NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Health

CloudClinic unveils tech-enabled healthcare platform in Lagos

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L-R: Flourish Nnamdi, Product Manager; Ifeanyi Aneke, Founder and Chief Executive Officer and Dr Amy Ojiakor, Clinical Director, all of CloudClinic Ltd., during the unveiling of CloudClinic, on Monday, April 17, 2023, in Lagos.

 

 

By Oluwafunke Ishola

A digital healthcare service company, Cloud Clinic Ltd. (CCL), has unveiled its cloud-based healthcare solution to ease virtual consultation between patients and licensed medical practitioners.

Mr Ifeanyi Aneke, Founder, Cloud Clinic Ltd., at the unveiling on Monday in Lagos, said CloudClinic was motivated by a desire to bring quality and affordable healthcare to the ‘doorstep’ of every Nigerian.

According to him, the platform makes it possible for anyone to access affordable healthcare from the comfort of their homes, offices or on the go with the aid of their internet-enabled devices.

“We are delighted to introduce CloudClinic, a suite of mobile platform, web and API services specially designed to seamlessly connect healthcare seekers in Nigeria to licensed healthcare service providers such as doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and medical laboratories.

“We believe that healthcare should be convenient and accessible to every Nigerian. This belief birthed the development of our cloud-based healthcare platform,” he said.

Aneke said the platform has partnered over one thousand licensed medical laboratories, pharmacies, and hospitals across the country in its effort to improve access to timely and convenient healthcare services.

He said that CloudClinic was also liberalising access to healthcare through its native language feature, which matches patients with doctors, based on their preferred native languages to ensure effective communication.

Aneke said that the platform would ensure strict adherence to optimal and global healthcare standards for patients.

“CloudClinic offers an extensive feature that gives patients a wide range of diagnostic, pharmaceutical, and hospital options, relying on our partnership with licensed and recognised medical laboratories and pharmacies while ensuring the confidentiality of all medical records,” Aneke said.

Also, Dr Amy Ojiakor, Clinical Director, Cloud Clinic Ltd., said that Nigeria has a one to 10,000 doctor-to-patient ratio.

Ojiakor noted that an average Nigerian must drive long hours to get to a hospital and queue for hours to see a doctor.

She said that due to this limitation, hospitals were plagued with many incidents of late presentation, which leads to a high mortality rate.

“Through CloudClinic, a doctor can request an investigation or prescribe a drug for the patient.

“The solution also makes it possible for a patient to quickly locate a medical laboratory, pharmacy and hospital nearest to him or her,” she said.

According to her, CloudClinic also makes it possible for patients to have their samples collected in their homes and their drugs delivered to them when the patient cannot go out.

Similarly, Flourish Nnamdi, Product Manager, Cloud Clinic Ltd., said that the product was user-friendly and backed by 24-hour, seven days a week support.

Nnamdi appealed to stakeholders in the health sector to register on CloudClinic as a patient or doctor by downloading the app from the Apple Store, Google Play Store or by visiting the website. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Defence/Security

81 Division Garrison wins Nigerian Army combat competition

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By Abiodun Lawal

The Nigerian Army on Sunday ended its Inter-Brigade Combat and  Proficiency Competition with 81 Division Garrison emerging the overall winner with a total of 460 points.

The event, held at the training ground of the 35 Artillery Brigade Alamala in  Abeokuta, Ogun, saw the 35 Artillery Brigade contingents clinching the second position with 440 points, while 9th  Brigade emerged second runner-up with 410 points.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the four Brigades of the 81 Division Nigerian Army including 81 Division garrison, 9 Brigade, 45 Artillery Brigade and the host 35 Artillery Brigade, participated in the competition.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Maj.-Gen.Obinna Ajunwa, said the competition was meant to improve strength, confidence and combat readiness of the officers to face any security challenge.

Ajunwa represented by Brig.-Gen. O. B Davies, noted that the aims and objectives of the five day competition had been achieved.

He commended the participants and implored them to be more productive in their given tasks .

 

He explained that the competition was organised to improve junior leadership training , organisational ability and inculcate initiative in the stipulated rank perfect of non-commission officers in the division.

 

“Apart from competing among yourselves, I believe that the competition has fostered what we all desired to achieve.

“Likewise, the stamina and endurance displayed by the various commission during the combat swimming and just concluded obstacle competition is indeed highly commendable.

“Those of you that performed well in this competition would be privileged to represent the division at Nigerian Army level organised competition,” he said.

