Mrs Racheal Kopkung.

Alice Bolarinwa, a lawyer from ICPC performed the formal inauguration by conducting the oath taking ceremony for the ACTU members.

Mr Silas Nwoha, the Editor in Chief of NAN, Mrs Gbemisola Erinoso Babalola, Director, Planning Research and Statistics, Mr Moses Uzoagba, Deputy Director, Administration, and Mr Martins Asuquo, Head of Marketing were at the occasion.

Mr Nwaobilor Emmanuel, Mr Abuo Larry, and Mr Usman Adewale were among the ICPC team. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Jessica Dogo

The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to join in the revolution against cybercrime by supporting local technology innovations.

The government also called on citizens to fight against security threats ravaging particularly financial institutions in the country.

The Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone (GBB), Prof. Mohammed Abubakar, made the appeal in a news briefing on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the briefing was organised by UNICCON Group of Companies on Cybersecurity.

Abubakar, who was represented by the Head Of Human Resources, GBB, Mr Gbenga Omoniyi, lauded the company, on its role in tackling cybersecurity in the country.

I commend the company for taking this great step in tackling cybersecurity in the country.

This initiative is apt and can also assist in proffering solution to the current fight on multiple financial crimes in the country, he said.

Also speaking, the Deputy Director, ICT, Mr Adebayo Adeyemi, who represented the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, endorsed the initiative.

Adeyemi said that the government was scouting for people with patriotic abilities to promote sanity and upscale employment rate in the country.

Over the years, the contribution of ICT to the nations Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased and this is one of it.

Businesses today are faced with several threats and this is one of the bespoke solutions that has capacity to adress such.

We are a government company that understands exactly this kind of Innovation, he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of UNICCON, Mr Chucks Ekwueme, saidd that the effort put in was to complement governments efforts at combating cyberattacks responsible for setbacks in the Nigerian economic sector.

Ekwueme said the incessant cyberattacks in Nigeria and globally had prompted the organisation effor to conduct a rigorous research, which had so far yielded positive results.

He said that it had provided a risk-based approach in monitoring transactions for risk assessment and handling financial related crimes mitigation needs.

With the recent launch of its community platform to summit bugs, vulnerabilities and find solution, Ekwueme called on corporate entities and government agencies to leverage on the opportunity to partner the organisation for lasting solution.

NAN also reports that UNICCON group of companies recently launched an integrated financial product called SMARTSEE for profiling, credit scoring and fraud detection. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Abujah Racheal

The Africa Centre for Disease and Prevention Control (Africa CDC), on Wednesday called on member states to learn from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and invest in public health emergencies.

Dr Mohammed Abudulaziz, Head, Disease Control and Prevention at Africa CDC, made this call in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, on the sidelines of a three-day workshop of Regional Integrated Surveillance and Laboratory Networks (RISLNET) implementation for the West African Region.

RISLNET is a network of networks that harness existing public health assets in five African Union members.

It is to strengthen national and regional laboratory and Surveillance systems, improve quality standards and promote networks for integration whilst leveraging the existing assets within the various sub-regions.

The workshop was organis by African Union/Africa CDC and West Africa Health Organisation (WAHO).

Abdulaziz said that when the continent was confronted with COVID-19 pandemic, the Africa CDC rose to the occasion in strengthening regional public health agencies that took the center stage.

He said preparedness for any outbreak would be binding to secure member states collaboration upon declaration of public health emergency of regional concern, irrespective of leadership or politics at the time.

African leaders must honour their commitments to allocate at least 15 per cent of their annual budgets to the health sector, as they agreed in the Abuja declaration in 2001.

Today, spending on health across the continent ranges from 0.1 per cent to 2 per cent of a nations Gross Domestic Product, he said.

Abdulaziz said renewing this commitment is especially urgent as the goals articulated in the Agenda 2063 began to be realised.

For instance, the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement creates a trade area, including 1.3 billion people across 55 countries.

Likewise, the African Unions Protocol on Free Movement of Persons in Africa will enable people to move around the continent without visas.

Both of these steps are crucial to economic development. They also come with major public health implications, he said.

Abdulaziz disclosed that African heads of state supported efforts to strengthen and expand the structures within the continent to manage health emergencies.

