NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Stakeholders laud INEC for conducting credible off circle election in Kogi
Politics

Stakeholders laud INEC for conducting credible off circle election in Kogi

226 total views today

By Dorcas Jonah

Some political stakeholders in Kogi have commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for a peaceful conduct of Saturday’s governorship election.

The group adjudged the polls as peaceful and credible since the advent of democracy in the state.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday in Abuja during a peaceful procession to INEC headquarters, the stakeholders congratulated the winner of the goverorship election, Ahmed Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sani Abbass, a Lawyer and member of the APC, congratulated INEC for conducting credible and transparent elections since the inception of democratic governance.

“We are here today in solidarity to show support to INEC and also commend the electoral body.

”For the first time, we witnessed a peaceful election in Kogi. It was not just peaceful, it was credible as it met all standards and by the special Grace of God, we have a new sheriff in the state courtesy of INEC.

”We urge the commission to pay deaf ears to any form of propaganda coming from any quarters,” he said.

Oluwakayode Emmanuel, a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) youth leader in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Kogi, said the election was transparent and peaceful.

He said, “The election was free, fair and credible. We want to thank the INEC chairman for a job well-done. We don’t expect less because of the good job of Alhaji Yahaha Bello of Kogi.”

Oladele Niyi, a Kogi indigene said the election was one of the most free and credible elections so far held in Nigeria.

Mr Richard Otitoleke, Convener, Kogi New Generation, said: “In the past, we were aware of the kind of election that happened in Kogi.

”They were characterised with violence and malpractice, but the last three elections in the state have been conducted differently.

”The 2023 election is one of the most credible to have ever happened in the state and we appreciate the commission for a job well done.”(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited b y Bashir Rabe Mani

Monetary policy stance, money market reforms yielding desired economic impact – CBN
Economy/Business

Monetary policy stance, money market reforms yielding desired economic impact – CBN

203 total views today

 

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

 

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has expressed optimism that its monetary policy initiatives are yielding the desired results.

The bank’s Director, Corporate Communications Department, Isa AbdulMumin said this in Abuja on Wednesday, while speaking on the latest National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) figures.

According to him, the low increase in the average price level in October is an indication that the CBN’s monetary policy stance to tighten, as well as its money market reforms were yielding the desired effect.

The director said that aggressive monetary tightening using various liquidity mechanisms had raised Open Buy Back (OBB) rates from less than one per cent in August to their expected levels around the monetary policy rate presently.

He said that such mechanisms included removing the cap on the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) and Open Market Operations.

He acknowledged the 0.61 per cent increase in headline inflation rate from 26.72 per cent in September to 27.33 per cent in October.

He, however, assured that in spite of the increase, the CBN was headed in the desired direction in terms of achieving price stability.

“Available statistics showed that the first indication of deceleration in prices was recorded in September.

“Further reforms in the money market, which commenced in October had accelerated easing in prices as indicated by the substantial drop in month-on-month changes recorded in October.

“Moderation in month-on-month changes in prices observed in the headline, food and core components of the consumer basket followed reforms in the money market and relative stability in the FX market,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria’s headline inflation rate, on a month-on-month basis, in October stood at 1.73 per cent, which was 0.37 per cent lower than the rate recorded in September.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Poland to partner National Park Service on forestry
Environment

Poland to partner National Park Service on forestry

174 total views today
By Abigael Joshua

Members of the State Forestry Department of Poland  say they are eager to partner with the National Park Service on forestry and its value-chain.

The group communicated this during a courtesy visit on Dr Ibrahim Goni, Conservator-General, National Park Service, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Adam Rek, who spoke on behalf of the group, said that forests in Poland covered 30 per cent of its aerial space.

He said that some parts of the forests had been separated for reserve and timber activities.

“For every tree we cut down, we also plant new trees we also educate children on tree planting.

“We have a universal issue of lack of water; to sustain those trees, we retain water in reservoir; we try to keep those forests fresh even with the hot weather in Poland.

“500 million trees are planted every year to mitigate climate change; the resources that we get when we cut trees for timber are also used to protect the forest,’’ he said.

In his remarks, Goni said the visit would open up collaborations between Nigeria and Poland; adding that Nigeria would borrow some strategies from Poland.

