NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
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

General News

Naira crude sale has set economy on path of industrialisation – Edun

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By Salif Atojoko

Mr Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, on Tuesday said the sale of crude in Naira to local refiners had set the Nigerian economy on the path of industrialisation and modernisation.

Edun, chairman of the committee, said this while addressing State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu to review the sale of crude in naira to local refiners at the Presidential Villa.

According to him, the bold initiative, endorsed fully by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), ensures crude oil is sold to local refiners in naira, who in turn sell refined products to marketers in naira.

He said although there was much to be done, but there was a clear path to industrial development and modernisation of the Nigerian economy, because the key prices were right, which was encouraging private sector investment.

“With private sector refining of crude oil, we now have raw materials, not just for agriculture, but for industry, for chemicals, for paints, for building materials and for textiles.

“And of course, this is Mr President’s strategy and his policy of making conditions right for the private sector to invest, create jobs and grow the economy.

“Likewise, the market pricing of petroleum products, has also paved the way for NNPC to restore its balance sheet, restore its financial fortunes, and to give the federal, state and local governments more funding.

“This allows them to meet their obligations, salary payments to workers, social services to the population generally, and key infrastructure development,” said Edun.

The minister said the meeting reviewed the progress of the initiative to ensure that the initial obstacles to successful implementation of sale of cruse in naira to domestic refiners and the correlating sale of petroleum products in naira were overcome.

He said AfreximBank, the financial adviser, was part of the meeting, and would act as an intermediary to ensure that the parties – the seller of the crude, the buyer of the crude – were able to complete their transactions.

Edun said the scheme initiated by the President, was made possible also by the courageous and bold investment of the Dangote group, in a local refinery of 650,000 barrels per day capacity.

He said the implementation committee and the sub committee had worked assiduously with all stakeholders to ensure the initiative was implemented.

The stakeholders include the regulators, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NNDPRA) and Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

Others are: the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) NNPCL, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Navy and a host host of other stakeholders.

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, chairman, Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company, said his company would be able to satisfy local demand with the supply of crude so far by NNPCL.

“This initiative will actually revive a lot of industries in plastic, cooking gas, which is LPG, aviation, gas, Oil, not only PMS.

“At about 420,000 barrels per day, we still have capacity to grow. We are ramping up our capacity. Once we get there, we have enough naira crude, we’ll be able to fully satisfy the market.

“But when NNPC refineries start working going forward, then Nigeria will be one of the biggest exporters of Petroleum  products in history,” said Dangote.

He said the President pledged at the meeting to support domestic industries, and allow local refineries to work, and attract more investment into the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

General News

We have capacity to meet local demand of petrol – Dangote

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By Salif Atojoko

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman, Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company, says his company has the capacity to meet the country’s local demand.

Dangote said this while addressing State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu to review the sale of crude in naira to local refiners at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday.

“With enough supply of crude, we can actually produce much more than 30 million litres every day.
“At full capacity, we can even supply whatever is being consumed, which I believe may be about 30.32million litres per day.

“So, it is not really an issue, because, as we speak today, we have 500 million litres in our tanks. Even if there’s no production from any refinery or imports. This will take the country more than 12 days.

“I assured Mr President we will be able to supply the market minimum of 30 million litres per day, and we’ll be ramping up as we go on. So, we’re ready. We’re more than ready,” said Dangote.

On scarcity of petrol, he said he was not responsible for making the product available at petrol stations.

“One thing you have to understand is that we are producers. I have a refinery. I’m not in the business of retail.

“If I’m in the business of retail then you hold me responsible. But what I’m saying is that the retailers should please come forward and pick, if they don’t come forward and pick, what do you want me to do?

“So, I expect NNPC and the marketers to stop importing, they should come and pick because we have what they need. And you know, as they remove, I will be pumping,” said Dangote. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

General News

Nursing council inducts 22 Chrisland Varsity graduates

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By Yetunde Fatungase

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria on Monday inducted 22 graduating students of Chrisland University, Abeokuta, into its council as certified practitioners.

The News Agency of Nigeri(NAN) reports that the 22 graduates are the first set of nursing graduates produced by the institution.

The 22 graduates were inducted following their academic success and diligent performance in moral values, making them qualified for the profession.

In his remarks, the Registrar of the council, Dr Ndagi Al-Hassan, urged the new nurses to uphold the core values of the profession, including compassion, integrity and professionalism.

