News Agency of Nigeria
NEITI recommits to automated, centralised extractive sector data
General News

NEITI recommits to automated, centralised extractive sector data

62 total views today
By Isaiah Eka
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has reiterated its commitment towards ensuring real-time, automated, and centralised extractive sector data.
The Executive Secretary, Dr Orji Orji, said at the 2025 National Extractives Dialogue in Uyo on Wednesday, that NEITI had already established a data centre to automate and centralise extractive sector data.
Speaking at the event with the theme: “Transition, Divestment and Critical Minerals: Charting a Just Future for Nigeria’s Extractive Sector”, Orji said that the centre would soon become fully operational.
“When fully operational, the data centre will centralise licensing, production, revenue, and export data across oil, gas, and solid mineral sectors.
“It will enhance transparency and accountability in the sector and enable automated disclosures by companies in line with NEITI standards,” he said.
He said that the data centre represented NEITI’s commitment to intelligent, accessible, and actionable transparency in a data-driven world.
The executive secretary said that there was need for a coordinated approach towards handling the challenges and opportunities arising from the global shift to clean energy, divestments, and the growing demand for critical minerals.
Mr Gaza Gbefwi, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals, expressed the need for urgent policy actions towards harnessing Nigeria’s critical minerals that were essential for the global clean energy transition.
Gbefwi said that an International Energy Agency report projected that the demand for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and rare earth elements would quadruple by 2040.
“The global transition to clean energy has intensified the race for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and rare earth elements.
“These minerals are essential inputs in electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage among others,” he said.
In his remarks, the Director General, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Mr Chukwuemeka Woke, highlighted the critical moment Nigeria’s extractive sector was facing as the world shifted towards low-carbon energy systems.
Represented by Mrs Margaret Adesida, Director, ICT/GIS, Woke said that several divestment deals involving major international oil companies had been initiated or concluded.
Earlier in her address, the Director, Spaces for Change, Mrs Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, said that as the world raced towards energy transition, Nigeria should make informed choices on regulation, environmental accountability and community protection.
NAN reports that the event was organised by Spaces for Change in collaboration with NEITI, NOSDRA and Ford Foundation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Azubuike Okeh
FG unveils accelerated basic education programme, targets 80m non-literate youths
Education

FG unveils accelerated basic education programme, targets 80m non-literate youths

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By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Federal Government has unveiled the Accelerated Basic Education (ABE) programme, aimed at mobilising 80 million under-served young non-literate Nigerians and adults still outside the reach of basic literacy.

The programme aims to meet non-literate youths and adults wherever they are in the six geopolitical zones of the country without compromising quality or relevance.

The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, unveiled the new programme while speaking at a one-day National Stakeholders Engagement Meeting on Youth and Adult Literacy in Abuja on Wednesday.

Ahmad, who was represented by her Special Assistant (Technical), Dr Claris Ujam, said the new programme would address out-of-school children challenges.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its 2022 report stated that nearly 80 million Nigerians who constitute 31 per cent of Nigeria’s estimated 250 million population were non-literate.

Ahmad said that the ABE programme was designed to provide inclusive, adaptable, and high-impact literacy interventions that would meet learners wherever they were without compromising quality or relevance.

Justifying the reason behind the Accelerated Basic Education programme, the minister said that far too many of Nigeria’s over 250 million population still remained outside the reach of basic literacy.

“We all know that education forms the bedrock of every prosperous and inclusive society, yet far too many Nigerian youth and adults still remain outside the reach of basic literacy.

“This salient crisis suppresses individual potential and stalls national progress. Our mission is unequivocal to craft pathways of hope, dignity, and opportunity through the instrumentality of accelerated basic education.

“The ABE programme is more than a solution. It is a movement, one that rejects age, geography, and circumstance as barriers to learning.

“It is designed to provide inclusive, adaptable, and high-impact literacy innovations that meet learners where they are without compromising quality of relevance,” she said.

