NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Swimming Championship: Stakeholders laud standard of event
Sports

Swimming Championship: Stakeholders laud standard of event

241 total views today

By Ijeoma Okigbo

Some stakeholders at the maiden `Swim for Life’ national swimming championship have lauded the National Aquatics Federation (NAF) for the standard of the event while advocating for more competitions.

The stakeholders told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the tournament, focused on grassroots, will revive the sport in the country.

Lekan Fatodu, the Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), who was at the event, commended the federation, adding that the talents gained would be enhanced.

“What I have seen here is great and simply spectacular. The standard is really high and you can see the enthusiasm of the children.

“We need to give credit to the federation for organising this competition and the age category they have chosen.

“This is because this is one of the ways we can reposition our athletes according to the appropriate age category, thereby eliminating the tendency of cheating.

“As a state, we are dedicated to supporting youth development and talent recognition, and that is why we are here with our athletes to improve the game of swimming.

“The team has been doing so well and making us proud in the tournament, and once we go back home, we will continue to enhance and improve their skills through training and competitions,’’ Fatodu said.

On her part, Zarah Jamberlang, the chairperson of FCT Swimming Association, also commended the federation, adding that it is an eye-opener for the talents that abound in the capital city.

“I am impressed with the talents we have seen so far. Before this time, FCT had no team, but now we have about 20 swimmers in this tournament.

“After this competition, we will ensure we work on our pool, so that we have an adequate facility for swimmers to train.

“We will also reach out to Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, to inform him of the talents abound in the sport, and also get support.

“We are looking to organise a school competition in June, where most of these kids will participate. We will focus on reviving the sport in FCT,’’ Jamberlang added.

Doris Anekwe, a parent, said the tournament has been long overdue.

“From what I have observed, the tournament is of good standard and I commend the federation especially as there was little or no sponsorship, they still made it worthwhile.

“You can see how excited these children are about the competition.

“We need these competitions to encourage the swimmers, so they can test their skills, especially after months and years of training,’’ she said.

A swimmer, 10-year-old Ezeugwu Anekwe, who emerged winner in breast stroke 50m boys and freestyle 100m boys’ event, said the competitions will help athletes work harder.

“The swimmers from Lagos are giving the others a good run for their money but it is good to have such healthy competition, where you can see your errors and know where to work on.

“I am happy to emerge champion in some of my events, but we need more competitions to be able to improve on our skills,’’ Anekwe added.

NAN reports that over 150 kids ages eight to 15, from various states, clubs and schools, are participating in the three-day tournament at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Junior Swimming championship pathway to 2026 Youth Olympics—official
Sports

Junior Swimming championship pathway to 2026 Youth Olympics—official

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By Ijeoma Okigbo

Chinonye Aliyu, President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAF), said the ongoing `Swim for Life’ National Junior Swimming Championship is a pathway to the 2026 Youth Olympics Games in Senegal.

Aliyu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday that over 150 swimmers, ages 8 to 15, from various states, schools and clubs are featuring in the three-day tournament in Abuja.

She said the tournament will help improve the swimming database of the federation, as they keep track of athletes ahead of the Olympics.

“ In March, we had a championship for only swimmers in the FCT that was well publicised, resulting in a commendation from the world aquatics governing body.

“ We also had commendation from the National Sports Commission, who instructed us to organise a national event after the success of the FCT championship.

“It was these commendations that gave birth to this tournament in Abuja, and so far, we have recorded lots of talents which will now form our database.

“With the event rounding up today, we are now going to keep upgrading this database, keep track of the athletes and invite them to camp periodically with the Youth Olympics in view,’’ Aliyu said.

Meanwhile, the NAF boss noted that the tournament in Abuja is more than just a sporting event but aimed at promoting water safety.

“This championship is aimed at promoting water safety while encouraging early participation in swimming.

