NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Perm Sec pledges to strengthen mines, steel development
Economy/Business

Perm Sec pledges to strengthen mines, steel development

268 total views today

By Vivian Emoni

The new Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Mary Ogbe, has pledged to strengthen the mines and steel industry in Nigeria by providing solutions to existing challenges.

Ogbe made the commitment in Abuja on Friday, at a valedictory session organised by the ministry for the former Permanent Secretary, Dr Oluwatoyin Akinlade.

She called on the staff to support her to achieve the mandate and objectives of the ministry.

“I am ready and committed to strengthening the ministry toward preferring solutions to the challenges facing the nation.

“Therefore, all hands must be on deck as the nation looks up to the ministry in solving its socio-economic problems,” she said.

The permanent secretary said she would run an open door policy, to enhance consultations for the effective and efficient running of the sectors.

Ogbe said that her target was to ensure holistic exploitation of available minerals to diversify the nation’s economy.

Earlier, Akinlade described Ogbe as a seasoned administrator with impressive track record of delivering high quality performance.

She pledged her unalloyed support for the growth of the ministry as well as promoting the mining industry.

The former permanent secretary called on the management and staff of the ministry to assist Ogbe in discharging her duties and completion of outstanding projects.

She said that the projects would create wealth and jobs for the teeming youths and generate revenue for the nation.

Also, the Director, Human Resources, Dr Mohammed Suleiman, expressed the readiness of the ministry’s workforce to work efficiently with the new permanent secretary.

Suleiman said that they were committed to taking the ministry to higher heights and boost the economy.

He thanked Akinlade for her immense contributions to the successes recorded by the ministry, especially the growth of the mining industry in the country.

The ministry at the occasion, unveiled its Electronic Document Management System (EDMS), which would store, organise and manage official documents electronically and enhance performance. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

CNS reaffirms commitment to personnel welfare, hails NOWA’s stride
Defence/Security

CNS reaffirms commitment to personnel welfare, hails NOWA’s stride

193 total views today

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, has promised to continue to prioritise welfare and well-being of officers and ratings of the Nigerian Navy and their families.

Gambo gave the assurance while inaugurating the Naval Officers Wives’ Association (NOWA) Shopping Complex at the Navy Barracks in Kuje Abuja, on Friday.

He also inaugurated the administrative building of the NOWA College at the barracks.

The CNS commended the NOWA President, Hajia Nana Gambo and members of her team for their foresight and commitment to supporting the service in addressing the welfare needs of personnel and their families.

He said the association had done so well in making significant impact on the wellbeing of the service and the wider society across the country.

According to him, notable among these, is the ongoing construction of a 200-bed capacity NOWA Women and Children Green Smart Hospital that commenced in June 2022 and the groundbreaking of NOWA Event Centre in Asokoro.

The naval chief said the shopping complex would enhance comfort and economic activities of the barracks community and its environs.

He urged the barrack community to take ownership of the structure and ensure proper maintenance of the complex for the benefit of all.

“Pertinently, various welfare projects of NOWA are enduring legacies, which have endeared the leadership of the association to well-meaning and good spirited individuals across Nigeria, especially as a key contributor to national development.

“I also avail this opportunity to pledge my continued support to collaborate and partner with the association for nation building, towards national prosperity,” he said.

In her remarks, the President of NOWA, Hajia Nana Gambo, said the event was another giant stride by the association in promoting commerce for the growth and development of Kuje and its environs.

She said that the shopping complex was built to enhance economic activities in the area and for the comfort of personnel.

She appreciated the naval chief for his unflinching support for NOWAS to achieve its mandate.

Also, the President, Nigerian Army Officers Wives’ Association (NAOWA), Mrs Salamatu Yahaya, commended the leadership of NOWA for establishing life impacting projects.

