Mr Lanre Gbajabiamila, DG, NLRC

By Okon Okon

The National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) says it has launched a National Premium Identity Verification Platform (NPIVP) to provide identity of lottery operators in Nigerias lottery industries.

The Director General of the NLRC, Mr Lanre Gbajabiamila, made this known in a statement on Tuesday.

The decision, according to him, was taken following stakeholders engagement meeting on Know Your Customer (KYC) and Verification Issues in Nigerian Gaming Industry, held at the NLRC Headquarters in Abuja.

Gbajabiamila said the measure was initiated by the stakeholders in lottery sector as a move geared towards mitigating and curbing unscrupulous activities in the lottery industry in Nigeria.

The new NPIVP will provide identification in less than 8 seconds, attach real-time human faces to players, minimize fraud, ease compliance and encourage more participation in the industry.

The NLRC D-G, during the meeting, identified the Federal Governments concern about prevalent complaints relating to customers identity and verification in the industry.

He said the initiative was in line with the commissions mission of creating a safe and secure environment for operators and players.

Our mission in the NLRC is to create an enabling, safe and secure environment for operators and players while ensuring the Nigerian Gaming Industry thrives.

As we are aware, the NLRC is the apex gaming regulatory institution in Nigeria, saddled with the responsibility of regulating the operation and business of the national lottery, setting standards, guidelines and rules.

This is to ensure transparency and integrity and also protect the interest of players, stakeholders and the public; while also carrying out periodic industry-wide assessments.

He said there were other duties as may be directed by the President as specified by the National Lottery Act 2005 (as amended).

Gbajabiamila also used the medium to read the riot act to operators and directed gaming operators to identify and verify the players and users of their various gaming platforms to ensure that the collected and collated personal data were secure.

To this end, the commission has collaborated with other Federal Government agencies to promote the gaming industry and ensure a safe and secure gaming environment among others, he said.

Contributing, Clement Omife, Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, a representative of Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), said the agency had done a lot about KYC, especially in partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), being a critical aspect of its mandate.

We really appreciate the NLRC for this wonderful initiative. We have been doing this KYC and I can tell you that it will help to mitigate a lot of criminality in the lottery industry.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mr Babatunde Bamgboye, representative of Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), Association of Nigerian Bookmakers (Lottery Operators), led by their Executive Secretary, Akingba Olabimpe, the CBN representative among others, were present at the meeting. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

Prince Clem Agba, Minister of State for Budget and National Planning

Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, has described Mr Adams Oshiomhole as a dependable leader in the political struggle to build a better Nigeria.

Agba stated this in a letter entitled Birthday Greetings on Tuesday to the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on the occasion of his 71st birthday.

He said that the occasion provided an opportunity to celebrate you and the leadership ideals that you persistently and consistently exemplify.

You have remained a dependable leader in the political struggle to build a better Nigeria, with our dear Edo state, where you served as governor for eight years (from 2008-2016) as a linchpin.

Your patriotism to Nigeria, which you first demonstrated about two decades ago as President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), remains unassailable.

The same goes for Edo, in whose environment, you have continued to positively intervene for the development of our people and the growth of the state.

I must place on record your monumental contributions to the growth of our great party, the All Progressive Congress (APC), which you led as national chairman from 2018-2020.

You did not only lead the party to victory in the 2019 presidential election, but you also ensured that the partys candidates emerged as presiding officers in the National Assembly.

Agba added that Oshiomhole, who is the senator-elect for Edo North Senatorial District, has yet been given another responsibility to serve the people.

God has decided to order your political pathway through the Senate, whose leadership positions you helped the APC to fill in 2019 with the right candidates, and I believe it is for a purpose that will soon manifest.

I pray that the Almighty God will continue to strengthen you as you do not tire in providing dependable and sharply-focused leadership to us in Edo State and others across the country who look up to you for inspiration.(NAN)

DD/Website

Gen. Lucky Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence Headquarters has clarified that the UN Peacekeeping fighting vehicles and equipment sighted recently in Benin, Edo were meant for deployment for peacekeeping mission in South Sudan.

The Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Gusau said circulation of the video of the said equipment on social media, had given rise to insinuations that were inimical to public peace which might cause panic.

