The National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) has sought for partnership with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the effective coverage of its activities in its quest to deliver on its mandate.
The Executive Secretary of the fund, Mr Tosin Adeyanju, made the request when he led the management team on a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of NAN, on Friday in Abuja.
According to him, the mandate of NLTF is to intervene on good causes such as education, sports, water, disaster management, as well as vulnerable Nigerians.
“We have intervened in several causes in over 365 projects by impacting lives across the country.
“Since I came on board, we have continued the drive to make sure that we intervene in critical sectors of the country, and support the “renewed hope agenda” of President Bola Tinubu.
“Therefore, we need the cooperation of NAN to drive home all our interventions and activities across the country,” he said.
The Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali (right) presenting plaque to the Executive Secretary, National Lottery Trust Fund, Mr Tosin Adeyanju, on Friday in Abuja.
Adeyanju said that there was practically no alternative to NAN in terms of coverage and publicity, because of the agency’s reach and presence globally.
“So, we deemed it necessary to be here to partner with you on areas that have to do with good courses,’’ he said.
He further said that with such collaboration, people would feel the positive impact of what the government had done so far and still doing.
While noting the significance of information, Adeyanju said that a lot had been done by Tinubu that was under reported, hence the need to partner with NAN for adequate reportage.
He expressed confidence that the partnership would go a long way to impact positively on the activities of NLTF.
Responding, the Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali M. Ali, said that NAN prides itself as the biggest news content provider on the continent of Africa.
“We have over 500 reporters spread across the country, and beyond. We have offices in some selected African countries, and even in Europe.
“Right now, we are the only resident news agency or wire service from the West African coast in the UN.
“We also have offices in South Africa, Abidjan, Addis Abba, and some other places.
“So, with a work force like this, we welcome the partnership. Your people and my people will sit down and discuss how we can partner for better,’’ Ali said.
The NAN boss also highlighted other services rendered by the agency with the recent being the introduction of Hausa News portal while that of Yoruba and Igbo would follow shortly.
“For instance, we have started the news portal in Hausa language, being one of the three major languages in Nigeria; so the next will be Yoruba and Igbo languages in that order,” he said.
Ali explained that all these efforts were geared toward ensuring that activities of the Federal Government were properly covered.
“Your request for partnership is a welcome development, and we wish you a successful tenure in office,’’ he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), has restated its commitment towards collaborating with the University of Maiduguri Consultancy Services to enhance the quality of its work.
The Director-General of the agency, Saleh Abubakar disclosed this during an engagement with the University Consultancy Services on Thursday in Kano.
He said the collaboration was for various tree plantation projects.
“We are partnering with the University Consultancy Services to improve our work and have more collaborations.
“We have just had a meeting with them now and we will improve our work. We have built bridges.
“We realised that there were things done in the past, but the results are negative.
“We are going back to the drawing board. With the advice we received from the university consultants gathered here, we are going to do things differently,” he said
He said that the meeting which was attended by 11 frontline states, underscores the significance of the partnership in addressing environmental challenges in the region.
Prof. Adamu Umaru, from the University of Maiduguri, described the engagement as “fruitful” and noted that vital issues would be archived.
He added that the partnership between the NAGGW and University Consultancy Services is expected to boost environmental efforts in the region, particularly in the areas of tree plantation and sustainable land management.
According to him, the consultants are facing challenges in so many areas of their work but expressed optimism that the new director-general will address the hitches for overall success of the agency.(NAN) – www.nannews.ng)
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has called for a formidable alliance among key players in governance to wriggle Nigerians out of poverty and enhance the quality of lives of all citizens.
Shettima spoke on Wednesday during the 144th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He also emphasised the need for those in the business of governance to collaborate to create an environment where every Nigerians have the opportunity to thrive.
Shettima, however, acknowledged that Nigerians are in urgent need of quick and impactful measures, which President Bola Tinubu was solving through the implementations of long-term solutions.
“Our commitment to alleviating poverty and enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians will never materialize if we do not align with one another.
” We must strive to create an environment where every Nigerian has the opportunity to thrive.
“This includes not only addressing immediate needs but also building sustainable systems that empower our citizens to become self-reliant and prosperous.”
He commended the efforts of development partners, particularly the co-chairman of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr Bill Gates.
He also applauded the Chairman of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who were at the NEC meeting.
He described Dangote and Gates as “two distinguished individuals whose commitment to Nigeria’s progress is unparalleled”.
He said that the two have invested enormous resources into the welfare of Nigerians, spanning critical areas such as health, nutrition, agriculture, and education.
