NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
UNDP trains teachers, pupils on green energy technologies
Environment

UNDP trains teachers, pupils on green energy technologies

144 total views today

By Abigael Joshua

United Nations Development Programme, Global Environment Facility, Small Grant Programme (UNDP GEF SGP) says it has trained no fewer than 200 teachers and 1000 pupils across Nigeria on green energy technologies.

Mrs Ibironke Olubamise, Coordinator, UNDP GEF SGP, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abuja on Wednesday.

Olubamise explained that teachers and pupils were trained on green energy technologies and applications, using the Green Energy STEM Portal.

She explained that the Green Energy STEM Portal was an artificial intelligence-based learning management tool for training STEM educators and pupils.

She said that this was with the collaboration of the Lagos State Research and Innovation Council and tested by more than 40 teachers in the state.

“Couple of projects supported by the UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme have adopted some digital tools for project implementation to enhance climate and environmental education; and built the capacity of students to address climate change in schools.

“Projects have adopted the use of Canva for creating infographics, social media posts, and presentations on environmental related climate topics for ease of understanding by the students and teachers,” Olubamise said.

According to her students and teachers use videos/YouTube videos during trainings and eco club meetings on how to install simple solar system and others on simple waste recycling techniques.

“They have also used WhatsApp platform to form a group of all the eco club mentors (Matrons/Patrons) where they share climate and environmental information.”

She added that the UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme was always very mindful of the youth, women and the physically challenged, when reviewing proposals for possible funding support.

“Thus, any project that specifically targets any or a combination of this group of people will always get more attention and be considered for possible support.

“The programme usually request to know the population (disaggregated) of beneficiaries to be sure the marginalised and vulnerable are not overlooked in project design, support and implementation.

Olubamise said that several projects have thus made efforts to translate into different languages to ensure better understanding and inclusion. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Akume inaugurates procurement certification portal
Economy/Business

Akume inaugurates procurement certification portal

176 total views today

By Okeoghene Akubuike

Sen. George Akume, Secretary of the Government of the Federation(SGF), has inaugurated the Nigeria Procurement Certification Portal to standardise and professionalise procurement certification in Nigeria.

Akume, represented by Mr Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, inaugurated the portal in Abuja on Wednesday.

He warned procurement officers to adhere to the standards of professionalism or be held accountable if found culpable.

“The Sustainable Procurement, Environmental, and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) Programme which is being launched today, represents a strategic step towards institutionalising professionalism in procurement, environmental and social standards management.

“ The investment by the government in the recruitment of the procurement ecosystem is proof of faith in the capacity of the public sector to drive development in Nigeria in an efficient, transparent, corruption-free environment.

“ We must, however, sound a strong note of warning to all procurement officers whose acts of omission or commission may result in the loss of public funds or misuse of procurement.

“We will be held accountable. Public service is in trust, and we must guard it with utmost integrity.”

Edun, in his remarks, said that having international certification through the programme would help reverse the Japa syndrome.

“By the time you have international certification and you can provide services online, over the internet, internationally, then young Nigerians can stay in Nigeria.

“They can provide services, training, consulting, business support whilst staying in their own country, enjoying Nigeria and earning funds internationally.”

Dr Adebowale Adedokun, Director–General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), said the programme was in a bid for Nigeria to move from the traditional procurement process to adopt international best practices in procurement.

 

Adedokun said the programme had already been provided for in the Public Procurement Act of 2007.

“ This gathering today marks the actual take-off of that consolidated approach to building capacity of public and private procurement officers who are doing business with the Federal Government.

“This new capacity building programme is aimed at building knowledge, mastery and skills of officers that will meet the expectations of all stakeholders.

“ We are already engaging professional bodies to assist us in building sector-based Procurement expertise that will match that of the private sector.

“This will ultimately reduce subjectivity, turn around time, wastage, reduce poverty, enhance job opportunities for our graduates and much more export to other developing countries. “

Adedokun said the programme, with the support of partners, was set to be adopted by other countries, which will serve as another form of foreign exchange.

He said the programme would be implemented in phases, starting with graduates from the six centres of excellence.

“ May I say today we have trained over 7,000 procurement officers nationwide. About 30 per cent represent the women, gender affirmative action that we have been promoting.”