He said that presently, Nigeria is contributing troops to various UN Peace keeping operations; the most recent is United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), Southern Sudan.

The Mission is commanded by a Nigerian, Ma.-Gen. Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr.

It should be noted that the UN doesnt have its own troops, rather it enter into agreement with troops contributing countries to provide their personnel and equipment for operations in its various missions.

Therefore, it is imperative to state emphatically that the military fighting vehicles and equipment painted in UN colour as sighted are being moved through the Warri port for movement to the mission area in Southern Sudan.

The Defence Headquarters under the leadership of Gen. Lucky Irabor, wish to assure Nigerians that our nation is not under any threat that will warrant the deployment of UN troops on our soil, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a video clip titled, tension as heavy military UN trucks arrive Nigeria, surface on one BVI Youtube channel on Sunday.

The commentator was seen raising alarm that something was cooking in the country that the government was not telling the citizens. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Source: NAN News

By Patricia Amogu

A legal practitioner and mediation expert, Mr Chijoke Nnanna-Ibeku, says mediation can replace the law courts in the resolution of conflicts in Nigeria if the necessary structures are put in place for it to thrive.

Nnanna-Ibeku stated this, while speaking at a ceremony organised for the graduation of peer mediators at the primary and junior secondary school levels in Abuja.

Sooner than later, mediation will no longer be an alternative but the main thrust for the resolution of conflicts in Nigeria.

This is the second time we are graduating these children.

The idea is to imbibe the culture of mediation among children as much as possible children who will become future leaders; who will hold political offices, and change the narrative of conflict resolution in Nigeria.

I always say that in a class of 60 students who have undergone the peer mediation training, at least three to ten of them will imbibe this training and make it a normal practice in their lives, he said.

He said filling up the gaps left in the wake of resolving conflicts along ethnic, religion, cultural, and political diversities is a major focus of the programme.

According to him, that will go a long way towards bringing peace and reducing conflicts to the minimum.

We have in our template to certify 240 children as Peer Mediators this year .

This will be achieved every quarter by certifying 60 children as peer mediators.

Mrs Margaret Ibeku, Co-ordinator, Three Cs met Mediators, said the training was organised to preach the language of peace and create a generational change among children, so that peace becomes the language.

It is worrisome to see kids of about 10, 11 years of age fighting along tribal lines.

We felt the best way is to get these young minds to begin a generational change.

Firstly, preaching the language of peace, mediating in their families.schools, and communities, and as they grow up, they will continue to take it to the outer world.

Right now, we are working with all the government schools in the FCT, she said.

Mr Munsir Sule, an architect who is the Director of Physical Planning and Project Monitoring, described the training as a laudable one, and one of great interest to the board.

He said the programme was apt and timely.

Speaking on behalf of the chairman, Dr Alhassan Sule urged the children to imbibe the culture of peer mediation which they have been trained on and see the beauty in diversity.

It is a laudable programme, and it brings better understanding among peers. They should see further than the issue of citizenry.

It is cheaper than going to the courts. We are still going to train the teachers on this for them to better impact on the children, he added.

Highpoints of the day was the award of certificates to the students and parents.

There were dance competitions and the staging of drama by some of the children.

The News Agency of NIgeria (NAN) reports that Three Cs Met International Institute Of Mediation Negotiation Counseling and Conciliation organised the training. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Source: NAN News

By Justina Auta

Oxfam Nigeria, an International NGO, says empowering women financially and economically will make them independent.

The organisation said it would also make them self-reliant which was critical to their life, as it would end Sexual, Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria.

Ms Helen Akinyemi, Oxfams Programme Manager on Gender Justice, said this during a community-based assembly of rural women in Abuja, in partnership with Nigeria Women Economic Development (NigWED) project to address SGBV.

Akinyemi said that poor economic status and financial dependence of women had further exposed them to violence and rendered them more vulnerable to abuse.

Most of the issues discussed, you will realise that most of the contributory factors of GBV lie in the economic development of women.

We want them to know what to engage in that will generate income and help them to participate actively in the productive sector.

All these will help to resolve gender issues, because when you solve one, you are solving the other. They are interconnected, she said.

According to her, Oxfam has carried out several sensitisation and advocacy exercise to end all forms of violence against women, children, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups.