He promised that there would be rapid regeneration as soon as the 10 new national parks commenced operations.

The conservator-general said that the parks needed an improved support from donor agencies and multinational establishment to combat illegal wildlife trade.

“Poland and Nigeria are going to share ideas that will be of benefits to the two countries,” he assured.

He expressed satisfaction on the invitation extended to him to visit Poland and understudy the country’s activities on wildlife conservation.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

COP 28: Stakeholders strategise on reducing carbon emissions
Environment

COP 28: Stakeholders strategise on reducing carbon emissions

192 total views today
By Abigael Joshua

Climate change stakeholders are strategising on how to address contemporary issues and reduce carbon emissions in Nigeria ahead of the forthcoming CoP 28.

The stakeholders spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at Nigeria’s Long-term Low Emissions Development Strategy Stakeholders’ Workshop organised by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC).

Chris Nkwonta, Chairman House Committee on Climate Change, said that to halt climate change and mitigate its consequences, carbon emissions had to stop or be reduced to the barest minimum.

Nkwonta was represented by Dr Chidi Nwankpa, Senior Special Assistant to the House Committee Chairman on Climate Change.

He said that the workshop was pivotal to the development of a Competitive and Sustainable Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy for Nigeria.

“Nigeria’s commitment towards moving to a Net Zero Emissions Economy in 2050 to 2060 is clearly a proactive and commendable response.

“It is pertinent, therefore, to note that studies have shown that without reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the planet will continue to be harmed; public safety will perpetually be at risk of more climate disasters as a result of the effects of environmental pollution that will continue to occur.

“Consequently, NCCC, National Assembly and other stakeholders must not deviate from our commitment nor relent in our efforts towards Net Zero Carbon Emissions attainment; thereby, ensuring a healthier and Sustainable environment for human existence,” he said.

Dr Salisu Dahiru, Director-General, NCCC, said that the Nigeria’s Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategy 2060 stood as a visionary blueprint- a testament to its commitment to transition into a more resilient, green, and inclusive economy.

“Today is remarkable as this workshop aims to serve as an invaluable platform to present updates on the progress achieved and underway in our nation’s global commitments toward curbing greenhouse gas emissions within the UNFCCC process.’’

The director-general said that Nigeria’s global commitments towards curbing greenhouse gas emissions within the UNFCCC process was a commencement of a momentous journey toward a brighter, sustainable future for the country.

“Today, we assemble not just as policymakers, scientists, or leaders, but as custodians of our beautiful nation and our precious planet.

“Together, we will convert challenges into opportunities, pioneering a low-emission, high-impact future for Nigeria.”

Dahiru said that Nigeria as a nation, acknowledged the gravity of the challenges of climate change and the need to act fast.

“In the global context, the urgency to combat climate change and forge a sustainable path for the future has never been more critical,’’ he said.

Prof. Samuel Ugwu, Commissioner of Environment, Enugu State, said the state was witnessing a lot of devastation caused by miners.

“In Enugu State, we have a lot of environmental degradation; we have seen a lot of devastations going on in the state.

“The validation workshop marks a significant step forward as Nigeria embarks on defining its low-emission development pathways for a cleaner and more resilient future in the face of climate change,” the commissioner said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng.com)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

No more deadline for old Naira notes – CBN
Economy/Business

No more deadline for old Naira notes – CBN

132 total views today

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), says the old Naira banknotes will henceforth remain legal “ad infinitum ”.

CBN’s Director, Corporate Communications Department, Isa AbdulMumin, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the CBN had introduced redesigned N200, N500 and N1,000 denominations in October 2022.

The apex bank also set certain deadlines for legal tender status of the old design of the denominations to cease to exist.

However, in March, the Supreme Court extended the validity of the old N200, N500, and N1,000 till Dec. 31.

The President Sen. Bola Tinubu, during his inauguration on May 29, promised to revisit the Naira redesign policy.

According to Abdulmumin, without prejudice, the CBN wishes to inform the general public of its desire to extend the legal status deadline of the old design of N200, N500 and N1,000 denominations ad infinitum.

“This is in line with international best practices and to forestall a repeat of earlier experiences.

