NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Culture & Tourism

Art X Lagos opens with tribute to late Herbert Wigwe

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By Taiye Olayemi

 

An international art fair, ART X Lagos, has opened with tribute to late Herbert Wigwe, former Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc and some other unsung pioneers across different fields.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for this year’s fair is ‘Promised Lands’.

The exhibition had on display beautiful photos of the late banker with videos of iconic previous public presentations.

Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, Founder of ART X Lagos, during a media preview of the exhibitions on Thursday, said no fewer than 10 specially curated galleries from cities like Lagos, Harare, Accra, and London, were featured.

According to her, the theme resonates deeply with our collective journey, reflecting on where we are and envisioning where we aspire to be.

Peterside-Schwebig noted that one of the galleries known as the Markmaker gallery exhibited photographs and achievements of some unsung pioneers who redefined what was possible for Africans in science, art and social activism.

According to her, the gallery also has photos, videos and documentaries on late Wigwe, celebrating his lofty contributions toward the growth of arts.

“Through their legacy, we are reminded that greatness stems from courage, collaboration, and the audacity to challenge the status quo. This exhibition was curated by Missla Libsekal, Fikayo Adebajo and Haily Grenet,” she said.

Peterside-Schwebig said the fair showcases a diverse mix of emerging and established artists from across Africa and its diaspora.

“ART X Lagos 2024 will take place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, at the Federal Palace, Victoria Island, Lagos.

“The private collectors’ preview will be held Oct. 31, followed by the VIP Preview on Frday, Nov. 1. The fair will be open to the pubic on Saturday, Nov. 2nd and Sunday, Nov. 3rd, while virtual audiences can aso engage with the fair on Artsy.net.

“The fair will be paying tribute to late Herbert Wigwe, Former Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, for his enduring legacy in building the art industry.

“Other unsung heroes also acknowledged are: Oladunni Odoguwa, first woman to be a Juju band leader; Victoria Iruemi, first Nigerian woman to be a band leader; Dr Elizabeth Awoliyi who was undeterred by the gender gap in 1935, and many more,” she said.

According to Peterside-Schwebig, the fair has continued to push boundaries, fostering cross cultural dialogue.

She said this had been made possible through diverse selection of curated galleries, thought provoking exhibitions and special projects, dynamic live performances, and insightful discussions.

“This year, the fair will continue its commitment to highlighting African art, culture, and community, while fostering critical conversations on the social and political transformations shaping the continent.

“Against a backdrop of challenges being experienced in Nigeria, with political and socio-economic difficulties across Africa, this year’s theme will expore, “Promised Lands”.

“This is to explore places, real and imagined, that offer hope and a vision of greater freedom, prompting a critical examination of where Africa and its diaspora aspire to go,” she said.

“Peterside-Schwebig noted that since Art X debutant in 2016, the fair had showcased artists from over 70 countries, as the fair firmly estabished itself as the leading hub for African and diaspora creatives.”

She explained that there would be a crossroads session curated by by Papa Omotayo in collaboration with Haily Grenet, Fikayo Adebajo and Dike Anthony.

She said this space would invite meaningful engagement on pivotal societal questions as it reflect on Nigera’s current challenges, creating a collective tapestry of shared voices and hopes.

“Other major exhibitions include Marcellina Akpojotor’s textile art addressing sustainability and Williams Chechet’s Afrofuturist “Breaking Barriers,” both contributing to the fair’s theme of creativity driving social change.

“The Access ART X prize 2023 winners Julius Agbaje for Nigeria Award and Shabu Mwangi for Africa and Diaspora Award, will host solo exhibitions around the concept of “What May Come”.

“This is alongside a retrospective on previous winners of the prize, curated by Jumoke Sanwo.

“In collaboration with Afreximbank, ART X Lagos will also present Art Across Borders, an exhibition featuring six mid-career African and Caribbean artists who explore ancestral connections and future possibilities.

“ART X Talks will further enrich the fair with engaging discussions, including a conversation with filmmaker Andrew Dosunmu.

The 2024 galleries incude: Afriart Gallery (Uganda), Alexis Gallery (Nigeria), Galerie MAM (Cameroon), Gallery 1957 (Ghana), Affinity Art Gallery (Nigeria).

