Julius Toba-Jegede - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Julius Toba-Jegede
Oct, Wed, 2023

Foreign

UNFPA reiterates call to rescind evacuation order from Northern Gaza

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By Folasade Akpan

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has reiterated calls by the United Nations

Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, to rescind the evacuation order from northern Gaza, which is making a dire humanitarian situation even worse.

The Fund’s Executive Director, Dr Natalia Kanem, made the call in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

by UNFPA Nigeria’s Media Associate, Hajiya Kori Habib in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to her, UNFPA deplores the loss of lives in Israel and in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and deeply concerned about

the safety and wellbeing of all civilians caught up in the crisis, especially women and girls.

She stated that the evacuation order from Northern Gaza is making a dire humanitarian situation even worse.

She added that “for the thousands of women about to give birth, and those who are sick and critically injured, being forced from

their homes with nowhere safe to go and no food or water, it is extremely dangerous.

“Gaza is home to 50,000 pregnant women who are struggling to access essential health services, as hospitals teeter on the brink of collapse,

with no electricity and few if any vital supplies or medicines.

“UNFPA supports pregnant women and newborns by providing essential medicines and deploying midwives. This can only continue if lifesaving aid can reach them.

“We call for immediate, unimpeded humanitarian access so that food, medicines, water and fuel can reach everyone in need.”

Kanem also called on all parties to abide by international humanitarian law, and for the immediate release of all hostages, adding that

attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure must cease, and healthcare facilities must never be a target.

NAN reports that Isreal started launching attacks on Gaza after a major assault on Isreal by the Palestinian organisation Hamas on

Oct. 7.

Several hospitals in Gaza City, therefore, became refugee centres for hundreds of people, hoping they would be spared the bombardment

after Israel ordered all residents of the city and surrounding areas to evacuate to the southern Gaza Strip.

Thereafter, an Israeli air force bombed the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in the Gaza strip on Tuesday, where at least 500 people were reportedly

killed, the deadliest Israeli airstrike in five wars fought since 2008.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Julius Toba-Jegede
Oct, Wed, 2023

Health

NHIA warns against diversion of drugs

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By Ahmed Kaigama

Malam Mustapha Mohammed, the Coordinator, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in Bauchi State has warned against diversion of branded and certified drugs for enrollees in the state.

Mohammed gave the warning during an interaction with representatives of MDAs, healthcare facilities and Health Maintenance Organization (HMOs) on Wednesday in Bauchi.

He said the authority would not tolerate the diversion of the drugs to be certified by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

He said that the drugs should also not be found on the shelves of any non-accredited facility.

Mohammed explained that the agency had decided to brand 33 essential medicines with NHIA inscription to address the out-of-stock syndrome.

He said it would equally ensure the sustainable access and improvement in the efficacy of the drugs being dispensed to enrollees by health care facilities nationwide.

The NHIA coordinator recalled that the authority had recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 12 indigenous pharmaceutical companies.

He said they also signed an MoU with eight Drug Management Organisations (DMOs) for the production and distribution of quality drugs meant exclusively for NHIA enrollees.

Mohammed said that in the first phase sensitisation, the NHIA choose seven states: Gombe, Niger, Jigawa, Sokoto, Osun, Enugu and Delta and FCT

He said the sensitisation was organised to update stakeholders on the ongoing sweeping reforms in the authority.

He noted that the medicines supply initiative was tailored to protect enrollees against substandard drugs and make them more affordable to Nigerians.

Mohammed commended the management of the authority for launching a new operational guidelines to provide direction for the smooth implementation of NHIA programmes and expansion of the health insurance ecosystem.

He warned stakeholders against violation of the new guidelines saying that most of the challenges hampering the smooth operations of health insurance had been redressed.

He urged participants to acquaint themselves with the new provisions to avoid defaulting.

The representative of the stakeholders, Shuaibu Rabiu of Remee Medicare, promised the stakeholders’ readiness to abide by the new guidelines.

He urged NHIA to ensure availability of the branded drugs.

He appealed to the authority to continue to sensitise enrollees on the operationalisation of the NHIA Act, 2022. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidi Opara/Julius Toba-Jegede

Julius Toba-Jegede
Oct, Wed, 2023

General News

ICPC tracks 82 constituency projects valued at N8bn in Imo

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By Victor Nwachukwu

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced tracking of 82 constituency projects valued at N8 billion in Imo.