Yahaya said the complex would to improve socio-economic activities in the community and advised them to adequately maintain the facility. (NAN)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

SWAN empowers women, sinks borehole, provides free medical services in FCT
Economy/Business

SWAN empowers women, sinks borehole, provides free medical services in FCT

174 total views today
The outgoing Chairperson, Queen Mbang Esu (FCA) SWAN Abuja Chapter with others at the 2023 Biennial General Meeting and Account of Stewardship of the association

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), Abuja Chapter, has distributed sewing machines, hair dryers and baking materials to empower some women in the FCT.

The outgoing Chairperson of the group, Queen Mbang Esu, said this at the 2023 Biennial General Meeting and Account of Stewardship of the association, in Abuja on Sunday, May 28.

Esu said that SWAN also educated the 32 beneficiaries on financial literacy to enable them to operate successful businesses with the items.

From Right: Monica Nosike (FCA) Incoming Chairperson SWAN Abuja Chapter; Mr Adaja Monday of Adaji Monday &Co, Chartered Accountant, Auditor SWAN; and outgoing Chairperson, Queen Mbang Esu (FCA) SWAN Abuja Chapter with others at the 2023 Biennial General Meeting and Account of Stewardship of the association

According to her, the aim of the programme is to celebrate and empower Nigerian Women folk, focusing on gender equity and inclusion to help forge an equal world.

She said that the beneficiaries were carefully selected from different communities within the FCT and environs, adding that every one of them truly deserved the gifts.

She said that the association was in partnership with public spirited individuals to sunk borehole for Priesthood Orphanage in Abuja.

According to her, the chapter was able to reach out to over 500 persons in the orphanages/rehabilitation homes during the period under review.

Esu said that the chapter visited three orphanages and rehabilitation homes, where basic essential items such as foodstuff, beverages, confectioneries and other items were presented.

Monica Nosike (FCA) Incoming Chairperson SWAN (L) and outgoing Chairperson, Queen Mbang Esu (FCA) SWAN Abuja Chapter

“The chapter with the period quarterly visit selected government hospitals to donate medical items to patients and hospital management.

“Medical bills of some indigents patients were settled and some cases procurement of blood and essential medicine/drugs.

“The chapter in partnership with Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) offered voluntary medical services to over 600 persons.

“This includes free consultation, laboratory investigation, free medication/drugs, free dental services, free eye examinations and free recommended eye glasses to beneficiaries,” she said.

According to her, over 10,000 students have been impacted under the catch them young programme of the association.

Outgoing Chairperson, Queen Mbang Esu (FCA) SWAN Abuja Chapter (R), presenting a gift to immediate past Chairperson of SWAN Abuja Chapter, Taiwo Ojo (FCA)

She said that students from secondary and tertiary institutions in FCT and environs, were engaged in different activities to enhance their academic performances.

“The fora were used to sensitise the students to the ethical values, integrity and shunning corruption, corrupt practices and other social vices,” she said.

Esu explained that SWAN was an arm of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

She said the membership was open to female members of the Institute to create opportunities, and an enabling environment for the promotion of the socio-economic development of women.

“The SWAN Abuja Chapter has been involved in a number of activities in the last 14 years of its existence from 2008.

“The activities are aimed at promoting the ideals and mandate of ICAN as well as carrying out projects, that impact greatly and positively on members of the society and the public.

“These life-changing projects undertaken by the chapter were majorly funded by members and some good spirited individuals and organisations, who partnered with the Society to see to their actualisation,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Licence revocation: NAMB begins recapitalisation appraisal of MFBs
Economy/Business

