NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Environment

NGO sensitises public on environment, waste management

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By Toba Ajayi

A Youth-led Environmental Organisation, Green Globe Initiative on Friday embarked on a climate awareness march to sensitise the public on climate and environmental sustainability.
The Founder, Green Globe Initiative, Mr Akintola Akinyemi, led the Nigeria Climate Awareness March in Ilorin.
Akinyemi called on the public to be conscious of indiscriminate dumping of refuse, so as to avoid blocking the waterways.
He described the march as a global event, saying that the event was taking place in fifteen states of the country simultaneously.
“This is the time to be aware of our environment and be passionate about sanitation and hygiene.
“We need to be sensitive about our environment and desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
“We should also be informed on how we manage our waste. Let us work together as agents of safe environment.
“Enough of our nonchalant approach to our environment. Stop putting your solid wastes in the drain. Prioritise safety first before your business and other things,” he counselled.
Akinyemi explained that in year 2022, 32 out of 36 states experienced massive flood in Nigeria, noting that this called for urgent preventive measures.
The founder warned that erosion and flood are harmful to lives, infrastructure and businesses.
He called on government at all levels to put in place a strong policy to enforce cooperation from the public, and advocated for a harsh punishment and fines for violators who endangered lives.
“Government should prioritise public safety and safe environment. Be harsh on violators and ensure workable policies are in place,” Akinyemi stressed.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the awareness march began at Post office’s ‘Soludero Park’, and covered some busy areas of Ilorin such as CBN, Muritala, Yoruba Road, Challenge, Unity Road and Maraba.
Participants at the awareness march included representatives from the Kwara Ministry of Environment, University of Ilorin, Kwara Polytechnic, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Oluyinka Fadare
Foreign

ITEC: India trains 200,000 officials from 160 countries — Envoy

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By Fortune Abang

The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Shri Balasubramanian, says India through its flagship Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme has trained no fewer than  200,000 officials from over 160 countries, since inception.

The ITEC Programme was launched by the Indian Government on Sept. 15, 1964.

Balasubramanian stated this on Friday in Abuja at the 2023 ITEC Day, celebrated every Sept. 15 and gives a unique opportunity for ITEC Alumni to reconnect.

The envoy who highlighted the cordial bilateral relations between India and Nigeria, said the programme was one of the ways of fostering cooperation among  partner countries.

“The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme is the leading capacity building platform of the Ministry Of External Affairs, Government of India, instituted in 1964.

“ITEC is one of the oldest institutionalised arrangements for international capacity building having trained more than 200,000 officials from over 160 countries in both the civilian and defence sector.

“ITEC is about cooperation and partnership for mutual benefit. It is response-oriented, and it addresses the needs of developing countries.

“India possesses rich experience in the field of economic development as well as manpower skills and technology suited to the geographical and ecological conditions of partner countries,” he said.

The envoy underscored the need for both countries to continue to explore areas of mutual interest, noting that the programme
is based on the belief of shared growth and prosperity.

Earlier in his remarks,  Sen. Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, thanked India for sustaining the laudable initiative over the years.

He said Nigeria was willing to deepen cooperation with India, especially with President Bola Tinubu’s robust engagements at the just concluded G20 summit in India.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ITEC alumni took turns to share their experiences in India and how they can use it to contribute to the development of Nigeria.

The occasion was attended by ITEC alumni, diplomats, defence attaches and professionals from all walks of life. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh/Folasade Adeniran

Economy/Business

AGF pledges continued publication of FAAC revenue distribution

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By Abdulrahman Kadiri

The Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Dr Oluwatoyin Madein, has reaffirmed commitment to upholding and promoting prudence, transparency and accountability in government financial transactions.

Madein gave the assurance in statement issued on Friday in Abuja by Bawa Mokwa, Director (Press), Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF).

She said that OAGF would take steps to permanently resolve observed and potential threats to efficient and continuous implementation of all the financial management reforms initiative of the Federal Government.

She said that she had undertaken in-depth review of the financial reforms and would leverage on the outcome of the review to inject new ideas and strategies for sustainability.

“Recently, the OAGF had meticulous engagements with Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) Service providers.

” I can assure you that there has been great improvement in the operations of the payment platform.

“Review of other financial management policies is underway. The objective is to give necessary revitalisation to these policies to make them to function optimally,” she said.

According to Madein, the OAGF will sustain the practice of publishing details of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) revenue distribution to the three tiers of government.

