News Agency of Nigeria
UN, Foundation offers GBV toll free helpline
Gender

UN, Foundation offers GBV toll free helpline

334 total views today

By Justina Auta

The UN Trust Fund in collaboration with the Tabitha Cumi Foundation (TCF), have partnered to offer toll free helpline to report Gender Based Violence (GBV) and improve virtual management of cases in Nigeria.

 

Mrs Tayo Erinle, Executive Director, TCF during the project dissemination and closeout event of the Flashlight Actions on Girls Safety (FLAGS) project on Tuesday in Abuja said the GBV helpline would assist in ending GBV and ensure justice for survivors.

 

“The GBV free toll helpline that were disseminated today keeps FLAGS project flying because even though FLAGS is closing out GBV has not ended.

 

“So to keep it flying, we have got this toll free line supported by the UNTrust Fund for people to reach us, flag up cases, set up virtual management and increase stakeholders that we have been working with.

 

“This will help us manage cases at one sitting to avoid re-traumatisation of the survivor and be able to proffer next steps to take,” she said.

 

According to her, in the past three years of the project has supported 750 girls in 10 communities within Nasarawa, Niger and the FCT.

 

“We have been able to build the capacity of 750 girls in 30 safe spaces in Nasarawa, Niger and FCT to prevent, respond and refer GBV cases.

 

“The girls are more aware, they are confident and know that anyone can be a perpetrator and know what to do and where to go if they are violated or know someone who has been violated.”

 

According to her, the major outcome of the project was the virtual case management, which is a girl centered multi sectoral approach to GBV.

 

“We have been able to meet and handle 162 cases, two are in courts, two are in shelter, some are going through psychosocial support,” she said.

 

Ms Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria, commended TCF for the successes recorded in implementing the FLAGS project and reducing GBV in the country.

 

Eyong, represented by Patience Ekechukwu, Programme Officer for Women’s Economic Empowerment, noted that in spite of existing legal frameworks and policies, GBV and harmful traditional practices against women and girls still exist.

 

“Ending violence against women and girls that is why we are gathered here to look at issues and solutions and what we can do to ensure that women and girls in Nigeria live free from violence.

 

“UN Women is committed to working with government agencies, CSOs, traditional and religious organisations to prevent the violence that affects millions of women around the world.

 

“We all have critical role to play in ending violence against women and girls. We must speak out against harassment, violence in our work places, various religious platforms, through the media.

 

“We need to lend our voices to be heard to ensure that the world is free from violence against women and girls,” she said.

 

Other highlights of the event were the presentation of excellence awards to notable persons and communities for their supports in ensuring the success of the FLAGS project.

 

Others include: fireside chats with project beneficiaries and stakeholders, as well as the launch of the TCF GBV Helpline, 0800 0040 404. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Let your talent impact on society—Singer tells women entertainers
Entertainment

Let your talent impact on society—Singer tells women entertainers

282 total views today

By Aderogba George

An Abuja based sensational singer, Jessa Joan, has urged the female folks to use their talents to make positive impact on the society.

Joan made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to her, the Nigerian entertainment industry has evolved over the years, rising to a level where it is currently estimated to worth nearly $15 million dollars.

“Women have what it takes to defy all odds and make themselves relevant in the industry, both in music, film, comedy or other aspects of entertainment.

“I am one of those who have made immense sacrifices to contribute their God-given talent to bring excitement in the minds of our people

“Through sleepless nights, hard work and commitment to translate my vision into reality, I challenged the status quo to book a spot of pride for women in the music industry especially in Abuja and environs.

“As a songwriter, singer and dancer as well, my sensational voice, laced with grace my talents have given me an opportunity to dine with kings and queens in entertainment industry. Any woman can do same’’, she said.

NAN reports that Joan has consistently been rated high on the account of her sterling performances at high profile events and social functions.

Her hit tracks are travelling like wildfire, blaring on the speakers of radio and TV stations, supermarkets, filling stations and public places.