He said it included giving authority and autonomy to the Africa CDC and Prevention and creating a pandemic preparedness and response authority, an epidemic fund, and a health workforce task team.

Abdulaziz said that building a regional control and capability could not be over emphasised.

This means strengthening national public-health institutions, such as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and the Zambia National Public Health Institute in Lusaka.

It also means strengthening and empowering Africa CDC and its five Regional Collaborating Centres.

These are the Africa-owned institutions that are crucial to prevent, detect and respond to public-health threats.

Ultimately, both national public-health institutions and regional centres must be the command centres for the control of disease outbreaks, he said.

Africa CDC established RISLNET for all the African Regions in an effort to address critical need for comprehensive and quality laboratory and surveillance systems and networks within the continent.

NAN recalls that the organisers says RISLNET will be officially launched at the workshop with Western African Regional Member States for the region.

It reports that the focus of the workshop will include a framework for the governance of the RISLNET in the West Africa region.

It will agree on RISLNET structure for the West Africa Regional Collaborating Centre (RCC) and define its functions and operation.

It will also Introduce Global Health Systems Solutions and Institut Pasteur Dakar as the partners who will work closely with Africa CDC, WAHO, and the regional member states for RISLNET implementation in the region.

It says the workshop will also discuss and agree on the development of draft policy and framework document for RISLNET. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

Bridget Ikyado/Jessica Dogo

The Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Mr Dasuki Arabi, says proper application of emerging technologies will help to increase operational efficiency and reduce cost of governance.

Arabi made the observation in a paper he presented at a workshop on block chain technology ecosystem, on Thursday in Abuja.

The paper is titled: Public sector requirement for efficiency in service delivery with respect to emerging technology (block chain).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised by the BPSR in collaboration with Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and Nigeria Communications Commission.

He said that block chain technology is already
having positive impact around the world and its proper application in Nigeria will fast track ongoing reform of the public service.

Arabi described emerging technologies as science-based innovations with potential to create a new industry or transform existing ones.

According to him, its significance in the public
sector will only increase in the coming years in the areas of quality service delivery in the public service.

The director-general said that the application of technology will strengthen public institutions, as they incorporate new thinking about how government delivers services to citizens.

With new strategy, better outcomes and efficiency will be delivered through innovation and excellence in ICT, he said.

He listed the advantages of block chain technology to include effective record keeping, financial transparency and securing data access.

Block chain is a system of recording information in a way that makes it different or impossible to change, hack or cheat the system, Arabi said.

Arabi also said it ensure data security, reduce cost and waiting time, enhance accountability and trust, and promote public private partnership.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

Manchester United have confirmed that Erik ten Hag would take over as manager at the end of the season.

Without a permanent manager since Ole Gunnar Solskjaers exit in November, the Old Trafford giants initially worked under caretaker Michael Carrick.

Ralf Rangnick later took over on an interim basis for the rest of the campaign.

Manchester United have been interviewing with a view to appointing their new permanent manager before the summer to aid their much-needed rebuild.

Ten Hag has now been chosen as the man to lead the club forward.

The Ajax manager is looking to wrap up a third Eredivisie title before moving to Old Trafford on a three-year deal, which includes the option of a further year.

Ten Hag said: It is a great honour to be appointed manager of Manchester United and I am hugely excited by the challenge ahead.

I know the history of this great club and the passion of the fans, and I am absolutely determined to develop a team capable of delivering the success they deserve.

It will be difficult to leave Ajax after these incredible years, and I can assure our fans of my complete commitment and focus on bringing this season to a successful conclusion before I move to Manchester United.

Ten Hag met with Manchester United management in March as the Premier League club officials spoke with candidates about the Old Trafford vacancy.

Long-admired Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager Mauricio Pochettino was initially considered favourite to succeed Solskjaer.

But the Dutchman has now got the nod, having impressed the powers that be.

Football director John Murtough said: During the past four years at Ajax, Erik has proved himself to be one of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.

He is renowned for his teams attractive, attacking football and commitment to youth.

In our conversations with Erik leading up to this appointment, we were deeply impressed with his long-term vision for returning Manchester United to the level we want to be competing at, and his drive and determination to achieve that.

We wish Erik the best of luck as he focuses on achieving a successful end to the season at Ajax and look forward to welcoming him to Manchester United this summer.