She said that the practice would keep Nigerians informed about the revenue generation and distribution efforts of the Federal Government.

“It will also help Nigerians to balance government performance with revenue inflows at all levels.

“Government can only thrive if the citizens are carried along in the management of public funds.

“Nigerians need to be aware of the inflows and expenditures.

“With this, they can compare revenue collected with the developments on ground to ascertain whether the government is performing or not,” she said.

Madein said that the 2022 revenue distribution figures were ready for publication, adding that publication of the details of revenue distribution so far in 2023 would also be made.

She expressed satisfaction at the level of interest shown by Nigerians in the revenue generation and distribution efforts of the government.

According to her, efforts are being made to ensure that revenue distribution figures are published monthly.

She said that there had been a remarkable increase in government revenue, and expressed optimism that the trend would be sustained.

“The OAGF will ensure prompt and continuous release of funds to MDAs and the three tiers of government so that development efforts will not be hampered.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Environment , General News

Climate change undermining SDG target – Report

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By Usman Aliyu

A new multi-agency report coordinated by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), on Thursday, revealed that climate change is undermining the global efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The document, christened United in Science Report, said at this half-time point of the 2030 agenda, that science is clear that the planet is far off track from meeting its climate goals.

“This undermines global efforts to tackle hunger, poverty and ill-health, improves access to clean water and energy and many other aspects of sustainable development.

“Only 15 per cent of the SDGs are on track,” said the report, which makes a systematic examination of the impact of climate change and extreme weather on the goals.

The study illustrates how weather, climate and water-related sciences could advance aims, such as food and water security, clean energy, better health, sustainable oceans and resilient cities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the annual report combines input and expertise from 18 organisations and issued ahead of the SDG Summit and Climate Ambition Summit at the United Nations General Assembly.

In his comment, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, said, “2023 has shown all too clearly that climate change is here.

“Record temperatures are scorching the land and heating the sea, as extreme weather causes havoc around the globe.

“While we know this is just the beginning, the global response is falling far short.

Meanwhile, halfway to the 2030 deadline for the SDGs, the world is woefully off-track.”

Guterres, however, argued that science is central to solutions.

“It is widely understood that weather, climate and water-related sciences provide the underpinnings for climate action.

“But it is less recognised how these sciences can supercharge progress on the SDGs across the board,” said the UN chief scribe.

Similarly, the WMO Secretary-General, Prof. Petteri Taalas, was optimistic that at the pivotal moment in history, the halfway mark to achieving the SDGs, the science community stands united in the effort to achieve prosperity for people and the planet.

“Groundbreaking scientific and technological advances, such as high-resolution climate modelling, artificial intelligence and nowcasting, can catalyse transformation to achieve the SDGs.

“And achieving Early Warnings for All by 2027 will not only save lives and livelihoods but help safeguard sustainable development,” Taalas said.

He said, however, that the need for science and solutions was more urgent now than ever. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sam Oditah

General News

Ecstatic crowd welcomes new Soun of Ogbomoso to palace

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By Remi Koleoso

Movement of people and business activities were on Thursday temporarily suspended as major roads in Ogbomoso town were taken over to welcome the new Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Laoye.

The ecstatic residents mounted various points on the streets at different locations, eager to have a glimpse of their incoming traditional ruler.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oba Laoye had just completed the traditional rites and was on the way to the palace.

Banners with pictures of the new Soun were displayed all around the routes from the traditional rite centre to the palace located at Oja’gbo area of the town.

The Soun who departed “Ipebi”, the traditional rites venue, to run into the large crowd of residents at exactly 9 a.m., then had to move round the town in a large entourage.

Oba Laoye arrived Ogbomoso High School at exactly 10:33 a.m. and moved round the town before arriving at the palace at 12:40 p.m. where the residents lined up on the street.

The joyous residents, in separate interviews with NAN, expressed their satisfaction with Laoye’s choice, as well as solidarity and support for him.

A retired Federal Ministry Permanent Secretary and indigene of the town, Mr Olusegun Adekunle, charged residents on the positives in tolerance, peaceful co-existence, and good neighbourliness.

“I am delighted to join other sons and daughters of Ogbomoso in celebrating the ascension of the new traditional ruler.

”I urge everyone to join in the agenda for development, unity and peaceful co-existence set for a new Ogbomoso land with Oba Laoye’s coming.”

He urged the royal father to see the celebration as a period to double his efforts on good deeds by extending the hands of fellowship to other contenders for the throne.