The feedback has been so encouraging that is why we are here again and we were asked to bring it down to the women in rural community level.

Because these are the people that are most affected and they dont have the necessary information, sensitisation and their consciousness are not being raised.

It is something that they too can go back to their communities, as most of the attendees here are women leaders, and have group of women that they work with.

So, they will take it back to these groups as well as the communities and households to sensitise them and achieve the change that we are looking for in ending GBV, she said.

According to her, the attendees were also educated on where, when and how to seek help when faced with violence or witness any.

She said: There are safe houses in Nigeria, but most of these women dont know. So this is part of the reasons we are here to pass the information across.

Mr Lugard Okonobo, Director-General, NigWED project, said the meeting was to sensistise women on how to be financially independent, sustain their businesses and how to make it thrive amidst economic violence.

Our organisation focuses to addressing economic violence.

He, however, expressed sadness with issues like double taxation for women.

For some of them, their goods are seized at the markets place.

Some dont know how to check their taxes, some are married and their husbands are capitalizing on their ingenuity and education level to suppress them by taking over their economy.

For those who are subjected to SGBV, we try to provide some economic empowerment programmes to sustain them, he said.

He said NigWED, with the support of other partners, had empowered over 500 women with technical support, capacity building, infrastructure, amongst others, to support their business.

Responding to issues raised by some of the SGBV survivors, the DG urged the women to utilise the opportunity to be financially independent and generate sustainable business for themselves.

Some are facing abuse, we have to sit down to look critically and find out the causes because for every effect and reaction, there is a cause.

These things are subject to communication, discussion, dialogue. And with understanding, there will be a solution, he said.

Mrs Blessing Airujuwan, a survivor, said the meeting with other persons and sharing her experience had helped in addressing depression caused by violence and neglect in her marriage.

Airujuwan, therefore, encouraged other women facing any form of abuse and violence to immediately seek help to enable them survive and regain their sanity.

Similarly, a widow and mother of two, Mrs Rebecca Amana, stressed the need for women to be financially independent to reduce some of the factors that exposes them to GBV.

Amana commended the organisers for their support and for providing a platform for the women to share their stories, seek help and get supports to reduce the burden they carry. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Bridget Ikyado

A group, the Alia Alliance, has urged Benue governor-elect, Rev. Hyacinth Alia to strive to meet the huge expectations of the people who voted him to bring about changes in the state.

The group gave the advice when its officials led by the Board Chairman of the Alliance, Mr Peter Ashiekaa, paid a congratulatory visit to the governor-elect on Sunday in Makurdi.

The Chairman said that the victory was a resounding testimony to the peoples resolve to change and redirect the path and course of their history.

It is also a resounding statement of the peoples confidence in your ability to lead them out of the woods to a Benue of growth and prosperity.

We pray God to guide and direct you, and give you the knowledge, wisdom and strength needed for your journey.

As a group, we at the Alia Alliance are proud to be associated with this process and the outcome, and we pledge and commit to supporting your administration in all ways possible to ensure your success, he added.

Also speaking, Mr Jimmy Ajim, a member of the board, commended the governor-elect for his doggedness that calmed all the storms before, during and after the general elections.

Ajim who is also the President of Ior Gboko Foundation, said they would partner with Alia to transform, empower, reform and uplift Benue indigenes, to build a better state.

In his response, the governor-elect thanked the group for its support and pledged to work hard with divine directions to meet the peoples expectations.

God rewards hard work, especially when you dont count the cost, it pays more.

I am not coming for money, I have learnt to work and make money, I am not coming to seek fame, I have worked to make a name.

We need to work together to develop the state, it is ours and nobody will do this for us, and we are not doing this for anyone but for ourselves.

God has chosen me not because I am the most qualified. He doesnt call the qualified but qualifies who He calls. I know with your prayers and assistance, we will prevail, he added.

Alia tasked the group to help mentor the youth on good conduct, and to play active role in the renewal and development of Benue.

It is paramount to start correcting wrong deeds, especially as it concerns leadership and mentorship.

The idea of having or acting as stooge, having manipulative leaders and followers should be corrected, he said.

