By Patience Omoha

The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has submitted a draft National Biosecurity policy to the Federal Executive Council (FEC), for consideration and approval.

Dr Rufus Ebegba, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the agency, disclosed this, on Friday, in Abuja, in a statement signed by Gloria Ogbaki, NBMA Head of Press and Protocol Unit.

Ebegba noted that the agency was also carrying out expert reviews of other regulatory instruments and possible validation of guidelines on Genetically Modified (GM) Fish, tree, birds, animals and mosquitoes.

The NBMA will continue to ensure that her mandate is delivered and process Biosafety applications, nationwide survey and tracking of GMOs and inspection of GMO farms, companies and Research Institutes.

As well as risk management plan and strategy development for protecting human and animal health, and the environment.

Template development for Risk assessment, Establishment of a NBMA Data Centre and Integrated Monitoring System, participation in UN COP-MOP, among others, he explained.

He highlighted the achievements of the agency in 2020 to include, creation of the department of Biosecurity and organizing, a national stakeholders consultative meeting and drafting of a National Biosecurity Policy.

The director general, however, lamented that in spite of its relative successes, the agency was bedeviled by some challenges that include lack of a befitting office space for the agencys national headquarters, poor funding, among others.

He requested the Senate committee to assist and collaborate with the agency in finding solutions to the challenges.

The Chairman senate committee on Environment, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu commended the NBMA for its efforts in securing the health of Nigerians and the environment, despite the poor funding of the agency.

Ekweremadu promised that the needs of the agency would be adequately met as the committee was prepared to work with the agency to ensure the achievement of its mandate of facilitating the safety of human health and the environment. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Investment experts on Friday urged commercial banks and financial institutions to support investment clubs to curb ponzi schemes in the country.

They gave the advice at The Green Investment Club (TGIC) media parley in Lagos with the theme: The Money Moves of Todays Young Nigerian.

TGIC Founder, Mrs Tomie Balogun, said that investment economic fallout from events such as global market crash, economic recession and the COVID-19 pandemic made young Nigerians to fall for ponzi schemes.

Balogun said that the economic situation and high incidence of these fraudulent schemes showed a dire need for financial education.

According to her, TGIC works to bridge the gap in financial literacy among the youth in Nigeria through its products and services.

She said that the club, from 35 members at inception to over 1,700 members in three years, was targeting 10,000 members in the next five years.

Our five-year vision is to help at least 10,000 individuals be financially educated and provide investment advisory services to them.

We expect this to increase saving deposits in financial institutions. The deposits will be mobilised toward investing in small businesses in the economy.

When these businesses are supported, they will provide employment to more people and reduce unemployment figures by at least 20 percent, Balogun said.

She said that the club had successfully mobilised million for multiple projects that created jobs and contributed to economic growth in Nigeria.

Balogun said the club had sourced direct investment opportunities in the capital market, agro-processing, consumer lending, logistics, FinTech and real estate development sectors in Nigeria, UK and USA.

Speaking on investment challenges, she called on the government to unify the countrys exchange rate to reduce production cost.

Balogun said that multiple exchange rates drive arbitrary charges, cost of production and hike in prices of goods and services.

Government should support SMEs and the manufacturing sector to grow output in order to boost the Gross Domestic Product, she said.

She noted that the COVID-19 pandemic, in spite of the challenges, came with a lot of investment opportunities for smart investors.

Also, Mrs Oladunni Olawuyi, Chief Operating Officer, Apel Asset Ltd., said that financial institutions should support investment clubs to boost investment education.

Olawuyi said that investment clubs help to sanitise the economy of ponzi schemes, promote financial literacy and investment diversification across different economies.

She also stressed the need for an enhanced investment for a better future.

Mr Osazuwa Osayi, co-founder Farmforte Ltd., said that investment remained the key for financial freedom.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the TGIC, at the event, unveiled its three-year report.

The club, in the report, said that macroeconomic environment in Nigeria in the second quarter of 2021 would remain tight.

It said that government earnings from the sale of its major export, crude oil, would be subdued despite the increase in Nigerias production quota at OPECs last meeting.

This, we believe, will bring tighter restrictions on foreign exchange in Q2, thereby pushing up inflation and widening the disparity in the different segments of the foreign exchange market, said the report in part. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ifeanyi Nwoko

Ms World United Nations, Queen Hadassah Allaputa, has launched a new family pageant aimed at improving humanitarian services and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The pageant launched in Abuja on Friday and tagged United Nations Pageants Nigeria will draw participants from the six geo-political zones to jostle for eight titles.

