NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Economy/Business

SAPZ project strategic to FG’s plan for industrialise agriculture – Shettima

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By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government says the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), is a strategic milestone in its plan to industrialise Nigeria’s agriculture sector and create sustainable jobs across the country.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima said this while performing the ground-breaking for the construction of Phase 1 of the SAPZ project in Kaduna on Tuesday.

The SAPZ is part of a larger national programme, with Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Cross River, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) among states in the first phase of the project.

It aims at transforming Nigeria’s agriculture through innovation, private-sector investment, and strategic public partnerships.

The zones are designed to create agro-industrial hubs that integrate farmers with processors, reduce post-harvest losses, and expand rural economic opportunities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the facility is located in Daki-Takwas, along Kaduna -Abuja, Expressway, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Shettima said the project was a direct response to the long-standing challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, including poor infrastructure, limited access to markets, and low value addition.

He expressed confidence that the initiative would catalyse economic growth by creating thousands of jobs and empowering Nigerian youths.

“We are not just breaking ground. We are building the infrastructure to feed our people, empower our youth, and fulfil the economic promise of our nation.

“This is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about people.

“It is about the resilience of our farmers, the ingenuity of our entrepreneurs, and the commitment of our government to build a future that works for everyone,” he said.

According to Shettima the nation cannot afford to be chained to outdated systems while the world moves with urgency towards innovation.

He said the SAPZ initiative was a strategy that “lays the foundation for real economic transformation.”

Shettima praised the Kaduna State government for its leadership in agriculture, describing the state as a key driver of Nigeria’s agro-industrial future due to its abundant arable land and historical role in agricultural production.

“Kaduna is not a stranger to agricultural leadership. What we are starting here today will become a model for other states to follow,” he said.

The vice-president reiterated the importance of involving young Nigerians in the agricultural revolution.” The SAPZ will generate thousands of jobs and equip the youth with the skills to become active players in the economy.

“The youth of Nigeria must not be spectators. They must be stakeholders and shapers of their own futures,” he said.

Earlier, Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani described the SAPZ as a strategic investment designed to accelerate industrial development across Nigeria.

He said, “the SAPZ is a huge investment designed to position Kaduna State as a major player in Nigeria’s industrial development,” he said.

According to Sani, agriculture plays a central role in Kaduna’s economy, contributing 42 per cent to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing 60 per cent of the state workforce.

“In the 2023 budget we inherited, agriculture received just N1.4 billion. However, in 2024, we increased it to N23.4 billion, and in 2025, we have approved N74.2 billion,” he said.

Also. the AfDB President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, applauded Kaduna’s commitment to the actualisation of SAPZ, highlighting the significance of agricultural industrialisation in the state’s economic growth.

While reiterating the bank’s commitment to the project, he said the initiative was currently being implemented in 27 sites across 11 countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Madagascar.

Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, described the initiative as a turning point in Nigeria’s agricultural history.

“This programme will be a game changer. It is designed to attract private sector investment in agro-industrial processing, drive value addition, and enhance rural development.

“It will strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem to respond favourably to the challenges of our time,” the minister said.

The SAPZ programme is being implemented with support from international development partners, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The ground-breaking was witnessed by government dignitaries, stakeholders and partners who commended and pledged commitment to the project. (NAN)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Health

FCT enrols 198,810 residents in health insurance scheme

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has enroled 198,810 residents of the territory into its Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) in one year.

Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.

Olayinka added that out of the figure, 10,065 vulnerable persons, including pregnant women were enroled to access free medical services under the FHIS.

He said that the FHIS had recorded significant increase in its enrolment since the inception of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike-led FCTA, with more than 100 per cent annual enrolment target of 25,000 beneficiaries.

He explained that the move was part of the FCTA’s resolve to end maternal and infant mortality resulting from avoidable and preventable causes.

He said that the enrolment allowed the beneficiaries to access free healthcare services in Primary Health Care (PHC) centres and all services covered in the Basic Minimum Package of Health Services (BMPHS).

The spokesman identified some of the services as primary preventive care, screening, and primary emergency services.

Others, he said, include secondary level care such as dental, mental, eye, ear, nose and throat care, physiotherapy, surgeries, laboratory investigations, and radiological investigations such as ultrasound scan, and x-rays.

Olayinka urged residents to register for the FHIS, adding that free registration for vulnerable persons, including pregnant women, which commenced in February was ongoing.

