NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
3,000 athletes set for Anti-Corruption marathon
Sports

3,000 athletes set for Anti-Corruption marathon

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

No fewer than 3,000 athletes have registered and set to take part in the 2024 Anti-Corruption half marathon slated for Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fifth edition of the race is geared towards raising awareness on the scourge of corruption and how to collectively tackle the menace.

The National Coordinator of the marathon, Jacob Onu, who disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja, said the event is symbolic in the fight against corruption and substance abuse by athletes.

“The fight against corruption is not a one-off battle, rather a continuous one that requires perseverance and endurance.

“This is the reason behind this initiative. The marathon is symbolic in that without perseverance and endurance one can’t start and finish a marathon,” he said.

According to him, the star prize winner for both male and female will smile to the bank with N1million, while the first and second runners-up will get N700, 000 and N500, 000 each.

Earlier, President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), Maj.-Gen. Abdullahi Maikano, said OSMA will fully participate in the all important marathon because it is a noble cause.

“In my capacity as the president of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa, I will make sure that the African military participates in the marathon race.

“We will use the upcoming African Military Games in Abuja to create awareness for the race and invite our colleagues from Niger, Ghana, Mali and other African countries for the marathon,” Maikano said.

Also the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Gumel, called on all stakeholders to support and key in to the goal of the marathon

Gumel, who was represented by President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Abdul Ibrahim, said such events would go a long way in discovering talents for the country.

The 21.25km half marathon is scheduled to start at the Eagles Square and pass through the National Stadium and terminate at the Unity Fountain.

Top government officials, members of the National Assembly Anti-Corruption committee, business leaders and host of other eminent Nigerians are expected to flag-off the event. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

AFCON qualifier: Enoh charges Super Eagles to thrash Libya
Sports

AFCON qualifier: Enoh charges Super Eagles to thrash Libya

636 total views today

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh, has charged the Super Eagles of Nigeria to conquer the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in the two-legged 2025 AFCON qualifier.
Nigeria hosts the first leg at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Friday, with the return at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benina, Libya’s second city Benghazi, on Wednesday.
The minister described the Group D, Matchday3 qualifier as a must win for the Eagles, who currently top the group.
Enoh stressed the need for the team to show tactical superiority and prove their mettle over their North African counterparts.
“Your solid start in the qualifiers has put you in a favorable position to secure a place in the 2025 AFCON tournament.
“Nonetheless, you must guard your place, as the Mediterranean Knights will aim to defy expectations, seeking at least a draw in Uyo. Never underestimate your opponents.
“The nation will be rooting for you, make us proud, and good luck,” Enoh said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that after after two matches, Nigeria leads the group, having secured four points, while Libya is at the bottom with just one point.
The Eagles opened their campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Benin Republic and followed up with a goalless draw against Rwanda.
Libya, on the other hand, has struggled with their performance and currently sits at the bottom in Group D of the qualifying tournament with just one point.
The Super Eagles hold a historical advantage, having won all previous encounters with Libya. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Oluwole Sogunle
Aviation: FG sets up task force to fast-track PPPs
Economy/Business

Aviation: FG sets up task force to fast-track PPPs

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By Okeoghene Akubuike

The Federal Government has created task forces in the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the Ministry of Aviation to unlock the economic potential of the aviation sector.

A statement issued by Ifeanyi Nwoko, ICRC’s Acting Head of Media and Publicity on Tuesday in Abuja, said the Federal Government would achieve this through investment in Public Private Partnerships (PPPs).

Nwoko said the decision was the outcome of a courtesy visit by the Director-General of ICRC, Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo.

He said Ewalefoh while highlighting the importance of aviation in galvanising other sectors to foster the economic potential of the country, said the ICRC had set up its task force to fast-track investment in PPPs.

Nwoko said that the minister also set up a similar task force in the ministry to work with the ICRC team for efficient delivery of infrastructure projects through PPP.