” Their philanthropy is not seasonal but a steadfast commitment that continues to shape our nation’s future.
” We did not survive the lowest points of our journey as a nation by the proactivity of the government alone; we did so because we remained partners in rain and sunshine.
“So, permit me to once again extend the nation’s deepest gratitude to our guests, whose empathy has always shone through whenever they are needed.
” Mr Gates, in particular, has been a steadfast friend of Nigeria, contributing immensely to our nation’s inclusive economic growth and the well-being of our people in both tumult and tranquility.
” The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has recently approved a significant investment—the Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator (NCIA).
” This initiative, championed by my office and hosted by the Lagos Business School in partnership with the Boston Consulting Group, sets out to revolutionize our cassava industry, an essential pillar of our economy and food security.”
Shettima described sub-nationals in the federation as stakeholders in redefining the future of Nigeria.
” We are gathered here because none of us can fulfill the goals of guaranteeing the survival of our people in isolation.
” Whether by expanding access to quality education, improving healthcare, or offering skills training and job opportunities, it is clear that each one of us has the power to influence policy and decisions at various levels.
” Our success relies on recognizing the socio-economic threats that have pulled us down the development index and, more importantly, on our resolve to walk the talk.”
Shettima expressed delight with the efforts and reforms made so far by state governors to boost agriculture.
” However, we must not overlook the state of nutrition in our nation, which has led to stunting and other health challenges.
” This is a crisis that demands our unified attention and action. The future of this nation hinges on the health and well-being of our children,” he added.
On his part, Mr Gates reiterated his bet on the incredible potential of Nigerians, noting that “Nigeria’s economic leaders have done some difficult, but necessary things, like unifying the exchange rate.
“The next great hurdle is raising revenue. I understand this is a politically sensitive area where Nigerians are struggling. Incomes have fallen.
” Prices have soared. And like in many other countries, people are protesting.”
He described Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda as ambitious.
Gate, however, said the Nigerian leader has assembled a cabinet ready to meet the challenge, adding that “with limited resources, putting the funds to the best possible use is key”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Accountant General of the Federation provided the council with an update on the Excess Crude Account.
According to him, the account currently stands at $473,754.57, the Natural Resources Fund has a balance of N3,451,078,538.57, and the Stabilisation Account holds N33,875,398,389.75. (https://www.nannews.ng)(NAN)
Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Monday called for wider support for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) upcoming international lecture on insecurity in the Sahel.
Shettima stated this when he granted an audience to the leadership of NAN led by its Managing Director, Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Vice-President emphasised the importance of collaborative action, noting that President Bola Tinubu was very much interested in the security situation in Nigeria and would not take it lightly.
Shettima also called for regional and collective efforts to address the insecurity in West Africa’s Sahel region.
He observed that the security situation in the Sahel region had significant implications for Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
“The international lecture NAN is organising is very timely, especially on the issue of insecurity in the Sahel.
“The security situation in the nation is something that the President is very much interested in and is not taking it lightly,” he said.
Shettima expressed optimism about the potential outcomes of the conference.
“I believe that with the calibre of people that will grace the lecture, you will come up with a lot of perspectives on how to address the insecurity in the Sahel in a holistic way.”
Earlier, Ali had told the Vice-President that the theme of the conference was “Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024): Dissecting Nigeria’s Challenges – Genesis, Impacts and Options.”
He announced that the lead speaker at the lecture, billed for Sept. 25, would be Mohamed Ibn Chambas, former Chairperson of the ECOWAS Commission.
According to him, the conference is part of NAN’s efforts to expand its role beyond news dissemination to actively contributing to national discourse and problem-solving.
“NAN is organising its first international lecture as part of the media’s role to expand the frontiers of knowledge and find solutions to problems,” Ali said.
He outlined several initiatives aimed at enhancing NAN’s reach and effectiveness, including the introduction of vernacular broadcasting.
Others present at the meeting are NAN’s Director of Administration, Malam Abdulhadi Khalie; Director of Special Duties, Muftau Ojo; Deputy Director of NAN Multimedia, Ismail Abdulaziz; and Board Secretary, Ngozi Anofochi.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has appealed to fellow compatriots, associates and numerous well-wishers across the country not to place congratulatory adverts on his 58th birthday.
He made the appeal in a statement issued by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of The Vice President) in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the vice-president will turn 58 years old on Monday, Sept. 2.
Shettima, therefore, implored friends and associates who may wish to place goodwill messages as advertisements to kindly donate the funds to charity organisations and vulnerable citizens instead.