“All pregnant women who enrolled through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) Primary Health Care (PHC) centres across the six area councils in the FCT will continue to enjoy free health education, medical consultation and treatment, routine antenatal drugs, laboratory investigations and delivery.

“Referral for secondary care, including caesarean section, blood transfusion, and treatment of other obstetric complications such as eclampsia at all the 14 General Hospitals in the FCT is also provided at no cost to the patient through the BHCPF,” he said.

He quoted Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, FCTA, as saying “the FCTA under Wike had intensified efforts to combat maternal and infant mortality”.

He added that Fasawe, who spoke at an event in Gwarinpa District Hospital, orgainsed to commemorate the 2025 World Health Day, described the FHIS intervention as critical to ending maternal deaths.

“A key intervention is the approval of free health insurance coverage for all pregnant women residing in the FCT and ensuring that all childbirth-related expenses, including vaginal and cesarean deliveries, are fully covered at no cost.

“The initiative formed part of activities marking this year’s World Health Day, under the Renewed Hope Initiative, which maintains a zero-tolerance to maternal and infant mortality.

“In alignment with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, several hospitals in the FCT, including Gwarinpa, Nyanya, Abaji, and Kuje General Hospitals, have been designated as Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (CEONC) centers.

“These facilities will also offer cesarean sections free of charge,” Fasawe had said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Science & Tech

Food Security: Research firm tasks Nigeria on technology, agro-credit

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By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

A research and advisory firm, Veriv Africa, has urged Nigeria to embrace new farming technologies, overhaul its agricultural credit system and address farmer-herder clashes to boost its food security aspirations.

This is contained in Veriv Africa, a data-driven and intelligence analysis firm’s food price baseline survey report, 2025.

The document analysed price dynamics in six key crop value chains across the country and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.

The crops and their areas of abundance are cocoa in Ondo State, Sesame and beans, Kano, rice and corn, Niger, tomato, Kaduna and yam, in Benue.

The study, which was conducted in February, engaged 543 smallholder farmers.

The firm highlighted the importance of technology in farming and post-farming activities.

It said private sector investment demonstrated the potential of modern processing techniques to boost yields and incomes and recommended the revival of Staple Crop Processing Zones.

The zones are the initiative of the African Development Bank.

They seek to transform agriculture by establishing processing hubs in areas where crops are produced, focusing on value addition and reducing reliance on imports.

Some of them are located in Akwa Ibom, Edo and Osun.

The findings also offered critical insights into farmer demographics, sentiments, challenges, and priorities, laying the groundwork for data-driven decision-making and policy formulation.

“The survey on farmer demographics and challenges revealed that 84 per cent of surveyed farmers operate on small landholdings of one to four acres, predominantly relying on family labour.

“Access to finance remains a significant hurdle, with 60 per cent funding their farming activities through personal savings and only 12 per cent accessing formal credit.

“The most pressing challenges identified by farmers are lack of finance 54 per cent, insecurity 21 per cent and post-harvest losses 12 per cent,” it said.

The survey also documented a baseline for crop prices across the surveyed regions, providing a snapshot of market conditions at the time of data collection.

“The recorded prices are cocoa at ₦110,000 per 50kg bag, sesame at ₦102,305.19 per 50kg bag, farm-priced un-milled rice at ₦43,750 per 50kg bag.

“Yam at ₦39,423.08 per 50-tuber group, corn at ₦36,309.52 per 50kg bag, and tomato at ₦12,500 per 50kg basket and the figures offer insight into the challenges and concerns raised by the farmers,’’ it said.

It recommended immediate and decisive action to address farmer-herder conflicts and rural kidnappings, which posed a significant threat to farming activities and livelihoods.

“There is a need to prioritise investments in essential rural infrastructure such as roads, irrigation systems, electricity supply and storage facilities through public-private partnerships to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access.

“A comprehensive overhaul of the agricultural credit system is necessary to dismantle barriers related to collateral and residency, enabling smallholder farmers to access much-needed financial resources,’’ it said.

The report also highlighted the success of private-sector investments in produce such as tomatoes.  (NAN) 

Edited by Uche Anunne

Environment

Lead poisoning: FG orders illegal miners out of Zamfara

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By Martha Agas

The Federal Government has ordered illegal miners to immediately vacate all mining sites in Zamfara following the confirmation of an outbreak of lead poisoning in Bungudu Local Government Area.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, gave the warning in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Zamfara, known for its rich gold deposits, first recorded a major lead poisoning epidemic in 2010.

