The Ijegun-Egba Tankfarm Owners and Operators Association has committed to the supply of 40 trucks of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise called petrol, to the Federal capital Territory (FCT) daily.

The programme would begin from Monday all through the week and beyond.

The association also announced that its members collectively had 106 million litres of PMS in stock, which it had agreed to load and truck accordingly.

These were some of the resolutions reached at an emergency meeting of the owners/chief executive officers of the association held on Sunday in Lagos.

A communique at the end of the meeting was signed by the chairman of the association, Mr Adebowale Olujimi and the associations secretary, Eshiet E. Eshie.

The association resolved that: in line with our transparent posture, we wish to put it on record that we collectively have approximately 106 Million litres in stock and will load and truck same accordingly.

That all Tankfarms within the Ijegun-Egba axis are committed to load and supply 40 trucks of PMS per day to Abuja, FCT to address and augment energy supply and energy security in Federal Capital Territory.

They also resolved that: The Owners/CEOs, having considered the energy situation in the country, committed themselves as credible businessmen and women to work assiduously with the Federal Government and their Agencies to ensure effective and efficient distribution of petroleum products in the nation.

The Meeting commended the effort of the Government in addressing the energy situation in the country, especially in making PMS available despite the volatility of same globally.

That in line with our collective corporate values, all members of Ijegun-Egba Tankfarm Owners will continue to maintain and ensure full compliance with government regulated and stipulated price of PMS, and as such no Tankfarm should sell or price PMS above the Government regulated price.

Any Tankfarm within the Ijegun-Egba axis that defaults or fails or neglects to operate in full compliance with the regulated price should be sanctioned accordingly.

To underscore transparency and our good faith in ensuring effective product distribution across the Nation, we are committed to work with and cooperate with all Government Agencies and Security Agencies regarding our members operational plans, loading plans and pricing.

The association pledged to avail the regulatory agencies with its members books for scrutiny whenever same is required.

It also stated that members are collectively expecting consignments in the next few days, and would load and truck to ensure energy stability and security.

To further complement Governments efforts, plans and policies we commit ourselves to work 24 hours to ensure seamless loading, trucking and distribution of petroleum products, especially PMS from the Ijegun-Egba axis.

That Tankfarms will run and continue to run their operations transparently, openly and will account for their operational plans, loading and pricing to the Government at all times.

It laude governments effort to address the volatility in product distribution and agreed that any Tankfarm that sabotages the governments plans or policies by pricing above the government regulated price should be held responsible.

To ensure and guarantee effective implementation of the agreed resolutions, the Meeting mandated the Chairman, either on his own or through officers of the Association or agents to monitor the operational activities, loading and pricing by the Tankfarms.

The Chairman was further mandated to exercise this oversight function in conjunction with the regulatory or security agencies.

Members of the association in attendance include Alhaji Auwalu Abdullahi Rano GMD, A.A.Rano Ltd; Engr Johnson Oboh Peters GMD, Menj Oil Ltd; Chief Peter Chinedu GMD, Chipet Oil Ltd; Dr Gabriel Ogbechie GMD, Rainoil Ltd; Mrs Judith Ogbara CEO, Stallionaire Ltd; Mr Olutayo Awogboro MD, Aipec Oil Ltd; and, Princess Adedoyin MD, First Royal Oil Ltd.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Lizzy Okoji

Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, says Nigeria must promote its national interest positively to be accepted globally.

Gambari made the call on Saturday in Abuja at the book launch of a Nigerian Former Ambassador, Mohammed Ibrahim titled With Heart and Might: 33 Years In the Nigerian Diplomatic Service.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book, a memoir of Ibrahims life as a Foreign Service Officer highlights some of the challenges in the Foreign Service, Nigerias Foreign policies with recommendations for improvements.

Gambari commended the author for the initiative, urging Foreign Policy experts to articulate Nigerias Foreign Policy to promote the countrys interests, stands on global issues which must be interdream with national policies.

Foreign policy is not just about theories but an external projection of the values we have as a nation, it is also a promotion of our national interest and our world views.

Therefore, we need to continue to struggle to build a national consensus behind the articulation design, defense of our national interest in the new millennium.

Which is based on the promotion of peace and security, sustainable development as well as the development and democratization at home and abroad.

In this regards, Nigeria must continue to establish both in principle and in practice that it is no longer enough to see what the country can do for others.

But what we can do together with others in the pursuit of our common interest.

It is our duty at the diplomacy to persuade others that it is in their own interest to try to support us with what we promote and propose as our national interest.

If you do not agree with this, just look at what Israel has managed to do with the United States, they made their interest the interest of the United States in the articulation and promotion.

Because you are adding to your prestige when other countries adopt as their interest what you decide.

And, that is why you have to recruit the best and the brightest to not only define your interest but let other people define their interest in your own interest, Gambari, said.