“Thus, all banknotes issued by the CBN, in accordance with Section 20 (5) of the CBN Act, will continue to remain legal tender, even beyond the Dec. 31 deadline,” he said.

The director assured that the CBN was working with relevant authorities to vacate certain subsisting judicial pronouncements on the subject.

He said that all CBN branches across the country would continue to issue and accept all old and redesigned denominations of Nigerian banknotes to and from Deposit Money Banks.

He enjoined the general public to accept all banknotes (old or redesigned) for day-to-day transactions.

He also urged Nigerians to handle the banknotes with utmost care to protect and safeguard their life cycle.

“Also, the general public is encouraged to embrace alternative modes of payment, e-channels, for their day-to-day transactions,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

OIC selects Nigeria as special delegate to halt Gaza conflict
Foreign

OIC selects Nigeria as special delegate to halt Gaza conflict

278 total views today

By Hadiza Mohammed

The Federal Republic of Nigeria has been selected by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League as part of a special delegation mandated to initiate immediate international action to halt the ongoing war in Gaza.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, in a statement said the message was communicated to Nigeria by the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja.

Tuggar said the the decision was taken in furtherance to the resolution adopted at the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit on Israeli aggressions against the Palestinian people, which took place in Riyadh on Saturday.

According to the minister, the resolution that bears Nigeria in the inclusion in the peace team states the following:

“Assign the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in its capacity as the presidency of the 32nd Arab and Islamic Summit, along with counterparts from Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Palestine.

“Any other interested countries, and the Secretary-General of both organizations to initiate immediate international action on behalf of all member states of the OIC and the Arab League to formulate an international move to halt the war in Gaza.

” To pressure for a real and serious political process to achieve permanent and comprehensive peace in accordance with established international references.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria was invited for the emergency joint Arab-Islamic summit in the Saudi capital Riyadh to discuss the war taking place in the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian territories.

At the summit, Tuggar said Nigeria stood firmly with the two states solution prescribed by the UN to help bring a stop to the Israeli, Palastinian war.

Tuggar said Nigeria was ready to work collectively to bring and end to the violence and find lasting solutions to the war.

According to him, Nigeria welcomes the intervention by the OIC to emphatically add it’s voice to the call for an end to the violence and loss of lives of innocent civilians.

Tuggar said the disproportionate use of force against the people of Gaza begs the question “how many more must die to avenge the act of aggressor.”

He said the war against the people of Gaza cannot be contemplated in the same breath of the “Just War Doctrine” and has to stop for the sake of humanity.

“Where is the rule of law.

“Today live in a dated driven world, and the question is where is the evidence that the violence melted out by Israel on Gaza is having any effect on Hamas.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

AU-EU builds capacity of MDAs, others on data protection
Science & Tech , General News

AU-EU builds capacity of MDAs, others on data protection

238 total views today

By Angela Atabo

 

The African Union – European Union (AU-EU) Digital for Development (D4D) hub and the GIZ Digital Transformation Centre (DTC) Nigeria, have built the capacity of civil servants to keep abreast with data protection and global best practice.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the training was organised by AU-EU in collaboration with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) on Tuesday in Abuja.

 

The training gives a comprehensive understanding of the principles, regulations and best practices associated with safeguarding sensitive information.

 

Dr Thuweba Diwani, Commission Manager, GIZ-DTC, Nigeria, said the AU-EU D4D Hub Project is an initiative funded by the EU commission and five EU member states.

 

She said that the initiative is to support African institutions to advance an inclusive and sustainable digital transformation that benefits everyone.

 

Diwani said that the aim was to contribute to the improvement of the capacity of the Nigerian economy to utilise digital innovations for growth.

 

“We work very closely with Nigerian actors in the innovation entrepreneurship ecosystem such as NITDA, SMEDAN, research and academic institutions innovation hubs among others.

 

“Data is very expensive, so if you are not paying for it, most likely your data is being sold somewhere and making people rich.

 

“ So this data protection training will lay the ground for further cooperation on digital transformation and advancement of data protection in Nigeria in particular.’’

 

Diwani said that DTC Nigeria would develop data protection modules aligned to mainstream and make accessible the knowledge.

 

She said the measure was important because when the officers are trained, they would help in checking whether the data users, the generators or the people storing data were complying.

