News Agency of Nigeria
Nigeria’s unemployment rate increased to 5.3% in Q1 2024- NBS
Economy/Business

Nigeria’s unemployment rate increased to 5.3% in Q1 2024- NBS

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says the unemployment rate in Nigeria increased to 5.3 per cent in Q1 2024 from the 5.0 per cent recorded in Q3 2023.

The NBS said this in its Nigeria Labour Force Survey for Q1 2024, released in Abuja on Tuesday.

The bureau said the unemployment rate was defined as the share of the labour force who were not employed but who were actively searching and were available for work.

In terms of educational attainment, the report said the rate of unemployment among persons with post-graduate education was 2.0 per cent in Q1 2024.

“While unemployment among those with post-secondary education was 9.0 per cent, while those with secondary education was 6.9 per cent, and 4.0 per cent for those with primary education.”

It said the unemployment rate among youth aged (15-24 years) in Q1 2024 was 8.4 per cent, which was a decrease of 0.2 per cent compared to the 8.6 per cent recorded in Q3 2023.

The report said the unemployment rate among males was 4.3 per cent and 6.2 per cent among females in Q1 2024.

“The unemployment rate was 6.0 per cent in urban areas and 4.3 per cent in rural areas in Q1 2024.”

The NBS said time-related underemployment in Q1 2024 was 10.6 per cent, indicating a decrease of 1.7 per cent from the 12.3 per cent recorded in Q3 2023.

It said time-related underemployment rate was the share of employed people who were working less than 40 hours per week, but who would be willing and available to work more.

“The share of the underemployed men was 8.5 per cent, while the share of underemployed women was 12.5 per cent in Q1 2024.

“The underemployment rate was 9.7 per cent in urban areas and 11.8 per cent in rural areas.”

The NBS said the labour force participation rate among the working-age population in Nigeria dropped to 77.3 per cent in Q1 2024 compared to 79.5 recorded in Q3 2023.

The report said the participation rate among males was 77.5 per cent while for females it was 77.1 per cent.

It said the employment-to-population ratio, which was the proportion of the working-age population that was employed was 73.2 per cent in Q1 2024

“This indicates a decline of 2.4 per cent compared to a ratio of 75.6 recorded in Q3 2023.

“The ratio in urban areas was 69.5 per cent and 78.9 per cent in rural areas in Q1 2024, indicating a decrease in the ratio compared to the 71.1 per cent and 80.7 per cent in Q3 2023, respectively.”

The report said there was a 3.3 percentage point increase in the proportion of workers in wage employment, from a record 12.7 per cent recorded in Q3 2023 to 16.0 per cent in Q1 2024.

“By gender, 20.1 per cent of males were in wage employment, compared to 12.1 per cent of females.

“Wage employment was also higher in urban areas, at 21.8 per cent than in rural areas, where it stood at 8.1 per cent.”

It said in Q1 2024, the percentage of youth (15-24 years) identified as Young Persons Not in Employment, Education nor Training (NEET) was 14.4 per cent.

“This indicates a 0.7 percentage point increase from 13.7 per cent in Q3 2023.”

The report also showed in Q1 2024, there were more females in NEET with 15.9 per cent compared to 15.5 per cent in Q3 2023.

“ Males in NEET accounted for 13.0 per cent in Q1 2024.”

The NBS said 1.5 per cent of employed Nigerians spent between one to nine hours a week working, while 4.8 per cent spent between 10 to 19 hours a week.

“Approximately 25 per cent worked between 20 to 39 hours, while 22 per cent spent between 40 to 48 hours, and 46 per cent worked 48 hours and above in a week.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

China, Nigeria to foster peace through cultural entertainment
Foreign , Culture & Tourism

China, Nigeria to foster peace through cultural entertainment

By Sarafina Christopher

China and Nigeria have stressed the need to foster peace through cultural and entertainment initiatives.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two countries made the call in Abuja at the 5th National Entertainment and Peace Summit, with the theme, “Cultivating A Culture of Peace”.

