News Agency of Nigeria
Waqf: Al-Habibiyyah unveils Islamic blueprint for sustainable development
General News , Religious

Waqf: Al-Habibiyyah unveils Islamic blueprint for sustainable development

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society (AIS) has unveiled a bold and inclusive Islamic initiative aimed at tackling poverty and accelerating community growth/national development.

The National Chief Imam of AIS, Sheik Fuad Adeyemi, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at a workshop for management staff of the organisation ahead of the inauguration of the Al-Habibiyyah Waqf Foundation and other developmental projects.

According to Adeyemi, Waqf is a strategic Islamic charitable endowment involving the dedication of assets or properties whose benefits are channeled toward community development.

He said that income generated from the Waqf assets are used for humanity and public good such as building schools, Mosques, healthcare or supporting less privileged in the society.

The Imam highlighted how businesses can be endowed through Waqf to ensure continuity, serve humanitarian causes and tackle poverty in the country.

He said “if you notice in Nigeria, almost all the businesses, the moment the owner dies, that is the end of the business.

“But with Waqf, you can endow the business in an Islamic way, and such business will be taken over
and be used for the good of the people.

“These are the things we want to promote for the benefit of humanity.”

Adeyemi said that aside the Waqf  Foundation, other developmental initiatives to be inaugurated include the “Faith and Philanthropy Initiative”, in collaboration with McArthur Foundation.

Others are the Al-Habibiyyah Rural Initiative, Estate Planning and Allied Services (EPAS), Diaspora Support Services, Volunteer Mobilisation and African Mosque Forum.

He explained that AIS would collaborate with business associations, strategic stakeholders such as the Corporate Affairs Commission and Islamic banks to drive the various initiatives.

He expressed confidence that the initiatives would provide sustainable, faith-based solutions to the challenges of poverty and underdevelopment across the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was attended by development experts, Islamic scholars, business management experts and media consultants. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Africa Day: Nigeria hosts 35 nations in Abuja
Foreign

Africa Day: Nigeria hosts 35 nations in Abuja

By Angela Atabo

Nigeria will play host to no fewer than 35 countries with different speakers at the 61st Africa Day celebration scheduled for May 24 to May 27 in Abuja.

Mr Young Piero, Coordinator and Director of Parliament, Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Joint Sessions, Africa Union Simulation (AUS), disclosed this at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Africa Day celebrates the day when the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the precursor to the African Union (AU), was formed in 1963.

NAN also reports that Africa Day celebrations acknowledge the progress Africans have made, while reflecting upon the common challenges faced in a global environment.

Piero said the discussions at the 61st edition of the day would focus on continental unity, borderless Africa, intra-African trade, cultural exchange, and the AU’s Vision 2030 initiative for a single African passport.

He said the event will also spotlight youths and women inclusion, patriotism, and African cultural values.

“The 61st Africa Day celebration aims to create a unified continental voice that drives meaningful development and promotes a more united and progressive Africa.

“This year’s celebration is going to be different in the sense that we are collaborating with all organisations in Nigeria and Africa that are doing fabulously well in their own field, in terms of building the Africa that we want,’’ he said.

Piero added that the event would afford the continent the opportunity to celebrate itself, the culture, originality and instill in the people the concept of “Africa first,

“Africa is where the treasure lies, and we are building Africa that will become a global powerhouse of the future,’’ he said.

Speaking in the same veins, the President of the Afro-Caribbean Chamber, Quadri-Adu Kehinde, said that ahead of the 2025 Africa Day, a liberation walk would be held to emphasise the essence freedom.

“The time of slavery is gone and this is a time that we need to move together and work together. That is the essence of the liberation walk,’’ he said.

Kehinde said other key activities of the event included, discussion on Africa’s development as well as sessions for youths, women among other groups.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Phil Roberts, commended Nigerian government for its support in hosting the event and stressed the importance of patriotism in Africa’s journey to progress. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

FG woos African countries on data protection
Science & Tech

FG woos African countries on data protection

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Federal Government has urged African countries to collaborate on the protection of data on the continent and beyond.

Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, said this at the 8th edition of conference of Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) in Abuja.

The Federal Government used the occasion to inaugurate the Nigeria Virtual Privacy Academy aimed at deepening data protection initiatives.

The three-day conference has as its theme: “Balancing Innovation, in Africa: Data Protection and Privacy in Emerging Technologies.”

It drew participants from no fewer than 30 African countries, Europe, Asia, Middle East and the U.S.

Represented by Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Shettima said the journey to data privacy began when African Charter was domesticated in 1983.

He said it was domesticated in Nigeria through the 1999 constitution.

He said the the conference was a testament to the progressive nature of the Nigeria’s legal framework for data protection.

According to him, the government remains committed to the implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023.

The VP said that data was not just a digital resource but a human story told in numbers, which serves as a tool to build economic trust.

“As the Africa continent expands the scale of its African exchange, our ability to share data securely and lawfully will define our capacity to thrive.

“That is why forums like this are not only welcome but essential, they offer us the chance to cross-pollinate ideas, to nurture human capital, and to strengthen mechanisms for mutual legal assistance.

“They allow us to create an African consensus on data governance that respects our people and reflects our values, ” he said.

He called on the participants at the conference to utilise the opportunity to shape the right strategies for Africa in the area of data privacy.

Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, inaugurated the Nigeria Virtual Privacy Academy.

The academy is part of government’s initiative towards harnessing the benefits of a digital economy.

Tijani said the academy was aimed at delivering virtual training in data protection and privacy across both the public sector and the private sector.

“Recognising the opportunities across our continent, we have also set up a digital trade desk, a one-stop platform to promote Nigeria’s need to export, while unlocking global market opportunities for tech-enabled businesses.

“To fully harness the benefits of this and other initiatives, we see data as the backbone and digital protection as the shield.

“As we digitise government services, open up digital trade corridors, and advance the need for digital identity on the platform, we must ensure that our value chains are secure, fair, and transparent,” he said.

According to him, it offers Nigerians access to practical training on data protection principles and easy cyber identity.

The Chairperson of NADPA, Mr Iro Adamou, said the primary goal of NADPA was to foster collaboration among members and amplify African voices in its interaction with global partners in data protection.

Represented by Mrs Immaculate Kassiat, the NADPA Vice President, Adamou reiterated that the protection of personal data was a shared responsibility across all African countries.

“Human beings, regardless of gender, share common characteristics and it is necessary to safeguard, preserve their rights of personal data in this evolving digital landscape.

“Our presence in Abuja serves as a testament to the unity and shared aspiration of Africa and together we are committed to advancing towards a trustworthy digital environment that safeguards the privacy of individuals,” he said.

Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of NDPC, said Nigeria was focused on enabling a future-proof regulatory environment that supports innovation and advances data protection.

“We have carried out over 5,047 compliance assessments, about 223 investigations, and 12 different organisations from different sectors have gone through remediation.

“In terms of revenue to government, within less than two years, we were able to generate over $1.2 million to government in terms of registration fee, audit filing fee, and compliance fee.

“On the part of data controllers and processors, we have established, collaborated with data protection authorities across Africa and signed Memorandums of Understanding,” he said.

He said that NADPA would continue to evolve as a central platform for continental data governance.

“I urge all member states who are yet to enact a data protection legislation, to do so without delay as strong data protection laws are not barriers to innovation, but enablers of inclusive digital economy.”

Mr Gautier Mignot, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, represented by Ms Inga Stefanowicz, Head of Green and Digital Economy pledged EU’s continued support towards policies that promoted better frameworks in Africa.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that NADPA was established in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, in September 2016, at a side event to the African forum on personal data protection. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited by Uche Anunne

Digital skills: FG trains 200,000 Nigerians on artificial intelligence
Science & Tech

Digital skills: FG trains 200,000 Nigerians on artificial intelligence

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Federal Government says it has trained no fewer than 200,000 Nigerians on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies in order to build a digitally skilled workforce for the country.

Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at the 10th Annual Symposium and Awards of the American Chemical Society (ACS), Nigeria International Chemical Sciences Chapter.

The event was hosted by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) with the theme “Advancing Sustainability through AI-Driven Chemistry”.

According to Nnaji, the ministry is spearheading the formulation of a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, designed to provide a unified roadmap for ethical and inclusive AI adoption across the country.

Nnaji, who was represented by Dr Patricks Oghuma, Special Assistant to the Minister and Team Lead Technical & Administration, Minister’s Project Delivery, Monitoring and Evaluation (PROD-ME), said that the training would position Nigeria as a continental leader in responsible AI innovation.

“Today, we find ourselves at the crossroads of a revolution where artificial intelligence and chemistry converge to create new frontiers; this powerful synergy offers a vision of the future in which innovation and sustainability work hand in hand.

“This gathering is a remarkable milestone that exemplifies our collective commitment to innovation and academic excellence.

“As we explore the theme of sustainability through AI-driven chemistry, let us remember that the future is not predetermined – it is shaped by our actions today.

“Chemists have a vital role to play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); however, many brilliant scientific contributions remain buried in journals or academic shelves, never reaching the industries or policymakers that could bring them to life.

“The disconnect between research, application and policy is a critical issue; we must bridge this gap through transformational research that embraces AI, and is designed to solve real-world problems.

“Let me reiterate, chemistry is at the heart of the SDGs; no meaningful progress can be made without the contribution of this field, and this symposium provides a valuable opportunity to generate ideas that will strengthen our nation,” Nnaji said.

(Left to Right) Prof. Chiedu Mafiana, NOUN Deputy Vice-Chancellor receiving an award from Prof. Joshua Obaleye, immediate past Chair, ACS, Nigeria

Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, said that the role of chemistry as a foundational science had never been more critical as the world grapples with complex global challenges like insecurity, banditry, climate change and so on.

Peters, was represented by Prof. Chiedu Mafiana, NOUN Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

“It is the infusion of AI, with its power to model, predict, and optimise, that now opens new frontiers in reducing waste and energy consumption; optimising chemical processes and improving the development of more sustainable technologies and solutions.

“At NOUN, we are deeply committed to the ideals of accessible, Technology-Enhanced education and cutting-edger research that addresses national development and global goals.

“This symposium aligns perfectly with our institutional vision of fostering innovation that is both scientifically rigorous and socially responsible. Thus, as a practicing chemist, I am elated, albeit excited to be hosting this epoch-making event.

“The conversations during this symposium from AI-enhanced green chemistry to sustainable materials and smart manufacturing, should not just be seen as mere academic pursuit, but in addition, as essentials to building a resilient, knowledge-driven economy in Nigeria and across Africa,” Peters said.

Prof. Edu Inam, Chair, ACS Nigeria, said the society had sustained efforts at organising campus events and outreach programmes to participate in research and mentorship activities.

Awards were given to deserving members of the society including Peters and the immediate past Chair, ACS Nigeria, Prof. Joshua Obaleye. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

FG, AFD partner to boost project delivery
Economy/Business

FG, AFD partner to boost project delivery

By Nana Musa

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Emeka Obi, says collaboration with the French Development Agency (AFD) will improve project implementation.

 

He stated this during a training programme on AFD Procurement Guidelines, held on Tuesday in Abuja.

 

The programme was organised by the AFD in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning.

 

Obi, represented by Director of Economic Growth, Auwal Mohammed, said both agencies aimed to enhance implementation at federal and sub-national levels.

 

He added that the Nigerian Government and AFD remained committed to supporting projects to achieve their objectives.

 

Obi stressed that procurement was vital to project delivery and urged participants to take the training seriously.

 

“Procurement involves sourcing, purchasing, receiving, and inspecting goods and services needed for operations, including materials, software, and office supplies,” he said.

 

He warned that procurement is often overlooked until challenges arise, making prevention more important than cure.