Licence revocation: NAMB begins recapitalisation appraisal of MFBs

174 total views today

By Abdulrahman Kadiri
The National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB) has directed all licensed Microfinance Banks (MFBs) nationwide to update it on their recapitalization status for assessment and follow-up actions with the regulatory authorities.
The Executive Secretary of the NAMB, Mr Shikir Caleb, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
The decision is coming barely a week after the revocation of 179 MFBs licences by the monetary authorities and the negative implications for its financial inclusion drive.
Caleb said that the decision was taken in Abuja at an emergency meeting of the leaders of the NAMB after vigorous deliberations on the latest licence revocation action of many MFBs by the CBN.
According to him, the meeting had in attendance the Board of Trustees, the Past Presidents and members of the National Working Committee.
He said that the meeting had its main agenda the revocation of the licences of the affected MFBs and how to proactively forestall future negative occurrence in the MFB sub-sector of the financial system.
“Following the review and deliberations on the licence revocation matter, the top leaders of the NAMB directed that the various state chapters should categorize the affected micro lenders into MFBs that have fully re-capitalised but yet to be approved by CBN.
“MFBs that have not been fully re-capitalised but had ongoing discussions for funding; MFBs that were yet to re-capitalise; and MFBs that have long closed shop”.
According to Caleb, the leaders further advised any MFB that had fully re-capitalised but yet to be approved by CBN to present its submissions to the Secretariat with a summary of its recapitalization status as at date.
He stated that thereafter, the leaders also agreed that the association would review the submissions and have a meeting with all MFBs this Thursday in Abuja “with a view to collating all submissions for engagement with the management of CBN.”
Commenting on the licence revocation the NAMB National President, Mr Joshua Ukute, rued the ugly development and promised that the “leadership of the association will continue to intensify its self-regulation activities in all MfBs nationwide to forestall this type of occurrence.
“We have also mandated the Secretariat of the NAMB to do more by enlightening the public, especially all stakeholders in the association’s financial inclusion drive value-chain with the aim of building confidence in the MfB sub-sector of the financial system.
“As you all know, the MFBs have over the years remained at the forefront of the financial inclusion strategy agenda’s implementation and they will continue to do their best to deepen financial services, especially in remote communities that the big players are not ready to go,” the banker added

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Naval chief lays foundation for NOWA event centre, inaugurates shopping complex
Defence/Security

Naval chief lays foundation for NOWA event centre, inaugurates shopping complex

164 total views today

 

Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, performing groundbreaking for NOWA Event Centre in Abuja on Friday (2/6/23)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, on Friday laid foundation for the construction of the Naval Officers Wives’ Association (NOWA) Event Centre in Admiralty Estate, Navy Town Asokoro.

Gambo also inaugurated NOWA Shopping Complex in Navy Barracks Kuje.

 

He said that the projects were part of the NOWA’s giant strides and numerous contributions to the well-being of the service and wider society.

 

Gambo identified one of the landmark projects of the organisation as the ongoing 200-bed Women and Children Hospital that NOWA commenced construction in June 2022.

 

“Again, today we are here on 1.9 hectares of land to initiate the construction of NOWA event center at the Admiralty Estate, Asokoro.

 

“I consider this project and others as direct interventions in support of Nigerian Navy’s welfare objectives,” the CNS said.

 

He added that the state-of-the-art event center would provide comfortable and secure environment for personnel and their families when completed.

 

“In addition, the edifice on completion is expected to provide affordable and accessible facility with associated services to meet personal needs.

 

“Fortunately, various welfare projects of NOWA are enduring legacies which have endeared the leadership of the association to well-meaning and good spirited individuals across Nigeria, especially as a key contributor to national development,” he said.

 

The naval chief added that the center would boost socio cultural interactions that would enhance the morale of personnel and their families, as well as civilian population.

 

Gambo also hailed the association’s commitment to providing quality education and vocational training, as well as charitable and economic empowerment programmes for women, orphans and children.

 

In her speech, the President of NOWA and Wife of the CNS, Hajiya Nana Gambo, said the projects were conceived to promote socioeconomic life, love, harmony and well-being of wives of naval personnel and their families.

 

She said that when completed, the centre would host weddings, concerts, corporate and nonprofit events and meetings, as well as skills development programmes.

 

“Accordingly, here we are starting heavy investment projects that will certainly express and define an important landmark in the life of the NOWA family.”

 

The centre being built on 1.9 hectares of land will have the capacity to host 1,200 people, and will have lounges and skills development centre.