He said that building African Institutions like the Lake Chad Basin Commission, ECOWAS, the African Union, African Development Bank had become a distinct feature of the Buharis Administrations Foreign Policy and our Countrys diplomacy.

The biggest asset we have as a nation today is the credit and credibility that President Muhammadu Buhari enjoys in our subregion, in Africa, the middle East, and the world at large.

So, how do we take advantage and try to institutionalize that credit and credibility which he has brought to our nation even beyond his tenure.

Because he has warned that come 2023 after may he is going to lead by example.

So, when he frowns at extension of term limits, when he frowns at amendments of the constitution to suit particular persons in office, he is leading by example, Gambari said.

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno said that all great nations have clearly defined foreign policies, which entail the Defence of the territorial integrity of the nation.

Zulum who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Isa Marte said that defined Foreign policies also entails the protection of the interests of her citizens both within and outside the country.

He, however, lamented the lack of national passion and commitment in the Countries Foreign Policy Foray in present days.

This he noted were some of the challenges highlighted by the writer which should be urgently addressed as a nation.

For the first three decades of her independence, apart from the protection of Nigerias territorial integrity, there was no foreign policy issue that Nigeria had pursued with unrelenting commitment.

As the fight against colonialism in Africa and ending Apartheid in South Africa.

Since successfully bringing these inhuman vices against Africa and the Blackman to an end, Nigeria has not taken up any foreign policy foray with the same national passion and commitment.

This continues to be one of the major challenges of our foreign policy, Zulum said.

Ibrahim told NAN that the book sought to spur young Foreign Service Officer to use their position to take Nigeria back to its place of prestige in the Sub-region, continental and global pedestal.

NAN reports that also present at the event was the Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Gabriel Aduda, retired Ambassadors, amongst others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Florence Onuegbu

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Into Skills for Care and Corporate Ltd., on Saturday called for improved elderly and child care services in Nigeria.

Its Director, Ms Titilayo Shonubi, made the call in Lagos during the unveiling of Care Academy and the graduation of trainees for care services.

Shonubi decried the lack of professional care services in Nigeria, and suggested that it was high time Nigeria and Nigerians adopted professional care services, especially for the elderly, so they could live more meaningful lives.

She said that the firm, in collaboration with care organisations in the United Kingdom, were training Nigerians on acceptable care standard for the elderly and children.

In Nigeria, we see keeping our elderly ones in a care home as a taboo, but that is wrong. It is high time we begin to see the advantages in doing so.

Most people engage in different works; when they leave their elderly ones just sit at home bored, but when in a care home, they will relate with their peers on the same level and continue with activities they love to do.

These activities will help to stimulate their brains and earn them more active years.

I believe we need more of professional care homes in Nigeria to also ease the stress of caring for the children. That is why Into Skills for Care is training people to become professionals in this field.

We train you on the 15 standard care certificate, which is the minimum certificate needed to work in the UK, Shonubi said.

Another Director in the company, Miss Tomi Banjoko, said that the firm was especially using the tier two visa opportunity given by the UK for healthcare professionals to give more Nigerians the opportunity to relocate to the UK.

Banjoko said the firm was training interested persons to prepare them to become skilled care workers in the UK standard.

She said that the training was to help Nigerians get into the UK easily by becoming care givers.

According to her, the UK recently launched its tier two visa, where it is bringing in healthcare professionals from all over the world, because there is shortage of healthcare staff.

We are not only training people, but we also help with other important aspects of the relocation. We work with about five care firms in the UK, looking to recruiting and link our trainees with them.

These firms cater for whatever is needed for the relocation, including an initial three-year stay and work visa, one month accommodation, health insurance, among other benefits.

The six weeks training is based on UK standard, so our trainees are familiar with questions when they attend interviews.

We also work on their curriculum vitae, so they are relevant to the positions being applied for and are more attractive to prospective employers.

About 32 persons were trained in the first batch, while the training for the second batch of 30 candidates is ongoing, and another class will start on April 16, she said.

One of the trainees, Ms Linda Papo, said that the training had exposed her to the care world, especially for the elderly.

It was through this training that I was able to properly care for my mother, who had dementia and diabetes. I have had three placements so far, and now I can say I have a career in the care field, Papo said.

Another trainee, Mr Tobi Cole, said the training had showed him that he could make money through his personal traits of having passion for people.

Cole said that care service entailed perseverance and empathy for people, looking beyond oneself and putting people first. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

The Argentinianwas absent from training on Saturday due to flu, and PSG have confirmed he is out of their plans for the fixture.

PSG came into the weekend with a 15-point lead over nearest rivals Marseille and Nice at the top of Ligue 1.

Already this means Messi remains on course to land a major trophy in his first season at the Parc des Princes.

However, the former FC Barcelona captain, who scored a record 672 goals for the Catalan giants, has struggled to make the impact he would have wanted in the French capital.

To date, he has only two Ligue 1 goals from 18 appearances, although he has managed 10 assists and hit the woodwork eight times in the competition.

