NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Exhibitors at an MSME business summit
General News

World MSME Day: 1000 entrepreneurs for business development summit

75 total views today

By Perpetua Onuegbu

The Niger Delta Young Professionals (NDYP) says it will organise a Summit/Bootcamp for over 1000 young professionals across the Niger Delta region to cross-fertilise ideas on business development.

Mr Moses Siasia said on Wednesday that the summit would be specially designed to hold in Port Harcourt, Rivers, on June 27, to bring together a cross-section of economists, policymakers and business development experts.

Siasia said that the theme of the summit ‘Building a Culture of Entrepreneurship and Self-reliance Beyond Oil’, was designed to help entrepreneurs know the best way to wriggle out of the current economic challenges faced in the country.

He said the experts would examine the critical role of MSME in the overall development of the economy.

Siasia said this year’s event is strategic, as it coincides with the 2024 United Nations World MSME Day.

“The World MSME Day is specially marked to create a platform to discuss and exchange ideas.

“The ideas are on how key stakeholders, including policy makers, large companies, financial institutions, and the international community can support micro, small and medium-sized businesses to advance the 2030 Agenda.

“It also contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty eradication and decent work for all.

“The Niger Delta MSME Summit/Bootcamp is a sustained initiative that has been creating enormous opportunities and growth for young MSME owners in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region,” Siasia said.

According to him, the event will enable a cross-section of economists, policymakers and business development experts to examine the critical role of MSME in the overall development of the economy.

He noted that in spite of lack of support from the governments in the region, poor management of MSMEs, high-interest loans from banks, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure, the initiative had pulled through with sustainable impacts over the years.

Siasia said that Mr Summy Francis, the President of Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs (A.Y.E.) would be speaking at the event.

“Other speakers include Mr Temitope Runsewe, the CEO of Dutum Company Limited; Mrs Esther Adebayo, President of the Women Agro Processors, Agricgen and Exporters Initiative (WAPAGEIN).

“Mr Otuya Okecha, CEO Firbesol Nigeria Limited; Dr Martins Fregene, Director of Agriculture, African Development Bank, among others, will also be speaking at the event.

“The summit is expected to “ignite the next generation through expanding entrepreneurial culture in the Niger Delta region.

“Participants for the summit will be drawn from the nine states of the Niger Delta region, as past editions produced positive results which are indication of secured future of entrepreneurs in the oil-rich region.

“This year’s event would feature product exhibitions, grants, bootcamp, main-stage keynotes, panel discussions, interactive master sessions, style breakout.

“There will also be a business-to-business meetings, mentoring sessions, networking opportunities featuring outstanding line-up of successful entrepreneurs, innovators, strategists and business leaders from top brands.”

Siasia noted that the beneficiaries of past editions, many of whom have received grants to grow their businesses, have been able to grow a huge business capital and create employment opportunities for other prospective MSMEs.

“The inaugural edition of the summit held in 2021 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State had over 400 Niger Deltans benefitting from the NIRSAL Intervention Loan for small business owners in the area of Agriculture, Creative Industry and ICT.

“In the second edition held in Asaba, Delta State in 2022, and the third edition in 2023 in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, the NDYP gave out grants to innovative businesses,” Siasia added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Gabriel Aduda, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development
General News , Gender

FG tasks civil servants on improved service delivery

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By Maureen Okon

The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has urged civil servants to remain diligent and value-oriented in the execution of their official duties.

Gabriel Aduda, Permanent Secretary in the ministry gave the charge when Ali Seidu, Chairman of the union in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside some members of staff, visited him in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was in appreciation of Aduda’s impactful role during his tenure as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from December 2020 to October 2022.

Aduda said that the civil service was the engine room of government adding that, it was their responsibility as civil servants to ensure effective service delivery to Nigerians.

He further said that the civil service was crucial in actualising the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu-led Administration.

He, therefore, urged civil servants to always give their best in their service to humanity.

“Always put in your best at every opportunity you are given to serve. You may never have a second chance to make a first impression, so always put your best foot forward.