Speaking at the gathering, Mr Yang Jianxing, the cultural counselor of the Chinese Embassy, highlighted the relationship between entertainment and peace.

The relationship, he said, helps to alleviate negative emotions and provides relaxation, and promotes a sense of unity among different people in spite of their diverse backgrounds.

He observed that in spite of being from different countries, people are fundamentally the same and share common human emotions and experiences which can either create conflict or foster peace.

“We believe that entertainment can help alleviate negative emotions by providing relaxation and a means to forget temporary sadness.

“Therefore China places great importance in people to people communication and friendship through cultural exchange for global peace.

Yang also spoke of the significance of the entertainment industry in fostering mutual communication and understanding between Nigeria and China.

He said that cultural exchange through entertainment can be a powerful tool for future collaborations.

“The collaboration between China and Nigeria aims to cultivate a culture of peace and promote cultural diplomacy, further contributing to global efforts for a more peaceful world,” he said.

Amb. Nsikan Paul, the Executive Director, Drum Majors for Peace reiterated his commitment to promoting peace, inclusivity, and social cohesion through entertainment, dialogue, youth development, and the creative industry.

He also noted that peace is more than just the absence of conflict;It is a condition of harmony that must be cultivated by intentional acts and efforts.

“Today, as we come together under the banner of peace, we are reminded of the immense power of creativity in shaping a better world.

“Through positive entertainment and meaningful dialogue, we aim to build sustainable cities and communities that are inclusive, fair, and resilient; aligning our efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 1, 2, 11, 16 and Goal 17.

“We are dedicated to providing young people with platforms to discover, develop, and maximize their potential, empowering them to become responsible and patriotic citizens.

“We are especially proud of our joint effort to promote peace via the arts, as evidenced by our win as the Grand Prize winners of the Energy China Dance Competition, sponsored by the Chinese Cultural Center and Energy China Nigeria,” he said.

The summit was organised by the Drum Majors for Peace in partnership with the China Cultural Center in Nigeria to commemorate World Peace Day, 2024. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Nigeria’s flooding: Rising waters, sinking hopes
Features

Nigeria’s flooding: Rising waters, sinking hopes

By Abiemwense Moru, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Earlier this year as the rainy season approached the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in its weather forecast, as it has done in recent years, warned of impending flooding.

As forewarned, the rain is here so is the flood. The consequences, though not as massive as two seasons ago, is huge.

Mrs Aishatu Abu’s eyes welled up with tears as she gazed at the ruins that used to be her home. It has been submerged in the murky waters of the overflowing river.

The floods had come without warning, sweeping away her livelihood, her memories and her sense of security. She is not alone. The victims across the country are many.

Thousands of Nigerians, such as Abu, have been affected by the recent flood season with their lives turned upside down by the raging waters.

The floods spotlight the urgent need for effective disaster risk management in Nigeria.

Mrs Zubaida Umar, the Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), urges a comprehensive action plan to address disaster risks in Nigeria.

He advocated a more comprehensive action plan for disaster risk management in Nigeria considering new and emerging hazards associated with it.

Umar spoke at a recent Expert Workshop on Early Warning For All, National Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Strategic and Action Plan 2023-2030 in Abuja.

He said Nigeria faced severe vulnerabilities due to poverty, environmental degradation, and climate change.

Umar said that the Sahel region, where Nigeria is located, is prone to various disasters, including floods, landslides, droughts, and conflicts.

“A review of NEMA’s existing plans has indicated an urgent need for a more comprehensive action plan for disaster risk management in Nigeria, considering new and emerging hazards.

“This is to align with the Sendai Framework and African Programme of Action (PoA) to increase disaster resilience and drive sustainable development.

“The current escalations of conflicts, banditry, annual floods, and extreme weather events have triggered the desire to develop this DRR Strategy and Action Plan for Nigeria,” she said.

One of the agencies at the centre of disaster mitigation, NiMet, is worried that many Nigerians do not heed to early warnings serious hence enormity of damage usually cost by flood and other disasters.