Others are Kanbi Projects (UK), kó (Nigeria), Nike Art Gallery (Nigeria), ODA Art Gallery (Nigeria) and Tiwani Contemporary (UK). (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Folasade Adeniran

General News

Let’s translate friendship to economic gains, Tinubu tells ambassadors

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By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu said the cordial relations enjoyed by Nigeria, France, China and Denmark should translate into mutual economic benefits for citizens.

The President said this on Thursday, at the State House, Abuja, while receiving Letters of Credence from Marc Fonbaustier, French ambassador; Jens Hansen, Danish ambassador, and Yu Dunhai, Chinese ambassador.

Tinubu, who is scheduled to pay a state visit to France, told the French ambassador that his friendship with Emmanuel Macron, and the diplomatic ties between both countries, should be felt by citizens.

“Macron has been a good friend over many years, and I am looking forward to the State Visit in Paris to solidify our relationship, and ensure that our citizens also share in the gains of diplomacy between both countries.

“I am happy you are not a stranger in Africa from your background. Nigeria is the biggest country on the continent, and the headquarters of ECOWAS is based here.

“We have an open door policy, and we want your investors to take advantage of it.

“Our collaboration is essential for Africa, ECOWAS and Nigeria. You can always get in touch through Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the Chief of Staff to the President,” the President added.

Tinubu also welcomed the Ambassador of Denmark, adding that he looked forward to improved relations.

“Your country is known for promotion of democratic values and human rights and we are ready to collaborate with you.

“We have seen your engagements in the energy sector in your country, and around the world, and we will like to benefit from that.

“We are interested in education, Medicare and areas that directly impact the livelihood of our people. We have seen the progress of the APM terminal in Lagos, a company from the kingdom of Denmark.

“Nigeria is good for business, and we want to continue to promote that aspect,” said the President.

While receiving Dunhai, Tinubu appreciated President Xi Jinping of China for hosting him during his State visit to Beijing, and participation in  the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

He urged the envoy to work hard with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to translate the agreements signed into reality.

The President said Nigeria would continue to leverage and build on the Chinese experience, especially in trade and infrastructure development.

The Chinese ambassador thanked Tinubu for honouring the invitation to visit China in September.

“Your visit was a great success and your presence resonated very well. It was a milestone in our bilateral relations.

“It was important for both countries to agree to elevate our bilateral relations. We will continue to explore development paths to suit Nigeria, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We have enjoyed more than half a century relations. We have respect for each other and treat each other with equity, and our relations have grown from strength to strength, particularly in economics and trade,” he said.

He said they were already working with some states to improve yields for rice and yam, a mobile medical outreach to the less privileged, and educational exchange programmes that would enhance vocational and technical skills in the country.

“Mr President, you are a reformer, and our people respect reformers. Like you said in your Independence Day speech, Nigerians are tenacious and resilient,” he added.

Hansen, on his part, said his country had evolved a new strategy to improve relations with Africa, and Nigeria would play a central role in the implementation, considering its size and influence on the continent.

“We recognise your influence globally and regionally, and we will continue to cooperate and expand relations with Nigeria, especially in areas of trade and economy,” the Danish ambassador added.

Also, the French Ambassador, in his remarks, affirmed the warmth, hospitality and diversity of Nigerian culture, assuring that he would put in efforts to upscale the partnership for a shared economic prosperity.

“Mr President, I must praise and express my admiration for your achievements. You have taken a bold step in developing the country, and I encourage you to stand, and do the right thing for Nigeria,” Fonbaustier stated. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

National Economic Council (NEC) Meeting
General News

NEC declares flooding national emergency

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By Salif Atojoko

The National Economic Council (NEC) has declared the flooding ravaging about 34 states in the country a national emergency and major disaster.

Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra, said this while briefing State House correspondents after the NEC meeting, in Abuja on Thursday.

“To date, about 34 states, 217 local governments, 1,374,557 persons have been affected, and 740,743 people were displaced nationwide.

“About 321 persons died and 2,854 persons were injured and 281,000 houses affected; 258,000 cultivated farmland were also destroyed, or affected by the ravaging flood,” said Soludo.

