By Sylvester Thompson

Mr Mohammed Abdullahi, Minister of State for Science and Technology, has advocated implementation of the policies of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) to fast track Nigerias industrialisation.

The Minister made the call at the Opening Ceremony of a three-day capacity building workshop on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mohamed expressed optimism that with such meticulous implementation, Nigeria would become one of the most industrialised nations of the world.

He said that the progress in the STI sector in the last eight years was due to policy implementation in areas such as solar technology, road research, biotechnology capacity development and many other crucial areas.

The minister stressed the need for the country to develop a bank and financial institution primarily for the purpose of funding Research and Development in STI area.

To mitigate against the challenge of funding, the Ministry is strongly advocating the establishment of Research and Development (R

By Stanley Nwanosike

Budding and renowned film producers, directors, actors and script writers have been pencilled down to converge on Enugu for the maiden edition of the Coal City Film Festival.

The Executive Director of the festival, Mr Uche Agbo, told newsmen in Enugu on Monday that the up-coming festival was meant to celebrate both indigenous and foreign film makers as well as already made films.

Agbo, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Okike Media, said that the festival would feature renowned film industry players like Zack Orji, Segun Arinze, Patience Ozokwor and other arrays of stars.

According to him, this film festival will open the doors of South-East, Nigeria through cultural exchange and cinematic experiences.

He said that the festival, which would be a three-day event, would be holding between March 25 and March 27 within three venues in Enugu metropolis.

We are pleased to officially announce the entry of the maiden edition of the Coal City Film Festival; joining the rest of Nigeria, West Africa and the world in the culture of film festivals.

Coal City Film Festival follows the mould of the world famous Sundance, Cannes, Venice, Toronto film festivals among others.

Many film festival enthusiasts and industry practitioners understand the global economic, brand advantage film festivals give to the localities to which they originate especially Enugu as the cradle of film industry in Nigeria.

The festival like its contemporaries world over will serve as convergence between practicing and independent filmmakers, industry leaders and practitioners within South-East and the country for days of screenings, symposiums, tour trip, trainings and gala/award nite.

It is estimated that over 500 films have been cleared from over a thousand submissions from over 50 countries for screening at the Coal City Film Festival and a film, Oluedo will be premiering in its first time at the festival, he said.

Agbo said that the opening ceremony of the festival would hold at the evening hours of March 25; with red carpet between 4p.m. and 5p.m. and the actual opening by 6p.m. at Diamond Cinema, Enugu.

He said that for three-day running, there would be trainings for budding filmmakers at National Museum while there would also be seminars, symposia, tour of tourist sites in the state.

There will be basic learners class and master class in such areas as Acting, Directing, Script Writing and Production for two days across three venues in Enugu metropolis.

Registered participants will receive free unlimited access to the above mentioned activities and registration is still open and free-of-charge till the festival ends via our website:www.coalcityfilmfestival.com.

Participants might have opportunity to get a role in the filmmaking industry and we are also planning to set up a professional certificated film and cinematographic academy in Enugu, he added. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Maureen Okon

Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has congratulated Abia for being the first state to pass a bill to establish a diaspora commission.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head, Media and Public Relations of NIDCOM.

The bill was passed last Tuesday.

Dabiri-Erewa said that Abia made history with the passage of a bill for establishment of the commission.

She expressed appreciation to Abia State House of Assembly for passing the bill, and described the state Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu as diaspora-friendly.

She also lauded Dr Ngozi Ogbonna-Erondu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Diaspora Matters and Special Duties, for diligence and consistency in ensuring the passage of the bill.

She called on other states to emulate Abia, hoping that the diaspora commission would provide a platform to tap into enormous resources in Abia indigenes in the diaspora for the development of the state.

The bill known as Abians in Diaspora Commission and Other Matters Bill, was sponsored by Dr Mike Ukoha, Minority Whip/Member representing Arochukwu Constituency.

The bill, among others, seeks to establish the Abians in Diaspora Commission in order to monitor the welfare of Abia indigenes abroad.

The bill is also expected to encourage Abia indigenes in the diaspora in investments and development opportunities in Abia and Nigeria in general. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Bukola Adewumi

The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has trained 269 soil doctors and agricultural extension workers in Borno and given them test kits to facilitate field operations.

The Executive Secretary of NALDA, Mr Paul Ikonne, made this known in a statement made available to News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) on Tuesdayin Abuj.

Ikonne said the entry of the trainees into the Nigerian agricultural system would correct the anomalies of non-soil testing and address other issues associated with soil testing and food quality.

He said the two weeks intensive exercise was organised by NALDA in collaboration with the Borno Government.

The trainees comprised graduates with Agriculture and Science related educational backgrounds as well as members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

They were trained in areas of soil sample collection, soil testing as well as extension services.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Borno, Prof.Babagana Zulum, has commended NALDA for organising the training in the state.

