NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Oil & Gas , Politics

Group canvasses democracy that delivers peace, prosperity, justice

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By Naomi Sharang

Dr Kletsaint Akor, Chairman, Proponent Council, National Democracy Stakeholders Group (NDSG), has called on stakeholders to build a democracy that will deliver peace, prosperity and justice for citizens.

He made the call at the opening of Nigeria Democracy Week 2024, tagged: “Quarter of a Century of Sustained Democracy in Nigeria’s 64 Years of Statehood”, in Abuja.

Akor said that the occasion was a moment of reflection, celebration and renewed commitment to the ideals that had shaped the country’s democratic journey over the past 25 years.

“As we gather here today, we are reminded of the resilience, sacrifices and aspirations that have brought us to this significant milestone.

“Democracy, as we know, is not just a system of governance; it is a collective effort that demands our continuous dedication to equity, justice and inclusivity.

“As we celebrate 25 years of democratic governance, let us remember that the true measure of democracy is not in the number of years it endures but in the lives it transforms.

“Let us commit ourselves to building a democracy that delivers peace, prosperity and justice for all Nigerians,” he said.

Akor called on the country’s leaders to prioritise transparency, accountability and the welfare of the people.

“The strength of a democracy lies not in its institutions but in the trust that citizens place in their leaders,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Steering Board of NDSG, Morgan Okwoche, said the most significant achievements of Nigeria’s democracy had been the peaceful transition of power between administrations, particularly across party lines.

Okwoche, however, identified some challenges in Nigeria’s democratic journey, including insecurity, economic inequality, civic apathy, insurgency in the north-east, banditry and communal insecurity.

“These issues have disrupted governance and have also eroded economic development,” he said.

Okwoche called on stakeholders to renew their commitment to the ideals of democracy and the vision of a united, inclusive and thriving Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said that the past 25 years of uninterrupted democracy represented a triumph for Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Egbetokun was represented by the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Olatunji Disu.

He said that the uninterrupted democracy was a statement of an enduring commitment to the principle of governance, the rule of law and the freedom that underpinned democratic systems.

“For the Nigerian Police Force, this period has underscored our vital roles as custodians of peace and security, which are fundamental to the success of any democracy,” he said.

Similarly, the Controller-General of Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Haliru Nababa, said that there were no fewer than 83,000 inmates in 265 custodial centres across the country.

Nababa, who was represented by Assistant Controller of Corrections, Ope Fatinikun, added that there were also a total of 53,000 awaiting trials.

“Democracy has given the NCS space to operate. Democracy has been a good journey so far,” he remarked. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Features

Mitigating Bird Strike: Strategy for Nigeria airport wildlife management

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By Gabriel Agbeja, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Bird strike, an occasion when a bird hits an aircraft is also a collision between an aircraft and a bird or other wildlife, such as bats or small animals.

It can pose a significant threat to aviation safety. Causes of bird strikes include birds attracted to airport surroundings by things such as food, waste and water; and habitat encroachment whereby airports built near wetlands.

Others are weather conditions which include storms, turbulence and aircraft flight paths.

The effects are huge and can be catastrophic. They include engine failure or damage, windshield damage, air frame damage, loss of control and emergency landings or crashes.

The consequences of bird strike consist of safety risks to passengers and crew, aircraft damage or loss, flight delays or cancellations.

There are also economic costs in terms of repairs, lost revenue; and environmental concerns like bird habitat disruption.

Aviation experts say Nigerian airports recorded over 93 bird strike incidents in the first half of 2022.

According to them, the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) in Lagos is a high-risk area for bird strikes with 54 incidents out of 93 bird strike incidents recorded.

According to a report from the Federal Airports Authority (FAAN), 134 bird strike incidents occurred in the country between 2015 and 2020.

Recently, Nigeria`s Air Peace airline confirmed that its early morning flight from Abuja to Lagos was forcefully aborted due to a bird strike incident.

A statement issued by the airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr Ejike Ndiulo, informed that  Abuja-Lagos flight experienced a bird strike before take-off, prompting a ramp return as a safety measure.

“ All passengers disembarked normally. We have deployed a replacement aircraft for the affected flight to minimise disruptions and ensure that passengers continue their journeys promptly.

“We appeal for the understanding of our valued passengers impacted by this development, as well as those on other flights that may experience delays.

