News Agency of Nigeria
FG lauds retiring Akajemeli for selfless service, transformation of SERVICOM
General News

FG lauds retiring Akajemeli for selfless service, transformation of SERVICOM

383 total views today

By Fidelia Okosodo/Okon Okon

The Federal Government has commended the retired SERVICOM National Coordinator, Mrs Nnenna Akajemeli, describing her as committed and innovative public servant whose work significantly transformed service delivery in Nigeria.

Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), gave the commendation at the valedictory service of Akajemeli on Thursday in Abuja.

Akume, who was represented by Dr Maurice Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office in OSGF, said that Akajemeli was one of the best officials who had played vital roles in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He said that Akajemeli had accepted a responsibility that many would avoid due to the absence of financial incentives, choosing instead to focus on impactful service.

“This is indeed a wonderful and memorable event as we celebrate a woman of excellence; someone I consider a sister, whose passion and commitment to public service are exceptional.

“She boldly took on the challenge, transformed the system and made the Service Compact with All Nigerians (SERVICOM) office an enviable place that people now lobby to work in.

“Your work reflects the very essence of this administration’s goals. You have driven processes that have helped to attain key mandates of this government,” he said.

Also, Sen. Allwell Onyesoh Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Character/Inter-Governmental Affairs, congratulated Akajemeli for attaining such a milestone and significant achievements in her service.

Represented by Mr Tope Adeniji, Onyesoh said that her years of service had been marked by exceptional dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to the SERVICOM goals.

“The committee recognises and appreciates Akajemeli’s contributions as the national coordinator of SERVICOM, and notes that she had consistently exceeded expectations and made a meaningful impact on national service,” he said.

Dr Joe Abah, former Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, described Akajemeli as a colleague and a real sister.

According to Abah, Akajemeli played a pivotal role in the establishment and institutionalisation of SERVICOM, adding that their collaboration continued through various reforms that significantly improved service delivery in key public institutions.

Mrs Henrietta Okokon, Public Awareness Manager and a staff of SERVICOM, described Akajemeli as a mentor, a trailblazer and crusader for excellence.

“It has been a rare privilege to work closely with her over the past five years,” she said.

In her response, Akajemeli expressed gratitude to Tinubu, Akume and other past SGFs, Permanent Secretaries, nodal officers and other stakeholders for their support during her tenure.

She said that the support she received from the presidency and key actors in the public service had greatly enhanced the achievements of SERVICOM in promoting service delivery across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“I am deeply grateful to President Bola Tinubu for sustaining the vision of SERVICOM, and to the SGF for the unwavering institutional backing we enjoyed,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outgoing SERVICOM boss acted as coordinator from 2015 to 2017 before she was officially appointed as the National Coordinator for two terms of eight years.

The highlights of the event included the launch of a book, ‘Photo Speaks: A Life of Passionate Service to Nation’ written by Akajemeli. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Gov. Soludo assents six bills into law
Metro

Gov. Soludo assents six bills into law

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By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra on Thursday signed six bills into law, as part of ongoing efforts to advance the state’s development projects.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bills included the Anambra State Development and Investment Corporation Law, 2025 and the Anambra State Electricity Law, 2025.

They also include the Anambra State Homeland Security (Amendment) Law 2025 and the Anambra State Indigenous Traditional Medicine Practices Law, 2025.

Others are the Anambra State Herbal Practice Law 2025 and the Anambra State Mission Schools of Nursing and Midwifery (Amendment No. 2) Law, 2025.

Speaking while signing the bills into law, Gov. Soludo said the laws would strengthen governance in the state and served as an indicator of progress in the state.

He commended the state House of Assembly for working closely with the executive to make laws that would positively affect the citizens. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdul Hassan/Maureen Atuonwu

Oyo Govt. pegs borehole drilling costs at N14,000 per meter
Water Resources

Oyo Govt. pegs borehole drilling costs at N14,000 per meter

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By David Adeoye

The Oyo State Government has established a controlled rate of N14,000 per meter for groundwater abstraction, also referred to as borehole drilling, statewide.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, disclosed this on Thursday in Ibadan, during an interactive meeting with groundwater abstraction stakeholders.

Mogbonjubola explained that the meeting was convened to address the challenges faced by groundwater abstraction practitioners and collaborative solutions for the sustainable management of vital resources.