The minister urged non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other partners to expand community-driven initiatives, pioneer innovative delivery models, and help the government reach the un-reached.

Earlier, the Coordinator of the workshop and Director Literacy and Development at the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC), Dr John Edeh, said the meeting was a strategic moment for reflection, collaboration, and decisive action.

“We are here because we recognise a pressing challenge; millions of young Nigerians remain outside the formal education system.

“Whether due to poverty, early school leaving, displacement, or other socio-economic barriers, these youths deserve a second chance and NMEC is that gateway,” Edeh said.

He added that the sector was positioned to meet the diverse learning needs of out-of-school children and youths through flexible, community-based and learner-centred approaches.

He explained that the commission’s strategy was to meet learners where they are physically, emotionally, and socially and help them rise to their full potential.

Edeh listed the focus of the commission to include funding and resource mobilisation for mass literacy programmes, strengthening partnerships with state agencies, civil society, and development partners, and enhancing data collection.

Other areas of focus he said were monitoring for improved planning and accountability, promoting youth-friendly curricula and delivery models, as well as integrating digital tools and innovation into non-formal learning spaces.

He called on community leaders, donors, youth advocates, and programme implementers to collaborate with the commission to make education accessible to the marginalised. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Charcoal trade a threat to forest sustainability, livelihood – FG
Environment

Charcoal trade a threat to forest sustainability, livelihood – FG

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By Jessica Dogo

The Federal Government says charcoal trade is a threat to forest sustainability and livelihood in the country.

Dr Aishetu Ndayako, Permanent Secretary, Ecological Project Office (EPO), Office of the Secretary to the Federal Government, said this at the opening of a one-day stakeholders dialogue on charcoal production and forest conservation.

The event, organised by Centre for Renewable Energy and Action on Climate Change (CREACC-NG) supported by EkoEnergy, on Wednesday in Abuja had its theme as: “Trade and Trees-Rethinking Charcoal Production and the Vanishing Forests’’.

Ndayako, who spoke on the topic, “Charcoal Trade Forest Loss and Ecological Challenges in Nigeria’’ said that charcoal trade, was a significant source of household energy for millions of Nigerians, particularly in rural and peri-urban communities.

She said that the largely informal and weakly regulated trade had led to devastating environmental consequences, including deforestation, ecosystem collapse and biodiversity loss.

“The paradox is that charcoal remains a significant source of household energy for millions of Nigerians, particularly in rural and peri-urban communities.

“With over 70 per cent of our population depending on biomass for cooking, the demand for charcoal has grown exponentially, both for domestic use and as an export commodity.

“Trees are felled indiscriminately, and entire ecosystems are degraded with minimal efforts at regeneration. Forests, which serve as our carbon sinks, biodiversity reservoirs and cultural heritage are under siege,” she said.

She highlighted some strategic shifts that must be taken to forge a coherent and inclusive response.

According to her, there is an urgent need to harmonise national policies on forest and biomass energy, and to empower enforcement agencies to regulate charcoal production and trade effectively.

“Sustainable forestry can only be achieved with the active participation of local communities. We must incentivise tree planting, agroforestry and community-managed woodlots.

“Forests must be seen as renewable assets, not disposable resources.

“We must scale up the transition and access to cleaner energy sources such as LPG, ethanol, biogas; improved biomass briquettes and solar cookstoves, particularly in the rural, peri-urban vulnerable communities,” she said.

She said that EPO was committed to providing sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s ecological concerns and supports dialogues that bring together key stakeholders to forge a coherent and inclusive response to the charcoal trade and forest degradation.

The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, said that forests were vital to the planet’s health such that they absorb carbon dioxide, regulate the climate and support rich biodiversity in Nigeria.

Ahmad, represented by Mrs Aminulai Modupe, Asst. Director, Environmental Science Education Technology and Science Education Department, emphasised the need to integrate environmental education into the national curriculum.

She said that it would raise a generation that valued conservation and understands the environmental cost of unsustainable practices.