“At Air Peace, we are committed to providing safe, comfortable, and reliable air travel for all our passengers, “ he said.

Worried by the huge losses incurred by airlines as a result of bird strikes, FAAN said it would acquire “ Phonic Bird Wailers“ which would help in combating wildlife and bird strikes in the country.

Capt. Muktar Muye, former FAAN Director Airport Operation, said the equipment was already being shipped into the country.

Furthermore, FAAN took delivery of bird strike fighting equipment from Canada on October 4, 2024 to support airline operators.

FAAN Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, is confident that the equipment would drastically improve safety at the nation’s airports.

Kuku said that the achievement would ultimately increase Nigeria’s rating in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

According to her, FAAN also received wildlife hazard control equipment from ICAO to enhance safety and mitigate wildlife hazards at various airports in the nation for effective utilisation.

The managing director said this demonstrated FAAN’s commitment toward confronting bird strike incidents and ensuring airport safety.

Kuku, however, said that she regretted the menace of bird strike incidents on the operations of the airline operators in the country.

The delivery of bird strike fighting equipment from Canada  was well lauded by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) as a proactive measure to address infrastructure challenges at the nation’s airports.

Nevertheless, retired Group Capt. John Ojikutu, an Aviation Security  Consultant, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recently that the nation would not make much progress in air safety unless the nation purged itself of issues that trigger air mishaps.

According to him, FAAN bought the appropriate equipment and recruited specialists from the universities with offices in the FAAN headquarters and at Abuja Airport.

“The sooner the ICAO Audits and the US FAA Audits were completed and Category One was bestowed on us, every ladder that took us up was destroyed including the human capital skills.

“The results are not only FAAN, so it is for the Airlines without skilled manpower such as pilot, engineers, in sufficient numbers.

“So it is with NAMA without sufficient Air Traffic Controllers and also in FAAN without sufficient skilled manpower in its various operations and support services.

“The general problems have to do with the oversight and enforcement Authority, NCAA which also lacks skilled manpower for the periodic inspections, checks, audits, survey, among others on all the Aviation Operators, “ he said.

According to him, a lot is wrong with the sector and those who performed wonders in 2006 to 2010 for the valued Category One are still very much around to tap from.

“Going out and signing various purchasing contract agreements is not the way to progress but begin with the training of skilled manpower in sufficient numbers.

“Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), ZARIA has been brought down and we do not have sufficient funds for training abroad. There is work for us all to do, “ he said.

He listed aviation operators to include airlines, airports, ground handling services, regulated cargo agents, fuel marketers among others.

Also speaking with NAN, Mr Nuhrudeen Aliyu, the Assistant General Manager, Azman Airline Limited, said that acquiring equipment was different from putting them to use.

“The equipment may be active while the personnel that will work with it may be loose, that’s my take, “ he said.

Aliyu said the regulatory framework for airport wildlife management in Nigeria would reduce yearly loss airlines incur due to bird strike.

Stakeholders say that observing international best practices in bird strike prevention is also important. (NANFeatures) (www.nannews.ng).

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

Metro

NSE signs MoU with 2 partners to boost food security

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By Angela Atabo

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Asset Rise Limited and Lancaster Farms to enhance food security and create employment opportunities for Nigerians.

The NSE President, Mrs Margaret Oguntala, said shortly after signing the MoU on Wednesday in Abuja, that the agreement would open more employment opportunities for the youths.

Oguntala, who doubles as the Chairman-in-Council, said proffering solutions to agricultural challenges in Nigeria was at the forefront of NSE’s agenda.

She said that its 2024 annual conference was hinged on sustainable engineering solutions to food security and climate change.

According to her, partnerships are part of the strategic agenda of the society, adding that collaboration is the only way to deliver on some mandates.

“This partnership is a mutually beneficial relationship, which will not only enhance the activities of the NSE, but also improve businesses.

“On our part, we shall ensure that we do all that we can for all to benefit from this relationship.

“The partnership is all in the interest of developing Nigeria, particularly agriculture and of course, it is one of the reasons that we chose the theme of this year as Sustainable Engineering Solutions to Food Security and Climate Change.

“We are going into some special collaboration to ensure that the issue of food security is not just theoretical, but also very practical and we are taking it very seriously,” she said.