 

The Commanding Officer of 35 Artillery Brigade and host of the competition, Brig.-Gen. Muhammed Aminu, commended participants for their hardwork, urging them not to relent and try to do more in the next competition.

NAN reports that the participants competed in proficiency-enhancing competitions such as swimming, weapon handling, map reading and navigation, as well as shoot and obstacle crossing. (NAN)

Edited by Auwalu Birnin Kudu/Folasade Adeniran

Agriculture

Rotary Club, LASCODA plant 1,000 coconut seedlings on Lagos coastline

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Members of Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic and Lagos State Coconut Development Authority (LASCODA) during flag-off of 1,000 seedlings in Oniru Private Beach, VI, Lagos, on Friday.

 

 

By Olayinka Olawale

The Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic and the Lagos State Coconut Development Authority (LASCODA) have begun planting of 1,000 coconut seedlings on Lagos coastline to rebuild the Atlantic green walls.

Speaking at the flag-off of the exercise at Oniru Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos on Friday, Rotarian Gboyega Bada, President, Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic, said the collaboration would protect the environment.

Bada noted that no fewer than 10,000 seedlings would be planted yearly by the club to promote coconut as a cash crop.

He said that the exercise was been carried out with 15 other Rotary Clubs in Lagos to bring back the glory of coconut as the only cash crop produced in the state.

Bada added that the club would partner the LASCODA on distribution and planting of coconut seedlings in public schools.

He said that the club had also sought the approval of the Lagos State Ministry of Education to plant coconut in all primary and secondary schools.

He noted that the move was a way of re-introducing coconut back to the new generation right from school.

In his remarks, Mr Dapo Olakulehin, the General Manager, LASCODA, said that about 180 kilometres from Ibeju-Lekki to Badagry, Seme border, would be rebuilt under the partnership.

Olakulehin said that the collaboration was to further promote sustainable coconut production, utilisation and commercialisation in the state.

According to him, the mandate of the LASCODA is to promote coconut production, utilisation and commercialisation.

“When we talk about production, that is where Rotary Club has come in today.

“A lot of coconut trees along our beaches are old and not performing the function that they are supposed to perform and that is why Rotary Club is coming in to build what we call green wall.

“When you look at Badagry to Ibeju-Lekki, there is this coastline which we call green wall and coconut is along this green wall.

“When you see this green wall, practically, they have collapsed because the coconuts trees are old and are going.

“That is what we a inaugurating today to rebuild the Atlantic green wall,” he said.

He commended the club for starting the initiative, adding that it would have greater impact on the society in the next five years.

“We are using this opportunity to call on non-governmental organisations and private sector to come to the aid of the Lagos State Government to build this wall back because government cannot do it alone.

“We are starting this exercise today with the private beaches, we will be going to other beaches.

“Here alone, we are planting 200 coconut seedlings in Oniru private beach and we will be extending to other beaches in the area,” he said.

In her remarks, the District Governor, Rotarian Omotunde Lawson, said that Rotary Club would continue to partner with the government to bring about service and development to the general public.

Lawson said that the partnership with the LASCODA was in line with one of the seven core pillars of the club which is protecting the environment.

“The importance, beauty and ambience of coconut cannot be over emphasised, as it will improve and provide means of livelihood to the people in this community.

“We are happy to be part of this great initiative in Lagos State,” she said.

Also, the Oniru of lruland, Oba Gbolahan Lawal, commended the initiative and implored the club to ensure that the coconut was properly maintained to reach its maturity stage.

Lawal represented by Chief Waisu Okoya, Baale of Itinri Community, in Victoria Island, urged them to extend the exercise to all other communities in the coastline.

Rotarian Olayinka Adeosun, the Assistant District Governor overseeing the activities of Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic, said a group of people within the community had been selected to maintain, monitor and nurture  the crop. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Health

Experts advocate increased awareness, treatment for hemophilia disease

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Prof. Sulaimon Akanmu

 

By Oluwafunke Ishola

Health experts have called for increased awareness on hemophilia disease to prevent and control the disorder.

The experts made the call on Thursday, during a virtual media round table organised by Pfizer to commemorate World Hemophilia Day.

The World Hemophilia Day (WHD) is celebrated annually on April 17, with a call to action for governments to improve access to treatment and care with an emphasis on better control and prevention of bleeds for all people with bleeding disorders.