Mrs Gambo who acknowledged and appreciated the support of the naval chief, said that the shopping complex in Kuje would boost economic activities in the barrack.

The President, Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association, Mrs Salamatu Yahaya, congratulated the NOWA President for conceptualising the projects to boost socio-economic activities.(NAN)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

General News

Mental Health: NGO preaches periodic check-ups

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Participants at the second Abuja Counsellors Summit and Expo 

By Gami Tadanyigbe

Secure-D-Future International Initiative (SDF), an NGO, has advised Nigerians to embrace periodic mental health check-ups to help tackle the increasing suicide and depression rate in the country.

Mrs Sa’adatu Adamu, the Founder of the organisation, gave the advice during the second Abuja Counsellors Summit and Expo in Abuja, titled “Assessment, Method and Application of Counselling”.

Adamu said counselling was very important as it tends to focused on helping deviants in the society and tackles the increasing suicide and depression rate in the country.

According to her, mental health comes in any form and leads to depression, suicide and self-harm.

“It is important for Nigerians to embrace mental check-up and engage in therapy.

“Counselling is very important because counsellors work in rehabilitation centres, welfare offices, schools and hospitals in our communities.

“If you hear the stories we get regularly from schools, you will know that there is a need to really have these professionals around us.

“We hear stories of dysfunctional families, where children pick little things they see from other children and begin to act on them.

“I believe that counselling is very important in every aspect of our life; parents and children needs counselling and we need to shun stigmatising mental health patients,” she said.

However, she called on parents to develop a good channel of communication and relationships with their children to enable them know their mental health status for a better future.

The founder also said there were lots of mental health issues in the society, hence the need for government to come up with policies that could address same in the country.

The Chairperson, Summit Committee, Mrs Hasiya Adamu-Biu, said there was a need for every Nigerian to always consult a counsellor whenever they are faced with challenges.

Adamu-Biu maintained that there are issues in Nigeria that affect our mental state, that are temporary which could be addressed by visiting a mental health counsellor within us.

According to her, there is a new mental health and counsellors Act aimed at teaching the counsellors how to use their profession to help address mental health challenges in the country.

The Head of Department, Guidance and Counselling, FCT Education Research Centre (ERC) Laison Officer, Mr Yahaya Abdulawahab, said the summit was aimed at training counsellors to meet world best practices in the profession.

Abdulawahab said the government has developed an Occupational Interest Inventory in FCT schools, where counsellors use to admit and place students to their appropriate subjects. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Judiciary

Only a small fraction of cybercrimes are prosecuted, adjudicated – Solicitor General

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Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Solicitor General of the Federation

 

By Ebere Agozie

Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Solicitor General of the Federation says only a small fraction of cybercrimes is actually prosecuted and adjudicated.

Jedy-Agba said this at the closing ceremony of the ‘Training of Trainers on Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence for Judges and Prosecutors in Abuja.

The event was under the Global Extended Action on Cybercrime (GLACY+) in Nigeria, West African Response on Cybersecurity and Fight against Cybercrime (OCWAR-C), both EU funded projects in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice.

She noted that Nigeria acceded to the Council of Europe’s Budapest Convention on Cybercrime ETS No. 185 in July 2022 which is the most relevant close-to-global existing legal framework on cybercrime and one of the benefits for member states is capacity building in the area of cybercrime.

“It goes without saying that digital transformation has essentially redefined life, particularly in the post-covid era and while it has benefits, there are resulting challenges which include the increase in cybercrimes.

“Since accession to the convention, this is the first national activity under GLACY+ in Nigeria and it is a great idea to have it partner with OCWAR-C.

“Nigeria appreciates this partnership and support to create a national pool of trainers on cybercrimes and electronic evidence for Judges and Prosecutors.

She said that the global nature of this menace sometimes described as “phenomenon without borders” makes it imperative for countries to seek to build capacity to be able to effectively combat it.

“Hence, the efforts of the international organisations in cyber capacity building cannot be over-emphasised.