“They deserve to celebrate and be celebrated as well,” Adekunle said.

An octogenarian, Mama Abigail Fashola, prayed for a peaceful reign by the royal father and urged him to take the development of the town as his priority.

She charged the royal father to continue to respect the significance of the various festivals of the town and take it as their way of life.

“His ascension is a period of joy and happiness for everyone in the town, and I appeal to him to bring everyone together to live in peace,” Fashola said.

Also, the Bishop of Methodist Church, Ogbomoso Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ademola Moradeyo, said the situation in the country required the citizens to continue to maintain peace and promote religious tolerance.

“I congratulate the new Soun and other sons and daughters of the town across the globe for witnessing and celebrating another feat in Ogbomoso land.

”I urge everyone to join hands with the new royal father in bringing more development to the town.

“I congratulate all sons and daughters, as well as other residents in Ogbomoso, Nigeria and the entire world for the fresh air and thank God for the new lease of life in the town.

“I want to enjoin you all and our people, in general, to live in peace and celebrate the coming in of the new Soun moderately, and extend hands of fellowship to the aggrieved in the process of selecting a new Soun.

“Today is for thanksgiving and prayers, and I thank God we are able to witness today,” he said.

Also, a student of Ladoke Akintola University (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Miss Omolara Fatilewa, called on everyone to maintain peace and live together as one family.

“Everyone must avoid anything that can threaten peace in the town and we must not emphasise religious differences, but rather promote religious tolerance.

“Let us love our neighbours and we must not forget the fact that this is a new Soun. He needs our support and collaboration to ensure that the town develop to the level of vision of its founders,” she said.

NAN reports that the selection of Prince Afolabi Olaoye, a pastor and international businessman, as Soun of Ogbomoso was approved by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Sept. 2.

The stool became vacant after the demise of Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III, in December 2021 at the age of 95 after he reigned for 48 years.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawale Alabi

Sports

24 countries seal qualification for 2023 AFCON

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By Muhyideen Jimoh
All 24 countries that will trade tackles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote D’Ivoire have sealed qualification for the tournament.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that five-time AFCON champions Cameroon on Tuesday spanked Burundi 3-O to complete the star studded list of qualified teams.
A breakdown of the qualified countries shows that 12 former AFCON champions, including three-time champions Nigeria will be on parade come January, 2024.
Hosts, Cote d’Ivoire will be leading a strong West African contingent of 11 countries, including holders Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, Burkina Faso among others.

Tanzania representing East Africa returns for a second finals after a brave showing in the qualifiers.

The North Africans are represented by seven-time champions Egypt, World Cup semi-finalists Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria.

Egypt will be looking for an eighth unprecedented title, having reached two of the last three finals in 2017 and at the 2021 edition.

NAN reports there will be no debutants in this edition, as the continent’s football power houses managed to maintain and seal qualification.

The 2023 AFCON will take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024, after it was postponed from it’s original June, 2023 date.

Full list of 24 qualified countries:

Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire (Hosts) and DR Congo.

Others are Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco and Mozambique,

Others are Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal (Title Holders), South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia and Zambia. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh
Sports

Minister tasks federations to fast-track sports development

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By Muhyideen Jimoh
Sen. John Owan Enoh, Minister of Sports Development has called on the leadership of the sports federations in the country, to show more commitment to improving their respective federations.
The minister stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at a meeting with sports federations’ presidents and secretaries.
He said the ministry will continue to play it’s supervisory roles to push the over 33 sports federations to success,  and constantly put Nigeria on the sporting map.
“We as a ministry need to show more commitment, focus and passion to succeed.
“We do not want federation presidents who are not committed or are only there to protect their interests, we need the commitment of the leadership of all the federations.
“This meeting  will be periodical henceforth. Its essence is to evaluate what progress we are making as a country in the sports sector both locally and internationally,” he said.
Enoh said  there was a need for the ministry and the federations to work more closely  while setting achievable targets.
“It is a new beginning in the sports sector,  therefore, we must as a sector, set achievable targets for ourselves.
“We will be having periodic review meetings to get feedback from the federations in terms of funds needed to prosecute competitions.
“We need to reposition this sector to achieve what we want to achieve, we are ready to collaborate with the federations to succeed,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federation presidents at the meeting, pledged more commitment to repositioning their respective sport while calling for more funding.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
Sports

Super Eagles will take Sao Tome match seriously—NFF president

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau has assured Nigerians that the Super Eagles will take the match against Sao Tome and Principe seriously, in spite already securing 2024 AFCON qualification.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles will on Sunday lock horns with Sao Tome and Principe in a dead rubber 2024 AFCON qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

Gusau gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja when the Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN), National President, Isaiah Benjamin led a delegation on a courtesy visit to his office.