Briefing newsmen at the launch of the pageant, Allaputa said that the pageant was different from the regular ones and would focus more on training and development of participants for the betterment of their communities.

The beauty queen said that in stead of having only one winner who would fade out at the end of her one-year reign, the new pageant would have eight winners who would hold their titles and perform their roles for life.

Today is the official launch of the United Nations Pageants Nigeria, the biggest family pageants, the biggest ever in Nigeria because of its size and the number of pageants under it.

We would be having eight categories of contestants from different age groups and genders; this complete family pageant will have contestants for eight titles.

They will be trained, equipped and empowered to become kings and queens, princes and princesses of the United Nations Pageant, she said.

Allaputa said that successful contestants would serve as role models and ambassadors, carrying out particular SDGs.

Apart from its size, one thing that makes this truly unique is that it is aimed at empowering Nigerians across different geo-political zones.

That is why our tag line is Uniting Nigeria through pageantry.

All contestants will be trained to creatively function in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

They will be taught peace and conflict resolution, etiquette and image branding, humanitarian services as well as persuasive communication and effective leadership skills.

The beauty queen, who is also the Founder, Queen Hadassah Legendry, said that winners who would become part of the UN Royal Family and must acquire the skills to be part of the family.

She said that the skills would be taught to all participants and they would be expected to go back to their communities to implement tasks to improve the lives of those in the communities.

I want to change the narrative and educate both participants and Nigerians that beauty pageantry is more than a hobby or a show of beauty.

This is a life-time call to service, winners will be reoriented to see pageantry as an act of service that they will take seriously for life.

Usually, most winners complete their reign and they are forgotten and nobody remembers them as kings or queens, but this time, they will be groomed to be legends, she said.

She said that winners would continue to channel their works toward community services, protecting the environment and advancing the development of their motherland.

According to Allaputa, enrolment has already begun and interested participants urged to visit the website.

Registration starts immediately and I am inviting all Nigerians to be part of this historic event, she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the categories to be contested in are Mrs Nigeria United Nations, Mr Nigeria United Nations, Miss Nigeria United Nations, Ms Nigeria United Nations, Mr Teen United Nations and Miss Teen Nigeria United Nations.

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Afonne

The National Coordinator, Nigeria Para-Badminton, Sam Ekeoma has appealed to the Federal Government to immortalise Abdulrafiu Bello, Nigerias and African Para-Badminton champion who died on Wednesday in an auto crash.

Ekeoma made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

NAN reports that Bello, Kwara Badminton Association coach, died while returning from Lagos after a visa-application-visit to the Spanish embassy for last round of qualifying event for Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

Bello, an Africa and Athlete Representative on the board of the World Para-badminton Federation (WPF), was scheduled to travel to Spain on May 6, for the last stage of qualifier for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

Ekeoma noted that Bellos death had dealt a big blow to the countrys quest of picking one of the slots for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

He, however said that things could still change if government could honour him by sponsoring other players.

Bello paid the ultimate price for the development of Para-Badminton in Nigeria and Africa, and his wife is pregnant as he got married last year.

We are calling on the Federal Government to see Bellos sacrifice as what he did for the country, and ensure that Nigeria Para-Badminton qualify for Tokyo 2020; this is exactly Bellos dream and expectation, he said.

According to him, Bello will be happy from the land of the dead to see Nigeria at the Paralympics especially the Spanish championship scheduled for May 6.

I know that Nigeria will qualify if we attend that championship and government should not fail to sponsor our players as a mark of honour for Bello.

And I say this because Bello groomed very strong players that will take over from him, even in his own category.

And, one of them is expected to go with us to Spain if government can provide sponsorship, Ekeoma said.

According to him, it is painful that the country lost Bello when the target and dream is to ensure Para-Badminton is part of Tokyo Games, from Nigeria.

Bellos death is like a film to me because we were together at the just concluded National Sports Festival in Edo, strategising on how to embark on our trip to Spain for the last round of qualifiers for Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

On Wednesday around midday, I spoke with Bello and he told me that he has arrived the Spanish embassy to submit his document for next months Spanish International Para-Badminton championship which we are to attend.

He first of all cracked a joke with me that he was in a serious traffic and that he was yet to arrive in Lagos, he said

He said that he told him to come down from the vehicle and trek if possible, to be able to meet up with time at the embassy.

When I told him that, he now said I shouldnt worry that he was already inside the Spanish Embassy and immediately he submitted his documents, he called me again that he had submitted.