Oguntala expressed hope that the partnership would grow from strength to strength and eventually result in not just putting more food on the tables of Nigerians, but also creating jobs for the teaming young engineers.

Mr Oluwadurotimi  Ojamamoye, Group Managing Director, Asset Rise Limited, said the organisation had a structural programme designed to train  students who are graduating from schools into owning their own farms.

Ojamamoye said, “We are expanding that project into 1,000 hectares. So as students are graduating, they can cultivate one hectare each to empower them adding that so far more than 1,500 students have been empowered.

“We are glad that NSE is giving us the backbone to achieve this mission and employ more Nigerians, solve food insecurity and possibly stop our youths from migrating abroad because agriculture can create a lot of opportunities for us.”

“We have also been able to introduce our Smart City project, a 3,000 hectares project presently ongoing and we are currently planting more than 450,000 oil palm trees in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Ondo states.

“We have developed more than 4,000 hectares of oil palm trees. This is sustainable agriculture and it is the way to go in order to solve the problems of poverty, food insecurity, unemployment and achieve rural urbanisation in Nigeria.”

Ojamamoye said that the organisation was working with the Enugu and Abia state governments where 7,000 and 10,000 hectares were provided respectively to develop agro-smart cities.

He called on governments at all levels to provide land for farming and creation of agro-smart cities just like they have government reserved areas for houses.

Also speaking, Dr Anthony Odigie, Chairman, Lancaster Farms, commended NSE for the opportunity to go into a strategic partnership with the organisation.

“This is a significant milestone to our company, and I believe that by joining forces we are combining our strengths, expertise, and resources to unlock great opportunities for the future.

“The collaboration will enhance our ability to deliver exceptional value to the agricultural industry and in the long term, to activate the economy of Nigeria.”

Mr Patrick Obidoyin, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Lancaster Farms, said the MoU would enable the organisation to empower more youths by taking them off the job markets.(NAN)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu and Abiemwense Moru

Metro

Area councils’ road projects: Wike optimistic of meeting December deadline

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has expressed optimism that the ongoing roads projects across the six area councils of the FCT would be completed in December.

Wike stated this after he inspected some ongoing road projects in Abuja on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Wike had, in February 2024, inaugurated the construction of several road projects in satellite towns and rural communities across the six area councils of the territory.

The projects, meant to transform rural economies and improve the quality of rural dwellers, were expected to be completed in December.

Some of the projects inspected on Wednesday included the ongoing Dutse – Bwari  road resurfacing and the upgrading of War College/Army Checkpoint Road and other ancillary roads in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council.

The minister also inspected the reconstruction of 25-kilometre Kwaita – Yebu and the 11km Yangoji – Sukuku – Eba road projects, in Kwali Area Council.

The minister, who said he didn’t want to be pessimistic, expressed confidence that the contractors would deliver the projects on agreed timelines.

“You know we had heavy rains this year, and we gave contractors December to complete the projects, but you can see the level of job they have done; quality job, and this is in rural areas.

“We are still working on the December deadline. I don’t want to say that the roads would not be completed. I don’t want to be pessimistic.

“I have seen the contractors, and they told me that they will complete the roads and hand them over to us in December; let us keep to it. I think there is no need to doubt them.

“In as much as we do our own part, I am sure they will also fulfil their own promise,” Wike said.

He expressed satisfaction with the pace of the projects inspected so far, adding that when completed, the roads would have a positive impact on benefiting. communities.

He promised to do everything possible to make sure that the contractors get paid.

“When you see contractors who are committed, you on your own part, as government, will also carry out your own obligation by making sure they are funded in order to complete the roads and make the people happy,” he said.

He explained that he decided to go round some of the projects to see things for himself and not be told stories.

He added that the expanse of land in rural communities, if properly harnessed, would address the problem of food security in the FCT.

On what is in store for other communities in the FCT, the minister pointed out that government was continuum, adding that the current administration would do all it can to reach many communities with life-impacting projects.

He assured that President Bola Tinubu-led administration would complete all projects embarked upon, while the next administration would continue from the administration stops.

“We cannot solve all problems. Even if you are in office for 20 years, there will still be problems, but what is important is that people can see that you are making efforts to reduce their burden.

“That is what is important.