He said the Council directed State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA) to up their game and increase collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

He said the council resolved that the Federal Ministry of water resources and sanitation should conduct an integrity review of all the waterways and dams across the country.

“There was serious emphasis on the need for massive programme of dredging or desilting of the waterways and to have a firm programme of continuous desilting of the waterways on annual basis.

“The council also urged state governments that have not submitted their flood reports on the status of the flood and the management in their states to do so immediately.

“Council noted that the Green Climate Fund should have an infrastructure Resilience Fund as a component fund,” said the Anambra governor. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

General News

Presidential aide addresses misconceptions on tax reform

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By Salif Atojoko

Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, has addressed the misconceptions surrounding the tax reform initiated by the current administration.

He noted that the Northern Governors’ Forum on Oct. 28, led by Gov. Muhammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, expressed opposition to the new derivation-based model for Value-Added Tax (VAT) distribution in the tax reform bills before the National Assembly.

He said the meeting also had traditional rulers from the region in attendance, led by Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, Onanuga said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

He explained that the tax reform bills, endorsed by President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council, aimed to streamline Nigeria’s tax administration processes, enhance efficiency, and eliminate redundancies.

“These reforms emerged after an extensive review of existing tax laws. The National Assembly is considering four executive bills designed to transform and modernise Nigeria’s tax landscape.

“First is the Nigeria Tax Bill, which aims to eliminate unintended multiple taxation and make Nigeria’s economy more competitive by simplifying tax obligations for businesses and individuals nationwide.

“Second, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill (NTAB) proposes new rules governing the administration of all taxes in the country.

“Its objective is to harmonise tax administrative processes across federal, state and local jurisdictions for ease of compliance for taxpayers in all parts of the country,” he said.

According to him, the third bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, seeks to rename the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).

Onanuga assured that the reforms would not increase taxes, lead to job losses, or absorb existing departments’ duties, instead, they aimed to optimise and simplify tax frameworks, ensuring a more equitable distribution of tax obligations.

He said the reforms also sought to consolidate multiple taxes into a unified structure, reducing administrative fragmentation.

Regarding the proposed derivation-based VAT distribution model, Onanuga explained that the new proposal aimed to create a fairer system, considering the place of supply or consumption for relevant goods and services.

He said the reform would benefit states in the Northern region that produced VAT-exempt goods, ensuring they did not lose out on revenue.

“These reforms are crucial to improving Nigerians’ lives and were not intended to undermine any part of the country, Onanuga stated.

He said the bills would overhaul the country’s tax systems, generating revenue for all tiers of government to fund development projects. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Science & Tech

Cybersecurity in focus as stakeholders share insights, suggest best practices

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By Jessica Dogo

Some telecommunications stakeholders, on Wednesday, came together to share insights, discuss best practices, and explore innovative approaches on cybersecurity and building a safer digital future.

The gathering, which took place in Abuja, was organised by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, supported by Galaxy Backbone and The World Bank.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gathering with the theme: “Secure a World: Building a Safer Digital Future for Nigeria’s Public Sector” is to foster collaboration and learning among government agencies.

In his Opening remarks, the Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) of the Ministry, Mr Samuel Okoye, said that as Nigeria’s digital landscape evolved, cyber security remained crucial.

Okoye said that government agencies and public sector organisations held sensitive data and delivered essential services that impacted the lives of Nigerians.

He said that potecting these digital assets from growing cyber threats was a collective responsibility.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that these digital assets and systems are protected against the growing array of cyber threats.

“The Cyber Security Awareness Month provides us with an ideal opportunity to reinforce our commitment to this mission.

“As we gather here today, we are reminded of the critical importance of cyber security in our rapidly evolving digital landscape.

“Every day, government agencies and public sector organisations hold vast amounts of sensitive data, connect countless systems, and deliver essential services that impact the lives of Nigerians,” he said.

He said that Nigeria could fortify its digital infrastructure and ensure a secure and resilient public sector, adding that the cybersecirity awareness month was an opportunity for all to learn from each other.

In his remarks, Mr James Carroll, West Africa Cyber Lead, British High Commission, shared insights on tackling borderless, faceless threats.

Carroll said that these organised networks operated like businesses, complete with recruitment, training, finance, and luxury.

According to him, to combat this, international collaboration and mastering basics like good passwords, system updates and firewall maintenance are crucial.

“The UK’s strategy focuses on engaging its young, tech-savvy population to teaching digital skills, promoting cyber security careers and creating a digital pipeline.

“Nigeria, with its youthful demographic, can adopt similar approaches like educating kids on cyber security, encouraging tech enthusiasm and developing digital literacy,” he said.

He said that by working together and building a strong foundation, Nigeria and the UK could effectively address cyber crime challenges.

Dr Zareefa Mustapha, Manager, Cybersecurity Department, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), during a panel session, said that many government organisations did not cooperate when NITDA tried to identify some vulnerability in their systems.

Mustapha urged government agencies to always collaborate and be open for further information sharing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Health

Action Health, UN, partner to enhance access to sexual, reproductive health

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By Oluwafunke Ishola

A non-governmental organisation, Action Health Incorporated, says it is partnering with the United Nations agencies to provide young people with resources and information on sexual and reproductive health.

Mrs Adenike Essiet, the Executive Director of the organisation said in Lagos on Wednesday that the aim was to empower the youth to make informed choices on their sexual and reproductive health.

At the inauguration of the Softlife 247 website in Lagos, she noted that the website — www.softlife247.com — is an educational platform.

According to her, it is designed to provide young people with comprehensive, accurate and age-appropriate friendly information and services on sexual and reproductive health.

She explained that the online platform was developed in collaboration with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

She also said that the platform would transform the way young people access information about their sexual health, their rights and life planning, either at home or on their mobile devices.

“It’s not just the presentation of another online or digital platform, it’s the launch of a new gateway that enables young people to access information that’s crucial on their journey to adulthood.

“So that they’re not just going through life blindly, they’re going through life with information that’s grounded in science, that recognises the challenges that they may be facing and properly directs them.

“This is what self-learning is all about. A life free of the stress of going through challenges blindly.

“It lessens opportunities to make mistakes and create greater opportunities to make informed decisions”, she said.

According to her, ActionHealth has more than 35 years of providing opportunities for the development of young people’s health and wellbeing.

She said that access to timely and accurate information for youths was particularly critical, especially in the era of fake news and misinformation.

Essiet noted that the initiative was a collective achievement built on the values of partnership, respect and dedication to youth empowerment.

She commended UNFPA and UNESCO for their unwavering commitment to the health and development of young people.

Similarly, Dr Gifty Addico, UNFPA Resident Representative in Nigeria, said that empowering young people with knowledge, skills and values critical for their sexual reproductive health was at the core of UNFPA’s mission.

Addico, represented by Dr Esther Somefun, Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst, UNFPA, said that more than a third of Nigeria’s population comprises young people who are faced with barriers in accessing sexual reproductive health.

“We came together and saw the need to bring about a solution. A solution that will provide privacy, provide accurate information and that will have fun with it”, she said.

She explained that the platform would address the challenges faced by young people as it has topics such as values, rights, culture, sexuality, relationships, personal health and skills, among others.

Earlier, Mrs Rashidat Umar, the Deputy Director, Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, commended the organisation and the UN agencies for creating a youth-friendly digital platform.

Umar said that the Lagos government was passionate about young people and would support initiatives that would assist them to thrive.

Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, the General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, commended the partners for creating a disability-inclusive platform.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Kayode Olaitan

Education

Professor advocates teaching courses on alternative medicine in varsities

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By Oluwakemi Oladipo

A Professor of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Adejuwon Adeneye, has advocated teaching of contemporary and alternative medicine courses in medical colleges in Nigeria.

Adeneye, a lecturer at Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), made the suggestion at the 100th Inaugural Lecture of Lagos State University (LASU) on Tuesday.

The inaugural lecture had the theme: “Green Medicine: Nature’s Gateway To Sustainable Healthcare Delivery In Nigeria”.

Adeneye said that there was the need to incorporate courses on alternative medicine in the university currulum.

The professor said that the incorporation was important as a new curricular system was being considered for medical and other undergraduate programmes across Nigerian universities.

“Incorporating these courses will help to train, sensitise and widen the frontiers of knowledge of our young medical graduates on contemporary and alternative medicine integration.