According to him, engaging with the industry stakeholders is crucial to bringing sanity to the system and ensuring a balanced approach that benefits both drilling rig owners and middle-level practitioners.

The Commissioner maintained that Gov. Seyi Makinde’s administration prioritised the provision of potable water to residents, using every feasible strategy.

“This is why the government has created a favourable environment for individuals who can afford to drill boreholes in their communities,” he stated. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola

First Lady reaffirms commitment to reducing maternal, child mortality
Health

First Lady reaffirms commitment to reducing maternal, child mortality

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By Celine-Damilola Oyewole

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to health interventions aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality across Nigeria.

Mrs Tinubu restated this in Jalingo during the launch of the distribution of 10,000 professional kits to midwives in the North/East Zone, facilitated by her NGO, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

“We are here to encourage frontline health workers by providing incentives and recognising their efforts.

“When properly supported, we believe maternal and infant mortality rates will decline significantly.

“We are also raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, especially mother-to-child transmission, which remains high,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mrs Tinubu also handed over a N50 million cheque to the wife of the governor, Mrs Agyin Kefas, to support the empowerment of 1,000 women petty traders in the state.

She said that the 10,000 professional kits, meant for midwives across the six North-East states, would be distributed through the State Primary Healthcare Services.

Additionally, she stated that RHI would continue distributing the kits to other regions, with the South-West Zone next in line.

The Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, also addressed the gathering, emphasising the Federal Government’s commitment to improving frontline healthcare.

“In the North-East alone, 8,500 frontline health workers have been trained, including 1,300 from Taraba.

“More than 1,000 health facilities receive quarterly funding from the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, including 170 in Taraba,” he said.

The State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas and his wife expressed gratitude to Mrs Tinubu for her interventions, affirming that the initiatives aligned with the state’s development priorities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Gov. Oborevwori signs electricity bill, six others into law
Metro

Gov. Oborevwori signs electricity bill, six others into law

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By Ifeanyi Olannye
Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has assented to the strategic Delta State Electricity Power Sector Bill, 2024 and six others into law.
The governor, who performed the function at Government House, Asaba on Thursday, described the electricity bill as a game changer in the state’s rapid industrialisation drive.
Other bills assented to are: Delta State Physical and Regional Planning Bill, 2024; Delta State Film and Video Censor’s Board Bill, 2024; Registration and Regulation of Private Veterinary Clinics (Amendment) Law, 2024.
Also, the Child Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2024; Delta State Pet Control and Responsible Ownership Bill, 2024, and the Delta State College of Health Technology, Ovrode Bill, 2024 were assented to.
Oborevwori lauded the leadership of the State House of Assembly for passing the important bills carefully crafted to address pressing issues and challenges to improve the quality of life of the people.
He said, “we have just witnessed the signing into law, the seven bills geared towards enhancing Delta State through our MORE Agenda.
“The laws that l have just assented to are very key, especially the Delta State Electricity Power Sector Law 2024. This particular law gives me immense joy in assenting to it.
“We have provided the legal framework to unlock a plethora of investment opportunities in the power generation, transmission and distribution investment.
“The state is now open for prospective investors in this sector to take advantage of it. I believe that this bill that l have assented to today will improve our power sector which is very key because, you can’t do any investment without power.
“Power is very key and I can tell you today that we have the population and now the legal framework for investment to thrive. The state is now open for investments.”
He said that the Child Rights Amendment Law 2024, had provided more safeguards for children, adding that from now, no child should be employed or used for domestic help aside their homes or family environment.
“It also establishes an Adoption Service Department in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development to address the challenges of prospective adopting parents. Our children are the future and must be protected.
“These bills that have been assented to will protect our vulnerable populations, improve quality of life, promote sustainable development and environmental protection, attract investment and increase our IGR.
“We must recognise that our work is far from over. We must now ensure the effective and efficient implementation of these laws. I, therefore, urge all stakeholders to work together to guarantee successful outcome,” he said.
Earlier, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, while presenting the bills, had congratulated the governor on the massive construction projects across the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Benson Iziama
FG inaugurates “Nourish Nigeria” Project to bolster food security
Agriculture

FG inaugurates “Nourish Nigeria” Project to bolster food security

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By Fortune Abang

Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), on Thursday inaugurated the “Nourish Nigeria” project to bolster food security in Nigeria.