“The increasing reliance on electronic evidence not only for cybercrimes but even traditional crimes which may not be located in the territory where the case is investigated makes it even more imperative to build capacity on its use.

“Therefore, the continuous need to train and re-train criminal justice sector authorities cannot be overrated as it will enhance their ability to effectively apply cybercrime legislation and respond to the challenges it poses”, she said.

She said that as a commitment to the fight against cybercrimes and the capacity building of the criminal justice authority, the Minister of Justice inaugurated the Reconstituted Global Action on Cybercrime Extended (GLACY+) National Co-ordination Team with membership from key stakeholders.

She commended the Justices of the Federal High Court who took out time to be participants at the training and also the prosecutors from the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

“This training will fundamentally be beneficial to the dispensation of justice in Nigeria.

“I urge participants to pass on the knowledge acquired to other legal practitioners as national trainers on cybercrime and electronic evidence”, she added.

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court (FCT) Justice John Tsoho, represented by Justice Inyang Ekwo, expressed his delight at the training aimed at effective justice delivery in the country.

“When I received the invitation to nominate 10 judges, I was challenged and sceptical as approving ten judges to leave their respective desks for one week for fear that they might be affected bearing in mind the tight doctrine of the court.

“However, upon noting that the program is based on the global action on cybercrime and electronic evidence, I did not hesitate to
send the number of judges requested.

“I had taken out some time to go through the program and acknowledge that the judges have benefited greatly in the training and acquired the capacity to demonstrate the knowledge
gained in judicial proceedings and impart this knowledge to others”.

Tsoho noted that cybercrime is a global issue and he is convinced that building effective repositioning of knowledge will bring about skilled prosecution and effective judicial proceedings.

“I commend the organizers and participants of this programme and I am satisfied that the programme ran its course successfully.

“I also request for follow-ups for this programme as I believe that the interactions in the course of the programme were fruitful.

“I therefore salute everyone for a successful programme, and declare it closed”. (NAN)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

General News

Iranian journalist shot dead

109 total views today

An Iranian journalist was shot dead in the country’s south-western province of Khuzestan, Tasnim news agency reported on Saturday.

Akbar Limuchi, the Chief Editor of the Tavsa-e-Jonob (Expansion of the South) newspaper, was killed by a gunman who entered a cafe in Izeh city and opened fire on him.

The attacker managed to flee after the shooting.

Police have launched an investigation to identify the culprit.

Attacks, the motives of which remain unclear, have increasingly been reported in the country in recent weeks.

In April, a senior police investigator and his wife, as well as a senior Iranian cleric, were killed in separate attacks.

In addition, two religious students were injured in a car-ramming incident.

Iran has been gripped by unrest since last autumn, following the death of an Iranian-Kurdish woman, Mahsa Amini, in police custody for allegedly violating dress codes. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

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Edited by Halima Sheji/Ijeoma Popoola

Agriculture

Food Crises: Research bodies urge govt. to be proactive in response

146 total views today

By Bukola Adewumi

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in partnership with the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), have urged the Federal Government to be proactive in responding to food crises in the country.

Katrina Kosec, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI, made this known on Thursday, at the Presentation of IFPRI’s 2023 Global Food Policy Report, and the Launch of CGIAR Research Initiative on Fragility, Conflict and Migration (FCM), in Abuja.

Kosec said in 2022, the world faced crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, civil unrests, political instabilities, climate change, among others.

She said IFPRI had offered critical evidence to support effective policies and programming to enhance food, land and water systems’ resilience in fragile and conflicts affected countries, and those facing migration related challenges.

Kosec maintained that improving international and national responses to food crises, could not be done without accountable governance, effective institutions in place, policies, programming and reliable funding, to ensure immediate needs and long term resilience, were addressed.

According to her, there is need for effective governance at all levels, to tackle early disaster warnings and have in place anticipatory action and policy response, that were sustainable and responsive to the drivers of these crises.