Al-Hassan, who was represented by Mr Timbuak Yamai from the Office of the Registrar, emphasised the importance of continuous learning and adaptation to technological advancements in healthcare.

Al-Hassan said, “The field of nursing is constantly evolving with the advancement of new technology and new approaches.

“You should continue to build your critical and clinical thinking, upon which you build the foundation of your nursing career in your pursuit of excellence.

“Remember that nursing is going to be a collaborative endeavour; work in harmony with fellow healthcare professionals and recognise the value of teamwork.

“Expand your knowledge and use the growth of yourselves and the experience of colleagues so that you can grow into a season professionals that the community can be proud of,” he said.

Also, speaking on the theme of the event, “From Novice to Expert: Nursing Dynamic in the Era of Digital Technology”,  delivered by Prof. Prisca Adejumo, she encouraged the inductees to be digitally savvy and to leverage technology to enhance their practice.

She maintained that no one wants to respect a nurse who does all in the paper, but not technologically competent.

Adejumo admonished the students to get exposed to various clinical settings which would give them leverage among their counterparts.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Chinedum Babalola, commended the achievements of the first graduating nursing students of the school.

She also commended them for their hard work and dedication, noting that they had set a high standard for future nursing students.

The professor noted that they had laid a good legacy by showcasing the school at national and international conferences.

One of the inductees, Amusan Chuwkudumebi, who came out with First Class, expressed his commitment to providing quality patient care and contributing positively to the healthcare industry.

Another inductee, Adele Temitope, said he aspires to be a well-grounded nurse in theory and practice.

According to him, his plan is to represent the nation on the global stage.

Chrisland University produced six First-Class students from its School of Nursing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Culture & Tourism

Sanwo-Olu inaugurates J Randle Yoruba culture centre after facelift

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By Taiye Olayemi

 

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Monday inaugurated the remodelled J Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.

The centre is currently playing host to the maiden edition of Afropolis Lagos Festival, an international festival of arts, creativity and innovation, which kicked off on Oct. 26 and expected to end on Nov. 3.

Sanwo-Olu also announced the appointment of Nigerian multimodal international artiste, Qudus Onikeku, as the Centre Director for the J Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.

The governor said the centre, meant to project the history and culture of the Yoruba race from the beginning through to the present and the future, would also serve as a suitable research centre.

Sanwo-Olu said: “Qudus Onikeku will now be the Centre Director for the J Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History. Taking this decision took us almost a year to conclude.

“Qudus is fit to manage this place. We are going to be relying on your expertise and skill for the proper management of this centre.

“He (Qudus) brought the idea of this Afropolis festival, for players in the creative sector to express themselves because we are aware that Lagos is home to lots of creative minds.

 

“This is a destination for the entire creative sector and people of innovation. It is appropriate for research, meetings, relaxation and more.”

He said that the centre was a place to envision ideas.

According to him, it is a centre for the younger creatives to develop their talents.

“This is not a localised space, what we have here are things that bring the entire south west states together; you will see Obatala, Oranmiyan and other dieties in the Yoruba kingdom.

“I am using this opportunity to say that we are deliberate in christianing this place, it is open for the entire Yoruba race, everyone who wants to showcase anything creativity,” he added.

Sanwo-Olu added that the installation of equipment was ongoing at the centre.

The governor assured the creatives of accessibility to funds when they are able to birth new and innovative ideas as many have benefited.

He noted that as part of plans to develop Lagos as the hub for entertainment and tourism, the state had invested in training creatives cutting across various fields.

He said professional institutes like Ebonylife Academy, Ogidi Studio and Delyork Academy were some of the institutes that were engaged in the capacity development programmes.

 

“Our objective will never be to stiffen innovation but to create enriching environment for creativity to thrive.

 

“So, I call on the Ministry of Tourism to develop a proper calendarisation of tourism, culture and entertainment activities so that we can have specific month or months to host such activities.

“This is to enable tourists plan their activities to visit Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Also, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the state Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, described the centre as a living tribute to the richness of Yoruba culture and an invitation for all to partake in its beauty.

Benson-Awoyinka said the centre embodied a collective dream, a dream of unity, understanding, and appreciation for the nation’s shared cultural identity.

She appreciated everyone, who contributed to the establishment of the centre, dedicated artisans, historians, educators, and community leaders.

“The John Randle Centre will serve as a beacon of knowledge, highlighting the profound contributions of our ancestors and the enduring spirit of our culture.

“It envisions a space where the stories of our forebears come alive, a place resonating with traditional music, showcasing intricate artistry, and sharing the vibrant narratives of our history.

