Salisu Sani Idris - News Agency Of Nigeria

Salisu Sani Idris
Jun, Mon, 2023

Association commends President Tinubu on data protection Act

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Association of Licenced Data Protection Compliance Organisations of Nigeria (ALDAPCON) on Monday commended President Bola Tinubu for adopting the Data Protection Act.

It described the Act as an enabling law for the growth of digital economy.

President Tinubu signed the Nigeria Data Protection Act on Monday, June 12.

It provides a legal framework for the protection of personal information, and the practice of data protection in Nigeria.

The new law established the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and replaced the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) which had the mandate to handle data protection and privacy issues.

The NDPB was established by erstwhile President Muhammadu Buhari in February 2022.

ALDAPCON’s Chairman, Mr Ivan Anya, commended Tinubu in a statement issued in Abuja by its Secretary, Mr Aliyu Abdulaziz.

Anya said in the statement that the Act would accelerate Nigeria’s economic development when fully implemented and effectively monitored.

He made the remarks when he led executive members of ALDAPCON on a working visit to Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner, NDPC.

Anya said ALDAPCON had always championed the course of data protection and compliance.

“We commend President Tinubu for this progressive Act and we congratulate Nigerians and commend the great works put in by the NDPC to ensure the Bill is passed.

“The Data Protection Act will help to enhance data privacy and confidentiality of Nigerians; enable effective dataflow and boost Nigeria’s steadily growing data protection industry.

“The growth will necessitate new levels of skillsets and jobs that will impact significantly on the economy; protect the country’s data sovereignty and enhance the GDP.

“The new law will ensure clarity in the roles of data processors and data controllers,’’ he said.

Anya urged the Commission to increase its level of engagement with stakeholders to ensure thorough implementation of the Act.

He requested for signed copies of the Bill to be made available to ALDAPCON members who would be carrying out comparative analyses as well as develop White Papers.

Responding, Olatunji encouraged Data Protection Controller Organisations (DPCOs) to take the Code of Practice serious and render quality service to their clients.

He agreed with the association on the need for strong awareness around issues of data protection and urged DPCOs to leverage on the media to build a strong industry voice.

The national commissioner assured of the Commission’s support and tasked ALDAPCON to employ competent staff to enhance the growth of their respective companies and to build strategic networks amongst themselves.

DPCOs are licensed by the Commission to monitor compliance with extant data regulations and ensure that data controllers do not breach the provisions of the Act. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed/Alli Hakeem

NGO tasks FG, states, to design skills acquisition programmes for PWDs

Salisu Sani Idris
Jun, Mon, 2023

General News

NGO tasks FG, states, to design skills acquisition programmes for PWDs

By Ruth Oketunde/Angela Atabo

An NGO, the Global Initiative for Civil Stabilisation (GICS), has called on the federal and state governments to design skills acquisition programmes for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Chief Executive Officer of the NGO, Mr Muhammad Al-Mansur, made the call at a one-day media capacity building workshop for journalists on Monday in Abuja.

He said it was important to introduce skills acquisition programmes for PWDs to enable them to be independent and live dignified lives.

“In Nigeria, we tend to relegate issues of disabilities to the background; we prefer giving persons with disabilities little tokens and we think that solves their problems.

“We are expected to look at a holistic way we can fully integrate these people into the society.

“A lot of these people beg for alms not because they want to be beggars, but because of the economic realities confronting them,’’ Al-Mansur said.

He noted that if educational programmes were designed for PWDs, they would be led to career paths and employment would be provided for them.

Also speaking at the workshop, Mr Odoh Diego, a development communication expert and facilitator, called for an end to the use of PWDs for alms begging.

“The law criminalises the use of PWDs to solicit for alms, but because of our cultural or religious norms, we think we are duty-bound to show them empathy.

“People need to be aware of the law. Since 2019, when former President Muhammadu Buhari signed the law, it became a crime to use PWDs for alms-begging,’’ he stressed.

In her remarks, Miss Mary Musa, a PWD, appealed for the implementation of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act.

“To pass a law is one thing; to implement it is another thing; so the bulk of the work lies on everybody to make it work,’’ she said.

The workshop has “Reporting for Deepening the Implementation of the 2018 Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act’’ as its theme.

The workshop, organised by the Differently Abled Civil Empowerment Programme of the NGO, was supported by the embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Alli Hakeem

10th Assembly: Gaza assures constituents of better representation

Salisu Sani Idris
Jun, Mon, 2023

Politics

10th Assembly: Gaza assures constituents of better representation

Olukayode Babalola

Rep Jonathan Gaza ( SDP- Nasarawa) has assured his constituents of better representation in the 10th Assembly.