He pledged not to disappoint the ordinary people who voted him to provide good leadership and better direction to the state.(NAN)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Source: NAN News

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

A political support group, Tinubu Vanguard, has urged the Federal Government and the government of Cross River to take over burial arrangements of late Senate President, Joseph Wayas.

The Director-General of Tinubu Vanguard, Dr Johnny Benjamin, said this in a statement on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wayas, a former Nigerian Senate President in the Second Republic, died in a London hospital on Dec. 1, 2021, after a protracted illness.

He was 80 years old.

According to Benjamin, the National Leadership of Tinubu Vanguard, calls on both the Federal and Cross River governments to take over the burial arrangements of Wayas and give him a national burial were in order.

We deeply regret to identify many undisclosed factors that contributed to the death of this great man who spent a better part of his life serving his fatherland.

Wayas lived a worthy life devoid of abuse of power while serving this great nation in different capacities, especially as President of the Senate, he said.

Benjamin described the late politician as a shining star, who set a strong and positive model for the admiration and
emulation of the younger generation.

He said the neglect of his remains in a foreign hospital was a national embarrassment.

He lived a moderate life, such that he never saw the opportunity to serve
as an avenue to enrich himself, rather, he diligently rendered the desired service to the nation.

We, therefore, call on the government of Cross River and leadership of the National Assembly, to as a matter of utmost importance, ensure immediate settlement of all outstanding issues with the foreign hospital and return his body to be given a national burial.

We also call on the National Assembly to pass a resolution to name a national monument, preferably a library,
after the former Senate President, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

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Source: NAN News

2023 Summit for Democracy

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Leaders of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and democratic actors in Africa have called on leaders on the continent to develop policy frameworks that would ensure better relations between Africa and other western countries.

They advised that the framework should focus on clear, coordinated and established objectives, methods of work, strategies and priorities for Africa and its citizenry.

The CSO leaders made the call in a communiqu issued after a two-day Summit for democracy made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday by Wealth Ominabo, Communications Officer, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.

The summit tagged: Strengthening African Partnerships and Amplifying Africas Global Voice, held in Lusaka, Zambia, was jointly organised by Open Society Foundation -Africa (OSF-Africa) and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS).

The communiqu stated that the leaders deliberated on Africas place in the world and focused on the navigation of partnerships within a dynamic and shifting global multilateral system.

We call upon all African stakeholders and partners including the African Union Commission, AU member states, civil society organisations and all other relevant stakeholders to further develop a robust communication policy at country-levels.

This will help the continent to set its agenda and put more focus on Afro-centric goals and establish an office of global communications, which should include a continental press agency and television.

Engage in peer-to-peer technical exchange with similar organisations in projecting Africas image, and interests, the leaders said in the communiqu.

They also called on Africa leaders to develop an independent mechanism to monitor and evaluate its partnerships.

The CSOs and democratic actors also called on Africa leaders to establish and maintain strategic intelligence units at the continental and regional levels to support its economic diplomacy.

They also called on Africa leaders to enlist the support of African universities and research institutions to assist the continent in shaping its international relations through research and other knowledge products.

We also call upon all African stakeholders and partners to encourage African Civil Society and the African Diaspora to play a role in shaping and coordinating a common African position.

They should identify and strengthen African soft and smart powers in international relations, the communiqu added.

The summit applauded the AU position to bid for an additional African seat in the G-20 as well as the efforts made to streamline the AUs multiple partnerships. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne/Ismail Abdulaziz

DD/Website

One of the participating artists, Zizah Okeugo

By Fabian Ekeruche

Puresouls Learning Foundation, in partnership with Terra Kulture, Lagos, on Sunday commenced a week-long art exhibition to commemorate World Autism Day 2023.

A statement issued on Sunday by Dotun Akande, Founder of the Puresouls Learning Foundation and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, said that the exhibition scheduled to hold between April 2 and April 8 has as its theme Embracing Art Through the Lens of the Differently Abled.

According to him, the exhibition, which is the third of the foundations annual Autism Day, is to demonstrate that children on the autism spectrum have unique abilities that should be celebrated.

Akande said the exhibition would feature works by children living on the autism spectrum and those with other related developmental disorders.