She has been on media tour and being hosted by radio and TV stations to offer motivation to those who are feeling less of themselves.

She is also a philanthropist who through her Foundation, Jessa Joan Foundation carried out several impactful humanitarian programmes cutting across environment, education, water and sanitation, empowerment and health.

Joan will also be on stage at the upcoming African Iconic Women Awards (AIWRA) 2024 which will have several African First Ladies and wives of several Nigerian governors’ wives.

Also, the AY show coming up in Abuja would see her display her talent, add a sprinkle of glamour to the event. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Nollywood star, Evanny Patrick makes list of Africa’s 2024 Award
Entertainment

Nollywood star, Evanny Patrick makes list of Africa’s 2024 Award

791 total views today

By Aderogba George

Popular Nollywood actress, Evanny Patrick, has made the list of Africa’s 2024 under 40 award recipients.

The Executive Chairman of Amity Global Network, Alex Nwankwo, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said the event is organised by Mayorkings Agency Group.

According to Nwankwo, the Africa’s Under 40 CEOs Awards and Summit is a Top-notch Continental Award Event and Ranking.

“It identifies, showcases, honours and celebrates young Africans who are mostly influential, established and accomplished young business leaders, under the age of 40.

“Recipients were selected across various industries; people who have demonstrated commitment to business growth, development, professional excellence and community service as well as philanthropy.

“The event and rankings aim to encourage and promote young African champions globally as well as bridging a Room for networking, collaboration, unity of purpose amongst successful young African.

“The sole aim of this is for the Advancement of the African Continent.

“Mayorkings Agency Group together with its global Partners, highly committed Award Screening Committee and Jury are 100 per cent committed to honouring and celebrating only deserving young Africans at each editions,’’ Nwankwo said.

He explained that recipients of the awards would also be receive honorary doctorate degrees from Prowess University Delaware USA and Fellows of the Global Institute of Leadership and Governance, South Africa.

NAN reports the Delta-born actress was raised in Lagos where she attended to Kems College. She graduated from Houdegbe North American University, Benin with B.Sc. in Business Administration and Management.

She also bagged a Postgraduate Diploma in both Entrepreneurship and Human Resource Management from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

A beauty and fashion entrepreneur, she has followed her passion, acting, featuring along with high profile Nollywood stars in a number of blockbuster movies.

Some of the works where she featured are: `Perfect Ex’, `3 Sisters’, `Eniola Spice’, `Love Spices’, `Where I Found Love’, `Pablo’, `Mad Neighbours 2’, `One More Night’, `Love Wager’ and others.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

NBS to produce data using Artificial Intelligence
Economy/Business

NBS to produce data using Artificial Intelligence

338 total views today

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The National Bureau of Statistics(NBS) says it plans to produce crowd-sourced data on food prices using Artificial Intelligence.

Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, the Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer, NBS, said this at the 1st Bi-Annual Meeting of the National Consultative Committee on Statistics(NCCS),2024 in Keffi on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the three-day meeting has the theme “Understanding Big Data and Data Science: A New Perspective to Data Analysis and Dissemination.”

“Before the end of the year, we will commence the process of producing and publishing weekly crowd-sourced data on food prices using artificial intelligence and crowdsourcing methods for six pilot states in Nigeria.

“This will serve as an additional source of food price statistics to the conventional monthly Consumer Price Index(CPI) and Cost of Healthy Diet reports published by NBS,” he said.

Adeniran commended the Statistician-General of Kaduna State and the Kaduna State Bureau of Statistics for their stride in adopting big data and data science.

“I understand that they already have a Data Science Campus which is already operational.

“This serves as a veritable model for other State Statistical Bureaus or agencies, even as you work hard to develop your conventional statistical operations in your respective states,” he said.

He said the NBS would continue to guide and lead by ensuring the necessary framework for utilising technology to explore the full potential of big data and data science for official statistics.

Adeniran said the NBS was collaborating with the Office of National Statistics in the UK and the African Development Bank(AfDB) to establish Data Innovation Lab and the GIS Lab.