Gaza, representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency, made the pledge at his Thanksgiving Service and Reception held in Karu Local Government Area of the state on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Thanksgiving Service had earlier taken place at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), New Karu branch.

Addressing newsmen at the reception, Gaza said the support, faith and love shown by his constituents had only put on him a moral burden to do more for them, hence his resolve to better represent his constituents in the 10th Assembly.

“I just want to cry out to my loved ones, keen supporters and constituents to remember me in their prayers so that I will be able to satisfy their expectations, which of course, are my desires and I know with their support I will finish well and finish strong.

“I also know that by the time I am through, Karu/Keffi/Kokona will be a much better federal Constituency,” he said.

He added that he would build on the successes recorded in the 9th assembly and introduce new legislations in the 10th Assembly to improve the livelihood of his constituents, people of Nasarawa State and the country in general.

“I want them to expect more of that which allowed them vote for me to come to the 10th assembly.

“Those are the priorities I will build on. So, if I did little in the 9th assembly, I intend to do more in this new assembly. By God’s Grace, I intend to do more for them in the 10th assembly,” he said.

Also, Mr Danlami Mohammed, SDP Chairman in the state, said the fact that Gaza still won the federal Constituency election after defecting from APC to SDP, showed that he was a man loved by his people, irrespective of party affiliation.

He assured the constituency of Gaza’s determination to introduce new legislations targeted at changing their lives for the better, hence the call for them to continue to support and pray for him.

“What we have seen concerning Gaza shows that he is a man of the people, irrespective of tribe, religion or party affiliation. You can see how so many people have come to embrace and celebrate with him.

“That makes me happy. That makes the party happy because if he continues to carry his people along and represent them as they have asked him to, then that means in the next election he will win again with a landslide. Those are the kind of people we want as our representatives in any elective position,” he said.

Similarly, Mr James Thomas, Chairman of Karu Local Government Area, showered praises on the federal lawmaker for his strides in representing the constituency for the past 8 years and winning another term to the NASS. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/idris Abdulrahman

NAHCON blames States for not allocating seats to Hajj Scheme subscribers

Salisu Sani Idris
Jun, Sun, 2023

Metro

NAHCON blames States for not allocating seats to Hajj Scheme subscribers

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has expressed disappointment over the alleged refusal of some states to allocate slots to Hajj Saving Scheme (HSS) contributors.

The commission’s Deputy Director of Information and Publication, Malam Mousa Ubandawaki, stated this in a statement on Sunday in Makka, Saudi Arabia.

Ubandawaki said those who enrolled through the scheme are facing inconveniences in Kaduna, Gombe, Jigawa and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“These states have attributed their actions to NAHCON and Jaiz Bank’s purported failure to timely remit the funds to the respective state boards.

“We categorically state that such excuses are baseless and unfounded.

“It is pertinent to clarify that Jaiz Bank promptly remitted the HSS fares to the states well in advance of this year’s hajj.

“This was even before many state pilgrim boards remitted their payment.”

He added that NAHCON and States Pilgrims agencies had earlier resolved that the allocation of seats be in the ratio of 60/40 percent to pilgrims under State Boards and the Hajj Savings Scheme subscribers.

Ubandawaki particularly berated Kaduna State pilgrims agency for trying to blame NAHCON for its lapses.

He said that the pilgrims welfare board ought to have reserved 40 per cent of the seats allocated to it, which was 2,000, for the HSS.

“Even at this, only 108 of the 2,000 expected enrolled via the scheme in Kaduna state out of the 6,255 allocated to them.

“What is playing out lately is that some states have been doing everything to consistently undermine the Commission and the scheme in many ways.

“While the commission has continued to show patience and understanding with them, obviously because of the fact that a new scheme or policy takes time before it bears positive fruits.

“Unfortunately, this is not the case with some states who have continuously strove to defame and blackmail the Commission in their contempt for the board and some of its policies,” he said.

Ubandawaki emphasised that the information disseminated by the Kaduna State Pilgrims Board and others was not only false but also malicious intended to vilify and blackmail the commission and damage its integrity.

“We therefore want to first thank the numerous subscribers on the HSS for their faith and trust in the scheme.

“And appeal to those who have been unjustly denied the opportunity by the various pilgrims boards to remain calm and abide by the law,” he said.

He assured that the commission was working to deal appropriately with the issue and bring to book those bent on undermining the policy or denying the subscribers the right to participate in the Hajj. (NAN)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Maharazu Ahmed

Hajj: Saudi authority cautions Nigerian journalists against political, sectarian reportage

Salisu Sani Idris
Jun, Sun, 2023

Foreign

Hajj: Saudi authority cautions Nigerian journalists against political, sectarian reportage

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Saudi Arabian General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM) has cautioned Nigerian journalists currently covering the ongoing 2023 Hajj against political and sectarian reportage.

The commission’s Director in charge of Jeddah Office, Alhaji Hamzah Algobishie, made the call when he received a delegation from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), led by its the Deputy Coordinator of Makkah, Alhaji Alidu Shutti, on Sunday.

Algobishie also urged the Nigerian media to be factual, fair, accurate and balanced while reporting all issues concerning the 2023 hajj related to Nigerian pilgrims.

He advised the media to work in accordance with the guidelines for hajj coverage in Makkah and Madina before, during and after the hajj rituals.

Similarly, the director enjoined members of the NAHCON media team to strickly limit themselves to reporting hajj affairs as their primary assignments for the Nigerian hajj commission in Saudi Arabia.

Algobishie emphasised the need for the media to avoid reporting any issues between the Saudi Arabian authorities and other countries.

The director, who stressed the need for journalists to adhere strictly to the ethics of the profession, expressed willingness of the organisation to offer clarification on issues that the media might seek explanation.

He, however, commended the Nigerian media for being responsive in reporting hajj activities in Saudi Arabia over the years.

” We are happy with Nigerian media for their conduct over the years. We are making some progress to ensure timely accreditation of the media.

” And we are ready to attach some of our personnel to guide the media on how to go about their reportage which is restricted to hajj activities.

” We have made it very clear to the Saudi Ministry for Hajj and Umrah to ensure that the media shun reporting politics and sectarian issues. They should also avoid reporting issues bordering on the relationship between Saudi Arabia and other countries.”

Algobishie pledged that the organisation would organise a capacity building workshop for NAHCON’s media team to broaden their knowledge and understanding of hajj and tourism issues in Saudi Arabia.

Earlier, Shittu had assured that members of the media team would continue to abide by the ethics of journalism and the guidelines for reporting hajj activities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He disclosed that NAHCON mobilised about 50 journalists from different media organisations, including those broadcasting in some local langues to report hajj activities.

” This is because the 95,000 Nigerians left their families and relations in Nigeria who will like to be hearing about their loved ones in Saudi Arabia and through the media, the commission will keep them abreast of happenings here.

” On behalf of the Chairman of NAHCON, Zikrullah Hassan, we thank the General Commission for Audiovisual Media for its support and cooperation to the commission over years.

” The chairman wanted to be here personally but he is still in Nigeria to ensure that all pilgrims are transported to Saudi Arabia. You have been very supportive of the commission and we are
soliciting for more understanding.

” We assure you that the media will abide by the ethics of journalism and the Saudi Arabia rules and regulations.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commission is responsible for the development, regulation and supervision of audio-visual media transmission and content in accordance with the kingdom’s media policy. (NAN)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

TLMN, Australian, Swedish govts provide free prosthetic limbs to 50 amputees

Salisu Sani Idris
Jun, Sun, 2023

Health

TLMN, Australian, Swedish govts provide free prosthetic limbs to 50 amputees

By Lizzy Okoji

The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN) with support from the Australian and Swedish governments on Saturday, provided free prosthetic limbs to 50 amputees during an outreach in Abuja.

Dr Sunday Udo, TLMN National Coordinator, during the prosthetic limbs outreach said that the initiative aimed at addressing challenges with disabilities, reintegrate the amputees into society to enable them have a fulfilled life.

Udo said that the outreach was in two phases including that of Saturday outreach meant to take the assessment of beneficiaries, which would be followed by the presentation of the prosthetic limbs to them after the manufacturing.

“This is an initiative that we are so happy about, that we are pleased about. It is an outreach to address disabilities, so we are looking at providing prosthetic limbs to those who have lost their limbs to whatever cause at all, not just leprosy.

“And, we are grateful that we have support from the Australian government and the Swedish governments to make these provisions.

“And, like you know, mobility is life, if you cannot move, there is no life there. we are so happy that we can make that happen through this initiative.

“We have a workshop in Minna fully equipped, where we produce bespoke, tailored to the person. We have to make sure it fits properly, that is the only way that they can enjoy it and fulfill their lives.

“What we have for now is for 50 persons and hopefully we look to expand for more people to benefit so that we can actually make a difference in people’s lives,” Udo said.

Mr Matthew Mechan, Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria said that the initiative aims to break all barriers and difficulties encountered by persons with disabilities so that they can live like every other person

Mechan said that the Australian government through the Leprosy Mission Australia works very closely with leprosy Mission Nigeria to treat persons with tropical diseases, and restore hope to those with disabilities.

“Through this programme and it has been able to help people with a number of different things ranging from like today’s event where we are providing the prosthetics for people who have need for them.

“One thing I also wanted addressing is the stigmas attached to people with disabilities or still suffered from a disease like leprosy. These are not anything to be ashamed of, they are something that are treatable, very curable.

“And we can help these people through simple initiatives like what we are doing today to have the access and the ability to take part in normal life.

“They can get a job, they can get an education, they can go to the market, they can spend time with their families and friend. These are everyday things but there are these little barriers that are more difficult for people with disability background or suffering a little disease.

“So that is the focus of why we are here today. We want to help these people and we want people to know that there is no reason to discard these people.

“These people are like the rest of us and in many cases, probably more impressive that those of us that are abled body because they have done what many of us have not,” Mechan said.

Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Annika Hahn-Englund, said that the initiative was a priority for the Swedish government to ensure dignity for all regardless of any disability.

“This will give the dignity back to the people and it will make them be able to participate in all parts of society and that is what human rights is all about.

“The rights for everybody to participate, be part of the society. And I think with this project that will help. This is a good project,” Englund said.

Mr David Lalu, Executive Secretary, National Commission for a persons with Disabilities expressed gratitude to TLMN, Australian and Swedish governments for what he described as a blessing and livelihood support.

“The Leprosy Mission has been a long standing partner with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and we appreciate them for all that they have been doing.

“I want to congratulate the beneficiaries and today is another day that we are receiving blessings from the Leprosy Mission.

“We need this to be able to source for livelihood; to go to the market, farm, work places, school, and for the proper involvement in the society,” Lalu said.

Happiness Peter, a 13-year-old student who lost her limb when she was hit by a vehicle at five years said she was grateful to TLMN and all the sponsors for making her get “new legs”

Peter said the outreach was timely as her parents were already saddled with the burden of paying her fees into the Senior Secondary Class and getting a new limb.

“I feel happy, especially with the fact that my parents were trying to get a new one for me and planning to send me to school because I will be resuming in SS1.

“I feel happy and grateful to the people,” Peter said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Gov. Sule calls for peaceful coexistence among ethnic groups

Salisu Sani Idris
Jun, Sun, 2023

Politics

Gov. Sule calls for peaceful coexistence among ethnic groups

By Naomi Sharang

Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has called for peaceful coexistence among the different ethnic groups in the state.

Sule made the call at a reception in honour of Rep. Jeremiah Umaru, representing Nasarawa Eggon/Akwanga/Wamba Federal Constituency of the state, on Saturday in Wamba

Represented by his Deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, the governor said that elections were over and called on the people to shelve their differences and give room good governance.

“Nasarawa belongs to all of us and elections are over; it is now time for governance and so we must put our differences behind us and collectively forge ahead.

“This is because anybody who wants to run a race and continues to look back will definitely stumble and fall; we don’t want to stumble.

“Nasarawa State cannot afford to stumble; so, we must therefore come together as one people to support our leaders to succeed.” Sule called

The governor described the lawmaker as a committed and resourceful youth that the state is proud of at all times.

“We are very proud of this young man because he is a man who spring surprises when you least expect.

”Nobody gave him the chance of winning, but God did.

“Nasarawa state is proud that indeed we now have an ambassador in the National Assembly,” he said.

In his remarks, Umaru, thanked his constituents for electing him to represent them.

He promised to initiate and support bills that would have direct bearing in the lives of his constituents.

“I will initiate bills that will better the lives of the youth, women and the elderly.

“We will take our oversight functions very seriously to ensure that the right thing is done, particularly for the benefit of our people.

”I will also assist President Bola Tinubu and the governor Sule, to achieve their mandates,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some members of the House of Representatives who graced the event included Rep. Ishaya Lalu, representing Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency of Plateau.(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Polycarp Auta

Kiddies Karate Championship essential to boosting Sport Development – official

Salisu Sani Idris
Jun, Sat, 2023

Sports

Kiddies Karate Championship essential to boosting Sport Development – official

By Ahmed Ubandoma

Mr Dave Jegede, the Technical Director, Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN) says the kiddies Karate Championship is capable of boosting sports development in the country.

Jegede was speaking on Saturday during the opening of the championship organised by the Classic Martial Arts at the indoor Sports Hall of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

He said that the competition was aimed at discovering and utilising new talents and skills in order to prepare them for greater opportunities ahead.

Jegede said: ”The championship is to help us grow grassroots athletes aside the fact that karate helps in self defence.

”It also helps us to grow and feed athletes into the sporting world.

”So, if they start early, just the stage they are right now, they get the necessary orientation, they will be groomed.

” They need to equip themselves for subsequent championships in the future, as we all know it now karate is in the Olympics.

”So, starting from this stage helps them to have a beautiful course, good vision, and help us prepare better athletes.”

Jegede, who commended the courage and determination of the kids, expressed optimism that their future was bright in the sporting world.

He added: ”Their performance is outstanding as a result of their constant training because they grew up doing it so since they have this kind of exposure and experiences.

”It will give us an edge over other athletes that might be starting new, even in the Olympics.”

Also speaking, the Chief Instructor, Classic Martial Arts (CMA), Shihandai Johnson said that the championship was introduced to promote karate as a sport among the kids.

”The idea is to promote karate to a point where children will be so engaged in it as a physical activity and also as a means of self discipline.

”The essence of the championship is to catch them young, to catch the promising athletes from the pool so that we can groom them for national and international competitions.

”So, starting from this stage helps them to have a beautiful course, good vision, and help us prepare better athletes.”

Jegede, who commended the courage and determination of the kids, expressed optimism that their future was bright in the sporting world.

He added: ”Their performance is outstanding as a result of their constant training because they grew up doing it so since they have this kind of exposure and experiences.

”It will give us an edge over other athletes that might be starting new, even in the Olympics.”

Also speaking, the Chief Instructor, Classic Martial Arts (CMA), Shihandai Johnson said that the championship was introduced to promote karate as a sport among the kids.

”The idea is to promote karate to a point where children will be so engaged in it as a physical activity and also as a means of self discipline.

”The essence of the championship is to catch them young, to catch the promising athletes from the pool so that we can groom them for national and international competitions.

”So, for those who are able to win medals, and go up to other competitions, there are promises of engagements in other international competitions abroad.

” Because, we are taking it from the lower level so that these kids will grow up as teenagers to become champions in the art of karate,” Johnson said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition featured kid-athletes between five-to-seven years category, male and female categories between nine-to-eleven years, as well as female category aged between eleven-to-thirteen years.

The competition also featured different types of techniques in karate which include: Kata, Kihon and Khumite. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

2023 Hajj: CSO commends airlines over patriotism, cooperation

Salisu Sani Idris
Jun, Sat, 2023

General News

2023 Hajj: CSO commends airlines over patriotism, cooperation

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), has commended the Nigerian airlines engaged by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for 2023 Hajj, for their patriotism and cooperation toward the success of the ongoing exercise.

National Coordinator of the organisation, Malam Ibrahim Muhammed, made the commendation in a statement on Saturday in Makkah.

Mohammed disclosed that based on the agreement reached with the airlines, NAHCON was expected to pay at least 50 per cent of the total fare before the commencement of the journey to the Holy land, but failed to do so due to some exigencies.

he, however, explained that the airlines provided full services without NAHCON meeting the terms of agreement.

“We are aware that after receiving all deposits from across the states, the Federal Capital Territopry (FCT) and the armed forces, NAHCON had gone ahead to deposit these monies into its accounts at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

“The normal practice is for the apex bank to provide the dollar equivalent of monies deposited based on the approved official rates for disbursement by NAHCON to meet its obligations.

“But it is gratifying to note that after receiving assurances of payment whenever the dollars is made available, the airlines have gone ahead to not just offer full services, but they are so far doing a wonderful job.

” Over 50,000 pilgrims have so far been transported to Saudi Arabia by the airlines. We commend them for being patriotic,”he said

The coordinator urged NAHCON officials to ensure that proper arrangements were done toward the smooth take off of the second batch of pilgrims that would be airlifted after the hajj rites were performed.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NAHCON had engaged seven airlines including; Max Air, Azman, Air Peace, Aero Contractors, Ari Air, Value Jet and Saudi based Flynas, to convey Nigerians pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2023 Hajj.(NAN)

Edited by Polycarp Auta

Salisu Sani Idris
Jun, Sat, 2023

General News

Pantami Bags Award of Excellence

By Ruth Oketunde

The immediate Past Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami has been conferred with an ‘Award of Excellence’ by the Qausain TV.

The award was presented to him by the National President of the television station, Malam Albanin Agege, in Abuja.

Agege said that the former minister deserved the award for his numerous contribution to the development of the communications and digital economy sector.

He added that in recognition of the laudable policies developed under his supervision of the ministry, he repositioned Nigeria’s digital economy sector on the path of sustainable development.

While receiving the award, Pantami appreciated the management of the station for recognising his achievements in the sector.

He also commended its efforts Qausain TV in providing quality contents and for providing good services to humanity in Nigeria and beyond.

The event was graced by the former minister’s family and friends as well as a delegation of the media outfit. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani