Salisu Sani Idris - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Salisu Sani Idris
May, Thu, 2023

SMEDAN trains 30 MSMEs in FCT on product standards, quality improvement

129 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has trained 30 owners of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on product standards and quality improvement.

The Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr Olawale Fasaya said that the training would contribute to the economic development of the country.

Fasanya, represented by the agency’s Director of Enterprises Development and Promotion, Mr Monday Ewans, said that the programme was facilitated by the Commonwealth Secretariat.

According to him, with an estimated 39.6 million MSMEs accounting for 46. 3 per cent of GDP and 87.9 per cent of total employment, it is pertinent that the development of MSME sub-sector is at the forefront of the national development agenda.

While recognising some of the challenges confronting MSMEs in the country and the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic, Fasanya said “it is for this reason that the training is crucial.

“Part of the complexities that the post-pandemic era has added are in the areas of regulations, technology use or adoption and access to markets among others.

“This training is therefore another opportunity to enrich our MSMEs and ensure that their products are of good quality and compliant with relevant regulations.

“I urge all relevant agencies to build the capacities of Nigerian MSMEs so they can take advantage of every open window,’’ he said.

The SMEDAN boss expressed optimism that participants would improve on the quality of their products, increase their knowledge of export market standards, certification and regulations.

He commended the Commonwealth Secretariat for the support to the programme and urged participants to apply the lessons learnt to improve and place their products on the global marketplace.

Also speaking, Mrs Azuka Ogundeji, Trade Adviser, Trade Competitiveness Section of the Commonwealth Secretaria reiterated that the role of MSMEs in the nation’s economic growth could not be over emphasised.

“They are key drivers of employment, provide decent jobs and entrepreneurship for women and youths and play a critical role in reducing poverty levels and closing the gender gap in the economy and society.

“The global e-commerce market is one of the fastest growing in the world, but Nigeria ranks 35th in the list of largest e-commerce markets.

“This training aims to create awareness on branding, packaging, product standards and national and international regulations,” Ogundeji said.

She further expressed optimism that the training would create an opportunity for the participants to learn, interact and broaden their perspectives.

A participant, Ms Justina Agbor said, “I am a fashion designer and hope to expand on my business.

“So, I am here with an open mind to learn a lot of things on how to rebrand and expand my business and ensure my business enters the global market.

“I am very confident that this training would avail me with the opportunity to achieve my dream and I thank the organisers for this opportunity”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 18 of the participants are into garment and leather while 12 are involved in agro processing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ikenna Uwadileke/Sadiya Hamza

Salisu Sani Idris
May, Wed, 2023

Culture & Tourism

Mahindi Carnival: Abisogun-Botoku seeks seamless travels within ECOWAS

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By Taiye Olayemi

Dr Bonny Abisogun-Botoku, Secretary-General, Nigeria-Republic of Benin Inter-border Forum, has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to promote policies that will ensure seamless travels within the region.
Abisogun-Botoku, who made the call in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos, said that it was high time ECOWAS leaders facilitated free movement of people as enshrined in the regional protocol.
“Beyond the rhetoric, ECOWAS leaders must be committed to the treaty signed by all parties.
“Activities on regional integration, growth and development should be taken as seriously as possible to entrench regional growth.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the secretary-general made the call at the maiden Mahindi Carnival held from April 28 and May 1 at Agboville, Côte d’Ivoire.
The secretary-general praised the organisers of the carnival, emphasising the need for regional integration through tourism and cultural promotion.
He noted that the carnival was initiated by the International House of the Agneby-Tiassa Region (MIRAT), in collaboration with the ECOWAS Regional Council.
Abisogun-Botoku, who doubles as the Leader of the Africa Integration Arts Palace and Tour Cultural Troupe, expressed satisfaction that the troupe projected Nigeria well in cultural performances.
He said that the troupe celebrated Nigeria’s culture, showcasing some of the cultural heritage of its various tribes and reinforcing the need for harmonious living among the ethnic groups.
He praised the Ivorian Minister of Health Pierre N’gou Dimba, for his passion for art and culture.
He noted that countries that participated in the carnival included Nigeria, Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, Senegal and Martinique.
Earlier, the Ivorian Minister of Health, Dimba, expressed delight at the exhibition of talents by troupes at the event.
The carnival featured singing, fanfares, storytelling and cultural performances from participating countries. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Ijeoma Popoola

Salisu Sani Idris
May, Wed, 2023

Metro

2023 Hajj: FCT begins visa processing for intending pilgrims

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards says it has commenced the process of securing visa
for 2023 intending Muslim pilgrims from the territory.