“All these efforts align perfectly with the vision of the NBS and with our aspirations under the new National Strategy for the Development of Statistics( NSDS) 2024 – 2028.

“The NSDS 2024-2028 was validated in April by stakeholders of the system which is to build a robust national statistical system.

“A system well equipped to provide more accurate data and respond to the ever-evolving socioeconomic and data landscape.

“By embracing these initiatives, we are laying a solid foundation for a more resilient statistical system that can effectively meet the dynamic needs of our society and drive informed decision-making across all sectors,” he said.

He said the benefits and potential of big data and data science were limitless, saying however, that harnessing them came with some sets of challenges.

“First, we must invest heavily and sustainably in the necessary infrastructure to effectively collect, store, manage, analyse, and disseminate this vast amount of information available within the system.

“We must also develop a statistical system that is awash with personnel skilled in data science, statistics, and data engineering, and this should be done sustainably and efficiently, across all levels of federal, state, and local government.

“Furthermore, we must ensure responsible data governance that addresses privacy concerns, ethical considerations, and data security, particularly for personal details contained in these records.

The NBS boss said the committee needed to also go further and begin to champion data literacy by raising public awareness about the importance of data in a data-driven world,” he said.
He added:

“This will be done by engaging more with our users and other actors within the expanded statistical system.

“By embracing big data and data science, we can unlock a new perspective for data analysis, and dissemination in Nigeria.

“This will, in turn, affect the way and manner in which policy-making is done for the good of our citizens.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Data science will reposition Nigeria’s statistical system—Stakeholders
Economy/Business

Data science will reposition Nigeria’s statistical system—Stakeholders

226 total views today

By Okeoghene Akubuike

Stakeholders say the adoption of big data and data science will help reposition Nigeria’s statistical system to enhance effective statistical delivery.

They spoke at the ongoing 1st Bi-Annual Meeting of the National Consultative Committee on Statistics (NCCS), 2024 organised by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in Keffi on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day meeting has the theme “Understanding Big Data and Data Science: A New Perspective to Data Analysis and Dissemination”.

Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer, NBS, said big data and data science were at the front burner of global discussions.

Adeniran said the theme was apt for the vision for the future of the statistical system and policy-making in Nigeria, considering the critical role that data played in decision-making.

He said for decades, conventional statistics had been the backbone of Nigeria’s national planning, policy formulation, and development progress.

“We have meticulously collected and analysed data, painting a clear picture of our nation’s social and economic landscape. However, the world around us is changing, and changing rapidly.

” We are generating data at an unprecedented rate, much more than we have ever done in our lifetime from mobile phone usage to social media interactions, sensor networks to financial transactions.

” This avalanche of information often unstructured and complex, is what we call big data. Big Data alone, however, isn’t enough, and that is where data science steps in and makes a difference.

” It is a powerful blend of statistics, computer science, and subject matter expertise. It equips us with the tools and techniques to unlock the hidden insights within this vast data ocean.”

Adeniran said the emergence of big data and data science was a major game-changer in the way data was handled in terms of how data was collected, processed, and disseminated.

” It presents us with vast opportunities to collect, analyse, and disseminate data in ways that were previously impossible.

“By embracing big data and data science, we can unlock a new perspective for data analysis, and dissemination in Nigeria, which will in turn affect the way and manner in which policy-making is done for the good of our citizens.”

Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State said big data and data science offered a new perspective on data analytics and dissemination.

Sule, represented by Munira Abdullah, the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and National Planning in the tate, said big data and data science had a lot of potential in the development of a country.

“In Nigeria, we have already seen the potential of big data and data science in various sectors such as finance, healthcare, and agriculture.

“For example, the use of data analytics has helped financial institutions to detect fraud and improve risk management.

“In healthcare, data science has enabled the development of predictive models for disease out breaks and improved patient outcomes.

“However, there are still challenges to be addressed. We need to invest in infrastructure, develop the necessary skills and expertise, and ensure data privacy and security.

He urged the committee to embrace the potential of Big Data and Data Science.