He encouraged professional bodies to set up divisions that would focus on public procurement and create competition.

 

Taimur Samad, World Bank Acting Country Director for Nigeria, said the SPESSE, which was an 80 million dollar programme, would go a long way in the professionalization of the procurement practice in Nigeria.

Samad said Nigeria had become a reference point for other African countries who have shown interest in replicating the programme in their countries saying it was an honour for Nigeria.

He announced that the World Bank was increasing its financial commitment to the programme to deepen its impact across Nigeria.

Samad said the process would be completed by June to allow for further training, certification, and further impact at the federal and state levels of this critical initiative.

Sen. Ipinsagba Olajide, Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Procurement, said to achieve economic freedom, Nigeria needed to give free enterprise, adding that for free enterprise to be achieved, there must be transparency, fairplay and accountability.

Olajide assured that Nigeria would soon get to a point where bidding would be done in the comfort of people’s homes.

He said that there was no more room for compromise in the procurement process adding that the process must be straightforward and fair.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the SPESSE Project is a Federal Government of Nigeria project with assistance from the World Bank.

It is aimed at building capacity in managing procurement, Environmental, and Social Standards in the public sector. (NAN)(www.nananews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Saudi Arabia announces penalties for unauthorised Hajj pilgrims, facilitators
Foreign , Religious

Saudi Arabia announces penalties for unauthorised Hajj pilgrims, facilitators

244 total views today

 

The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced penalties for individuals who violate regulations requiring a permit to perform Hajj and for those who facilitate such violations.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the ministry said the following penalties will begin from Dhul-Qi’dah 1 until the end of Dhul-Hijjah 14.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that “Dhul-Qi’dah, Dhul-Hijjah’’ is the period from the first day of the 11th month in the Islamic Hijri calendar, Dhu’l-Qa’dah, until the last day of the 12th month, Dhu’l-Hijjah.

NAN reports that this period is significant as it includes the month preceding the Hajj pilgrimage and the month where Hajj itself takes place.

The ministry said fine of up to SAR 20,000 (5,332 U.S dollars) will be imposed on individuals attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, and visitors trying to enter or stay in Makkah during this period.

The second fine is that SAR 100,000 (26,661.00 U.S. dollars) will be imposed on anyone who applies for a visit visa for an individual who has performed or attempted to perform Hajj without a permit, or who has entered or stayed in Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period.

The fine will multiply for each individual involved, the ministry said.

It said the same fine will apply to anyone who transports or attempts to transport visit visa holders to Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period.

The ministry added that those who shelter or attempt to shelter visit visa holders in any accommodations, including hotels, apartments, private housing, shelters, or Hajj pilgrims’ housing sites, would also be fined when caught.

According to the ministry, this includes concealing their presence or providing assistance that enables their stay, the fine will multiply for each individual sheltered, concealed, or assisted.

The ministry said the third are, the illegal infiltrators attempting to perform Hajj, whether residents or overstayers, will be deported to their countries and banned from entering the Kingdom for ten years.

The ministry said the relevant court will be requested to confiscate land vehicles used to transport visit visa holders to Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period, if owned by the transporter, facilitator, or any accomplices.

NAN also reports that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has stated that the airlift for Nigerian intending pilgrims who paid for the 2025 Hajj would commence on May 9.

A statement by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, revealed that 43,000 pilgrims paid for the pilgrimage.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed/Halima Sheji

UK parliamentarian advocates international cooperation against cybercrime
Defence/Security

UK parliamentarian advocates international cooperation against cybercrime

175 total views today

By Monday Ijeh

Mr Lord Hanson, a member of the United Kingdom Parliament, has underscored the importance of international cooperation in combating cybercrime globally.

Hanson made this statement on Tuesday in Abuja during a visit to the Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crimes Centre (NPF-NCCC), where he led a delegation from the United Kingdom.

He noted that the UK had made the fight against fraud a priority, both domestically and internationally.

“The world must focus on reducing the number of cybercrime victims, prosecuting offenders, and protecting communities,” Hanson said.

“We’ve reviewed the new fraud strategy, which examines the roles of tech companies, community awareness, and preventive measures individuals can take.”

Hanson, who described fraud as a serious crime with tangible consequences, said it had harmed businesses, individuals, and eroded confidence in the economy.