Zulum said that was the first time the head of an agency would approach him with such intervention.

NAN recalls that NALDA, earlier in the year,made known its readiness to train over 30,000 youths as soil doctors across the 36states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). (NAN).

Source: NAN News

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

The National Center for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) says it distributed 5,700 crop species to individuals in five years.

Dr Sunday Aladele, the Director-General of NACGRAB, made the disclosure on Tuesday during the 3rd National Summit and Conference on Genetic Resources Conservation and Utilisation, held in Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit was organised by NACGRAB and Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), with theme as Promoting Sustainable Conservation and Utilisation of Genetic Resources for Food Security in Nigeria.

According to NACGRAB, the 30 crop species were distributed free to 110 individuals and organisations, in the last five years, as required by International Treaty.

Aladele said that the centre registered and released 659 varieties of 40 crops including soya bean , yam, cassava, cowpea, maize, rice and pearl millet.

He said that NACGRAB played a vital role in the recent ratification of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, after almost two decades the treaty was signed.

This, he said, would enhance agricultural research for development, utilisation of plant genetic resources as well as provide platform for access and benefit sharing from the use of genetic resources by stakeholders in Nigeria.

Aladele emphasised that genetic resources were common goods considered as part of national heritage and thus, needed to be conserved for immediate use and posterity.

He, however, said that the major drawback affecting advancement of genetic resources in Nigeria were poor documentation and networking among major stakeholders.

Aladele also said that the theme was chosen in tune with the current development challenges in the world, with regards to climate change extremities, hidden hunger and food insecurity in the country.

According to him, to advance genetic resources conservation in Nigeria, NACGRAB over the years developed strong collaboration with International Agricultural Research Centers (IARCs) and development agencies for sustenance and management of the countrys genetic resources.

The center is currently partnering with the Global Crop Diversity Trust on the seed for Resilience Project towards enhancing the use of conserved seed collections to mitigate climate change, he said.

He urged the stakeholders to come up with practical, pragmatic approach to advance the course of genetic resources conservation and utilisation in Nigeria.

Also, the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Sabo Nanono said that food security is very important in Nigeria as food is the number need of every individual.

Nanono, represented by Dr Machus Ogunbiyi, South-West Regional Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, said the ministry was working to ensure sustainable food security in Nigeria.

He pledged its total support to the Programme, emphasising that NACGRAB is an important ally in the development of agriculture and food security in Nigeria.

Also, Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State said that NACGRAB contributed immensely to agricultural growth of the state.

Makinde, represented by Mrs Funke Adeniran, the Deputy Director of Planning, Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture, said that the government created innovative strategies to develop agriculture in the state.

He pledged governments support to NACGRAB while calling for collaboration with other agricultural organisations in the state. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Segun Giwa

Ondo State will not be part of the sovereign Yoruba State being agitated for by some groups, Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu declared on Monday in Akure.

Akeredolu said this while swearing in Princess Oladunni Odu as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and other Special Advisers in Akure.

Our people are knowledgeable enough to determine their interest at any point. If and when they consider self-determination as an option, they will not depend on external promptings to act.

That is why we are different. That is why we are who we are, said the governor.

The governor said the state would not subscribe to banditry and recklessness in putting forth its demands.

He said Ondo people had elected to stay in the Federal Republic of Nigeria as constituted at present.

He said no part of the entire state would permit any gathering or agitation which may suggest that the people were in support of what he termed unthinking rabble rousing.

We will not be led to assured annihilation by anyone or a group of people, still smarting from the electoral defeats of recent times and presumed exclusion from the process of decision-making, he stressed.

Akeredolu said the right of citizens to discuss, agitate and even fight to right perceived wrongs, culminating in self-determination must be done within known and acceptable parameters and all concerned must agree to pursue the same objectives to achieve a desirable or desired end.

He vowed to continue to eject and punish all trespassers occupying forest reserves with a view to rid the state of undesirable elements.

He stated that anyone who intended to engage in a private business of animal husbandry in the state must be ready to abide with the modern methods or quit.

He explained that his administration opted to participate in the Federal Government National Livestock Transformation Programme because it aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship in modern cattle breeding for profit.

On the SSGs appointment, Akeredolu said the choice of Odu symbolised the limitless possibilities of attainment for a well-trained female child. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ugonne Uzoma

The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) on Tuesday shut down activities at the Imo House of Assembly over non implementation of financial autonomy for state legislature.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workers sealed all entrance to the complex, barring staff and legislators from entry.

Mr Victor Nnadi, the state PASAN Chairman told NAN that the action was to press home their demand for legislative financial autonomy.

Nnadi said that the association had followed due process in making its demands known without success.

We embarked on this strike to demand for the implementation of the Executive Order No 10, signed by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2020, granting the legislature financial autonomy.