“Let us work together to develop a data-driven culture in Nigeria, one that informs our decisions, improves our policies and drives economic growth,” he said.

Dr Hamidou Poufon, the Chief Social Policy Officer, UNICEF, said statisticians were the most important professionals in the world, and urged them to take their job seriously.

Poufon said reliable and real-time data was needed for decision-making and the development of any country.

He said UNICEF was committed to continuing to partner with NBS to move the statistical system forward as he hoped that the partnership would be sustained.

Mr Inuwa Abbas, a representative from The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said the theme was relevant as big data and data science were making headway around the world.

Abbas said that Nigeria must close the gap and catch up with the rest of the world in utilising big data.

He said statistics required adequate funding, adding that CBN remained committed to collaborating with the NBS to ensure the proper adoption of big data and data science. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

FG unveils software to showcase Nigeria’s mineral resources to investors
Business , Economy/Business

FG unveils software to showcase Nigeria’s mineral resources to investors

246 total views today

By Martha Agas

The Federal Government has unveiled the Nigerian Minerals Resource Decision Support System (DSS), aimed at helping investors make informed decisions in the sector.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake unveiled the software on Tuesday in Abuja.

The DSS is a comprehensive software platform that serves as a one-stop shop for investors seeking credible and decisive information on Nigeria’s mineral resources, facilities and infrastructure.

It was established to create awareness of the Nigerian mineral potential to a broad public, demonstrate transparency and reliability of public services, and develop the national economy.

Alake said that the software was part of President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda to revamp the solid minerals sector and boost the country’s economic profile.

According to him, revamping the sector involved introducing technological innovations in marketing, which the software leveraged to achieve.

“Generating investor traffic requires the deployment of strategies to gain competitive advantage. Technology has offered new ways to achieve that strategy.

“What we are here to inaugurate today is a game changer. It is the most investor-friendly magnet that has ever happened in this industry. It seeks to cut the cost of investment research, ” he said.

He described the software as a marketing strategy aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business in the solid minerals sector by helping investors access the necessary information to make informed decisions.

He said that the software was designed to be interactive with its users and provide data on the geology, hydrology and urban geography of the mining business.

“It answers these questions with electronic diagrams and maps enabling you to develop scenarios to project your mining investments, plan your budget and hit the ground running,“ he said.

According to the minister, Nigeria is determined to diversify its economy, especially with the global upsurge of energy transition, creating high demand for critical minerals which it possesses in commercial quantities.

“Our mineral resources have the potential of superseding oil in generating Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the country,“ he said.

The minister said that since the inception of the Tinubu’s administration, the ministry had been embarking on aggressive marketing to attract investors to the sector which was yielding positive outcome.

He said that the government had put in place policies and initiatives aimed at sanitising the sector which included a dual-pronged approach of coercive and persuasive measures, being concurrently implemented to combat illegal mining

According to him, part of the coercive measure is the establishment of the Mining Marshal Corp, who has been deployed to the 36 states and the Federal Capital territory (FCT) to secure the mining environment.

He said that the persuasive measure involved formalising artisanal and illegal miners into cooperatives, which has resulted in the establishment of more than 150 cooperatives.

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said that the unveiled portal was for the benefit of all Nigerians and urged prospective investors to take advantage of it to explore investment opportunities.

On her part, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Mary Ogbe, urged Nigerians to focus on marketing the country`s mineral resources and to be patient in achieving the projected results as every country had its challenges.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

FCT strengthens referral system for better healthcare accessibility
Health

FCT strengthens referral system for better healthcare accessibility

238 total views today

By Franca Ofili

Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, FCT-HES Mandate Secretary, said on Monday that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has strengthened its health system as patients are now documented electronically.

Fasawe said this in Abuja during a two-day Area Council Dissemination meeting on United States Agency for International Development – Integrated Health Programme (USAID IHP) project in the FCT.

According to her, the five years USAID IHP expanded technical support to Nigeria is designed to champion reduction in child and maternal morbidity and mortality in FCT.