“Never relent in supporting your subordinates and superiors,” he advised.

Aduda reaffirmed the government’s commitment to capacity development for workers; enhance efficiency and productivity for effective service delivery in the public sector, in line with global standards.

Responding, Seidu, the union chairman expressed gratitude to the permanent secretary for his contributions to staff career progression and capacity building at the foreign ministry.

He acknowledged Aduda’s efforts in facilitating the conversion of staff from the Executive Cadre to Officer Cadre.

Seidu said that the knowledge and opportunities gained from these initiatives would be utilised to achieve the goals and objectives of the federal government.

NAN reports that the high point of the event was the presentation of a customised, handcrafted thank-you card by the group. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)
Oil & Gas

Oil block Licencing: NUPRC extends deadline for pre-qualification documents submission

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By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced the extension of the deadline for the registration and submission of pre-qualification documents for the 2024 oil block licensing round.

Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive (CCE), NUPRC, announced the extension in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Komolafe said the registration and submission of pre-qualification documents which was initially scheduled to close on June 25, 2024 had been extended by 10 days, and would now close on July 5, 2024.

According to him, the data access, data purchase, evaluation, bid preparation and submission initially scheduled to open on July 4 and close on Nov. 29, will now start on July 8 and close on Nov. 29, 2024 as previously scheduled.

He said all other dates in the published 2024 Licencing Round Schedule remained the same unless otherwise communicated.

“In pursuit of the Commission’s commitment to derive value from the country’s abundant oil and gas reserves and increase production, the Commission has been working assiduously with multi-client companies to undertake more exploratory activities.

“This is to acquire more data to foster and encourage further investment in the Nigerian upstream sector,” he said.

Komolafe said that as a result of additional data acquired in respect of deep offshore blocks, the Commission had added 17 deep offshore blocks to the 2024 Licensing Round.

He said that further details on the blocks could be found on the bid portal.

“In accordance with the published guidelines, we had earlier indicated that some of the assets on offer should be applied for as clusters, namely: PPL 300-CS & PPL 301-CS, PPL 2000 and PPL 2001.

“Bidders are hereby advised to bid for those blocks as clusters or as single units; it is optional,” the statement quoted Komolafe as saying.

Recall that some deep offshore blocks and other blocks which cut across onshore, were put on offer for the 2022/2023 Mini Bid Round.

Continental shelf and deep offshore terrains were also put on offer for the Nigeria 2024 Licencing Round.

In order to vacate entry barriers, the Commission had sought and obtained the approval of President Bola Tinubu, in line with his determination to create enabling and attractive investment regimes in the upstream oil and gas sector.

Tinubu who is also the Petroleum Minister had approved attractive fiscal regimes and also minimised entry fees for both licencing rounds by putting a cap on the signature bonus payable for award of the acreages.

“Consequently, it is necessary to ensure that the same bid criteria (in addition to the uniform signature bonus criteria) are applicable for both licencing rounds, to promote transparency and provide a level playing ground for all bidders.

”Since the criteria for the award of the oil blocks are now much more attractive than they initially were during the 2022/2023 Mini Bid Round, it is in the interest of equity and fair play to give all investors the same opportunity to bid for the assets.

”All blocks in the 2022/2023 and 2024 Licencing Rounds are available to all interested investors on br.nuprc.gov.ng and br2024.nuprc.gov.ng respectively.

“And the 2022/2023 Mini Bid Round registration phase is reopened to new applicants.

“The public is therefore invited to take advantage of this development and attractive entry terms and conditions and participate in the exercise,” the statement also quoted Komolafe as saying. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

President Bola Tinubu with the delegation of the National Assembly led by President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, on Monday evening in Lagos.
General News , Metro

We must embrace new value system to make progress – Tinubu

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By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu says it is imperative for Nigerians to have a change of value system for the nation to make progress.

The President said this in Lagos when he received a delegation from the National Assembly who came to felicitate with him on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir on Monday evening.

