NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Foreign

Sierra Leonean news agency boss urges public health sovereignty promotion

70 total views today

 

By Mark Longyen

The Managing Director of the Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA), Mrs Lolo Thompson-Oguamah, has urged African news agencies to leverage their platforms to achieve public health sovereignty in their countries.

 

She stated this on Wednesday in Rabat, the Moroccan capital, at the 8th General Assembly of the Atlantic Federation of African Press Agencies (FAAPA), with the theme: “Health Sovereignty in Africa”.

 

Thompson-Oguamah, Sierra Leone’s Media Lead in Risk Communication and Social Mobilisation during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ebola Virus Emergency Preparedness Plan, underscored the important role of the media in safeguarding health sovereignty.

 

According to her, health sovereignty is not just about providing resources but also about empowering people with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions for their well-being.

 

She said that her experiences during the pandemics served as clear testimonies to the indispensable role of the media in strengthening health systems, shaping public narratives, and saving lives.

 

“The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities across Africa, not only in healthcare systems but also in our information ecosystems.

 

“In Sierra Leone, the dual crises of Ebola and COVID-19 highlighted the urgent need for sovereign health systems tailored to our unique challenges.

 

“Weak health infrastructure, compounded by misinformation and disinformation, magnified the impact of the two health crises, resulting in unnecessary loss of lives and a slower recovery process,” she said.

 

Thompson-Oguamah noted that the pandemics highlighted the fact that many people in Sierra Leone died because of insufficient information, stressing that the media’s role in helping to close the glaring gaps cannot be overemphasised.

 

The SLENA boss also emphasised that timely, accurate, and culturally sensitive communication form the cornerstone of crisis management.

 

“The media’s role extends beyond information dissemination. We are catalysts for public understanding, trust, and action.

 

“By embracing this responsibility, we can help build a future where every African enjoys the dignity of informed health decisions.

 

“Health sovereignty begins with information sovereignty. By empowering our people with accurate, reliable information, we enable them to take ownership of their health and futures,” she said.

 

Thompson-Oguamah further noted that health sovereignty requires a multi-faceted approach to succeed.

 

This, she said, required investing in specialised training skilled journalists capable of interpreting epidemiological data and navigating ethical reporting dimensions.

 

She also urged the African news agencies to leverage digital platforms to amplify accurate information and combat disinformation because they offer unparalleled opportunities.

 

“Social media campaigns, mobile outreach programmes, and visual aids are instrumental in our efforts,” she said.

 

She urged them to engage in gender-inclusive communication by mainstreaming gender into all their programmes and harness women’s leadership that would foster resilience and improve outcomes.

 

The SLENA MD added that partnerships among the media and health sectors as well as community leaders are critical to achieving public health sovereignty.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Malam Ali M. Ali, is among the African News Agencies’ chiefs attending the General Assembly.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Foreign

Saudi Arabia sponsors Nigerians for lesser Hajj

55 total views today

By Mufutau Ojo
The Saudi Arabia embassy in Abuja has hosted a farewell ceremony for 20 Nigerians selected for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Programme for Umrah 2025.

A statement issued by the embassy in Abuja said the ceremony held under the leadership of Faisal Al-Ghamdi, the Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria.

It said the initiative highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting Muslims and fostering spiritual connections through pilgrimage.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme, initiated by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Al Saud, provides Muslims the opportunity to undertake the lesser Hajj with full sponsorship.

The statement quoted the ambassador as thanking King Al Saud and the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, for their dedication to Islam’s holy sites.

He also praised their exceptional leadership in enhancing the services provided to pilgrims and ensuring that their journey to the sacred sites is both spiritually fulfilling and seamless.

“The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince have prioritised the well-being of pilgrims, viewing it as a sacred duty and an immense honour.

” Through this programme and other initiatives, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen bonds of brotherhood among Muslims while ensuring their comfort and safety during their spiritual journey,” he said.

Al-Ghamdi, according to the statement, said the country had invested over 100 billion dollars in the recent expansion and modernisation of the two holy mosques.

According to him, these ambitious projects, encompassing state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced crowd management systems and cutting-edge technology, reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to accommodating the increasing number of pilgrims.

He added that Saudi Arabia was sparing no effort in mobilising resources to improve pilgrimage experience for all Muslims.

Al-Ghamdi also emphasised the importance of adhering to the country ‘s laws and regulations, designed to maintain order and ensure the safety and comfort of all pilgrims.