From Lagos to Ilorin is about four hours, so, around evening time, I was calling Bello to know if he has arrived Ilorin, and his line was initially ringing but at some point it was switched off.

It was yesterday that I heard that Bello is dead and you know how far we have gone in para-badminton and Bello is the key to our strength, Ekeoma said.

He noted that the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) had already taken over Bellos sponsorship for the Paralympics upon qualification.

I got a call on Wednesday from the Ministry of Sports to discuss about Bellos travelling to Spain for the qualifier, not knowing that he is already dead.

And he had this accident at the same area he jokingly told me there was traffic when he was going to Lagos from Ilorin, to keep the visa interview appointment at the Spanish Embassy, he said.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

The nations bourse key market indicators closed the week upbeat on Friday with a growth of 0.43 per cent.

The market capitalisation increased by N89 billion or 0.43 per cent to close at N20.568 trillion against N20.479 trillion posted on Thursday.

Also, the All-Share Index which opened at 39,131.80 inched higher by 170.02 points or 0.43 per cent to close at 39,301.82.

A breakdown of the price movement chart indicates that Triple G led the gainers table in percentage terms, gaining 9.23 per cent to close at 71k per share.

Sovereign Trust Insurance gained 8.70 per cent to close at 25k, while Stanbic IBTC Group added 8.70 per cent to close at N50 per share.

Academy Press garnered 8.11 per cent to close at 40k, while Regal Insurance rose by eight per cent to close at 27k per share.

On the other hand, Union Dicon topped the losers chart in percentage terms, dropping by 9.59 per cent to N9.90 per share.

Linkage Assurance trailed with 4.76 per cent to 80k, while Cornerstone Insurance lost 3.70 per cent to 52k per share.

FTN Cocoa dipped 2.50 per cent to 39k, while Transcorp also lost 2.50 per cent to 80k per share.

Access Bank dominated the activity chart with exchange of 46.79 million shares valued at N351.76 million in 346 deals.

Guaranty Trust Bank accounted for 42.67 million shares worth N1.33 billion in 336 deals, while Linkage Assurance exchanged 29.78 million shares valued at N23.72 million.

FBN Holdings traded 22.83 million shares worth N169.95 million, while United Bank for Africa sold 21.29 million shares valued at N158.88 million in 235 deals.

In all, investors sold 287.04 million shares worth N3.04 billion transacted in 3,578 deals.

This is against 228.12 million shares valued at N2.64 billion exchanged in 3,657 deals on Thursday. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Source: NAN News

By Grace Alegba

The Ikeja Branch, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), on Thursday inaugurated its cooperative multipurpose society to harness financial opportunities for engineers.

Mr Olutosin Ogunmola, Chairman, NSE, Ikeja Branch, during the inauguration at the societys secretariat in Ogba-Agege, Lagos, said the cooperative would empower engineers financially to take up big projects.

Ogunmola said the cooperative was a platform for members to have consistent saving culture to save for either welfare, investments or project execution.

He added that the cooperative society was established to make the Ikeja NSE a centre of value and make its members responsible residents of Lagos State.

Cooperative society fits into the framework for economic empowerment of engineers to take up big projects and contracts, he said.

The chairman promised commitment, transparency, probity and accountability in wealth creation for members, while urging the newly inaugurated executive to ensure the success of the cooperative.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Miss Fafunwa Onikoyi of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperative, Ifako Ijaiye, inaugurated the cooperative society.

Onikoyi upgraded and ratified the multipurpose cooperative society into a limited liability cooperative while praying for its success.

The society was renamed NSE Ikeja Branch Cooperative Multipurpose Society Ltd. with opportunities to undertake legal businesses according to the laws of Lagos State and Nigeria.

Mr Jacob Adeosun, the newly elected president, NSE Ikeja Branch, Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd. commended the patience and resilience of the protem members and leadership of the ratified organisation.

Adeosun described the inauguration as a breakthrough for wealth creation and capacity building for engineers to impact Nigeria positively.

He listed the goals of his administration to include laying favorable foundations, conducting the affairs of the society in accordance with laws, dedication to the motto of patriotism and loyalty among others.

We need members who would come to build and not destroy the cooperative, together we can fight poverty, stagnation and flourish, he said.

Mr Akintayo Akintola, a past chairman of the branch, said the current chairman broadened the vision of the cooperative society by incorporating more risk management experts to expand its scope leading to the inauguration.

Branch chairmen and engineers from Minna, Delta and other parts of the country who joined virtually took turns to share their thoughts on how to grow the society. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Abiodun Esan

A group, Kwara Youth Unity Forum, has congratulated the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on his 81st birthday.

