NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
AU Agenda 2063 appoints AMAC Chairman as Ambassador
General News

AU Agenda 2063 appoints AMAC Chairman as Ambassador

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By Philomina Attah

The African Union Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly has appointed Mr Christopher Maikalangu, Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), as its Ambassador.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the investiture ceremony, which took place in Abuja on Wednesday, saw the induction of Maikalangu as an AU Agenda 2063 Ambassador.

AU Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly is a key initiative that promotes and implements the AU’s long-term development plan for Africa.

The assembly is dedicated to motivating and inspiring African states to achieve the ideals of Agenda 2063.

Ahmed Abubakar, an Ambassador of the assembly, who decorated Maikalangu, said that the appointment of the AMAC Chairman as an ambassador of the assembly was because of his outstanding achievement in the council.

“On behalf of the AU Agenda 2063, we are decorating you as an Ambassador because of your competence and to enable you promote the AU-AGENDA 2026 framework as a PAN African leader in order to achieve ‘The Africa we want’.

“It is a well-deserved appointment,” Abubakar said.

Earlier in her welcome address, Mrs Irene Nwagbatal, an Ambassador in the assembly, had said that the event marked a significant moment in the pursuit of Africa’s transformation under Agenda 2063.

She described Agenda 2063 as a strategic framework aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable development across the continent.

Nwagbatal emphasised the importance of collaboration among African nations to achieve peace, stability and economic growth.

She celebrated Maikalangu for his contributions to the AU’s initiatives which embody the vision of a prosperous and united Africa

Nwagbatal said that the assembly believed that the initiative would foster greater collaboration among African nations, promote peace and stability, and stimulate economic growth and development.

She said that the assembly recognised the crucial role that Maikalangu played in supporting the implementation of AU’s initiatives Agenda 2063 through his various contributions as an individual and as a public servant.

“We believe that by working together with progressive minded individuals, influencers and role models like Maikalangu, we can create a prosperous and Pan Africa that will benefit citizens and transform our continent to the Africa we want,’’ she said.

Aniefiok George, Director, Policy, Planning and Strategy, African School of Diplomacy and International Relations, highlighted the need for a holistic approach to actualising the African vision.

George, who is also an Associate Partner with AU- Agenda 2063, urged Africa to take responsibility for achieving the goals set out in Agenda 2063.

According to her, the investiture of Maikalangu  as ambassador is a crucial step in aligning various national agendas such as Nigeria’s , with the broader goals of the African Union Agenda 2063.

She said that the collaborative effort to drive Africa’s development would transform the continent into a global powerhouse by 2063.

In his acceptance speech, Maikalangu commended the assembly for appointing him as its ambassador.

Maikalangu reiterated his commitment to infrastructural development in AMAC.

He urged all elective leaders at the local government level across the country to do the work they were elected to do.

“If all local government councillors and chairmen do their jobs, Nigeria will be transformed in one year.

“Let us focus on giving our people at the grassroots good roads, good schools and good hospitals.

“Let our people be happy, let them feel the impacts of governance. The best we can do for our people is to give them infrastructure,’’ he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

Minister calls for implementation of STI policies for national devt
Science & Tech

Minister calls for implementation of STI policies for national devt

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By Sylvester Thompson

Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology has underscored the need for the full implementation of the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policies to drive national development.

The minister made the call at the eight edition of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology Media Award Ceremony and Gala Night on Tuesday in Abuja.

He stressed that Nigeria’s vision to drive development shall remain just an agenda discussed in workshops and conferences unless the critical role science and technology plays in daily life is recognised.

Nnaji noted that though various governments across the continent acknowledged the importance of integrating science and technology into their development agendas, many have not gone beyond organising conferences and workshops.

He decried the fact that many of these plans still remain on paper, adding that numerous trained scientists keep departing Nigeria in search of better opportunities abroad.

“We are in effect producing doctors and researchers for the developed world, while many of our own hospitals are struggling with shortages of personnel.

“This is a critical issue that the media must highlight, it is time for our governments to implement deliberate policies that promote science and technology,’’ he said.

