By Bridget Ikyado

The Governorship flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth-Iormem Alia has assured of better and brighter future for the people, if elected governor in 2023.

Alia gave the assurance during the Igede Agba New Yam Festival in Oju Local Government Area of the state.

Alia in a statement by his media aide, Isaac Uzaan, issued on Monday in Abuja, particularly told people of Benue South Senatorial district to live in the sure hope of a better and brighter future.

He expressed gratitude for the privilege to witness the event, which he described as the reawakening of the Igede culture.

The APC governorship candidate said that the event would strengthen the bond of unity and peace among the people, which have kept them together over the years as one indivisible people.

Alia, however, expressed shock at the lack of development in spite of the huge revenue being generated by government in the area.

While describing himself as a crop for the new planting season, Alia called on Igede people and the entire people of Benue to allow the seed germinate, so as to reap dividends of democracy.

He congratulated the Igede traditional council and entire Igede people for promoting their rich cultural heritage.

Alia also applauded their sense of unity, patriotism and determination, and called on other cultures in Benue to emulate them.

Earlier during the Igede Agba Thanksgiving Mass, Alia was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Odochu I of Igede (star I of Igede), in acknowledgment of his solidarity and goodwill to the community.

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Sylvester Omoke advised politicians and all Benue people to put God first in all things, including the 2023 elections, so as to get the new Benue they aspire for. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Source: NAN News

By Bridget Ikyado

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) will hold its second 2022 plenary from Sept. 8 to 16, at the Catholic Diocese of Orlu in Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Imo.

This is contained in a statement issued by Fr Mike Umoh, Director of Social Communications, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, on Monday in Abuja

Umoh said that the Bishops would use the opportunity to deliberate on national issues.

It will be a week-long period of prayer, sharing, deep reflections and deliberations on issues concerning the Church and the society, he added.

He said that the Bishops would meet with the Diocesan Priests Association and also hold an interactive session with some Catholics of Owerri Province.

Umoh said the opening Mass will be presided by the CBCN President and Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius-Iwejuru Ugorji while the homily will be taken by the Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma.

He said that a communique would be issued at the end of the conference. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Source: NAN News

By Taiye Agbaje

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has advised Nigerians living abroad to be careful not to violate laws relating to campaign funding ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Chairman of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, made the call at the 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas (NIDOA) held at the Nigeria Consulate in New York on Saturday and monitored virtually by newsmen in Abuja.

Dabiri-Erewa at the meeting titled: NIDOA Renaissance: Leveraging on New Generation Leadership, urged them to ensure that they observe the laws in their support for presidential candidates in the 2023 general elections

I have been hearing stories that you are going to raise money for one person or the other person.

Whatever you do, dont break the laws of elections and funding in Nigeria. I think that is very important.

I wont encourage you to break any law relating to political funding; you know how it is operated in America.

Ensure you observe the laws also in Nigeria.

So as we move on, I can guarantee you that under this administration, we will continue to protect our Diasporans, she said

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Chairman of Labour Party, Julius Abure, recently, inaugurated an 11-man Diaspora Committee to organise fund-raising activities in support of the Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi.

The Inauguration also came a day after the partys Diaspora support groups, in a media report, pledged to unveil a crowdfunding portal with a target to raise million from Obis supporters in the Diaspora and N100 billion from those in Nigeria.

Dabiri-Erewa also urged them not to be disappointed that they wont be participating in the 2023 polls.

She advised them to intensify effort to engage the National Assembly so that Diaspora voting could be passed into law.

I know that you cant vote in 2023, but dont be disappointed.

Rather, you need to work harder to lobby the National Assembly to make it possible for the Diasporans to be able to vote.
.
However, you have the voice and use your voice to urge all eligible voters to cast their vote.

I urge you, as the president always says three things; be good ambassadors, obey the laws of whatever countries you are and let us continue to be proud of you and what you are doing, she said.

She assured members of NIDOA of the commissions robust partnership.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees of NIDOA, Tope Esan, said the organisations mission is to promote the spirit of patriotism, networking, and cooperation among Nigerians in the Diaspora for their individual and collective success in the countries of the Americas where they reside.

He said they are also on mission to mobilise
the vast resources of manpower, technological know-how and wealth of knowledge among Nigerians in
the Diaspora towards building a greater Nigeria.

According to Esan, the present board, after a SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threat) Analysis, identified a 3-pronged approach to the present challenges facing the organisation.

The focus areas are NIDOA image redemption, strategic partnerships, giving back to Nigeria and growing NIDOAs base, he said.

NAN reports that some of the activities at the event include a morning breakfast meeting with the states legislators, an afternoon AGM session of members and chapters represented and an evening gala and dinner for members and the community at large.

Participants also used the occasion to pay a tribute to the late Edo-born professor, Joseph Igietseme, former chief of the Molecular Pathogenesis Laboratory, Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia in 2002, and the President of NIDOA in South Savannah, Georgia Chapter, who died in May 24.

Representatives of NIDOA from Sao Paulo, Brazil; Calgary, Canada; Washington, DC; Savannah, Georgia; Columbus, Ohio; Minnesota; New Jersey and
New York were in attendance.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Ruth Oketunde

The governorship candidate of the APC in Benue, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, announced on Sunday that his main mission in politics was to liberate the people of Benue from endemic poverty.

Alia in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said that he had resolved to liberate the people of Benue from incompetent leadership.

The statement was signed by the Media Adviser to the Governorship Candidate, Mr Ado Mohammed.

He said that time had come to end the unconscionable looting of public funds, poverty and economic backwardness that had characterised the state since its creation on Feb. 3, 1976.

According to him, it is regrettable that most of the successive rulers of the state have sustained blatant disregard for the well being of the people of the state.

Successive rulers of the state have failed to address the plight of the governed and have failed to harness the enormous natural and human resources of the state for the benefit of the citizenry, he said.

Alia disclosed that he had put together a bold and strategic comprehensive plan of action, aimed at reinvigorating key areas of the states local economy.

He said that the blueprint would spur economic growth, generate productivity and prosperity and improve the standard of living of Benue citizens.

The governorship hopeful said that the APC campaign manifesto and development blueprint would be unveiled at the stipulated time for electioneering campaigns as outlined by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

I have always believed that a sustained comprehensive growth and technological advancement of the nation is partly hinged on equitable distribution of prosperity and improved standard of living of the people.

Alia identified key ingredients of economic development and national transformation as agricultural transformation, food security, education, communication technology, industrialisation and commerce.

He named others as rural development, human and social development, security, tourism and environmental management.

The APC chief regretted that as the global leader with 70 per cent share of global production of yam and cassava, Nigeria was yet to be recognised as an exporter of the products.

He said that Nigeria was instead, trailing behind Ghana, which according to him, is responsible for 75 per cent of all yam exports from Africa.

Of the 60 million tonnes of yam produced annually by Nigeria, which comes majorly from Benue State, only 200 tonnes are exported and 30 per cent of this meagre figure rots in transit, due to poor preservation.

Yam farmers and exporters have continued to count their losses, rather than counting their gains at the end of each farming season, Alia said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Silas Nwoha

Source: NAN News

By Ruth Oketunde

The Chief Executive Officer of the international charity, IA-Foundation, Mrs Ibironke Adeagbo, has expressed worry over the distressing figure of over 20 million children reported to be currently out-of-school in Nigeria.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, Adeagbo described the huge number of Nigerias out-of-school kids as worrisome, pleading with the Federal Government to rise to the challenge immediately.

On Sept. 1, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), released a research report that put the current figure of out-of-school children in Nigeria at about 20.2 million the highest in the world.

But the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, had earlier on Aug. 18, announced that Nigeria was turning the corner in its out-of-school crisis.

He said that the number of out-of-school children in the country had dropped drastically in recent years from 10.5 million to about 6.9.

However, the issue of high number of out-of-school children has been a contentious issue in Nigeria in recent times.

Nigeria is Africas top crude exporter and one of the continents biggest economies but poor implementation of policies has affected the countrys education industry adversely, according to analysts.

A persistent insurgency, especially in northern parts of the country has also exacerbated the out-of-school crisis, forcing many children out of classrooms.

British born Adeagbo, who has been campaigning for education rights for Nigerian children, pleaded with the Federal Government to give priority attention to education to secure the future of the country.

Education in Nigeria is in a state of emergency. Government must proffer strategic solutions to save the future of our children, she said.

Adeagbo also advised government to forge international partnerships to bring international agencies and foreign governments to assist Nigeria to resolve current problems plaguing the education sector.

The ministry of education must be more vocal on the decadence in the education sector, to find lasting solutions to current challenges.

According to her, Nigeria must create an enabling environment for non-governmental organisations to form strategic alliances with government to salvage the education sector.

She said there was urgent need for government to upgrade infrastructure in schools to foster a congenial atmosphere for teaching and learning.

Adeagbo reiterated the determination of IA-Foundation to partner with State Governments to take education to grassroots communities to give opportunities to hapless Nigerian kids. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Silas Nwoha

Source: NAN News

By Cecilia Ijuo

Mrs Asabe Bashir, the Director-General, National Council for Women Development (NCWD) on Saturday extolled the virtues of Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Mrs Ene Obi as she turns 60 years.

She spoke at an event held in Abuja, which was organised by Obis colleagues and friends as well as gender activists.

In her goodwill message, Bashir described the celebrant as a defender of the rights of the less privileged who should be emulated by all.

While wishing her long life and prosperity, Bashir said Nigerian women celebrate her because she has touched lives across Nigeria and even outside Nigeria.

This is a woman that the whole women of the world should celebrate.

She is celebrated globally as a pillar to womenfolk and I am so proud of her.

Speaking on the role of NCWD, the director-general said that the centre was a rallying point for Nigerian women.

The centre is a rallying point for women and we are at the forefront of advocating efforts at tackling violence against women.

We tell such women to always speak up, report cases of violence. If they do not report, we will not know what is happening to them.

We are there to help Nigerian women that have been violated and we urge them to always speak up and come to the centre, she said.

Mr Otive Igbuzor, the Chief of Staff to Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege described Obi as a wonderful personality.

She is a very compassionate person who gives a lot of support to people, especially the weak and the vulnerable and she is so commited to a better society.

That is why she found a good home in ActionAid, an organisation dedicated to eradicating poverty and injustice.

Her proficiency in fighting for justice, equity and for the poor is exemplary.

Igbuzor, who is also a former Country Director of ActionAid and Executive Director African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development decried marginalisation of women in Nigeria.

Historically, women have been marginalised not only in Nigeria but across the world.

We will continue to struggle for a better society, for better condition for women and for better condition for the poor, he said.

One of the friends of the celebrant, Mrs Moji Makanjuola, the Chief Executive of International Society of Media and Public Health, wished her many more years of active service.

She said, Mrs Ene Obi resonates with the aspiration of women across board.

I wish her more strength, good health and more wisdom as she continues to navigate this space that we are yet to cover.

On rising cases of violence against women, Makanjuola said, it breaks my heart each time one gets to know that a woman is abused.