In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Dr Ismail Alada, in Ilorin on Friday, the group described the emir as a precious gift to the Ilorin Emirate, Kwara and the entire Nigeria

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the emir was 81 years old on Thursday.

The group praised the royal father for achievements for the Ilorin Emirate and the entire Kwara since he ascended the throne.

It also commended the emir for socio-economic transformation, peace and tranquility that had characterised his reign.

According to the group, the achievements were due to the leadership qualities of Sulu-Gambari, a retired Judge of the Court of Appeal.

It prayed God to grant him more years in good health. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, has presented the demands of various unions that had embarked on strike to President Muhammadu Buhari for his possible intervention.

Fielding questions from State House correspondents after the presentation at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Ngige said he briefed the president on the strikes embarked upon by various unions in the country.

According to him, the president directed his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, and other relevant stakeholders, to ensure that they resolved the problems with the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) so that the ongoing strike could be called off.

I have to brief the President on the labour industrial milieu in the country. You know that we are like in a season of strikes.

We have the strike baton by the resident doctors, actively supported by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). And we held certain meetings at which we reached some agreements in a conciliation.

And I had to brief him ahead of the efforts we are making in those areas, like we agreed that the hazard allowance should be reviewed.

And as a matter of fact, before they embarked on the strike, my ministry and the Presidential Committee on Salaries, had initiated what we can call a pre-emptive arrangement to make for further discussion by all the stakeholders.

Federal Ministry of Health, Salary, Income and Wages Commission, the health unions, the NMA that is leading National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Association of Dental and Medical consultants, Association of General Duty Doctors, and others, he added.

According to him, JOHESU would lead Nurses and Midwives Association, pharmacists, lab technologists, and other people working in the health sector, under the big umbrella of Medical and Health Workers Union.

That meeting has kick-started. And we know from our initial meetings and the data we have, we have an idea of what amount of money that will be consumed or utilised to effect this change, which is going to be a permanent change.

He said that this would not be like what had happened in 2020 when the government did a special COVID-19 allowance, amounting to N20 billion.

And when we started the payment, it gulped a whopping N32 billion. So, we are working now to make the health workers feel that they are appreciated, and that the efforts are appreciated by government. So, I have briefed him on that too, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured the international community of Nigerias readiness to mobilise relevant stakeholders towards climate action, as well as support for regional, continental and global multilateral initiatives on attaining the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

The Nigerian leader, who gave the assurance at a virtual Leaders Summit on Climate, on Friday, in Abuja, noted that the fight to redress the impact of climate change was the responsibility of all countries and stakeholders.

He, therefore, congratulated President Joe Biden of the United States for his renewed interest in the Paris Agreement.

I would like to express my profound appreciation to the President of the United States, Joe Biden, for convening this Summit at a time the world is experiencing tremendous vulnerability from the COVID-19 pandemic and Climate Change impact, among several other global challenges.

The issue of Climate Change has taken the front burner globally, as its effects can be seen and felt all around us; ranging from increased atmospheric temperature to irregular rainfall patterns, as well as sea level rise, owing to the melting of glacial ice.

Nigeria commends the Biden Administration for the positive decision of returning the United States to the Paris Agreement.

In addition to bringing about abundant green economic opportunities to the US economy, the move further complements the larger transition process of global economies to low carbon development pathways, he said.

The president said the Summit would prove instrumental in mobilizing high-level political support for the implementation of the Paris Agreement and its Katowice Rulebook, as well as inviting more countries and stakeholders to take more climate-oriented responsibilities.

Buhari told world leaders that Nigeria was one of the most vulnerable nations, although it had begun undertaking major environmentally sound and climate-friendly programmes, while treading the path of sustainability.

We are expeditiously implementing programs that would stimulate a gradual transition away from the use of wood stoves to kerosene, Liquefied Natural Gas, biogas and electricity.

The immediate effects include healthy competition among private sector players, leading to higher productivity, employment and faster service delivery.

In the Agriculture production and supply chain sector, we are targeting improved efficiency and productivity through the provision of accurate and timely weather forecasts to farmers, supply of drought tolerant and early maturing crop varieties and promoting empowerment towards the diversification of livelihood sources.

Beyond ending gas flaring by 2030, the oil and gas sector has undertaken steps for diversification; a risk management system; insurance hedging; research and development, and emergency/crisis planning, the president added.

Buhari also said that the overall outcome of the actions taken had translated into food supply sufficiency, improved nutrition, less hunger, increased employment, new job opportunities, better livelihoods, reduced poverty, decreased vulnerability to health challenges and higher quality of life.