“It is a major issue, stalling economic growth, something we understand is also a concern in Nigeria,” he added.

“Addressing this challenge requires international cooperation.

“Your centre here is crucial, not only in tackling the impact of cybercrime on Nigerian citizens but also in identifying emerging threats worldwide.”

He stressed the need for transnational collaboration to effectively prevent cybercrimes.

“To truly prevent cybercrime, we must work together across borders to address it at the root and anticipate future threats,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Uche Ifeanyi, Commissioner of Police and Director of the NPF-NCCC, acknowledged the complex nature of cybercrime and underscored the dedication of his team.

“We have committed officers and personnel who are passionate about tackling cybercrime,” he said.

“This is not a crime that affects only Nigeria, it has global implications.”

He reiterated the need for collaboration and intelligence sharing among nations.

“Cybercrime knows no borders. It is a borderless crime, and the only way we can truly protect our citizens is through cooperation,” he said.

Ifeanyi commended the UK delegation for extending a hand of fellowship and expressed Nigeria’s strong interest in strengthening ties with the UK to bring cybercriminals to justice.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Taiwan: Nigeria recognises One-China policy— Rep. Committee 
Foreign

Taiwan: Nigeria recognises One-China policy— Rep. Committee 

164 total views today

By Sarafina Christopher

Rep. Jaafaru Yakubu, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Relations, says Nigeria recognises only China as a sovereign state, while Taiwan a non-independent Chinese territory.

Yakubu explained that Nigeria was resolutely committed to the principle of One-China as the cornerstone of her diplomatic relations with China, and only recognised Taiwan as part of China.

Reacting on Tuesday to remarks made by a fellow lawmaker that the House of Reps sought “Taiwanese government’s” support to boost palm oil production, he described the comments as misleading.

He said that the comments made during a workshop organised by the Taiwan Trade Office did not align with Nigeria’s official foreign policy position on Sino-Nigerian diplomatic relations.

“Nigeria recognises the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing all of China and firmly upholds that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.

“Our committee strongly opposes any form of Taiwanese independence or actions that suggest recognition of Taiwan as a separate entity.

“We will continue to promote and strengthen the robust partnership between Nigeria and China for the mutual benefit of both nations,” he said.

The committee chairman further clarified that the Taiwanese Trade Office in Lagos was just a commercial, non-diplomatic entity, which did not represent a government.

“Nigeria does not recognise any entity called the Taiwanese government. The Taiwan Trade Office in Lagos operates solely as a non-diplomatic, commercial entity and does not represent a government.

“Taiwan is an integral part of China, and any suggestion otherwise contradicts Nigeria’s foreign policy and undermines our strong bilateral ties with the People’s Republic of China,” he said.

Yakubu urged public officials to exercise caution in their comments to avoid misrepresentation that could jeopardise Nigeria’s strategic partnership with China, a key ally since diplomatic relations were established in 1971.

“China has been a reliable partner in Nigeria’s development, supporting critical sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, and technology.

“Agricultural advancements, including palm oil production, should be pursued through legitimate channels, such as cooperation with China or other recognised international partners, in alignment with Nigeria’s diplomatic stance,” he noted.

The lawmaker reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China Principle, emphasising that it remained the cornerstone of Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Mark Longyen

2025 OSOM Games: Police emerge champions
Sports

2025 OSOM Games: Police emerge champions

167 total views today

By Aderonke Ojo

The Nigeria Police Force on Tuesday emerged overall winner of the 6th edition of the One Service One Medal (OSOM) Games in Abuja, securing 43 gold, 38 silver, and 34 bronze medals.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) finished as runners-up with 30 gold, 24 silver, and 25 bronze medals, while the Nigeria Army came third with 15 gold, 34 silver, and 31 bronze medals.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award went to CPL Dorcas Eworo of the Nigeria Police Force, who clinched nine gold and one silver medal.

The Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko while declaring the Games closed at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja commended the organisation of the event.

He stated that the event had undoubtedly surpassed expectations with some records broken.

“With our technical team on the ground monitoring performances, we have witnessed athletes shatter national and international records.

“It’s exciting to see them push their limits, and it’s likely that many will achieve their personal bests.

“If we continue to nurture and support these athletes over the next six months or year, the possibilities are endless,” he said.