“So, like I said before, all areas in Abuja, be it in the city, be it in satellite towns, will all feel the impact of this government,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

General News

Tinubu establishes national engineering, innovation fund

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By Angela Atabo

President Bola Tinubu has announced the establishment of the National Engineering and Innovation Fund.

Tinubu made this known at the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) 2024 International Engineering Conference Exhibition and Annual General Meeting in Abuja.

The president was represented by the Minister of State for Works, Mr Bello Goronyo,

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference was, “Sustainable Engineering Solutions to Food Security and Climate Change”.

“I am proud to announce the establishment of the National Engineering and Innovation Fund.

“It is a new initiative designed to provide grants and resources to engineers and technologists working on solutions for Nigeria’s unique challenges.

“With this fund, we aim to support local innovations, encourage entrepreneurship, and ensure that Nigeria remains at the forefront of engineering advancement in Africa.

“It is also aimed at strengthening regulations and standards. This is because a commitment to quality and safety is at the heart of responsible engineering,” he said.

He promised to work closely with the NSE and other regulatory bodies to ensure that only licensed and qualified professionals were entrusted with critical national projects.

He encouraged the engineering community to continue exploring solutions in solar, wind, and other renewable energy technologies for access to reliable, affordable and sustainable energy.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, commended NSE for the continued commitment and support to the development of agriculture in Nigeria.

Kyari said, “As we all are aware, Nigeria’s food security and climate resilience face pressing challenges that demand innovative and sustainable engineering solutions.

“Some of these engineering tools include emerging technologies, innovative concepts, further reduction in post-harvest losses and increased usage of agricultural machinery for enhanced productivity and efficiency”.

Kyari urged engineers to work on affordable and adaptable machinery that suited Nigerian crops and terrains, encouraging mechanised farming to increase efficiency and productivity.

He also called on engineers to design sustainable storage facilities and processing technologies to minimise post-harvest losses, especially those that could be deployed in rural communities.

He said that affordable solar, bio-gas and other renewable energy systems would revolutionise agriculture in off-grid areas by providing reliable power for irrigation, processing and storage.

He said that the Federal Government was interested in the outcome of the gathering to collaborate, support and push for legislation that would promote sustainable engineering solutions in agriculture through enabling an environment for innovation.

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno called on engineers to invest in research in the areas of irrigation, food cultivation, water harvesting, mechanisation, environmental degradation, among others to boost food production.

Zulum also called on the NSE to invest in the areas of utilisation of alternative energy sources, especially geothermal, solar power, biomass energy, with the view to reducing or slowing emission of greenhouse gases in Nigeria.

“This is very important. On my part, as the governor of Borno state and one of you, we shall continue to provide the political will and the commitment needed to drive the process,” he said.

Mrs Margaret Oguntala,
President/Chairman-in-Council of NSE, said that the theme of the conference served as a clarion call for engineers to rise as problem solvers and innovators.

“Food insecurity remains a critical issue, exacerbated by climate change, which disrupts agricultural productivity and endangers livelihoods.

“As engineers, we hold the tools to pioneer sustainable solutions, whether through advancements in precision agriculture, renewable energy for rural communities or climate-adapted infrastructure.

“The solutions we craft here will not only serve Nigeria but will resonate globally,” she said.

Oguntala challenged engineers to push boundaries, urging them to think beyond limitations and inspire solutions that will not only solve today’s problems but safeguard the future.

She said that the NSE would collaborate with government, academia, industry and international partners to implement the recommendations effectively.

“Together, we can secure a sustainable future. As engineers, our work is the blueprint of progress.

“Let us build a future where no Nigerian goes hungry, and every community thrives sustainably,” she said.(NAN)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Kadiri Abdulrahman

Education

Education: Senate pledges brighter future for Nigerian children

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By Naomi Sharang

The Senate has assured Nigerian children of a brighter future, enabling them to reach their full academic potential.

Chairperson, Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Sen. Ireti Kingibe, gave the assurance at an event to mark the “Universal Children’s Day” held at the National Assembly complex.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of this year’s event is “Investing in Our Future: Empowering Children to Build a Better World”.

Kingibe emphasised that children are the future of Nigeria, and it was essential to invest time, energy, and resources in helping them become the best version of themselves.

She stressed that children would ensure Nigeria’s greatness in the future.