The theme for this year’s event is: “Access for All: Prevention of bleeds as the global standard of care”.

Hemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder that causes the blood to take a long time to clot due to a deficiency in one of several blood clotting factors.

According to the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH), an international not-for-profit organisation, more than 38,000 people worldwide are living with hemophilia B in 2021.

 

Professor of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Sulaimon Akanmu, of the  Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, called for innovation in access to hemophilia treatments for patients.

He said that hemophilia tends to occur in males due to inherited X chromosomes from the mother.

“People with hemophilia are at risk for excessive and recurrent bleeding from modest injuries, which have the potential to be life threatening.

“People with severe hemophilia often bleed spontaneously into their muscles or joints, or rarely into other critical closed spaces such as the intracranial space, where bleeding can be fatal,” he said.

Akanmu, however, said that knowledge and diagnosis of hemophilia was low among the population and even healthcare workers.

According to him, this is responsible for underdiagnosed hemophilia cases in the country.

“We have lots of work to do to increase awareness of hemophilia among the general population because lots of male children are dying at a young age.

“The moment you sever the umbilical cord and that spot is oozing blood for too long or not healing on time. You can suspect hemophilia.

“Hemophilia Federation of Nigeria is taking steps to sensitise pregnant women and healthcare workers at health centres on the existence of hemophilia and how to identify it in children at young ages,” he said.

The professor further said that the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) was working in partnership with hemophilia treatment centres in 29 African countries to share knowledge and build global awareness through information exchange, education and training.

He noted that the WFH provided about 24 million units of clotting factor concentrates per year to patients in sub-Saharan Africa through humanitarian aid programmes.

He added that Pfizer was a visionary partner of the World Federation of Hemophilia for WHD.

 

Dr Vivian Painstill

 

Dr Vivian Painstil, the Senior Specialist Paediatrician, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana, said managing hemophilia could be challenging while people with the disease could leave fairly normal lives with certain precautions to prevent and control bleeds.

“The burden people living with hemophilia B face is significant. Many receive routine infusions or injections which can interfere with their ability to take part in day-to-day activities that others take for granted,” Painstil said.

She called for collaborative efforts to improve diagnosis, affordable treatment, social support and awareness for hemophilia.

Also, Mr Kodjo Soroh, the Medical Director, sub-Saharan Africa, Pfizer, said Pfizer’s goal was to ensure patients living with hemophilia are seen, heard and never forgotten.

Soroh said that Pfizer would continue to work tirelessly to find breakthrough solutions and therapeutic options to change the lives of people living with hemophilia.

“Pfizer’s efforts at advancing treatment for hemophilia and bridge gaps in access to care resonates with this year’s theme of the WHD Access For All: Prevention of Bleeds.

“Pfizer’s commitment to equity and continued investment in hemophilia is evident in its more than 30 years of experience in developing therapies for hematological disorders as it has a deep understanding of the significant challenges that people living with the disease continually face,” he said.

The medical director, therefore, said Pfizer would continue to amplify and celebrate the work of the global hemophilia community as it created awareness on the need for innovation in access to hemophilia treatments. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Bassey/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Economy/Business