“Due to the intervention of IHP, we have almost perfected our referral system; when people go to the primary healthcare centres, they will be documented electronically and can be referred without stress.

“We have more than 60 sets of closed user telephones donated to us through the project.

“Now our two referral system is very smooth because, before a patient is taking from one spot to the other, somebody will be excepting the person at the other end,” she said.

On maternal mortality, Fasawe said that the present administration had zero tolerance for it.

According to her, IHP has helped in ensuring that no woman dies due to childbirth complications.

“The project helped us to look at low hanging fruits and the only way to reduce maternal mortality is by education, advocacy and sensitisation,” she said.

Fasawe said that FCT had made health insurance free for pregnant women that resident in the territory.

“If you are pregnant, register for health insurance, and your delivery as well as the baby, for the first year of the child will be taken care of,” she said.

Fasawe said that the territory was faced with death of Human Resources in health system and as such was transferring skills and training community health workers to mount those primary health centres.

“We have a lot of infrastructure in the FCT but we don’t have enough human resource to man the places.

“The project has supported us to train community people to give out the basics

“In terms of drugs, we are strengthening our drugs revolving system and we will make sure that at no point in time you go to any primary healthcare centres, they will tell you there are no drugs.

“We have drugs in almost all the centres that people access,” she said.

Dr Yakubu Mohammed, Ag. Executive Secretary, FCT Primary Health Care, said that the objective of the project was to strengthen health systems supporting Primary Health Care (PHC) services.

Mohammed said that it would also improve access to primary health care services and increase quality of PHC.

“This will help to implement priority PHC interventions, to strengthen the health leadership and ward-level health systems as well as strengthen engagement with the government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that USAID IHP is USAID’s expanded technical support to Nigeria to rapidly scale-up proven reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, nutrition and malaria (RMNCH+NM) interventions.

It targets improved access to and increased quality of primary health care service delivery.

IHP interventions had presence in Ebonyi, Bauchi, Kebbi, Sokoto states, as well as the FCT and supports health policies and systems at the federal level. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

My immediate task is to qualify Nigeria for 2026 World Cup, Finidi says
Sports

My immediate task is to qualify Nigeria for 2026 World Cup, Finidi says

206 total views today

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Finidi George,  Head coach of the Super Eagles, says his immediate task and priority is to qualify the nation for the 2026 World Cup slated for Canada, Mexico and U.S.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Board of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on April 19, appointed George as Head Coach of the Super Eagles.

George stated this at his unveiling as the new head coach of the Super Eagles by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), at the Moshood Abiola National stadium on Monday in Abuja.

NAN reports that the former Ajax Amsterdam winger, who was assistant to former Super Eagles gaffer Jose Peseiro was jointly unveiled by the NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau and Sports Minister, Sen. John Owan Enoh.

“For me, my first target is to make sure we are in line to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the AFCON qualifiers will also be coming up soon.

“But the major target for me is the two games we have, we will do everything to win against South Africa and Benin Republic.

“Once we do that we will have set the tone and we will take it from there,” George said.

The coach warned that going forward; players will be invited to the Super Eagles based on regular playing time in their clubs and commitment to the national team.

He dismisses insinuations about having rift with some players in the Super Eagles, stressing that the relationship with the players was ‘perfect’ and professional.

“My relationship with the players is very perfect. I will try to improve on my relationship as this will be different. You will not hear any controversy on my relationship,” he said.

Earlier, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau said the coach will be given all the support he needs to succeed in the task ahead.

“We have given our coach the opportunity to choose his assistants. We won’t impose anybody on him.

“We are going to engage the assistants on game basis but will pay the head coach monthly salary. We want to avoid salary issues,” he said .

The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh stressed the importance of having and supporting indigenous coaches to succeed.

“We have an opportunity to have a local coach to lead the Super Eagles. Back then in my University days, I would go to UJ Eseune stadium to watch Calabar Rovers and see Finidi George play.