An implementation committee was set up and it has completed its assignment; all we want is for the order to be implemented.

We issued a 21 -day ultimatum, followed by another ultimatum and yet another 14- day ultimatum before the last one which was 7 days.

All this was done to ensure that we fulfilled all the extant laws on strike, all state Houses of Assembly in the country are affected, Nnadi said.

Also in Osun, members of the association shut the entrance of the assembly complex in Osogbo, crippling down activities at the complex.

Mr Adekunle Akeem, the state PASAN Chairman said the national bodydirected members to embark on strike to demand for financial autonomy for the legislative arm of government.

We are informing the public that we are in full compliance with the directive .

The gate is locked and the staff are all in support of the directive.

Untill further notice, no work and all offices remain shut, he said.

In Ekiti State, members of the association barricaded the entrance of the assembly complex in Ekiti, thereby shutting activities at the House of Assembly.

Speaking with newsmen in Ekiti on Tuesday, Mr Tope Eyitayo, PASAN National Publicity Secretary, vowed that the state houses of assembly would remain shut until their demands were met.

Also, the state PASAN Chairman, Mr Gbenga Oluwajuyigbe vowed that until the associations demands were met, the state assembly would remain shut.

We will not open the door for activities until our demands are met, because this strike is indefinite, he said.

In Jigawa, members of the association shut down activities at the state House Assembly in Dutse.
Mr Umar Adamu, the state PASAN chairman told newsmen in Dutse that the chapter had joined the strike, following directive by the national president of the association.
He explained that the strike was imperative following the inability of the Federal Government to implement the Financial Autonomy Act of 2018 and the Executive Order 10, 2020.
The chairman added that the association has exhausted all avenues for the implementation of the act by the federal government.
According to him, the association has no other option than to embark on the indefinite strike.
All we are demanding is full implementation of the Financial Autonomy Act, condition of service, consolidated salary and allowances structure and 40 instead of 35 years or 65 instead of 60 years retirement age, the chairman said.

In Sokoto, members of the association joined their counterpart across the country to embark on an indefinite strike.

Mr Ado Abdullahi, the state PASAN Chairman who led members of the association to shut down the assembly complex said that the action was in compliance with directive from the national body.

Abdullahi who spoke with newsmen in Sokoto said that the directive was based on the non implementation of financial autonomy act and executive order 10.

Our members have ran out of patience and have resolved to forthwith put an end to condoning further delays to the implementation of state Houses of Assembly financial autonomy which is for over two years now.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Afriland Properties Plc on Monday approved a total dividend of N68.69 million recommended by the company for the financial year ended Dec. 31, 2020.

The dividend which translated to 5k per share was approved by the shareholders at the companys eighth Annual General Meeting held in Lagos.

Sir Sunny Nwosu, Founder of Independent Shareholders Association, commended the company management for keeping up with activities in spite of COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on major businesses.

Nwosu applauded the company for resuscitating the former Raymond House building into what is now known as Afriland Towers a pride of place in Lagos business district.

He urged the company to gear up efforts towards increasing dividend in the next financial year.

The President of Pragmatic Shareholders Association, Mrs Bisi Bakare, expressed satisfaction on the companys expansion exercise.

Bakare said that the expansion drive would boost profitability and sustain the firms growth.

She said: Afriland has over 41 expansion projects in Nigeria and a good number of them is near completion.

This is in spite of the weak macro economic environment, exacerbated by the impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

Reviewing the financials, Afriland Properties Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Nnorom, appreciated the shareholders for their commendations as well as their words of advice.

Nnorom said that the global pandemic and the resultant lockdown took a turn on the companys business activities.

The real estate industry was affected negatively by the pandemic as public and private properties such as offices, apartments, hotels, sports, and entertainment venues were singled out as potential spreading locations for the novel coronavirus.

These places were either shut down or had restrictions imposed.

Several projects were commenced and completed in the year under review.

As at December 31, 2020, the company had over 41 projects in different locations in the country and at various stages of completion.

Our performance during the year was affected by the events in the larger economy.

However, we will further strengthen our balance sheet and business model this year by tapping into the opportunities that will be created in the building and construction sector, Nnorom said.

He said that the company recorded a revenue of N1.42 billion, representing a marginal four per cent reduction from N1.48 billion achieved in 2019.

Profit before tax stood at N1billion against the N1.3 billion in 2019.

Total assets for the year increased by nine per cent to N27.07 billion against the N24. 86 billion recorded in 2019.

Afrilands Chief Executive Officer, Uzoamaka Oshogwe, said the company is ploughing back most of its funds to generate more profits for its business and the shareholders.

Oshogwe said that Afriland would continue to explore more ways to ensure that the business remains profitable.

She said: During the year under review, we commenced and completed the construction of some offices nationwide while significant progress was made on other non-proprietary projects.