The minister said that beyond basic and secondary education, the ministry had launched the Diaspora Bridge Initiative aimed at strengthening research and collaboration across tertiary institutions, including Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics- Medical (STEM-M).

She called on stakeholders to support community workshops and outreach initiatives that promote charcoal production techniques.

“Students are learning about tree life cycles, biodiversity and the importance of sustainability from an early age,’’ Ahmad said.

Earlier, the Executive Director of CREACC-NG, Usman Muhammad, said that as the largest producer of charcoal in Africa and the second-largest globally, Nigeria faced significant environmental challenges.

According to him, there is an alarming rate of deforestation and tree cover loss, especially in the Savannah woodland of Niger, Taraba, Benue, Kwara and Kogi States.

“1.5 million trees are lost every day, contributing to 3.5 per cent deforestation rate annually.

“This leads to significant CO2 emissions, biodiversity loss, drought, land degradation, desertification and health issues from inefficient production methods,” he said.

Muhammad urged stakeholders to work together towards a sustainable future, adding that the dialogue marked the beginning of a collective effort to address these pressing issues.

He said that the centre was committed to hosting a National Summit in June 2026 to further discuss these pressing matters. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Kadiri Abdulrahman

Kogi governor’s aide seeks FRSC collaboration on road safety
Metro

Kogi governor’s aide seeks FRSC collaboration on road safety

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By Ibironke Ariyo

The Senior Special Assistant to the Kogi State Governor on Road Safety Matters, Dr Yusuf Suberu, has called for stronger synergy with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to deepen road safety awareness and reduce crashes in the state.

Suberu made the call during a courtesy visit to the Kogi State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Kumar Tsukwam, in Kogi.

Suberu said that the visit, which coincided with the FRSC’s management meeting, focused on enhancing collaboration.

This, he said was towards a successful hosting of the upcoming 2-Day Road Safety Summit, being planned as part of activities to mark the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

Addressing the corps management team, Suberu commended the FRSC for its “humanitarian-inclined” efforts in saving lives, describing their interventions as critical to public health and safety.

He stressed the importance of continuous training and re-training of operatives to better equip them for emerging road safety challenges.

He urged the corps to adopt a more diplomatic and educational approach in dealing with road users.

“I want to assure you of the state government’s commitment to safety on highways under the leadership of Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo.

“The recent restriction on the daytime movement of heavy-duty vehicles was one of many decisive steps by the Ododo-led administration to curb road traffic crashes and protect lives,” he said.

In his response, Corps Commander Tsukwam described Suberu’s visit as timely and his appointment as a strategic asset to the state’s road safety efforts.

Tsukwam pledged the corps’ full cooperation in implementing policies that would make the roads safer for all.

The Sector Commander also emphasised the need to implement the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) in the state.

He noted that it would help in tackling issues such as the use of fake number plates and criminal movements on the highways.

In the same vein, Suberu also met with the State Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer, Ahmed Dauda, to explore possible areas of collaboration on vehicle administration and enforcement of roadworthiness standards.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meetings mark a renewed drive by the state government to ensure safer roads, promote responsible driving culture, and reduce preventable deaths from road crashes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

NDLEA auctions forfeited drug traffickers’ properties in four states
Defence/Security

NDLEA auctions forfeited drug traffickers’ properties in four states

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By Ibironke Ariyo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has conducted a public auction of forfeited houses acquired through proceeds of drug trafficking or used as instrumentality of committing the crime.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise, which took place in Abuja, had pre-qualified auctioneers, bidders, representatives of civil society organisations and the media as well as other government agencies in attendance.

Speaking at the occasion, the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, said that the agency would continue to combine incarceration with asset forfeiture.

Marwa, represented by the NDLEA Secretary, Mr Shedrack Haruna, said it would also serve as a powerful tool to deter drug trafficking and related crimes in the country.

He said the agency’s approach was guided in the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), which empowers law enforcement bodies to seize and dispose of properties acquired through criminal activity.