He said Nigeria, like many others worldwide, still faced the challenges of funding infrastructure projects, adding that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda emphasised PPPs to enhance infrastructure.

While exemplifying the huge investment possibility in the aviation sector, Ewalefo said that between 2003 and 2019, the Heathrow Airport in the UK got an investment of 16 billion pounds in private sector funds.

According to him, the Nigerian aviation sector holds a lot of investment possibilities without burdening public resources.

Ewalefo also cited the example of Dakar Airport, which had attracted an investment of 575 million dollars, 30 per cent of which was from the Bin Laden Group of Saudi Arabia.

He said that Kenya also had a PPP arrangement that had driven passenger traffic from seven million to 12 million.

Ewalefo stated that Nigeria, with more than 200 million people, should be able to attract the right investments and become the destination hub of the world and a connecting point for Africa.

“We have what it takes, but we need to have the right infrastructure in place.

“That is why we are here to collaborate with you and ensure that all the projects you have conceptualised will come to fruition within the lifetime of this administration.

“The aviation sector is an enabler for the economic development of any nation; it is a means for you to connect all the various infrastructures.

“It is a means to unlock the potential of this country and if we get it right, Nigeria’s story will change,” he said.

The director-general commended the minister for getting the Federal Government to sign the Cape Town Convention Practice Direction after more than10 years of attempts.

He also commended him for resolving the problem with the UAE and having Emirate Airlines fly to Nigeria again.

“We have a lot of projects on your table, and we want to implore you if possible, to set up a task force for us to do this.

“This is because the infrastructure gap in Nigeria is so huge that the normal protocol cannot give us the needed time and speed.

“We need to work day and night and have the right commitment,” he said.

In his response, Keyamo, while corroborating Ewelafo’s position on the need to accelerate PPP projects in the industry, immediately set up a task force to collaborate with the ICRC team.

He said the ministry had achieved some milestones in aviation policy and will focus more on accelerating received PPP proposals.

“So we will bring them to you, we will set timelines for ourselves. For each of these projects we are going to set a timeline,” he said.

Keyamo said that aviation was a sector that had a lot of PPP potential, pointing out that certain projects like the cargo terminals and others that had been marked out would be pursued vigorously.

The minister commended the director-general for being proactive and assured the ICRC of his unfettered collaboration to drive PPP infrastructure in the ministry. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E, Eniola Williams

S/Korea pledges to boost Nigeria’s economy through e-governance
Foreign

S/Korea pledges to boost Nigeria’s economy through e-governance

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By Sarafina Christopher

The South Korean government through the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has pledged to enhance e-governance in Nigeria with the view to boosting the nation’s digital economy.

KOICA Country Director, Mr Sungil Son, made the pledge on Wednesday in Abuja during a one-day Government Services Portal (GSP)
stakeholders engagement workshop.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by Galaxy Backbone in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

According to Sungil, KOICA is partnering the Federal Government to develop a comprehensive services portal, designed to be a one-stop shop for citizens to access a wide-range of digital services.

“This portal aims to streamline service delivery, enhance transparency, and improve the overall user experience for citizens interacting with government agencies.

“To ensure the success and effective implementation of this initiative, it is critical to involve all relevant stakeholders in the development process,” he said.

Sungil noted that the workshop marked another milestone in the development of the GSP of which all Nigerian MDAs were the major drivers.

He said that KOICA was proceeding into a crucial phase for service integration for all GSP candidate services.

“At KOICA, we view the GSP as a key example of digital governance in action. As such, I am delighted that our partner, Galaxy Backbone has been able to put this workshop together.

“As we aim for the full activation of the GSP in the first half of 2025, I look forward to seeing how service integration targets can be achieved.

“KOICA remains open to collaborating with Galaxy and the candidate MDAs to ensure the GSP delivers digital services to citizens and businesses in a way that is convenient, accessible, and reliably anchored in global best practices,” he said.

Prof. Muhammed Abubakar, Managing Director and CEO of Galaxy Backbone, expressed gratitude to the South Korean for their contributions to Nigeria’s e-governance development.

He also said that the GSP served as a one-stop shop for Nigerian citizens to access a wide-range of government digital services through its API Integration Service with candidate MDAs.

“GSP as a Use Case for Government Data Exchange (GDX) platform is designed to enable seamless information sharing between government agencies, businesses, and individuals.

“It is one of the core components of the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI),” he said.

Prof. Youngchae Song, Digital Governance Expert from Sangmyung University, gave an overview of the project since its inception in 2020, saying it would be completed in 2026.

Mr Mohammed Jammal, the CEO of ThreeMPlus and also GSP‘s developer, allayed security concerns for the system, saying that robust security measures were in place to protect sensitive data and ensure its integrity.

He said that one of the key features of GSP was its permission-based access control, which mandates that any editing or data input must receive approval from an administrator at the backend.

“This architecture significantly mitigates the risk of unauthorised access and potential data breaches.

“By requiring admin permission for modifications, the portal establishes a clear chain of accountability and oversight, ensuring that only authorised personnel can make changes to critical information.

“This layer of security helps to safeguard against internal threats and human errors that could compromise the integrity of the data,” Jammal said.

Faruk Yabo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, said the Federal Government was committed to integrating these services to improve accessibility and transparency.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen

World Bank to support Nigeria in turning forests to economic hubs
Environment

World Bank to support Nigeria in turning forests to economic hubs

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By Abigael Joshua

The World Bank has pledged to support the Federal Government in turning Nigerian forests to economic hubs.

Malam Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja when he hosted a World Bank team.

The team was led by Ndiame Diop, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, and Chakib Jenane, Regional Director for West and Central Africa on ACReSAL Project.

“The issue of insecurity around the forests can be curbed by making the forests economic hubs where activities and infrastructures would take place to forestall the activities of bandits.’’

The minister said that the support from the World Bank would enable the Federal Government to sustain and expand the forests.

According to him, all hands are on deck to address the issues of forest.

“The World Bank is going to support us create communities around the coastal areas through our frame work.

“The coast lines are Lagos to Calabar where we would collaborate with these states governors,’’ the minister said.

Lawal assured that the issues of logging among others would be tackled as there must be a balance between cultivation and forest.

The minister commended the present administration for the creation of blue economy, saying it was the first of its kind in the history of the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that ACReSAL Project tackles land degradation and climate change in 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The collaboration between the Nigerian Government and the World Bank underscores the country’s commitment to environmental sustainability. (NAN) (www.nannewa.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Cricket: Nigeria picks Africa’s sole ticket to 2025 U19 World Cup
Sports

Cricket: Nigeria picks Africa’s sole ticket to 2025 U19 World Cup

745 total views today

By Ijeoma Okigbo

Nigeria has secured Africa’s sole ticket to the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under 19 Women’s World Cup in Malaysia 2025.

Nigeria was declared the winner of the Under 19 Africa Qualifiers on Sunday after the final match against Zimbabwe was washed out due to a heavy downpour in the second innings.

The final game played at Gahanga International Stadium in Kigali, saw Nigeria win the toss and opted to bat, scoring 77 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs.

In the chase, Zimbabwe started strong scoring 19/1 in 2.3 overs but was halted by the rain and play could no longer proceed.

However, ICC officials present adjudged Nigeria the winner for being the only participant unbeaten at the qualifier and had also topped its group.

Meanwhile Uyi Akpata, President of Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), in his reaction to the victory, said that the qualification is a reward for the hard work and tenacity of everyone involved.

“First, I must thank the players, for their boldness and dedication to this project. The board members too have been very supportive, and I will not forget the coaches and the technical team behind them.

“The World Cup is a bigger task; we need more resources and a robust plan to run a successful campaign. All hands must be on deck, and it starts now,” Akpata noted.

Nigeria’s run to victory began with beating Tanzania by four wickets, Zimbabwe by one wicket, and overrunning Malawi by 86 runs to top Group B.

In the semi-final, Nigeria beat host Rwanda by 62 runs to set up the second encounter with Zimbabwe in the finals encounter that was washed out.

The 2025 World Cup in Malaysia is scheduled for Jan. 18 to Feb. 2, 2025 with Nigeria in Group C alongside New Zealand, South Africa, and Samoa. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh

NAN Inaugural Lecture: Why we choose insecurity in Sahel—Ali
General News , Defence/Security

NAN Inaugural Lecture: Why we choose insecurity in Sahel—Ali

462 total views today

By Funmilayo Adeyemi/Sumaila Ogbaje

The Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, says it is about time NAN charts a course on pathways to peace and economic prosperity in the continent.

Ali stated this in Abuja on Monday while speaking on the agency’s Inaugural International Lecture on Insecurity in the Sahel slated for Thursday, Oct. 3.

The topic of the lecture is “Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024): Dissecting Nigeria’s Challenges – Genesis, Impacts and Options’’.

He said the lecture is expected to interrogate the root causes of the violence troubling the Sahel.

According to Ali, given its strategic importance in the last 48 years of existence, NAN must play a very pivotal role in giving direction on political, economic, and social issues.

“What NAN is doing is to tell the world that beyond reporting factually and objectively, it can intervene on contemporary issues with the view of finding pathways to a greater nation and continent,’’ he said.

The managing director explained that the lecture was aimed at igniting an international conversation around flashpoints in the Sahel.

“Security is the basic; without security, a nation cannot make progress, there will be no economic and social development.

“We’ve seen it in the Northwest where bandits take front row seats and conducting their nefarious activity with impunity, without any fear of reprisals.

“Agriculture has been suffering in the Northeast where there is insurgency,’’ he said.

Ali further explained that the lecture would look at a wide range of issues on insecurity while proffering ways government could tackle the menace headlong.

“We are not looking at insecurity from a local or national level; we’re taking it on a wider paradigm, a bigger scale.

“So. we think there is a nexus also between what’s happening in the Sahel and here, just like we believe that there is a nexus between corruption and insecurity,’’ he added.

Ali expressed the optimism that the outcomes of the lecture, after being compiled and sent to appropriate quarters, would contribute to finding lasting solutions to the insecurity issues in the Sahel.

NAN reports that the lecture is also expected to provide public discourse on the debilitating challenges of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, militancy and violent ultra-nationalism among others in the country.

It will also examine its impact on Nigeria’s territorial integrity and lay bare the options available to policy strategists based on the country’s security architecture. (NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

NAN MD urges Nigerians to be security conscious
Defence/Security

NAN MD urges Nigerians to be security conscious

374 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje/Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, has called on Nigerians to support the efforts of the government in addressing the security challenges bedeviling the nation.

Ali made the call on Monday in Abuja, while speaking on the agency’s Inaugural International Lecture on Insecurity in the Sahel slated for Thursday, Oct. 3.

The topic of the lecture is “Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024): Dissecting Nigeria’s Challenges – Genesis, Impacts and Options’’.

He said that the challenges of terrorism, banditry and other forms of insecurity in the country required the cooperation and support of the citizens for the security agencies to effectively address them.

“My appeal to Nigerians is to be security conscious, to support government efforts, report bad acts, even among the security operatives.

“There are a lot of them; we have seen that some, unfortunately, also connive with criminal elements.

“It has been known that some actually provide logistic support to criminal elements

“So I appeal to Nigerians to support government’s  efforts in tackling this menace,’’ he said.

Ali said that NAN would leverage on its wide reach to ensure that recommendations from the lecture were given attention by the relevant authorities and stakeholders.

According to him, array of personalities who are active players in both local and international politics and security are expected at the event.

He said that the choice of Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas as the guest speaker was as a result of his extensive knowledge in global diplomacy, peace and security, especially in Africa.

“He was the ECOWAS Commission President, before moving to be United Nations rapporteur on Sahel.

“Currently he is the chief UN negotiator in Sudan, where there is a raging internecine war currently.

“So you can see he is well versed, he is well-marinated to deliver a lecture on Sahel and insecurity, the genesis, the impact, the options,’’ he said.

The Managing Director added that the former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, would chair the event while notable scholars and ex-top military and intelligence officers would feature as discussants. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

China celebrates 75th anniversary in Nigeria
Foreign

China celebrates 75th anniversary in Nigeria

899 total views today

By Sarafina Christopher

The Chinese Embassy on Friday in Abuja celebrated the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the celebration marked a significant moment in China’s history following the Chinese Civil War.

It also marked victory of Mao Zedong’s Communist forces over the Kuomintang forces of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek.

Mao proclaimed the founding of PRC on Oct. 1, 1949.

China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, reflected on the nation’s progress, citing tremendous transformation under the Communist Party’s leadership.

“Over the past 75 years, China has evolved from poverty to prosperity.

“We’ve lifted nearly 100 million people out of poverty and achieved moderate prosperity,” Yu said.

He highlighted China’s contributions to global economic growth, averaging over 30 per cent between 2013 and 2023.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Abbas Tajudeen, congratulated China on its milestone and expressed Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing cooperation.

He announced plans for parliamentary engagement through the China-Nigeria Friendship Group.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured cultural performances by the Zhengzhou Kungfu group and renowned Quju and Yuju opera artists. (NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Immunisation: UNICEF pledges to reach most marginalised Nigerian children
Health

Immunisation: UNICEF pledges to reach most marginalised Nigerian children

461 total views today

By Victor Adeoti

The United Nations Children’s Fund(UNICEF) says it will continue to provide the required immunisation vaccine for most marginalised Nigerian children, irrespective of class, race or demography.

Mrs Celine Lafoucriere, Chief UNICEF Field Officer, South-West, Nigeria, said this on Thursday at a two-day media dialogue on routine immunisation in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the event was themed “Achieving the Health Sector SDGs for Over Two Million Children at Risk of Death in Nigeria.”

Lafoucriere explained that UNICEF would also ensure that no child in Nigeria was left behind, no matter where they live; mostly children in hard- to-reach areas, to provide immunisation for their well being.

“No matter where they live, we will ensure that no child in Nigeria is left to suffer preventable diseases due to lack of immunisation.

“Vaccine remain a fundamental right of every child and they remain fundamental to improving health outcomes and reducing inequalities,” she said.

In her presentation, Mrs Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole, UNICEF Social and Behavioural Change Specialist, said the organisation would continue to focus more on the most marginalised children in Nigeria.

Akinola-Akinwole said that UNICEF was equally working with the Nigerian government and other international partners in procuring high-quality potent vaccines and making them available in the country.

The UNICEF social behaviour specialist, who noted that vaccines trust and demand remain a challenge in the public health space, said that UNICEF was supporting the development and implementation of communication and non communication strategies to build vaccine trust and generate demand to address it.

“UNICEF support grassroots advocacy, community engagement, and social mobilisation activities to identify missed children, promote positive health, seeking behaviour for routine immunisation uptake,” she said.

Akinola-Akinwole said that a specific schedule of vaccine delivered to children from birth to 15 months and nine years for girls to protect them from vaccine-preventable diseases.

She, however, called on government for adequate financing for functional, efficient and resilient healthcare facilities, and to address the human gap in the health sector.

Also speaking, Dr Adetona Akinpelu, Immunisation Programme Officer, Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, said the board would on Oct.19 commenced a two-week state wide immunisation exercise against vaccine preventable diseases.

Akinpelu said that the essence of the planned state wide immunisation was to bridge the gap created in the past two to three years especially, during COVID-19 pandemic. (NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)

Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

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