The Director of the board, Malam Abubakar Evuti, made this known at a news conference on activities of the organisation
and preparations for this year’s hajj on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said “so far, a total of 3,651 intending Muslim pilgrims have completed payment of hajj fare and the board has since
continued with the process of securing their visa.

“And as soon as the portal is open, we shall commence the application and printing of their visa for the holy journey.”

He disclosed that the board had concluded arrangements for screening of intending pilgrims to ascertain their health status
and capability of performing the Hajj.

According to him, the screening will start on Friday, May 5, 2023 with intending pilgrims from Bwari Area Council and
Headquarters, followed by those from Abaji, Kwali and Gwagwalada Area Councils on Saturday, May 6.

He added that those who registered through Kuje and Abuja Municipal Area councils, as well as those
under the Hajj Savings Scheme would be screened on Sunday, May 7, 2023 respectively.

He called on other intending Muslim pilgrims who had yet to complete their payments to do so on or before Monday, May 8.

He said that the board had already secured befitting accommodations for intending pilgrims around Hafair area in Makkah
that are of short distances to the holy Masjid (Masjid Al Haram).

This, according to him, is within the range approved by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

Evuti stated that arrangements with caterers and other service providers in Saudi Arabia have been signed and sealed.

He revealed that one of the innovations introduced by the board for this year’s hajj was to allow intending pilgrims to choose the flight they intend to travel with.

This, according to him, will curtail the challenge of No-Show experienced by the board in 2022 during the transportation to Saudi Arabia.

He warned that any pilgrim who refused to show up for his or her flight would be sanctioned by the board and may even result to forfeiting the trip this year.

“I would like to use this medium to reaffirm the readiness of the board and indeed the FCT Administration in ensuring that intending pilgrims from the territory
get the best services ever in Hajj exercises in line with the best global practice.

“Necessary measures have been put in place to record more successes in the operation even though each hajj exercise come with its peculiarities.”

He commended the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, the Minister of State for FCT, Dr Ramatu Aliyu, the Permanent Secretary of FCTA,
Mr Olusade Adesola and Director, Human Resources, FCTA, Malam Muhammad Bashir, for their support to the board.

He also expressed appreciation to the management and staff of the board who have been putting in their best to ensure the success of hajj operations in accordance to the mandate of organising hitch-free holy trip over the years. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Salisu Sani Idris
May, Wed, 2023

Culture & Tourism

Create sole ministry for tourism, culture – FTAN tells President-elect

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By Taiye Olayemi

The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) on Tuesday urged the incoming President, Sen. Bola Tinubu, to create a sole ministry for tourism and culture, once he assumes office.

Mr Nkereuwem Onung, FTAN President, made the call in Abuja during a creative stakeholder’s meeting organised by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC).

The meeting had as its theme: “Culture, Peace and National Rebirth: An Agenda Setting”.

Onung said that it was important to separate the tourism and culture industry from information to give room for growth in the creative sector.

According to him, tourism and culture industry would have thrived better if separated from the ministry of information as currently obtained.

“I want to seize this opportunity to plead with the incoming president to separate the ministry of information from culture and tourism.

“We want a stand alone ministry for tourism and culture so that proper attention can be given to the creative space, such that will engender remarkable growth.

“The combination of culture and information has hindered the growth of the culture and tourism industries over the years because more attention has been drawn toward information so much.

“We also plead that individuals appointed to head government parastatals within the tourism and culture industries should be made accountable while in office to ensure growth, novices should not be engaged,” he said.

Also Mr Israel Eboh, National President, National Association of Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), harped on the need for the incoming President to work unanimously with stakeholders in the culture and tourism industry, to ensure that the nation’s cultural values were upheld.

Eboh noted that the problems confronting the nation in terms of lack of unity was due to the fact that Nigerians had lost their cultural values.

He, however, called on the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) to wake up to their responsibilities of upholding the nation’s cultural values.