“I tell you that with the coming of POCA, they are threatening the process of deterrence, because nothing again is painful to criminals when we take away the profit of their crimes.

“The aim is not only to punish drug offenders through prosecution and imprisonment but also to ensure they do not return from prison to enjoy the proceeds of their crimes.

“Our prosecutorial teams are very strong, and when conviction is achieved, we go after the assets.

“That’s why we have a Directorate of Financial Investigation to trace and recover what they have gained or used in committing the crime,” he said.

Marwa said that the agency remained committed to ensuring that forfeited assets were transparently auctioned in a manner that benefits the public.

Commenting on the outcome of the auction, the NDELA boss noted that some properties were not sold due to low bids and therefore, failed to meet the government’s reserve price.

“The Federal Ministry of Works is our official government valuer. Once they give us a valuation, it becomes our benchmark. If bids fall below that valuation, we cannot accept them,” he said.

Marwa, however, acknowledged concerns raised by auctioneers about properties in locations viewed as high-risk or unsafe, saying that the realities would be reviewed with the valuers to determine whether revaluation was needed.

“We are aware that some people are reluctant to bid on properties formerly owned by criminal enterprises, especially in volatile areas.

“Some locations like Tudun Wada in Kano had no bidders at all. Others, like properties in Odo, Ogun State, had bids far below market value due to perceived risks,” Marwa said.

The NDELA boss, however, assured that feedback from the bidding process would be documented and forwarded to the appropriate authorities for further valuation and review.

Marwa maintained that NDLEA remained firm in its mission to cripple criminal enterprises and disrupt the drug trafficking value chain by stripping offenders of their illicit wealth.

Speaking at the bidding exercise, Umar Yakubu, representative from the Centre for Transparency and Integrity Watch, commended the NDLEA for conducting a process he described as open, credible, and compliant with international best practices.

Yakubu noted that the level of transparency observed was commendable and reflective of a strong institutional culture that prioritised public accountability.

He encouraged the agency to amplify such efforts as a public education tool to underscore the consequences of drug crimes.

Yakubu also emphasised that beyond incarceration, assets forfeiture sends a strong signal to criminals that crime does not pay.

“The message is clear. Losing both your freedom and your assets is not a good outcome.

“Criminals must understand that the justice system is serious about dismantling their operations and seizing the fruits of their crimes,” he said.

In his remarks, Director, Proceeds of Crime Management in NDLEA, Jerry Aernan, noted that participating auctioneers were pre-qualified by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and had met the required integrity checks.

This, he said, was to ensure that disposed assets were not returned to original owners through the back door.

He also emphasised that successful bidders must pay 10 per cent of their bid value within 14 days to confirm their interest, while the full payment was expected within a stipulated timeframe.

NAN reports that the auction involved forfeited eight properties across Lagos, Kano, Ondo, and Ogun States.

NAN also reports that two of the houses located in Lekki and Ikorodu areas of Lagos were stepped down from the process due to notices of appeal received after the processes had begun.

Six other properties were auctioned to pre-qualified bidders, with only two sold at over N139 million following successful bids above their reserved prices.

Others either failed to receive any bids or attracted offers below the benchmark. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Benson Iziama

UNN don lauds alumni intervention 21 years after graduation
Education

UNN don lauds alumni intervention 21 years after graduation

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By Hilary Akalugwu

The Head of Department (HOD), Linguistics, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Prof. Joy Uguru, has commended ex-students of the department for remembering to give back to their alma mater.

Uguru made the commendation in Nsukka, while receiving chairs, tables, ceiling fans and other items donated by the Class of 2004 of the department.

She said the good gesture by the Class of 2004 should be emulated by other ex-students to enable them to come and give back to their alma mater.

“The entire department is happy and excited on what Class of 2004 have done, by remembering the department that made them what they are today.

“The class did not only donate chairs, tables, ceiling fans and other items to the department they also presented a plaque of appreciation to some of their lecturers with some amounts of cash to thank them.