The outbreak was traced to artisanal gold mining activities, which led to environmental contamination and the poisoning of hundreds of residents, particularly children.

Alake said that all mining activities were still on hold until the release of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that would guide the resumption of exploration in the state.

He expressed concern that the six-year mining ban in the state reversed in December 2024 should have prevented any cases of lead poisoning.

“The outbreak is evidence that traditional and local institutions allowed illegal miners to operate in their areas in flagrant violation of the ban.

“Every citizen should obey the laws and regulations established by constituted authorities.

“Our revered traditional institutions and local authorities, which are funded from the federation accounts, have an even higher responsibility to enforce government directives.

“However, where they demonstrate wilful negligence and abdicate their responsibilities, they perpetrate a state of anomie with dire consequences, as we are witnessing in this case,” he said.

According to him, experts and ministry reports will recommend specific interventions to help the government prevent future calamities.

The minister, however, commended the Zamfara government for deploying emergency services to the affected area, and called for stronger collaboration between the state and the Ministry officials.

“We must work together to kick out illegal miners from all corners to protect the lives of innocent citizens endangered by the desperation of a few individuals to make money at all costs,” he said.

According to him,  the ministry will soon release a comprehensive SOP to guide the resumption of mining activities in Zamfara.

The procedures, he explained, would address cases of existing holders of mining licences and fresh applicants alongside compliance to community development agreements.

He added that other issues the SOP would address include the beneficiation and remediation efforts to overhaul the mining sector in the state.

Alake noted  that the recent approval of the deployment of satellite technology to monitor mining sites nationwide will put an end to illegal mining and other sharp practices in the sector.

NAN recalls that in 2017, an epidemic of lead poisoning resulted in the deaths of more than 300 under-five children in Yar-Galma village of Bukkuyum LGA of the state. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Defence/Security

CDS’ wife tasks military, police personnel’s wives on regular exercise

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

Mrs Oghogho Musa, wife of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has urged military and police personnel’s wives to engage in regular physical exercise to boost their mental and physical health.

Musa, who is also the President, Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), made the call at the DEPOWA monthly aerobics and health walk on Saturday in Abuja.

She said that the association would add hiking and yoga to the monthly exercise to encourage the women to continue doing the exercise on their own at home.

According to her, a platform has been created for all the women to post videos of their ‘daily walk for life’ exercise to know whether they are keeping up with what they are doing.

“Also, the control of our food is very important because 80 per cent of our overall living is the food we take in, while exercise takes only 20 per cent, just to tone our body.

“So, we are encouraging all of us to be ready to drop your videos and be ready to encourage your sister.

“Now, whatever exercise you are doing, whether aerobics, whether walk, anything, we will drop it and then we will keep track just to encourage every one of us,” she said.

Mrs Salamatu Gbajabiamila, wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, who was the Guest of Honour, commended the DEPOWA President for the initiative to promote physical fitness among women.

She said that walking around the neighborhood was more beneficial, adding that it did not require having any exercise equipment.

Also, popular Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, who was part of the exercise, stressed the importance of physical exercise in preventing health problems.

She said it was also essential to eat right and walk out especially for pregnant women.

According to her, when a pregnant woman is healthy, the baby in her womb will be healthy, and her husband will be good.

“So, let’s do better. Eat right, walk out because when you are sane and you are in a good place, your family moves forward,” she said.

Dr Oluwayemisi Adegboye of Defence Health Maintenance Limited, said that physical activity was the best medicine, gift and investment to cater for all types of mental diseases.

Adegboye said that physical exercise could help reduce the chance of developing hypertension, diabetes, obesity, arthritis and anything that has to do with mental problems.

“So we need to begin to halt, stop and then reverse through physical activity,” she added. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Features

Searching for right mood: Will self-comforting, coping scale fill the gap?

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By Stephen Adeleye, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

In a world full of disasters, hunger, sickness, deaths and other forms of physical and emotional deprivations, comforting oneself becomes an onerous task.

In spite of words of comfort from friends and relations, individuals faced with these situations have to dig deep to find self-soothing actions, otherwise known as self-comforting behaviours to overcome their emotional challenges.

Some of these activities include listening to music, watching movies, taking a stroll in the park, reframing negative thoughts to positive ones.