We have positioned your company to take advantage of governments policy direction; optimise future rental income from our proprietary properties and is actively pursuing an aggressive development of select properties for residential and commercial purposes.

On plans for the future, Oshogwe said that the company would continue to explore the possibility of partnering reputable organisations to optimise its property portfolio to deliver superior value to shareholders. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have empowered 255 youths with technical and vocational skills to tackle rising poverty and unemployment.

Sir Joseph Ari, Director-General, ITF, during the graduation of the trainees on Monday in Abuja, made a clarion call for more synergy with organisations and Nigerians across various strata of society in skills training.

The youths were trained on Industrial Automation and Mechatronics, Instrumentation and Process Control, I.T Essentials/ Comp-TIA A , Mobile Phone Troubleshooting and Repairs.

Others are Electrical Electronics Technology, Building Technology, Residential Air conditioning, Mechanical Services, Catering and Event Management.

Ari said that skills acquisition remained the most viable and sustainable solution to combatting the rising unemployment and poverty in the country.

The director general recalled that the management of NCDMB in 2019 sought for collaboration in skills training with the funds Model Skills Training Centre (MSTC), Abuja.

He said the boards delegation, which was impressed by the quality of equipment at the centre, opened negotiations with ITF for the empowerment of the 255 unemployed youths with technical vocational skills.

Although the six months programme was billed to commence in early 2020, it did not start until August 2020 as a result of the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic, he said.

In order for the trainees to acquire professional certification, the D-G said the MSTC implemented the programme in collaboration with three professional bodies.

He named the professional bodies as the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), Nigerian Association of Engineering Craftsmen Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and CISCO Networking Academy.

These bodies, according to him equipped the youths with the listed technical and vocational skills.

The ITF boss said that with the training acquired by the graduates, they would no doubt contribute immensely to the development of the national economy.

I am thrilled to inform you that from this training, our trainees were able to assemble the first indigenous GSM smartphone.

As at today, plans are underway to seek collaboration from investors to partner with the ITF to boost this innovation, he said.

Ari, while commending the board on the collaboration and sponsorship of the trainees urged other stakeholders to partner with the ITF to conduct similar programmes.

He urged them to do so to empower the teeming youth population with requisite skills.

In a remark, Mr Simbi Wabote, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, said that the board had trained no fewer than 10, 000 youths, exposing them to skill acquisition programmes.

Wabote, represented by Mr Patrick Obah, Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, NCDMB, said the training aimed at providing necessary skill required to support activities within the oil and gas sector of the economy.

One common denominator in the training programme was the infusion of entrepreneurship and the focus on achieving success in making things in Nigeria and achieving international competitiveness, he said,

He called on all the graduates to make use of the training and starter packs given to them to improve the Nigerian economy and become employers of labour.

In order to complement their effort and commitment, the NCDMB provided the trainees with starter packs, to support them on the transformational journey of entrepreneurship.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By George Odok
The former Commandant of the Naval War College Nigeria (NWCN), Rear Adm. Adeseye Ayobanjo, said that the College has trained 87 Command Level Officers of the Nigerian Military between 2019 to 2021.

The officers comprise of 42 officers in the Naval Warfare Course and 47 officers in the Command Level Officers Course.

Ayobanjo disclosed this during the handover ceremony to his successor, Rear Adm. Murtala Bashir, at the College in Calabar.

He said that the officers, which were drawn from the Nigerian Navy, Air Force and the Army, were trained in line with the College vision and mission.

According to him, the vision of the College is to be a centre of excellence on naval/joint military operations and maritime security studies in the sub region.

He added that the mission of the College is to develop senior Naval leaders and equivalent from other services as operational level commanders with thorough appreciation of complex national security problems, who are prepared to make sound decisions in the application of maritime force as a policy.

He noted that the officers that graduated from the College have been contributing effectively to naval and joint military operations across the country and even internationally.

We have recorded tremendous successes since the establishment of the college in 2017 as a centre for excellence.

During my leadership of the College as Commandant, the College witnessed infrastructural development, expansion of the college library, sustainability of strategic training partners and conduct of inter-agency cooperation seminars among others.

Also, under my leadership, the College has trained 87 sound high level command officers who are contributing greatly to security provision in the country.

The College visited Kenya for international study tour in 2019. Also, in Nigeria the College has visited Bayelsa, Rivers and other states for environmental study tour, he said.

He thanked the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. AZ Gambo and the immediate past Chief of the Naval Staff, retired Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas, for their support and contribution to the growth of the College.

Responding, Bashir commended Ayobanjo for maintaining the standard of the College, adding that he would sustain the legacy and also take the College to the next level.

He gave assurance that he would operate an open-door policy in the College with a view to accomplish the vision and mission of the College.

Source: NAN News