“My prayer is that God will replenish their pockets in a millionfold,” Uguru said.

In a remark, the Coordinator, Class of 2004, Mrs Edith Ike-Eboh, described the occasion as a homecoming and reunion not just with the town but the ideals, values and memories that shaped the set.

“Because it’s within these walls that our minds were shaped, our perspectives broadened and our sense of cultural identity deepened.

“This department gave us more than education, it gave us a sense of purpose.

“It taught us the importance of preserving our indigenous languages, promoting intercultural understanding and contributing to national development through language and communication,” she said.

Ike-Eboh who was represented by Mrs Abigail Ifeanyi-Eke, said graduates of Class of 2004 have produced many people who have attained great heights in different sectors of the economy.

“We, in the Class of 2004, are proud to reconnect with most of our lecturers for the wonderful work done in teaching us.

“It is in the spirit of gratitude and partnership that we present these modest gift items to the department.

“While they may not reflect the full measure of our appreciation, they are a token of love, respect and solidarity.

“We hope they will serve as useful resources to students and staff, and as a reminder that the impact of this department lives on in the lives of its graduates,” she said.

She urged students in the department to study with passion so as to carry the torch of knowledge proudly into the world.

Responding, Prof Chris Agbedo, one the lecturers who received a plaque of appreciation, said he was overwhelmed by the donation of items to the department as well as the appreciation to lecturers who taught them.

“My prayer is that God will bless them abundantly for coming to give back to their alma mater.

“I urge all alumni to copy this good example on how to give back to their alma mater,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some graduates of 2004 attended the event physically, while others joined virtually. (NAN)(www.nannews.com)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Future of NIS lies in reforms, robust public-private partnership, says Shaibu
Sports

Future of NIS lies in reforms, robust public-private partnership, says Shaibu

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By Deborah Coker

The Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, says the future of the institution lies in a robust public-private partnership model and a total structural reset.

Shaibu said this in Abuja on Tuesday night at a reception organised in his honour by former colleagues from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

He noted that his appointment by President Bola Tinubu came with a clear mandate to reform the NIS and revive the institute to its original vision of producing world-class coaches and sports professionals.

“My mandate by Mr President is to go and carry out total reform and to reposition the NIS to its core mandate of producing excellent coaches for Nigeria and Africa,” he said.

The NIS DG, who was a deputy governor in Edo and ex-member of the House of Representatives, said the institute had derailed from its foundational purpose.

Shaibu explained that the derailment was evident in the dilapidation of core facilities like the stadium, indoor hall, tennis courts, and administrative blocks of sports infrastructure.

He said that these infrastructures must first be rebuilt by the government before being handed over to the private sector for management.

“Government business now is to put these things right; when these things are standardised, the private sector can drive and achieve success.’’

Shaibu added that running sports with bureaucratic bottlenecks had stifled growth, noting that true progress could only come from a more flexible and business-oriented approach.

“Sport does not need the government bureaucracies that we have presently. If we leave sports to government bureaucracies as it is today, we will simply lament,” he said.

The NIS DG cited an example with the Super Falcons’ return to Nigeria from Morocco, as a part of poor government logistics planning.

He regretted that the nation had to be looking for a private jet to bring the players back after their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations victory in Morocco.

Reflecting also on his time in public office, the NIS DG said that transparency and accountability were the hallmark of his leadership.

He recalled that while serving in the National Assembly, he was the first to publicly announce the amount approved for constituency projects.

“I made the N20 million constituency funds public and allowed my constituents to determine how it should be spent.

“My performance in office was unprecedented and that has never happened. As a member of the House of Representatives, in 18 months, I did 13 constituency projects, whereas some members are not able to do 13 projects in eight years.”

Shaibu said he would bring the same zeal to his new role at the NIS, and as an experienced multi-sports athlete and administrator.

He revealed that he had spent the past weeks consulting widely and developing a strategic direction for the institute.