SEC optimistic of ISB passage before May 29

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By Ginika Okoye
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has expressed optimism that the Investment and Securities Bill (ISB) will be passed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari before May 29.
Mr Lamido Yuguda, the Director-General of SEC, expressed the optimism at a news conference  held on the first quarter post-Capital Market Meeting (CMC), on Thursday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ISB 2023 scaled through the final hurdle of the National Assembly when the Senate passed it on March 29.
The bill, which is expected to aid the functioning of the capital market and facilitate the ongoing economic diversification in the country, had been passed by the House of Representatives in December.
It is only awaiting presidential assent to become a law.
Yuguda said that the President would sign the ISB before leaving office in May.
He noted that the new law was long overdue.
He listed some of the provisions of the ISB as stiffer punishment for operators of Ponzi schemes, expansion of the categories of issuers of securities, and better coverage of some new products among others.
Yuguda added that the ISB has provisions for regulation of commodities exchanges and other operators in the commodities trading ecosystem.
“This is a significant development for the Nigerian capital market.
“I am optimistic that the President will sign the Bill into law before his tenure ends on May 29,” he said.
He also commended the President for his support in the nation’s capital market since 2015.
The director-general said that the market, over the years, had recorded tremendous growth and development, especially in the commodities ecosystem.
Speaking on annual renewal of registration of the Capital Market Operators (CMOs) conducted between Jan. 1 and 31, he said that 627 CMOs renewed their registration status.
“At the end of the exercise, 627 CMOs representing over half of the total number of CMOs on the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) portal renewed their registration status.
“The Commission is carefully reviewing the report, and a position would be taken on those market operators that failed to renew their registration,” he said.
Yuguda disclosed that another important issue at the CMC meeting was the approval of rules on the revised National Investors Protection Fund.
He listed other issues discussed at the meeting was the registration of five new Fintech companies as full-fledged market operators.
Yuguda said that these include two crowdfunding intermediaries, two digital sub-brokers and one robo-adviser.
He, however, expressed optimism about the growth potential of the Nigerian capital market and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to building and maintaining a vibrant, fair, and transparent market for investors and issuers.
He expressed optimism that President Muhammadu Buhari will sign the Investors and Securities Bill, (ISB) into law before leaving office in May, noting that it was long overdue.
“The meeting was officially informed about the passage of the Investments and Securities Bill (ISB) 2023 by the Senate.
”Some of the provisions in the ISB include stiffer punishment for operators of Ponzi schemes, expansion of the categories of issuers of securities, and better coverage of some new products among others.
“The ISB also has provisions for regulation of commodities exchanges and other operators in the commodities trading ecosystem,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
Science & Tech

Provost seeks special intervention fund for college

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By Stellamaris Ashinze and Funmilola Gboteku

The provost of the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos, Dr Chuks Onuoha, on Wednesday appealed to the Federal Government for a special intervention to enhance training in the institution.

Onuoha, who made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, said the special intervention would enable the college to acquire a training vessel and other needs for the development of the sub-sector in the country.

The provost said acquiring a training vessel was beyond the budget of the college.

He lauded the government’s support, particularly on workshop and infrastructure.

“The infrastructure development in the college has been taken to the next level; the complex was donated by the Japanese government through agreement with the Nigerian government to ensure its maintenance.

“Immediately we came on board, we saw the need to expand the infrastructure and the government has been supportive in terms of the necessary funding to enhance the infrastructure facilities, especially in terms of buildings, equipment and workshop.

“Just like Oliver Twist, we will keep on asking for more; we need a training vessel because we spend so much on training of cadets for ship handling and maneuvering.

“So, if we can have our ship, it will reduce the stress we are having in that regard,” he said.

Onuoha further stated that beside the training vessel, “the institution is requesting for marine simulator both for the engine and the deck, full bridge mission and full engine mission.

“All these are very expensive and not something that the normal budget of an institution can carry.”

Onuoha explained that the college had been contributing immensely to the development of marine and fisheries technologies in the country.

He added that the college was able to develop indigenous technologies needed to enhance fish production and marine activities.

“The college was established for the advancement of marine and fisheries technologies. Before its establishment, foreigners dominated the marine technology sub-sector, but the college alumni are now gradually replacing the foreigners,” he said.

According to him, the college offers special programmes such as innovation and research development in fisheries and marine to improve on what is currently obtainable in the nation.

“That will add value to the existing technology in terms of feeds for fish and engineering equipment for Marine activities,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited Zubairu Idris/Salif Atojoko