The President of the NSE, Margaret Oguntala, represented by Dr Felicia Agubata, highlighted the importance of empowering and inspiring children to build a brighter future.

Oguntala emphasised that education, healthcare, and skill acquisition were essential investments in children’s potential to create a better society.

“Children are our pride and joy; they are the leaders of tomorrow’s progress.

“As leaders, parents and professionals, we bear a collective responsibility to nurture their dreams, safeguard their wellbeing, and equip them with the tools they need to thrive in an evolving world.

“Education, healthcare and skill acquisition are not mere privileges but essential investments in their potential to create a better society.

“I would like to call on all parents to take special interest in the development of their children.

“Let me also use this opportunity to urge our children to embrace education and skills acquisition with dedication and discipline.”

Also speaking, Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi), called for the digitalisation of education, suggesting that e-libraries and digital learning platforms would improve efficiency and accessibility for students.

Sen. Neda Imaseun (LP-Edo), emphasised the importance of handing over the baton to children, acknowledging their crucial role in shaping the future.

However, he also stressed the need for better welfare and remuneration for teachers to provide quality education. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Metro

AEPB takes campaign against open defecation to FCT suburbs

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By Philip Yatai

The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has taken its campaign against open defecation to the suburbs of the territory.

The Director of the board, Mr Osilama Braimah, stated this during the campaign at Bmuko and Dutse Makaranta in Bwari Area Council of the FCT on Tuesday.

Braimah explained that the campaign was organised to commemorate the 2024 World Toilet Day, with the theme, “Toilets are a Place for Peace.”

According to him, the move is part of efforts to entrench good hygiene practices among rural dwellers across the FCT.

He said that the AEPB, through the Department of Environmental Health and Safety, had been organising awareness campaigns in rural communities across the FCT on the health risk of open defecation.

He stressed the need for every household to have a functional toilet and imbibe good hygiene practices for the health wellbeing of families and communities.

He said that the world toilet day was being observed on Nov. 19 of every year to celebrate toilets and raise awareness of people living without access to safely managed sanitation.

“The whole idea is to prevent health challenges such as cholera, diphtheria, diarrhoea, and other diseases associated with open defecation in communities.

“When people have access to clean and safe toilets, they are protected from preventable diseases associated with poor hygiene practices,” he said.

The director assured the commitment of AEPB in maintaining a clean, safe and hygienic environment across the territory.

He added that the FCT Administration, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, has been providing public toilets in schools, parks, markets and other public spaces to ensure accessible and dignified sanitation facilities for all.

Braimah also said that the board was equally engaging school children in the campaign to catch them young.

“We are trying to inculcate in these young ones the habit of proper sanitation and hygiene by enlightening them on the importance of using the toilet.

“It is always easy when people learn good habits at an early stage of their lives so that they will grow with it,” he said.

Also speaking, Mrs Kate Ogbonna, Director, Environmental Health and Safety Department, said access to clean and safe sanitation was a right of every individual.

Ogbonna urged FCT residents to work with relevant government agencies and critical stakeholders towards addressing sanitation crises in communities through collaborative efforts, policy innovation and public awareness.

She said that the awareness campaign was organised to educate the residents of Bmuko and Dutse Makaranta on the need to own functional toilet facilities.

The Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Mr John Gabaya, commended the AEPB for ensuring rural communities across the FCT were free from environmental hazards that could lead to outbreak of diseases.

Gabaya, who was represented by the Councillor on Environment, Mr Saliu Matthew pledged the council’s maximum support and cooperation toward ensuring safe environments for all.

Similarly, the Chief of Bmuko Community, Ibrahim Dangana, called for closed monitoring of the toilet facilities installed in schools and public places to ensure effective and efficient use of the facilities.

Dangana, who was represented by one of his aides, Alhaji Ahmad Olajire, also called for improved security in rural communities to ensure the safety of lives and properties. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Environment

World Toilet Day: NNPC Foundation advocates better sanitation policies, infrastructure

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By Emmanuella Anokam

The NNPC Foundation Limited has reiterated its commitment to promote global awareness and advocacy for better policies to mitigate sanitation crisis.

Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director NNPC Foundation Ltd., made this known on Tuesday while commemorating the 2024 World Toilet Day (WTD) at the Junior Secondary School, Peyi, Bwari Area Council, Abuja.