Mr Victor Onakpoberuo, the Team Lead of the ICPC’s projects monitoring team, disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Owerri on Wednesday.

The exercise is part of the tracking of 1,932 constituency projects valued at N500 billion across 26 states of the federation, as announced by the ICPC’s Spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, on Wednesday.

Onakpoberuo, Principal Superintendent of the commission said the exercise was the 6th phase of its Constituency and Executive Project Tracking Initiative (CEPTI).

According to him, this is in line with ICPC’s mandate to rid Nigeria of all forms of corruption and corrupt practices.

He added that the exercise was aimed at investigating fraudulent procurement practices in public contract awards for proper service delivery to the people.

He also said the monitoring team would ensure the full execution of all publicly funded projects, enforce compliance with regulatory requirements and ensure that government gets value for money spent on projects.

“The project will see the commission tracking 82 projects in various communities in Imo valued at N8,213,772,862.16.

“The initiative is aimed at accelerating development at the community levels, to empower local communities to take ownership of constituency projects and to ensure value for money in government expenditures,” he said.

He however said that the monitoring team would visit all constituency projects in all 27 council areas of Imo to ensure their completion and compliance with acceptable standards. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Julius Toba-Jegede

Julius Toba-Jegede
Oct, Wed, 2023

Economy/Business , Oil & Gas

New OGFZA MD rolls out ambitious expansion plans

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By Bukola Adewumi

The newly appointed Managing Director of Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Mr Bamanga Usman, has unveiled plans for the future growth of the agency, inline with President Tinubu’s economic agenda.

Usman made this known on Wednesday when he took over from the former MD Sen. Tijjani Kaura, in Abuja.

He said that his vision include establishment of OGFZA offices in every state of the federation regardless of their oil productibg status.

He said that the expansion initiative is aimed at providing new investment opportunities and addressing the saturation of existing zones.

The MD said that under his leadership OGFZA, which is a key player in the oil and gas sector with focus on international clientele would introduce offshore banking services.

According to him, this is to facilitate seamless international financial transactions and solidify OGFZA’s position as a global industry leader.

“Having served as the sole OGFZA’s in West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea for over two decades, OGFZA is preparing for a transformative rebranding.

” This rebranding is strategic in nature, focusing on engaging multinational stakeholders and reflecting the authority’s global ambitions, ” Usman said.

He said that as part of the transformation, foreign investment offices would be established to enhance accessibility for potential investors and improve coordination.

According to him, the key dimensions of OGFZA’s strategic approach include efficiency and trust

He said he would elevate infrastructure to international standards and address challenges including deteriorating roads and inconsistent power supply.

He also said that his leadership would update the regulatory framework to align with industry needs and global best practices.

Usman said his leadership would focus on technology transfer, skills acquisition, and supporting local businesses in line with the Nigerian Content Act.

He said he would create an investor-friendly environment and capitalising on Nigeria’s gas reserves for refining and development.

Usman added that his tenure would prioritise the welfare of staff and foster an environment of collaboration, innovation and dedication.

He promised to engage stakeholders and implement these strategic initiatives with the support of the community, aiming for a more result-driven and efficient OGFZA

Speaking, the Outgoing MD, Oil OGFZA, Sen. Tijjani Kaura, described the task ahead of the new leadership of the agency as daunting.

Kaura called on the staff members to extend the same level of support, understanding and loyalty that they showed him during his 14-month tenure.

He said that with perseverance and energy, the new MD would overcome the challenges bedeviling the agency and succeed in leading the organisation to achieving its vision.(NAN)www.nannews.ng

edited by Benson Ezugwu/Julius Toba-Jegede

Julius Toba-Jegede
Oct, Wed, 2023

Education

ASUU decries dissolution of governing council in Dangote varsity

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By Aminu Garko

The Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology,Wudil, has decried the dissolution of the institution’s governing council by Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State.

This is contained in a statement issued by the chapter’s Chairperson, Dr.Aliyu Ahmad and Secretary, Dr.Mudassir Nasir, in Kano on Wednesday,

The union described as “inappropriate,” the dissolution of the council which was effected by the Gov. Yusuf, on May 29.