Ten Hag has been with Ajax since January 2018 and will leave at the end of the season.

Edwin van der Sar, the former Manchester United goalkeeper who is now Ajaxs chief executive, said: Four-and-a-half years is a good amount of time, but we would have liked to have kept Erik at Ajax for longer.

He is going to make the step to one of the biggest clubs in the world, in a fantastic league.

We owe Erik a lot of thanks for what he has achieved with Ajax so far, but we are not done yet. At the end of the season, I will look back more extensively on his departure.

For now, what matters is the final games of the season in which we all want to bring home the league title. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Ngozi Njoku

An Ikeja Magistrates Court in Lagos State on Thursday ordered that a 50-year-old man, Chidi Eze, be remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Centre for allegedly raping his friends sister.

The police charged Eze, who resides in Iyanapaja area of Lagos, with rape.

Magistrate Ejiro Kubeinje, gave the order following a motion moved by the Prosecution Counsel, DSP Kehinde Ajayi that the matter be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.

Kubeinje, who did not take the plea of Eze, directed the prosecutor to duplicate the case file and send to the DPP for advice.

The magistrate adjourned the case until May 5, for further mention.

The prosecutor had earlier told the court that Eze committed the offence on March 13 at Rabiu Ajose Street, Isheri Osun, Lagos.

Ajayi said Eze, who is a friend to the victims brother raped her.

The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of Section 260 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the section prescribes life imprisonment for rape. (NAN)(www.nannews,ng)

Source: NAN News

By Isaiah Eka

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it apprehended 69 suspected oil thieves in Akwa Ibom between January and March.

The NSCDC Commandant in Akwa Ibom, Mr Abidemi Majekodunmi, said this in an interactive session with newsmen in Uyo on Thursday.

Majekodunmi said the corps had the mandate to protect government critical infrastructure and ensure that economic saboteurs were brought to justice.

He said that the suspects had been charged to court for prosecution and those found guilty would face the full wrath of the law.

According to him, in the first quarter of the year, the agency placed significant emphasis on the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.

Here in Akwa Ibom, we do know that the network of pipelines are much and definitely, we have criminals and non-state actors tampering with the pipelines for economic profiteering and sabotage.

What we have done is to ensure that we deploy intelligence, capitals and assets to ensure that we do activities that serve as deterrent to these non-state actors that are always eager to steal petroleum products.

When we get quality intelligence, we plan and execute operations to arrest. Currently, we have about seven boats. In that particular case, we have 69 suspects and illegal dealers in petroleum products.

They have been charged to court and of course, we have done investigations and profiling of the cases for the court to do the appropriate adjudication, he said.

The NSCDC state commandant said that the command was proactive in intelligence gathering across the 31 Local Government Areas of the state, to check criminality.

Majekodunmi said that NSCDC over the years had deployed technology to reach all criminal hideouts as part of its crime fighting efforts in the state.

He called on communities to protect government infrastructure in their domain against vandalism and to see the facilities as their own.

The commandant said that the corps would continue to promote crisis management and be proactive in dealing with conflicts in the state through peace and conflict resolution.

He warned oil thieves, pipeline vandals and other criminals to relocate from the state as the command would deal decisively with all economic saboteurs.

He called on the media to ensure objectivity in their reportage to guarantee peace and security across the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, to submit a progress report by the end of May 2022 on the indigenous production of vaccines in the country.

The president gave the order on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving the leadership of the Nigeria Integrated Biopharmaceuticals Industries Consortium (NIBI), led by Mr Vilarugel Cuyas, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Fredlab.

Buhari commended the NIBI consortium made up of European biotechnology companies Merck, Unizima, Rommelag and Fredlab, who are collaborating with the Nigerian start-up PIA BioPharma to establish a world-class Bio-Pharma Industrial Complex for the manufacture of vaccines and essential therapeutics in Nigeria.

According to him, his administration considers food and medicine sufficiency as national security issues.

The president asked the health minister and his team to work closely with the consortium on the Federal Government support required for the actualisation of the NIBI project within the next few months.

While the Ministry of Health continues to drive collaboration with investors for vaccines, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, in a move towards self-sufficiency, I welcome the NIBI consortiums desire to partner with the Federal Government in support of our agenda and look forward to the implementation of the NIBI project as it takes shape, the president said.