Others resort to religious and emotional outlets such as yoga, praying and singing to overcome their emotional challenges.

Willem Sleegers and Travis Proulx, Department of Social Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands, gave insights.

“People maintain systems of beliefs that provide them with a sense of belongingness, control, identity, and meaning, more generally,’’ they said.

Their position is contained in their study entitled: “The comfort of approach: self-soothing effects of behavioral approach in response to meaning violations.’’

However, many other victims of emotional crisis turn to what experts describe as pathological self-soothing to seek comfort.

These behaviours find expressions in binge drinking and eating, gambling, gaming, sex addiction; some even go as far as substance abuse.

Asmir Gracanin and a team of psychology scholars in a study found that given the parallels between self-soothing behaviors in humans and animals, crying might self-soothe.

The research tagged ”is Crying a Self-Soothing Behaviour’’ was published in Frontiers in Psychology.

As psychology scholars continue to navigate through the intricate world of self-comforting, a UK-based Nigeria academic, Dr Kennedy Obohwemu, recently announced the development of Self-Comforting and Coping Scale (SCCS), breakthrough in self-comforting research.

This is considered a landmark advancement in psychological assessment.

According to Obohewemu, his discovery is a revolutionary psychometric tool designed to empirically measure self-comforting behaviours.

Experts say Obohwemu’s innovative research breakthrough provides the first comprehensive and standardised framework for assessing an individual’s ability to self-soothe.

According to them, the research offers unprecedented insights into the complex dynamics of emotional regulation.

They say Obohwemu’s effort also offers a scientifically validated instrument that measures self-comforting behaviours and lays the foundation for an emerging psychological theory—the Self-Comforting and Coping Theory (SCCT).

Obohwemu’s Self-Comforting and Coping Theory posits that individuals who actively engage in self-comforting practices are more likely to demonstrate adaptive coping, reducing stress-induced dysfunction and promoting long-term psychological resilience.

“With far-reaching implications for mental health diagnosis, treatment and research, the SCCS is projected to transform the public understanding of coping mechanisms and empower clinicians, researchers and individuals to cultivate more effective emotional resilience strategies.

“The SCCS, developed through rigorous scientific methods, captures 13 distinct dimensions of self-comforting behaviours, including cognitive reframing, mindfulness, goal adjustment and self-compassion.’’

Unlike existing measures which focus on broad coping strategies, the SCCS offers a highly specialised assessment of self-soothing behaviours that influence emotional resilience, psychological stability and overall well being.’’

The outcome of the study was published in Global Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, one of the leading in social sciences.

Dr Gbenga Alimi appraised Obohwemu’s efforts.

He said by developing the SCCS, Obohwemu has taken the lead in the search for a new psychological approach in the quest for understanding how self-comforting behaviours interact with resilience mechanisms and emotional wellbeing.

Obohwemu, meanwhile, described self-comforting as an overlooked but fundamental dimension of coping.

“With the SCCS and SCCT, we are not just measuring behaviour—we are redefining how we understand emotional self-regulation and psychological resilience.”

“The SCCS is poised to revolutionise multiple fields, including clinical psychology, education, occupational health and personal development.

“It offers psychologists a powerful new tool for assessing adaptive vs. maladaptive self-comforting strategies, allowing for targeted interventions in mental health treatment.

“Educators and workplace leaders can also benefit from the SCCS by identifying effective self-soothing strategies among students and employees, fostering emotional wellbeing, and preventing burnout,’’ he said.

Experts say the scale’s diverse applicability across clinical, academic and organisational settings underscores its potential to reshape how we approach stress management and resilience-building in everyday life.

Obohwemu acknowledges the limitations of his work and expects further studies to do justice to unanswered questions.

According to him, future research will expand on the SCCS by exploring its applications in diverse populations, conducting longitudinal studies, and further refining the SCCT.

“Additionally, cross-cultural validation will ensure that the SCCS remains globally applicable, addressing cultural variations in self-soothing behaviours.

“The introduction of the SCCS and SCCT marks a transformative moment in psychological science, bringing much-needed attention to self-comforting as a critical aspect of mental health,” Obohwemu said.

Psychologists say for mental health professionals, educators and researchers, the SCCS is more than just a scale—it is a game-changer.

Experts advise that that self-soothing should not be a substitute for seeking professional help when needed.(NANFeatures)

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

Health

Surgeon urges early medical intervention to prevent sudden death

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By Blessing Ibegbu

A Consultant Surgeon, Dr Jacob Akoh, has advised patients to seek immediate medical help when diagnosed with any illness to prevent sudden death.