The union said it was dismayed over the continuous running of the institution, formerly known as Kano State University of Science and Technology, without a governing council, as a result of the dissolution.

It said the development was in breach and disregard of the provisions of the Kano State University of Science and Technology (Amendment) Law of 2017.

The union therefore called on the governor to, as a matter of urgency reconstitute the council “in order to avoid paralysing the university system.”

It also urged the state government to settle the outstanding entitlements of staff of the university.( NAN) ( www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Julius Toba-Jegede
Oct, Wed, 2023

Education

Governors’ forum backs state of emergency in education

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By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has expressed support for a call of a state of emergency in the education sector.

Speaking at the National Conference on the Learning Crisis in Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday, the Chairman, NGF, Gov. Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman of Kwara said resources must be provided for sustainable and promising education.

The conference, organised by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund, has the theme: “Scaling Foundational Literacy and Numeracy in Nigeria.”

Represented by the Vice Chairman of NGF, Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Abdulrahman said education is in crisis and a state of emergency should be declared in the sector.

He stressed the need to remove all barriers such as gender, poverty, location, disabilities, language and ethnicity, that could hinder children from accessing foundational literacy and numeracy.

“We must follow UNESCO standard for education system that is progressive and sustainable, Governors at the various states must commit above 15 per cent above of our budget to education.

“I support the call for state of emergency but it must be backed by actions, the resources must be provided and we must look at issues that have mitigated against achieving that sustainable growth.

“It is one thing to declare a state of emergency but it’s another thing to put all the resources and elements that will allow us to achieve it.

“So I support putting the resources in place to allow us move fast at it. Our education is in crisis and a state of emergency should be declared in all the sector. We need solid roadmap and I believe it is a collective involvement,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, said learning crisis had been a challenge the education sector is faced with which needs urgent solution.

“The consequences of learning crisis are far-reaching and profound as we risk widening the already significant education gap, perpetuating a cycle of poverty, illiteracy, diseases and stifling innovation and progress.

“Education is the cornerstone of societal progress and individual empowerment, yet the challenges we currently confront demand our immediate attention, dedication, and action.

“In recent years, Nigeria has been grappling with a severe learning crisis that hinders our youth from achieving their fullest potential.

“A significant portion of our school-aged population, especially those in underserved communities, face barriers to access quality

education.

“The factors contributing to this crisis are multifaceted and include inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortage, unequal

distribution of resources, outdated curricula, and socio-economic disparities,” he said.

Sununu said the country must rise to protect the potential and aspiration of the youths, saying they are the greatest asset and hope for a prosperous future.

He expressed the political will of President Bola Tinubu to raise education budgetary allocation from 8 per cent to 25 per cent in the next few years.

He said the gesture would be a major breakthrough in addressing the

learning crisis issues.

In the same vein, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, said the conference was from outcomes of UN General Assembly in September where countries were urged to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goal 4.

Munduate said this is to regain ground lost during the COVID-19 pandemic that saw unprecedented school closures globally.

“For Nigeria, convening a conference on the learning crisis is opportune as government defines its priorities for the education sector in the new Ministerial Strategic Plan (MSP).

“Just as Nigeria has galvanised significant support around the out-of-school problem, so too must it give attention to the learning crisis that is in fact fueling the out-of-school problem in Nigeria.

“Three out of four children in basic education in Nigeria cannot read with meaning or solve simple maths problems.

“When children fail to learn to read in the early years, they fail to read to learn in the subsequent years. Failure to learn begins to alienate children from the curriculum and their peers.

“This contributes to the staggering drop out rates each year between the first and last year of primary school,” she said.

She, therefore, called for serious attention to the learning crisis saying learning is not just important for education outcomes, it is key to finding a higher paying job, for achieving better health outcomes and for navigating community and social life.

Also, the Chief Education, UNICEF Nigeria, Saadha Panday-Soobrayan, said the learning crisis in Nigeria begins in early childhood education, saying only half of the children are developmentally on track in early childhood.

She said that learning gaps persist across the life course and most severe in the north part of the country.

According to her, by the end of grade nine, only 74 per cent of pupils demonstrate foundational literacy and 69 pee cent foundational numeracy.