“Agenda setting is absolutly necessary as we move into the next administration.

“The incoming administratiom need to pay attention to all elements of our culture, in storytelling, dancing, songs and all.

“NOA, NICO and other cultural parastatals need to be deliberate and systematic in cultural re-orientation in the incoming administration,” he said.

Television analyst, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, urged Nigerians generally to be totally committed to building a better nation in view of culture collapse the nation is experiencing.

Kolade-Otitoju also advised the President-elect to reduce cost of governance to make remarkable progress in nation-building.

He noted that if Nigeria could have three good successive leaders, the nation would be great again. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Salisu Sani Idris
May, Wed, 2023

Culture & Tourism

NCAC advises youths against ‘Japa syndrome’

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By Taiye Olayemi

The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) has advised Nigerian youths to shun the ‘Japa syndrome’, saying it does not guarantee shortcut to affluence.

Mr Olusegun Runsewe, Director-General, NCAC, gave the advice during a tourism and culture stakeholders meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.

The meeting meant to set agenda for the incoming government, had as its theme: “Culture, Peace and National Rebirth: An Agenda Setting”.

Runsewe gave instances where some youths travel abroad to embrace menial jobs which they found difficult to practice in Nigeria.

He said it was high time the ‘japa syndrome’ was addressed as he urged the youth to remain creative and work on being self employed.

He noted that traveling abroad did not give room for automatic affluence.

“It is our duty to culturally guide the country, our youths are frustrated due to the state of the economy but it is not enough to travel out of the country to embrace menial jobs when they can stay and be creative to create wealth.

“There is the growing feeling of alienation among the vast majority of our youths, manifesting in various forms of restiveness and the internationalisation and exhibition of vices that are at variance with our culture.

“We need to wake up to this reality and ensure the situation is promptly corrected as government and parents,” he said

Runsewe noted that the meeting was deliberately planned to guide the incoming government on what to be done in the cultural sector.

He said three garmane issues were addressed: the Japa syndrome, religious intolerance and violence as well as the need for cultural rebirth.

He appealed to Nigerian leaders at all levels to work as a team in providing the enabling social environment for the development of the nation by preaching peace, living in peace and working together in peace.

Also, Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, Director-General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), said , “there is no greener pasture anywhere, the youth only need to be appropriately skilled to be self employed.

“The observation is also that the youth are too proud to embrace the reality; wasting their future abroad; their choice of greener pasture can be created here in Nigeria as they embrace various skills.”

Earlier, Mrs Rebecca Ede, Chief Executive Officer, Hadid Consult, said government’s assistance and urgent intervention was needed to position the youth to know what they have to project for wealth creation.

She advised that internet fraudsters should also be harnessed for rehabilitation and reorientation.

She urged the youth to constantly upgrade themselves with some globally transferrable skills.
According to her, these skills refer to abilities or knowledge that extend beyond a specific role, function or profession

“The youth can empower themselves with power skills, also known as transferable skills like: problem solving, critical thinking, project management, relationship building, communication skills and technology skills.
“All these can be developed and served from Nigeria as they dominate the universe from home.
“These skills have the potential to be applied in various contexts, industries, or job functions, making them highly sought-after by employers worldwide.
“Possessing these skills can be an invaluable asset and can help you succeed, no matter where your career takes you. The good news is that developing these skills is straightforward, and they can be applied to any career path,” she said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Salisu Sani Idris
May, Wed, 2023

Metro

Buhari inaugurates N9.5bn Zuba housing estate

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By Perpetua Onuegbu

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Abuja, inaugurated a N9.5 billion Zuba Housing Estate in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The president while inaugurating the 746 housing unit estate, said it would help check multi-dimensional poverty in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the N9.5billion estate which is located on a 18.5 hectares of land consists of 16 blocks of 3-bedroom flats in a block of 8 flats.

Others are 32 blocks of 2-bedroom flats in a block of 8 flats; 14 blocks of 1-bedroom flats in a block of 16 flats and 5 blocks of terrace duplexes in 4 rows.

Buhari said the provision of houses was one of the best ways to attack poverty, create prosperity and develop the economy.

He said that the project was part of government’s efforts to curb poverty and provide shelter for citizens.

‘‘I convey my hearty congratulations to the new homeowners in this estate. Our promise of change has been fulfilled for you.