Arukwe underscored the need to invest in sanitation infrastructure to ensure cleaner water, healthier communities and sustainable ecosystems.

“NNPC Foundation is deeply committed to contributing to this global effort,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Toilet Day is celebrated annually on Nov. 19, to raise awareness on the lack of access to safe toilets and sanitation for billions of people worldwide.

The campaign inspires action to tackle the global sanitation crisis and achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-6, “Water and Sanitation for all by 2030”.

This year’s campaign with the theme “Toilet, a Place for Peace”, emphasises the role of safe toilets as a space for protection and progress.

Worldwide, 4.2 billion people live without safely managed sanitation and around 673 million people practise open defecation.

Arukwe, represented by Dr David Bala, Executive Director, Programme Development, NNPC Foundation Ltd., said by aligning its actions with SDG-6, it would ensure that it created a world where no one would be left behind.

“Our initiative focuses on raising awareness, advocating for better sanitation policies and supporting installation of clean and safe toilets in underprivileged areas.

“Today, 3.5 billion people lack access to safely managed sanitation, a statistics that highlights the scale of the global sanitation crisis (UN-Water, 2024).

“According to UNICEF, approximately 48 million Nigerians practise open defecation and only 10 per cent of the population have access to combined basic water, sanitation and hygiene services.

“This lack of access contributes significantly to the spread of diseases such as diarrhoea which claims the lives of over 70,000 Nigerian children under the age of five annually,” she said.

Arukwe added that sanitation was a pressing concern in the country, and that the absence of proper sanitation facilities continued to disproportionately affect women and girls.

This, she said, put them at risk of harassment and violence in public spaces.

She explained that inadequate sanitation could lead to learning disruptions at school for many girls, as they were often forced to stay home during menstruation due to the absence of hygienic facilities in schools.

“According to a report by UNICEF in 2023, improving sanitation access could boost attendance rates for adolescent girls by 11 per cent in low-income countries.

“Statistics from the World Health Organisation in 2023 says that 80 per cent of the wastewater from human activities flows back into the ecosystem untreated, thereby causing widespread environmental harm.

“As students and future leaders, your role in this movement is to share the knowledge you gain here today with your families and communities.

“Advocate for improved sanitation in your schools and public spaces and be part of the conversations that normalise discussions about toilets and hygiene, which aims to break down taboos and drive meaningful change.

“Remember, every small action counts. Let us work together to flush away the global sanitation crisis,” Arukwe added.

Earlier, the school Principal, Mr Bako Kumbam, commended the foundation for the programme, noting that it would sustain the campaign and promote understanding of the role of sanitation in disease prevention and health improvement.

Speaking on the programme, Miss Cynthia Otanwo, Head Girl of the school, while expressing satisfaction with the programme, thanked the NNPC Foundation for the enlightenment and exposure to sanitary etiquettes on toilet usage.

Master Moses Ifeanyichukwu, Head Boy of the school, said that ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’.

He urged the Federal Government to build more public toilets to prevent open defecation to avert diseases. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Economy/Business

Nigeria, China strengthen bilateral ties to drive economic development, Innovation

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By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, with a focus on driving economic development, infrastructure growth, and technological innovation.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, said this at the Nigeria-China Economic and Trade Partnership Forum Roundtable in Abuja on Monday.

Tuggar, represented by Amb. Bolaji Akinremi, Director, Economic and Trade Infrastructure Department (ETID), said that the relationship between the two nations had evolved significantly over the years.

He reiterated the importance of the recently established Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between both countries, adding that the partnership would strengthen trade, investment, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development.

“The establishment of this partnership marks a milestone in the relations between our two countries.

“It is an opportunity for us to collaborate more extensively in key areas like infrastructure development, trade, investment, capacity building, and people-to-people exchanges,” he said.

The minister further assured participants that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue to facilitate closer cooperation with Chinese counterparts and relevant stakeholders.

He said that efforts would be intensified, to ensure that projects under the new partnership were successfully implemented.

Also speaking, Mr Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of the China-Nigeria Strategic Partnership, expressed optimism about the future of the two nations’ economic collaboration.

According to Tegbe, the relationship between Nigeria and China has been built on mutual respect, shared goals, and the pursuit of joint development for over 50 years.