Oil & Gas

NIPCO embarks on business expansion to aid diversification, others

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By Yusuf Yunus

The Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company (NIPCO), says it has intensified investment in gas infrastructure to aid diversification and Nigeria’s energy transition.
Mr Suresh Kumar, Managing Director, NIPCO Plc, who said this during a facility tour of the company on Sunday in Lagos, added that it would also reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels.
Kumar said that the organisation had deepened gas usage and market penetration in the country through massive investment in the sector.
He said that as the Federal Government plans to put an end to fuel subsidy, natural gas by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Auto CNG were bound to be a preferred “fuel of choice”.
According to him, the benefits of the natural gas is that it is safe, environmental friendly, economical, among others.
Kumar said that the company had invested massively in gas infrastructure, in line with Federal Government declaration of 2021 to 2030 as “Nigeria’s Decade of Gas“.
He noted that the declaration  is a period the government aspired to accelerate domestic and export gas production and utilisation.
He said that NIPCO was intensifing investment in gas infrastructure to bolster the gas agenda of the Federal Government, which was getting a booster.
According to him, already, the company has established Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) facilities across the country to make cars run on gas.
He also said that NIPCO had been  expanding its scope on supply of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and constructing new pipeline infrastructure to strategic locations in the country.
Kumar, said the company had invested over 50 million dollars in developing Nigeria’s natural gas over the years, while more projects were still in the offing.
He said: “We have spent more than 50 million dollars on natural gas infrastructure over the years. We believe that there are lots of potential in Nigeria that can be explored for gas utilisation, and this will further boost our economy.
“By using indigenous gas, we can reduce subsidy burden on the Federal Government.
“We can also reduce the importation burden and that will directly or indirectly reduce  capital flight and create more employment opportunities for Nigerians.
“We are the pioneers. We always dream for the future. So, we dreamt for natural gas utilisation in Nigeria right from 2008 and we started investing.
“We introduced this model to the government. Nigeria is a country that has abundant natural gas and instead of wasting subsidy on petrol, we should be looking at a blueprint that can change the petrol market to CNG market,” he said.
According to him, NIPCO is an integrated company that supplies Nigerian market with petrol, diesel and gas.
Kamar said the company currently has about 19,500 metric tonnes combined storage capacity for LPG with 10 loading bays, which could truck-out over 4,000 tons per day.
Also speaking, Mr Nagendra Verma, Managing Director, NIPCO Gas, said the company currently has 14 CNG filling stations in various states across Nigeria and another six CNG stations, currently under construction.
He said over 7,000 vehicles were currently running on CNG, adding that over 350 truck fleet belonging to NIPCO were all on gas.
“We have workshops which are fully efficient and fully capable to convert PMS vehicles to gas, we have the expertise and we are ready to convert more vehicles to run on gas, he said.
Verma said: “So, we intend to have CNG stations in almost all the states of Nigeria, wherever the pipeline is available.
“Presently, we are laying LNG pipeline for 80 Kilometer pipeline from Shagamu interchange to Ibadan.
“The pipeline work is going on. We expect to commission first phase by the end of December 2023.
“And the entire pipeline is expected to be completed by next year.”
According to him, the company is also developing gas pipeline infrastructure in Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos, which is currently nearing completion.
He said the company is currently constructing a propane tank of 500 metric tonnes capacity, the biggest in Nigeria, in a bid to meet up with the federal government requirements of mixing certain quantity of propane with butane for domestic gas.
Verma said that the propane tank would be completed in the next three months. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

 

Economy/Business

Experts task women entrepreneurs on digital transformation

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By Itohan Abara-Laserian

The Digital Transformation Centre Nigeria (DTC) has advised women entrepreneurs to be fearless, courageous and embrace digital transformation to boost their businesses.

Dr Thuweba Diwani, Head of Project, DTC Nigeria, gave the advice at a seminar on Wednesday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the seminar was: “Driving the Digital Transformation of Female Entrepreneurship in Nigeria.”

NAN also reports that the seminar organised by the DTC Nigeria was co-funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the European Union, implemented by the German Agency for International Corporation (GIZ).

According to Diwani, digital transformation essentially aims to improve Nigeria’s digital innovation ecosystem and growth.

Diwani urged women entrepreneurs to be fearless, step out of their comfort zones and embrace digitalisation for enhanced growth.

“So, the focus is essentially to seek to improve the digital innovation ecosystem in Nigeria and the capacity of the Nigerian economy to utilise digital innovations for growth.

“We work in varying capacities and creating an enabling environment in improving the development of digital solutions and innovations and having these adopted by Micro Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs).
“We ensure that women are able to acquire digital tools in their entrepreneurship activities and one of the greatest challenge for women is the fear of getting out there.
“Exploring new things and we tend to stay in our comfort zones, what I will advice is to be fearless and let us embrace what is new,” she said.
Diwani added that the benefits of digitisation should be looked at very analytically, critically and then deliberately go ahead to acquire the skills we need to be able to get ahead.
She also stressed the importance of mentorships, positive attitude, curiosity and confidence by women entrepreneurs to reach the next level of their careers.
Dr Amina Sambo-Magaji, Acting Director, Digital Literacy and Capacity Development Department, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said that women are essential in the digital space.
Sambo-Mogaji was represented by Dr Aminu Tanbuwal, Head, Digital Literacy/Skills Division of the agency.
She said: “Having women in the digital space is very important. At the moment, we are seeing a lot of progress, especially in Nigeria.
“We about 25 per cent or so of women in technology. So, this number needs to go higher. You know, it is said that a lot of women that are at home can also engage in the technology sector through the digital economy.
“The good thing about technology is that you can participate from wherever you are and whatever you are currently engaged in,” she added.
She disclosed that the agency was working on policies to close the gap between women and men there in terms of participation in the technology space.
“So, we are working on a strategy and we are also working on other things.
“For example, increasing the number of programmes targeted at women, in terms of capacity building programmes.
“Having access to the digital tools, when we combine all of these things, it will really help to increase participation for women,” she noted.
Giving an overview of the seminar discourse, Mrs Gbeke Oshinowo, Technical Adversor, Digital/Entrepreneurship Skills Women and Youth, GIZ/DTC, said the objective of the seminar was to demystify the fears of female entrepreneurs in digital transformation.
Oshinowo said exposing the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation in Nigeria was a critical tool to drive the success of female-owned businesses.
Mrs Tosin Abajo, Assistant Chief Enterprise officer, South-West, SMEDAN, said that bridging the gap in female enterpreneurship through digital transformation was critical to the growth of women in technology sector.
Dr Wole Odetayo, Co-Founder, LoftyInc Allied Partners Ltd. Wennovation Hub, said that the percentage of women in technology currently stood at 25 per cent.
Odetayo said that the figure was not small when compared with 40 per cent women entrepreneurs in the country.
He highlighted the benefits of digital transformation as accelerated growth; multidimensional inclusion; job creation; increased collaborations; fosters innovation among others.
NAN reports that the seminar brought together seasoned actors from the digital ecosystem such as women support organisations, female entrepreneurs and stakeholders, among others to identify gender barriers to digital transformation of female-owned businesses and ways to overcome them.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
ITM/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
Politics

Tinubu: Don’t turn Nigeria into banana republic, Obanikoro tells rivals

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Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro displaying his ACAOSA Award

 

 

By Adeyemi Adeleye/Yinka Olawale

A former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, says those protesting and kicking against the inauguration of the President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu, on May 29, should not turn the country into a “banana republic”.

 

Obanikoro, also a former Ambassador of Nigeria to Ghana, made the remark while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the 9th Ramadan Lecture of Anwar-Ul Islam College, Agege, Old Students’ Association (ACAOSA), on Saturday in Lagos.

 

NAN reports that the Ramadan Lecture  had in attendance various alumni of the school including Obanikoro; Alhaji Tunde Balogun, former Lagos APC Chairman; civil servants, technocrats; entrepreneurs; legal practitioners and academics.

The lecture was titled, “Islamic Perspective of a Good Governance: Any Lesson for Nigeria?”

Obanikoro said: “They are daydreaming. There is no perfect election anywhere in the world.

“For anyone that is not satisfied, what is next is to go through the judiciary. If you feel aggrieved, go to the court.

“We cannot turn Nigeria into a banana republic.

“Our system is not perfect, it is a work in progress, we have to continue to work at it until we get to a situation that all of us will be comfortable with.”

Describing as sad and unfortunate the calls by some people for Interim National Government, Obanikoro said that those calling for it showed that they did not appreciate democracy, hence not qualified to lead such government.

“It sounds crazy to me,” he added.

On the Ramadan Lecture, Obanikoro, who described good governance as teaching of God in Quran and Bible, said that governance should be about putting people first.

“The idea  is to help the vulnerable among us and create a society where we will be our brother’s keepers.

“That is the essence of  governance, and that is what the religion of Islam or Christianity is preaching almost on a daily basis,” he said.

Obanikoro, who was presented an award by ACAOSA for his contributions to the school through the association, said it was a privilege to give back to the school that had given them so much.

“Giving back comes naturally. I commend the ACAOSA for honouring us and we shall do more.

“Anytime you are recognised by your peers for doing something special, you have to appreciate it because you are not the only one, there are others  too,” he said.

Commending the organisers for their tenacity, Obanikoro said that the association would continue to do more for the college.

Similarly, Alhaji Lawal Pedro (SAN),  the President General, ACAOSA,  also told NAN that those protesting against the May 29 inauguration of Tinubu were not democrats, saying “they are people who do not mean well for the country”.

Maintaining that the election was relatively free and fair considering the number of states each of the major contenders won, Pedro urged those who lost to plan for the next electoral cycle.

“These people should not be tolerated, in fact the necessary authorities should go after them. If they have evidence of being rigged, they should take it to the court rather can constituting nuisance,” he said.

Also, Alhaji Tunde Balogun, former Lagos APC Chairman, another recipient of ACAOSA Life Time Award, said that the college had done a lot of positive things for him in life.

“My life was shaped and given foundation by this college. I came into this school at age 14 and left when I was an adult.

“It is was a great privilege for this school to have helped me in building my character and preparing me for what I do now,” the former Senior Prefect Boy of the college said.

The Chairman of the day, Alhaji Fola Adeola, said that the school had produced so many great personalities in Nigeria.

Adeola, who was represented Mr Yinka Adeola, his brother,  noted that the association was proud of the feats of the college in the area of academics, sports and others.

 

NAN reports that other awardees include Alhaji S. Adeyanju, the first College Imam (1960-1963); Dr A. Omofade, a former Permanent Secretary in Lagos State and  Prof.  Alade Akintonwa, former Dean, Faculty of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos.

Others are Alhaji Rasaq Yusuf, a retired civil servant, and Alhaji Abdul-Ganiu Ajala, a Surveyor among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Oil & Gas

NMDPRA harps on safety, compliance in downstream oil, gas operations

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By Yusuf Yunus

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has raised alarm over the high level of non-compliance to its regulations in the retail outlets of the energy sector.

Dr Mustapha Lamorde, the Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSE&C) of NMDPRA, said this at a one-day South–West region stakeholders’ engagement on incessant incidents in the midstream and downstream of the Nigerian petroleum industry operations, on Wednesday in Lagos.

Lamorde, who was represented by Mr Ayo Cadoso, Regional Coordinator, Southwest, said that the purpose of the engagement was to call for a sound management of HSE in the depots/jetties and retail outlets operations in the downstream sector.

He noted that the discourse was key for adequate profitability in the sector and proper approach to achieve this lies on the fact that HSE should be managed from a business perspective and not for compliance purposes only.

According to him, related matters on HSE should be integrated into the management decision-making process.

Lamorde said that NMDPRA would always want to engage operators to attune them of the need to fully comply with relevant health, safety and environment laws and regulations as stipulated in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

He said that the engagement would also forestall the dangers and risks posed by unwholesome practices and non-compliance to statutory provisions, with respect to HSE in the transportation of petroleum products including gas.

Lamorde noted that there was need for the creation of awareness and a culture of safe operations to protect persons, assets, and the environment, thereby eliminating accidents, and the cost of replacing damaged parts which is a sure way to profitability.

“This will no longer be business as usual, it is now safety first, the NMDPRA will ensure that the aspirations of the Federal Government, by passing the PIA, is achieved.

“The law had provided, in clear terms, that in case of negligence by any operator, such operator would be sanctioned accordingly.

“Although, our aim is not to sanction the operators but to ensure that operations are run in a safe manner to protect people, assets and the environment is the reason for today’s engagement.

“The HSE needs to be a front burner to attract the growth of the business, reduction of insurance premiums and protection of the public (which you are a member of) and for us to achieve the following, we must reawaken the safety consciousness in our operations,” he added.

Mrs Rukhayat Akanbi, HSE &C Team lead of NMDPRA, said that between 2018 and 2023, 412 fatalities and 244 incidents were recorded, while 173 fatalities and 103 incidents were recorded in 2021, meaning an average of one death every four days occurred.

Akanbi also added that in 2022 to date, 48 fatalities and 41 incidents were recorded.

“In terms of accidents statistics, 39 per cent recorded in retail outlets, 13 per cent in vehicle tankers, 13 per cent each in refinery and gas facilities respectively, while 11 per cent was recorded in depots from 2018 to date.

“Retail outlets recorded the highest number of incidents over the years,” she said.

On the way forward, Akanbi said that every truck and station must have adequate earthing cables and hoses of various sizes for discharge and coupling, and inspection must be carried out before loading and offloading.

Responding on behalf of the marketers, Mr Akin Akinlade, Chairman, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Satellite Depot, Ejigbo, Lagos, commended NMDPRA for the sensitisation programme on safety at most filing stations.

Akinlade assured that lPMAN, Southwest zone, would imbibe the culture of training all petroleum attendants in its operations.

He said that body had commenced building of training institute that would engage all members and workers in training.

“We appreciate NMDPRA for this laudable initiative towards organising discourse on Health, Safety, Environment and Community.

“We also appeal to NMDPRA support towards collaboration on area of training and partnership,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the IPMAN, DAPPMAN, FRSC, Federal Fire Service and representatives of NMDPRA in Ogun, Oyo, Ondo and Osun states were in attendance. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

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