According to him, this will provide the motivation and incentives necessary for Nigerian scientists to stay and contribute to the development of Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

The minister urged the media to promote local content, stressing that in spite of challenges, Nigerian scientists continue to innovate.

“Science is a global endeavour, and Nigeria will continue to explore its potential to improve the lives of citizens, especially in the areas of food security and nutrition,’’ Nnaji said.

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) said biotechnology has emerged as a beacon of hope in the field of agriculture.

He said that the technology offered innovative solutions to pressing challenges confronting contemporary society.

“From climate change-induced stresses to the need for increased food production, to feeding a growing global population, the science of biotechnology has provided us with tools and techniques to navigate these complex issues,’’ he said.

Mustapha noted that the theme of the event, “Inform, Educate, Inspire: Celebrating Exceptional Agricultural Biotech Reporting,’’ was aptly chosen.

According to the D-G, information is power, and media is the guiding light, serving as a bridge that connects advancements and breakthroughs in biotechnology to the broader public.

He said the OFAB media award serve as a testament to the importance of responsible journalism and media communication in the critical field of biotechnology.

Dr Rose Gidado, Director, Agricultural Biotechnology department of the NBRDA noted that a broad and collaborative partnership had been fostered between OFAB and the media over the last eight years.

“The platform has not just recognised excellence in science journalism, it has fundamentally transformed the narrative around biotechnology in Nigeria.

“The partnership and dedication journalists have shown in the discharge of their responsibilities have positively impacted public perception and understanding of biotechnology application in agriculture,’’ she said.

Gidado said that efforts of science journalists was instrumental in Nigeria’s successful commercialisation of several significant biotech crops including genetically modified beans and TELA maize.

Dr Jean Baptiste, the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) Regional Representative, remarked that science and technology was fundamental drivers of progress, especially in agriculture.

“Innovations in agricultural biotechnology, mechanisation, and climate-smart practices hold the potential to address food insecurity, improve livelihoods, and empower small holder farmers across Africa,’’ Baptiste said.

Dr Umar Bindir, Former Director General of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion, (NOTAP), the keynote speaker, made a presentation on: “The Media and Intellectual Property Rights: What Journalists must know.’’

Highpoint of the event was presentation of awards of recognition to journalists who emerged winners in various media categories.

Mr Oche Odeh, of Africa STI, an online media was declared the overall winner. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

Nuclear-ban-treaty organisation reappoints Floyd as Executive-Secretary
Foreign

Nuclear-ban-treaty organisation reappoints Floyd as Executive-Secretary

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By Fortune Abang

The governing body of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) has reappointed Mr Robert Floyd as its Executive-Secretary.

The organisation disclosed this in an official statement.

The statement indicated that Floyd’s reappointment reaffirmed his leadership for a second term and that the extension will ensure he continued in his role through 2029.

Commenting on outcome of the 63rd Preparatory Commission session on Wednesday in Vienna, the organisation said it had banned all nuclear explosions everywhere, by everyone, and for all times.

It added that adherence to the treaty is nearly universal, with 187 signatories and 178 ratifying States.

To enter into force, the organisation said, the treaty must be ratified by all 44 countries listed in its Annex 2, for which nine ratifications are still required.

The statement quoted Floyd as saying, “I am truly honoured and I look forward to continuing our important work together with member states, advancing our shared mission of a nuclear-test-free world and a world of peace and security, now and for generations to come.

“I will remain focused on working with all of you to secure the entry into force of this critical Treaty.

“In times of global uncertainty, it is essential that we protect and strengthen what we have built together: this organisation, our work, the International Monitoring System (IMS), and the invaluable skills within our team.”

The CTBTO chief also outlined several key priorities for his second term to include the establishment and certification of the remaining IMS facilities.

He emphasised the importance of sustaining the unique global monitoring network and expanding capacity building opportunities for states that have signed the CTBT.

He also highlighted the upcoming On-Site Inspection Integrated Field Exercise (IFE) in Sri Lanka – designed to rigorously test the application of OSI techniques, mechanisms, systems and procedures, as a critical step in further developing verification capabilities.

Floyd reiterated his commitment to promoting diversity, known as “the three Gs” – ensuring geographic, gender and generational representation across the organisation.

Floyd, an International Gender Champion network has led the CTBTO since August, 2021. Before joining the organisation, he served as Director-General of the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO), Australia’s authority on treaties that control weapons of mass destruction.

This include managing 23 IMS facilities to monitor and detect nuclear explosions.

The CTBTO has established an International Monitoring System (IMS) to ensure no nuclear test explosion goes undetected.

Currently, 306 certified facilities of a total of 337 when complete are operating around the world, using four main technologies: seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasound and radionuclide.

The data collected by the IMS has also been used for disaster mitigation such as earthquake monitoring and tsunami warning, research into fields as diverse as whale migration, climate change and the prediction of monsoon rains. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Mining: Nigeria must move beyond extraction to unlock potential —Alake
Economy/Business

Mining: Nigeria must move beyond extraction to unlock potential —Alake

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By Martha Agas

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has said that Nigeria must move beyond extraction in mining to reap the gains of the sector.

Alake stated this at a press conference to kick-start activities of the ninth edition of the Annual Nigeria Mining Week on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said that even though Nigeria was blessed with 44 minerals and possesses the critical minerals needed for energy transition, it must move beyond extraction to yield its full potential.

“We are focused on establishing systems and structures that allow Nigerians to benefit directly from our resources.

“Through local value addition, processing and beneficiation, our aim is to transform Nigeria’s wealth into industrial and economic power, generating jobs and supporting local businesses in ways that ripple through our economy.

“Lithium processing plants have been inaugurated in Nasarawa State, and plans are under way to unveil more processing plants on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory.

“Value addition is gaining traction and momentum because of the determination of the government to reposition the solid minerals sector to contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Product,” he added.

He said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was determined to implement its value addition policy by ensuring that mineral resources do not leave the shores of the country in their raw form.

According to him, the government is positioning Nigeria as a formidable player in the global mineral value chain, driven by a commitment to retain the wealth generated within the communities.

He added that the administration was also prioritising security of mineral resources through addressing illegal mining using both persuasive and coercive measures.

Alake stated that the mining week provides a unique opportunity to bring together investors, experts and government leaders from around the world to foster partnerships.

The minister explained that the move was aimed at driving innovation, financing and policy evolution, adding that the event was aimed at addressing both current challenges and future opportunities in Nigeria’s mining sector.

He said the event, with the theme “From the Inside Out: Building the Mining Sector to be the Cornerstone of the Economy”, was a demonstration of collective commitment by stakeholders to create an improved mining industry.

He said the vision was an industry that underpins national prosperity, supports sustainable growth and drives industrialisation.

The President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr Dele Ayanleke, described the mining week as a platform for the assessment of industry progress, setting future agenda and showcasing emerging technologies and methodologies.

Ayanleke, who was represented by the National Financial Secretary, Tope Adebanjo, thanked their partners, Pricewaterhouse Coppers (PwC) Nigeria and the Vuka, for their continuous support toward the development of the mining sector.

Speaking, Partner and Forensics Leader at PwC, Habeeb Jaiyeola, said that the mining week was designed to showcase the achievements of the mining sector to the international community and local mining investors.

Jaiyeola said that critical topics would be discussed to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to compete favourably in the global mining sector, especially with the paradigm shift to cleaner energy sources.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that the week is being organised by MAN and is hosted by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Peter Amine

COP29: UN chief urges action on loss, damage funding
Environment , Foreign

COP29: UN chief urges action on loss, damage funding

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By Cecilia Ologunagba

UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday urged nations to increase contributions to a fund supporting developing countries impacted by climate change.

Guterres made the appeal at a high-level dialogue on loss and damage funding during the COP29 UN climate change conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.

“In an era of climate extremes, loss and damage finance is a must, I urge governments to deliver. In the name of justice.

“The world is getting hotter and more dangerous, which is “not a matter for debate”, and “climate disasters are piling up – harming those who’ve done the least, the most,” he said.

“Meanwhile, those that contribute more to the destruction – particularly the fossil fuel industry – continue to reap massive profits and subsidies,” he added.

Guterres described the creation of the Loss and Damage Fund as “a victory for developing countries, for multilateralism, and for justice,” but stressed that its initial capitalisation of $700 million “doesn’t come close to righting the wrong inflicted on the vulnerable.”

In fact, this figure is roughly the annual earnings of the world’s 10 best-paid footballers, he said, and does not even account for a quarter of the damage caused in Viet Nam by Hurricane Yagi in September.

“We must get serious about the level of finance required,” he said. “I urge countries to commit new finance to the Fund. And to write cheques to match.”

As “bilateral flows alone won’t suffice”, he called for new responses, and new sources, to meet the scale of need.

In this regard, he urged countries to agree a new climate finance goal that taps innovative resources.

“We need to implement solidarity levies on sectors such as shipping, aviation, and fossil fuel extraction – to help fund climate action. We need a fair price on carbon,” the UN chief said.

“And, more broadly, we also need to support Multilateral Development Banks in order to increase the lending capacity so they are fit to respond to the climate crisis.”

Meanwhile, in a new report presented at COP29 on Tuesday, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said climate change has become a growing threat to people already fleeing war, violence and persecution.

The report, “No Escape: On the Frontlines of Climate, Conflict and Displacement”  calls on governments to take stronger action to slash greenhouse gas emissions which cause global warming and climate change.

The agency’s first ever report on the impact of climate change found that of the more than 120 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, three-quarters live in countries heavily impacted by rising emissions.

Half are in places affected by both conflict and serious climate hazards, such as Ethiopia, Haiti, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan and Syria.

Furthermore, the number of countries facing extreme climate-related hazards is expected to rise from three to 65 by 2040, and the vast majority host displaced people.

Similarly, most refugee settlements and camps are on track to experience twice as many days of dangerous heat by mid-century.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, said climate change is “a harsh reality” that profoundly affects the lives of the world’s most vulnerable people.

“The climate crisis is driving displacement in regions already hosting large numbers of people uprooted by conflict and insecurity, compounding their plight and leaving them with nowhere safe to go,” he added.

At COP29, UNHCR is calling for increased climate finance that reaches those most in need.

The agency is also urging states to protect forcibly displaced people who face the additional threat of climate disasters, and to give them and host communities a voice in finance and policy decisions. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

CIA/TAK

Edited By Tosin Kolade

7,000 mining licenses remain inactive— NMCO DG
Economy/Business

7,000 mining licenses remain inactive— NMCO DG

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By Martha Agas

The Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (NMCO) has issued 7,141 mining licenses, but only 1,000 are active, according to Director General Obadiah Nkom.

Nkom said this while receiving the House Committee on Solid Minerals, led by Chairman Jonathan Gaza, at its office in Abuja on Tuesday.

He emphasised the need for reform, citing the recent review of mining fees and ownership of mining titles to sanitise the sector.

“We shouldn’t have 7,000 licenses with less than 1,000 active mines,” he said, highlighting the discrepancy.

According to him, in spite of collecting more than N8 billion in revenue as of October, the agency faces inadequate funding, which hampers its operations.

Nkom appealed to the committee to address this issue, noting that the NMCO generated more than 50 per cent of the sector’s revenue but lacked collection fees.

He said NMCO had made significant strides in digitisation, transitioning from an intranet to a web-based platform for global access and transparency.

Nkom said in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), guidelines have been developed to establish an anti-money laundering unit.

On his part, Gaza expressed concerns about the licensing process, particularly the issue of consent, and the prevalence of illegal mining in spite of the large number of licenses issued.

Gaza also highlighted the agency’s inadequate funding, which could impact productivity.

He said that the committee would present the situation to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, for appropriate action.

According to Gaza, the aim of the oversight visit was to assess the performance of various agencies of the solid minerals ministry to ensure they contributed significantly to economic diversification (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Environmentalists call for global action against green economy sabotage
Environment , Foreign

Environmentalists call for global action against green economy sabotage

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By Fortune Abang

Environmentalists have called for international cooperation against political agenda that undermines green economy transition designed to mitigate impact of climate change globally.

The environmentalists made the advocacy on Monday at the virtual 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) Hongqiao International Economic Forum sub-forum titled: “Sustainable Trade amid Climate Change” in Shanghai, China.

They said that while climate goals demanded international cooperation, political agenda could pose threat to derail efforts by introducing trade barriers and unilateral policies.

According to the experts, it has become important to promote transparent rules-based competition, to avoid counterproductive divide and achieve a true global green economy.

Dr Erik Solheim, Co-Chair of the Europe-Asia Centre, former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive-Director of the UN Environment Programme, warned that political agenda and trade tensions could create obstacles that undermine a globally coordinated response.

He said that China and the EU could lead global climate cooperation, adding Europe and China must work together to defend trade, especially in light of recent political shifts in the U.S., which might increase trade tensions in days to come.

According to him, the EU move to increase tariffs on Chinese-built electric vehicles to 45.3 per cent at the end of its anti-subsidy probe should embrace the challenge of green competition rather than resort to defensive measures like tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and solar panels.

“Without robust trade the shift to green development could take far longer, leaving global economies more vulnerable.

“In recent years, with repeated shocks from the global pandemic, frequent geopolitical conflicts and resurgence of trade protectionism, the multilateral trading system has become increasingly fragile.

“Europe needs confidence in its ability to compete; rather than hindering competition, we should welcome Chinese products that advance sustainability while encouraging Europe’s own industries to improve.

“Trade restrictions are short-sighted responses to competition and embracing green competition can help European industries thrive.” Solheim said that China had excess production capacity in solar cells and EVs, which meant it was producing substantial supply of high-quality green products for the world.”

He said there were precisely green products the world needed such as green public goods that benefited all.

“We need to recognise this demands improved market regulation to ensure fair competition and foster balanced global market for essential green products.

“Therefore, open multilateral trade remains essential for advancing green initiatives; there should be enhanced EU-China cooperation because climate goals depend on exchange of green technologies, as well as fair competition across markets.

“Europe and China must ensure their trade mechanisms support fair and competitive environment, fostering innovation and economic growth globally,” he said.

Yi Xiaozhun, former Vice-Minister of Commerce of China and former Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), described unilateral trade protection measures introduced by a few major trading nations as the final straw that broke the WTO.

The former deputy-director explained such measures primarily driven by few developed economies, increased the risk of retaliatory trade conflicts and further stifle green cooperation.

“Green transitions should respect WTO rules and not come at the cost of undermining the multilateral trade system; using climate policies as guise for protectionism ultimately hinders sustainable development efforts,” he said.

Henry Wang, Founder and President of Center for China and Globalisation (CCG), reiterated that excessive trade restrictions could obstruct global climate cooperation.

Wang, a former Counselor to China’s State Council, cited the CCG report titled: “Sustainable Trade Amid Global Climate Change 2024” to warn that lobbying climate action could pose risk of breaking global trade policies and weakening collective responses to climate change.

According to him, global demand for solar panels and EVs has increased, yet production is struggling to keep up.

“The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects a need for 820 gigawatts of new photovoltaic installations, but 2022 production met only a quarter of that target.

“Similarly, global EV sales rose by 35 per cent in 2023 and demand is expected to hit 30 million units by 2027; amidst this, China exported 1.2 million EVs in 2023 marking significant supply shortage in the global market,” Wang said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

China upgrades cooperation with Africa–Official
Foreign

China upgrades cooperation with Africa–Official

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By Halima Sheji

China says it has upgraded the China-Africa Economic and Trade Forum and China-Africa Cultural Cooperation and Exchange Month to the China-Africa Economic and Trade Forum in the framework of China-Africa Cooperation Forum.

Zhang Yangbin, Deputy Secretary-General, Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, said this during the opening ceremony of 2024 China-Africa Economic, Trade and Cultural Forum in Jinhua, Zhejiang Province.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Forum with the theme: “Exchanges and Mutual Learning, People-to-People Bond and Win-Win Cooperation” attracted 400 guests from 40 countries and regions.

It aims to deepen China-Africa traditional friendship, expand China-Africa cooperation on the path to modernisation.

Zhang said that the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation formed basis to draw the new blueprint for China-Africa cooperation.

“This year, the China-Africa Economic and Trade Forum and the China-Africa Cultural Cooperation and Exchange Month were upgraded to the China-Africa Economic and Trade Forum and included in the framework of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum.

“It is expected that the participants will further deepen friendship and seek opportunities on this platform, and make suggestions for China and Africa to jointly promote modernisation.

“The Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries stands ready to work with friends from all over the world.

“This is to build more bridges and bonds to promote the hearts, emotions and strength of the Chinese and African peoples”, Zhang said,

In his keynote, Rahmantala Osman, Permanent Representative of African Union Delegation to China, said China’s investment in Africa played key role in promoting Africa’s modernisation process.

According to him, it is hoped that Africa and China will further strengthen cooperation in education, social security, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, industry, and digitalisation to lead the “global south” to prosperity.

In his remarks, Roger Emmanuel, Acting-Director, Embassy of Congo Brazzaville, said Africa to had the most developing countries.

Emmanuel, also the African co-Chair of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, described China as the world’s largest developing country, saying the friendly relations between Africa and China are a model of win-win cooperation.

“It is hoped that the two sides will deepen mutual trust, share development opportunities and work together to build a better future for Africa and China,” Emmanuel said.

Godius Kahyarara, Permanent Secretary, Tanzanian Ministry of Transport, conveyed Tanzanian President Suluhu Hassan’s appreciation for Africa-China cooperation and congratulations on the success of the forum.

According to him, Tanzania and China have always been each other’s most reliable and trustworthy partners.

Kahyarara said: “This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Tanzania and China. We sincerely hope that the friendship between the two countries will last forever.”

South African Ambassador to China, Siyabonga Cwele, said that the bilateral relationship between South Africa and China has been growing due to deep political mutual trust.

“It is hoped both sides further strengthen economic cooperation, deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, pool powerful forces of the African and Chinese peoples to jointly move towards modernisation ”, Shengwen said.

NAN report that the Forum was hosted by Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government and organised by Jinhua Municipal People’s Government and Zhejiang Normal University.

It featured display of achievements of the 2024 China-Africa Cultural Silk Road Exchange Month among others.

Highpoint of the event was inauguration of the China-Africa ‘Jinhua’ Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Park.

There was also the signing of the first batch of enterprises settled in Yiwu China-Africa building and Zhejiang-African cooperation projects amounting to about 47.9 billion Yuan. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Biden to meet Trump at White House on Wednesday
Foreign

Biden to meet Trump at White House on Wednesday

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U.S. President Joe Biden is set to meet his Republican predecessor – and successor – Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday, according to spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre.

The meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m (1600 GMT) on Wednesday in the Oval Office, the president’s office, Jean-Pierre said on Saturday.

Biden, 81, called Trump shortly after the election to congratulate him on his victory and invite him to the White House.

The gesture is part of the usual protocol surrounding a power transition in the United States, although Trump broke away from such conventions in 2020.

Trump has never conceded losing the 2020 election to Biden and did not attend his inauguration.

The meeting on Wednesday is one of the rare direct encounters between Biden and Trump.

They last faced each other on stage in a televised debate at the end of June, in which Biden performed so poorly that he shortly thereafter withdrew from the presidential race under pressure from his party.

Biden then supported his Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.

Trump is set to be sworn in for his second term as president on Jan. 20 after defeating Harris earlier this week. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Building Police capacity for better policing through International Alert
Defence/Security , Features

Building Police capacity for better policing through International Alert

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By Angela Atabo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Effective policing is crucial for maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety and promoting social stability.

However, before this can be achieved, it is important for the capacity of the police personnel who are the drivers of law and order to be built through effective training.

In a significant move to achieve this, International Alert, Non-Governmental Organisation supporting peace building and conflict prevention, organised a two-day Training Needs Assessment Workshop for Police Cadets in Kano.

Dr Paul Nyulaku-Bemshima, Country Director, International Alert, said the training aimed at enhancing officers’ learning needs related to the Police Act 2020, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and Gender Awareness/Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV).

Nyulaku-Bemshima said the training which covered personnel from the 19 police colleges and functions and the police academy, Kano,is being executed under the UK-funded integrated security project known as the “Nigeria Reform Initiative”.

He said that training is a very good entry point for increasing understanding and ensuring that police officers are well-versed in the intricacies of the law, enabling them to carry out their duties efficiently and responsibly.

“If you want to increase learning and understanding around the Police Act, the trainers of police operatives from the police training institutions are actually the key people that you should focus on.

“We are teaching and learning with them new communication tools, training methodologies for translating very heavy information like the Police Act 2020 into very simple ways those trainees will understand and be able to apply at the end of their training.

“We will be expanding these trainings across board as the project goes on, because everything most of the police officers deployed to different parts of the country and to different divisions learn and do starts from the training institutions.

“We would outline a manual on the key elements that would go into a training manual that they could use in the different training institutions”, she said.

Nyulaku-Bemshima said that the simplified manuals when developed, would be produced and shared across board, the quarterly check would be initiated to know how well the manuals are working.

“Training is at the heart of operational effectiveness of the police.

“So we hope that key outcomes from this will be a better understanding of the Police Act 2020, as well as its application in their day-to-day lives towards enhancing public safety and security in Nigeria.”

CP Rashid Afegbua, Commissioner of Police, Training, Force Headquarters Abuja, the Police Act 2020 and the ACJA are crucial laws that regulate the police therefore, trainings are pivotal if the force is to really get it right.

“Working with International Alerts, as regards simplifying these documents, for us to have it handy, it is going to be very important and useful to us, especially for our training institutions.

“By the end of the day, when we have done all these, we will have the officers go back and cascade whatever they have learnt to the colleges”, he said.

Afegbua said the police is working on attitudinal change to increase believe in the phrase “the police is your friend” by adopting some changes so that the public would appreciate the force more.

Prof. Olu Ogunsakin, Director-General, National Institute of Police Studies Abuja, speaking on “Detailed Examination of Key Provisions for Policing” said the basic tenet of policing was about developing trust and confidence.

“What we are trying to do now is to introduce a level of competence that will assist them to be able to provide the necessary service to all Nigerians.

“Apart from the essence of the capacity building, it is a guideline for them to be able to act so they can provide a standard policing service to all Nigerians.

“The Police Act itself has 17 paths that are linked together .Majority of what we are trying to look at is how the police dispose their powers ,we need to be able to respect the lives of the people we protect and then protect their properties.”

Another facilitator, Prof. Isaac Albert, Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan, while identifying areas where knowledge is lacking, said the workshop aimed to revisit what is taught in police colleges to align it with global best practices.

“The world is changing. The Nigerian environment is changing. When the likes of the IG was recruited, we did not have terrorism, banditry and the level of insurgency that we are having across the land.

“That is to say, the curriculum that was used for training all the big police bigwigs across the country needs to be updated because the conflict environment has changed.

“Now, what we are trying to do and which the police has permitted us to do is to ask those who are managing the training schools, if there are gaps for us to fill in what in teaching the cadets and how they are taught.

“We are not the ones that will change anything in the schools, but we want to sensitise them to the fact that the security environment of today requires rejigging what we teach to be in tandem with the problems they want to solve.”

SP Julius Nwaejie, one of the directing staff attached to Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano, said the training was an eye-opener, very sound, well-packaged, well-facilitated and well-delivered.

Nwaejie said: “This course, we pray, should be a continuous one because we have learned a lot and it has made us to be more prepared to offer more to our cadets and recruits as the case may be.

“We are very grateful to International Alert and we believe that they will continue to be updating our knowledge more and more so that we’ll be getting more transformed, more well-informed police officers that will serve the country in a better way.”

Asp. Faith Dadagbon, attached to National Institute of Police Studies, appreciates the enormity of the challenge ahead.

“International Alert has trained us to be good trainers by way of helping us to understand the Police Act better and to have a good knowledge and skills required to be able to cascade them to our recruits , cadets and even others officers .

“The enhanced knowledge on the Police Act, the ACJA as well as the things discussed in the course of the training concerning gender issue will really help us to carry out our assignment as trainers better”, she said.

The police officers believe that by strengthening the knowledge and skills of police personnel, International Alert seeks to promote accountability, transparency, and community trust in law enforcement.

The capacity-building initiative is expected to have a positive impact on policing standards, ultimately contributing to safer and more just communities.(NAN Features)

**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.

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