“What I have simply done in four to five weeks now was to reach out to major stakeholders.

“I was able to put up a document, which I named ‘Roadmap’; a 10-year strategic plan to reposition NIS to achieve its core mandate.

“A 32-member committee has been constituted to review and fine-tune the document. The reform will involve a total overhaul of the curriculum, removal of obsolete courses, and incorporation of modern sports science into the training programme.

“It’s like I’m resetting and restarting NIS afresh and also having a 10-year working document to make sure we don’t drift again,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

I don’t believe in failure, I have seen what persistence can achieve – Nwoko
Politics

I don’t believe in failure, I have seen what persistence can achieve – Nwoko

62 total views today

By Deborah Coker

Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta) and member, Senate Committee on Constitution Review, says he does not believe in failure as it does not exist in his dictionary.

Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District and currently vehemently pushing for the creation of Anioma State, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abuja on Wednesday.

He explained that he does not believe in failure because he believed in his people, the resilience of the Anioma spirit, the strength of their culture, and the depth of their contributions to Nigeria’s growth.

‘’This belief is more than a personal mantra; it is the fuel behind a historic movement. While others may have seen the idea of Anioma State as distant or unrealistic, I see a path forward.

‘’Anioma State is a long-overdue act of justice for a people with a distinct identity, culture, and contribution to national development.

‘’For me, this is not about personal gain. It is not about power or prestige. It is about correcting historical imbalances and giving the Anioma people the recognition and representation they deserve.

‘’I see Anioma State as a beacon of unity and progress; not just for the people of Delta North, but for Nigeria as a whole,’’ he said.

The lawmaker, who had been able to garner the support of 91 senators out of the number in the 10th senate for the creation of Anioma State, explained that he deployed both strategic and inclusive approach to achieve this.

According to him, as an international lawyer, philanthropist, and now a federal lawmaker, his most ambitious and impactful pursuit yet is the ongoing campaign for the creation of Anioma State.

‘’Anioma State, a proposed state for the Igbo-speaking people of Delta North, has long been a subject of debate, but I understand that big changes take time and resistance is inevitable.

‘’That is why I am pushing forward, not because it’s easy, but because it is necessary. I have seen what persistence can achieve, whether in my professional life, philanthropic efforts, or political service.

‘’And it is with that same conviction that the dream of Anioma State continues to gain momentum with more Nigerians becoming aware of the Anioma cause.

‘’More lawmakers are listening. More traditional rulers and citizens voicing support, and what was once considered unlikely is now within reach.’’ (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Clerics back biotechnology for food security
Science & Tech

Clerics back biotechnology for food security

81 total views today

By Sylvester Thompson

In a significant step toward bridging science and faith, the Islamic community in Abuja has expressed strong support for the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and biotechnology in agriculture.

This endorsement underscores their commitment to addressing Nigeria’s pressing food security challenges.

At a sensitisation workshop on Tuesday for Islamic clerics, Malam Abdullahi Nuhu, Secretary to the Chief Imam of Dantata Mosque, affirmed the community’s spiritual and moral backing for government-led biotechnology initiatives.

The event, organised by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Nigeria under the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), aimed to foster understanding between modern science and religious values.

“We pledge our prayers and spiritual support to ensure the success of these programmes across Nigeria.

“Our leaders encourage us to back these efforts wholeheartedly,” Nuhu said.

The workshop featured expert presentations on the potential of agricultural biotechnology to transform farming, improve food security, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of NBRDA, emphasised the ethical and scientific foundations of GMO technologies as powerful tools for social and economic progress.

“In a nation grappling with food insecurity and environmental challenges, rejecting safe and proven innovations would be a missed opportunity,” he said.

Mustapha further reassured that GMO seeds were locally produced by indigenous companies, ensuring Nigerian control over seed production and distribution.

He called for greater collaboration among local firms to enhance seed availability and affordability for farmers.