“The leadership of Saudi Arabia remains fully committed to serving the guests of God.

” This is a responsibility we hold dear, and we continuously strive to enhance the spiritual and logistical aspects of the pilgrimage experience,” he said.

Guests at the occasion expressed appreciation for the opportunity made available through the sponsorship initiative.

NAN reports that the programme provides pilgrims with the opportunity to perform the lesser Hajj, covering all costs, including travel, accommodation and other logistics. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

General News

Foundation launches peace, unity initiative

92 total views today

 

By Rita Iliya

The Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN) has launched a peace and unity initiative

in Agaie Local Government Area of Niger.

 

The initiative, aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence among diverse communities, was launched at the palace of the Etsu Agaie, Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu.

 

The Country Director of GPFN, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, emphasised the importance of unity and peace in building a harmonious society.

 

He said that the foundation’s intervention in Agaie was aimed at promoting inclusive development, peaceful coexistence and social cohesion among

the diverse communities in the area.

 

Joseph-Hayab stressed that the holy books of Jews, Christians and Muslims affirmed that all human beings are from the family of Adam and Eve.

 

The country director emphasisd the interconnection of humanity as one family under God.

 

He highlighted GPFN’s approach to peacebuilding, emphasising early interventions before crises arise.

 

He added that “we are here to seek the blessings and approval of the emir of Agaie to start our peacebuilding interventions in this local government.”

 

He underscored the importance of engaging traditional leaders and gatekeepers in peacebuilding efforts.

 

Sheikh Abdullahi Maraya, the Northern Coordinator of GPFN, commended the emir of Agaie for fostering peaceful coexistence among communities in the area.

 

He said “GPFN believes that all human beings are one family under God. Islam teaches respect for others’ beliefs”, and encouraged all to always verify

rumors and avoid making general statements.

 

In his response, the emir appreciated GPFN for choosing Agaie local government for its next intervention in promoting peaceful coexistence among the people.

 

Represented by Alhaji Usman Garkuwa, the Garkuwan of Agaie, the emir reiterated commitment to include everyone into the affairs of the area, irrespective of tribe

or religious affiliation.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the GPFN’s visit to Agaie followed its successful 18-month intervention in neighbouring Lapai Local Government

Area of the state.

 

The event featured cultural displays from various groups such as Fulani, Yoruba, Tiv, Igbo, and Nupe communities, as well as performances by students from

Malam Muhammadu Uba Day Secondary School and the Model Secondary School, Agaie.

 

GPFN is an international non-profit organisation with a mission to promote an innovative, values-based approach to peacebuilding, guided by the vision

of “One Family Under God.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Life Style

Solutions Journalist emphasises need for creative stories

115 total views today

By Joy Obanya

Nathaniel Bivan, a solutions and conflict Journalist, has stressed the need for compatriots to always tell creative and innovative stories about Nigeria and Africa at large, to bolster meaningful growth.

 

Bivan, who is also author of the debut novel: “Boys Girls and Beasts” released on Nov. 15, 2024, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

 

He said it is important to tell stories the best way that showcase solutions and promote understanding about pressing social and environmental challenges to ensure progress.

 

Bivan said, “We need to explore the Nigerian and African story the best way we can, be it through fiction or nonfiction.

 

“Sometimes it is simply important to express yourself in the ways you can as a writer, so the world benefits from your wealth of knowledge or perspective.

 

“In this case, speculative fiction is my preferred tool since I have been a journalist for more than a decade and reporting happenings within my country has always been my responsibility.

 

“In fiction, I find an escape, a place to reveal what I may not be able to report and give my readers the opportunity to interpret and reflect on what I have offered.”

 

He explained that his motive for writing was not to entertain or please anybody, but that such ideas were inspired based on news on TV, to behaviour or words from next-door neighbour, which trigger thought or an image in his mind.

 

“It happened with BGB. The thought of unmerited forgiveness after committing a series of atrocities drove me to Jaka’s story.

 

“Also, how he evolved from an innocent and ordinary boy in Malovo, a city state in a United Nations of West Africa of my own creation, to a beast with superhuman abilities,” he added.

 

He explained the novel, which have as its theme: redemption, forgiveness, love and hate; saying it takes hate to kill, love to forgive and repentance to get saved from the beast within us.

 

He, however, advised that people look inward at the state of their society, country and continent, adding what Boys, Girls and Beasts explores is not peculiar to Nigerians or Africans.