Recounting the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Nigerias economy and health systems and how some nations with comparative advantages in being centres of bio-pharmaceutical productions adopted a me-first attitude towards securing their citizens, Buhari said:

I want Nigeria to make a bold statement in this field not just for reasons mentioned earlier, but because of its knock-on effects on our economy at large.

According to the president, Nigeria has learnt key lessons from the pandemic, including that countries must look inward for sustenance in food and medical supplies.

He said: Having witnessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our health system, our communal life and national economy, from which we are yet to fully recover, we are reminded that the wealth of a nation is dependent on the health and wellbeing of its citizens.

At the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigeria was quick to respond to what seemed an existential threat, by strengthening the health systems capacity to handle the pandemic an initiative that continues till today in collaboration with the state governments, private sector and international partners.

Key lessons of the pandemic are that nations can be brought to their knees by disease outbreaks that cripple national and international trade, and that countries must be able to look inwards for sustenance in food and medical supplies.

The benefit of this Administrations early investment in agriculture came to light during this global turbulence.

However, we cannot say the same for essential medicines, health supplies and most importantly vaccines to protect our citizens. Increasing the capacity for in-country production of vaccines and medical supplies has therefore become a matter of not just urgency, but of national security.

As we saw, many nations who had developed comparative advantages in being centres of bio-pharmaceutical productions adopted a me-first attitude towards securing their citizens.

These actions placed developing nations, particularly those in Africa at severe disadvantage.

The president noted that as part of the fallout and lessons learned from the crises, under his directive, the minister of health had been conducting local and international high-level consultations to seek access to the know-how and finance to revive domestic manufacturing of vaccines.

He added that the consultations had become more important as Nigeria prepares to fully transition from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) support for the supply of vaccines by 2028.

Since we consider food and medicine sufficiency as national security issues, technical and financial investments and partnerships are priorities in our policy planning, with the assurance that Nigeria has the market and a pool of expert scientists to draw upon, from within and outside the country, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ginika Okoye

The African Development Bank (AfDB) says it will within the next five years double the climate change finance of Africa to 25 billion dollars.

Dr Kevin Kariuki, AfDB Vice-President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth, said this at a virtual news conference on Wednesday in preparation for the banks 2022 annual meetings to be held in Accra, Ghana.

Kariuki said the bank would invest the finance to support African countries to become resilient both in adaptation and mitigation between 2020 and 2025.

He disclosed that the AfDB had in the last five years spent 13 billion dollars in the same effort toward adaptation and mitigation of climate change in the continent.

Kariuki also said the bank with the Global Centre on Adaptation had committed to mobilise a further 25 billion dollars to address adaptation in Africa.

Cognisance of the fact that Africas greatest interest is on adaptation, we dedicate at least 50 per cent of our climate finance budget to adaptation and last year we dedicated 67 per cent.

This means that we are in total resonance of what people of Africa are complaining about.

The key thing is to help these countries adapt to the impact of climate change so I think the commitment for us to double our climate change finance to 25 billion dollars is important, he said.

On supporting energy transition in Nigeria, Kariuki said the bank was committed to supporting the country in its energy transition efforts.

According to him, Nigeria is one of the few countries that has evolved its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) into a long-term vision, which is a foundational document for developing a long term strategy.

The long-term strategy is what is translated to the transition plan and we are keen to supporting all African countries in developing their transition plan by translating those plans into viable pipeline of projects.

We cant be able to quantify the amount because we do not have a clear view of the projects that will emanate from the strategy, he said.

Prof. Vincent Nmehielle, the Secretary-General of the AfDB Group, said the theme of the meeting Achieving Climate Resilience and a Just Energy Transition for Africa, was highlighting critical areas of importance to any countrys development.

Nmehielle said the meeting would avail the opportunity for stakeholders to know what the Bank was doing and what governments of countries had done in various areas of intervention.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the annual meeting is the AfDB Groups most important event, attracting no fewer than 3,000 delegates and attendees yearly.

NAN also reports that the meetings scheduled to take place between May 23 and 27 in Accra, Ghana, would help the bank to take stock of progress with its shareholders.