“I believe that every child should learn to swim, not just for competition but as a life skill and watching these kids perform for a couple of days now, has been impressive,’’ she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

UBA declares N3.19trn revenue, N767bn profits in 2024
Business

UBA declares N3.19trn revenue, N767bn profits in 2024

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By Kadiri Abdulrahman

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has posted a gross revenue of N3.19 trillion and a profit after tax of N767 billion for the 2024 financial year.

Mr Tony Elumelu, Chairman, Board of Directors of UBA, made this known at the bank’s 63rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday in Abuja,

Elumelu said that the bank sustained its deposit mobilisation efforts by growing total deposits by 42 per cent to N24.65 trillion from N17.36 trillion in 2023.

He said that its loan book also expanded by 35 per cent to N7.51 trillion from N5.55 trillion.

“The group maintained a well-structured and diversified balance sheet, with total assets and shareholders’ funds closing at N30.32 trillion and N3.52 trillion respectively,” he said.

Elumelu announced an interim dividend of two Naira per share, and a final dividend of three Naira per share to make a cumulative dividend of five Naira per share.

He said that UBA was on course to meet the new minimum capital requirement of N500 billion for international commercial banks as stipulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The chairman expressed the bank`s commitment to driving Africa’s economic transformation by facilitating cross-border trade and empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

“Through a straight partnership with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, UBA has pledged up to six billion dollars over three years to support SMEs in key sectors.

“The sectors include agro-processing, automotive, pharmaceuticals and transport/logistics, aimed at reducing import dependency and boosting intra-African trade.

“Beyond financing, UBA is focused on de-risking critical sectors, equipping SMEs with essential skills and leveraging technology to enhance trade integration and economic resilience across the continent,” he said.

The Group Managing Director of UBA, Mr Oliver Alawuba, said that in spite of the global uncertainties and economic challenges, the bank delivered outstanding results

He said that it expanded its global presence and reinforced its position as a leading financial institution.

According to Alawuba, these accomplishments are a testament to the bank`s unwavering focus on enterprise, excellence and execution.

He said that the bank’s gross earnings and net interest income reached their highest levels.

“Gross earnings grew year-on-year by 53.6 per cent to N3.19 trillion and our net interest income increased by 116.4 per cent to N1.53 trillion, asserting UBA’s position as a leading financial institution,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Joseph Edeh

Commission seeks improvement in Northeast’s healthcare sector
General News , Health

Commission seeks improvement in Northeast’s healthcare sector

287 total views today

By Philomina Attah

The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) has called for an urgent need for improvement in the region’s healthcare sector.

The Managing Director of the Commission, Mr Muhammed Alkali, made the call during an interaction session with the Ministry of Regional Development and members of its board in Abuja on Thursday.

Alkali said that the region, with a population of about 30 million, currently has only one outdated MRI machine.

According to him, the NEDC is taking steps to address this gap by providing new MRI machines and creating centers of medical excellence across the region.

“We want to look at the health situation in the region, and we have made a lot of mapping across all the health institutions in the Northeast.

“There are a lot of gaps in the healthcare system, so we will like to create excellent healthcare Centers across the Northeast, ” he said.

He said that the only available MRI machine was 15 years old, which is just as good as non-functional.

“We want to have a center in Gombe that will take care of heart disease patients, a center in Taraba that will take care of internal medicine, and so on.

“And we also remember that during the flood in Maiduguri, all the items and equipment in the states were destroyed, so they need to be replaced.

“We are now taking action to provide one MRI machine in each state. This is because they service not only Northeast but also other neighbouring states too,” he said.

Alkali also revealed a comprehensive master plan that would transform the region by 2030, adding that the plan would be presented at its upcoming retreat

“On the upcoming retreat, we will produce the full document in December so that members, especially directors of ministries, can go through it and probably add more input.

“We are inviting directors of ministries and stakeholders to review and provide further input.

“The plan, already in operation, is structured into four strategic phases: Stabilisation (2020–2022), Renewal (2022–2024), Expansion (2024–2026), and Sustainable Growth (2026–2030).

“It is anchored on 11 pillars, ranging from peaceful society and leadership in agriculture to health, education, infrastructure, and regional integration,” he said.

He said that with a projected implementation cost of around 80 billion dollars (over N31 trillion ), the plan aims to rebuild the region’s social and economic foundations after years of insurgency.

“Key initiatives include the introduction of e-mobility, rehabilitation of critical infrastructure such as bridges, and the establishment of regional transport systems like airlines and railways.

According to him, the NESDMP, validated by the federal government and supported by various ministries, is designed to be flexible, with ongoing reviews to align with current realities.

“The commission is committed to completing all outstanding projects in roads, health, and education, ensuring sustainable development and improved quality of life for the Northeast’s residents,” he said.

The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, urged NEDC to prioritise impactful projects and collaborate with the Ministry for effective project execution.

He emphasised the ministry’s commitment to supporting the NEDC in its mandate to rebuild and transform the insurgency-affected Northeast region of Nigeria.

Momoh highlighted the importance of focusing on projects that can be started and completed within a reasonable timeframe.

He urged the commission to avoid “overextending” on initiatives that may not be deliverable.

He said that the ministry’s role was to assist the NEDC, noting that the success of the commission directly reflects on the ministry and the Federal Government’s broader development agenda.

The minister called for greater investment in critical sectors such as transportation, particularly rail connectivity and healthcare,

He emphasised the need for every state in the region to have advanced medical equipment like MRI machines.

He also encouraged the commission to explore setting up an investment corporation to ensure sustainable funding and value retention for ongoing and future projects.

Momoh reminded the NEDC of the need for transparency, regular communication, and adherence to approval thresholds, assuring that the ministry would provide guidance and support where needed.

He urged the commission to publicise its achievements, as visibility is key to ensuring that the public recognises the progress being made in the Northeast’s recovery and development.

The Commission Board Chairman, retired Maj.-Gen. Paul Tarfa, expressed deep appreciation for the collaborative platform.

Tarfa described the platform as both a moment of reflection and a reaffirmation of shared commitment to Nigeria’s progress.

He emphasised the commission’s unwavering dedication to working in close synergy with key partners.

According to him, coordination and strategic alignment are important in delivering on the NEDC’s mandate.

He reiterated the commission’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on inclusive growth, sustainable development, and improved welfare for all Nigerians.

Tarfa expressed confidence that through mutual support and strategic coordination, remarkable outcomes for national development would be achieved.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

DHQ takes security campaign to Adamawa community
Defence/Security

DHQ takes security campaign to Adamawa community

335 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Thursday, embarked on a military diplomacy campaign to Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa to sensitise the people on promotion of peace, security and patriotism.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign, being the maiden edition, was being conducted by the Directorate of Defence Media Operations to different parts of the country.

Addressing the audience at the Shagari Primary School premises in Yola, the DHQ Team Lead, Commander Godwin Egbunu, said the campaign was organised to also appreciate the people for their cooperation.

Egbunu said the campaign was an initiative of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, to encourage continued collaboration between the military and its host communities.

He said it was a way of reaching out to communities to encourage them to come out and share credible intelligence to support the ongoing military operations nationwide.

“Part of our message is for the youths and community members to desist from joining or being lured into criminal groups, cult groups, kidnapping gangs, and all other things that will bring about negative vices.

“We want to ensure that communities live at peace with one another, avoiding communal clashes.

“Wherever there are controversies, they should reach out to the nearest military unit to air their grievances so that the military can step in to avoid skirmishes.

“Also, we want to encourage you not to see the military as enemies but to see the military as partners and uphold the trust.

“The military is your military, so they should love the military, embrace the military, and be friendly with the military,” he said.

Egbunu urged the people to also exhibit spirit of patriotism, orderliness and attitudinal change to ensure peace and security in their communities.

He also urged parents to observe their children, know how they live outside homes to be able to know when they begin to engage in negative activities.

He also urged them to always volunteer useful information to the military and other security agencies as well as avoid taking laws into their hands, adding that self defence does not mean killing another person.

The military officer also warned about the danger of fake news caused by the use of social media, saying that fake news had a negative impact on peace and security in the society.

He urged them to always rely on traditional media outlets like TV and radio stations to get authentic news or contact the nearest military formation to verify whatever information they had.

According to him, the military is not only about fighting, the military is also engaged in several non-kinetic efforts like medical outreaches, educational support and provision of essential amenities like boreholes.

He urged the people to be bold to relay whatever negative experience they might have had with the military in the past.

The Commander 23 Brigade Yola, Brig.-Gen. Paul Zawaya, represented by the Brigade’s Intelligence Officer, Lt.-Col. Felix Ayeni, commended the people for their cooperation with the military in tackling insecurity in the state.

He said the successes recorded by Operation Farauta in the state was as a result of the support of the government and people of the state.

He pledged to sustain the operation to ensure that Adamawa remained safe and secured.

The Chairman, Yola South Local Government Area, Salihu Malkohi, represented by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Aliyu Isah, thanked the CDS for the initiative and thanked the military for the good job being done in the state.

Malkohi said the local government had remained committed to supporting the military and other security agencies in ensuring peace and security in their communities.

He said the security being enjoyed in the local government had attracted an influx of people to the local government and attracted development and economic opportunities.

He solicited for more military presence in Adamawa, saying that were ready to give more land for more military barracks in the state.

Some of the community leaders who spoke with NAN commended the CDS for the military diplomacy campaign initiative, saying it would boost their confidence that they had a military that they could be proud of.

They called for frequent engagement of such nature to enable them to see the military as their partners and not oppressors.

Mr Darius Susarumso, a civil servant, said the engagement had painted a different picture of the military in the minds of the people.

He urged the military to take such campaigns to all parts of the country, especially the crisis affected areas, to be able to win the support of the people for their operations. (NAN) (www.nannewsng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

GWR boxing bout: Bash Ali urges FG to re-inaugurate LOC
Sports

GWR boxing bout: Bash Ali urges FG to re-inaugurate LOC

380 total views today

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Renowned Nigerian boxer Bashiru Ali, popularly known as Bash Ali, has called on President Bola Tinubu to re-inaugurate the Bash Ali Boxing Project Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Guinness World Records Boxing bout.

Speaking to the press in Abuja on Thursday, Ali expressed frustration over alleged corruption within past government officials that had stalled the event.

He said the 12-round bout would mark the first Guinness World Records Boxing Championship fight to be held on African soil.

Ali emphasised the event’s potential to bring significant economic benefits to Nigeria.

At 69 years old, the former World Boxing Federation (WBF) cruiserweight titleholder, who won his title in 1985, highlighted that while the event was private sector-driven, it required government support to become a reality.

He stressed that all previous Guinness World Records Boxing Championship fights had been held in the U.S., making the event in Nigeria a groundbreaking opportunity.

Ali revealed that 132 countries were expected to participate in the event, and the Federal Government had already written to the World Boxing Body to guarantee the safety of its members in Nigeria.

He also mentioned that the National Sports Commission would follow up to ensure timely payment of approval fees domiciled at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by the private sector.

Ali said that for 19 years, he had faced obstacles from corrupt government officials in his pursuit of hosting the world championship fight.

He urged President Tinubu to use his office to remove these barriers and ensure the fight finally took place.

“In the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda, I am respectfully asking for the immediate re-inauguration of the Bash Ali Boxing Project LOC by Mr President.

“With the re-inauguration, all the unnecessary obstacles caused by corruption would be knocked out, so this historic fight can hold in our great country, Nigeria,” he said.

Ali explained that the LOC had been inaugurated in 2006, 2014, and 2019 by previous administrations but faced setbacks due to corruption.

He called on President Tinubu to investigate the matter and hold accountable any officials found guilty of extortion.

The pugilist also confirmed that he had been medically cleared and was ready to face his opponent, Andy Ruiz Jr., once all arrangements were finalised

Ali, known for his powerful punches and aggressive style, vowed to continue fighting against corruption in the system while pushing for the world title fight, which he believed would bring global recognition to Nigeria.

He also urged Nigerians to support his mission to put Nigeria back on the global boxing map.

Earlier, Dickson Oshin, National President, Bash Ali Fan Club noted that President Bola Tinubu had promised to help make the fight a reality.

“I am using this opportunity to remind Mr President of the promise he made to us during his election campaign when we met with him in Ekiti.

“He promised us that he would ensure that the historic Guinness World Record Boxing Championship fight holds in Nigeria.

“I am therefore pleading again with President Tinubu to help us make this event a reality,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

OSOM Games can produce top athletes for Nigeria— Dikko
Sports

OSOM Games can produce top athletes for Nigeria— Dikko

273 total views today

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko says the  One Service One medal ( OSOM) Games remains a veritable platform for discovering top athletes for the nation.

Dikko stated this on Thursday while declaring open the 6th edition of the OSOM Games inside the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The OSOM Games is meant for all military and para-military service agencies in the country.

He noted the role of security agencies in producing top athletes for the various national teams, and stressed the importance of hosting such competitions.

“We recognise the role the security agencies played in the rich sporting history of our country.

“They have produced  some of the country’s finest athletes who have done the country proud at various international competitions.

“At the  commission we acknowledge that the security agencies still have  the potential to produce top class athletes for the country which is part of the reasons we are committed like never before to hosting this year’s OSOM Games,.

“I look forward to an exciting competition and our eyes will be on some of the outstanding athletes that will distinguish themselves at the Games.

“We are currently building a sustainable pool of talents that will be ready to do the country proud at international competitions,”  he said.

The Chairman emphasised the importance of organising such Games which among other things serves as a veritable tool to foster unity and camaraderie among the security agencies.

“The OSOM Games is more than a competition. It is a building block in our broader vision to reform the Nigerian Sports Sector.

“As I said earlier , under the RHINSE initiative, we are committed to turning Sports from a field of consumption into one of Production. That means placing greater focus on local competitions like these,” he added.

Dikko used the occasion to assure athletes that the Commission will soon embark on infrastructural revamping of the country’s sporting facilities.

He specifically said that the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja will soon undergo a total face-lift especially with the pitch.

Dikko maintained that infrastructural development and athlete’s growth go hand in hand and the NSC is fully committed to making this work.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the OSOM Games brings together all Service Agencies, both Military and Para Military, to compete under a fair and  competitive atmosphere.

No fewer than 12 military and para-military agencies are competing in the six-day competition which ends on April 30.

The agencies include; the Nigeria Police Force( NPF), Nigeria Customs Service ( NCS), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCOS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC) .

Others are; Nigeria Army, DSS, EFCC, Fire Service, NIA, ICPC, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Ecological footprints: UNIDO tasks manufacturers on sustainability practices
Environment

Ecological footprints: UNIDO tasks manufacturers on sustainability practices

310 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

The National Programme Officer, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Dr Reuben Bamidele, has charged manufacturers to embrace sustainable practices to minimise ecological footprints and environmental impact.

Bamidele made the call at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ikeja Branch 2025, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)/Managing Directors Forum on Thursday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was themed: “Sustainability of the Manufacturing Sector in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Way Forward”.

He observed that sustainability had become a key focus for businesses across various industries, and the manufacturing sector was no exception.

Bamidele noted that manufacturing activities consumed vast amounts of energy and water, generated substantial waste, and contributed to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

He said by embracing sustainable practices, manufacturers could minimise ecological footprint and reduce the impact the sector has on the environment.

He noted that governments and regulatory bodies were attempting to speed up this process by imposing stricter environmental regulations and standards.

According to him, non-compliance can result in hefty fines, legal repercussions, and damage to a company’s reputation.

“While sustainable manufacturing holds tremendous promise, it is not without challenges such as high initial costs, change management, supply chain complexities, regulatory compliance and data.

“However, to improve sustainability outcomes, manufacturers can improve product design based on sustainability goals, go green across all operations, and upskill people for green transition,” he said.

The Director-General, MAN, Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said that for Nigeria to deliver on inclusive growth, manufacturing performance must improve.

He stressed the need for continuous engagement with government and all stakeholders to expose the real situation of the country’s real sector.

Ajayi-Kadir also urged government to prioritise the manufacturing sector.

He saluted the resilience of all manufacturing CEOs for staying the course and projected that they would reap the benefits of renewed economic development in Nigeria.

“MAN is poised to support government policies that would promote manufacturing and we would continue to leverage our access to government to ensure they pay attention to the sector to support its growth,” he said.

The General Manager, Lagos State Wastewater Management, Mr Adefemi Afolabi,  said sewage, which was not really paid attention to, made up a large percentage of waste.

Afolabi urged manufacturers on the importance of abiding to the state’s laws on sewage and other waste products for environmental safety and sustainability.

“We are concerned about waste generated by industries and would continue to engage MAN on sustainable measures on waste disposal and waste management.

“As issues of sanitation have a direct nexus to public health, we would work with the association to create models to monitor and manage waste disposal,” he said.

The Chairman, MAN Ikeja Branch, Mr Robert Ugbaja, noted that the event’s theme spoke directly to the realities industrialists faced in an increasingly dynamic global and local environment.

Ugbaja stressed that sustainability was no longer a buzzword, but an urgent call for manufacturers to embrace.

He expressed manufacturers readiness to embrace insights on global standards, practical interventions, and proper positioning within the sustainable manufacturing framework.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Expert tasks NIM inductees on ethical leadership
General News

Expert tasks NIM inductees on ethical leadership

338 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Talent development professional, Ms Ugochi Obi, has urged the 635 new inductees of the Nigerian Institute of Management Chartered (NIM) to prioritise ethical leadership and professional integrity as pillars of sustainable management.

Obi made the call at the NIM induction, upgrading and recertification programme on Thursday in Lagos.

She noted that Nigeria rich in human capital, talent and opportunities, was challenged by systemic gaps in trust, accountability and transparency.

Obi, however, stated that these gaps could be filled by right ethical leadership, integrity and other sound governance practices.

She stressed the importance of upholding ethics over ease, people over power, saying ethical leadership is doing what is right even when it is not convenient.

“Sustainability hinged on accountability, transparency, values and trust is the currency of long term management success.

“Your role as professional managers is to not only carry the institute’s reputation on, but courageously choose ethics over popularity with integrity defining your legacy,” she said.

The NIM President, retired Commodore Abimbola Ayuba, noted that the management profession, aimed at improving the well-being of humanity, was pivotal to all professions.

Ayuba said that exemplary conduct was always expected from professional managers in their work, relationships and in service to the nation.

He added that becoming a professional member of the institute was a call to duty and responsibility to the institute, the management profession and the nation.

The NIM president urged the newly certified professional managers to carry out their duties with utmost efficiency, subjecting their self-interest to corporate and collective interests always.

“By becoming professional members of the institute, you are to be in the forefront of instilling and promoting these virtues in both private and public sector organisations.

“I urge you to be change agents wherever and in whatever capacity you find yourselves by insisting on doing the right thing all the time no matter the pressure to do otherwise.

“I strongly believe that if we all adopt the right attitude, we will help bring the change which Nigeria needs now more than ever before,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Taxation: CITN inducts 1,461 new members
Economy/Business

Taxation: CITN inducts 1,461 new members

310 total views today

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

Taxation stakeholders have called for ethical tax practices to enable the nation boost its non-oil revenue.

The stakeholders spoke at the 52nd induction ceremony of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) in Abuja on Thursday.

Prof. Yusuf Ali, the Special guest of honour at the event, said that the importance of taxation in any serious society could be underlined by the fact that tax evasion attracts severe punishment.

Ali, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said in such societies, evasion of tax is equated with killing so many people.

According to him, one of the challenges Nigeria has had is that we are used to freebies.

“In first republic, each of the three regions was contributing to the national purse. Nigerians showed interest in the common wealth of the country because they were all contributing to generate the revenue.

“But when oil money came, we went off target and taxes became relegated. When people pay taxes, they hold those in charge responsible.

“In advanced societies, the central government taxes the states for the resources they generate. For us to make progress, we must retrace our steps.

“If we rely on taxes, we will be more interested in making our leaders account for the way they spend our money. All Nigerians should imbibe the habit of willingly fulfilling their tax obligations,” he said.

The CITN President, Mr Samuel Agbeluyi, said that the Institute, the foremost professional taxation body in Nigeria, had been at the forefront of driving excellence, ethical and professional standards in the tax profession for over 43 years.

Agbeluyi urged members to be well acquainted with the tax and fiscal policy reforms being proposed through the Economic Stabilisation Bill presented by the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.

“The Bill is currently awaiting concurrent approval from the Senate, having been passed by the House of Representatives.
“Amongst other things, it recommends the introduction of tax agents who will serve as intermediaries between tax payers and revenue authorities.

“This legislative effort is certainly commendable; however, as tax professionals, we have a critical role to play.

“The Institute is committed to ensuring that taxation remains a specialised and regulated profession, ensuring that only individuals with the required expertise and certification are allowed to practice,” he said.

He said that the CITN had reviewed the bills and made submissions on areas where specific provisions may benefit from further refinement to enhance tax administration and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.

“We believe that if and when our recommendations are taken into consideration, the Nigeria tax system will be better for it.

“The CITN remains unwavering in its commitment to continually providing technical support and advice to the government as we progress in these reforms,” he said.
He said that the Institute took seriously the issue of continuous learning.

“Apart from the annual Mandatory Professional Training Programme (MPTP), the Institute, including the CITN Tax Academy, organises various trainings, conferences, workshops, seminars and specialised training programmes.

“Additionally, to ensure that members stay up-to-date about the proposed changes and understand their potential impact on the taxation landscape, the Institute has carried out series of high-level webinars to deepen discussions on the tax reforms among members and the general public,” he said.

He urged the new inductees to project the institute positively through ethical conduct, and by striving for excellence at all times in your service to employers, clients and stakeholders.

Dr Titilayo Fowokan, the Chairman, Membership and Professional Conduct Committee, said that taxation was imperative to national development.

According to Fowokan, as tax professionals, members of the CITN play a crucial role in ensuring compliance, promoting fiscal responsibility, and contributing to the economic growth of our country.

“The knowledge and skills you have acquired will serve as invaluable tools in addressing the challenges within Nigeria’s tax system and shaping the future of taxation,” she said.

She urged the new members to take full advantage of available opportunities in CITN for continuous learning, networking, and active participation in its programmes and activities.

“Your success as tax professionals will be determined by your dedication to integrity, lifelong learning, and commitment to best practices.

“As you step into the CITN family, you should imbibe and live the CITN values–Service, Teamwork, Excellence and Professionalism (STEP). Make sure you extend your network and add to your contacts as this is the soul of success in professional practice,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 1,461 new CITN members were inducted at the ceremony.

Nine of the inductees were awarded for excelling in the October 2024 professional examination, and Oluwadamilola Olaiya was named as the overall best student. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

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