The delegation, led by the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, included the Deputy Senate President, Sen.

Jibrin Barau and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, among others.

“Good economics at a harsh time is the challenge that we must face. As I said in my speech, no matter how difficult it is and how challenging it can be, I will not turn my back on Nigeria,” Tinubu said.

He challenged citizens to have a change of mindset about Nigeria if the nation is to overcome its current challenges.

“The need (for some citizens) to change the rent-seeking mindset and become more productive to the economy is a challenge. The need to stop smuggling and all economic sabotage.

“Why should we have people removing rail tracks and all that, stealing electric cables and sabotaging the economy?

“We must embrace the campaign to change our value system. We must tell our people that the challenge we face is for all of us to change our mindset about our country,” Tinubu said.

The President commended the leadership of the National Assembly for the support extended to his administration, which had resulted in some of the important developments recorded by his administration.

“It is great pride for me to have the best of partners in the National Assembly. We have to drill down and be all-inclusive in our bid to satisfy our people.

“It is daunting, but we cannot run away from the fact that this country must survive the hardship,” he stated.

The President acknowledged the challenges and the task ahead, assuring the nation of his unwavering determination to turn things around.

“Yes, there is poverty; there is suffering in the land. We are not the only people facing such, but we must face our challenges. We must find a way to eliminate banditry and terrorism so that farmers can bring out food from the farmland.

“If you do not have good roads to bring the food to the population, even if you grow the food and you are losing 60-70 per cent to damages, you will pay the price,” said Tinubu.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Akpabio said he came with the leadership of the National Assembly to pay homage and felicitate with the President on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir.

Akpabio added that the visit was to thank the President for the purposeful leadership in the first year of his administration.

On what Nigerians should expect from the legislature in the days ahead, Akpabio said: “Looking forward, the National Assembly will tinker with some existing legislations to further improve on the nation’s ease of doing business.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

President Bola Tinubu and South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa.
Politics

Tinubu to attend inauguration of South African President Ramaphosa

84 total views today

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu will on Tuesday depart Lagos for Pretoria, South Africa, to attend the inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the inauguration of Ramaphosa follows his re-election as president for a second term.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement on Monday that President Tinubu would return to Nigeria after the ceremony. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Main gate of Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS)
General News , Education

We got administrative, technical approvals for collapsed building – DMGS

154 total views today

By Chimezie Anaso

Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS), Onitsha, says it obtained all relevant technical and administrative approvals in the construction its collapsed centenary building.

The mission-owned school made the clarification in a statement signed by Dr Chijioke Ojji, Director of Operations, DMGS Centenary, in Awka on Monday.

It said the building plans approval was sought and obtained from the Anambra State Physical Planning Board, which also carried out periodic inspections during its construction.

The school also said that materials used in the construction underwent rigorous quality assurance processes, including tests by the Anambra State Materials Testing Laboratory, in Awka.

It said that it was cooperating fully with the panel set up by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria to investigate why the building collapsed.

“In order to provide necessary assurance to the general public, we wish to state indisputable facts concerning the DMGS centenary building.

“All proper administrative and technical processes were scrupulously adhered to.

“The architectural design of the building was by a qualified and experienced architect, who is registered with the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria.

“The structural design of the building was by one of the foremost structural engineers in Nigeria,” the school said.

It added that the construction supervision was by an experienced structural engineer with over 30 years of experience while the technical foreman was a qualified engineer with relevant experience.

DMGS said that it was aware that the identification of the cause of the collapse of the building would be a complex and painstaking evidence-based exercise that would take time.

He cautioned against hasty conclusions.

He urged members of the public to patiently wait for verifiable and scientifically-sound conclusions on the cause of the collapse.

“It is therefore with incredulity that we receive various press reports containing hasty, false, malicious and completely unsubstantiated purported conclusions as to the cause.

“Our priority remains the safety of everyone: so, we share the public’s desire to know the truth and to prevent future accidents,” it said.