 

Dr Sabri Mekaoui, EU Delegation to Nigeria, said that a lot of times people use apps and give their consents to terms and conditions without questioning the effects.

 

Mekaoui expressed hope that the narrative would change henceforth with the crop of people being trained as they would start questioning such kind of signatures.

 

“For me, yes, I always sign I agree and I always accept all terms without questioning them because I want to go fast.

 

“ As a citizen I want to go fast but as a diplomat, I start questioning what I am signing and this is exactly the point that you need to rise to think about.

 

“As you are being trained, you will be responsible for your company and your digital economy.

 

“As an EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, when we speak about West Africa, I mean Nigeria, because the weight of Nigeria is huge and it will be huge in the future digital economy.’’

 

Mekaoui said that the training was apt especially with the Nigeria Data Protection Act now a law in Nigeria, the participants would be acting as gatekeepers of the digital sector in their various fields.

 

She said data is the new gold and hope that the trainees will be able to turn data, and assist Nigeria to make efficient use of the opportunity to turn this huge amount of data into real value.

 

Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner, NDPC, said the commission in line with the key pillars of its strategic roadmap and action plan aimed to develop globally competitive human capital.

 

Olatunji said that the pool of experts handling the training would help in bridging the knowledge gap, deepen data privacy and protect it `within Nigeria’s ecosystem.

 

`Some few days ago, we were in Lagos to open the first batch of this training and we are here today in Abuja to also open the second batch.

 

“We identified human capital development as a major pillar of our strategic roadmap and implementing data privacy and protection in Nigeria.

 

“This is because no matter how robust your laws and plans are; if you don’t have the requisite human capital to drive it you won’t achieve anything.

 

“This is why we cannot take the support of EU for granted in this issue.’’

 

Olatunji called on the participants to give the training their best and in turn help Nigeria to be abreast with global best practice.

 

Ms Juliet Obiano , a participant from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), said the training has helped to broaden her knowledge on data protection among others.

 

“The training is rich, we learnt how to practicalitse the data protection law applying it to our daily work to protect the data of Nigerians,’’she said

 

Mr Idowu Samson, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, said that the training had helped his awareness on data protection which he did not know before.

 

Samson promised to extend the knowledge to his colleagues so they would also be aware of how to secure their data privacy.

 

NAN reports that the training is tailored to two distinct audiences Data Protection Officers (DPOs) and management-level staff of Data Protection Processors and Controllers including the private sector, companies, civil society organisations, and government entities.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Akeredolu: Ajulo commends Ondo elders for efforts to resolve political crisis
Politics

Akeredolu: Ajulo commends Ondo elders for efforts to resolve political crisis

136 total views today

By Femi Ogunshola

Mr Kayode Ajulo, a constitutional lawyer has commended the Ondo State elders for steps taken to resolve the political crisis in the state.

Ajulo, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Egalitarian Mission for Africa (EMA) said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ondo State has been facing a political crisis intensified by the absence of Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu and a contentious impeachment process involving the Deputy Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

He said the state eventually found solace in a pivotal meeting at the residence of Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti on Nov. 13.

Ajulo said that the state`s elders and leaders forum converged to discuss peace and development amidst the current political turbulence.

Ajulo had earlier urged the state elders to intervene in the crisis that disrupted governance and fueled enmity among the political actors in the state.

He expressed optimism in Ondo State’s ability to independently address challenges, while applauding the elders for responding to the call, emphasising the critical nature of such a meeting.

Ajulo who said that collective efforts was required to forester a harmonious coexistence, urged the indigenes to join the cause initiated by the united front of Ondo elders.

NAN reports that the national leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Monday held a meeting with some elders of the state to resolve the crisis between Akeredolu and his Deputy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph edeh

Rwanda’s Foreign Ministry lauds Tinubu, says TAC scheme, noble
Foreign

Rwanda’s Foreign Ministry lauds Tinubu, says TAC scheme, noble

259 total views today

By Maureen Okon

Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation has lauded President Bola Tinubu on the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC) scheme, describing it as a noble platform for the promotion of Pan-Africanism.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Nkem Anyata-Lafia, the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Dr Yusuf Yakub, the Director-General (DG) of Technical Aid Corps in Africa (DTAC).