‘‘Housing supply is one of the indices of multi-dimensional poverty that challenges our people and the completion of this estate provides a solution for the beneficiaries.

‘‘The new homeowners who benefit from this estate have taken a step up on the ladder of prosperity and away from poverty,“he said.

He commending the Chairman, Managing Director, members of the Board and Staff of Federal Housing Authority (FHA) on the successful completion of the Estate.

Buhari said that the project was another testament to his administration’s commitment to lifting people out of poverty.

‘‘One of the measures that we have consciously deployed to attack poverty, create prosperity and develop our economy is the aggressive provision of infrastructure nationwide.

“Such investments also lead to creating employment opportunities for artisans and other skilled members of the society.”

He urged the management of FHA not to relent in delivering other projects at various stages of construction and development across the states.

The President also charged residents of the estate to consciously work together with the FHA to ensure the maintenance of the property and the safety of the environment.

Also speaking, Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, said 75 contractors were engaged in the course of the project, while over 13,000 Nigerians were employed both directly and indirectly.

He thanked the president for providing the leadership through his approval of appointments to the leadership of the FHA Board and management.

‘‘Instead of abandoned projects, we now have 748 completed housing units for Nigerians and their families to shelter,’’

‘‘Although many of the beneficiaries of this project will never meet the president personally, your policies and programmes have affected their lives,” he said.

The Managing Director, FHA, Sen. Gbenga Ashafa, described the project as a manifestation of the president’s visionary and deliberate housing policy.

He said the Authority delivered the project at a total cost of N9.5 billion with the subvention of N7.5 billion from the Federal Government.

Ashafa said that the balance of N2 billion of construction cost came from the Authority’s other projects which was ploughed into it to complete the estate.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Salisu Sani Idris
May, Wed, 2023

Education

UNESCO urges review of Nigeria’s curriculum to meet present demands

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By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has called for a review of Nigeria’s educational curriculum to meet present day realities.
The Director, UNESCO International Bureau of Education (IBE), Mr Ydo Yao, made this appeal at a capacity development training workshop for officials of the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja on Tuesday.
Yao said to address education crisis, there was need for actions in making curriculum relevant for assuring quality in education and ensuring that values, knowledge and skills thrived.
He said curriculum was a central and irreplaceable component of any educational policy which are also pivotal in the transformation of education.
”You know, we use to say that curriculum is for education, while a constitution is for a democracy. It means curriculum is the heart of education.
”So, when you talk about education, you are talking about content, programmes and learning.
”So, if you want to transform education, and you don’t transform what is at the core of it, which is the learning, content and the programmes, your transformation has no meaning,” he said.
Yao described the curriculum as being overloaded, outdated and short of present day development, hence the need for review.
He said the training was put in place to strengthen the capacities of specialists and officials in the ministry on eight thematic modules.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Education, Mr Goodluck Opiah, said steps had been taken in the curriculum transformation plan of the country.
Opiah said the ministry was already working on the democratisation of curriculum review process to give voice to all critical stakeholders, including parents and students.
”We recognise the fundamental role of curriculum in the drive for the attainment of globally agreed goals and country specific aspirations.
”It remains the singular instrument capable of transforming the human capital base of a nation for effective contribution to nation building and development.
”Thus, in setting our education targets as articulated in the Ministerial Strategic Plan (MSP) (2019 to 2022) for the education sector, curriculum and policy matters were identified and prioritised,” he said.
The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Educational Research Development Council (NERDC), Prof. Ismail Junaidu, said the ministry had continued to strengthen school curricula with knowledge and skills on entrepreneurship, job creation and capital market studies, among others.
Junaidu said that teachers and education managers had also been provided with resource materials to help them implement the curriculum seamlessly.
”It is heart-warming to us at NERDC that this workshop is taking place at this time when we are set to review the Senior Secondary Education Curriculum.
”As part of preparations for the review, we have evolved a curriculum review model that is anchored on a participatory and equity framework.
”A model that gives voice to all legitimate citizens in the curriculum development process,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 16 weeks training would cover modules on policy dialogue and formulation, curriculum change, curriculum design, system management and governance.
Others are development of textbooks and other teaching and learning materials, capacity development for curriculum implementation, processes of curriculum implementation; and student assessment and curriculum evaluation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Salisu Sani Idris
May, Tue, 2023

Politics

Arewa community faults call for unconditional release of IPOB leader

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By Abdul Hassan

The Arewa Community in Southern Nigeria, has faulted call for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Alhaji Musa Saidu, the leader of the Community, stated this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, had on Sunday urged Buhari to release Kanu before the end of his tenure.