Even these days, boys are being violated. I think the media has a big role to play in this.

Often times we focus on the victims, survivors, it is about time we focus on the perpetrators, she said.

If you find the perpetrator or you see something happening, say something.

This is because it goes beyond the physical. It often affects victims or survivors for life.

So, we need to start speaking loudly to the perpetrators and thank God we have the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP).

She called for the implementation of the VAPP Act so that perpetrators do not get away with any crime against women.

On the forthcoming 2023 general elections, Makanjuola said with the happening so far, it was obvious that women were undermined.

Lets support the man who will support us. Support the party that supports women as an integral part of development.

Support the presidential candidate that supports women as partners in progress.

Until we do that deliberately, until we have rules and regulations things will not change because, the 35 per cent affirmative action for elective position is not being honoured.

In her remarks, the celebrant, Mrs Ene Obi, expressed joy for the encomiums showered on her, saying she was challenged to do more.

She appealed to Nigerians to stand for the country, adding that with the right mindset, the country would take its pride of place.

She said, this country is one of the greatest countries in the world and I believe it will be great again.

On the gender bills that were rejected by the National Assembly, Obi said that ActionAid was re-strategising.

We want the politicians to look at the bills again and make it right.

This is because women represent about 50 per cent of the population and they cannot be pushed aside as if they do not matter.

It is so disturbing to know that there are some houses of assembly where there is no woman, she said.

Obi further called for people with disability to be included in the helm in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Alumni members of Command Secondary School in Kaduna, have commended the military for the efforts so far in tackling security challenges confronting the nation.

They gave the commendation at the 20th Anniversary Reunion Dinner of the 2002 Set of the school on Saturday in Abuja.

Arc. Enyi Ben-Eboh, President, Nigerian Institute of Architects, said it was unfortunate that Nigeria found itself in insecurity, saying it was a product of several years of neglect of the security sector.

Ben-Eboh, who is also an alumnus of Command school, said there was need for continuous investment in security since security equipment were not off-the-shelf materials.

He also called for adequate motivation for the troops of Nigerian military who were sacrificing their lives for the peace of the nation by acknowledging and thanking them for their efforts so far.

He also urged Nigerians to see security as everyones business, saying that something as simple as divulging information about people of dubious characters would help the authorities to to fish them out and take appropriate actions.

According to him, if as a community you keep quiet and think it doesnt affect you, someday it will and that is where we are now as a country.

He urged government to take urgent steps to address the economic challenges as well as making conscious efforts to engage the young people.

Ben-Eboh commended the class of 2002 for being able to hold themselves together amongst the various sets in Command secondary school, and urged them to keep the unity going.

A former History Teacher at the school, Mr Kehinde Degele, said the Command secondary schools all over the federation were known for discipline and academic excellence as an admixture of military discipline and quality academics.

Degele expressed excitement that the children he taught over the years had become successful adults in various fields of endaevour.

On insecurity, he said it was a passing phase that the nation would overcome with concerted and refocused efforts.

He urged Nigerians to shun blame game and see the problem as an challenge for all that required collective effort to tackle by exposing bad ones amongst them.

The Chairman of the set, Maj. Gbenga Adetunji, said the reunion had afforded them the opportunity to reminisce on their days as little boys and girls who entered into the school without knowing what they really wanted.

Adetunji said the 20th anniversary celebration was organised to build unity and oneness as well as giving back to the society and the school that had shaped them.

He said that most of them eventually joined the military because of their basic background from the command secondary school while those in other fields had also made their marks too.

He said the standard of Command schools had not dropped, saying that societal changes like emergence of technology like introduction of mobile or smart phones had changed the school system considerably.

According to him, there are changes in the world entirely due to the introduction of new technologies and so you cannot say the standard has dropped.

This is because what we had then when we relate with our parents is through letters but now the students have phones, they can just call, send text messages or send e-mail to their parents.

So I think they are still maintaining the standard, but I think more needs to be done to keep the standard, he said.

On the security challenges, he said the nation was being confronted by contemporary security challenges that were dynamic, adding that they required collective efforts to tackle.

According to him, the military has done its best so far to curtail the security challenges but more still needs to be done.

This is a trying time for the country and as such, Nigerians need to put heads together to support the military, share information, provide intelligence so that this crisis can be stopped once and for all, he said.

A member of the set, Mr Kelly Hyetson, said the set of 2002 had maintained contact and giving back to the society and the school.

He said the 20th anniversary was a milestone in their journey of life, adding that they had made efforts to support their mates in different ways. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army says it will not succumb to intimidation by the International Society for Civil Liberty and Rule of Law (INTERSOCIETY) in its effort to rubbish armys image and reputation.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said that INTERSOCIETY had continued with its antics of dragging the image of the Nigerian army in the mud while promoting irredentists, lawless and outlawed organisations.

He said the allegation by the organisation that the Nigerian military, especially the army had been working with armed herdsmen/bandits to terrorise the Eastern part of the country and Benue was libelous, spurious and derogatory.

According to him, a cursory look at the content reveals a business-as-usual pattern of propaganda by the well known, paid jobbers and fifth columnists christened INTERSOCIETY.

Unfortunately for these mischief makers, the highly patriotic and untiring efforts of the Nigerian army to neutrally defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Nigeria is visible enough and boldly seen by all and have received international accolades.

It is on this unmistakable pedigree, that the army wishes to dismiss these concoctions and evil propaganda peddled and served to unsuspecting members of the public by INTERSOCIETY.

He alleged that INTERSOCIETY is covertly sponsored by the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) with the singular purpose of destabilising the country.