Anyata-Lafia quoted the Rwanda’s Minister of State, Mr James Kabarebe, as lauding Tinubu in Kigali when the ministry received the delegation of DTAC led by Yakub.

It would be recalled that the DTAC boss and some senior staff had embarked on a four-day Administrative, Monitoring and Evaluation exercise in four countries in East Africa.

While on the administrative tour, the team will monitor the TAC volunteers in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Seychelles.

Kabarebe commended Tinubu’s administration, noting that he action was a big brother approach.

He extolled Tinubu’s gesture for continuing to advance the course of development through technology transfer, skills acquisition and scholarship for African people.

The minister said that although Nigeria, like other nations of the world with its own challenges, is commitment to the leadership and development of Africa and some parts of the globe through soft-power diplomacy remained laudable and worthy of emulation.

According to him, Nigeria has continued to use its huge population, size and early advancement in matters of education to benefit all parts of Africa.

The minister reminisced the positive inspiration projected by writers such as, Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka and Cyprian Ekwensi, among many others.

Kabarebe said, “These were not only an instrument of soft power that sold Nigeria to the world, but was all that Nigeria needed to stamp its authority as a global super player in world affairs.

Furthermore, he highlighted the huge gap that existed between other countries of Africa and their goals, adding that TAC deserves Africa’s support.

The minister promised that the ministry would leverage on the existing cordial relations between Rwanda and Nigeria to strengthen their co-operation through the scheme.

Speaking earlier, Yakub said that the delegation were in Rwanda to monitor, evaluate and as well to review the activities of the TAC volunteer scheme in its recipient countries and among the volunteers.

He added that the visit was also aimed at providing him the opportunity to meet and familiarise with State officials and other stakeholders in the TAC scheme across parts of Africa after been appointed to head the agency by Tinubu.

The DTAC delegation also met with the Minister of State for Education, Ms Claudette Irere, Nigeria’s High Commissioner in Kigali, Amb. Suleiman Sani and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance), University of Rwanda, Ms Francoise Kayitore.

They also visited the remaining volunteer of the TAC scheme at the University of Rwanda, Dr Nasiru Sani, a Health Information and Community Medicine expert, among others.

The DTAC team comprised Yakub, the Director of Programmes, Amb. Mohammed Mohammed, acting Director, Finance and Accounts, Mr Idris Saidu and Mrs Rahila Ayuba-Kaura, acting Director, Monitoring and Evaluation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Minister tasks Super Eagles on 2026 World Cup qualification
Sports

Minister tasks Super Eagles on 2026 World Cup qualification

160 total views today

 

By Muhyideen Jimoh

 

The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh has urged the Super Eagles of Nigeria to start their qualifying campaign strong, to pick a ticket for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the U.S, Mexico and Canada.

The minister stated this on Tuesday in Abuja, ahead of the team’s opening home game against Lesotho on Thursday in Uyo, in the qualifying series.

The Eagles will thereafter lock horns with Zimbabwe on Sunday in match day two of the doubleheader qualifiers.

He stressed the need for the team to be ruthless, and avoid taking the same route that led to the heart breaking non-qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

“The memory of losing out during the qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup is still fresh in the minds of Nigerians.

“The team should avoid leaving their fate to permutations. We should bring out our best to pick the first six points in front of us,” he said.

Enoh expressed confidence in the team’s ability and highlighted the immense pride the nation holds for the Super Eagles

He urged the technical crew and the players to put their best foot forward in the two crucial games.

“I have complete faith in our talented squad. The Super Eagles have a rich history of success, and we believe they are fully capable of securing two wins in the upcoming matches.

“This is not just a football game; it is a representation of the spirit and resilience of the Nigerian people. I encourage our players to give their all on the field and make the nation proud,” he charged.

The minister also commended the coaching crew led by Jose Peseiro and support personnel for their dedication and hard work in preparing the team.

“As the Minister of Sports Development, I want to assure the full support of the government.

“We will continue to invest in sports infrastructure, training facilities, and programs that nurture the talent of our young athletes,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles, three-time AFCON Champions will open their campaign against Lesotho in Uyo on Thursday, then face Zimbabwe away on Sunday.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

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