It will also provide a unique forum for representatives of governments, business, civil society, think tanks, academia, and the media, to discuss key issues concerning Africas ongoing development. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Oluwafunke Ishola

Mr Connor Hanan, Software Groups Chief Executive Officer, Africa and Middle East, says agent banking can bridge the gender and rural-urban gaps to ensure financial inclusion for more unbanked Nigerians.

Hanan said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, in Lagos.

Agent banking is the conduct of banking business on behalf of a financial institution, through an agent, using various service delivery channels.

Service delivery channels utilised includes the use of mobile phones, POS (point-ofsale) terminals, card readers and other technology for processing real time transactions.

Hanan said that Nigerias huge population presented an opportunity for expansion of financial services to over 38 million unbanked Nigerian adults.

Increasing shared prosperity, eradicating inequality and extreme poverty would be attainable with the financial inclusion of more unbanked individuals, especially women, he said.

According to him, agency banking transactions increased from three per cent of the countrys transactions to 19 per cent in a single year, even thoughthe growth was below the 70 per cent National Financial Inclusion Strategy targetexpected in 2020.

He said that to enhance growth, financial institutions were deploying innovative technology through agency banking to deliver their services to more individuals in hard-to-reach communities.

There are more opportunities in the agency banking space that the country can leverage beyond the current cash in cash-out service, he said,emphasising that it should be extended to facilitate lending, health insurance, payment and registration for different services, among others.

Hanan added that the platform had created employment opportunities for many small-scale businesses and aided their contributions to the gross domestic product (GDP).

He noted that Software Group recently launched a fast-track agency banking software to assist banks expand their reach, speed and competitive cost, saying thatthe software solution would deepen agency banking growth and accelerate the countrys financial inclusion targets. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Bashir Rabe Mani

The Nigerian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Amb. Ibrahim Alhussaini, has marked one year as Nigerias Ambassador to the country on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) also reports that the envoy used the occasion to host some members of the Nigerian community,including students, and members of the diplomatic corps to breaking of fast at his residence in Rabat.

This is contained in a statement from the Chancery, Embassy of Nigeria , Rabat, Morocco, issued to NAN on Wednesday, in Abuja.

The Ambassador conveyed the greetings of President Muhammadu Buhari and urged Nigerians and friends of Nigeria, to continue to pray for peace and stability in the country, as well as the peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections.

Alhussaini informed the gathering that this years month of Ramadan coincided with one year of his assumption of duties as Nigerias envoy to Morocco.

He thanked the Almighty Allah,SWT, and President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as His Majesty, King Mohammed VI, of the Kingdom of Morocco, as well as expressing gratitude to all the Embassy staff for their maximum cooperation in the discharge of his duties.

The Envoy also thanked the people of Morocco for their hospitality and friendliness.

This, he said, reflected not only in the excellent relationship between the President and the King, but between the nationals of both countries.

The local staff of the Mission presented the Ambassador with presents, thanking him for his good Leadership.

In his one year as Nigerias Envoy to Morocco, Alhussaini received several awards in recognition of his service, including Life Time Achievement Award by the Nigerian students in Morocco ( NISAM), Sardauna Students Association in Morocco, as well as Best Performing African Ambassador of the year 2021, by King Mohammed VI.

Others were the Award of Excellence by AlQurawiyyan University in the City of Fez, while the Ambassador was also among the six Ambassadors awarded with a Medal of the American Legation in Tangier by the United States ( US), in the Kingdom of Morocco.( NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Ruth Oketunde

A civil society organisation, Youth Alive Foundation (YAF) has called on the government to fully implement the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act to protect affected persons from further pain.

YAF Executive Director, Udy Akpan, made the call in a statement signed by Chamberlain Etukudoh, Head, Communication Unit of the Foundation on Wednesday in Abuja.

Akpan, while reacting to the death of popular gospel singer, Mrs Osinachi Nwachukwu, who allegedly died as a result of spousal abuse, said it was time to put an end to the culture of silence.

She said while the VAPP Act was indeed passed in 2015, it was still at varying stages of adoption at the state levels, making it difficult to reap its benefits.

Akpan, while calling on women and girls to leave any abusive relationship that threaten their wellbeing, also advised Nigerians to desist from stigmatising victims of such relationships.

Youth Alive Foundation has raised concerns over the culture of silence by women and girls in abusive relationships.