 

“Some of it is a global phenomenon or crises. I also hope it helps us take a good look at ourselves and how our actions or inactions can affect us, our society and the future generation, either positively or negatively.

 

“We must also realise that terrorism across the world, particularly those carried out by ISIS and Boko Haram, has underground sponsors and followers who walk amongst us.

 

“These unknown supporters of terror groups share their ideology and pose a much bigger challenge to the world today.

 

“Jaka represents the innocent citizen who gets sucked into the crises and who needs to find his way back home.

 

“How the government handles people like him is a great concern, just like the safe corridor project in Nigeria is dependent on efficiency of our system in successfully de-radicalising members of Boko Haram who are undergoing rehabilitation,” he said.

 

Bivan, a former Arts Editor for Daily Trust Newspapers and Features Editor for HumAngleMedia, had over a decade practiced solutions and conflict journalist in Kaduna, Plateau, Niger, and Borno states.(NAN) (nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Science & Tech

Why Nigeria must launch massive digital vital registration campaign

120 total views today

By Ibukun Emiola, News Agency of Nigeria

Paul Okunola had lost his mother and needed a death certificate to process her benefits from the government. His mother served in the civil service until her death.

 

“I got a paper copy of the death registration needed to obtain the death certificate from the hospital where my mother was treated before her demise,” Okunola said.

 

Luckily he got the certificate but Okunola was expecting the details of her mother digitized and accessible from the health facility she died at but that wasn’t the case.

 

“But it would be more beneficial if the process can be digitised and secure such that it will be without compromise and one can access with evidence of being a next of kin,” he said.

 

But Nigeria has a bigger problem. Only a handful of Nigerians are aware of the importance of vital registration.

 

Vital registration covers accumulated data gathered on live birth, death, migration, foetal deaths, marriages and divorce.

 

According to UNICEF, without legal proof of identity, millions of children born today do not ‘officially’ exist.

 

Similarly, without records on deaths and migration, adequate planning and implementation of policies would be in jeopardy.

 

Need to Accelerate Digital Vital Registration in Nigeria

 

A researcher, Mrs Modupe Olusolape, said the awareness created on the need for Nigerians to have their vital registration done has been very poor.

 

“The question on why vital registration exists, how to register and where to register is still unanswered for many people,” Olusolape said.

 

According to her, if Nigerians are aware of how their vital registration is tied to identity then the system for such a database needs to be strengthened such that there will be no identity fraud or any cyber security issues.

 

“Sufficient information dissemination needs to take place so that people who are having children or losing loved ones know and so on would know why they should record such information with the government.

 

“Then the government should tell them where to do it and make the process easy for them so that the data can be used for economic planning and engender digital transformation,” she said.

 

Also a data analyst, Mr Oluwaleke Oni, said digitising vital registration in Nigeria would be a transformative step towards national development, fostering efficiency, inclusivity, and transparency.

 

According to him, by modernising how life events are recorded, the country can improve accessibility, ensure data accuracy, and unlock benefits that strengthen governance, boost economic growth, and promote social equity.

 

He, however, said that achieving this vision would require investment in infrastructure, capacity building, public awareness, and robust cyber security measures.

 

“With a comprehensive strategy, digitisation will empower citizens, strengthen institutions, and drive digital transformation progress across all sectors of society,” Oni said.

 

A Health Consultant, Mr Yemi Osanyin, said digitalising vital registration is the way to go as data is critical to Nigeria’s development and growth from birth registration to death and other vital areas.

 

He noted that efforts have been made to ensure the digitalisation of vital records in Nigeria to support developmental projects and better identify people.

 

The pace of digitalisation of vital registration processes has been slow though and serious challenges of lack of interoperability still exist.

 

Government efforts on online birth registration

 

Around September 2024, the government kicked off online registration of births across the country but the awareness is very poor as many Nigerians do not know about the online records.

 

The birth certificate issuance officer at Ologuneru Primary Health Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, said those who want to register their wards’ birth would have to go to the designated centres assigned for the purpose.

 

According to him, the National Population Commission (NPC) has offices across all the local government areas in Oyo State but it is only at the designated centres that the online birth registration can be done.

 

For instance, in Ido Local Government Area (LGA) only four centres have been designated.

 

This in a way serves as a barrier to digital transformation as in the whole of Ido LGA with the land mass and population put at 986 square kilometres and 103,261 respectively, four centres proves insufficient for online birth registration.