Ogunbiyi, represented by Mr Olanipekun Oshadiya, Director, Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services of the ministry, disclosed this in Abuja at a one-day workshop.

The workshop, which centred on Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture in Nigeria, was organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the (FMAFS) and the House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security.

The workshop also centred on the inauguration of the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) titled: “Nourishing Nigeria: Integrating Nutrition-Sensitive Approaches for the Implementation of the Agriculture Sector Food Security and Nutrition Strategy (AFSNS)”.

“​Nutrition-sensitive agriculture is pivotal for combating stunting, wasting and low weight by fostering awareness of healthy diets, improving value chains for nutritious foods and enabling diverse food production at household levels.

“These efforts, which align with Nigeria’s food systems transformation agenda, seek to boost dietary diversity and sustainable food security, targeting significant reduction in malnutrition.

“Let us work together to ensure Nigeria takes her rightful place in the comity of nations. This is a complex and multifaceted challenge, but we are committed to achieving our goals,” he said.

Also speaking, Koffy Kouacou, FAO Representative ad interim in Nigeria and ECOWAS, described the workshop as apt, as it was coming at a time when Nigeria faced crisis in food security and nutrition.

Kouacou, represented by Tofiq Braimah, Operations Officer at FAO, observed that some families adopted negative coping mechanisms, such as skipping meals, reducing portion sizes, or relied on less nutritious alternatives to cope with the challenges.

“It is against this backdrop that FAO, in collaboration with FMAFS and the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, is launching the Nourishing Nigeria Technical Cooperation Programme.

“This initiative seeks to confront these challenges head-on, by embedding nutrition-sensitive approaches into agricultural planning, implementation and policy,” Kouacou said.

Dr Chike Okafor, Chairman, House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security at the National Assembly, stressed the need for expansion of the project, to advance policy implementation across the country.

Okafor said, “We cannot effectively nourish Nigeria without creating and strengthening the required Policy and Legal Frameworks. This is the premise on which the legal, policy, research and documentation consultants will work.

“By so doing, we can make laws abolishing multiple taxation of food products in transit from one part of Nigeria to another.

“Laws to prohibit certain cultural practices that hinder the girl child or adolescent optimal nutrition or extended breastfeeding, should be looked into and policies re-appraised to understand why they are poorly implemented.”

Meanwhile, Mr Nuhu Kilishi, Director, Nutrition and Food Security Department of the ministry, described the project as a collective dedication to incorporate nutrition-sensitive approaches into the agriculture sector food security and nutrition strategy.

“Our goal is to create an enabling environment that supports the implementation of nutrition-sensitive agriculture practices.

“This requires a fundamental shift in how we design and implement our agricultural policies and programmes,” Kilishi, also the National Project Coordinator of Nourish Nigeria, said.

The pilot project, designed for Lagos, Ogun, Niger and Bauchi States, seeks to promote awareness among stakeholders of the objectives and potential risks to ensure effective coordination and implementation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Christiana Fadare

Anambra Govt. to close unapproved schools by September
Education

Anambra Govt. to close unapproved schools by September

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By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

The Anambra State Government has directed all owners of private schools operating without official approval to obtain the necessary authorisation by September, or face closure.

Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, the state’s Commissioner for Education, gave the warning during a stakeholders’ meeting of proprietors of private schools, in Awka on Thursday.

Chuma-Udeh questioned the reasons for the delay in securing the necessary approvals, in spite multiple warnings and an extended grace period.

She said any further delay would not be tolerated.

“There are still many private schools in the state that have yet to be approved. The time given by the governor to shut down such schools has expired.

“Even though I took permission from governor to extend the time and has been holding back the task force, the owners of the schools are still delaying.

“This meeting is to know the reason for the delay in getting approval. But if by beginning of first term, those schools are yet to be approved, we will close them down.

“That is what the law stipulates, and we have given enough grace,” she said.

Some school proprietors alleged that impostors pretending to be government officials had visited their schools to extort money.

The commissioner promised to look into the complaint and act accordingly. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

NELFUND cautions against withholding students loan disbursement information
Education

NELFUND cautions against withholding students loan disbursement information

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By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Managing Director, Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyerr, has issued a stern warning to institutions that fail to inform students of loan disbursements made on their behalf.