Meanwhile, the school has confirmed that one person died from the building collapse while two persons were rescued alive.

It condoled with the family of the deceased and gave assurance of its support in dealing with the loss. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

NCSCN logo
General News , Religious

Eid-el Kabir: CSO felicitates Muslim faithful, urges Tinubu to rejig cabinet

275 total views today

By Patricia Amogu

The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria [NCSCN] celebrates with Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir.

They also called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to re-shape his cabinet.

The Council’s Executive Director, Blessing Akinlosotu, made the disclosure in a statement on Monday.

“The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) joins all muslim faithful in celebrating this special day and prays for peace, unity and prosperity for all Nigerians.

“May this Eid bring joy, blessings, and happiness to you and your loved ones,” the statement said.

The council expressed concern over the worsening economic conditions faced by Nigerians, including rising inflation and unemployment.

“The group holds that the cabinet is failing to effectively address these issues and is, therefore, unable to alleviate the suffering of the people.

“The council believes that a new cabinet, consisting of experienced and competent individuals, is necessary to tackle the numerous challenges facing the country.”

The statement further emphasised the need for accountability and transparency in governance, while appealing to the government to prioritise the welfare of the Nigerian people and ensure that their interests were adequately represented.

They also called on other civil society organisations, as well as grassroots movements and citizens, to lend their voices to the call for a good standard of living for the masses.

“Collective voices from various sectors of society is essential to bring about the necessary changes that can alay the struggles of the Nigerian people.

“This important Islamic festival is a time for reflection, sacrifice, and giving back to the community and we pray that Almighty Allah will continue to bless you with his benevolence and mercy,” the statement added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Prof. Uche Uwaleke
Agriculture , General News

Uwaleke tasks FG on more strategies against food inflation

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By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Prof. Uche Uwaleke, the President of Capital Market Academics of Nigeria, has advised the Federal Government to initiate more strategies to tackle rising food inflation.

Uwaleke gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

He reacted to the May inflation figure.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s headline inflation rate increased to 33.95 per cent in May.

The NBS made this known in its Consumer Price Index and Inflation Report for May, which was released on Saturday.

The figure is 0.26 per cent points higher than the 33.69 per cent recorded in April.

The NBS said that on a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate in May 2024 was 11.54 per cent higher than that of May 2023 which was 22.41 per cent.

The report said the food inflation rate in May 2024 increased to 40.66 per cent on a year-on-year basis, which was 15.84 per cent higher than 24.82 per cent recorded in May 2023.

The NBS said that in May 2024, food inflation on a year-on-year basis was highest in Kogi, with 46.32 per cent, followed by Ekiti with 44.94 per cent.

Uwaleke said that the Federal Government should devise more effective strategies to combat banditry and kidnapping to tackle inflation.

He added that the government should hasten repair of public refineries as well as scale up the number of compressed natural gas buses being introduced to ease transport.

“I have always maintained that, to deal with the rising food inflation, the fiscal authority has a lot of roles to play.

“This is because the major causative factors such as insecurity in the food-belt regions, transport and logistics challenges, as well as epileptic power supply and high cost of fuel, are all outside the control of the Central Bank of Nigeria,” he said.

Uwaleke said that Nigeria’s economy was being challenged by a cost-push inflation emanating from high transport and energy costs, as well as insecurity, among other issues.

He said that insecurity aggravated the situation through food supply shortages.

On the Kogi food inflation figure, Uwaleke attributed it to bad roads which, he said, made it difficult for farmers to convey food items from their farms.

“I understand the rural roads in Kogi are not in good condition; so, farmers have difficulty conveying food items from their farms. Insecurity is also a cause.

“Kogi (especially Lokoja) serves as a transit route for many travellers from the North to the South and vice versa, who normally stop over to eat and make purchases before proceeding on their journeys.

“This tends to push up prices of commodities in Kogi.

“Even in terms of headline inflation, Kogi has always recorded the highest except for last month when it was second highest after Bauchi,” Uwaleke said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria logo
Education , Metro

Find solution to out-of-school children crisis — Expert tells govt

177 total views today

By Angela Atabo

SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, a child-centered international organisation, has advocated urgent need to find solutions to barriers that keep millions of Nigerian children out-of-school.

Mr Eghosa Erhumwunse, National Director, SOS Children’s Villages in Nigeria, made the call on Sunday in Abuja, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Erhumwunse said an urgent collective effort was required to ensure that every Nigerian child had access to quality education in the safest environment.

He said the call was imperative as the world celebrates the International Day of the African Child, with the theme “Education for All: The Time is Now.”

“There is a dire need to re-evaluate the concerns of education and the growing number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

“According to a recent report from UNICEF, Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, with about 18.4 million children out of school in Nigeria.

“What is the fate of the Nigerian child if 1 in 3 Nigerian children is out of school and 12.4 million children have never seen the inside of a classroom,” he said.

The director further said that 5.9 million children leave school earlier than the stipulated graduation time.

He stressed that Nigeria accounts for 15 per cent of the global total of out-of-school children according to a 2022 UNICEF report.

Erhumwunse listed the barriers as conflict and insecurity, vulnerability and scarce resources, cultural and gender norms, effects of climate change, limited infrastructure and accessibility challenges.

“Education is not just about knowledge acquisition; it is a fundamental right and a catalyst for breaking the cycle of poverty as seen in many other countries.

“Nigeria, as a country, must double its efforts in tackling the issues of out-of-school children in society, especially in rural communities,” he said.

Erhumwunse said that SOS Children’s Villages prioritise the education needs of children through numerous programmes.

The SOS Children’s Villages director in Nigeria therefore urged governments to increase reinvestment in actionable policies and implementations that would take children off the streets.

He said that families’ economic capacities needed to be strengthened to meet the education and other needs of their young ones.

Erhumwunse said all hands must be on deck to ensure safe and peaceful atmosphere in schools through full implementation of the Safe School Declaration across states and communities.

He also said that communities and relevant stakeholders should create awareness on the importance of education for children.

He also emphasised the need to implement children’s right to education as contained in the Child Rights Act.

“Providing alternative care for children in emergencies reduces the number of out-of-school children.

“This method provides psychosocial and educational support for children who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care.

“It ensures that they grow in a loving environment fit and mentally ready for school and the society,” he said

Erhumwunse also urged policymakers, educators, civil society, and individuals to renew their dedication to creating conducive environment for children to dream and aspire regardless of their circumstances.

He said such environments would empower future generations to build a brighter and more equitable world. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ijendu Iheaka/Uche Anunne

Sen. Ireti Kingibe
Religious , General News , Politics

Eid-el Kabir: Sen. Kingibe felicitates Nigerians, calls for sacrifice among leaders

347 total views today

By Perpetua Onuegbu

The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hajiya Ireti Kingibe, has urged leaders in all spheres of life to sacrifice for the good of the country.

Kingibe made the call on Sunday in Abuja, in a statement issued by Mr Kennedy Mbele, her Senior Special Assistant on Media, while felicitating Muslim faithfuls on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir celebration.

She called on leaders to emulate the virtues and sacrifices of holy Prophet Ibrahim, noting that for progress to be made in life, leaders must give up some valuables for the sake of others.

Kingibe recalled the way holy Prophet Mohammed wanted to sacrifice his only son, Issah, without hesitation and the manner in which Allah later blessed him exceedingly by making him the father of all nations.

The senator frowned at what she described as the ‘inexplicable gap between the rich and the poor in the country’, saying the rich must make some meaningful sacrifices to reduce the vast gap.

Kingibe commended her constituents, the FCT residents, for their accommodating nature.

She noted that being one another’s keeper was imperative in achieving peace anywhere, especially in a heterogeneous setting like the nation’s capital, Abuja.

She prayed for Muslim faithful on pilgrimage in Mecca and wished everyone a peaceful and unifying Eid-el-Kabir celebration,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

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