Dikko said that the impact of the Games was already evident, with a significant number of participants demonstrating enthusiasm and dedication.

“This event has successfully achieved both its social and sporting objectives,” he added

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the OSOM Games bring together all service agencies—both military and paramilitary—to compete in a fair and competitive atmosphere.

The Games which began on April 24 ended on Tuesday with a colourful closing ceremony graced by sports stakeholders, military and para-military officials

The Games aim to strengthen inter-agency relationships among the Police, Military, and Paramilitary agencies in Nigeria to enhance service delivery through sports

No fewer than 12 military and para-military agencies competed in the six-day competition.

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 Muhyideen Jimoh

NSC DG tasks sports federations’ secretaries on innovative approach
Sports

NSC DG tasks sports federations’ secretaries on innovative approach

170 total views today

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade has charged Secretary Generals of various Sports Federations to have an innovative approach in the discharge of their duties.

Olopade gave the charge on Tuesday in Abuja at a strategic meeting with all the various Secretaries of the National Sports Federations.

” I must first of all say that am very impressed with the professional qualities of all of you.

“You all are some of the best Sports brains we have in this country and we are proud to have you”.

” But as we know there is always room for improvement and that is why I have called for this meeting to spur you for bigger challenges ahead”.

” An Innovative mind is very vital for growth, therefore I am challenging your intelligent minds to look inwards and come up with concepts that will enhance your output and the qualities of the Federations,” he said.

The DG also reiterated the Commission’s Reset, Refocus and Relaunch mandate to the secretaries and the need for them to apply it in the organisation of their activities, especially at regards athletes welfare.

” The welfarism of Nigerian athletes is of utmost importance to the Commission and that is why we established the Elite and Podium board which we have started seeing their work in the area of grading our top athletes for different categories of Training Grants.

” And it is therefore important for the various Secretary Generals to know that the way we fly and dress our athletes for international competitions is also very important in high performance,’ he said.

Olopade said that all top Nigerian athletes will now fly business class for international competitions as part of the Commission’s welfare package and in line with international best practices.

“All our top Athletes in Category A of the Podium Board rankings will no longer fly anything less than a business class for International Competitions.

“No more jamboree travelling but we must scientifically look at the way we run our sports for high performance results,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

NGEP urges gas reticulation in buildings
General News

NGEP urges gas reticulation in buildings

125 total views today

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP) has called on stakeholders to promote the integration of gas reticulation systems in estates, districts, and industrial areas, following best practices seen in developed countries.

Chairman of NGEP, Prof. Mohammed Ibrahim, made the call on Tuesday during the Builders’ Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), FCT Chapter, in Abuja.

The conference, themed “Gas Reticulation in Building: Design, Safety, Environmental Compliance and Prospects for Builders,” focused on enhancing energy infrastructure in Nigeria’s built environment.

Ibrahim noted that with Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves, gas reticulation offered a sustainable solution to improve energy accessibility, affordability, and reliability in homes and businesses.

“Gas reticulation in buildings presents a compelling pathway to a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient built environment.

“By prioritising sound design principles and ensuring strict adherence to safety and environmental standards, we can unlock the full potential of natural gas to drive progress,” he said.

He highlighted the key benefits of gas reticulation, including energy efficiency, cost effectiveness, versatility, and reliability.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria, Samson Opaluwah, stressed the importance of capacity building for safe and efficient gas distribution.

He said this involved training engineers, technicians, and other professionals in system design, installation, and maintenance, while also strengthening regulatory frameworks and encouraging local innovation and manufacturing.

The Chairman of NIOB, FCT Chapter, Usman Okehi, emphasised the growing need to incorporate gas systems in residential, commercial, and industrial developments across Nigeria due to rising energy demands and gas availability.

According to him, with this advancement comes the need for strict adherence to design standards, rigorous safety protocols, and full environmental compliance.

“It is our responsibility as professionals and regulators to ensure these systems are functional, safe, and environmentally sound,” Okehi said.

He described the conference as a platform where stakeholders could explore the evolving landscape of gas infrastructure in building projects, share best practices, examine safety and environmental considerations, and assess future opportunities for builders in the sector.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian Institute of Building is the professional body for builders in Nigeria. It traces its origins to the Builders’ Society, established in London in 1834.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Alake commends Abuja varsity for pioneering Africa’s first gemology dept
Education

Alake commends Abuja varsity for pioneering Africa’s first gemology dept

156 total views today

By Martha Agas

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has commended the establishment of Africa’s first Gemology and Gemstones Department at the Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja.

Alake described the new department as a significant milestone in developing a formal curriculum for the sector, emphasising its role as a vital hub of knowledge for professionals in the gemstone and jewelry-making value chain.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Tuesday in Abuja, he highlighted the initiative’ s importance in repositioning the gemstone sector and mining industry at large.

“The initiative will strengthen Nigeria’s mining industry by cultivating a new generation of experts equipped to drive sectoral growth,” he said.

He pledged support for the initiative stating that it aligned with his strategic vision for enhanced capacity building within Nigeria’s mining sector.

The minister also expressed his commitment to support the department’ s request for affiliation with the Gemological Institute of Nigeria, and encouraged other institutions to emulate Yakubu Gowon University’s by incorporating mining-focused courses.

According to the minister, the government is also working toward establishing full-fledged universities dedicated to mining.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a delegation from the department, led by Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, had earlier visited the minister in in Abuja to seek support in securing formal affiliation between the university and the Gemological Institute of Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews)

Edited by Gabriel Yough

NBS releases first prices data compiled through crowdsourcing
General News

NBS releases first prices data compiled through crowdsourcing

133 total views today

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has released its first prices data, compiled through a groundbreaking crowd-sourcing initiative.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Folorunso Alesanmi, Head, Public Relations, NBS, issued to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the statement, the innovative approach to data collection marks a significant milestone in the NBS’s efforts, to provide timely and accurate statistical information to policymakers, researchers and the general public.

It said the crowd-sourcing initiative, which started several months ago, aimed to compile price data daily, from a wide range of sources, including open markets and supermarkets.

Other sources, it said, included neighbourhood shops, bulk and discount stores, street outlets and Large Shops.

The statement noted that data released today provided insights into prices of essential food items such as rice (local), beans (white), maize (white), garri, yam and others, commonly consumed by Nigerians, while offering a snapshot of daily food costs.

“The NBS plans to update this data daily, equipping entrepreneurs, policymakers and researchers with a valuable tool for tracking price movements and informing decision-making,” it stated.

The statement added that data collection was done in all the 36 states, the FCT and in all the Senatorial districts.

It noted that by leveraging the power of crowd-sourcing, the bureau was able to collect a vast amount of data that would help provide a more accurate picture of price movements in the economy.

The statement quoted Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician-General of the Federation, as saying “we are thrilled to release our first prices data compiled through crowd-sourcing.

“This initiative represents a major step forward in our efforts to harness the power of technology and innovation to improve the quality and timeliness of our statistical data,”.

It added that the crowd-sourced data was accessible to the public through a dedicated public dashboard, where users could view, analyse and download the data in real time, further enhancing transparency and accessibility.

“The NBS crowd-sourcing initiative aims to modernise data collection, providing timely and accurate statistics.

“The bureau hereby invites citizens to participate by submitting price data and feedback to build a robust statistical system for a rapidly changing economy,”the statement said.

According to the statement, the NBS remain committed to ensuring the quality and accuracy of the data collected through crowd-sourcing.

“To this end, the agency has implemented a range of quality control measures, including data validation and verification processes, to ensure that the data is reliable and trustworthy,” it said.

It said the release of the crowd-sourced prices data, was a significant achievement for the NBS and demonstrated the agency’s commitment to innovation and collaboration.

“By working together with citizens and leveraging technology, the NBS can provide more timely and accurate statistical information that will help to drive economic growth and development,” it said.

However, the statement also said that the price data compiled through crowd-sourcing was not the same as the ones compiled for the Consumer Price Index(CPI).

“Prices data for CPI computation are collected on specific or predetermined outlets, every second and third week of the month.

“But, prices data collected via crowd-sourcing, are collected randomly from different respondents everyday.

“As we engage in this collaborative effort with the public, we welcome feedback from stakeholders that will propel us for improvement,” it stated.

The statement urged the public and other stakeholders to visit the NBS website at www.nigerianstat.gov.ng. for more information about the crowd-sourced prices data.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Vivian Ihechu

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