It is on record, that the Nigerian army conducted and will still conduct series of exercises not only in the South Eastern states, but across all the states of the federation.

This has reasonably reduced criminality especially in the South East, where INTERSOCIETYs cohorts like IPOB and ESN can no longer enjoy freedom of action to unleash death and mayhem on Ndigbo and other Nigerians, who do not support their evil bid.

INTERSOCIETYs unprofessional posture is crystal clear and evident in its biased and unbalanced submissions and reportage, as it has never openly condemned the atrocious activities of IPOB/ ESN, for which it is fronting.

INTERSOCIETY will rather turn a blind eye, when these groups illegally deny law abiding citizens their rights to freedom of movement and association, through their illegal sit-at-home order,.

They also pretend not to notice attacks on military, police, paramilitary personnel and other security agencies attack and callous beheading of Nigerians including Ndigbo, destruction of government facilities and infrastructure, amongst myriads of other nefarious activities, he said.

Nwachukwu said that the army had through the conduct of its exercises, checkmated and drastically reduced their criminal activities and other sundry crimes in South Eastern Nigeria.

He said the recently concluded Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2022 held in Owerri, Imo, saw the Nigerian army bringing succor to the South Easterners through organised medical outreaches, renovation of schools, sinking of boreholes and road repairs.

These, according to him, are totally in dissonance with the image being concocted of the Nigerian army by the glorified Civil Society Organisation (INTERSOCIETY) and their collaborators.

The Nigerian army, therefore, remains a professional institution that is resolved to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

The Nigeria army will never be distracted by mischief makers, who find pleasure in blackmailing and defaming the institution to gain cheap publicity and satisfy the interest of fifth columnists, in their unrelenting effort to destabilise the nation.

According to him, the army is not by this reaction denying the presence of black sheep in its fold, just like in any other organisation or institution.

We are very mindful of and actively monitoring and effectively handling the issue of black ship in our fold within the provisions of extant laws.

We call on INTERSOCIETY to channel its energy like the Nigerian army into nation building, rather than tearing our nation apart. Nigeria remains our nation and no other.

The Nigerian army will continue to count on the support of all Nigerians and international community, as it selflessly continues to carry out its constitutional mandate to defend Nigeria and restore sanity and peace in all troubled parts of the country, he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

A group of candidates and aspirants in the 2023 general elections on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has pledged to work for the partys presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The group, under the aegis, Atikulated Global Movement (AGM), made the pledge during the official unveiling of its national office on Friday in Abuja.

The group also donated branded materials in support of the partys presidential flag bearer.

The groups Co-convener and National Vice Chairperson, Princess Nikky Onyeri, made the pledge in her remarks at the office unveiling ceremony.

Onyeri said that the movement with slogan of the movement is, aspirants and candidates united, would use its network at the grassroots across the federation to deliver for Abubakar.

Here is a grassroots organisation that cuts across the length and breadth of Nigeria in all the 36 states and the FCT.

Our membership now is about 1,000 but we are working to accommodate about 15,000 candidates and aspirants that contested PDP tickets at all levels ready to work with us for the success of Abubakar, she said

Onyeri said that the movement had already met with Abubakar who endorsed AGM, gave it the mandate to unify all PDP aspirants in the last primary elections for the party.

She said that the movement was already reaching out to all aspirants and candidates including, both incumbent and governorship candidates in all geopolitical zones.

She urged all Nigerians and PDP members to go out and canvass support for the Abubakar-Okowa presidential ticket.

Onyeri also urged other aspirants yet to key into the movement to do so for the benefits of the party and the nation.

There is power in coming together. Together is power. We have a database of 15,000 aspirants, imagine the size of the community we are talking about.

For other aspirants that are still sitting on the fence, this is the only way for you. If you dont join this movement, four years from now, nobody is going to remember you, she said.

The special guest of honour at the occasion, Hajia Maryam Atiku Abubakar, commended the movement for taking it upon itself to strengthen the party.

She appreciated the group for working for the success of PDP and the candidature of Abubakar in 2023 general elections.

Atiku, who is also the AGM National Leader, represented by Hajia Hauwa Atiku Abubakar-Uwais, while unveiling the head office described the movements effort as selfless and commendable.

The most important thing that I am taking away from this is the fact that the aspirants in PDP are relentless, selfless and they have put the party first.

So this is very important for me, for the growth of the PDP and also for the success of the PDP in 2023 general elections, she said.

Mrs Atiku urged all aspirants and candidates to put the party first, while advising those yet to key into the platform to do so without delay for the success of PDP in 2023.

I believe that in everything that we do, we should always consider the platform that we are given.

If the PDP will allow you into its fold even to contest for a primary election, I believe it has been welcoming.

It is also important for you as an aspirant to also put your party first and to ensure that your party is successful, because if today it is not you, perhaps tomorrow it will be you, she said.(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Mark Longyen/Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Patricia Amogu

The President, National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), Mr Joseph Ajanaku, says the 16th edition of African Cashew Alliance Conference to hold in Nigeria will attract foreign investors and grow the nations economy.

Ajanaku said at a media briefing on Friday, that the conference would hold from Sept. 12 to Sept..15, in Abuja.

According to him, one thing that stands out for Nigeria in this big event is that there will be significant opportunities for growth in Cashew nuts processing and production and businesses that will strengthen synergies.

Ajanaku said that it was going to be the biggest Cashew Summit ever held in Africa because it will harmonise delegates and major stakeholders and attract a lot of business opportunities and influence some policies in the Sector.

The News Agency of NIgeria (NAN) reports that the Conference is with the themestrengthening sustainable kernel and by-products marketing in the African cashew industry.

Speaking earlier, Mr Ernest Mintah, ,Managing Director, African Cashew Alliance (ACA) said that the conference was being held annually.

In different African Countries ,we have held 15 editions and am happy to see that this time its coming to Nigeria for the first time and holding in the Capital City of Abuja.

Government and the private sector will be exchanging ideas , learning from experts globally to expand production in the Sector.he added.

Mintah explained that while processing is growing in Nigeria,with about 10 per cent ,it was still too little and still needs to be explored in order to generate more revenue and create employment for the youths.

According to him,the largest volume was going to Vietnam in Indian and its a lot of jobs also being exported.

If we are exporting the primary products we are getting one dollar 20 cent per kg to cover the farmers services, transport and export.

If we process,we stand about three times of the Government accrued to the Government,we are also growing jobs.he said.

He stated that for every thousand metric tonnes exported, Nigeria was losing about 300 jobs of processed cashew depending on the technology used which can create about 250-300 jobs .

The crop and production is here, during the Conference,we wont only be listening to experts speak,we will also do field visits to the various factories here and people will know how they are set up and opportunities to invest in.

He called on the Government to support Investment in the sector in Nigeria and increase the processing of Cashew in the Country.

NAN reports that Africa produces about 57 per cent of the total world production of Cashew yet Nigeria process only about 10 per cent(NAN)

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Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), government agencies and stakeholders have decried human activities that contribute to poor air quality across the country.

They condemned this act at the close of the international conference organised by Centre for Atmospheric Research, an activity centre of NASRDA, in collaboration with Osun State University and Penn State University, USA.

The conference, which lasted from Monday to Friday focused on COVID-19, Air Quality and Environment, with the theme Fighting Pollution: A Silent Threat to our Existence.

Prof. Babatunde Rabiu, Director, Centre for Atmospheric Research, said the centre in the past few years had sited air quality sensors across different locations of the country.

Rabiu said that the sensors were primarily to aid research on air quality which should improve a habitable environment for humans.

The director said that the centre had several air monitors across the country.

We have nine clarity devices and 27 Purple Air sensors connected to us asides those connected to other individuals across the country, he said.

Prof. Israel Oyewole, Provost, College of Science and Engineering, Osun State University, drew the attention of agencies and the government to air pollution, as well as the need to address issues on bush burning.

Oyewole called for improvement on the regulation of industry activities, as well as emissions into the environment.

If we dont control pollution, we are at a dangerous situation that will be affecting us, he said.

Mr Chukwunweizu Maike, Osun Coordinator, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) said that the agency had up to 34 regulations.

Maike said the regulations included regulation on Air pollution, vehicular emission, ozone layer, surface and ground water pollution, among others.

He further said that the agency in the state was ensuring compliance, monitoring of facilities, mining, base metal facilities and sanitation activities.

We arrange mediation meetings to address community crisis and currently, we have an issue of mining that almost led to the cancellation of the annual Osun Osogbo festival in August.

Mining in Osun was getting higher and we are currently investigating ground and surface water pollution, particularly where we have the mining companies in Ilesha and Ile-Ife axis.

Once we are done with the investigation, some of these companies may be sealed or will be made to face the right penalty, Maike said.

Mrs Olumide Olaniyan, a Deputy General Manager, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), said the agency was proposing to establish more stations across the country to further monitor air quality.

Olaniyan said that continuous pollution of the environment caused climate change, while it affected the health of humans.

She recalled that, according to the World Meteorological Organisation, Nigeria is ranked one of the worst polluted countries in Africa.

Polluting the atmosphere causes global warming and this causes increase in temperature that will lead to evaporation, hence intense floods.

Pollution is serious, we need to do something about it and the Sustainable Development Goals have given the mandate for zero emission by 2030 and I dont think we are close to that, Olaniyan said.

She urged that policy makers should be sterner in establishing policies that promote clean air.

Prof. Fuwape Ibiyinka, Vice-Chancellor, Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, said, as individuals, we need to cultivate better habits that promote clean air and environment.

How can we reduce indoor, outdoor pollution, either as a nation or individuals, as agencies, institutions ?

We need to start taking care of our environment, whatever we do to our environment, pollutes our lives collectively, whether soil, water or even air, it is a cycle.

As individuals, we have the responsibility to ensure that we take care of our environment, because ,if we default, the environment will react.

According to her, rural people still use firewood, adding, there is need to develop renewable stoves, solar operated stoves, we should not just complain, but provide alternatives that are cheap.

We also need to educate people on the dos and dont, as well as the need to engage the Ministry of Health so they can carry it as a health issue for a collaborative effort towards better health.

Dr Gabriel Fawole, from School of the Environment, University of Portmouth, UK, recommended for wastes to be buried in place of burning them and recycling of wastes.

Fawole said that in the developed world, some human activities like travelling on air for short trips, driving some distance were regulated to avoid emissions that come from those means of transportation.

He also said, everyone needs to control his indoor pollution, adding that 10 to 20 per cent of air pollution generated outdoor affect the indoors.

If the environment is dusty, keep your windows shut, because when these pollutants come in, they dont go out and when you generate pollution indoors, they dont go out easily.

There were series of technical sessions that took place at the conference, all suggesting ways government, institutions and individuals can contribute towards a healthy and better environment. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Source: NAN News

By Yakubu Uba

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says it has engaged 700 youths for conduct of drain clearance exercise to control perennial flood in Borno.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Musa Aliyu, Project Field Officer, Cash-for-Work project, on Friday in Maiduguri.

He said the organisation had engaged the youths for desilt exercise at Bulumkutu, Dala and Bulabulin communities in Maiduguri and Jere Local Government Areas of the state.