Dr Rose Gidado, NBRDA’s Director of Agricultural Biotechnology, highlighted benefits such as reduced pesticide use, pest resistance, environmental sustainability, and longer shelf life for produce.

“Biotechnology is key to building climate-resilient agriculture and driving socio-economic development,” she noted.

Other experts, including Prof. Mohammed Ishiyaku of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Zaria, emphasised genetic enhancement as an affordable and sustainable solution to low farm productivity.

Dr Agnes Asagbra of the National Biosafety Management Agency, stressed the importance of responsible stewardship for long-term gains from GM crops.

Reinforcing confidence in GMO safety, Dr Ehirim Bernard from the African Agricultural Technology Foundation, cited rigorous biosafety assessments of crops like TELA Maize, assuring that they met stringent safety standards for consumers and the environment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Nigerian inaugurates centre in UK to tackle rising cancer concern
Health

Nigerian inaugurates centre in UK to tackle rising cancer concern

88 total views today

By Wandoo Sombo

The Ngogbehei Cancer Centre (NCC), an NGO, has inaugurated its operations in the United Kingdom with a strategic focus on combating cancer, which has become a growing concern in Nigeria.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, the Founder of the NGO, Marcel Ngogbehei, said the centre was founded based on the fact that cancer continued to pose a major public health challenge in Nigeria.

“According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the country records more than 125,000 new cases annually, with over 70,000 deaths attributed to the disease.

“These figures are largely driven by late diagnosis, poor awareness, and limited access to screening and treatment.

“Breast and cervical cancers remain the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in Nigeria, yet only 19 per cent of Nigerian women have ever undergone a clinical breast examination, with even fewer accessing routine Pap smears or receiving HPV vaccinations.

“The reality is shocking but not surprising,” Ngogbehei said.

According to him, most Nigerians battling cancer do not know they have it until it’s too late.

“Our health systems are not set up for prevention; that’s where we come in.

“Rather than establishing a conventional hospital, the Ngogbehei Cancer Centre is spearheading a national movement focused on prevention.

“It plans to deliver essential services through a variety of community-based initiatives, including:

“Mobile cancer clinics, repurposed ambulances equipped with diagnostic tools to provide on-the-spot screenings in rural and underserved communities.

“Public education campaigns with outreach programmes, including workshops and school activities, are designed to demystify cancer and promote awareness of early warning signs.

“Volunteer training and support groups with community-led efforts aimed at encouraging regular self-examinations, routine checkups, and post-treatment support.

“Digital outreach tools with mobile applications and online platforms to facilitate self-assessment, appointment bookings, and survivor storytelling,” he said.

Ngogbehei added that the centre would operate nationwide, with a central coordination office and strong collaboration with local healthcare providers and civil society organisations.

He further said that registration in the United Kingdom enhanced the organisation’s credibility, opened access to international funding, and enabled strategic partnerships.

“However, the core of its operations remains rooted in Nigeria.

“We want to build something sustainable, trustworthy, and globally connected.

“Registering in the UK opens doors, but the work is in Nigeria, in villages, schools, churches, and markets where cancer education is urgently needed.”

He noted that the centre’s UK status also positioned it for potential expansion to other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa in the future.

“Evidence suggests that up to 50 per cent of cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes, vaccinations, and early detection.

“However, in Nigeria, misconceptions and stigma continue to shape public perception of the disease.

“The Ngogbehei Cancer Centre seeks to change this narrative through a compassionate, evidence-based, and community-driven approach to care.”

He boasted that the initiative was not just another project, but a promise to make cancer prevention and care a right, not a privilege, for every Nigerian.

Formerly known as the Marcel Ngogbehei Center for Cancer Education and Care, the centre aims to help address the cancer crisis through education, early detection, and improved access to care.

Founded by health advocate and social entrepreneur Marcel Ngogbehei, the centre is now a legally recognised charitable entity committed to addressing the significant gap in cancer awareness and treatment services across West Africa. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

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