“This centre is designed to foster a deep sense of connection and pride among all who visit.

“Importantly, this initiative is not only about preservation, it is about innovation.

“We invite our youth to engage with and reinterpret our heritage in contemporary ways, bridging the gap between generations and ensuring our culture remains dynamic and relevant,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sanwo-Olu and other government officials were taken on tour of the centre after the inauguration.

The centre accommodates a museum, children corner, storytelling arena, exhibition space, a library, multipurpose rooms, a theatre, a seminar room and more. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Folasade Adeniran

Culture & Tourism

CBAAC celebrates FESTAC ’77 legacy at Goge Africa Festival

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By Taiye Olayemi

 

The Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) on Sunday mesmerised the audience at the Goge Africa Festival with an exhibition, showcasing relics from the Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC 77).

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the festival is the celebration and commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Goge Africa, which has its theme as “Symphony of Culture”.

 

The exhibition by CBAAC was part of activities for the Goge Africa Festival at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos.

 

The exhibition took the people down memory lane on the enduring legacy of FESTAC ’77, revitalising the spirit of Africa’s most iconic cultural extravaganza.

 

The CBAAC exhibition tagged “Our Shared Heritage” featured vintage recordings of legendary performances, rare photographs and documents, intricately crafted artefacts, historical recordings and footages.

 

This captivated young festival-goers, many of whom were discovering FESTAC ’77’s significance for the first time.

 

Also, the exhibition left indelible mark on the revellers, reminding them of Africa’s rich cultural diversity; the power of cultural exchange and the importance of preserving heritages.

 

Speaking with NAN, Aisha Adamu-Augie, Director-General of CBAAC, said the centre had come to display its over 126 publications.

 

“We are here to celebrate with Goge Africa and support them to continue to project the beauty of Africa, we all know how beautiful Africa is.

 

“Yes, we have our shared heritage exhibition here, we have over 126 publications showcased here, that people can buy and learn about African art, civilisation and heritages,” she said.

 

Adamu-Augie commended Goge Africa, saying it had the last 25 years remained steadfast.

 

”It is not easy to run a business in Nigeria, and to have been able to run for 25 years, it is exceptional and we are here to celebrate with them.”

 

She advised younger Nigerians to explore the nation’s culture, to generate employment and wealth.

 

According to her, culture can also be explored to effect peace and unity. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Sports

Council boss, others commend Lagos Sports Commission over boxing championship

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By Olanrewaju Akojede

Some stakeholders on Monday commended the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) over the successful hosting of the maiden edition of its Individual Boxing Club Championship.

The stakeholders spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the championship held at Bishop Aggerey Playground, Mushin, Lagos.

The stakeholders include Director-General, LSSC, Lekan Fatodu; Director, Sports Development, LSSC, Travih Nunayon.

Others are Boxing  Promoter and Chairman of Last Boxing Promoters, Wasiu Waheed; and Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ajala Razak.

Razak said that the various communities within the Mushin environs were ecstatic about the boxing prospects discovered during the one-week competition.

According to him, the poeple believe in the initiative, because it is one of the interventions of the government to identify talents within the streets and to use the platform to project the hidden talents within the communities.

“More importantly that people have erroneous beliefs that nothing good can come out of Mushin, but with this initiative, we can raise the hopes and prove to the world that we have lots of talents,” he said.

NAN reports that the week-long festival of boxing competition, which had 300 boxers in attendance, ended on Sunday, at Bishop Aggerey Playground in Mushin.

Ajala noted that Mushin communities have been blessed with many potential boxers who were on the wings to blossom.

“Mushin in boxing space is blessed with talents who can contribute to the exports from Nigeria and also let the world knows about the peculiarities of Mushin community in boxing.

“There are lots of sporting events that the local government is also doing to complement the efforts of the state government.

“We have lots of programmes; table tennis football boxing and traditional games. It is our strong belief that we want our youths to be responsible and use their talents and energies to productive ventures.

“We want to discourage gangsterism and things that will destroy them by unleashing terror on the communities. This can only be achieved through sports,” the council boss said.

Similarly, Waheed noted that the competition had awaken the sleeping giants of boxing in Mushin communities.

“I want to congratulate the Director General (D-G) of LSSC for this initiative and the event, it has been a long time wish come true for us to havie the competition.

“As member of Boxing Promoters, I am excited that we can hold this competition in Mushin which has awaken the real potentials of Mushin.