The NFF boss told newsmen after the visit that that the Federation will leave no stone unturned to ensure victory for the team.

“I want to assure you by the grace of God, in spite of the fact that we have already qualified for the AFCON, we still have the integrity to protect of Nigeria and Nigerians.

“I know the players also have that at the back of their minds and by the grace of God we are going to come out victorious on Sunday, Insha Allah,” he said.

Gusau said  the match will also serve as preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers scheduled to commence in November.

“As you are aware the coach has invited the best players for the match, which a lot of people were even looking at it that it doesn’t warrant that.

“But don’t forget we still have a very big task ahead of us, which is the World Cup qualifiers, which starts in November.

“After this match we don’t have any time to bring the Super Eagles players together again.

“So it’s imperative for the coach to have the best team at his disposal, so that he can make sure he has a team that can face the next challenge,” he said.

NAN reports that the Super Eagles will commence their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho on Nov. 13.

Earlier, SWAN president, Isaiah Benjamin said the visit was meant to strengthen the synergy between the NFF and SWAN.

“Based on your track records in the football circle even before becoming NFF President, we have no doubt that you will deliver. It will be my joy that we work and achieve success together.

He reiterated SWAN’s commitment to professional and balanced reportage of NFF’s activities, while stressing the need for all hands to be on deck to take football to the next height in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Sports

Board postpones NPFL 2023/2024 season kick-off

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By Aderonke Ojediran

The Board of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Wednesday announced the postponement of the kickoff of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

It said the kickoff of the league scheduled for Sept. 9, was postponed to allow board members focus on the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) holding in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

Andrew Ekejiuba, media officer of GTI /NFF, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

The initial kick-off was scheduled for Sept. 9, and no new date had been set at the time of filing this report.

Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer, League Management Company explained that the League body yielded to representations from various stakeholders in reaching the decision.

“We have everything set for the kickoff in Ibadan on Saturday but following representations from multiple stakeholders and more cogent is the complex logistics involved in having our Chairman and Clubs leadership travel from Ibadan to Uyo.

“Note, therefore, that there will be no flag-off game as originally planned,” he said.

He said a new kickoff date would be communicated in a few days, and that the postponement had been communicated to the clubs so they could stand down travel plans already made. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Obinna Unaeze/Salif Atojoko

General News , Economy/Business

Reps c’ttee to unveil identity of crude oil thieves

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By Femi Ogunshola

The House of Representatives ad hoc committee set up to investigate crude oil theft and loss of revenue from gas has vowed to unveil identities of those behind oil theft in the country.

Rep. Kabiru Rurum, chairman of the committee said this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) ahead of its investigative hearing slated for Sept. 7.

He said the oil sector remained the major source of revenue for the country, adding that it was determined that the investigation would not be like the previous ones.

According to him, oil and gas are the major areas where the country gets its resources but the problem of oil theft has continued to go from bad to worse on a daily basis.

“The purpose of the committee is to reveal who and who are the architect of what is going on in the area of crude oil theft.”

He said apportioning blame to security agencies would not suffice, adding that stakeholders in the oil sectors should be held responsible including Chevron, Shell, communities among others

“We need to identify the culprists, this is the purpose of the investigation, everybody including critical stakeholders should come and tell us their side of the story.

He said the modalities and ways to stop or minimise theft in the oil sector should be suggested by all stakeholders which was the main purpose of the committee.

He said the committee had invited the Nigerian Navy as the custodian of the nation’s water, Airforce, Civil Defence, Police Intelligence Agency among others.

According to him, the challenges confronting the oil sector and the probable solution will be discussed

He said the Norwagean Embassy which had earlier promised Nigeria to assist in three areas to curtail oil theft had been invited to proffer solution.

He said its recommendation would be firm because the government knew that there were serious challenges in the sector, adding that it would work in synergy with the National Security Adviser.

it would be recalled that Rep. Philip Agbese (APC-Benue) had earlier moved a motion on the need to investigate crude oil theft and loss of revenue accrued from the oil and gas sector in Nigeria

The house, however, constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate the issues and ensured that everyone complicit in the theft was brought to book.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Edith Bolokor/Chioma Ugboma

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