“Over the years, we have seen significant progress in areas like infrastructure, trade, energy, health and education.

“Our relationship is not just about economic growth, but also about creating opportunities that will benefit both countries and the people,” he said

He emphasised the critical role of strategic coordination between both governments, adding that sectors like agriculture, mining, alternative energy, and healthcare would receive priority attention under the partnership.

He also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to advancing industrialisation and moving towards a net-export position, positioning China as a key partner in this effort.

Mr Zhang Liang, Head of the Chinese delegation and Secretary-General of the LVY Road International Cooperation Center, expressed China’s firm support for strengthening the bilateral relationship.

According to him, China and Nigeria have a shared vision for development and prosperity, thus the need to deepen collaboration.

“China and Nigeria, as two major developing countries, have long respected each other and worked together to achieve common progress.

“With our strengthened comprehensive strategic partnership, we are confident that we can usher in a new era of cooperation, benefiting not only our nations but also the broader Global South,” Liang stated.

He restated the importance of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which had elevated China-Nigeria relations and opened new avenues for collaboration.

Liang also praised the China-Nigeria Economic and Trade Conference, which provided Nigerian and Chinese businesses a platform to engage in fruitful discussions aimed at advancing trade and investment.

He, therefore, encouraged the facilitation of in-depth negotiations, strengthened cooperation and early implementation of projects to achieve the goals of both countries.

Also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Nura Rimi , said that Nigeria sought deeper cooperation with China in agriculture, mining, renewable energy and technology sectors, among others.

According to Rimi, Nigeria has enacted various policies to enable it to attract investments and promote responsible, inclusive and sustainable trade and investment growth.

He urged the Chinese businesses to view Nigeria as an ideal investment destination, emphasising its position as Africa’s largest economy and a gateway to other regions.

He therefore expressed hope that the forum would foster stronger relations between the two nations and lead to fruitful discussions on strategic partnerships and investments.

Mr Khalil Halilu, Chief Executive Officer, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), said that the presence of over 20 Chinese companies at the forum was a testament of the opportunities in Nigeria.

He expressed optimism that the partnership would contribute significantly to the growth and development of both countries.

The Director-General, Rural Electrification Energy of Nigeria, Mr Abba Aliyu, while stating the mandate of the agency, also expressed confidence in the collaboration with China.

He said that the agency signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with China during President Bola Tinubu’s visit, adding that the agency had begun the process of implementation of the projects.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by government officials, Heads of Agencies, representatives of companies from Nigeria and China, stakeholders, and partners among others. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Metro

FCT reopens barricaded slip road, begins dry season sensitisation

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has reopened the barricaded slip road connecting Goodluck Jonathan Expressway with Ring Road II at Galadimawa Interchange.

The acting Director-General of the Department, Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, explained that the slip road was barricaded on June 25 to mitigate flooding during the rainy season.

Mohammed stated that the road was reopened to ease traffic flow, as the rainy season had ended.

“The onset of the rain in Abuja is usually in the month of May and the slip road is usually flooded every raining season, hence the need to barricade the road.

“To the glory of God, no life was lost in this area since 2020 because we made it a tradition to block the road during the rainy season,” he said.

He commended residents and stakeholders for their understanding and support throughout the rainy season.

The acting D-G also announced the commencement of the 2024 dry season sensitisation campaign against incessant fire outbreaks in the FCT.

Mohammed advised residents to be cautious while handling cooking gas, petroleum products, electrical appliances, and other inflatable items or chemicals.

He urged residents to keep cooking gas outside their kitchens and avoid storing petrol or inflammable chemicals in cars and in their homes.

He also advised residents to make sure they have fire extinguisher in their cars, homes and offices to control fire during outbreak.

He further urged residents to be careful when burning bushes, adding that anyone who wishes to do so, for whatever reason, should monitor it to prevent spreading to unintended areas.

Mr Richard Dauda, Director of Engineering Services, Federal Capital Territory Development Authority (FCDA), stated that the slip road was part of old road infrastructure in the area.

Dauda explained that the road would be reconstructed and elevated to solve the problem permanently.

He explained that once the ongoing construction of Galadimawa Interchange was completed, a bridge would be constructed to replace the temporary culvert contributing to flooding of the road.”(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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