“This competition has brought joy to us in identifying more talents within Mushin Communities, this will serve as preparations towards NSF next year.

“Events like this will very soon put Nigeria in the limelight of boxing in Africa and the World because we are ready to do more,” he said.

The boxing promoter added that with abundant talents Mushin community could dominate the world’s amateur and professional.

“If other states can copy this initiative we will have more boxers around,” he said.

Also, Nunayon said that the competition had been able to fulfil its aim and mandate.

He said that the LSSC desired to scout for talents from the competition to beef up its pool of athletes for the Gateway Games.

“We have a total of 356 active boxers that registered, but we have 56 of them who failed the medicals.

“So, we have about 300 in different weight categories, both male and female.

“We have 13 male categories and 10 female category which make up of 14 different categories for the NSF.

“From what we have seen, our hopes are high and we are looking to gain more medals looking at boxing in Lagos State,” he said.

The Director, Sports Development, LSSC, noted that the commission had invited four boxers from each weight categories of those who came first, second, third and fourth to come to camp.

“The camp will be opened for a week to look into their fitness and then we go into close camping.The Transition plan that we have is to monitor the amateur boxers.

“We have different promoters that have been coming; also, we have our in-house counsellors that will guide the young boxers on their career path.

“First of all, we look out for their career and then age and expose their to few competitions and then the Olympics under the amateur category.

“We don’t want to rush them to professional fights. Boxing, to LSSC, is to provide a means of livelihood to the young boxers towards a better living,” Nunayon said.

He added that the news about the gains of the competition had spread across the state, which has necessitated more demands.

“We have call from Ajegunle, Badagry and Lagos Island. The interest are there and also the boxers.

“They have told us how they have been training but with no competition to show their prowess over the years and that this platform is a good avenue to show the stuff they are made of.

“We are looking at the possibility of staging this is competition before the NSF to bridge the gap for the weight categories we are lacking.

“We are looking out for other coaches to keep the boxers in shape. We want to challenge Delta State for the crown next year,” he said.

On his part, Fatodu said that state government was ready to rejuvenate boxing across all Lagos divisions, adding that the purpose of having the event was to rejuvenate the grassroots sports development in the state.

“We have started off the project on a strong note with the identification of boxers in Mushin and we are also targeting other communities in Lagos.

“In other areas, we are looking to source for table tennis players in Isolo and others.We have also realized the need for us to further engage other communities so as to engage in more productive activities.

“We want to help them to harness their hidden talents, so, we will be moving around Lagos State,” he said.

The D-G, LSSC, added that it had been a tremendous achievement in Mushin, as the the commission did not anticipate such a number of entries received for the competition as well as the numbers of different boxing clubs and promoters.

“We are equally amazed at the quality of talents on the display during the competition. It has shown that there are more to gain from different sporting areas.

“So, it is a big one for us identifying talents that will represent the state and Nigeria, locally and internationally.

“We will be going to Badagry, Epe, Agege and others for swimming, cycling and marathon, in series.

“We are engaging the young ones in different types of sports as we want to attract talents in more sporting activities,” he said.

A sports enthusiast and resident of Mushin, also lauded the organisers and the boxers, expressing joy at the braveness of the boxers to come out to display their talents.

“The boxers have really given us something to boast of as talents from Mushin.

“This is the first time I will be watching a live boxing match aside the ones shown on the television. It is an interesting match to watch.

“Boxing, as a sport, is mostly good for youths who have such big energies, like our youths in Mushin,which suggests the reason Lagos State Government staged the fight here.

“Mushin youths are known for big time fights, and now, they can channel their energies to real fight. Kudos to the government for this,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Culture & Tourism

AIFF: Stakeholders want FG ‘s support for Nigeria’s foremost film festival

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By Joshua Olomu

Stakeholders in the Nigerian film industry have called on  the Federal Government and the FCT administration to support the Abuja International Film Festival (AIIF) after 21-years of running as a foremost film fiesta in Nigeria.

They made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the red carpet of the opening  ceremony of the  21st edition of  AIFF holding at the Silverbird Galleria in Abuja.

This year’s AIFF is with the theme “Beyond Borders: Bridging Cultures Through Cinemas”.

It iis holding from Oct. 28 to Nov.1, bringing together actors, filmmakers, regulators and other cinematic stakeholders from around the world.

According to the stakeholders, film festivals play pivotal role in the growth of any culture and creative industries as they serve as platforms to showcase opportunities and attract investors.