Injuries and illness have hampered Messis progress, and now PSG will hope his latest absence is a short one.

Without Messi, PSG still have a substantial attacking threat.

Kylian Mbappe, who began his career at Monaco,has scored nine goals in eight games against his former employers in Ligue 1, netting more only against Dijon (11).

Indeed, Mbappe has scored PSGslast five goals against Monaco in the competition.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino is set to take charge of his 50th game as a coach in Ligue 1.

He averages 2.29 points per game in the French top-flight.

Only his two predecessors at PSG, Unai Emery and Thomas Tuchel, havea better points-per-game record in the history of the league.

This is based on a win being worththree points, and both are with 2.37 points per game.(dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng

Source: NAN News

By Sylvester Thompson

Dr Victoria Enape, President, Chartered Institute of Forensic and Investigative Professionals of Nigeria (CIFIPIN), has urged the Federal Government to assent to the bill establishing the Institute.

Enape made the call at a news conference in Abuja on Saturday.

She said that the Chartered Institute of Forensic and Investigative Professionals Bill, 2021, had scaled through all the legislative hurdles of the 9th National Assembly and was currently before the president for assent.

She said forensic investigation was not only vital for the restoration of the nations economy but crucial in the fight against fraud, corruption and cybercrime.

According to her, this is in line with the policy thrust of President Muhammadu Buharis administration.

Enape said that government was open minded towards any laudable initiative which is geared towards enhancing the relevant legal and institutional frameworks in the country.

She said that any proposal or proposed legislation in this regards should be painstakingly considered, based on merit.

Enape, however, stressed that the fight against fraud, corruption and cybercrime in the country should be seen as an all-inclusive fight.

It should not be limited by any propaganda of any existing organisation who are determined to arrogate the right to regulate certain sector of our economy to themselves alone, she said.

She said as a nation, Nigerians must put on thinking caps to ensure collaboration and synergy with the rest of the world as this will match the high tech level of crimes in todays digital revolution. (NAN)(www.nannews ng)

Source: NAN News

By Lucy Ogalue

The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has expressed deepened commitment to the actualisation of the sealink project in the country.

Mr Emmanuel Jime, NSCs Executive Secretary, said this when the Chairperson, Sealink Transnational Company, Mrs Dabney Shall-Holma, led a team to visit him on Friday in Abuja.

According to Jime, the NSC has a mandate to protect shippers and ensure their ease of doing business in the country.

He, therefore, said the council would do all that was neccessary to support the committee responsible for realising the sealink project.

Jime explained that the sealink was an initiative put in place to bridge the infrastructure gap in the nations maritime domain.

He said: There is no way that any nation can be effective in its trade unless there is connectivity through the waterways.

I will like to commend the vision of those who initiated this project.

Advocacy is our responsibility here at the shippers council and this has to do with the fact that the council is essentially to protect shippers.

But we are also in the position to engage in the kind of activity that ultimately benefits them. Advocacy is what we are going to do in partnership with you, Jime said.

He restated the need for Nigeria to own its vessel, saying that it would promote the ability of Nigerian shippers to take advantage of the infrastructure (sealink) that would be developed.

On the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFA ), Jime said to effectively participate in that platform, Nigerians need to develop infrastructure that would respond to that emerging situation.

And I believe sealink has a strategic place as far as the development of our trade facilitation is concerned.

It helps in promotion of inland waterways operation for bulk commodities towards trade diversification of Nigeria economy.

Movement of cargo is key as far as our mandate is concerned.

So anything that will engender and enable the environment, such that Nigerian Shippers can take advantage of in evolving trade environment, we have a duty at shippers council to fully get engaged and participate in the process, he added.

Jime said: not only are we (NSC) going to be partners with you, from now on, if there is any effort that needs to be put in place that requires the shippers councils presence, be assured that we will be there all the way.

Earlier, the Managing Director of NEXIM Bank, represented by his Technical Adviser, Mr Hope Yongo, also expressed the banks commitment to the project.

NEXIM remains committed to the project and to ensure that we expand Nigerias export basket.

To make sure that being the dominant economy in Africa, we take our pride of place as a major trading partner and that can only happen with connectivity.

We need the support of the transportation sector and that is why we are here for a joint advocate.

We are hopeful to launch the sealink for both continental and inland waterways in June. We want to thicken and broaden Nigerian exports, he said.

On her part, Shall-Holma, said the committee was in partnership with several stakeholders to ensure the realisation of the project.

Shippers council has always been there through the process, what we want now is for you to be actively involved, she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Aderogba George

The FCT Chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has appealed to the authorities of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) not to abruptly terminate the management concession agreement between it and the NISA Medical Group.

NISA manages the General Hospital, Garki, Abuja, on behalf of the FCTA under a 15-year concession agreement.

NMA FCT Chairman, Dr Enema Amodu, made the appeal on Friday at a news conference saying that the one month termination notice given by the FCT Administration (FCTA) to the NISA Medical Group was not a fair one.