But Saidu said that the call was wrong.
“Where were they when Kanu was leading IPOB militants to kill innocent people in the South East.

“Not only in the South East, so many members of the Arewa community were attacked in Port Harcourt and nobody said anything, we have the figures, we have even the photos of those killed in cold blood.

“Now they’re clamouring for his release, what guarantee are they giving that the killings will not continue if he is released,” he said.

Saidu said that the IPOB leader cannot be released by presidential order because he was facing trial in the law Court.

“Buhari didn’t order the detention of Nnamdi Kanu in the first place, he is being detained by the court where he is facing treason charges.

“So it will be absurd for Buhari to order for his release,” he said.

Saidu advised Ohanaeze to visit the victims of IPOB attacks in the South East who were mainly settlers toward finding solutions to the problem.

” The Ndigbo should go round the entire South East and even South South, visit the victims of IPOB attacks and try to extract forgiveness from them so it can be use to convince the court to release Kanu,” he said.

Saidu said also said that releasing Kanu would further aggravate the killings in the South East.

“IPOB militants have continued to attack security agents in the South East, even the police are not spared, what guarantee do we have that his release will not aggravate the killings, ” he said.

Iwuanyanwu had said Kanu should be released to allow him to tend to his deteriorating health.(NAN)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

Salisu Sani Idris
May, Tue, 2023

Politics

2023 general election is one of the fairest polls – Organisation

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By Emmanuel Oloniruha

No Alternative To Tinubu 2023 (NATT 2023), a political pressure group, says the 2023 general election remains one of the fairest elections recorded in the country.

This is in spite of acknowledged few irregularities perpetuated by the major political parties during the polls, the group said.

The National Coordinator of NATT 2023, Mr Vincent Uba, in a statement he issued on Monday in Abuja, said that the 2023 presidential election was clearly won by Sen. Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He described the President-elect as God’s anointed candidate that would be inaugurated as the 16th President of Nigeria on May 29, irrespective of hatred by opposition parties.

“Let me say this and I say it as a Christian with clear conscience and without making any bones.

“The 2023 presidential election, though with some pockets of irregularities perpetuated by the three major political parties (APC, PDP and Labour Party), was one of the freest.

“It is one of fairest elections in Nigerian history and Tinubu won clean and clear to become the President-elect,” Uba said.

He, however, expressed concerns on the level of desperation shown during the general election campaign period, especially among some religious leaders, who used the House of God for political campaign.

“They abandoned the cardinal objectives of preaching love, tolerance, charity and righteousness, which are the hallmark of Christ’s attributes and teachings,” Uba said.

He said that though Tinubu is not a Christian, he ranked high, especially in charity, which is one of the bedrocks of Christianity and Godliness.

Uba said that those who do the will of God are ‘Christly Christians’ who are imbibed with the virtues of charity, tolerance and hospitality in love.

“Tinubu, in his act of service/governance as Lagos State governor was charitable and generous enough not to restrict his cabinet appointments to Lagosians alone.

“He spread the same to other ethnic nationalities, including Igbos.

“Again, in his acts of charity and generosity, he had empowered and mentored countless numbers of persons without placing emphasis on ethnicity and religious background,” he said.

Uba added that Tinubu performed excellently as the governor of Lagos state, laying a solid foundation for a modern Lagos and bequeathing to Lagosians, the legacy of development that subsequent governors have been building upon.

Uba commended Tinubu’s acts of generosity, track record of achievements, detribalised standing, religious tolerant attributes and mentorship acumen.

He advised those always quick to judge Tinubu to be cautious and take counsel from the saying of Mother Theresa that “if you judge people, you have no time to love them”.

“Joy Marino/Pinterest also said that every time you judge someone, you reveal a part of yourself that needs healing,” Uba said. (NAN) (www.nannees.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Salisu Sani Idris
May, Mon, 2023

Foreign

The brawl by Sudan’s Generals and implications for Nigeria

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A News Analysis by Lizzy Okoji, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

With air strikes in Khartoum, Darfur, and other cities of Sudan resuming just hours after the ceasefire, one would only wonder what next to expect in the conflict-torn country.

The current conflict in Sudan which started on April 15 is the result of the lingering rivalry between two Generals, Sudanese President, Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and his Deputy, Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo.

The quarrel dates back to 2021 after al-Burhan overthrew the joint military-civilian government which ousted Sudanese long-serving President, Omar al-Bashir in 2019.

Since then, al-Burhan head of the Sudanese Armed Forces and former Chairman, Sudan Transition Sovereignty Council and Dagalo, popularly called ‘Hemedti’, head of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been are locked in a deadly fight over who will control of the country.

Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, Former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) described the conflict as an unfortunate product of selfish leadership.

“What is happening in Sudan is that we have two Generals fighting and the African Union expects that under normal circumstances, there must be peaceful approach to it; using war to take over power is illegal.

“Why the war is most unfortunate is because those who are fighting were together in the same camp as at 2019.

“In this case, what brought them together initially, what is now separating them is because of selfishness and this is why I think it is most unfortunate.

“Many lives have been lost, many people have been displaced and rather than focusing their attention on the economic situation in Sudan they are fighting over who will be in charge of the country,” Akinterinwa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Akinterinwa blamed the degeneration of the political situation of Sudan on the failure of all parties to adhere to agreements before the ousting of former President al-Bashir in 2019.

When two elephants fight, the grass suffers. The conflict in Sudan has forced many grasses, including Nigerians in Sudan and other foreigners to suffer unimaginable losses.

There are growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians in Sudan as the Federal Government makes frantic efforts to evacuate them through neigbouring Egypt.

Also a source of worry is the impact of such an arms conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa which is also a theatre of terrorist activities fuelled by illegal arms deals by dubious elements from conflict-ravaged countries such as Libya.

The impact of the conflict in Sudan, experts say, could resonate in heightened insecurity, humanitarian crises, and economic difficulties, for Sub-Saharan African countries, particularly Nigeria which has had to contend with terrorist groups such Boko Haram and ISWAP.

Dr Kabiru Adamu, a security expert and Managing Director, Beacon Consulting Limited, told NAN that given the number of Nigerians in Sudan there is the likelihood of some criminal elements infiltrating the group as evacuation goes on.

“In a recent interview, the Sudanese Ambassador to Nigeria claimed that there were about five million Sudanese of Nigerian descent currently living in different parts of Sudan.

“Some of them are fourth generation, fifth generation or even longer than that; there is a strong business link, especially the north Eastern part of Nigeria.

“Given these huge numbers it is only normal that there would be concerns. Another area of concern is the possibility of a prolonged conflict reinforcing or institutionalising the spread of weapons.

“Already, Nigeria has that challenge. There are so many weapons within the region including Nigeria, small arms and light weapons”, he said.

He said the security implication for Nigeria is worsened by the age-long gun running channels that goes through Sudan which could expose Nigeria to the activities of gun runner due to its potential large market for illegal arms.

“ The entire Sahel region is almost being dominated by Jihadists, Burkina Faso is an example, Mali, Niger to an extent, and Sudan and Chad used to be the only countries that presented some sort of hope.

“So, if there is a degeneration of the security situation in Sudan you could see the infiltration of these jihadists into other regions including Nigeria,” Adamu said.

The international community said it would do everything possible to end the Sudan conflict.

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, said the UN would use all its instruments, institutions and structures to ensure that all the parties in the conflict appreciated the need to sheath their swords and embrace peace.

“The United Nations is not leaving Sudan. Our commitment is to the Sudanese people in support of their wishes for a peaceful and secured future. We stand with them at this terrible time.

“I call on all council members to exert maximum leverage with the parties to end the violence, restore order and return to the best of democratic transition.

“We must do everything within our power to pursue them from the edge of the abyss,” Guterres told a recent Security Council meeting on maintaining international peace.

Experts say the intervention of world leaders, especially African leaders is critical to resolving the conflict in Sudan.

The brawling Generals must accept that no country thrives under war and conflicts. Peace cannot be kept by force; it is always a product of compromise.(NANFeatures)

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