The society has made girls and women believe it is her responsibility to keep the marriage or relationship together at all cost.

Even if the cost it requires her life, it seems somehow more acceptable than to be unmarried or divorced.

Due to the culture of silence, violence and other harmful practices have become deep-rooted and difficult to battle.

Many have died and others maimed in a bid to not disrupt the almost sacred silence.

We are working with other civil society organisations on the Safeguarding Against Violence and Exploitation (SAVE) project in various states to advocate for the adoption and implementation of the VAPP Act, she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Yahaya Isah

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it will ensure thorough investigation into the cause of its Super Mushshak trainer aircraft crash that occurred on Tuesday at NAF Base, Kaduna.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwwt, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to him, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, said this when he visited the families, friends and colleagues of the two pilots who lost their lives in the tragic incident.

They are: Flt.- Lt. Abubakar Alkali and Flt.-Lt. Elijah Karatu.

Amao, however, constituted an Accident Investigation Board upon receiving the sad news of the crash to determine the immediate and remote causes of the crash.

The CAS assured the officers, airmen and airwomen of 401 Flying Training School (FTS ), Kaduna, that all measures would be emplaced to avert similar occurrence in the future.

He also reminded them on the need to remain steadfast and focused on their assigned roles and responsibilities in view of the onerous task before NAF and other security agencies.

This, he said, was to enable them to continue to rid the North-West and indeed the entire nation of all criminal elements.

The unfortunate incident of trainer aircraft crash is yet again a tragic reminder of the perilous nature of the military flying profession as well as the risks NAF pilots continually take daily t

Source: NAN News

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The first lady, Aisha Buhari, has called on Muslims faithful to use the Ramadan period to intensify prayers for lasting peace and security in Nigeria.

Buhari made the call on Tuesday night when she hosted wives of service chiefs and other top government functionaries to a Ramadan breakfast at the State House, Abuja.

She said the Almighty God has provided Nigerians with another opportunity to dedicate themselves in fasting and prayers to ensure peace and development of the country.

The first lady also urged Nigerians to extend good virtues of sharing, love, support, forgiveness and sacrifice for the betterment of mankind and Nigeria.

Buhari, while expressing her gratitude to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to witness the 2022 Ramadan, expressed optimism that the period would provide the country with abundance peace and tranquility.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ramadan fast is one of the five pillars of Islam which provides an opportunity for Muslim ummah to intensify prayers in humility and the fear of God.

The fasting period is also to extend good virtues of sharing, forgiveness, love, peace and sacrifices for the betterment of mankind and the society.

The dignitaries who attended the event include wives of ministers and other Nigerian women who unanimously expressed their appreciation to the first lady for her commitment to peaceful coexistence of Nigeria. (NAN).

Source: NAN News

By Rita Iliya

The Secretary to Niger Government, Alhaji Ahmed Matane, says the government has invested more than N3 billion in the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) for the provision of transformers, service lines and other services for communities.

Matane announced this during a news conference in Minna on Wednesday.

The AEDC on April 15 issued a notice to disconnected all government facilities from power supply over N1.9 billion debt the state government was owning the company.

The company went ahead to disconnect all government facilities such as the state house of assembly complex, state secretariat, office of the Secretary to the Niger government, water board and all government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Matane said that the state government was only owing the company only N1 billion of which about 50 per cent of the debt was inherited from the previous administration.

He refuted the claims by AEDC that the state government was owing the company N1.9 billion, explaining that the state government instead invested more than N3 billion into the company to purchase of transformers and other light services.

Matane said that the state government had been paying N46 million to the company monthly, adding that government had engaged a private consultant to verify the validity of the claims made by AEDC.

He noted that the present administration was a responsible government that had always created an enabling environment for investors and private organisations to thrive.

He assured the public that efforts were ongoing to ensure water supply to residents as soon as possible.

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has underscored the need for effective regulations in harnessing the gains of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for global relevance.

Sylva said for Nigeria to continue to be relevant at the global stage it must design regulations that could balance the energy base load for Nigeria.

Sylva said this while declaring open a stakeholders consultation forum on draft regulations under the PIA on Wednesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)reports that the draft regulations were prepared by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in conjunction with the Presidential Steering Committee on the PIA.