He said it had also become necessary to shelve the planned contract termination because some NMA members and other medical personnel in the hospital were currently undergoing post-graduate programmes in the hospital , in addition to the freshly graduated doctors who were also doing their housemanship in the facility.

On the abrupt termination of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement between the NISA Medical Group and the FCTA at Garki hospital, the NMA FCT totally and completely rejects the position of the FCTA.

FCTA move will terminate the post-graduate medical training of doctors, as well as internship programmes of doctors, pharmacists and nurses who are currently running their programmes in the institution.

These prgrammes require a definite period for proper completion and exit. These accredited programmes are supervised by the highly exalted National Post-Graduate Medical College of Nigeria and other similar international bodies, he stressed.

Amodu advised that if the FCTA was terminating the concession agreement because of an alleged N131 million the NISA Medical Group was owing it, both parties should meet to resolve it.

It appealed to the FCTA to reconsider its stance on the termination of the contract.

According to him, the NMA FCT has noted with dismay the irregular and haphazard spate of posting of house officers to the hospital by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

He expressed the associations displeasure over the practice, pointing out that that the statutory period of housemanship for fresh graduates of medical school was sacrosanct.

He called for a reorganization of the process to achieve a seamless transition and placement of the medical doctors.

Amodu stated that the present situation was unacceptable, and that it fell below the expectations of the desired goal, saying that a bigger problem has been created with the central posting.

He recommended that the Federal Ministry of Health should revert to the previous state of allowing institutions to recruit and pay the doctors to forestall the unnecessary bottlenecks presently being experienced.

The NMA FCT Chairman also recommended a universal applicability of the proposed new hazard allowance to every medical doctor and health worker, irrespective of his duty post.

He said that every health personnel was exposed to the hazards of the profession wherever he was practising and, therefore, deserved to be paid accordingly.

He commended the Federal Government on the availability of COVID-19 vaccine, saying that most people have received the booster dose.

He said there was need for the government to also pay attention to other infectious diseases such as Lassa fever, cholera and malaria that affect the lower class of people.

Amodu also called on the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to solve the persistent fuel shortage in the country.

He said the situation had severely affected the practice of medicine as health workers were finding it difficult to get to their workplaces to discharge their duties.

He also called for frequent and compulsory medical check-ups for health workers to guide against any form of ailment.

Mr Moses Ebute (SAN), Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association, Abuja branch, who was also at the news conference condemned the one month notice given by the FCTA to NISA medical group.

He said that the legal profession was particularly concerned that the word abrupt termination used by the FCTA shows that it had even ended the contract without giving room for further discussion.

According to him, if the NISA Medical Group is unable to vacate the building within the one month notice given by the FCTA, it must not be evicted as the one-month notice is not enough. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Ifeanyi Olannye

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has advised citizens and communities to eschew hostilities and embrace peaceful living.

The governor gave the advice in Asaba on Friday while receiving the report of the Judicial Panel of Enquiry into intra-communal crisis in Evwreni in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

According to him, there is a need for communities to realise that there is no alternative to peace.

He said that any community that gets into trouble does not really look at the future of its people, because as long as there is trouble in any community, families are impacted negatively.

Okowa assured that the commissions report would be processed with a view to raising a White Paper that would permanently resolve the lingering crisis in the community.

He commended the chairman and members of the judicial panel for their painstaking effort in turning in their report on time.

The governor said that the government would continue to focus on peace-building in the state.

I want to reassure you that as a State Executive Council, we are going to look at the report very closely and constitute a committee to produce a white paper as quickly as we can, so that we can make decisions.

Theres no alternative to peace in our state. As a state, from the very day we got in on May 29, 2015, we have continued to stay focused on peace-building in our state, realising that a peaceful environment will be in a position to develop the state and attract investors.

With peace, our people can live in such a manner that they are happy with themselves, and God has helped us in that regard.

But, we have to continue to ensure that the peace is sustained, he said.

The governor said that Nigeria was bedeviled with security and other economic challenges but God had helped his administration in managing peace in the state.

Nigeria today is very troubled, but by Gods grace, we will continue to manage the peace in Delta State.

Obviously, we have our security challenges but we have been able to work hard with several arms of government involved in peace building and conflict resolution.

So we are glad that this panel has added its efforts by this report in helping us to build peace in Evwreni area.

Insecurity does not give room for development of any community and even for investors to come in.

It is our hope that the people of Evwreni community will realise that enough is enough and that they have done a lot of damage to themselves, and that there is a need to embrace peace, he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Judicial Commission of Enquiry, Justice Michael Obi, while submitting the report, said that the panel received 23 memoranda from parties involved in the dispute during the public hearings of the Panel.

He said that the crisis in the community led to a number of deaths, created massive destruction of property, caused displacement of persons and almost crippled socio-cultural and economic activities in the community.

Obi disclosed that the panel came up with seven recommendations for consideration by the State Executive Council.