Prof. Charles Anosike, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, spoke in Abuja, at a three-day Expert Workshop on Early Warning For All, National Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Strategic and Action Plan 2023-2030.

“Disasters, whether natural or man-made, can strike at any moment, leaving devastating impacts on communities and livelihoods. Early warning systems are the first line of defence against disasters.

“They provide critical seconds, minutes, or hours for people to seek safety, evacuate, or take necessary precautions.

“However, an early warning is only effective if it reaches all those at risk. In Nigeria, we face various hazards, from floods to landslides, droughts, and conflicts.

“The impact of these disasters can be catastrophic, but we can mitigate them through proactive and inclusive approaches.

“That’s why we must prioritise early warning for all. We need to ensure that every citizen, regardless of location, language, or socioeconomic status, receives timely and accurate warnings,” Anosike said.

Anosike said that to achieve this, Nigeria should invest in robust early warning systems that leveraged technology and community networks and strengthen emergency response capabilities.

He stressed the need to conduct regulatory and public awareness campaigns, foster collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and local communities, and support disaster risk reduction education in schools and communities.

Anosike called on all stakeholders working on disaster management and prevention to cooperate for better results.

“By working together, we can build a culture of resilience and reduce the risk of disasters in Nigeria. Let us commit to protecting our people, our communities, and our nation,” he said.

As the country seeks to build resilience against disasters, it must prioritise the needs of affected communities and escalate investment in disaster-related areas.

By investing in robust early warning systems, conducting regulatory and public awareness campaigns, and fostering collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and local communities, Nigeria can reduce the risk of disasters and protect its citizens from their aftermath.

Anambra is one of the flood-prone states in the country and Dr Nonye Soludo, the governor’s wife wants residents of previously flood-hit communities to always take proactive measures during rainy season by moving to higher grounds.

Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Awka North, and Ogbaru are among the high flood risk areas.

She urged community leaders, churches, and well-meaning individuals to assist residents who may be affected by the flood.

In Niger State, the management of North South Power Company Limited (NSPCL) has sensitised communities around the Shiroro Hydro-Electric Power Plant to desist from water-based activities.

Mr Olubunmi Peters, the Vice Chairman, North South Power Company Limited (NSPCL) identified poor maintenance of drainage system as part of the causes of flooding.

He, therefore, emphasised the need for government to start intensive desilting of drains and flood channels as well as intensify climate information services, especially to farmers.

As Nigeria grapples with the challenges of disaster risk management, it is clear that a comprehensive action plan is needed to address the challenge.

By working together, government agencies, NGOs, and local communities can build a culture of resilience and reduce the risk of disasters in the country.

Already, the Federal Government said it is taking the bull by the horn by supporting states in their efforts to manage flood disaster.

According to Mr Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, said in Birnin Kebbi that federal government would provide three billion naira to states to mitigate the impact of flood.

While this year’s rainy season is in its twilight it is important that more measures are taken to apply the lessons learnt this year in preparing for flooding and other disasters next season. (NANFeatures)

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

Commission seals agreement on .5bn Bakassi Deep Seaport project
Economy/Business

Commission seals agreement on $3.5bn Bakassi Deep Seaport project

By Okeoghene Akubuike

Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, the Director-General of Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has said that the construction of the 3.5 billion dollar Bakassi Deep Seaport would soon begin.

This is contained in a statement issued by Ifeanyi Nwoko, ICRC’s Acting Head of Media and Publicity in Abuja on Monday.

Ewalefoh made this known at a High-level Stakeholders’ meeting where a statement of endorsement for the port project was signed.

The ICRC D-G who said the construction would commence under the administration of Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River State, assured that the project would be completed in record time.

He said that his assurance was premised on four things which include the fact that the government of the state had demonstrated great commitment and zeal required for the project.

Others he said were the newly streamlined ICRC Public Private Partnership(PPP) processes; the securing of a financier for the project; and the support of all other stakeholders present.