Nigeria calls on countries to embrace a Circular Economy and Sustainable Production and Consumption models, in order to expedite the attainment of the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement, he added. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Gabriel Agbeja

Azman Air, a privately-owned airline, is following guidelines of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to advance standard in its operations, Mr Sam Aderogboye, NCAA General Manager, Public Relation, has said.

Aderogboye made this known on Thursday in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The general manager said the airline had significantly fulfilled the recommendation made by NCAA following a series of incidents involving Azman Air Boeing 737 Aircraft.

He said considering Section 35 (2) of Civil Aviation Act, 2006, and Part 1.3.3.3 (A) of Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) 2015, NCAA suspended operations of all Boeing 737 aircraft in Azmans fleet.

He added that the suspension was with immediate effect from March 15, 2021, till date.

According to him, the suspension is to enable the authorities conduct an audit of the airline to determine the root causes of the incidents, and recommend corrective actions to forestall re-occurrence.

NCAA regrets the inconvenience this action may cause to the public, particularly to Azman air passengers, but the need to ensure the safety of air transport and protect the public interest cannot be compromised.

NCAA will continue to ensure compliance with its regulations in the interest of safety and will view any violation(s) seriously, he said.

In a related development during an interview NAN, a top rank Official of Azman Air , who pleaded anonymity, said the airline was responding to issues raised by NCAA.

According to him, NCAA is happy with the level of compliance the airline had undergone during the suspension to maintain standard in the aviation industry.

We stopped on 15th march. NCAA suspended us due to incidences that concurrently happened, and they decided to conduct an audit on our operations.

We are responding to all issues raised by NCAA, right now we are conducting some refreshers training, we almost closed all gaps highlighted, we assure you that we will come back stronger and better.

NCAA are delighted with our responses as stated by NCAA Director General last week. Though, we are on top of situations when it comes to maintenance but the questioned incidences occurred naturally, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By George Odok
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has called on stakeholders intervention over the windstorm destruction of infrastructure at the institution.

She made the appeal to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Tertiary Education Trust Fund and the Niger Delta Development Commission while inspecting the damages on Friday in Calabar.

Obi said that properties worth millions of Naira have been destroyed by the windstorm that occurred during the heavy downpour of Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the buildings affected include the Medical College, Post Graduate School, Faculty of Education, Printing Press, Senate Chambers, open pavilion and Department of Medical Laboratory.

Others are the Sen. Godswill Akpabio Engineering Lecture Theatre, telecommunication mast, the Isolation Centre, electrical and solar installations, the Vice Chancellors office as well as the male and females hostels among others.

The VC said that the windstorm was coming at a time when the University has yet to recover from the destruction of its facilities by hoodlums who hijacked the #Endsars protest on Oct. 24, 2020 in Calabar.

Today is another very sad day, just like it happened during the #Endsars protest. When I came onboard as VC, we commenced the fixing of the hostels and other areas that were destroyed by the hoodlums, here we are again witnessing another form of destruction.

We have invested so much on the printing press because we wanted to make it a commercial venture; even the Senate Chambers of the University where we used to have our international cooperation have all been affected because the roof has been destroyed.

The sad story is that the new Medical College building that was yet to be handed over to the school was also badly affected.

We are appealing to the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, the Niger Delta Development Commission, National Emergency Management Agency, TetFund, well-meaning Nigerians and Alumni of the institution to come to our aid, she said.

The Registrar of the University, Mr Gabriel Egbe, who was also on the inspection tour, appealed to relevant government agencies to come in and assist the University in the area of projects intervention.

The Student Union President of the University, Mr James Ugah, also appealed to the Federal Government and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to urgently intervene, especially in the hostel with a view to replace the damaged facilities.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Joshua Olomu

The Women in Business and Tourism Society Nigeria (WIBAT Nigeria) has called on government at all levels to develop the rich tourism opportunities that abound in the country for revenue and job creation.

Sophia Khan National President of the body, made the call on Thursday during a courtesy visit of its members to the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb.Mariam Katagum in Abuja.

She said the group was at the ministry to brief the minister on its visions and mandate and seek areas of possible collaboration.

Khan explained that WIBAT Nigeria was conceived to promote domestic tourism by developing, promoting and marketing tourism centres in Nigeria.

According to Khan, as Nigeria seeks economic diversification from oil, its tourism potential is a goldmine that can serve as appropriate alternative, if properly hairnessed.