The vice-president insisted that he would not want an elaborate pomp marking the day.
“As this auspicious moment draws closer, V-P Shettima fervently implores family members, friends and associates who may wish to place goodwill messages as advertisements to kindly donate the funds to charity organisations and vulnerable citizens instead.
“This aligns with the commitment of the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Tinubu to address issues of development and economic growth, as well as improving the living conditions of Nigerians.
“The vice president remains ever grateful for the goodwill he enjoys from Nigerians, demonstrated toward him over the years.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, has empahaised the need for reforms within the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to curb financial mismanagement, negligence and maltreatment of pilgrims.
Gbajabiamila made the call on Wednesday during a fact-finding visit to NAHCON headquarters in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was part of efforts to engage with government agencies under the supervision of State House.
He said NAHCON should not be involved in any controversy because of its mandate and what it represented.
“It’s a religious commission. It’s a commission that was set up to fulfill religious and spiritual obligations for men and women of faith.
“Pilgrims travel every year to fulfill an Islamic obligation. Not only that, when they’re there, they’re there as ambassadors of Nigeria.
“As ambassadors of Nigeria, it is expected that they will carry the emblem and the flag of Nigeria on their full chest to represent, and to show both in demeanour and conduct, who and what we are.
“We regret the fact that quite often pilgrims are maltreated due to improper organisation by NAHCON during hajj operations,” he said.
According to him, pilgrims end up sometimes not conducting themselves appropriately, and that the Commission must accept responsibility for the the conduct of pilgrims both in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
He urged the management and staff of the Commission to work closely with the Office of the Vice-President, which oversees the agency, to identify past mistakes, make corrections and ensure seamless operations for pilgrims.
“What happened has happened and we are here to chart a way forward.
“It is time that the system of the commission is reformed in such a way that it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
Also, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, echoed the Chief of Staff’s position, emphasising the need for early preparation for Hajj.
“Hajj is essentially a big-logistics operation. I was involved in the 2024 operation, and one of the key lessons learnt is the need for early preparation.
“Nigeria has the largest quota of pilgrims from Africa, and we have countries whose quota is less than the number from a state in Nigeria.
“The Hajj Commission also needs to be more transparent in informing pilgrims what they are paying for,” Hadeija said.
Responding, Prince Aliu Abdulrazak, NAHCON’s Executive Commissioner, Policy, Personnel Management and Finance, called for an overhaul of the commission’s accounting system.
He also called for an improvement of federal character representation within the organisation.
“The Commission is described as a national entity, but federal character is not fully represented.
“If you go through the nominal roll, it is dominated by a particular region,” Abdulrazak said.
Similarly, the Chief of Staff visited the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and stressed the need to shift disaster management from a reactive to a proactive approach.
He emphasised the importance of prevention over mitigation, and noted that many disasters in the country could be avoided with better preparation and early warnings.
“The mandate NEMA has is two pronged: prevention of disaster and mitigation of disaster.
“But it appears that we concentrate more on mitigation and leave the other side of the mandate, which is prevention.
“We must look more closely at the area of prevention because a lot of these disasters can be prevented,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has called for strengthened cooperation between Nigeria and Tanzania in shared aspirations for continental growth and unity.
Shettima made the call on Tuesday when he received former Tanzanian President, Jakaya Kikwete, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He explained that the call became necessary since Nigeria shares historic ties with Tanzania, particularly in their roles as frontline states in the fight against apartheid and colonialism.
Shettima, while praising Tanzania’s leadership legacy, said that country was one of Africa’s success stories.
” From Julius Nyerere to Samia Suluhu Hassan, the country has been blessed with exceptional leaders. Tanzania stands as a beacon of hope and stability in East Africa,” he said.
The Vice-President stressed the importance of stronger economic and social ties between the two nations, especially within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“With the discovery of significant gas reserves, Tanzania is on a fast track to development. If key African nations like Nigeria and Tanzania succeed, the entire continent will benefit,” he said.
He also praised the Tanzanian government’s support for Nigerian businesses in Tanzania, citing companies like United Bank for Africa, Guarantee Trust Bank, Dangote among many others.
Earlier, Kikwete, who was in Nigeria for the convocation ceremony at the National Defence College, expressed the readiness of that country to strengthen business and diplomatic ties with Nigeria.
“We value the friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Tanzania and are committed to strengthening it further,” he said.
Kikwete acknowledged the role of the Nigerian National Defence College in training Tanzanian military personnel, expressing optimism for deeper ties in defense, trade and diplomacy.