Some of the young artists whose works would be featured include Zizah Okeugo, Christine Mike-Nnaji, Daniel Ayomikun Okolie, Oluwadamiloju Yomi-Adeyemi, Preye Azazi, Funom Oti Wenyang and Chijindu Chukwunomnso Ijomah, Akande said.

He said that the theme of this years event emphasises the importance of creative activities in supporting the mental development of children living with autism spectrum disorders.

He also noted that it would showcase talented young artists who have overcome societal barriers and stigmatisation to express their creativity through their art.

At Puresouls, we have grown to appreciate the challenges, authenticity and individuality of children living with autism spectrum disorders and their ties to creativity.

Having found that art therapy can help stabilise emergency care, develop skills, and keep an optimistic psyche, we are focused on using this to aid the development of their self-esteem, self-awareness, and mental control.

The exhibition will feature an array of inspiring artworks, ranging from paintings to drawings, showcasing the unique perspectives of these young artists.

The exhibition is open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to attend and show their support for these young artists.

Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase some of the artworks on display, and the proceeds will support children on the autism spectrum, Akande said.

He noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) expected everyone, including those with autism, to have the best physical and emotional wellness they could achieve.

Akande regretted that those on the autism spectrum were frequently subjected to stigma and discrimination, including unfair denial of health care, education, and chances to interact and contribute to their communities.

The statement quoted Mrs Esther Okeugo, a parent of one of the participating artists, as saying that every child, regardless of their abilities or limitations, had a unique talent that can be nurtured and celebrated.

The exhibition provides a platform for children living with autism to showcase their artistic talents and remind us that developmental challenges do not define them.

As a parent of one of the featured artists, I am proud to be a part of this event that celebrates the creativity and resilience of our children and encourages society to embrace inclusivity and diversity, Okeugo said (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne/Vivian Ihechu

Source: NAN News

INEC ballot box

By Deborah Coker

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Uhogua, near Benin, have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to create a Polling unit in their camp.

The IDPs in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said that this would protect them against thugs and allow them exercise their franchise.

They claimed they were attacked by suspected political thugs at Oronsanye Primary School polling unit where they had gone to vote during the March 18, House of Assembly election in the state.

The IDPs are mainly from Borno and Adamawa States, running from insecurity in the countrys north east region.

Some of them came from Chibok, Biu, Askira Uba and Gwoza.

Suleman Ayuba, one of the IDPs told NAN that, with what happened on March 18, they were already feeling insecure.

It was obvious that we were the target, because there were two polling units in the primary school, but the attack was carried out in ours.

Our people were injured, we lost our phones and other valuables, yet till now, nobody in the state have come to sympathise with us after the attack unleashed on us.

Majority of our people are still receiving treatment in health facilities outside the camp, even money to pay their hospital bills, we dont have and we are still looking for.

Similarly, Philemon Emmanuel, another IDPs, called for another election to be conducted for the IDPs who were de-enfranchised during the attack.

According to him, it is not good that many of us were de-enfranchised by political thugs in spite of having our PVCs and candidates we wanted to vote for.

We are Nigerians, though IDPs for no fault of ours. So politically, we have a right to join other Nigerians in deciding who we want to lead us.

Government have been carrying out rerun in other places, so they should also consider this camp, in view of what happened at the polling unit during the state assembly election, so that our vote can count.

Pastor Evelyn Omigie, Assistant Coordinator of the camp said that there was the urgent need for the federal government and INEC to create a polling unit in the camp.

According to her, we need a polling unit in line with the federal government directive, that polling units must be situated in all IDP camps across the country.

I dont know why this people should not be allowed to have their own polling unit. If we have one here I think we wouldnt have experienced what we did during the election.

Also in spite of what happened, and what we have expended on hospital bills, nobody has come to sympathise with either the victims or management of the camp.

She called on the federal government to investigate the incident and unravel the perpetrators of the attack on the IDPs polling unit.

We want them arrested, tried in court and jailed for their crime against the IDPs.

Imagine, all the trauma they went through before. The sound of guns that God delivered them from, resurfaced again that day.

So the government should try as much as possible to bring the perpetrators to book, she said.

Omigie also called on the government to support the camp financially so as to be able to treat the IDPs who sustained various degree of injuries and make them healthy again.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Source: NAN News