She, therefore, said that all hands must be on deck to finding a lasting solution to the country’s learning crisis. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Julius Toba-Jegede
Oct, Wed, 2023

Business

REA, grid association sign MoU to promote mini-grid development

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By Constance Athekame

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Africa Mini-Grid Developers Association (AMDA) on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote and accelerate mini-grid development in Nigeria.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, Mr Salihijo Ahmad, Managing Director of REA said that the MoU would focus on knowledge sharing, capacity building, and better coordination of the sector, amongst other initiatives.

Ahmad said that Nigeria had one of the largest mini-grid markets in Africa, with over 100 mini-grids currently in operation primarily through the implementation of data-driven programmes and initiatives of the REA.

He, however, said, due to the energy access gap in the country, there was still a significant need for more decentralised energy interventions to bridge the energy deficit and catalyze socio-economic growth.

”Particularly in rural underserved, and underserved communities hard hit with energy poverty.

”As part of the REA’s vision and strategic roadmap, the agency has, over the years expanded its partnership portfolio, while collaborating with forward-leaning stakeholders across the off-grid energy value chain,” Ahmad said.

According to him, with the pivotal role and sustained impact of AMDA in Africa’s renewable energy space, the partnership is a significant step for the mini-grid sector in the country.

He said that the partnership underscored a shared commitment to research, data-driven decision-making, and the establishment of robust industry standards.

”This strategic approach is pivotal in ensuring the sustainable, secure, and optimal operation of mini-grid systems, thereby contributing to the overall energy landscape in Nigeria.

”With a partnership now sealed through an MoU, the REA and AMDA will collaborate on a non-exclusive basis to further advance access to sustainable electricity for Nigeria and other African countries.

”Through mini-grids and decentralized utilities and ultimately achieve universal access to energy by the year 2030.

”While improving data-driven decision-making and industry knowledge in the off-grid space,” Ahmad said.

The REA MD said the MoU was targeted at promoting sustainable energy access for unserved and underserved communities through private sector development and financing.

He said that the MoU would ultimately enhance policies/regulations and rapid deployment of renewable energy technologies.

Ahmad said, “We are excited to partner with AMDA to further improve the development of mini-grids in Nigeria while deepening the impact of Rural Electrification solutions for socio-economic growth.

“The MoU would further aid the accelerated deployment of mini-grids and provide clean, sustainable, and affordable electricity to more Nigerians.”

On his part, Mr Olamide Niyi-Afuye, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AMDA, stressed the association’s dedication to collaborate with REA in nurturing the mini-grid sector in the country.

Niyi-Afuye said that mini-grids had the potential to transform the lives of millions of Nigerians, adding that the partnership was a step in the right direction.

”AMDA is committed to working with all stakeholders to create an enabling environment for the mini-grid sector to scale and achieve sustainability.

“A timely and impact-focused collaboration, the REA-AMDA MoU signifies a significant milestone in the development of mini-grids across Nigeria.

”It equally exemplifies the unified efforts between the public and private sectors, working in lockstep towards the common goal of providing clean, reliable, safe, and affordable electricity for all,’’ he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen/Bashir Rabe Mani

Julius Toba-Jegede
Oct, Wed, 2023

General News

Remi Tinubu charges women to break barriers

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By Florence Onuegbu

The Wife of Nigeria’s President, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has advised women to be ready to break barriers, so as to unleash their full potential.

Tinubu gave the advice on Tuesday in Victoria Island, while declaring open the 23rd National Women’s Conference, organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), with the theme, ”Unleash Your Potential”.

She said women have the power to shape the future, be leaders, innovators, caregivers and agents of positive change.

”But to unleash our potential fully, we must continue to break down barriers that limit our progress, challenge stereotypes, and foster an environment of equal opportunity for all.

”Education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and gender equity are essential pillars that will enable us to unleash our potential.

”We must work together, collaborate, and support one another to ensure that every woman in Nigeria has the tools and opportunities to reach her full potential.

”Let us remember that our potential is not just about personal success; it is about uplifting our families; communities; and our great nation as a whole. When women are empowered, society thrives.

”I call upon each and every one of you to embrace the theme of this conference, “Unleash Your Potential,” not only for your benefit but for your individual States and the benefit of our beloved Nation’,, Tinubu said.

She urged women to continue to strive towards truly contributing to the prosperity and progress of the country.