Both leaders stressed the importance of revisiting outdated agreements and scaling up bilateral relations in the spirit of African solidarity. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Thursday says President Bola Tinubu’s administration is working assiduously to tame all bottlenecks to universal education in the country.
According to him , this is being championed through the ongoing reforms of the institutions tasked with overcoming the ideologies and inadequacies frustrating the sub sector.
Shettima stated this at the launching of a book titled,” Navigating the Politics of Universal Education Policies in Nigeria”, authored by Prof. Modupe Adelabu, former Deputy Governor of Ekiti.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event held at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Conference Centre in Abuja.
” As a steward of the nation, His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu is leading the charge to reform the institutions tasked with overcoming the ideologies and inadequacies that had frustrated universal education in Nigeria.”
Shettima said the lack of financial autonomy for the local governments that were responsible for delivering primary education had financially hindered its alignment of the administrative units with the nation’s education agenda.
He, however, said that the recent Supreme Court judgment empowering the local government councils to control their resources brought them closer to the people.
“It provides new hope for our educational initiatives. We need to align with the governance and see that the educational needs of our children are catered for.”
Shettima warned that the local government autonomy should not be abused, stressing that it should be used as a fulcrum, window and avenue for addressing educational needs at the grassroots.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
”And without the partnership between the Federal Government, the state and the local governments, very little can be accomplished.
” Just 15 to 20 years ago, local governments were not paying the salaries of primary school teachers and even the health workers.
” So, we have to put a mechanism in place to safeguard the interests of our core workers in the local government system,” he added.
Shettima reiterated his call on Nigerians to invest their trust in President Tinubu, emphasising that Tinubu meant well for the country.
He said, ” Tinubu is not in power to engage in primitive capital accumulation, nor is he in power to leave landmarks in the sands of time.
” I’m not playing politics, I’m speaking from the heart. I have seen the soul of Bola Tinubu, and he has a good soul. He is the most demonised politician in Nigeria.
“The first time I went to his house at Bourdillon, I was looking forward to seeing a mansion comparable to Buckingham Palace, with gardens, and swimming pools.
”But there was nothing special about that house. My house in Maiduguri is better than the house in Bourdillon,” Shettima said.
The vice-president assured Nigerians that in the coming months, the country would witness a positive change in the economy and fortunes of the nation.
Shettima urged governments at all levels to focus on policies that empower those at the forefront of implementing initiatives that inspire interest in education.
“Tinubu’s decision to establish the Students’ Loan Scheme in the country was to secure the future of Nigerian children.
” The initiative ensures that every student has access to loans to pay their tuition, and the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has already recorded an overwhelming number of applications.
“This is a landmark achievement, signalling the bright future we are building for our youth.
” Beyond making education universally free, our experience shows that incentivising is the most practical gateway before us.
”This is why all of us, across all levels and branches of government, must join this campaign to educate the nation”.
Shettima said the realities inherited by the Tinubu administration demanded urgent action to ensure that education was not only accessible but also desirable for every Nigerian child.
“Many primary and secondary school-age children are still not attending or completing their education, and a large portion of the youth population lacks basic literacy skills, with notable gender disparities.
” This is what we must overcome,” he added.
Shettima commended Adelabu for providing answers to some of the most pressing challenges confronting policymakers.
According to him, the book will inspire informed conversations around the state and future of education in Nigeria.
He said, “As both a theorist and a practitioner in our education sector, Prof. Adelabu’s insights are borne out of experience and passion.
”I believe this book will serve as a critical resource for all who seek to improve our educational landscape.”
Earlier, Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, praised the author for her contributions to Nigerian educational development and society.
He said that, “Prof. Adelabu’s life is a testament to the abiding faith of God in our lives.
”Her quest for excellence and service to humanity is a reflection of her academic excellence and intellectualism.”
Also, the book reviewer, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, Department of History and International Studies, Osun University also lauded Adelabu’s work.
” The author has singled out the politics and financing of education in this book.
”It’s impossible to separate politics, education, and finance, as the major stakeholders, are political players.”
The author emphasised the need for a comprehensive re-evaluation of the education system.
Adelabu said, “We need to reevaluate our education system to meet the needs of our country and prepare our children for both domestic and global environments.’
She called for a focus on not just academic subjects, but also values like democracy, justice, and good governance.
Discussants of the book, including former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Bolaji Abdullahi, highlighted the need to distinguish between school attendance and quality education.
He said, “We’re spending more money on education than ever before. However, we need to make a distinction between going to school and getting an education.”
The don also called for a review of the Universal Basic Education Commission law and pondered on the capacity of local governments to handle complex educational reforms.
Former First Lady of Ekiti, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, drew attention to the persistent challenges in girl-child education.
According to her, Nigeria has about 18.3 million out-of-school children, the highest in the world, with 50-60 per cent being girls.
She proposed implementing gender-specific education policies and removing obstacles to girls’ education, such as insecurity and conflict. (NAN) (wwww.nannews.ng)
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has commended MTN Nigeria for donating N1 billion to the Federal Government’s Food Support Programme.
Shettima also thanked the telecommunications company for donating 4,600 units of digital devices for distribution to schools.
The Vice-President made the commendation on Friday when he received the Chairman of MTN Nigeria, Mr Ernest Ndukwe, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said the gesture would complement government’s efforts in addressing hardship and indicated its commitment to the development of the Nigerian economy.
“I am hugely proud of your (MTN’s) stability as a company and commitment to the progress of our country.
“We have witnessed a couple of changes in the industry, but you have remained stable and strong.
” On behalf of my boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I want to sincerely thank you for this gesture.”
The Vice-President said the donation by the company would be judiciously managed by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
On the distribution of 4,600 digital devices, each pre-installed with the U-lesson application, Shettima said the MTN team should liaise with his office to work on the beneficiary criteria.
He also explained that the MTN team and the Office of the Vice-President would facilitate the distribution of the devices to secondary schools in the six geo-political zones.
He expressed confidence that the gesture would go a long way in supporting the government’s efforts to boost the nation’s economy.
According to him, this includes support for the educational needs of the poor and vulnerable.
Shettima, therefore, called on other companies in the country to emulate MTN in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility.
He assured the business community that Tinubu’s administration remained pro-business and its policies would begin to manifest for all to see.
Earlier, Ndukwe said the N1 billion donation was to support the most vulnerable, marginalised, and underserved communities.
This, according to him, will ensure that no one is left behind through increased collaboration and partnership with the Federal Government.
He expressed hope that the devices donated by the company would support the Federal Government’s objective to increase digital literacy in secondary schools.
He added that the devices would improve creativity, analytical thinking, adaptability, and students’ access to current information in science and technology.
He commended the Federal Government for its efforts to revive the economic fortunes of the country through various initiatives rolled out across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government.
He pledged the company’s support to the present administration, noting that the gesture was in line with MTN Nigeria’s shared value objectives of “the AMBITION 2025 strategy.’
“In the strategy, MTN seeks to support strategic initiatives of the Federal Government.” (NAN)
Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Friday reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s determination to address, support and empower more Nigerian youths to excel in their careers.
Shettima said this when he received the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) youth wing in Abuja.
The wing was led by the party’s National Youth Leader, Mr Dayo Israel, during the visit.
He said Tinubu holds Nigerian youths in high esteem, adding that his commitment was evident in his appointments and the administration’s policies and initiatives.
Shettima said some of the initiatives are the Youth Investment Fund, Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, and the National Youth Development Bank.
He added that apart from addressing genuine concerns affecting the youths, the administration’s focus on young persons was premised on the trust and confidence Tinubu has in them.
He explained that “the youths are the lifeblood of any nation and Mr President acknowledges this fact.
“I want to assure you that President Bola Tinubu has the best interest of the youths at heart.
“Tinubu has demonstrated this in most of the programmes that this administration is doing and has undertaken to do.”
The vice-president further expressed confidence in the ability of the present administration to address all concerns raised across different quarters.
He appealed for more time for the government’s plans and programmes to begin to manifest and commended the leadership of the APC youth wing for the commitment and patience.
Shettima gave the assurance that all the group’s requests would be addressed in due course.
Earlier, the APC National Youth Leader had thanked the vice-president “for the love and commitment to the affairs of young people in the country.”
He informed Shettima of the body’s programmes aimed at engaging youths in the country, regardless of their socio-political backgrounds.
According to him, the APC Youth Wing has developed a four-year strategic plan to help young Nigerians to understand and overcome challenges.
The plan, he said, would also help the younger generation to harness opportunities across diverse fields within and outside the country.
He listed the Enterprise-Skills Development Training (EDET) Programme, Workplace Readiness and Employability Skills Training Programme (WREST-P), among others, as some of the initiatives to engage youths across the country.
Israel also requested the presence of the vice-president at the forthcoming Progressive Youth Leadership Summit with the theme “Shaping the Future We Want: Restiveness, Inclusion, Development, Action.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
You cannot copy content of this page
X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