These, he said, would help the state government to entrench sustainable peace and unity in the community.

He thanked the governor for finding him and members of the panel worthy to serve.

Oni said that the assignment afforded them a unique opportunity of ascertaining the possible causes and solutions to the intra-communal crisis in Evwreni. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Ikechukwu Iweajunwa

Gunmen on Saturday attacked the Umuguma Police station in Owerri West council area of Imo and killed two officers on duty.

According to an eyewitness, who narrated the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) but pleaded anonymity, said the hoodlums came in two Toyota Hilux vehicles and attacked the station with an explosive device.

The source said two officers were seen dead at the station after the attackers left for an unknown destination.

He further narrated that while one of the officers was killed and cut with a machete, the other victim died at a water dispensing stand where he went to drink water after he was shot in one of his legs while trying to escape.

A NAN reporter, who visited the scene, confirmed that no fewer than 12 vehicles parked at the police station and the roof of the station were burnt by the explosives used in attacking the station.

Confirming the incident, the spokesman of Imo police command CSP Michael Abattam, said the hoodlums were repelled by the officers on guard.

I can confirm that there was an attack on the Umuguma police station, but the hoodlums were immediately repelled, he said, indicating that police have mounted serious manhunt for the hoodlums, he said. (NAN) ()

Source: NAN News

By Olaide Ayinde

Tragedy struck on Friday in Bauchi State, as three people lost their lives, while 16 others sustained various injuries in a lone auto crash.

Mr Yusuf Abdullahi, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),confirmed the incident in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Bauchi.

According to him, the accident which involved a commercial Toyota Hiace bus, belonging to Jigawa Sunrise, occurred in Kurosha village, along the Bauchi-Kano road.

The Sector Commander, who explained that the accident occurred at around 6:13 p.m., said it took the personnel of the corps barely eight minutes to arrive at the crash scene to clear the site.

He blamed the cause of the crash on speed violation and loss of control.

About 20 people were involved in the crash, made up of 18 male adults, one female adult and a female child.

Three male adults lost their lives on the spot, 16 people, including 15 male adults and a female adult sustained injuries, while the only soul unscathed was the female child, he said.

Abdullahi explained that both the remains of the deceased and those injured had been taken to Ningi General Hospital.(NAN) ().

Source: NAN News

By Ifeanyi Olannye

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Friday commiserated with the family of late publisher of Hallmark Newspapers, Prince Emeka Obasi, who died on Tuesday at age of 58.

Okowas condolence message is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Friday in Asaba.

He described the passing of Obasi as a tragic loss to his family and the media.

Okowa also consoled with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) over the loss.

He also sympathised with Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre (PPRAC), organisers of the annual Zik Prize in Leadership Awards, over the loss of the veteran journalist and former Commissioner for Information in Abia.

Okowa noted that Obasi would be long remembered for his invaluable contributions to journalism profession, including founding the National Mirror and Business Hallmark newspapers.

On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of a patriotic Nigerian, Prince Emeka Obasi, who was Publisher of the Business Hallmark Newspapers.

Prince Obasi will be remembered for his passion for the journalism profession and contributions to good governance in Nigeria, particularly for the setting up of PPRAC and was privileged to be honoured in December, 2020.

I join Nigerians and the media community to condole his wife, Dr Betty Obasi, the children, friends, associates and well wishers over the passing of a consummate journalist and patriot.

It is my prayers that God will comfort them and grant them fortitude to bear the loss, Okowa said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

BY Zainab Oyekan

Dr Martin Adejo, a medical expert, has attributed grey hair in people to genetic, stress, disease and some vitamin deficiencies.

He said that grey hair was not just for the aged as could be seen across all ages which had made both the aged and young to feel at home with the growth.

Adejo responded to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) survey on grey hair in Jos on Friday.

He said that some people could have grey hair very early in life from their primary or post primary schools but that did not imply they were diseased.

I said earlier, grey hair on young people could be as a result of genetic trend, stress due to type of life or work engaged in by the young person, lack of vitamins or disease, to be cock sure, medical checks are needed, he said.

Adejo said that growing of grey hair should not be a worrisome trait to anyone once medically certified sound, people should take the growth as a new trend .

Getting worried over growing grey hair is not a solution but attitudinal change to accept the growth as fashion trend and enjoy their looks, he advised.

NAN report further that some respondent said that growing grey-hair is no longer a source of worry to them because going grey now is a trend in fashion and no more a sign of old age.

Mrs Hannatu Bello, a 47-year-old woman, said that before now, she saw herself as being unkempt and was always worried about her appearance.

Bello said that since the grey hair changed the old norm of being a stigma, I have developed more confident in myself.

Mr Andrew Bello, said that before now he was always dying his grey hair but now everyone admired him and called him a silver fox handsome man.

I am just 58 years old and I am all grey and my beard turned grey too making me look handsomely; I get hear women say you look good and my wife is crazy about my look too, said Bello.

Mrs Angela Emeka, a 44-year-old woman, said she started having grey in her early twenties and was worried then but there was a paradigm shift in fashion now that had given her the courage to be proud of it.

There is a social shift from women fearing grey hair, getting old to loving and embracing it and its a global social change, said Emeka.

Miss Abigail Dung, a 20 year old young girl who dyed her hair grey, said celebrities all over the world now wear grey as the in-thing.

Miss Jumai Johnson, a teenager, who had a grey wig on said that grey hair was not just for older people but a colour for everyone.

This development has helped to remove stigma that the hair colour was associated with getting old, said Johnson.

NAN reports that many people confessed that the grey hair is no longer an issue of worry as they have learnt to keep themselves neat and appear decent at all times. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has returned from London after a routine medical check-up.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian leader departed Abuja for the routine medical check-up in London on March 6.

The president had earlier wanted to embark on the medical trip from Nairobi, Kenya after attending the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) at 50 in that country, on March 5, but returned to Nigeria on March 4.

The presidents spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, had on March 1, in a statement said that from Kenya, the president would proceed to London for routine medical checks that will last for a maximum of two weeks.

However, the president returned to Abuja on Friday at about 1.p.m. before embarking on the London trip on March 6.

While in London, the president was believed to have met with the Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee (CECC), Mai Mala Buni.

The president, at the end of the London meeting with Buni, called on Governors of the All progressives Congress (APC) to stop further utterances that lead to disunity ahead of the National Convention.

A statement by the Presidents spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, on Wednesday in Abuja, said the president made the call via a letter he personally signed, and addressed to Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State.

Bagudu is also the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum.

NAN reports that the presidential aircraft carrying the president landed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 7:09 p.m. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), says Nigeria has recorded tremendous breakthrough in import reduction by cumulatively saving N5.03 trillion between 2017 and 2020.

The minister disclosed this at the closing ceremony of the 2022 STI Expo in Abuja, on Friday.

Onu said the figure was derived from the data generated by the United Nations Harmonised System Code and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

He said, due to advancement in STI, the nation had become a home for start-ups, as technology had been transferred to many of the nations micro, small and medium size enterprises.

Onu said, in the past six years, the country had made significant breakthrough in providing remedy to major diseases in form of drugs and medicine derived from our indigenous natural ingredients.

He added that the country had made much progress in the development of new drugs, at different levels of certification, including clinical trials.

In the areas of agriculture and food security, Onu said that the nations efforts are highly commendable.

He added, through research and innovation, efforts are ongoing to provide food security, as well as agro-raw materials for industries.

The minister said that Nigerian youths have been encouraged to actively participate in the STI sub-sector through studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

On gender balance and sensitivity, he said, we embarked on gender-sensitive programmes to make STI inclusive.

This is to improve the participation of girls and women in scientific research and innovation activities.

Earlier, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, said STI had been helpful in the production of solar panels to provide electricity to rural primary healthcare centres.

Ehanire said, inter-ministerial cooperation is needed to achieve meaningful breakthrough in the delivery of healthcare services to Nigerians.

Also speaking, Prof. Alpha Tejan, Sierra Leonean Minister of Higher Education, expressed appreciation to Nigeria for helping to bring back peace to his country.

Highlight of the closing ceremony was the presentation of different awards to deserving winners during the expo. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Oluwafunke Ishola

Lions Club International says it has impacted over 274 million people globally as of February 2022 through its various interventionist health, environment and empowerment programmes.

The clubs former International Director, Mr H.O.B Lawal, disclosed this on Friday in Lagos during the Lions Day celebration with the theme: NGOs Impact on Global Health.

According to Lawal, Africans account for 15.4 million of the 274 million people reached by the club, adding that 3.12 million people were served in the areas of diabetes disease interventions.

He said that 1.2 million were reached with childhood cancer interventions, 12 million were served with vision programmes, 2.56 million for hunger relief; environment accounted for 2.57 million, while youth empowerment accounted for 4.7 million.

The above narratives are just a summary of the impact of one NGO (the Lions of MD404) on Health in Nigeria.

This, therefore, leads us to the conclusion that the scope and intensity of global health challenges are so enormous that no single country or agency can work alone to meet them, he said.

According to him, the theme of the event is apt, considering the plethora of COVID-19 induced deaths and health challenges bordering on poverty and hunger.

Here in Nigeria, apart from COVID-19 induced challenges, we have also experienced the seemingly intractable Boko Haram insurgency and other social unrest like kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, cultism, in the last 10 years, he said.

To contribute to shared global health objectives, Lawal said NGOs should partner with various international agencies and institutions to shape, fund, implement and evaluate global health policies and programmes.

Also, Mrs Omolola Anobili, Multiple Council Chairperson, Lions Club, said that Lions collaboration with the UN dated back to 1945 when Lions leaders assisted to develop the UN NGO Charter.

Anobili said that since then, both organisations have cooperated on many humanitarian ventures including Sight First and the School-in-a-Box programme.

According to her, the club had served humanity for over 100 years in areas like sight preservation and restoration; measles eradication, diabetes awareness, pediatric cancer, among others.

She said that the club would continue to be a beacon of inspiration, hope, and a supporter that makes a difference in the communities and lives of people globally.

Prof. Wale Oke, Provost, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, said that global health focused on research and practices that prioritise health improvement, reduction of health disparities and protect against global threats that disregardnational borders.

Oke noted that global health emphasised problems that transcended national budget, but had political and economic impact globally.

He noted that in 2020, Lions Club in different countries assisted with COVID-19 response through the provision of medicine, foods and relief packages.

According to him, the club donated N5 million to the Lagos State Government COVID-19 response against the pandemic.

Oke noted that NGOs in many countries had become alternatives to public sector service delivery and brought solutions to longstanding development issues arising from governments inefficiencies.

Similarly, Dr Memunat Esan, Cluster Consultant, World Health Organisation (WHO), Lagos Office, said that Lions Club had partnered in several WHO programmes on sight prevention, childhood cancer, among others.

Esan said that the club had given about seven million dollars in grant to establish pediatric eye centres in several WHO regions, noting that 46 of such centres were functional globally.

Also, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said that no government had the resources to undertake all its developmental projects.

Salako-Oyedele commended Lions Club for its strides in improving access to healthcare for citizens, noting that Ogun state had benefited immensely from its medical outreach and interventions.

She added that the state would strengthen its partnership with the club to make life easier for its people. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

The parents of a Scottish garage owner said they found out their son was fighting in Ukraine after he failed to meet them at the airport on their return from holiday.

Adam Ennis, 35, from Biggar, southwest of Edinburgh, has reportedly left Scotland to join 50 men from around the world to defend the streets of Kyiv.

His father Brian, who was in Thailand with his wife and daughter for three months, told BBC Scotland it was a shock to discover their son had gone to fight.

Adam was due to pick us up at the airport, he said.

But his friend picked us up instead.

His friend wasnt going to say anything until Adam spoke to us.

So we were not aware until he phoned us that evening. He was already in Ukraine at a camp.

Adam Ennis has no military experience, but his father said he knows how to handle weapons and is a crack shot.

Ennis said he was worried for his sons safety but also proud of his decision to go and support Ukraine.

As any parents, you never want to see a loved one in any danger, and it has caused us a lot of anxious nights.

We are worried, but he has done it for the right reasons. He hasnt done it for glory, he is not silly. He is a level-headed person and when he got there he said he had no regrets, he said.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that any Scot wishing to fight should think carefully about what we can do to support Ukraine that is actually helpful and meaningful.

She has previously said she would not encourage people with no military experience or training to go and fight.

UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has also urged Britons not to travel to Ukraine to join the fighting as he said the very dangerous situation could lead to them being killed.

He said there were better ways to contribute to the security of Ukraine. (dpa/NAN) ()

Source: NAN News

By Monday Ijeh

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says former Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra is currently in its custody undergoing interrogation after his arrest on Thursday.

Mr Wilson Uwujaren, the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFFC, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

He said Obiano who arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, was brought to Abuja on Friday morning.

The EFCC spokesman said the former governor had not been released as being speculated in some sections of the media.

The former governor is currently in our custody undergoing interrogation and I can not say exactly when he will be released. I dont know how long the exercise will take.

All I can tell you now is that he is still in the EFCC custody in Abuja, he said.

Uwujaren further clarified that he was not aware of the arrest of the wife of the former governor, Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano, as also being speculated in the media.

NAN reports that Obiano was arrested by the EFCC on Thursday night, hours after his handover to the new Anambra governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

Source: NAN News

By Deji Abdulwahab

The National Gallery of Art (NGA) says it plans to build a befitting edifice that will house art works and visual artists in order to enhance art exhibition and revenue generation.

The Director-General of NGA, Mr Ebeten Ivara, made the disclosure on Thursday at the maiden International Art Fair in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Art Fair was organised by the NGA in collaboration with the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA).

Ivara said that the edifice would help in housing the national collection and hosting events such as the International Art Fair.

According to him, this will project Nigerian art, satisfy local and international art enthusiasts and ultimately generate good revenue for the government.

Indeed, since I assumed office, I scaled up efforts towards getting a gallery edifice for NGA.

I wish to state clearly that Nigeria is one of the few countries in Africa and in the world at large that do not have befitting edifices as their national galleries of Art.

The result is that most of the art works in our national collections are kept in un-conducive environment. This situation cannot continue.

I am determined to ensure that NGA gets a befitting edifice at the shortest possible time.

Besides having a conducive environment to display our art works, visual artists will now have alternative spaces to exhibit their work, he said.

According to the director-general, government will begin to make money as fees will be charged visitors who come to view the art works.

He added that a sculpture garden will be available for sculpture to do their work.