“The National Universities Commission (NUC) should establish a minimum benchmark for Nigerian colleges of medicine and encourage academic and professional degree programmes at all levels.

“Establishing such degree programmes will also give room for robust researches into some of our ethnomedical practices and help to fine-tune such practices for the health benefits of Nigerians,” he said.

Adeneye said that the role of traditional medicine practice in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system could not be over-emphasised.

“It is reported that 60 and 85 per cent of the population of every developing country relies on one form of contemporary and alternative medicine or another.

“The wider acceptability of the practice especially in developing countries stems from the fact that, apart from affordability and accessibility, it is believed to be a product of the wisdom and practice of their forefathers.

“If the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Three – Good Health and Well-being for All at All Ages – must be achieved by 2030, then, more attention has to be given to this informal sector involved in the healthcare delivery at the grassroots,” he said.

Adeneye added that it was imperative to safeguard the already endangered collection of medicinal plants in Nigerian forests and promote their local cultivation on a large and sustainable scale.

“This can be accomplished by formulating and enacting short and long-term wildlife conservation and environmental protection laws,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

General News

Kebbi senators laud President Tinubu over Sokoto-Badagry road project

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By Salif Atojoko

Senators from Kebbi State have commended President Bola Tinubu for initiating the Sokoto-Badagry road project, which is expected to reduce travel time from Lagos to Sokoto/Kebbi from two days to approximately five to six hours.

Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central senatorial district, alongside Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North) and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South), expressed their gratitude to President Tinubu after a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.

Aliero noted that the road’s significance extended beyond Kebbi, benefiting the entire northern Nigeria by slashing travel time from Sokoto to Lagos to around six hours.

He explained that previously, trailers would take up to two days, and normal vehicles would take approximately 16 hours.

“The people of Northwest Zone and North-central Zone are grateful to the President for inaugurating the construction of this road.

“This project has been on the drawing board for 48 years, but President Tinubu has taken bold action to make it a reality,” Aliero said.

The senators also acknowledged the Federal Executive Council’s approval of three additional federal roads in Kebbi.

Aliero further commended President Tinubu’s efforts to address insecurity and banditry in Kebbi State.

“We urge the President to do more to ensure security, particularly during this harvest period.

“We want farmers to have a good harvest without harassment from bandits,” Aliero said.

Aliero said President Tinubu assured the senators that measures would be taken to enhance security and restore power to the Northern region, which had experienced outages over the past five to six days. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) 

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

General News

Tinubu appoints Maj.-Gen. Oluyede acting COAS

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By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday appointed Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, said in a statement.

Until his appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.

The 56-year-old Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates and members of the 39th Regular Course.

He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987. He rose to Major-General in September 2020.

Oluyede has held many commands since his commissioning as an officer.

He was Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer Guards Brigade, Commandant Amphibious Training School.

Oluyede participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia.

Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade.

“Oluyede has earned many honours for his meritorious service in various fields of operations.

“These include the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, Passing the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute.

“Others are the Field Command Medal, the Field Command Medal of Honour, and the Field Training Medal,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

General News

Biden pledges to reinforce partnership with Nigeria

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By Salif Atojoko

The President of the United States, Joe Biden, on Tuesday, pledged to reinforce strategic partnerships with Nigeria.

Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said while briefing State House Correspondents, that Biden made the pledge in a phone call to President Bola Tinubu at about 4:00 p.m.

He said Biden thanked Tinubu for the collaboration between the two countries with regards to law enforcement as well as the release of one of the suspects of the cryptocurrency exchange company (Binance).

He said President Tinubu in turn thanked the U.S. for the partnership and collaboration in numerous areas, and also discussed the issue of cooperation with regard to security in Africa and in particular in West Africa.

He said the partnership was in the area of sharing of intelligence, application of technology, kinetic and non-kinetic, and training.

“He equally assured President Biden that the partnership will continue, and he stated that the future of the world relied on Africa, which was why it was important for this partnership to continue.

“The two leaders also discussed the issue of permanent seat and the United Nations Security Council, and President Biden once again assured that the United States is committed to seeing Africa having two permanent seats.

“He also reiterated that he does not see any reason why one of those seats should not belong to Nigeria, given its position in Africa, its stature and its importance,” said Tuggar. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

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