Akoh gave the advice at the Bingham University’s 2nd Public Lecture, held at the university’s campus in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa on Wednesday.

The theme of the lecture is “Beyond The Operating Room: Reflections of a Surgical Career and Life of Purpose.”

As the guest lecturer and a retired Associate Professor in Europe, Akoh emphasised that early medical intervention was crucial in effectively treating illnesses.

He urged people not to shy away from seeking help when faced with any symptoms, as neglecting health problems could lead to fatal consequences.

“No sickness should be taken for granted; it must be treated immediately,” Akoh stated.

He also dispelled the belief that strange symptoms or illness were merely spiritual attacks, urging individuals to seek proper medical care instead of self-diagnosing or hiding symptoms.

Akoh explained that the lecture was aimed at educating people, particularly in communities, on how to address health challenges and not neglect them.

He emphasised the importance of valuing one’s life and taking responsibility for seeking medical assistance when needed.

He also addressed concerns about the state of the healthcare sector in Nigeria, noting that it was underdeveloped compared to the Western world, in spite of its critical importance.

He called on the government to improve health facilities to prevent citizens from seeking treatment abroad, which negatively impacted the country’s healthcare system.

Akoh shared some of his career successes, including performing multiple kidney transplants in one day, with all surgeries being successful.

However, he also highlighted challenges faced by surgeons, such as patients failing to provide accurate medical records, which could hinder effective treatment.

He urged patients to always provide precise health information to healthcare providers to ensure proper care and fulfilment in medical practice.

Additionally, Akoh reminded medical practitioners to be mindful of their career purpose, stressing the need for active involvement in community health development.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Bingham University, Prof. Haruna Ayuba, commended Akoh for his enlightening lecture.

He acknowledged that although Akoh had spent more than 35 years as a surgeon in Europe, he returned to Nigeria to make a positive impact on society.

Ayuba encouraged scholars and professionals to focus on the purpose of their careers, as it drives passion, motivation during challenges, and inspires excellence.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Economy/Business

FG, UNIDO partner to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial future

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By Nana Musa/ Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government has signed a Programme for Country Partnership (PCP) agreement with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to drive Nigeria’s industrial transformation.

At the signing ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, emphasised the significance of the agreement in repositioning the country’s industrial sector.

Enoh said that the partnership aligned with Nigeria’s commitment to rebuilding its industrial base to achieve structural economic transformation.

He said that the Industrial Revolution Work Group (IWG) had been inaugurated to coordinate the revitalisation of key industrial assets and value chains

According to Enoh, the partnership comes at a time when Nigeria is moving with clarity and urgency to rebuild its industrial base.

He said that it would boost economic growth, and also ensure structural transformation that empowers the people and reduces dependency on primary exports.

Enoh said that the IWG, which he co-chaired with the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Francis Meshioye, was a stakeholder platform designed to address systemic bottlenecks and fast-track industrial zone development.

The minister said that the PCP aligned with the objectives of the IWG, focusing on agro-industrial transformation, SME development, green and digital transition, and skills for industrial competitiveness.

He expressed optimism that UNIDO’s technical expertise and global perspective would enhance Nigeria’s industrialisation efforts through infrastructure development and catalytic interventions.

“We welcome your presence at the table and look forward to integrating your insights into the group’s core operations.

“Nigeria is laying the foundation for the next chapter in its industrial history by modernising institutions, reforming policies, and strengthening coordination across all levels of government,” he said.

Enoh reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering multilateral and bilateral cooperation, urging all stakeholders to transition from agreements to tangible execution.

“As we sign today, we do so with resolve not for the ceremony, but for community-medium impact.

“Let us move together from potential to productivity, from agreement to execution, and from policy to prosperity,” he said.

The Minister Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, said that the PCP was expected to boost manufacturing, enhance access to renewable energy, and create opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Bagudu said that it would also strengthen Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the programme, adding that Nigeria remained open to international investments and partnerships.

“Nigeria is determined to achieve its economic vision, and we will stay the course,” he said.

The UNIDO Director-General, Gerd Müller, described the PCP as a new phase in Nigeria’s long standing partnership with the organisation, which dates back 40 years

“This initiative focuses on six key areas, including industrial policy, innovation and technology, value chain development, and sustainable energy solutions.