Ewalefoh said the 3.5 billion dollar project whose funding has been secured from the African Import-Export Bank(Afreximbank), is to be executed as a PPP project.

He said that the ICRC had streamlined its PPP processes to ensure they were faster than before.

According to Ewalefoh, we are not compromising standards, we are only making the process more efficient which I have commenced as the D-G of ICRC.

He assured the Governor of Cross River that the project would be completed under his tenure with the support of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Shippers Council and all the stakeholders.

“You have demonstrated that you have what it takes to do it, just like President Tinubu has given confidence to investors to bring their funds to Nigeria.

“This is not a project that you started, the baton was only handed over to you, but like the man on the last lap, you are running the fastest and you will cut the tape.

“With the team you have assembled and the activities that are going on, you will arrive at the destination of the Bakassi Deep Seaport.

“I am convinced that in your tenure, with your team, Bakassi Deep Seaport will be a reality to the people of Cross River state and Nigerians,” he said.

The D-G said that the port was very important as it would diversify the traffic from the Western Port and serve as a succour to the Eastern parts of Nigeria.

He added that the Bakassi Deep Seaport is an Agro-Value-Chain port that will explore the potential in the nation’s agricultural sector in the South-South part of Nigeria, the North as well as all of Africa.

Ewalefoh thanked Afreximbank for believing in the state and Nigeria as he reassured investors that Nigeria was a choice destination for investment opportunities.

The statement said a high point of the meeting was the signing of the statement of endorsement by all critical stakeholders to the projects including the ICRC and the Cross River State Government.

Others include the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Nigerian Shippers Council, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FG signs MOU with Russian firm to complete Ajaokuta steel coy
Economy/Business

FG signs MOU with Russian firm to complete Ajaokuta steel coy

By Martha Agas

The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Russian firm, Tyazhpromexport (TPE), the original builders of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant, and members of its consortium in Moscow.

The move is part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to resuscitate the steel company and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) in order to boost industrialisation in the country.

The MoU was signed by the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, who led the Federal Government’s delegation, and the General Director of TPE, Mr Egorov Sergei Anatolevich, along with other members of the Russian consortium.

This was made known in a statement by Salamatu Jibaniya, the Head of the Press and Public Relations Department of the ministry, on Friday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Ajaokuta Steel Company Ltd. (ASCL), located in Kogi, was established in 1979 by the government of President Shehu Shagari to drive Nigeria’s modernity through industrialisation.

Jibaniya said that TPE and members of its consortium, comprising Novostal-M and Proforce Manufacturing Limited, were engaged for the rehabilitation, completion, and operation of the steel plant and NIOMCO, all located in Kogi.

She said the minister described the move as crucial and a bold step toward creating a sustainable foundation to achieve the industrialisation of Nigeria’s economy.

“The revival of the steel sector will also reduce importation of steel products into Nigeria, which is estimated at over four billion dollars annually, and will help save scarce foreign exchange,” he said.

According to the Jibaniya, the Nigerian delegation during the visit also inspected the facilities of Novostal-M, located in Balakovo in the Saratov region, and the private port facility of the company.

NAN reports that a TPE team visited the Ajaokuta Steel Plant and NIOMCO in August for a preliminary inspection, which led to the invitation to Moscow for the signing of the MoU.

The resuscitation of both the steel company and NIOMCO is expected to create more than 500,000 direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians.

The move is also crucial to achieving President Tinubu’s desire to grow the Nigerian economy to more than one trillion dollars by 2030. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Peter Amine

FG adopts global best practices for CPI, GDP rebasing, NLSS
General News

FG adopts global best practices for CPI, GDP rebasing, NLSS

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The Federal Government has reaffirmed plans to adopt global best practices in rebasing the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and conducting the Nigeria Living Standards Survey (NLSS).

Dr Vitalis Obi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, made this commitment at a dialogue with experts on Friday in Abuja.

Obi said that rebasing the GDP and CPI using global best practices would provide a more accurate picture of the economy, including emerging technologies, and enable policymakers to formulate effective policies.

He explained that the process involved updating the base year and adjusting weights used in computations.

Obi said the NLSS captured household consumption and welfare conditions.

He said that updating the basket of goods and services used in calculating CPI would improve understanding of inflation trends, informing monetary and price stability.

Obi highlighted significant structural changes in various sectors since the last rebasing exercise in 2014, including rapid growth in technology and digital sectors: fintech, e-commerce, and digital services

“You will recall that the last rebasing exercise in Nigeria was concluded in 2014. Before the exercise, the country’s GDP was approximately 270 billion dollars.

“The rebasing saw the GDP surge to 510 billion dollars, positioning Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy and ranking 26th globally.

“The number of sectors increased from 33 to 46, providing a more accurate economic picture.

“These enabled policymakers to craft policies focused on job creation, poverty reduction, and informed investment decisions.

“Since then, Nigeria’s economy has undergone significant structural changes, particularly rapid growth in technology and digital sectors, including fintech, e-commerce, and digital services.”

Obi stated that the agricultural sector had experienced significant growth, marked by the emergence of new value chains, agribusinesses, and commodity exchange, alongside advancements in renewable energy.

Additionally, he said the entertainment and creative industry had expanded, notably with the rise of skits, and Nollywood and music production gaining widespread international recognition.

“There is also a shift into the Marine and Blue economy, as well as growth in real estate.

“The rebasing of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will capture these sectorial shifts and place the Nigerian economy on the right trajectory.

“The rebasing will assist all levels of government in controlling and coordinating economic and social activities, achieving development goals and aspirations for citizens.” Obi stated.

Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician-General of the Federation, noted that the NLSS survey, conducted every four to five years, generated national poverty headline rates and other household welfare indicators.

“The previous survey, conducted in 2018/2019 and published in 2020, revealed a poverty rate of 40.1 per cent.”

Adeniran emphasised that the current workshop aimed to inform experts, users, and stakeholders about the survey methodology and gather their input and advice.

“The ultimate goal is to ensure that the approaches used in implementing the NLSS and rebasing the GDP and CPI are sound, aligned with international best practices, and relevant to the Nigerian context.

“This gathering of experts represents a key segment of data users, vital for research, policy design, and programme monitoring.

“Your input will significantly enhance the robustness and comprehensiveness of the NLSS survey and rebasing processes.

“Upon completion, critical stakeholders will be invited to a validation session to review and deliberate on the preliminary results before their final public release.” (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FG to audit all PPP projects-ICRC
Economy/Business , General News

FG to audit all PPP projects-ICRC

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The Federal Government, through the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) is set to audit all Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects to ascertain their performance.

Mr Ifeanyi Nwoko, Acting Head of Media and Publicity, ICRC, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, Director-General, ICRC, was quoted to have made this known when he paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Ewalefoh said the Federal Government will also ensure that all the projects are insured as statutorily stipulated in the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission Establishment Act, 2005.

He told the minister that the commission was already working on evaluating the performance of all PPP projects as well as enforcing their insurance.

The commission, he said, would train PPP desk officers in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as it was already in the works.

He urged the ministry not to relent in bringing projects to the commission or seek clarifications.

“Talking about the audit, we are already putting in place a mechanism to start auditing the performance of PPP agreements that we have signed in the past.

“We do not want to condemn or terminate them, but we want to optimise them.

“When it comes to the issue of insurance, of course, it is a matter of law for all national assets, both hard and soft infrastructure, that are concessioned through PPP to be insured.

“That is one area we are going to look into very soon. We are going to issue a policy that all assets under PPP must, in compliance with the law, be insured,” he said.

The director-general, who thanked the minister for being at the forefront of utilising PPP in delivering key infrastructure needs, pointed out that his choice of the ministry for his first official visit was in view of his performance.

The ICRC DG said that in the past year of the current administration, the minister had taken the highest number of PPP projects to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.

He commended him for not moving to cancel any PPP but rather optimising those that were stalling.

“My people just did a sum of the total amount of investment that has come into this ministry in your time as minister in the last one year and it is over five hundred million dollars.

“So, we cannot thank you enough as a champion of PPP.

“Therefore, we felt it was in our interest to come and say thank you for being our PPP Ambassador and a PPP Champion.

“We are using this opportunity to tell the world that the government of President Bola Tinubu has respect for the sanctity of contracts and to tell investors that their investment is safe,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the minister commended the appointment of Ewalefoh as the DG of ICRC.

Tunji-Ojo described the appointment as a clear demonstration of the intention of the government to diversify the economy and allow the private sector to play its role.

The minister added that his qualifications and experience were unquestionable.

He disclosed plans to efficiently leverage PPPs to make key agencies in the ministry self-reliant and exit them from the government’s budget line.

“We believe that a lot of our agencies should be off budget and we are working towards that, because the resources to the government are not even there.

“This is a country of 230 million people with an increasing population, therefore we have to be innovative in terms of financing.

“We know that the resources of the government are limited but the private sector has a lot more resources.

“All we need is to create the environment and give them the confidence to invest and Nigeria will be a better place for us,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo said that the ministry had leveraged the huge resources of the private sector, saying “everything we have done in the ministry today are majorly PPPs”.

“We cannot ask the government for millions of dollars

“See the data centre, we have the e-gate, as we speak, we have the Advanced Passenger Information System, the Gap Management System is almost completed, and a lot of other PPPs are in the pipeline,” he said.

The minister stressed that PPPs were not only about leveraging funds but also leveraging expertise for enhanced productivity and enhanced efficiency.

He assured the DG that the ministry would continue to collaborate with the ICRC, adding that the commission had always made key technical inputs to the ministry’s projects and fine-tuned them for better operability.

Tunji-Ojo charged the commission to remain steadfast in its role in pushing Nigeria to take its rightful place. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

India trains more than 27,500 Nigerians in 45 years – Envoy
Foreign

India trains more than 27,500 Nigerians in 45 years – Envoy

By Sarafina Christopher

Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria Shri Balasubramanian says more than 27,500 Nigerian professionals have been trained across various sectors in 45 years under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC).

Balasubramanian stated this during the 2024 ITEC Day reception at the High Commission of India in Abuja.

The high commissioner identified ITEC as a dedicated platform established by India’s Ministry of External Affairs for capacity building.

“More than 200,000 officials from no fewer than than 160 countries have benefited from this initiative, encompassing both civilian and defense sectors with no charges incurred.

“India extends over 22,500 scholarships annually to individuals worldwide, fostering collaboration and skill enhancement,” he said.

Balasubramanian added that cooperation between the two countries began in 1979 following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Budget and National Planning representing Nigeria.

He also emphasised the significance of the programme which has seen around 500 Nigerians receiving training in India annually since 1979.

“Notably, diverse courses including specialised ones are offered under this programme.

“For instance, a specialised course catering to 28 law enforcement officers from Nigeria was conducted earlier this year, along with ongoing programmes in digital health, space exploration, and other pertinent areas,” he said.

Balasubramanian also encouraged Nigerians to leverage this opportunity for professional growth and subsequent contribution to their nation’s progress, emphasising the value of skill development and knowledge exchange.

Amb. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed appreciation towards India’s commitment to enhancing Nigerians’ skills through such initiatives.

Ahmed, represented by Amb. Misitura Mohammed, Director of Asia and Pacific, Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out how the ITEC Programme has empowered Nigerians across various sectors, playing a crucial role in bolstering Nigeria’s development, particularly in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

He stated that the partnership signifies an example of robust South-South cooperation, showcasing India’s unwavering support in driving Nigeria’s growth. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh/Emmanuel Yashim)

Young innovators advocate digital revenue systems
Science & Tech

Young innovators advocate digital revenue systems

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Young Innovators of Nigeria (YIN) has emphasised the potential of innovative technology in enhancing national revenue generation systems, curbing oil theft, and improving cybersecurity.

YIN’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Andrew Abu, made this statement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, highlighting activities marking the organisation’s 10-year anniversary.

Abu said the anniversary, scheduled for 16-17 October, would coincide with the second edition of YIN’s Technology Ecosystem Dialogue Series (TEDS).

According to Abu, the event aims to bring together stakeholders from industry, academia, and public institutions to explore ways to advance Nigeria’s digital landscape and foster future innovations.

“This event aligns with national priorities and global best practices, integrating innovative technological solutions into Nigeria’s revenue management framework to promote sustainable economic development, fiscal governance, and stability.

“TEDS 2024 will focus on incorporating innovative technologies into Nigeria’s revenue systems, addressing digital transformation in revenue collection, combating oil theft, and enhancing cybersecurity.”

He said other anniversary activities include a hackathon, the Heroes of the Tech Republics award, and recognition of individuals from public service, innovators, and investors who have contributed to Nigeria’s IT ecosystem growth.

According to him, Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State will be honoured for digitising the state’s civil service, investing in digital literacy, and ICT certifications for staff, resulting in increased Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and enhanced e-governance.

He said other awardees include Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister for Communications Innovation and Digital Economy, and Dr Olatunji Vincent, National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission.

Abu encouraged innovators to participate in the hackathon, developing solutions for clean energy and climate change, with a submission deadline of 30 September.

“The best three products from the hackathon will be showcased at TEDS, where industry partners can select products for funding or sponsorship/co-ownership.”

“Interested innovators can apply via https://yinigeria.com.ng/hackathon/.

“YIN will also unveil Tech Republic, a comprehensive book documenting Nigeria’s technological advancements over the past decade, providing a roadmap for the future of tech in Nigeria and Africa.

“Topics to be discussed at the event include Digital Transformation in Revenue Collection, Data Analytics and Revenue Leakages, and Leveraging Technology to Combat Oil Theft.

“The programme is being hosted in collaboration with the Network of Incubators and Innovators in Nigeria, under the theme “Securing Nigeria’s Revenue Streams: The Power of Technology”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Maulud: Al-Habibiyyah embarks on tree planting campaign across Nigeria
General News , Environment

Maulud: Al-Habibiyyah embarks on tree planting campaign across Nigeria

By Muhyideen Jimoh
The Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society has begun the planting of over 1,000 soursop trees across the country, as part of activities to mark this year’s Eid-el- Maulud (commemoration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad).
The National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah, Shiek Fuad Adeyemi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Society had launched the “Project Make It Green” on Sunday in Abuja.
He said the initiative aims at promoting a green friendly environment in line with the dictates of Prophet Muhammad, PBUH.
The cleric explained that 1,000 of the trees would be planted in Abuja and environs, while the remaining would be planted in designated areas across the country.
“As we commemorate this year’s Maulud, we want the entire world to know what the Prophet Muhammad stood for, his missions and his messages.
“I think part of his greatest messages is the sustenance and conservation of the environment.
“The Prophet has given us lots of lessons and teachings as far as environment is concerned,” he said.
Adeyemi said that planting trees as encouraged by the Prophet will go a long way in addressing issues of climate change and other disasters like the recent floods in Maiduguri.
“The Prophet mentioned that we should plant trees and that animals that eat from it, humans that eat from it, people that stay under their shades would be counted as ‘Sadakat-ud-Jariyya’, for us, both here and in the hereafter.
“Also, if one look at the Maiduguri flood, it is 70% environmental related issue. Had it been we are proactive and listen to the messages of Prophet Muhammad I don’t believe this thing will have happened,” Adeyemi said.
He said that the choice of the soursop tree is due to the fact that medically the leaf cures so many sickness and the fruit is also very valuable.
The Imam admonished Nigerians to cultivate the habit of planting trees as encouraged by the Sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet to mitigate some of the environmental challenges facing the country. (NAN)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
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