News Agency of Nigeria
10th NASS: SDP appoints Wadada to coordinate its caucus

10th NASS: SDP appoints Wadada to coordinate its caucus

By Naomi Sharang

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has appointed Senator-elect Ahmed Wadada to coordinate the party’s caucus in the 10th National Assembly.

The appointment is contained in a letter in Abuja on Saturday signed by the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Gabam, and National Secretary, Dr Olu Agunloye.

Wadada will represent Nasarawa-West Senatorial District in the 10th Assembly.

The letter reads: “The NWC of our great party, the SDP, at its meeting decided to appoint you to lead and coordinate the caucus of all SDP members elected to serve in the national and state assemblies throughout the country.

“The purpose of this is to bring all elected members of the Social Democratic Party to the common objective of promoting the unity and ideals of the party.

“The caucus is expected to lead to significant mutual benefits to the party and the assembly members who constitute the prime rank of our great party.” (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kingsley Kubeyinje

Sultan tasks media firm on professionalism

Sultan tasks media firm on professionalism

By Muhammad Nasir

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto has tasked Qausain TV on professionalism in the provision of its services to the public.

Abubakar, the President General Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), made the call when the Qausain group’s President, Nasir Musa and his management team paid him a courtesy visit in Sokoto on Friday.

The Sultan also charged the media firm to redouble its effort toward ensuring that all reports given out to the public were properly checked in order not to mislead the society.

“As the managers of information, who inform the society, I urge you to make more efforts in providing efficient services.

“This is to ensure that all your services are thoroughly monitored in order to give out the best information that will support societal needs,” Abubakar said.

Earlier, the Qausain group president said the visit was to seek the royal father’s blessings and appreciate him for his fatherly engagement towards ensuring a more peaceful Nigeria.

“We are all here to seek for your blessings and support toward our services to the public,” he said.

Musa added that Qausain TV would continue to act on the fatherly advice from the sultan and do the needful in serving the society as requested.

The team presented an award of exceptional excellence and leadership to the sultan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Qausain TV, a private media firm is one of the popular television stations that operates in three major languages, English, Hausa and Arabic. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Bashir Rabe Mani

Tinubu commissions NASS Central Mosque, urges Muslims on humility

Tinubu commissions NASS Central Mosque, urges Muslims on humility

By Naomi Sharang

President Bola Tinubu on Friday, commissioned the National Assembly Central Mosque urging the Muslim Faithful to exhibit humility in their daily living.

Tinubu who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima while noting the vanity of life, called on the Ummah to “walk the earth with humility.

“Fifty years from now, half of the Assembly members will not be around and very few people will know that we existed. So we should work the earth with humility.

“As much as possible, let us strive to be humble and as much as possible let us strive to be kind to each other.

“Power, wealth are gift from Allah to humanity. May Allah make our contributions toward the construction of this mosque a blessing.

“Even if we are gone, reward from the construction of this mosque will follow us,” he said.

He felicitated with the Muslim Ummah in the National Assembly for contributing resources in building the edifice.

The president recognised the crucial role played by the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila in the construction of the mosque.

“I recognise their contributions without whose consent not a single erection plan would have been effected for the construction of the mosque.”

Similarly, the Sultan of Sokoto and President, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Sa’ad Abubakar III,
felicitated with the Muslims on the realisation of the construction of the mosque.

The Sultan who was represented by the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero thanked the leaders, the senators and members of the house of representatives for the contributions made to the success of the edifice.

“Certainly it is Allah’s will that the 9th National Assembly did this great work.

“We thank Allah for giving them the opportunity to build the mosque. We pray Allah will reward them with what he has promised to whoever contributes to the building of a mosque.

“We pray Allah will continue to guide and bless the national assembly so that they will continue to work for the betterment of humanity.”

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan said that “We consider ourselves very lucky that God has chosen us for this mosque to be a reality.

“This is one investment that will continue to yield dividends even after we depart this world.

“May Allah continue to give us the opportunity to serve him and serve humanity.”

He said that the mosque provided not only environment for them to pray the Jumma’t and other prayers “it could even enhance the productivity of staff  because they may not need to go far away from here for prayers.

“Maintenance should be our business; that is by those who made the contribution; 400,000 per month for a senator and 250, 000 per member of the house of representatives of the 9th assembly.

“We have our brothers and sisters in the 10th national assembly. I believe that the next assembly, that the maintenance of the mosque should be our business as well.”

Chairman, Mosque Construction Committee, Sen. Ibrahim Shekarau (PDP-Kano) said that the idea for the construction of the new National Assembly Mosque began in 2021.

This, he said was when the joint leadership of the two legislative chambers set up the National Assembly Mosque Project Management Committee.

“It comprised of four senators, 10 members of the House of Representatives and three members from national assembly management.

“It was to look into the possibility of providing a permanent and more befitting mosque to replace the makeshift mosque which proved to be very inadequate.

“All 227 of us agreed to bear the brunt of the project, and within eight months of this agreement, we had contributed well over N570 million.

“Apart from earning Allah’s pleasure, these lawmakers have set the pace and made history by providing what is long overdue to the Muslim members of this huge legislative community.

“Arguably, this is the first Mosque built in the 42-year existence of the National Assembly,” Shekarau said.

Also speaking, Clerk of the National Assembly, Sani Tambuwal said that the desire for a Jumm’at mosque became necessary due to the demanding nature of  legislative work.

“This is as it relates to parliamentarians and legislative staff which makes it tasking to attend Jumma’t mosque by worshiping outside the assembly.

“The mosque is now a great relieve,’ Tambuwal said.(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Veecil drops single ‘Black Energy’

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

A Nigerian musician, Victor Ukoh, also known as Veecil, has dropped a single titled, ‘Black Energy’.

This is contained in statement issued by the artist’s publicist, Kemi Israel, on Saturday in Abuja.

Israel said that Veecil, in the song, featured talented rising Nigerian artists such as Syemca, Layzee Ella, and The Majeek.

“Black Energy” showcases Veecii’s versatility and creativity as a music producer.

“He creates a sweet fusion of Afrobeats and Soul, as he enlists these gifted artists who delivered catchy melodies and relatable lyrics on the track.

“This song serves as the lead to his first ever body or work. His passion for music emerged at an early age.

“He started with his proficiency as a drummer before transitioning to the piano, where he honed his craft and gained a deep understanding of music production.

“Veecii is no stranger to the music scene, having received numerous accolades and recognitions, including an award for his outstanding contribution to “Make Music Lagos 2021,” Israel said.

According to him, Veecil’s talent as one of the contestants in the inaugural season of “Stardom Nigeria”, was adjourned one of the best in the highly acclaimed reality TV show.

“With his exceptional talent and passion for music, Veecii is undoubtedly one to watch”. (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Computer Society begs FG to withdraw NITDA bill from National Assembly

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has appealed to the Federal Government to withdraw the controversial National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) bill, before the National Assembly.
It is recalled that the 2007 NITDA Act is currently awaiting passage, following its amendment at the National Assembly.
President of the NCS, Prof. Adesina Sodiya, at a news conference in Abuja on Saturday said the bill lacked stakeholders’ input and was hurriedly put together by vested interests.
According to him, some stakeholders had condemned the bill for attempting to arrogate the powers of other government agencies to NITDA.
“Unfortunately, we got to know from the social media that the bill was being proposed and it had gotten to the advanced stage by the time we got our information.
“We saw that the bill was not good for us as a nation, we called on NITDA to arrange for stakeholders meeting.
“The meeting was held in some cities, but all our inputs, as stakeholders were not considered.
“We have asked questions, if the new bill is for all of us, we are all part of government.
“Even the operators in the digital space must make contributions, but we discovered our position was not considered by NITDA,” Sodiya said.
He said there was public hearing about two weeks ago on the matter, saying what the social media said concerning the bill remained the same.
Sodiya said even if the bill was to be upgraded, there was need to consider all stakeholders.
He noted with concerns, that the bill, if passed into law, would lead to multiple regulations for telecom operators and other service providers in the ICT sector.
Sodiya urged NITDA to focus on its core mandate of Information Technology development in Nigeria.
He said having NITDA as another regulator in the telecom sector would send wrong signals to investors, as they would be subjected to multiple regulations and fees, if they invest in the industry.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NITDA Act 2007, which established the agency, says its main objective was to use ICT as a tool in tertiary institutions, to drive the mechanism of the education sector in the country.
“As the agency of the Federal Government, responsible for developing Information Technology in Nigeria, NITDA is empowered by its enabling Act to create a framework for the planning, research, development, standardisation, application, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of IT practices, activities, and systems in Nigeria”. (NAN)(www nannews.ng)

Edited by Idowu Ariwodola/Maureen Atuonwu

10th NASS: Wadada’ll make a difference in Senate — Stakeholders

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Some political stakeholders in Nasarawa West Senatorial District have expressed optimism that Senator-elect Ahmed Wadada would make a difference in the upcoming 10th Senate.

They expressed their views at an interactive session between Wadada and his Campaign Council under the leadership of Prof. Silas Gyar, Chairman of the Advisory Council and the Director-General, Alhaji Bello Ramalan, held on Friday in Keffi.

In his remark, the former Secretary to the Nasarawa State Government, Alhaji Aliyu Tijjani said even before the inauguration of the 10th Senate, Wadada has demonstrated capacity to provide quality representation for his constituents.

Tijjani described Wadada as a unifying factor in the politics of Western Zone, adding that his election was very unique in the political history of the senatorial district.

He said: “The people of Nasarawa West Senatorial District, irrespective of tribal and religious differences and political affiliations voted for Wadada because of the confidence reposed on him.

“It is only during the election of Wadada that religious leaders including Pastors preached in the Churches and told their followers to vote for him.

“There was no question of tribe or religion throughout the period of the election that brought Wadada to the Senate and I believe that he will make a difference at the Senate.”

Earlier, Mr Adabson Tanimu, former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Nasarawa State, said: ”The people of the district voted for Wadada because of his competency not his political party.”

Tanimu,who is the Director-General of Gov. Abdullahi Sule/Akabe Campaign Council, enjoined the Senator-elect to embrace people of the senatorial district irrespective of their political inclinations.

Also, Alhaji Bello Ramalan, former two-term member of Nasarawa State House of Assembly, said the people of the zone were pleased with what Wadada has started doing at the national level.

He said: “We are excited with the recent engagements of Wadada with the serving and Senators-elect. It has reaffirmed our hope and belief in his commitment to give us effective representation at the Senate.”

Similarly, Alhaji Danladi Madaki, a former lawmaker and Commissioner of Environment, Nasarawa State, described Wadada as a man of great political sagacity who was always concerned with the progress of his people.

On her part, Hajiya Rabi Taro, a grassroots mobiliser, urged Wadada to work assiduously towards addressing the high rate of unemployment in the area.

Responding, Wadada said: ”I am a Senator for all the people of the district irrespective of political differences.”

The Senator-elect harped on the need for sustainable peace, unity and mutual respect among the people of the district.

Wadada said that the meeting was convened to update his campaign council and the people of the district on unfolding developments regarding the 10th National Assembly.

He promised to work diligently to ensure that his constituency, state and the North Central got what was due to them from the Senate and the Federal Government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was attended by all the critical stakeholders, youths and women leaders from all the five Local Government Areas that made up the senatorial district. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

New Durban will emerge before 2024 INDABA expo – Official

By Taiye Olayemi

Durban Tourism, the marketing authority for the city of Durban, South Africa, says some tourism infrastructural development are underway in the city ahead of the 2024 edition of Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) expo.

Winnile Mntungwa, Deputy Head, Durban Tourism, gave the assurance during a news conference at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on Thursday.

Mntungwa assured tourists that the development would totally transform Durban, the host city for the just concluded three-day ATI expo.

According to her, the development is neccesary as Durban remains the host for the 2024 and 2025 editions of the expo.

“A film city similar to what is obtainable in Hollywood will be constructed as well as a resuscitation of the waterfront in the city.

“There will  be a different Durban in 2024, when you come for Indaba. You all know that we take pride in ourselves as the city under construction.

“We hope to complete the film city which will be of disney standard; cruising activity will be upgraded and we have a lot of other infrastructural developments ongoing as well,” she said.

Mntungwa noted that the organisation had exceeded its success projections for the expo so far, as 6,000 delegates were targeted but was able to attract 8,629 delegates.

“I am happy, we are making a positive and upward impact, we look forward to a big one in 2024 and I believe we Africans will continue to tell our stories more,” she said.

Also, Zinnie Nzama, Acting Chief Convention Bureau Officer, South Africa Tourism, noted that 21,000 meetings were held during the expo as against 18,000 meetings held in 2022.

She said this was quite encouraging as she appealed to Africans to engage themselves further and make 2024 edition of the expo a bigger one.

Mr John Arittho, Chief Operations Officer, Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), promised to provide a more comfortable venue for the expo in 2024.

Arittho also assured tourists that the hotel facilities around the ICC would be made available for them to use in 2024.

He disclosed that for each day of the just concluded expo, 6,000 meals were served.

“The most interesting aspect of the expo was having students from different vocational academy in Durban participate in the expo.

“This is a way of catching them young to enable them become self reliant and responsible,” he said.

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Exhibitors laud South Africa Tourism on 2023 INDABA

By Taiye Olayemi

Some exhibitors at the just concluded 2023 Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) on Thursday commended the South Africa Tourism (SAT) for a well organised expo.

The exhibitors who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews expressed excitement over sales recorded and business deals sealed at the expo.

NAN reports that the three-day expo witnessed business meetings, conferences, exhibitions, diverse cultural displays, virtual tourism education, nightlife experience and more.

The expo attracted no fewer than 8,000 delegates from across the globe with over 1,000 exhibitors.

Tabitha Muchogu, Sales and Marketing Administration Manager, Heritage Hotels,Kenya, who had been attending the expo for the past 15 years, said significant improvement was observed.

Muchogu said the organisation of the fair was well coordinated and appropriate imformation were consistently and promptly circulated.

She noted that the quality of buyers had also improved tremendously as travel agents known as the buyers had the potential to sell their products.

“Now I can see that we have fewer jokers coming into the exhibition, who one can confidently transact businesses with. I don’t know how this was done but there are great improvements compared to the past editions.

“Going forward, I would want the South Africa Tourism to consider serving local dishes because what we had was lots of finger foods,” she said.

Also, Julia De Beer, Marketing and Reservations Manager, Siviti Timbavati Plains, said “It is a great experience here, the exhibition has been a prosperous one, we have made sales.

“I have also been able to learn a lot, for instance, I learnt the real estate business from some other exhibitors around.”

Similarly, Cassilda Ntsane, Group Sales Manager, Premier Hotel in Pretoria, who commended SAT for a well organised expo, advised them to ensure that the number of buyers exceeded that of the exhibitors, going forward.

“This will ensure that market demand meets supply,” he said.

Frank Udeme from Nigeria, said  the expo was beneficial to him because he  learnt diverse aspects of African culture.

He urged Africans to keep being friendly with one another and explore more of African boarders during leisure, instead of visiting the western world for tourism. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Appoint Nigerians in Diaspora into key positions, group urges Tinubu

By Ikenna Uwadileke

Nigerians under the aegis of Nationals in Diaspora Mentoring Corps (NIDMECORP) have urged the incoming administrations, both at the federal and state levels, to give Diasporans appointments.

The President of the group, Mr Alistair Soyode, in a statement he issued on Friday blamed the exclusion of Diasporans from key positions, boards and constituted authorities as one of the reasons for Nigeria’s slow path to development.

According to Soyode, appointing Diaspora Nigerians in Ministries, Departments Agencies (MDAs) and parastatal agencies would strengthen governance and leadership in the country.

He said that Nigerians in the diaspora played major roles in the 2023 elections in the country and described it as a first among many which significantly stood for justice, fairness and equity.

“With more than 20 billion dollars remittances yearly, they are not just an economic powerhouse but contributors to the wellbeing of the citizens,’’ he said.

He urged the various incoming governments to see the call as a policy direction that would strengthen the country using the best of its citizens outside the country.

“We are very excited that the Diaspora community has one of the best brains not just for the benefits of Nigeria but of their host nations, adopted or country of birth whilst still having a major affiliation to Nigeria’s development and growth, economically, professionally and otherwise.

“The yearly remittance contributions to families and projects or supporting and sponsoring programmes created the Nigeria we have today.

“Having them in policies and government programmes will help boost knowledge, skills and increase the GDP as well as local resources for the affected areas.

“Examples of Nigerians doing well can be seen at the recently acclaimed successful coronation of King Charles, where the security arrangements and schedules were led by DC Ade Adelekan, among others.

“The Diaspora Nigerians have shown total commitment to Nigeria’s development which also brings to the table the yearly Diaspora Day event in July where Nigerians from all over the world come home to discuss, deliberate and find ways to empower millions.

“The government at all levels must be more proactive to utilise such events to secure the willing partners into all boards, ministries and parastatal agencies.

“It is by showing the political will that others will be partners freely and joyfully extend hands of business and professional skills.

“President Muhammadu Buhari approved and put in placed the Nigeria In Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and I pray the incoming government will provide the needed structures, resources and policies for its full implementation and execution.

“This commission can deliver more with the needed resources and it is Nigeria as a nation that will gain from her services, international reach and global partners of our Nigerians in the Diaspora which shows the principles of participatory democracy as experienced outside the country,’’ Soyode said.

He said that it would amount to a positive leadership and political inclusion to have each ministry, agency, commission and parastatal agency with at least one Nigerian in Diaspora on in the board.

According to him, diasporans appreciate such gestures and policies.

Soyode also said that the inclusiveness of Diaspora Nigerians would be a departure from lack of future planning and fear of diaspora leadership into a new era of global Nigeria dominance with skills and experiences, making Nigeria the choice destination of economic growth.

“We urge local government chairmen, state governors and the incoming president to extend appointments to diasporans without delay.

“The whole nation has about 1500 commissioners and ministers not taking into account the other MDAs while there are more than 15 million diasporans and surely they will contribute immensely to speed the developments on all aspects of the nation.

“NIDMECORP, on behalf of Nigerians in Diaspora, positively demands justice, fairness and equitable representation for the benefits of Nigeria’s fast development.

“We reiterate and call for this inclusiveness and full invitations to the best of our brains to come home on a three, six or nine months to one-year sabbatical working leave for Nigeria.

“Few of our best are now positioned in globally recognised institutions, companies and organisations,’’ Soyode said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kingsley Kubeyinje

Efficient health linked to socio-economic dev’t – NHIA boss

By Abujah Racheal

The Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Prof. Mohammed Sambo says effecient health insurance is key to driving health outcomes.

Sambo said this in Abuja at the Health Financing Policy Dialogue forum with the theme: “Accelerating the Implementation of NHIA Act to Improve Health Insurance Coverage in Nigeria”.

According to Sambo, said there is a strong link between health, productivity and socio-economic development.

He said that government has a critical role to play in accelerating NHIA implementation by providing adequate funding, and stressed the need to strengthen the governance structure and create an enabling environment for health insurance to thrive.

The NHIA boss said that health financing was incomplete without considering the level of socio-economic development of a country.

He said the country cannot finance health insurance without thinking about innovative ways outside the traditional ways.

“We owe it to ourselves and our fellow Nigerians to develop and maintain the health system that we desire both now and in the future.

“All stakeholders within and outside the health sector must work together to improve health insurance in the country,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria must develop relevant policies to ensure effective utilisation of available resources to ensure equitable access to basic healthcare services that leave no one behind.

Also, the Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation (BoF), Mr Ben Akabueze said efficient health insurance system remain a crucial mean of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the country.

Akabueze said this while presenting a paper on “Exploring Innovative Health Financing Mechanisms for the Vulnerable Group Fund,” must include a system for the vulnerable population in the country.

He said there was need for innovative financing mechanisms, especially for those with limited or no means of paying premiums in the country.

According to him, we need reforms or changes in the application of conventional financing sources and introduce systems that help improve the use of the fund.

Akabueze said that financial constraint has remained a barrier to adequate provision for health insurance coverage in most developing countries including Nigeria.

He said that limited budgets from governments and donors have greatly impacted health funding, including the provision for insurance.

“In spite of continuous efforts to rationalise public expenditures, we must keep our eyes on value for money, if we don’t, we will lose public enthusiasm.

“There must be accountability and transparency in implementing health insurance,” he said.

Also, the General Manager, NHIA, Blessing Nienge said since the NHIA Act came into existence in May 2022, a lot of effort had gone into developing a sustainable framework for implementing a mandatory health insurance in Nigeria.

Nienge said this was necessary so that the country would ensure that no one was left behind.

She said that countries implementing mandatory health insurance were moving towards achieving UHC, adding that Nigeria must move quickly to close the gaps and improve health insurance in the country.

Earlier, Mrs Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director, Nigeria Health Watch, said that the country has made significant progress on its route to achieving health for all.

“The signing of the NHIA into law which ensured mandatory health insurance for all Nigerians was the right step to boost the journey,” she said.

Ihekweazu said that NHIA was established as part of the country’s efforts to achieve UHC and ensure that Nigerians have access to basic healthcare services, regardless of their income level.

She said this would protect them from the high cost of healthcare services.

Ihekweazu said the implementation of the scheme has been slow, with less than five per cent of the population covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme as of 2018.

She said this had left millions of Nigerians without access to quality and accessible healthcare.

Ihekweazu said the non-compulsory nature of the Act and poverty were cited as factors that contributed to the slow progress and challenges faced by the scheme.

“Weak governance structures, poor healthcare infrastructure and more made it difficult for the scheme to achieve its goals.

“To bridge these gaps in the scheme, the NHIA Act was passed into law, making health insurance mandatory for every Nigerian and legal resident.

“This is authorising NHIA to improve and leverage private sector participation in the provision of healthcare services,” she said.

According to Ihekweazu, the operationalisation of the NHIA is a critical step towards reducing catastrophic out-of-pocket expenditure and achieving UHC in the country.

She said this was expected to improve access to quality healthcare services for all Nigerians, particularly vulnerable and marginalised populations in the country.

“Uptake of health insurance hinges on effective communications to relevant stakeholders, especially the public who need to understand the benefits of having health insurance and the need to enroll in the scheme,” she said.

NAN reports that the consultative forum brought together key stakeholders, including government at the national and sub-national level, healthcare providers, civil society organisations, private sector, development partners and the media.

The forum also discussed challenges and opportunities in implementing the NHIA Act and developing strategies to accelerate its implementation.

The policy dialogue provided a platform for stakeholders to share their experiences, insights, and perspectives on NHIA implementation in the country.

It also provided an opportunity to identify key challenges facing NHIA implementation and develop strategies to address them.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Rabiu Sani-Ali

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