 

On the self-service option provided by NPC there are 10 steps to follow with three criteria which include that the child must be born in Nigeria, the child must have a National Identification Number (NIN) and at least one parent must be Nigerian and have a valid birth certificate.

 

But how many Nigerians can go through with these procedures with a digital literacy ratio put at about 50 to 60 per cent out of a 230 million population. So far the policy lacks inclusivity, experts have argued.

 

An NPC officer-in-Charge at Ido LGA, Mr Sola Oguntowo, said the digitalisation had started since last year but they have not yet been issuing the certificate.

 

He noted that there has been provision for those who need the birth certificate for other purposes otherwise they can get the manual birth certificate.

 

“People can do the birth registration of their wards at these four centres Ido PHC on Tuesday and Wednesday which are the immunisation days.

 

He noted that the commission also go to private hospitals to get babies registered but the main place to register were the four aforementioned PHCs.

 

Oguntowo said the digitalisation started last year but the records could not be accessed by people.

 

“The database of births is being created for now. We only register them online, access to the data collected is restricted,” he said.

 

But what happened to those who give birth at places other than the hospital or those who died not having the privilege of medical care in a hospital in either public or private facilities?

 

These issues among others continued to bother experts who believed the government should rise to take issues of vital registration as crucial and pivotal to security and development for digital public infrastructure in the country. (NAN)

 

“This report is produced under the DPI Africa Journalism Fellowship Programme of the Media Foundation for West Africa and Co-Develop.”

Metro

NAHCON announces fare for 2025 hajj

134 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has fixed N8.7 million as the Hajj fare for the intending pilgrims from Southern States and N8.3 million for those  from Borno and Adamawa Zone.

 

The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, made this known in a statement by its Assistant Director, Information and Publication, Mrs Fatima Usara, on Monday in Abuja.

 

Usman also said that intending pilgrims from the Northern Zone would pay N8.4 million as Hajj fare for the 2025 pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

 

The NAHCON boss described the hajj fare as a product of extensive collaboration with all the stakeholders.

 

He appreciated the support of the Presidency and the Forum of Executive Secretaries of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions.

 

” The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), under the leadership of its Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, is pleased to announce the hajj fare for the 2025 season.

 

” The fare was announced sequel to the approval from the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

” The 2025 Hajj fare for Borno and Adamawa zone’s intending pilgrims is N8.33 million.

 

” Similarly, the cost of the 2025 Hajj for intending pilgrims from the Southern states is N8. 78 million, while intending pilgrims from the Northern zone will pay N8. 46 million..”

 

He said the leadership of NAHCON, in collaboration with representative of the Presidency, Malam Ameen Amshi, Special Assistant to the President, Special Duties, did their best to maintain the hajj fare within the same range as previously charged.

 

” This modest effort on the fare was reached after extensive consultations to ensure inclusivity in this important decision-making process.

 

” For further details and breakdown of the fare, please visit the NAHCON website on nahcon.gov.ng or through States’ Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards. ”

 

The chairman urged prospective pilgrims to take note of the timelines and the Saudi guidelines, while emphasising the importance of early payment and timely registration to avoid last-minute inconveniences.

 

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that intending pilgrims who benefited from the Federal Government’s N90 billion Hajj intervention across the zones paid N6.8 million as fare for the 2024 Hajj.

 

However, intending pilgrims who paid their Hajj fare after the subsidy from Borno and Adamawa zone paid N8.2million.

 

Similarly, those from the North zone paid N8.2 million while intending pilgrims from the Southern zone paid N8.4 million as fare for the 2024 Hajj.(NAN) (www.nannewss.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Health

Menstruations: Stakeholders to empower women, provide health solutions

112 total views today

 

By Ahmed Dantala

Her pride, other stakeholders in menstrual wellness have decided to empower women with confidence and freedom from stigma or period poverty.

 

They said this at a launch of a menstrual wellness app, “her pride: the pride of every girl”, on Saturday, in Abuja.

 

The event with the theme “empowering menstrual wellness: healthy cycle, healthy lives”.

 

Ms Anjolaoluwa Odunaike, product manager and team lead, her pride app, said women should be proud of their period and feel free to discuss it even among the male gender.

 

Odunaike however encouraged everyone to learn about menstrual health and be conversant with discussions that have to do with menstruation.

 

“In today’s world, a lot of ladies have menstrual health related issues and are usually shy or ashamed to talk about it.