There is no state in Nigeria that does not have a mind-blowing tourism destination and tourism is the new oil.

We therefore urge both the federal, state and local governments to take tourism as a serious business opportunity that can create job and boost GDP.

We at WIBAT Nigeria promote our culture, tourism and generate income from the entire value chain.

As an oganisation, we encourage women to go into business, secure access to finance and enable them create value in the tourism value chain. she said.

Kkan said that cultural tourism, religion tourism and hospitality were among the bright potentials the nations tourism ecosystem offers.

In her remark, the Minister of State commended the WIBAT Nigeria leadership for its ingenuity and foresight in indentifying economic opportunities that abound in the tourism subsector.

She therefore urged the group to officially write to the ministry and identity areas of possible collaboration.

Tourism has an important role to play as the nation diversifies from oil and I still feel there is a huge gap in the sector.

As Nigeria joins the rest of Africa countries for trading under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), tourism is very key to Nigeria, she said

Katagum therefore urged the WIBAT Nigeria delegates to seek collaborations with relevant organisations and stakeholders in the sector, including the National Commission for Museums and Monuments(NCMM), the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, among others.

Source: NAN News

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday defended her efforts to promote scandal-hit payments provider Wirecard during a China trip in 2019.

She said that there were no indications of grave irregularities at the time.

Speaking before an investigative parliamentary committee probing the shock collapse of Wirecard, Merkel denied giving any special treatment to the former German star company.

The Wirecard AG did not receive any preferential treatment during the trip, she said.

According to Merkel, the goals of Wirecard at the time matched those of the government and it was normal for the chancellor to promote the interests of German business during bilateral talks.

Despite the press reports at the time, there was no reason to assume there were grave irregularities at Wirecard.

Wirecard, which had been listed on Germanys DAX index of leading companies, admitted in June last year that 1.9 billion euros (.3 billion) in assets likely did not exist.

This in turn prompted a plunge in the companys shares, bankruptcy and the arrest of former executives.

During the trip to China in September 2019, Merkel spoke with the Beijing leadership about the planned takeover of Chinese firm AllScore Financial by Wirecard.

This topic had been part of Germanys efforts to gain better access to Chinese markets, Merkel said.

While in retrospect it seemed the trip was only about Wirecard, it was far from it, Merkel said, adding that she had discussed many political topics with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Merkel confirmed that before her trip she had met with Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, a lobbyist for Wirecard, who previously served as minister of defence and economics.

But she said she could not recall if Wirecard was mentioned.

She had referred zu Guttenberg to her economic advisor, Lars-Hendrik Roeller, at the time.

Merkel defended Roeller, whose wife mediated between Wirecard and a Chinese firm, saying she had no occasion not to trust him.

Ultimately, Merkel said that she I as chancellor bears the responsibility and everything has to be done to avoid that something similar happens in the future.

She pointed to planned reforms of Germanys financial watchdog BaFin to increase oversight.

The prosecution believes that Wirecard had been cooking its books since at least 2015.

Wirecards auditor, EY, however, approved them year after year, prompting questions why the financial irregularities were never noticed.

More broadly, the revelations have cast doubts over the effectiveness of financial oversight authorities in Europes biggest economy.

Finance Minister Scholz, whose ministry oversees the watchdog BaFin, was also grilled by the parliamentary committee on Thursday.

While Scholz admitted reform was needed, he said the responsibility for this large-scale fraud does not lie with the German government, pointing the finger at the auditors. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Germanys probe into the shocking collapse of payments firm Wire card reaches its climax on Friday, with Chancellor Angela Merkel appearing before the investigative parliamentary committee.

On Thursday, Merkels Finance Minister Olaf Scholz tried to shield the government from any blame, saying the responsibility for this large-scale fraud does not lie with the German government.

Any suggestions that the government or regulatory authorities had protected Wire card were absurd fairy tales, he said.

Merkel had advocated for Wire card during a visit to China in September 2019, but had no knowledge at the time of any irregularities, a spokesperson said.

Wire card, which had been listed on Germanys DAX index of leading companies, admitted in June 2020 that 1.9 billion euros (2.3 billion dollars) in assets likely did not exist.

This in turn prompted a plunge in the companys shares, bankruptcy and the arrest of former executives.

More broadly, it leads to doubts about the effectiveness of financial oversight authorities in Europes biggest economy.

Questions also arose as to why EY, Wire cards auditor, had not noticed the financial irregularities. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ifeanyi Nwoko

The Chinese Ambassador designate to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun says under the China Communist Party (CPC) currently led by Xi Jinping, China has been greatly developed.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Jianchun was speaking in Abuja on Thursday at an even to mark the 100year of the partys existence.

The envoy said that the party had not only improved China but has contributed immensely to the development of the World.

Giving an insight into the history of the party, he said that the CPC which started with only 57 members had now grown to have more than 90 million members, making it the largest political party in the World.

He said that although the party was formed in 1921, it took it about 28 years of struggle to win power in 1949 from which time it began the core development of the nation.

The ambassador designate stressed that the party has blazed a trail in the area of industrial development, poverty alleviation, economic growth and development as well as infrastructural development.

The CPC was established with just 57 members in 1921, at a point when China experienced enduring impoverishment, long-standing debility.

After 28 years revolution and against local warlords, foreign invaders and the Kuomi government, it led the Chinese people to realise an independence from imperialism and finally established the Peoples Republic.

On infrastructure, Chinas high speed rail lines topped 37,900 kilometers at the end of 2020, making China a country that owns the longest tracks for bullet trains.

On poverty alleviation, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared early this year that 98.99 million impoverished rural residents living under the current poverty line have all been lifted out of poverty, he said.

He noted that about 80 per cent of Chinas population was illiterate in 1949 but the situation had improved.

Fast forward to today and the net enrolment rate of primary school children is 99.95 per cent while the junior high school gross enrollment rate is over 100 per cent.

In 2018, there were more than 210,000 compulsory education schools in China, hosting nearly 150 million students.

All of these achievements should be attributed to the tenacious struggles waged by the CPC and the Chinese people, he said.

He said that the country had also built the worlds largest social security system, with nearly one billion people covered by the basic old-age pension system, with life expectancy now 77 years from 35 years in 1949.

On economy, China is now the worlds second-largest economy, with its GDP being about 15.42 trillion dollars and per capita GDP over 10,000 dollars in 2020, he said.

He added that Chinas development had also affected the World as China was a major export hub for many countries in the World.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ambassador designate is yet to submit his letter of Credence to President Muhammadu Buhari.

In her goodwill message, Dr Ifeoma Anyanwutaku, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Culture, noted the long standing bilateral relations between Nigeria and China which she said was flourishing.

She said that in the last 50 years, Nigeria and China relations had flourished progressively, adding that the signing of the Agreement on Cultural and Educational Cooperation in March, 1990 was significant.

The blossoming relations have also been capped with reciprocal high level visits by Political Office holders and Experts at Administrative levels at various times.

Let me use this opportunity to congratulate the Peoples Republic of China, as we reminisce on her giant strides in all spheres of human endeavour and to note the enormous prosperity, welfare and human capital development of her citizens and global allies.

These successes could not have been achieved without the excellence and instrumentality of the Communist Party of China.

This Seminar on CPCs New Blueprint and China-Nigerias New Journey surely provides a platform for stock-taking and celebration the enduring relationship of our two countries, she said.

On behalf of the Information Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, she welcomed the new Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China in Nigeria, H.E Mr. Cui Jianchun. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Britains Olympic track cycling gold medallist Callum Skinner on Friday said the International Olympic Committee (IOC) would not be able to stop athletes protesting during this years Tokyo Games.

IOC Rule 50 forbids any kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda in venues and any other Olympic area.

On Wednesday, the Games body concluded the rule should be maintained following a consultation process that started in June 2020 and involved over 3,500 athletes.

IOC Athletes Commission chief Kirsty Coventry, who led the review of Rule 50, said the majority of athletes they spoke to in the consultation process supported it.

Against the backdrop of the Black Lives Matter movement protesting racial injustice, however, there have been growing calls for a change to that rule that would allow athletes to protest.

Skinner, who won gold in the team sprint at Rio 2016, told UK-based newspaper The Times that the IOC seemed intent on exercising control when they dont have any.

If an athlete wants to take the knee, they will take the knee, he said.

Skinner, who retired in 2019 and is a member of the Global Athlete group, which aims to create positive change in world sport, said standing up for equality was not a political act.

People get frustrated by Black Lives Matter because they see it as a political movement, but at its core its fighting for equality and that is something the Olympics should 100 per cent stand behind, he added.

American hammer thrower Gwen Berry, who was put on probation after she raised her fist during medal presentations at the 2019 Pan Am Games in Lima, was also critical of the IOC.

They wont be the pioneers of true change, she said. They have their own agenda and its to protect billions of dollars they generate from the Olympic Games.

The Tokyo Olympics, delayed by a year due to the pandemic, is expected to kick off on July 23.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

The Jigawa Farmers and Herdsmen Board has concluded plans to carve out 95km of grazing reserves as part of measures to tackle farmers/herders incessant clashes in the state.

Malam Zubairu Sulaiman, the Public Relations Officer of the Board, told the News News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Dutse that the reserves will be carved out in 10 local government areas.

These councils, he said, are Babura, Birninkudu, Gagarawa, Gumel, Gwaram, Buji, Maigatari, Suletankarkar, Kafinhausa and Kirikasamma

He said that the state government has released over N7 million for the exercise.

Miko called on leaders of the farmers, herders and traditional rulers in the affected areas to cooperate with the board, to ensure a successful execution of the demarcation.

NAN reports that on Jan. 1, 2008, former governor Sule Lamido, established 400 grazing reserves, 50 of which have already been gazetted.

The effort to establish and demarcate grazing reserves in Jigawa was part of a multi-dimensional approach adopted by Lamido early in the day to address the perennial problem of clashes between pastoralists and farmers.

Similarly, in its effort to encourage and enhance the pastoralists, the Jigawa launched the 2014 to 2015 animals vaccination exercise in which government vaccinated 3,438,590 cattle against diseases in the past seven and-half-years 2007 to 2014. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) are to implement joint measures to curb delay and corrupt practices at the ports.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, disclosed this in a statement by Mr Philip Kyanet, Head Corporate Communications, NIMASA, on Thursday in Lagos.

He said that the agencies noted that full automation of processes at the nations ports would go a long way to curb human interface, delays and corruption.

He said that they agreed to harmonise the implementation of Port and Flag State Administration to minimise direct human contact onboard vessels, calling at the nations ports in line with provisions in the Nigerian Port Process Manual (NPPM).

Jamoh noted that the agencys operation was close to 85 per cent automated, adding that NIMASA had undertaken an in house harmonisation exercise to reduce human interface.

He explained that NIMASA was now fully ready for inter-agency harmonisation and commended the NSC for the introduction of cargo tracking notes in port operations.

We thank you for obtaining approval for the cargo tracking note. This will reduce loss of man-hour and assist in exposing non-declaration or under declaration at the nations ports and improve revenue generation, he said.

On security at the anchorage, Jamoh said that there was marked reduction in security breaches since the Deep Blue project took over security working closely with the Nigerian Navy.

We are beginning to record a reduction in attacks in our waters, and we hope to sustain this and later demand a change in status of cost of insurance of vessels visiting Nigerian waters.

On his part, Mr Hassan Bello, Executive Secretary, NSC, said that cost of port operations in Nigeria could be reduced by over 35 per cent when standard operation procedures contained in the NPPM were fully implemented.

Our Ports are in competition with other Ports in the region, so we need to strengthen collaboration on the establishment of indicative freight rates, he said.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo launched the NPPM on Dec. 9, 2020 in Abuja during the International Anti-Corruption Day.

It is a collection of processes taken from the Standard Operating Procedures of stakeholders in the port sector aimed at improving operations, service timelines, efficiency and accountability at the ports.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Mustapha Sumaila
Retired Col Hameed Ali, the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), says henceforth, officers and men will be measured for career growth based on knowledge and skills acquired in service.

Ali said this at the Graduation Ceremony of Junior Course 9 at Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, FCT on Friday.

Represented by Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Strategy and Research, Mrs Ronke Olubiyi, the customs boss noted that knowledge and skills had become a prerequisite for promotion and posting.

He said to deal with multi challenges of modern customs, knowledge, skills and discipline were paramount.

We are entering into an era where your future will now be determined by what you know rather than who you know.

Your growth will depend on your capacity to deal with multi challenges of modern customs, he said.

Ali assured that NCS under his leadership would ensure continuous training programmes for both junior and senior officers of the service.

He said capacity building was now a priority in the service, adding that officers and men due for short courses would be granted.

He tasked the graduating students to be more committed and disciplined as well as become ambassadors of the college.

In his remarks, the Commandant of the college, ACG, Adewale Adeniyi, said 40 students were graduated from Junior Course 9, adding that about 400 personnel had been graduated in the last three years.

Adeniyi said the graduating officers had been moulded in character and learning, hence there was high expectation from them while discharging their duties.

Mrs Opayemi Itulua, who won best graduating student and other two awards, expressed gratitude to God and customs management for the opportunity to be part of the course.

Itulua said though she was surprised for winning three awards but added that she worked very hard during the programme.

She stated that the development had encouraged her to be more committed and put in her best while discharging her responsibility. (NAN)

Source: NAN News