“I think having a critical social protection system in which people that are facing challenges have sources of support from their government to help them graduate from poverty, is necessary.

“It is also important for governments to listen to the needs of their citizens; it is critical to ensure that the voices among those citizens include women and other vulnerable groups.

“We additionally need very good systems that provide early warnings when crises are going to hit, and ensuring that those systems are connected with actions, and planned actions are essential,” she added.

Kosec said though the Nigerian government was seriously working to address these gaps, however, more needed to be done as poverty persisted.

The Minister of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) Dr Muhammad Abubakar, said government and the humanitarian community had been implementing life-saving interventions such as social welfare, livelihood engagement stimulation and environment safety.

Abubakar, who was represented by Ibrahim Tanimu, Director Planning and Policy Coordinator, (FMARD), said government would continue to encourage national and international support, aimed at mitigating insurgency, reactivating infrastructure, restoring businesses and reawakening livelihoods.

The minister said these strategies were to conserve the environment, provide rural infrastructure, strengthen research capacity, expand extension services, raise agricultural productivity, enhance commodity value chain and promote agribusiness.

Kate Ambler, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI, said that the initiative would focus on building climate resilience, protect gender equity and foster social inclusion.

Ambler said the CGIAR research Initiative on FCM, would focus on innovative social protection, Food systems development, and climate adaption programmes in fragile settings, and among migrant populations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
BOL /DOR

Defence/Security

I-G promises befitting accommodation for DIGs, others

162 total views today

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

 

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Usman Baba, has promised to deliver befitting world-class accommodation for officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to enhance service delivery.

 

Baba made the pledge during the groundbreaking of the redevelopment of DIG Quarters under Public Private Partnership (PPP) between Nigeria Police and Cosgrove Limited.

 

He said the building, which is the highest police quarters in terms of luxury, serenity and nearness to the Force Headquarters, was the oldest of all police quarters in Abuja.

 

The I-G said the redevelopment was to redeem the houses from total dilapidation and sustain its usage to accommodate top police officers.

 

He said he was privileged to live in the quarters when he was the Force Secretary for two years, and had to battle with the issue of leakages due to dilapidation.

 

“During rainy season, I will be looking for bowls and dishes to place where leakages are taking place because everything about that building has become old, archaic, non-functional and the building has even become a bungalow.’’

 

He said the houses no longer deserved living as members of the Police Force Management Team and the most senior police officers.

 

“We were able to move around Abuja and see because when we said we are going to do partnership, many people came.

 

“The real and the unreal, the imaginary and the imagined, those that will start and cannot complete by assumption and those that are just ready.

 

“Cosgrove is one of the best around here in providing accommodation and we believe we deserve good working environment and also a place to retire after working.

 

“That is why we are trying to remodel our police stations, divisions, headquarters and also our places of abode.

 

“We have done it successfully in one or two places. We are going to do it in many other places and that is why we are not also going to be bringing partnerships always.

 

“We have a construction company, so we know our capacity and there are things we can do with our own construction company with the small guidance and partnership with other developers.

 

“My intention is not to stop here. I’ve already started in Lagos. We are going to do it in that place directly with our company and the state government.

 

“When I was shown the number of barracks and police buildings that has been earmarked as dilapidated, it is dangerous place to live.

 

“Whatever name you can give in Lagos, it is not place where human beings are supposed to live in, let alone of police officers, law enforcement officers,” he said.

 

Baba said the police under his command would leave a legacy of service worthy of emulation.

 

The Chief Executive Officer, Cosgrove, Mr Umar Abdullahi, said the company participated diligently in the rigorous PPP process, adding that it was an opportunity for them to contribute to the growth and development of the nation.

 

He promised to deliver the project in compliance with the PPP agreement.

 

“This project will be delivered using the best cutting edge solutions that we are known for.

 

“The chosen PPP arrangement is a design, finance, build, lease and transfer and the project will consist of minimum of 39 units of six bedroom gated villas with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Abiemwense Moru/Maharazu Ahmed

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