Sawyerr gave the warning while addressing newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.

He said some institutions still demand payment of institutional fees from the same students rather than informing them of their loan disbursement.

Sawyerr said recent findings by NELFUND revealed that some institutions, after receiving student loan disbursements directly into their accounts, have neglected to notify the affected students.

He added that these institutions do not also reflect the payments in their school fee records, creating unnecessary confusion.

“This act of withholding critical financial information from students is not only unethical but a direct violation of the principles upon which NELFUND was established.

“We will not hesitate to take legal action against any institution found engaging in such deceptive practices” he said.

He emphasised that NELFUND’s mission was to expand access to higher education by relieving the financial burden on Nigerian students and their families.

According to him, this is in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He called on all institutions to uphold transparency and work collaboratively with the Fund in ensuring the efficient delivery of this national mandate.

“NELFUND exists to ensure no eligible Nigerian is denied the opportunity to pursue higher education due to lack of funds.

“We urge institutions to support this noble cause and avoid actions that could undermine public trust or deny students their rightful support,” he said.

He reassured students and the public of the fund’s commitment to accountability, fairness, and the successful implementation of the student loan scheme across the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Pakistani defence chief hails Nigerian military over counter-insurgency campaign
Defence/Security

Pakistani defence chief hails Nigerian military over counter-insurgency campaign

428 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chairman of Pakistani Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Gen. Shahir Mirza, has commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria, for its efforts in the fight against terrorism, insurgency and other forms of insecurity.

Mirza gave the commendation during a visit to his Nigerian counterpart, Gen. Christopher Musa at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

The Pakistani Chief also appreciated the long-standing mutual relationship between Nigeria and Pakistan, adding that both countries shared similarity in culture, religion and other diversity.

He also described Nigeria as a giant leader in Africa, with a geo-strategic importance to Pakistan.

Mirza maintained that both countries shared similar experiences in fighting terrorism, insurgency, and other forms of insecurity.

He said that the Pakistani military looked forward to a robust partnership with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

In his response, Nigeria’s defence chief, Gen. Musa thanked the Pakistani defence chief for the visit and assured him that the Nigerian military would continue to build capacity in collaboration with the Pakistani Armed Forces.

The CDS emphasised the importance of strategic collaboration between the two countries in the areas of training, particularly, Special Forces Training, management of Veteran Affairs, border security and intelligence sharing among others.

According to him, these collaborative efforts have so far ensured the training of over two thousand officers in various Pakistani military institutions. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Akpabio assures China on bilateral agreements
Foreign

Akpabio assures China on bilateral agreements

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By Naomi Sharang

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has assured China that all bilateral agreements would be implemented.

This assurance was given during a courtesy visit in Abuja on Thursday.

Akpabio met with Hu Chunhua, Vice-Chairperson of the 14th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

The visit was a key moment for reinforcing relations between Nigeria and China.

He said, “Let me assure Your Excellency that this National Assembly stands ready to play its full role in advancing bilateral agreements and deepening parliamentary diplomacy.”

“We will ensure that the legislative framework for Nigeria-China relations remains robust, fruitful and forward-looking.”

Akpabio acknowledged the long-standing bond between Nigeria and China, noting that for more than fifty years, the relationship has evolved from cautious dialogue to a confident alliance.

“We cherish China as a steadfast partner, whose developmental journey continues to inspire the world,” he said.

He praised China’s transformation under the Communist Party.

He highlighted China’s global economic growth, innovation, and poverty eradication.

Akpabio expressed eagerness to learn from China’s experiences and adapt them to Nigeria’s development goals.

Akpabio noted the presence of Chinese companies in Nigeria. He pointed out that their projects, such as highways, railways, and ports, reflect shared ambitions for progress.

“These projects are the bridges of friendship and the arteries of progress,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of these structures in strengthening bilateral relations.

He also recalled President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Beijing. During the visit, leaders Xi Jinping and Tinubu envisioned a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a decision that transcended political gestures.

Akpabio welcomed closer ties between the Nigerian Parliament and the CPPCC. He called for mutual learning and institutional cooperation to further enhance their relationship. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

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