He said the Borno Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA) had deployed 35 environmental workers to facilitate effective supervision and conduct of the exercise.

The total direct beneficiaries of the project is 735 with over 100,000 indirect beneficiaries across the three selected communities..

The objective is to support and create temporary employment opportunities in the communities by engaging the most vulnerable to conduct of desilt exercise, and earn an income to enable them to cater for their needs, he said.

The project, he said would control flood, clear waste, enhance sanitation as well as improve the social and economic wellbeing of the people.

According to him, the organisation has cleared over 125 kilometers of drain in the communities under the 2019 and 2021 exercises. (NAN)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Source: NAN News

By Olaide Ayinde

Bauchi, Sept. 2, 2022 (NAN) Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State on Friday presented 32 new Suzuki Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to 22 Permanent Secretaries in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other beneficiaries of the cars were the judicial officers with six cars as well as the Bauchi State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) which received four of the vehicles.

Speaking during the presentation, the governor said that the vehicles were meant to assist the beneficiaries in the discharge of their official responsibilities and also to serve as a catalyst for improved productivity for the benefits of the citizens of the state.

Mohammed, who lauded the judiciary for effective service delivery, also applauded the organised labour for its cordial relationship with the state government as well as making sure that neither the government nor the labour force was shortchanged.

He added that the civil service had come to a level where the state government was including it in whatever it was doing.

A strong civil service is required for the implementation of the policies and programmes of government for the social economic development of the state.

It is for this reason that government used merit in the appointment of permanent secretaries.

This initiative has brought about remarkable improvement in the service delivery in the state, he said.

Mohammed urged the permanent secretaries to continue to do their best in the discharge of their responsibilities by being upright and dedicated to duties.

So far, I want to confess that I have seen improved productivity in the service because of the calibre of the permanent secretaries we have, Mohammed said.

In his vote of thanks, Alhaji Yahuza Haruna, the state Head of Civil Service, appreciated the state governor for the kind gesture and bringing the much-needed intervention into the civil service.

He assured that the civil service would put in its best to help the administration achieve more in the state.

He however, reminded all the beneficiaries of the vehicles that to whom much is given, much is expected.(NAN) ()

EED/BEKl/JTJ

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has sought the partnership of Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP) in infrastructure development, using private sector funding.

Mr Michael Ohiani, Director-General, ICRC, said this in a statement signed by Patrick Ederaro, Acting Head, Media and Publicity, ICRC, on Friday in Abuja.

Ohiani, who led a team of ICRC management staff on a courtesy visit to BPP Director-General, Mr Mamman Ahmadu, said that the function of both organisations was interwoven.

He said it was on this basis that there was need to deepen collaboration between the two organisations.

According to him, the BPP has been an immense contributor to the work of the ICRC over the years.

The ICRC boss said that deeper collaboration would bring about more efficiency in delivering Public Private Partnership Projects.

Given the strategic position your organisation takes in the Nigerian economy and taking into consideration that we are also a regulator of procurement, we decided to pay a courtesy visit and see how we can collaborate further.

We want to use the opportunity to appreciate the work you have been doing with your team.

We want to also appreciate how you have been able to help the country make savings by chopping off excesses in projects.

We are also here because of the need for the two agencies to have synergy. Yes! We already have existing collaboration but we want to deepen it and tap from our team of experts, he said.

On his part, Ahmadu said there was need for collaboration between ICRC and the bureau.

We are doing the same thing except for method and line of funding. If the funding is from public resources, it comes to BPP, if the funding is from the private sector it comes to ICRC.

The methods of evaluation are different but they are basically the same. We are trying to deliver services through projects to the country, he said.

The BPP boss recalled that few decades ago, he had come across many laudable projects, some of them being executed by states.

He said that Nigeria needed to begin delivering such projects again, such as the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the Vehicle Assembly Plants.

Ahmadu said that the current problems of Nigeria could not be solved without making reference to history.

History provides a platform to examine where you are coming from and plan for the future.

So, we are doing the same thing but there is a lot of space for us to share our experiences and guide ourselves to achieve our goals, he said. (NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Bassey/Chioma Ugboma

Source: NAN News

By Franca Ofili

The Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, has urged the newly inaugurated board to pay more attention on youth training, promotion of good leadership and good citizenship.

Dare gave the advice in Abuja on Thursday during the inauguration of the board of citizenship and leadership training centre.

He said the centre was a parastatal of government supervised by the ministry.

The centre is to enable it give the deserved attention to the youth population in the training and promotion of good leadership and good citizenship.

With focus on patriotism, nationalism, character building and ethical orientation and re-orientation, he said.

The minister said that the centre was principally a human development outfit established for the training and moulding of Nigerians to become good citizens and responsible leaders.

According to him, the centre provides training utilizing natural physical and man-made environment in an atmosphere in which self-discovery and self-actualization were based on competence and ability.

Dare mentioned the board members as: Alhaji Bello Muhammed, Chairman, AbdulGaniyu Oniyangi, Audu Dantamas, Suleiman Dawudu, Anthony Osiwe and Soji Eniade as Director-General.

He said others are Hezekiah Adedeji, Mr Rashid Afegbua, Brig.- Gen. E.L. Etuk, Commodore Pindar, Hajiya Adamu and Lami Bature

The ministrys Permanent Secretary, Ismaila Abubakar, said the members of the board would promote synergy as the country needed good governance.

Abubakar said that with the challenges of unemployment in the country, the board should strive to achieve the objective of the centre.

Muhammed promised not to disappoint the government, adding, with one voice, the board would achieve a lot, which would enable the country to accomplish the objective of the centre.