“It will directly support Nigeria’s National Development Plan and the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” Müller said.

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohammed Fall, emphasised that the signing of the PCP marked the beginning of a long-term collaboration to drive Nigeria’s sustainable development.

Fall acknowledged the challenges facing the country but reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to working alongside Nigerian authorities and development partners to implement impactful initiatives.

He highlighted the role of UNICEF and other UN agencies in supporting Nigeria’s economic and humanitarian efforts.

He assured stakeholders that the UN remained dedicated to helping Nigeria transition toward a more resilient and self-sufficient economy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the signing ceremony was attended by representatives of the Government, the European Union, UNIDO, and other key stakeholders in Nigeria’s industrial sector. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Aviation

Experts advocate adoption of NavAid drones to enhance Airspace Safety

229 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

Mr Bobga Danjuma, President of Livia Soft Company in the US, has urged African countries to adopt modern aviation equipment to enhance airspace safety.

Danjuma gave this advice on Thursday in Abuja at an executive workshop on NavAid drones, with the theme ‘Advancing in Air Navigation and Safety.’

He stated that modern aviation equipment would improve safety, efficiency, sustainability, and capacity building across Africa.

Danjuma urged African countries to adopt advanced tools like the NavAid Drone, a cutting-edge technology transforming the aerospace industry.

“Africa needs this technology to help navigate airports and runways without relying on expensive aircraft-based calibration,” he said.

He explained that drone-based navigation is a cheaper alternative. Within weeks, an operator can learn to fly a NavAid drone, even in strong winds.

“The barrier to entry for using NavAid drones is very low, making this innovation beneficial for Nigeria and the entire continent,” he added.

Danjuma said NavAid drones reduce calibration costs for navigation aid systems while also lowering carbon emissions.

Also, Mr Luc Haeberle, Managing Director of Colibrex Smart Drone Solution, explained that NavAid drones calibrate Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), which guide aircraft during landings.

“NavAid drones ensure precise calibration of navigation aids, minimising errors and enhancing safety,” he said.

He noted that regular drone-based calibration improves reliability, reduces accident risks, and ensures compliance with regulatory standards.

In his welcome address, Mr Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, highlighted the importance of air navigation and safety.

Represented by Mr Michael Chukwu, Director of Safety, Keyamo said growing air traffic demands more innovative, efficient, and reliable solutions.

“I warmly welcome you to this workshop, where we explore NavAid drones’ groundbreaking role in shaping aerospace development,” he said.

Keyamo stated that the workshop would deepen participants’ understanding of air navigation challenges and how advanced drone technology is revolutionising the industry.

“NavAid drones represent the future—enhancing safety, streamlining operations, cutting costs, and promoting sustainability,” he added.

He said participants would witness a live demonstration of the NavAid drone and discuss real-world applications with industry experts. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

General News

Group seeks dissolution of pensioners union’s executives

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By Ahmed Musa

Some pensioners under the aegis of Concerned Federal Civil Service Pensioners Stakeholders on Thursday called for immediate dissolution of the national executives of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP).

The Coordinator of the group, Mr Ignitius Uzomah, who made the call at a news conference in Abuja, alleged that the NUP had no substantive election known to law that produced the current national officers of the union.

Uzomah said his call also followed the exclusion of federal pensioners in the scheme of things of the union, adding that the federal arm of the union contributed 10 per cent funds to the union.

“We filed a complaint to the Federal Ministry of Labour over the Federal Civil Service Pensioners (FCSP) election where we stated that there was a constitutional breach regarding the election that produced NUP executives and all parties were invited.

“It is a constitutional provision that the state controllers of labour in the 36 states must confirm for the election to be validated.

“It is on record that all our members in the state have confirmed to us that the election that was supposed to hold on Oct. 3, 2024 did not hold.

“Our members have not been adequately carried along side-line in the NUP executives because currently our memberships have reduced from nine executive members to three at state levels,’’ he said.

He expressed concern over the inability of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Federal Ministry of Labour to adequately address their demands amid suppression by the Nigerian Union of Pensioners.

“Our demands are that we want the national officers of NUP to be dissolved and new elections be held, and also want a full representation of Federal Civil Service Pensioners into the leadership positions of NUP.

“This is because we contribute 10 per cent of pensioners` funds in the union and aside from that we have more experienced technocrats than those who dominate the union from the states and local governments,’’ he said (NAN

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

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