 

“That is why we always say, prevention is better than cure,” Obi noted.

 

He explained the training aimed to equip officers with full understanding of AFD procurement procedures and processes.

 

This knowledge, he said, would support informed decisions about products or services – considering price, quality, quantity, and timing.

 

Obi noted the training would also address consultancies, goods, and works contracts covered by the guidelines.

 

He added that there would be a comparative review of Nigerian Procurement Regulations and AFD Procurement Guidelines.

 

He praised AFD for its support towards the government’s development goals and public service delivery.

 

AFD Country Director in Nigeria, Xavier Muron, said two billion euros in development projects were ongoing in the country.

 

Muron said AFD had operated in Nigeria since 2008 and had funded over three billion euros in projects to date.

 

He noted the current projects include infrastructure, education, vocational training, water, and healthcare.

 

“Some of the projects were concluding, while others were just beginning.

 

“Our financing has grown. Currently, two billion euros are in active investments across Nigeria,” Muron said.

 

He encouraged implementing agencies to actively engage in the training for effective project delivery.

 

Muron said sectors supported include infrastructure, water, governance, education, and vocational training – which is a new focus.

 

“Agriculture is not yet covered, but we plan to expand with value chain and growth programmes,” he added.

 

He emphasised that procurement was critical for the success of AFD-funded initiatives.

 

The training, he said, aimed to build capacity among implementation partners on AFD procurement standards.

 

“Our guidelines follow international best practices and help partners comply with procurement requirements,” Muron explained.

 

The training would also allow partners to share experiences, challenges, and possible areas of improvement.

 

“We want Nigerian agencies to fully understand our procurement rules to avoid project delays,” he stated.

 

Muron warned that incorrect procurement procedures could slow down programme delivery.

 

“We want you updated on regulations so we don’t waste time due to procurement setbacks,” he added.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training aligns Nigeria’s procurement standards with those of international donors like the World Bank.

 

AFD Procurement Specialist, Mr Antonio Velasco, said the training would cover finance and consultancy procurement procedures.

 

He said participants would be trained on bidding documents, applicable rules, and procurement security.

 

NAN also reports that the training included AFD staff, government officials, and state-level MDA representatives. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Josephine Obute / Kamal Tayo Oropo

NSC tasks sports officers on vision to transform sector
Sports

NSC tasks sports officers on vision to transform sector

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, has called on sports officers across the country to align with the Commission’s renewed vision to transform the sector.

Dikko gave the charge  while declaring open a two-day capacity-building workshop for sports officers organised by the NSC in Abuja on Tuesday.

The workshop, with the theme “Reset, Refocus, and Relaunch the Nigerian Sports Sector for Greater Performance,” aims to create a more vibrant and economically viable sports industry in the country.

He stressed the importance of collective responsibility and commitment in achieving the Commission’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE).

 “You are the fundamental key drivers of this vision. If you fail to align, the task becomes much more difficult.

“You are among the most competent, forward-thinking, and valuable assets within the Commission. If we work together, success is guaranteed,” he said.

The NSC boss reiterated the importance of returning to grassroots sports development as a foundation for international success.

He emphasised the need to key into the Federal Executive Council’s recent approval of the “Nigeria First” policy, which pioritises the development of internal capacity and local services.

“For the first time, the commission has a targeted budget focused on delivering the right infrastructure to enable you to perform better.

 “We are working on the concessioning of facilities in Lagos, Kaduna, Ibadan, and Bauchi to ensure they are fully optimised,” he said.

Dikko  commended the Secretaries-General of the various Sports Federations for their efforts but,  urged them to push their respective federations to be more responsive and results-driven.

“We must change the negative narrative about the commission. We aim to create three to four million jobs through sports,” he added.

Earlier, the Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, urged the sports officers to adopt a proactive approach and work as a unified team to achieve greater results.

“As stakeholders of this commission, you must be bold, proactive, and never allow yourselves to be intimidated.

“The commission is fully behind you,” Olopade said.

The Director, Federation and Elite Athletes Department (FEAD), NSC, Olumide Bamiduro, said the workshop was designed to recognise and empower the officers, who are the key drivers of the sector.

“Your diligence and hard work are crucial for the progress of sports in Nigeria.

“I encourage you to take full advantage of this retreat to implement the commission’s new policies and vision,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop had sessions on “21st Century High Performance Management Strategies for Podium Success in Sports”.

The sports officers were also engaged in sessions such as ‘Mastering Communication Excellence” and “Remodelling Sports Governance and Development in Nigeria”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Joseph Edeh

Customs integrates Form M into B’Odogwu portal
Economy/Business

Customs integrates Form M into B’Odogwu portal

By Martha Agas

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully integrated the Form M process into the B’Odogwu Trade Portal through a pilot scheme across three commands.

The pilot scheme was implemented at Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML), Tin Can Island Port, and Apapa Area Command.

Spokesman Abdullahi Maiwada confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.

He explained that these sites were selected to enable strategic testing, close monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and effective performance evaluation.

During the pilot, 544 Form M entries were processed. Out of these, 283 were registered, 10 validated, and 26 stored for future action.

Also, 41 entries were submitted, 120 returned for corrections, 11 queried, 14 had PAARs locked, and 39 were recommended for approval.

Maiwada said the figures show strong testing and learning across all participating commands during the pilot exercise.

He added that 37 Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports (PAARs) were generated from the Forms M processed during the pilot.

Of these, seven PAARs were registered, 12 had their SGDs processed, and two were fully approved.

Eight PAARs were recommended for further review, four submitted for processing, and four were queried.

He said the outcome confirms B’Odogwu’s capacity to support complete trade documentation during live operations.

Maiwada noted the initiative marks a major milestone in the NCS’s tech-driven reform agenda to modernise trade processes.

He stated that the Form M pilot success indicates the start of a nationwide shift in Customs operations.

According to him, the transition aims to simplify documentation, improve transparency, and reduce cargo clearance timeframes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that following the pilot’s success, carriers are now advised to begin transmitting manifests to the B’Odogwu platform.

“To enhance trade facilitation, NCS urges all carriers, including shipping lines and airlines, to adopt the new platform,” Maiwada stated.

He emphasised the need for stakeholder readiness, particularly among banks and traders, ahead of full implementation.

Maiwada described the Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, as a forward-thinking leader focused on strategic service automation.

NAN also reports that the Trade Modernisation Project introduced the B’Odogwu platform.

The platform automates trade operations and enables traders to track transactions from initiation to final delivery. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

NSA seeks effective mechanism to tackle IEDs usage by terrorists
Defence/Security

NSA seeks effective mechanism to tackle IEDs usage by terrorists

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has called for development of effective mechanisms to enhance the ability to prevent and counter the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by terrorist groups in West Africa.

Ribadu made the call at the opening of the Stakeholders meeting on Consolidating Collaborative Efforts to Prevent and Counter the Acquisition and Use of IED by Terrorist Group in West Africa, on Tuesday in Abuja.

He was represented by Mohammed Sanusi, Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), at the event organised by the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF).

Ribadu said that the threat of terrorism knows no bounds, adding that it was through collaborative efforts by critical stakeholders that they could effectively confront and defeat the menace.

He encouraged participants to actively engage in discussion, get ideas and work towards solutions that would help them on how counter terrorism could affect communities in West Africa.

He commended the partners for their dedication in strengthening their collective efforts in combating terrorism.

“This regional meeting serves as a platform for us to share knowledge, best practice and experiences in addressing the threats of IEDs by bringing together representatives from ministries, departments, and agencies in Nigeria, as well as experts from the West Africa region, member states, and other relevant stakeholders.

“We aim to develop effective mechanisms to enhance our ability to prevent and counter the use of IEDs.

“The recommendations that will emerge from this meeting are vital in sharing and shaping our strategies and initiating to safeguard our communities from IEDs,” he said.

The Ambassador of Algeria to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, said that African countries must be able to take adequate measures to make the fight against terrorism effective.