 

“So, with Her pride, we are giving women the space, the opportunity, especially in Nigeria.

 

“It’s a community for women in Nigeria to be able to talk about their issues, their problems and empowered as the problems are being solved and not necessarily have to hide it anymore.

 

“In Nigeria here today, we have a lot of ladies who are used to the norms of waiting for their menstrual supprises to come, but with her pride, you can easily get notification about when your period will come, you are not necessarily surprised, you are ready for it.

 

Ms Lois Amele, Executive Director, Good tides Philippian Mission Foundation, expressed her readiness to collaborate and also urged the government to emulate the initiative by also partnering with the organisation.

 

“We would like to partner with this organisation

 

“I would say this is an opportunity where the government will have to come in and partner with this organisation and donate particularly to this organisation.

 

” They are not only assisting the people in the rural environment, but they are also doing a lot with the urban environment.

 

“So, I would say that, minister of women affairs, women affairs secretariat and every government bodies, we need to come together and push what is going down here in her pride.

 

Ms AbdulKareem Silifat, a corp member and participant at the event, said she grew up in a Muslim home as a lady, and that she could not really discuss anything about menstruation when the male gender were at home.

 

“Sometimes we are really feeling pains, they are there sending us to buy things or do things.

 

” Am really happy that there are people out there that really care about menstrual circles and are willing to take it a bit further and also educate people about it.”

 

The highlight of the event was the official launch of the “Her Pride App”.

 

NAN reports that, Her pride app is a platform that helps women track their menstrual period, mood and cycle flow.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Features

UK expert tasks leaders on organisational confidence

107 total views today

 

By Hafsah Tilde

Caroline Lucas, Director Special Projects, TEXEM, has urged leaders to imbibe organisation confidence in their activities.

 

She said that this would engender the building of the much needed successful organisation and a motivated workforce.

 

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, Lucas said that stakeholder confidence is the cornerstone of organisational success.

 

She added that in times of volatility, confidence can be the difference between thriving and merely surviving.

 

She said that The TEXEM programme, Resilience in a Volatile World: Inspiring Transformation Successfully would prepare leaders to inspire trust and build alignment among stakeholders.

 

Lucas said that the programme running from Feb. 8 to Feb. 22 would ensure organisational resilience and growth among participants.

 

‘’The programme combines self-paced virtual learning with dynamic live sessions led by globally recognised faculty.

 

‘’Participants begin with one-hour daily activities, such as reading case studies and reflecting on practical scenarios, earning points that are displayed on a leaderboard.

 

‘’This competitive, gamified system drives engagement and fosters a culture of continuous learning.

 

‘’Weekly live sessions provide a platform to delve deeper into key themes, offering participants actionable strategies to enhance their leadership capabilities.’’

 

Lucas said that Ambassador Charles Crawford’s sessions would focus on the art of communication and influence.

 

Drawing from his extensive experience as a diplomat, she said that Crawford would equip participants with tools to build trust and inspire confidence among diverse stakeholders.

 

‘’For example, leaders learn how to communicate a compelling vision that aligns their teams and secures buy-in from investors, even in the face of economic uncertainty.

 

‘’Bradley Jones complements this with insights into strategic decision-making and stakeholder management.

 

‘’His sessions explore how to engage stakeholders in collaborative problem-solving, ensuring that decisions are not only effective but also widely supported.

 

‘’By fostering a sense of shared ownership, leaders can build coalitions that drive organisational resilience.’’

 

She said that another lead speaker, Dr TB McClelland Jr., would address the behavioral aspects of stakeholder engagement, focusing on empathy, adaptability and active listening.

 

Lucas said that the participants would learn how to navigate complex stakeholder dynamics, ensuring alignment even when interests diverge.

 

‘’For example, McClelland highlights the importance of understanding stakeholder motivations and tailoring communication strategies to address their concerns.

 

‘’The programme’s emphasis on practical application ensures that participants leave with actionable tools to influence effectively.

 

‘’Through scenario-based exercises, leaders explore how to navigate high-stakes challenges, such as talent scarcity or rising operational costs.’’

 

Lucas added that the framework of the programme would allow participants to develop a stakeholder engagement strategy to support a major organisational transformation.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Science & Tech

FG begins project implementation on exiting FATF grey list

131 total views today

 

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Federal Government has begun the implementation of Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) and Counter-Proliferation Financing (CPF) Data Management Platform project.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project is aimed at removing Nigeria from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List by 2025.

 

Nigeria was included in the FATF Grey List in February 2023.

 

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) was mandated by President Bola Tinubu to lead the implementation.

 

NITDA is expected to build better systems to manage financial data and compliance in Nigeria in collaboration with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

 

Malam Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of NITDA, at the inaugural meeting for the project implementation, said the project would address deficiencies identified in Nigeria’s Mutual Evaluation Report (MER).

 

Inuwa explained that FATF placed Nigeria on the grey list because of seven issues, which included the rising capital inflows, shortcomings in combating money laundry, shortcoming and inability to combat arms financing.

 

“We had shortcomings in combating terrorism financing, anti-money laundering regime, counter terrorism financing regime, deficiency in our counter proliferation financing regime.

 

“The main objective of building a better system is to help us with global compliance; to help Nigeria position itself as a key player in the global effort to combat financial terrorism and other crimes.

 

“This will help us to create visibility in Nigeria, as well as improve our global reputation and relationship in financial market,” he said.

 

He said the project would improve national security that had the capacity to track illicit financial flow, disrupt criminal networks in the financial sector, strengthen law enforcement, the economy and encourage investment.

 

Inuwa emphasised on Tinubu’s commitment to combating corruption and financial crime through innovation and technology.

 

Rep. Stanley Adedeji, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on ICT and Cyber security, underscored the value of technology, saying that Nigeria deserved to lead in cutting-edge technologies.

 

Adedeji assured that the National Assembly would ensure that projects as such gained the deserved funding.

 

“We are going to make sure that the right funding is put in place for this project without any doubt.

 

“We are also going to make sure that if there are any laws today that are going to impede or be a stumbling block to what this project stands to achieve; we have to go and amend those laws.

 

“If there are things that require executive orders so that we can quickly move forward, we will do whatever needs to be done,” he said.

 

Hajiya Hafsat Bakari, Director-General of NFIU, called for more collaboration among stakeholders to sustain the gains of exiting the grey list.

 

According to Bakari, the grey list is not just a one-off project, but a continuous project.

 

“The next cycle of evaluation will be done in 2027 and we do not want a situation where after exiting the grey list, we still find ourselves in the next evaluation.

 

“This is why we have decided that the use of technology will give credibility to every statistics that we have, not just to our domestic stakeholders, but also to our international partners.

 

“Everything should be done in real time–accessible, credible and factual; that is the project that we are doing today,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Jacinta Nwachukwu/ Chijioke Okoronkwo

General News

Imo electricity commission inaugurates forum on customer complaints

110 total views today

 

By Peter Okolie

The Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ISERC) has inaugurated a five-member forum to resolve customer complaints and appeals from Electricity Distribution Companies (EDC) in the state.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum was set up, following the transfer of electricity market and regulatory function from the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to ISERC in 2024.

 

In a speech at the inauguration of the forum, the Chairman of ISERC, Mr Bede Opara, said that the members were re-engaged from NERC Forum.

 

“The governor of Imo state, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, is optimistic about electricity situation in the state, and wants to generate a lot of jobs for the people.

 

“He wants the people to have electricity that is affordable and sustainable,” he said.

 

Opara also said that the governor had already secured partners that were already investing in the electricity sector in the state.

 

According to him, the governor is aware that many electricity consumers are not comfortable with the level of electricity supply and it is affecting businesses and standard of living.

 

“There is no way the commission will do well if we don’t listen and resolve complaints from the people,” he said.

 

Opara urged members of the forum to utilise their experience in Alternative Dispute Resolution to ensure the protection of the rights of both electricity consumers and suppliers.

 

He expressed the confidence that the forum would provide the needed feedback to assess performance in the electricity sector of the state.

 

In an acceptance speech, the Chairman of ISERC Forum, Mr Prince Uchegbu, pledged to carry out the objectives and aim of the forum.

 

“We assure you that the forum will ensure that electricity consumers give positive remarks about services in the state through our dedicated services of ensuring fair and just resolution of complaints,” Uchegbu said.

 

He urged consumers to put up their complaints to EDC.

 

“Once such complaint is laid to the electricity supplier, the distribution company is reasonably expected to resolve the matter within 15 working days.

 

“Failure on the part of the DisCo to resolve the issue being complained about, the customer now has the right to approach ISERC Forum for possible resolution,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sam Oditah

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email