Ivara, who commended the SNA for its contribution towards the completion of the harmonised NGA Establishment Bill, said that the bill would be re-presented to the National Assembly for re-enactment.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who declared the art fair open, urged stakeholders in the creative sector to replace oil revenue earnings with earnings from arts, crafts and the creative sector.

Mohammed, who was represented by Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, the Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), said oil will finish one day. So, we need to replace oil with arts, crafts and creative sector

The minister praised the NGA for exhibiting and promoting local content.

Let me first and foremost commend the organisers of the exhibition which is very explanatory on its own to show the strength of our people in terms of creativity.

In every part of the world, there is a special window to sell all of these art works.

Most people dont see the artists but what they see is the good jobs and money transmitted to them which is what we are planning to do now, he said.

According to him, this first international art exhibition is to set up the platform and to make sure that we are promoting local content.

You can see everything that is exhibited here is produced in Nigeria by Nigerians, the minister said.

The President of SNA, Malam Muhammed Suleiman, described art as visual and everything people see.

He urged the participating students to take it seriously as it helps in employing many people in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Women Agro Processors Agricgen and Exporters Initiative (WAPA-GEIN) has urged the Federal Government to modernise and transform the nations ports management system.

The President of WAPA-GEIN, Mrs Esther Adebayo, made the call at the inauguration of the Initiative and National Export Centre, on Thursday, in Abuja.

I am of the opinion that the Federal Government should not be decongesting the ports in Nigeria, but engage in transforming them.

This must start with the cleaning up of administrative bottlenecks; most of which are unnecessary with multiple government agencies at the port, high transaction cost, or even plain extortion from illegal taxes, which do not go into the coffers of the government.

Nigeria should rapidly modernise and transform its ports. Ports are not there for equipment revenue generation. They should be for facilitating business and exports, and stimulating industrial manufacturing, and competitiveness of local business and exports.

Papers and other documents are to be forwarded on Internet to other country of destination, and according to the sector operators.

The cost of exporting 100 tonnes of cargoes in Nigeria is 35,000 dollars compared to 4000 dollars in Ghana.

Today, the leading ports for West Africa are in Cote dIvoire, Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic. All these countries have modernised their Port Management Systems, leaving Nigeria far behind, she said.

She also emphasised the need for the Federal Government to increase the training and employment of extension workers and other supportive services to boost increase in agricultural production.

We must unleash the potential of the youths of Nigeria. Today, over 75 per cent of the population is under the age of 35.

More decisive actions are needed to turn this demographic asset into an economic dividend.

A young productive, youthful population with access to education, skills, social protection, affordable housing, and medical care will power Nigerias economy now and well into the future.

We must move away from the so called youth empowerment programmes. The youth do not need hands out.

They need investments. Agro business is well loaded with millions of job creation for the youths.

Adebayo urged state governments to establish farm settlements, clusters of agro producers including women and youths.

She also enjoined the three tiers of government to work together to promote operation feed yourself by helping households to access information, and inputs that would encourage them to produce food around their houses to feed their families.

According to her, sustainable household food security is the bedrock of successful export business.

With sharp focus, relentless execution, fairness, equity, public accountability and transparency, we shall drive for a much better and economically stronger Nigeria.

Earlier, Dr Funmilola Daudu, the Chairperson, Planning Committee of the event, said the initiative would develop a better agricultural and business management practices.

This will result in improved competitiveness, productivity, income, gross marginal yields for smallholder farmers and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises.

She stressed the need for increased women potential to participate in high level businesses that could foster high level empowerment, job creation and social development in their communities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Women Agro Processors, Agricgen and Exporters Initiative (WAPAGEIN) is a non-governmental and not-for profit organisation established to promote agric businesses, entrepreneurships, youth and women development careers.

WAPAGEIN is a network of agribusiness marketing professionals from across Nigeria with chapters located in the six geopolitical zones including the FCT. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Kelechi Ogunleye

Samson Karebo, Acting Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), says fire fighters are exposed to Post Traumatic Disorder Syndrome (PTDS) due to their experiences on the job.

Karebo said this at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

The controller said that the personnel across the country are exposed to high hazards as first responders to fire emergencies.

The degree to which our men are exposed to hazard on a daily basis each time they combat fire or are out on a rescue operation is phenomenal.

From the field, we have had reports of exposures of our men to what can trigger PTDS.

In some cases, they get away with serious respiratory challenges, near death explosions of gas cylinders among others, he said.

The Ag.CGF said that the hazards do not only affect efficiency but destroys productivity, hence the need to improve staff welfare.

According to him, for a fireman to risk his life, stay up round the clock attending to life threatening situations without a commensurate reward system is flawed.

He advised citizens to desist from buying petrol in gallons, storing in cars and homes, as this could lead to fire outbreak.

Nigerians know the hazards attached to fuel storage so they should buy the fuel quantity ready for immediate use and need, he said.(NAN)

Source: NAN News