These measures, he said concern not only the prevention and dismantling of IEDs, but also proactive and preventive actions that aim to deconstruct them and seek a provision to promote coordination and cooperation.

He said the measures would also help in adapting to new threats driven by technological progress.

According to him, the use of these explosive devices remains one of the most potent tools used to carry out terrorist attacks in the interior, against the states of West Africa and the countries of the Sahel region.

He called for an integrated approach by combining security measures and initiatives to prevent use of IEDs, and consolidating the sustainable development approach.

“It is also worth recalling, on a broader point, the debate at the United Nations Security Council on the fight against terrorism in Africa.

“It served as an opportunity to raise awareness of the alarming rise of terrorism in Africa and to reaffirm the urgent need to live it in the global interest and to revive international momentum to address this crisis that now threatens security and development in our continent at this time.

“The efforts of our group to strengthen West African capacities take into account local and regional realities and require the reaffirmed commitment of the international community and its determination to combat the use of improvised explosive devices.

“It is in this context that the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 79-53 of 2024, emphasised the importance of training and the implementation of regional strategies,” he said.

The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annette Gunther, represented by the Head of Political Division, Mathias Dold, said the global trend of weaponising commercial drones tended to jeopardise much of the impressive progress that many countries had made in bringing back stability.

He said the agenda of the meeting was built on the Working Group’s regional meeting of 2023, which emphasised the need to strengthen national and regional counter-IED expertise, disrupt the supply chains of IED components, and turn intelligence into the core of the scientific evidence.

According to him, these insights resulted in the formulation of the Lome Recommendations.

He commended the Government of Nigeria for hosting the event,adding that the German Government and the European Union had continued to support numerous activities that contribute to non-kinetic efforts to preventing and countering violent extremism, such as the integrated border stability mechanisms for West Africa.

He said that Germany had also been supporting the regional stabilisation facility in the Lake Chad region and contributed to counter-IED activity.

“The German Government and the European Union support these initiatives and contribute resources for a simple reason.

“Security and stability in the Lake Chad Basin, in the Sahel, and in West Africa in general, are in our own interest.

“Together with Nigeria and other West African countries, we share a mutual interest in a secure, stable, and prosperous sub-region, a sub-region that is Europe’s immediate neighbour.

“Thus, we believe that a comprehensive approach, under African leadership, accompanied by international support, and based on the rule of law and human rights, is key to successfully addressing the terrorist threat in the region,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

FG authorised Mustapha’s re-appointment as D-G—– NBRDA
Science & Tech

FG authorised Mustapha’s re-appointment as D-G—– NBRDA

By Sylvester Thompson

The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA, says the reappointment of it’s Director General (DG) Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha for a second tenure was duly authorised by President Bola Tinubu.

This is contained in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, by Mrs Toyin Omozuwa, Press Secretary to the NBRDA boss.

Omozuwa said that the attention of the NBRDA was drawn to a news article published in one of the national dailies online edition raising concerns and casting doubt on the legitimacy of the renewal of appointment of the director general.

“We find it necessary to correct the misleading narrative and reaffirm the objective and verifiable facts and legality of Prof. Mustapha’s renewed appointment.

“Contrary to insinuations in the report, the renewal of the appointment of Prof. Mustapha was duly authorised by President Bola Tinubu, in accordance with the provisions of Sections 10(1) and (3) of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (Establishment) Act, 2022.

“This presidential approval was conveyed through a formal letter signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, dated Nov. 6, 2024 with reference number SGF.51/S.4/T./84,” she said.

According to Omozuwa, it is critical to emphasise that the SGF acted as an authorised channel in communicating the decision of the President.

She noted that spurious assertions by third parties or interest groups, such as the Independent Public Service Accountability Watch (IPSAW), and the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions(ASURI), do not override the legal powers vested in the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the law.

She added that the claim that the renewal of appointment violated extant regulations was inaccurate and unfounded.

She disclosed that Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, Secretary General of ASURI applauded the reappointment in a congratulatory letter with reference number ASN/NBRDA/CM/1124/o1, on Nov. 18, 2024.

”Your reappointment is a bold testament to your superlative performance during your first tenure, which brought stability to NBRDA and showcased your exemplary administrative acumen and visionary leadership.”

”By emerging as a top choice after a rigorous and competitive search process during your initial appointment, you set a precedent of excellence, which you have consistently upheld.

“We particularly commend your mentoring role to the growing cadre of young and budding researchers at NBRDA, fostering a culture of innovation, dedication and professional growth,” she quoted Ndubuaku as saying in his congratulatory letter.

Omozuwa said she therefore wondered why, after the congratulatory letter, the ASURI scribe would contradict himself by now questioning the legitimacy of that same reappointment.

According to her, if, as he affirmed, the first tenure was marked by excellence and institutional stability, it is difficult to reconcile such high commendation with a sudden appeal for a change in leadership, especially when such a shift risk disrupting the very stability he once applauded.

“One must ask is this about national interest or something else entirely.”

She emphasised that the director general’s reappointment for a final five-year term, effective Oct. 31, 2024, was grounded in legal conformity, merit, and continued institutional progress.

She noted that under Mustapha’s leadership, NBRDA had made notable strides in enhancing indigenous pharmaceutical production and advancing research capacity.

“We urge the media to exercise due diligence in verifying facts and avoid disseminating speculative or misleading information that could undermine public trust in government processes,” she added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Restructuring: Don urges Nigerians to focus on attitudinal change
Education

Restructuring: Don urges Nigerians to focus on attitudinal change

By Chidi Opara

Prof. Kamal Bello, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has urged Nigerians to look beyond restructuring and channel their efforts towards behavioural and attitudinal change.

Bello spoke as a Lead Discussant, at the first Dialogue Series of the Faculty of Social Sciences, NOUN, at the weekend in Abuja.

The programme had the topic “Nigeria: To be Restructured or Not to be Restructured”.

The don said that for Nigeria to be great, everyone must contribute to its success.

He described restructuring as a cumbersome process that needed to be conceptualised in the Nigerian context as to what needed to be restructured.

“The word restructuring is not new. Nigeria must understand the concentration of the country’s resources before true restructuring can take place.

“People look at the contemporary things in restructuring; people are seeking true federalism.

“Nigeria must know the concentration of her resources before it can be restructured. Most of Nigeria’s problems are how to share the cake, but not how to bake it.

“What should be on every Nigerian’s mind should be the question of how to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor and not the question of creation of more states or local government.

“It is our mindset that needs to be restructured, not the structure itself. Nigeria’s problem starts on an individual level. We should shun discrimination,” he said.

Bello added that at this critical time, the question shouldn’t be about whether to restructure or not to restructure but to shun nepotism, corruption, and ethnicity.

“We need to look at Nigeria as a nation that everyone must contribute to its success. The teachers and the lecturers should be role models,” he said.

The dean thanked the university management for making the dialogue possible.

He also thanked the Standing Committee on Seminar, Conference, and Public Lecture under the chairmanship of Dr Adeola Adams for ensuring that the dialogue was a success.

Speaking, Prof. Hussaini Tukur of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, said the legal framework should be taken into cognisance before the question of why restructuring and for whom.

“The legal issues surrounding restructuring should be considered.

“When you understand the purpose and the legal entity of restructuring you will realise the issues involved as there are several guidelines to restructuring,” Tukur said.

In his remarks, the NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, noted that the dialogue was novel and innovative.

He said that the topic was apt due to the recurring nature of the debate.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof. Isaac Butswat, the VC said that the Faculty organised the dialogue to make an input.

He said it was also to decide on which way Nigeria as a country should go on the issue of restructuring.

The VC, however, expressed optimism in the crop of discussants drawn from various higher institutions of learning across the six geopolitical zones of the nation.

He urged the participants to pay attention to the discussants for a better and more useful understanding of the dialogue.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

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