Tinubu, who revived COWLSO, when her husband was Lagos State Governor, praised the doggedness of women who had ensured the sustenance of the ideals of the committee.

She said that women have much potential and they need to defy the odds to contribute to national development.

The president’s wife said that women face more challenges in various endeavours, hence, urged them to be ready to seek help if they run into difficulty while working on their goals.

The Chairperson of COWLSO, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, urged women to think outside the box and be relevant in the society.

Sanwo-Olu said that with the theme of the 23rd conference, women were urged to take risks, face their fears and push past their comfort zones and when they do, they should ”Unleash their Potential” and discover what they are truly capable of achieving.

She said that the focus is to bridge the gap between where women are presently and the place where they ought to be, where their potential will be fully unleashed.

”This does not only apply to our family life, it also applies to the workplace, business, and every area of our lives.

”Unleashing one’s potential is a step one has to take with courage; one has to dare to take that step. When you have to do it, dare to do it! You plan to rob the world of its treasures if you decide to die with your potential undeveloped and unutilised.

”Therefore, my sisters, release yourselves and explore the world. Be the best version of yourself, and unleash your potential,” Sanwo-Olu said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Julius Toba-Jegede

Julius Toba-Jegede
Oct, Wed, 2023

Foreign

How Nigerian leaders can check talent exodus, others — UK firm

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Prof. Rodria Laline, one of TEXEM’s faculties

By Abigael Joshua

TEXEM UK, a United Kingdom-based leadership development organisation, says the unabated exodus of talents from Nigeria to the UK primarily, constitutes a major but surmountable hurdle for the country’s leaders.

In a statement on TEXEM’s website (www.texem.co.uk), its Director of Special Projects, Caroline Lucas, said the challenge affects leaders in the country’s private and public sectors.

Lucas added that currency risks, high inflation, regulatory hurdles, failing business models, and the weighty cost of capital are among other challenges Nigerian leaders face today.

“These hurdles may appear insurmountable, but there is a beacon of hope on the horizon: the Customised Executive Development Programme titled “Leading Transformation for Strategic Outcomes,” organised by TEXEM, UK.

“The programme will be held from November 27 – 30, 2023, at Hilton, London in the United Kingdom.

“This programme, led by an esteemed faculty, promises to deliver actionable solutions and insights to these pressing issues through proven, engaging methodologies that make learning fun, memorable and actionable,” she explained.

According to the Director, the programme is the missing piece of the puzzle that can supercharge organisations and leaders in Nigeria.

Lucas said that in a world marked by swift change, the coming programme empowers leaders to adapt and guide their organisations through transitions.

She said distinguished and eminent thought leaders, including Prof. John Peters, Prof. Rodria Laline, and Prof. Paul Griffith, would lead the programme.

Peters, a former Prisoner of War and, Royal Airforce Fighter Pilot and past Chair of the Association of MBAs, accredits London Business School, Harvard, Wharton, and INSEAD.

He brings invaluable lessons on successful leadership in turbulent times, providing the skills needed to navigate with confidence.

“Attendees will refine their strategy under the guidance of Professor Rodria Laline in “Building Governance for Digital Transformation.”

“Digital transformation is no longer a choice but a necessity. Prof. Laline, an accomplished CEO and founding Director of Harvard Maiximise Your Board Programme, brings an enormous wealth of experience in global research and development.

“She will inspire participants on how to align governance with innovation, fostering a culture of innovation and resilience within their organisations – a crucial strategic advantage in today’s world,” Lucas said.

She said the programme’s itinerary, which includes company visits, group discussions, assessments, and role plays, ensures that participants gain practical, hands-on knowledge.

Lucas added that this translates to an enhanced ability to learn and adapt rapidly, a vital aspect of sustainable success.

She disclosed that the “Change Management and Organisational Culture” session will be delivered by Prof. Paul Griffith, the world’s first Professor of Management to launch a rocket into space fifteen years ago successfully.

Lucas said that Griffith will inspire executives and challenge assumptions about winning strategies that drive lasting transformation.

“Change is constant, and effective change management is an art. 70 percent of change initiatives fail. Hence, leaders must be deliberate and strategic to inspire successful change management.

“A seasoned thought leader, Prof. Griffith, will guide participants on better decision-making for enduring success.