“I am honoured to be here to witness his unveiling, if you love Nigerian football, you must love and support Finidi George. His success will bring joy to Nigerians.

“Any country I find an indigenous coach sitting on the bench, I always feel very proud and I am glad that we have an opportunity that have a Nigerian coach, Finidi George, as football men national team coach, ” he said.

NAN reports that  details of the contract was not revealed.

The  coach has picked  ex-international, Daniel Amokachi as assistant coach,  Olatunji Baruwa (goalkeeper trainer), Benjamin James, Mehmet Ozturk (match analyst) and Chima Onyeike (fitness trainer)

The immediate task of the coach is to get the Super Eagles back on track in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers where Nigeria currently sit third in Group C, with two points from two matches.

Nigeria drew with Lesotho and Zimbabwe in the first two matches in the qualifying series in November.

The Super Eagles will face South Africa and Benin Republic in June, in what has been described as a make or mar clash.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

NFF to unveil Finidi George Super Eagles’ head coach on Monday
Sports

NFF to unveil Finidi George Super Eagles’ head coach on Monday

341 total views today

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Nigeria Football Federation will on Monday in Abuja unveil Finidi George as substantive Head Coach of the Senior Men National Team, Super Eagles.

NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

He said the occasion would be witnessed by Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Tinuke Watti, NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau and the NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, among others.

George, who passed up an opportunity to coach a second-tier team in Spain to return to Nigeria and lead two-time CAF Champions League winners, Enyimba FC, won the Nigeria elite division title with the People’s Elephant in his second season.

The club is also in the running to retain the title this season, with six matches to go.

George formally bowed out of the Aba giants few days ago, with Enyimba FC in third place on the NPFL log, with 53 points from 32 matches, four adrift of table-toppers Enugu Rangers and three off second-placed Remo Stars.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 52-year-old spent 20 months as assistant to Portuguese José Peseiro from the summer of 2022.

The Super Eagles qualified for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON ) and came within 28 minutes of a fourth African title in Cote d’Ivoire in February.

George, as a player, won 62 caps for Nigeria at senior level, during which he won the AFCON gold, silver and bronze, while also playing at two FIFA World Cup finals.

The coach has the immediate task of picking maximum points from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa (home) and Benin Republic (away). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

Streetlight: Contractors attribute darkness in FCT to vandalism, power outages
General News , Metro

Streetlight: Contractors attribute darkness in FCT to vandalism, power outages

260 total views today

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Mr Festus Ugwegbu, Legal Secretary, FCT Streetlights Maintenance Contractors, has attributed the darkness experienced in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to vandalism and power outages.

Ugwegbu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja that the streetlights were properly maintained, functional and ready to shine, but for power outages and acts of vandalism.

“The major problem with streetlights in the FCT is constant power outages and load shedding by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

“Furthermore, there is a high rate of vandalism, as mentioned, which obviously affects the total cost of contract execution.

“Otherwise, the streetlights are always active and ready to shine,” he said.

The legal secretary debunked reports in a section of the media that the darkness experienced in parts of the FCT was due to laxity on the part of the contractors.

He said despite failed appeals to the FCT administration to review their two-year contract as a result of inflation, the contractors have continued to optimally deliver on their responsibility.

“To put the record straight, the contract was awarded in August 2022, and it is expected to end by July 31, 2024, with a fixed contract rate from inception, irrespective of inflation and the hike in prices of materials and labour.

“Nevertheless, we have been delivering our assigned responsibilities despite failed appeals to the FCT for a review of the contract, and price variation to reflect the effects of inflation on the cost of executing this project,” Ugwegbu said.

According to him, the fact that the contractors are still being owed has not deterred them from meeting their contractual agreement.

He said the long term solution to the issue was to have a dedicated and independent power source to power the streetlights.

“As professionals, the solution to the problem of darkness in FCT is to provide a dedicated and independent power source to serve and support the illumination of our streets.

“Steps should also be taken by the FCT administration to ensure that areas not currently under the purview of any contractor is duly awarded to an eligible contractor for maintenance and security,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

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