We need to work with open mind to enable us train leaders for better tomorrow. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Source: NAN News

By Angela Atabo

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), OXFAM and Connected Development (CODE) said the adoption of National Action Plan (NAP) on Business and Human Rights remained key to effectively regulate business-related human rights violations.

The stakeholders said this when a delegation from Connected Development (CODE) and OXFAM paid an advocacy visit to the commission, to discuss some of the challenges witnessed in oil-bearing communities.

CODE in partnership with OXFAM, is working to domesticate the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights in Nigeria (NAP) as a tool to support the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights at the federal and state levels.

The Executive Secretary, NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, said the adoption of the NAP was mandated by the United Nations General Principles on Business and Human Rights, demanding that countries should leverage on them to protect human rights in businesses.

This is because there have been a lot of issues, as the business climate in Nigeria so far, has been one of making profits alone, without looking at the consequential effects on promotion and protection of human rights.

This is not proper; now, the adoption of the NAP on business and human rights , obviously will improve the business climate

If human rights are protected, companies will have a better climate to do their business and make better decent profits, not blood money.

Ojukwu said that some parts of the country were experiencing gas flaring and soot, with a lot of effects on the environment and health of Nigerians, yet much was not being done.

How long can that go on? so the issue of adoption of the NAP on business and human rights is the way to go; we cannot shy away from this for too long.

For us as a commission, we have identified this and already, we have a draft plan on business and human rights, he said

Ojukwu, however, said the broader NAP for promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria was also being reviewed.

He said that the draft NAP had been submitted to the Attorney General of the Federation who would present it to the Federal Executive Council and hopefully before the end of this administration, it would be adopted.

Mr Hamzat Lawal, Chief Executive Officer, CODE said the organisation highlighted some human rights violation and abuses from oil companies in oil host communities, leading to environmental degradation and health issues .

Lawal said the environment itself took over 20 years to recover ecologically, adding that the soot would make people develop cancer and all these were human rights violation that needed to be checked.

So I am thinking about a tripartite collaboration among the NHRC, CODE and Oxfam, where we can document lessons, share them and engage government and hold these agencies to account to ensure proper regulation .

This is because if we have proper regulation, then therell be less or no human rights violation.

So we need a stronger framework that highlights how we can jointly as civil society and human rights organisations and international partners, work together.

Lawal said that the engagement would help to properly implement and accelerate action around the National Action Plan.

Mr Henry Ushie, Project Coordinator, Fiscal Accountability for Inequality Reduction, said there was need to engage more with companies to make them adhere to the rules and regulations of doing business.

Ushie said this was because although some laws already existed in terms of protection, the companies had not quite been compliant in respecting those laws.

That is why you see a lot of environmental issues, particularly with oil and gas companies in the Niger Delta; they do not respect this framework.

So the campaign over time has been how do we ensure that these companies become compliant?

If there are issues as a result of their operations at committee level or at any level in the entire value chain? How do we ensure that they remedy all of those anomalies.

Ushie said that was the reason the group thought it okay to come to NHRC, the body housing the framework, to know how it had been campaigning and tackling the issues of business-related abuses.

He added that the group also wanted to know how well the commission was working in getting the NAP rectified for companies to now see it as a legal document to abide by .(NAN)(nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

ByRemi Koleoso

Wife of the Ekiti Governor, Mrs Bisi Fayemi, has decried the various forms of violence and dimensions against women in Nigeria politics, saying it called for concern.

Fayemi spoke during a live Radio programme on Thursday, organised by the Stop Violence Against Women in Politics (Stop-VAWIP) and Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development (BIGIF) monitored in Ado-Ekiti.

BIGIF is an NGO, committed to empowering women, youths and children to ensure equal access to sustainable livelihood through the provision of care and support services, education, referral, resource mobilisation, human rights promotion, social inclusion, youths development and women empowerment.

The governors wife promised to enhance womens active participation in politics and the electoral processes by mitigating effect of violence against women in politics in all its forms in the state.

According to her, some of them are, but not limited to physical, economic, emotional, sexual, and other forms of violence.

She said that the violence negatively impacted womens health and the general wellbeing, adding it also has negative effects on the countrys political and socioeconomic development.

The objectives of Stop-VAWIP campaign are to raise awareness about the harmful effects of violence against women in politics and engage relevant stakeholders to mitigate it.

It is also to encourage women to actively participate in the electoral processes and to track and respond to cases of violence against women in politics during election period, she said.

Fayemi, at the Town Hall meeting, took the listeners down the memory lane, sharing how the GBV response programmes and law started in Ekiti and grew to the point where it was institutionalised.

She said the VAPP/GBV Prohibition Law is now established as a comprehensive legal framework that protects women and promotes a culture where women could live freely and safely.

As of June, 32 states in Nigeria have domesticated the VAPP Law, mainly because of the marching order given by the Governors Forum.

It became a matter of concern because one out of three women is faced with or have suffered from GBV. This is to promote a culture whereby women can live their lives in dignity.

Some of the lessons we learnt and applied along the way were the linkages between Education and GBV prevention.

Consequently, we developed a GBV Policy for educational institutions and also embarked on community engagement working with the traditional and religious institutions.

We saw the need to establish an effective GBV Management Committee, as MDAs and development partner contributed to the process of mitigating GBV in Ekiti.

It is evident that one cannot address GBV without paying attention to the economic state of women, because poverty fuels women and childrens vulnerability leading to poor life choices and outcomes, she further explained.

The Town Hall meeting also provided the opportunity for participants to make recommendations for strategic actions in implementing the VAPP/GBV Prohibition Law in Ekiti State.

The Town Hall also hosted Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, the incoming Governors wife, who shared her intentions to continue to give women agenda priority attention after the tenure of Gov. Kayode Fayemi administrations in the state.

Oyebanji gave her commitment to continue to advocate the implementation of the Ekiti Women Policy Agenda, 2022, GBV Prevention Strategic Plan, Political Office (Genderp Composition) Bill, 2022 when signed into law and other programmes and plans, as she is passionate about the issues.

To make Ekiti a model state for implementing a GBV law, both women advocate for funding of different Ministry Department and Agencies (MDAs), training more gender specialists and social workers, to decentralize the access to GBV services in the state.

She assured the people that the incoming administration would include gender updates as part of the state Executive Council briefing.

This is to ensure that GBV and other related issues are addressed at the highest level of the state.

BIGIF, through the programme, got an instant justice for a 16-year-old teenage pregnancy survivor, who is kept in her abuser house in Ado-Ekiti, as wife of the governor gave a marching order to the concerned ministry to get the girl supported and bring her abuser to book within 24 hours.

The convener of the Stop Violence Against Women in Politics (Stop-VAWIP), commended the efforts of the Fayemis wife toward ensuring the eradication of GBV in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olagoke Olatoye

Source: NAN News

The Federal Government on Wednesday said plans were underway to build a 2.5 Megawatts (MW) hybrid solar power plant in the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.

This information is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by Mr Iyali Peter, Special Adviser, Media to the Minister of State Power.

Peter quoted the Minister of Power, Mr Abubakar Aliyu, as saying this at the 40th National Solar Energy Forum (NACEF 2022) held in Kaduna.

The two days forum was organised by the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (SESN) in collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and National Energy Commission (NEC).

Aliyu, who was represented by the Minister of State, Power, Mr Goddy Jedy-Agba, said that the building of the solar power plant would enhance security at the academy

Aliyu said that the theme of the forum: The Role Of Green Energy Technologies in National Security, Power Generation and Economic Sustainability, was timely and necessary.

He said that reliable and sustainable energy was key in the fight against insecurity in the country.

According to him, such meetings with extensive and robust discussions will always bring out desirable outcome that can move solar energy penetration in the country forward.

He said, Countries all over the world are exploring avenues of fulfilling their specific commitments and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in line with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and COP26 Agreement in Glasgow. Nigeria is not left out.

To achieve Nigerias commitment to COP26, President Muhammadu Buharis administration is implementing different initiatives targeted at achieving at least, 30,000MW generation by 2030 with 30 per cent from renewable energy sources.

The Buhari administration is fully committed to the global decarbonization drive. To demonstrate this commitment, Government has opened discussions with some Independent Power Plant (IPP) solar project developers planning to deploy Solar mini-grids across the country, he said.

Aliyu said that 10 state governments are facilitating solar projects in their states that would deliver 100MW each, contributing 1000MW to the Off-grid structure.

On her part, Kaduna Deputy Governor, Hadiza Balarabe, said the outcome and suggestions reached at the forum would further enhance governments efforts to rid the country of insurgency.

Earlier, Commandant of NDA, Maj-.Gen. Manu Yusuf, in his address said the theme of the forum was to address the contemporary security challenges facing the country.

Yusuf said that, there is still much to do to achieve improved access to green energy sources.

As an institution, we have devoted a lot of resources to improve knowledge on the issue and track global development on renewable energy sources because energy is a critical component of national security.

Managing Director of REA, Mr Salihijo Ahmad, while delivering the keynote address said that in the last few years, there had been significant improvement in the nations renewable energy space because of different initiatives of the government.

Ahmad said FG was deliberately driving policies that are targeted at drawing in private sector participation by encouraging investments and scaling up socio-economic impact of off-grid electrification nationwide.

The managing director assured NASEF of REAs continued support and collaboration.

He urged the participants to see themselves as active stakeholders within the renewable energy space.

It is important to keep up with this momentum by playing our part in different spheres because on this journey towards ending energy poverty in Nigeria, strategies and roadmaps cannot be designed in silos.

But must be implemented as fit-for-purpose and deliberate endeavors to solve the nations energy problems, he said. (NAN)www.ng

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

Edited by Ismail AbdulAziz

Source: NAN News

By Naomi Sharang

Dr Lilian Omekara, Head of Operation and Financial Advisor of New Approach to Rural Programme has called for Federal and State Governments partnership to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

She made the call on Wednesday, in Abuja, at the unveiling of a project Rescue Village Expo: Shelter and succour for all- accounting for and supporting children and adults in internal displacement .

Omekara who decried the state of accommodation of the IDPs said that government needed to ensure they make better tents for them to avoid health-related issues.

The way and manner IDPs live their life is somewhat worrisome. Yet, the society does not recognise the fact that the internally displaced persons once had a dream.

That is why we are calling for concerted efforts by governments, NGOs and communities to provide for the displaced persons.

As an NGO, we are willing and ready to work with states, communities and organisations that are ready and willing to partner with us and make sure people do not gnash their teeth for a long time over problems that can get solutions.

It doesnt take more than three hours to set up 20 tents. It is is doable, she said.

Also speaking, Chairman Benham Group, Dr Maurice Ibe said that the large number of IDPs in the country was a product of insecurity.

Ibe who was represented by the groups legal adviser Barr. Eric Ifeanyi commended the Rescue Village Initiative adding that situations and circumstances create opportunities.

It is a worthy course to get involved in, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the UN says there are 3.2 million IDPs in Nigeria and in dire need of help.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Source: NAN News