The premier consultative forum was aimed at ensuring inputs and considerations of oil and gas stakeholders on the draft regulations for smooth implementation of the PIA.

The regulations include: Host communities development: Petroleum royalty: Upstream fess and rent: Domestic gas delivery obligations: Nigeria conversation; and Licencing regulations.

Sylva said effective regulations would ensure that Nigeria was not left behind in the energy transition train while still harnessing our rich natural hydrocarbon reserves.

The minister expressed hope that the input from various stakeholders would further clarify the draft regulations and eventual firming up of the final regulations for use.

According to the minister, government has a mandate of ensuring sound management of the oil and gas sector considering the key role the sector plays in revenue generation for the country.

He said it was on this background that the Presidential Steering Committee on PIA, which he chaired, played the pivotal role in collaborating with NUPRC in drafting the first set of regulations for review.

He commended the effort of the commission in the preparation of those draft regulations to beat the deadline set by the law for the commencement of the implementation of the PIA.

I am hopeful that the regulationswhen fully implemented will help in no small measure in the smooth take-off of the day-to-day operations of the NUPRC, he added.

Recall that on Aug. 16, 2021, President Muhammadu Buhari assented to the PIA after the National Assembly passed the bill.

Sylva said that the eventual assent signaled a new era and opportunities in the oil and gas sector of the economy after almost two decades of unsuccessful efforts to have the law passed in Nigeria.

Sylva, while decrying challenges posed by huge divestments in the hydrocarbon explorations by oil majors in the past due to global energy transition called for more innovative ways in fossil fuel exploitation and exploration in Nigeria.

In a remark, Mr Gbenga Komolafe,Commission Chief Executive,NUPRC said the forum was expected to discuss and finalise the draft Regulations in line with Section 216 of the PIA 2021.

Komolafe said besides the statutory imperative on the part of the commission to have the regulations finalised on time, there was also the compelling need for the nation to conclude the regulations-making process for PIA implementation.

This, he said, would enable Nigeria to hedge against the impact of energy transition and take advantage of the oil and gas supply gap resulting from the current developments in Russia and Ukraine.

We are conscious of prioritising regulations to meet the timelines in the PIA. As such, this first phase of the stakeholders engagement will capture burning issues on the implementation in line with Section 235 of the PIA.

And also finalising the 2020 bid round through issuance of Petroleum Prospecting Licence (PPL) in line with Section 94 (2) of the PIA and a host of others, the CCE said.

The CCE was optimistic that all grey areas would receive adequate clarification with a view to giving meaning to the intent of the PIA for user-friendly implementation and attractive investments.

Source: NAN News

By Ugonne Uzoma

No fewer than 150 underprivileged women were empowered to start up drink distribution business on Wednesday in Owerri by the Guinness Empowerment programme.

The women were trained on business management strategies for profitability and assigned supervising sales officers to guide them in the businesses.

Speaking at the programme, the Corporate Relations Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr Rotimi Odushola, said the programme was conceived as a way of giving back to key stakeholders.

Odushola said the targeted beneficiaries were underprivileged women with entrepreneurial instincts who would hopefully start up their businesses with the materials provided at the programme.

He added the company believes in diversity, women inclusion and other economically disadvantaged members of society.

Odushola said they would continue to monitor the beneficiaries and provide them with connections to sustain their businesses as a way of helping them to stand on their feet economically.

Also speaking at the programme, a Manager at Guinness, Mrs Olanike Onakoya, said the exercise was a reflection of the companys policy on gender inclusion and women empowerment.

Onakoya while highlighting the need for gender parity expressed hope that it would be achieved through women empowerment.

She, however, urged the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity.

Onakoya said that the programme would not only teach the women how to maximise profits but also provide economic uplift and improve self-esteem.

Earlier, the Chief Economic Adviser to the Imo Government, Prof. Kenneth Amaechi, commended the company for its efforts at improving the lives of women.

Amaechi added that the programme would have massive impact on the economy of the state and urged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the opportunity.

Speaking, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs Mavis Okoro, while appreciating the facilitators commended the women for recognising the benefits for participating in the programme.

Okoro also encouraged them to put in their best and diligently follow the guidance of their assigned supervisors to ensure they succeed.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the women were given free drinks for sale, coolers and umbrellas to start up their businesses. (NAN)

Source: NAN News