They said the AIFF, a private initiative, has successfully made the FCT a tourism attraction, bringing together filmmakers, actors and investors from across the world in the past two decades.

They said the federal government and the FCT leadership should identify with the AIFF in order to make tourism, culture and creative sectors major drivers of the economy,

Emmanuel Eyaba, filmmaker and former Chairman of the FCT chapter of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), said the AIFF has made Abuja a filmmaking hub and therefore should be supported.

“As a matter of fact, Abuja is the next hub for filmmaking and if we must take it to another level government need to pay more attention to this film festival.

“AIFF is one of the most significant film festivals in Africa, and I mean the festival that has been able to sustain itself for 21 years.

“I think it is very important that we should sustain a festival like this to grow our film industry,” he said.

Also, legendary actor Zack Orji, said the AIFF had evolved to become a connecting point between Nollywood and other  industries across the globe and therefore  should be treated  as a national asset.

“This festival is where Nigerian filmmakers connect with filmmakers from other  parts of the world for  international film production and other things they want to achieve in the industry internationally.

“Filmmakers from all these different countries are coming to Nigeria to show their works, to get the opportunity to meet their colleagues, get different film production arrangements and sell their works.

“I must commend the founder Mr Fidelis Duker  for sustaining it  for 21 years, when  you do not  get grants and funding,” he said.

The Festival Director, Temitope Duker, said the annual film fiesta had become a choice tourist destination for Nigeria, especially the FCT, adding that funding was however a major challenge.

“Government need to understand the fthey have to be fully involved   in this film festival  to reap its benefits for the country.

“Look at the ripple effects when foreigners come here; for instance, if you do that, we are sure that as of today, all the taxi drivers will be in business.

“The food vendors in Abuja will be in business and even the hotels will be fully booked.

“So, if government taps into this just a little bit, and makes it a very conducive environment for people to come, you can just imagine what Abuja will make within the next four days.

“It is, therefore, important for government to understand that this festival does not belong to individuals, it belongs  to the industry, it belongs to the city of Abuja,” she said.

Duker said  a total of 1,254 film submissions were received from 67 countries across the globe, and 82 of the total film submission got selected, while 53 of them were nominated for awards.

According to her, the festival will feature screenings, workshop campus, panel discussion, exclusive producers’ master class, exhibition fashion show and party award, among other highlights.

Dr Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director/CEO, National Film and Video Census Board (NFVBC), lauded the founder of the AIFF for staying steadfast to its vision in the past 21 years.

Husseini, who earlier gave a keynote address at the opening event, said NFVCB was committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to the growth of the nation’s film industry.

“I normally would describe it as one of the longest-running independently organised film festivals in West Africa, and I dare say even in Africa.

“I want to commend them for consistency because some people would have said, oh, this is not bringing money to our table and will leave it.

“I look forward to actually having this festival being adopted even by the city of Abuja, by the government, adopted as a festival because beyond showing films, it is  a tourism event.

“You can imagine people travelling from different areas to come to the festival, to come and see films, to come and connect, to come and exhibit their ware,” he said.

The NFVCB helmsman said that the board was working closely with key stakeholders in driving innovative reforms for the nation’s film industry in line with President Tinubu’s  poise to repositioning the culture and creative sectors. (NAN) (nannews,ng)

 

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

General News

FG mulls solar power model for north – Minister

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By Salif Atojoko

Mr Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, on Monday, said the Federal Government was planning to introduce the distributed solar power model in northern states.

Adelabu said this while briefing State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“We believe that the most effective way of supplying uninterrupted, electricity to the northern part of Nigeria is through distributed power model, whereby each of the northern states will have an embedded utility, solar source.

“All the states will be insulated and immune from each other, and we have actually made progress on this.

“We have interested contractors and financiers that are ready to install  a 100 megawatt for each of the 20 northern states, which is scalable to 50 megawatt at first, then upgraded 100 megawatts.

“When we have this, the power supply to the North will be reliable because of the advantage of the sun that they have, where solar will be highly effective,” said Adelabu.

He said with this scheme, the pressure on the national grid from the northern part of Nigeria would be lower, and Nigerians would be able to enjoy better electricity supply.

“When we talk about a final volume of 100 megawatts for each of the northern states, this includes targeting not just households, we looking at offices.

“We’re looking at institutions, both health and educational institutions, and we’re looking at industrial clusters that are the major consumers of power.

“We will start from having 50 megawatt for each of the states, which we believe will go around whatever activities that happen in all of the northern states on a state by state basis,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

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