“By attending the “Leading Transformation for Strategic Outcomes” programme, Nigerian leaders can unlock a wealth of benefits for their organisations,” she said.

According to Lucas, the event is not just a programme; it’s an exceptional opportunity to drive organisations towards enduring success.

The director also shared testimonials from previous TEXEM delegates from Nigeria, which she said speaks volumes about the value-added executives will derive from participating in its programmes.

“I’ve enjoyed the orderliness of the organisers. I’ve enjoyed the presentations of the consultants. I’ve enjoyed the practicability of the consultants.

“They bring in life examples in all their presentation, then with that one, the participants could be carried along. It’s not theoretical.

“You know, you can see they also practicalise by bringing in life events, even using themselves as examples. So that really sends the message deep into our hearts. And that’s wonderful…” says Sonya Ogunkuade, Hon. Commissioner and Former Special Assistant to the President.

“The program has been very interesting, exciting, knowledge sharing, and it has actually brought about a greater insight into what leadership is,” Akinwunmi Lawal, MD/CEO of NPF Microfinance Bank PLC. said.

Ifeanyi Ani, CEO of Total Pension CPFA, said, “I regard the These Executive Minds Executive Education programme as the best I have attended in recent times. Not one of them, but the very best as it was humanly perfect.

“My favourite thing about the programme would be…drawing our attention again to… change, which has been a constant in life experiences, you know, change in our lives, change, you know, in businesses…

“The evolution of businesses and the way we do things…discussions, for example, on cyber security and mental health, which is not just equipping us to know what is happening around us.

“Even equipping us personally, our mental health, paying attention to also the ever-evolving cyber security… Those are things I would say that made it very, very interesting”.

Also, Ambassador Mustafa Sam, Non-Executive Director, Jaiz Bank, had this to say, “I found that it’s quite a new approach to workshop than I’m used to because I’ve attended so many workshops organised by other organisations.

“But I found that the approach made by TEXEM is quite different. First of all, when I found that the first day of the programme would be visits to Shakespeare’s birthplace and also to visit a chocolate factory, I was sceptical.

“So I said, I’m in love with Shakespeare, but I just said, what is it to do with business or whatever it is?

“But then after the visit and then to the two places and coming back and then I could see the collaboration between what I’m supposed to know, and I really could understand the issues there.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Razak Owolabi

Julius Toba-Jegede
Oct, Tue, 2023

Politics

Senate inaugurates Standing Committee to ensure compliance with resolutions

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By Naomi Sharang

The Senate has inaugurated its Standing Committee on Legislative Compliance.

This, it said was aimed at enforcing its resolutions on all its standing committees as well as all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of Federal Government.

The committee, chaired by Sen. Musa Maidoki (PDP-Kebbi), was inaugurated by the Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele on Tuesday.

Bamidele said that part of the mandate of the committee is to oversight other standing committees as well as all MDAs of the Federal Government.

He said that the mandate given to Maidoki “can obviously make the committee big if he likes. He can as well make the committee strong if he likes.

“The mandate given to the committee is indeed huge and of national significance considering the impelling need to ensure implicit compliance with all resolutions of the Senate on all its standing committees and MDAs.

“You have the mandate of the Senate to invite any individual, senator, ministry, department or agency with a view to ensuring compliance with all our resolutions.

“By implication, the Committee on Legislative Compliance is the police of the Senate.

“It is therefore the responsibility of the Committee on Legislative Compliance to duly follow up and ensure compliance with all our resolutions. You need to draw a comprehensive agenda to work with and ensure the functionality of the committee.

“The committee can be as big as the Chairman of the Committee wants it to be. It can also be as strong as the Chairman of the Committee wants it to be”.

Bamidele further said that the challenge of the country is not to make legislations but ensure outright compliance with laws passed by the two chambers of the National Assembly.

The senate leader said that the Committee on Legislative Compliance “has mandate of the committee to invite any senator who refused to comply with all the rules of the Senate.”

Bamidele said that the Committee on Legislative Compliance “is not meant to be anybody’s friend, neither is it constituted to be an enemy to anybody, but to ensure that the resolutions of the Senate are complied with.”

On his part, chairman of the committee assured the leadership of the senate of complying with the directive of the upper chamber on the mandate given to them.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede