NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Metro

You are a pillar of support to us, NAHCON tells Uzodinma

45 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has described Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo as its “pillar of support”.

Its Executive Chairman, Malam Jalal Arabi, stated this when he received Uzodinma on a courtesy visit to the Muslims pilgrimage office on Thursday in Abuja.

Arabi, who expressed delight at hosting the governor, commended his interventions toward ensuring that intending pilgrims from Imo participated in this year’s pilgrimage.

“You have been a pillar of support to us in the commission through your support that ensured the participation of Imo pilgrims in this year’s exercise.

“You supported us in 2023 and did same this year in spite of the fact that you are a Christian and governor of a predominantly Christian State.

“For us, you’re a symbol of peaceful religious co-existence and unity in the country,” he said.

The NAHCON boss presented a letter of commendation to Uzodinma and an award of excellence for his support and promotion of peaceful religious co-existence and unity.

Responding, Uzodinma expressed sincere appreciation for the honour shown him.

He restated his firm belief in peaceful inter-faith co-existence to promote development and prosperity in Imo and the country as a whole.

Uzodinma was one of the governors that subsidised the 2024 Hajj fare which enabled intending pilgrims from his state to participate in this year’s Muslim pilgrimage. (NAN)

Edited by Ephraim Sheyin

Economy/Business

FG moves to curb poverty, insecurity through financial inclusion

64 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Government plans to tackle poverty and insecurity through financial inclusion of all Nigerians.

Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, made this known at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday ahead of a national stakeholders’ workshop on financial inclusion slated for Thursday and Friday.

Hadejia reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to an all-inclusive Nigeria under his “Renewed Hope Agenda’’.

He said part of the plan was to unveil a roadmap to integrate unbanked Nigerians into the formal financial system.

“Economic and financial inclusion are essential components of President Tinubu’s agenda to integrate the underserved and unbanked Nigerians into the formal financial system.

“This will enable Nigerians to access a range of financial services at reasonable costs,’’ Hadejia said.

The two-day workshop aims to sensitise stakeholders and chart a course for accelerating financial inclusion efforts nationwide.

The services include the opening of transaction accounts, savings, payments, transfers, credit, pension, e-commerce, and insurance (including health insurance) accounts close to places of work or residence.

“The Vice-President and Chairman of the National Council on Nutrition, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, is passionately committed to supporting the successful implementation of the national financial inclusion strategy, Hadejia stressed.

Earlier, the Technical Advisor to the President on Financial Inclusion, Dr Nurudeen Zauro, said CBN Governor, Mr Olayemi Cardoso, would deliver the lead paper at the workshop.

“The CBN currently implements the financial inclusion strategy in the country. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, will also present a lead paper on financial inclusion.

“Also expected at the workshop are the Chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra; and the 14th Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II.

“Participants would also come from the World Bank, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Alliance for Financial Inclusion,’’ Zauro said.

The Alliance for Financial Inclusion is a policy leadership alliance owned and led by member central banks and financial regulatory bodies in developing countries with the objective of advancing financial inclusion.

It was founded by the Central Bank of Kenya and the Bank of Thailand. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Alli Hakeem

Education

Copyright commission urges students to emulate virtues of Wole Soyinka

54 total views today

By Taiye Olayemi

The Nigerian Copyright Commission, on Monday urged students to cultivate the habit of reading and emulate the virtues of Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka.

Mrs Lynda Alphaeus, Director, Lagos office of the commission, made the call during a book reading challenge in honour of Soyinka, ahead of the World Book and Copyright Day, celebrated annually on April 23.

The programme, tagged, “Wole Soyinka Reading Challenge,” had 90 students from five schools read Soyinka’s books, recite and present some of his poems to encourage reading culture among students.

The schools include Bisney College, Idimu; First Zion High School, Ijegun; Light of Little Saints School, Idimu; Christ Dominion Imperial School and Idimu Junior High School.

The programme was organised in partnership with the Centre for Research, Information Management and Media Development (CRIMMD).

Alphaeus, who described reading as the easiest access to knowledge, decried the role social and new media played in discouraging reading among schoolchildren.

She also advised students against using people’s intellectual works without giving them credit or seeking permission.

“ We want you all to go back to reading, to impact the world, also, learn to respect copyright,” she said.

Dr Raphael James, the Curator at the CRIMMD, described Soyinka as an overtly talented and compulsive writer.

James said Soyinka’s significance cut across local and international reach with over 1,000 awards received across the globe.

“ Many do not know Soyinka to be a hunter, a musician, a palm wine lover and a lover of Nigerian culture.”

He urged the students to aspire to be great and even greater than Soyinka, to continually make Nigeria a great nation.

James said CRIMMD was established as a free public library in 2004 to encourage young ones to gain access to books on Nigerian history.

Also, Mr Bayo Fadairo, President, Lagos Philatelic Club, noted that ” there is dignity in labour.

” Soyinka started like all of you, he took it to the high level with great commitment to his academics and that fetched him lots of awards.

” Please, develop lots of passion and love for this country. Like Soyinka, take off your minds away from travelling abroad, seeking better means of livelihood but focus on developing yourselves.”

On his part, Mr David Obaro, popularly known as “World Wrapper Man”, advised the students to always believe in their abilities and work on laying good legacies like Soyinka had done.

Victoria Shomorin, a student of Mass Communication at the Lagos State University (LASU), gave a demonstative presentation of Soyinka’s “Abiku”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme featured an exhibition of Soyinka’s plays, novels and portraits while his music was also aired.

Some other dignitaries also paid tribute to the playwright and his contributions to the development of arts. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Economy/Business

FG to reward outstanding MSMEs with cars, houses, cash

63 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Government plans to reward hard-working and innovative Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with cars, houses and cash at this year’s award ceremony, an official has said.

Mr Tola Adekunle-Johnson, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, at a news conference on Monday in Abuja, said that some would get blocks of flats and a minimum of N3 million at the MSMEs clinics initiative.

He explained that the MSMEs award was designed to commemorate the 2024 United Nations World MSMEs Day as part of efforts to recognise and support outstanding small businesses in the country.

Adekunle-Johnson stated that the federal government had scaled up the standard and quality of awards for winners.

“We are coming up with huge prizes. Some of which we have announced today.

“The portal for MSMEs application, which has been designed to be language-friendly for the 2024 awards, will go live on May 1 and close on Sunday, May 30th,” he revealed.

Adekunle-Johnson said that one of the requirements for MSMEs interested in participating in some of the categories is registration with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and the National Agency for Food Drugs Administration And Control (NAFDAC).

“Vice-President Kashim Shettima is expected to attend the FCT MSMEs clinic at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, scheduled for June 25.

“The Federal Government also plans to dole out grants to owners of small businesses as part of activities marking the world MSMEs day,” he added.

He stated that government had expanded national MSMEs clinics with focus on providing a platform for them.

“This will enable them to exhibit businesses, gain access to on-site investments as well as develop the five core areas of MSMEs which include funding, skill development, infrastructure, access to markets and technology.

“The MSMEs award is an annual activity to honour outstanding indigenous MSMES, recognise their efforts as well as that of the States in contributing to the growth of small businesses in the country,” he explained.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the award ceremony began in 2018 with 40 winners across five ceremonies. (NAN)

Edited by Ephraim Sheyin

Health

Exercises essential in preventing, managing non-communicable diseases – Physiotherapists

74 total views today

By Folasade Akpan

Nigerian Society of Physiotherapists (NSP) has advised Nigerians to engage in daily exercises, essential in preventing and treating Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

Dr Nnamdi Eze, the Chairman, FCT Chapter of the society, gave the advice on Saturday during a medical outreach at Model Primary Health Centre, Naharat in Abaji Area Council of the FCT.

According to him, health benefits to be derived from physical activities include prevention and management of NCDs such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancers.

” We are here to advise the people on why they should always be physically active, regularly move around and to enlighten them about why exercises are  important, though a lot of people take it for granted.

“We are also here to create awareness about NTDs like diabetes, high blood pressure, risk of cancer, heart disease, and even musculoskeletal pain and issues that easily lead to disability.

“Within the mix here, we have a lot of people who have some form of disability or the other and it gives us a lot of joy that we are meeting the people that need our help at the point of their needs, which is in their community.”

Eze also said that achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) has become  important “and Federal Government has made it a priority to have every Nigerian covered in the healthcare scheme.

” This has made rehabilitation also take the centre stage as it used to be only prevention and treatment that were within the primary healthcare setting.

“Now we have rehabilitation, which means people in communities can have direct access to professionals, and as members of NSP, we will start by creating that initial impact.

“Our aim is to continue to create awareness about what we do, and to be able to reach out to communities and to people who have physical disability, and see what we can do as physiotherapists to help.”

Eze also said that the outreach would be carried out in other area councils of the FCT.

The Vice Chairman of the society, Dr Abioye Ayodele, said there is minimum requirement of exercise for optimum performance for people who are physically fit.

He explained that “there is exercise prescription which is the minimum exercise that helps someone to optimise fitness.”

Referring to World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendation, he said a normal adult should have a minimum of one hour exercise every week.

“So, we encourage that as normal adults, whether sick or not, you have a minimum of 15 minutes of exercise every day within the week and that will give you the recommended one hour of exercise needed to optimise fitness.

“Exercise is prescribed based on the threshold of patients.

” There are some patients who cannot even do one minute exercise, so it is prescribed based on  requirements or the type of sickness that a person is suffering from.

“For those suffering from osteoarthritis, it is difficult for them to carry out these exercises for themselves, and in that case, they will require the services of  physiotherapists.”

He added that for those experiencing  pains and could still exercise, they could do something not too strenuous and would not need to use the gym.

Ayodele said that even for those who are wheelchair-bound, unconscious, conscious or obese, they all have specific exercises.

Some of the beneficiaries of the outreach said it was a good gesture on the part of the society, as it would help members of the community access healthcare free of charge.

Mrs Aishatu Usman, a resident, said she developed waist pain after she was involved in a motorcycle accident some months ago.

According to her, meeting the physiotherapists will help her get the right treatment she needs to take care of the pain.

She commended the society for reaching out to the community, adding that many do not bother to seek medical help if they are not financially capable.

Miss Precious Awolowo, another resident who suffers from chest pain due to hard labour, said the outreach was an added advantage to her.

According to her, this is because she will be meeting with professionals whom she may have to travel to hospitals in the city and wait in long queues before seeing.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that items distributed to some patients include crutches, walking aids, wheelchairs and topical analgesics. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
 
 

General News

Tinubu’s aide donates foodstuff to victims of attacks on Omala in Kogi

77 total views today

By Stephen Adeleye

The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement, North-Central zone, Mrs Abiodun Essiet, has donated 80 bags of rice to victims of attacks on Omala Local Government Area in Kogi.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Agojeju-Odo and Abejukolo communities in Omala were attacked by suspected herdsmen on April 4.

A total of 25 persons were reportedly killed and several others injured by the assailants.

The President’s aide and a delegation from the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme, visited the area to commiserate with the people over the unfortunate incident.

Essiet emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence which remained an important tool and pillar for development, adding that it could make or mar any community.

Represented by Lateefa Isah, Essiet conveyed the goodwill message of President Tinubu to the people of Omala, and donated 80 bags of rice to the victims.

She reiterated the commitment of the President to continuously support all Nigerian citizens.

“These bags of rice are part of the palliatives from Mr President. They were delivered by my office to assist victims of conflict in Omala Local Government Area.

“President Tinubu is committed to protecting lives and property of all Nigerians. He has also resolved to engage Nigerian citizens at the grassroots for all-inclusive governance,” she said.

Also, the Head of Kogi State CARES Coordination Unit, Sani Haruna, said Omala community had benefited from NG-CARES intervention through the Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA).

He described NG-CARES as a development programme designed to expand access to livelihood support and food security services, as well as grants for poor and vulnerable households and firms.

Haruna urged the community to take advantage of the government’s intervention through the NG-CARES programme to attract more developments to the area.

According to him, CSDA and Fadama are some of the NG-CARES intervention that the Omale community could benefit from.

The District Head of Abejukolo, Chief Suleiman Abimaje, who spoke on behalf of the community, appreciated the Federal and State Governments for their support.

Abimaje appealed for the siting of a military base in the area to curb the incessant attacks by herdsmen. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ephraim Sheyin

Metro

Presidential Press Corps organises workshop for members

57 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The State House Press Corps (SHPC) is organising a two-day capacity building workshop for its members in Lagos.

The membership cut across all the media organisations in the country representing the print, broadcasting and online platforms.

The workshop, in collaboration with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), with the theme “Promoting Solutions-oriented & Sustainability Journalism in a Modern Democracy,” will start from Friday to Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris will deliver the keynote address.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, who is the Chief Host, will deliver a speech while the Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake will also deliver a goodwill message at the event.

Other speakers at the event include the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Amb. Ahmed Abubakar, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement Mr Federick Nwabufo, and the Director of UNIC Ronald Kayanja.

The NIA boss would speak on “Understanding the Interrelation between Intelligence Agencies and the Media in Shaping National Development” while the Director of the International Press Centre (IPC) Mr Lanre Arogundade would speak on “Ethical Journalism: An Insight into Deep Fakes and Fact-Checking.”

Prof. Jide Jimoh of the Lagos State University and a member of the editorial board of the Guardian newspaper will speak on “Extending the Boundaries of Newsgathering and Reporting to Advance Sustainable Development in Nigeria.”

The Senior Adviser on Information Integrity, Office of the Under-Secretary-General, UN Global Communications, New York, will speak on “The Quest for Information Integrity in an Era of Polluted Media Ecosystem.”

Kingsley Uranta, the General Manager of Channels Academy, will speak on “Retooling Journalistic Practice in the Quest for Solutions to Emerging National Challenges.”

Chairman of the SHPC, Dr Anule Emmanuel, explained that the training would provide members of the elite press corps a unique opportunity to enhance their knowledge, skills and competencies.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Education

Sule appoints new VC for Nasarawa Varsity

163 total views today

By Olukayode Babalola

Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has approved the appointment of Prof. Sa’adatu Liman as the Vice-Chancellor of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

Mr Mohammed Ubandoma-Aliyu, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) said this in a statement in Keffi on Wednesday.

Ubandoma-Aliyu said that the appointment took effect from April 15.

He said that the appointment was made after consideration of the report of the governing Council of the university.

“With the appointment of Liman as the substantive Vice-Chancellor, the Nasarawa State University, Keffi is now fully positioned for optimal performance in line with the vision of the present administration,” he said.

Liman, a Professor of Islamic Studies and a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) of the institution, took over from Prof. Suleiman Bala-Mohammed, whose tenure expired on April 2.

She had her Bachelor of Arts (B.A) degree in Islamic Studies with a second class honours (Upper Division) in 1998 from the University of Jos.

She rose through the ranks and was confirmed a full prof. of Islamic Studies of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, on October 1 2017.

Liman held various academic and administrative responsibilities in the university, notably she served as Assistant Dean, Students Affairs Division between 2010 and 2012.

She also served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic from October 2014 to October 2016, and also served as the Director of Research and Publications from 2019 to 2021.

Prof. Liman was once again appointed as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration by the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Suleiman Mohammed from April 2021 to July 2023.

She is the President of Nigeria Association of Female Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NATAIS) and a member of the Institute of Islamic Finance Professionals of Nigeria (FIIFPN).

Similarly, Liman is a member of the International Research and Development Institute, Research and Development Network (IRDI), member, American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS), member, American Academy of Religion (AAR), Atlanta, Georgia.

She was conferred with fellowship awards and prizes by many distinguished bodies some of which include Fellow of Institute of Islamic Finance Professionals of Nigeria (FIIFPN), UFUK Dialogue Peace Ambassador by the UFUK Dialogue Foundation among others. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

Culture & Tourism

7 countries to attend NANTA’s Africa Travel Market

118 total views today

By Taiye Olayemi

Morocco, Rwanda, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa and Uganda have indicated interest to attend the forthcoming maiden edition of the Africa Travel Market.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event will be organised by the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA).

Mrs Susan Akporiaye, National President of NANTA, disclosed this at a news conference on Tuesday in Lagos.

She said that the Africa Travel Market would create a veritable platform to promote intra-Africa trade and open up Nigeria for tourism.

According to her, the event is part of activities for the association’s 48th Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will hold from April 23 to April 27 in Lagos.

“To give a remarkable vent to our futuristic dream for our members and to Nigerians, we will be unveiling an Intra Africa Tourism Trade Exhibition during the AGM.

“We consider it an ambitious and legacy project that we can sustainably grow as a window to connect Africa and Nigeria with the world.

“This AGM is birthing a travel show for Africa travel market, we have Magical Kenya, Indaba in South Africa but Nigeria does not have such.

So, we are trying to ensure we create an Africa travel market for Nigeria.

“Going forward, the hosting of the travel market will be done every two years,” she said.

Akporiaye, who is currently serving the association in her second term said that in the course of the AGM, the association would hold its elections for new set of executives to take over.

Akporiaye said she had successfully delivered on her four-point agenda, based on training and professionalism; unifying NANTA; diversification in business and maintaining a financially bouyant association.

Commenting on her most scary moment as the President, Akporiaye said, “The COVID-19 pandemic era was my most scary moment, with job losses and our members not sure of what else to do.

“Today, we stand to be counted because we pulled our strength and knowledge together. We survived because we believed in quality leadership and encouraged it.

“NANTA under my watch, we broke ceilings, trained our members, and opened doors of opportunities.

“We innovated Africa to Africa Tourism initiative, stormed Johannesburg University with the support of South Africa Tourism, and left a message.

“Twice, NANTA headlined Nigeria’s participation at the World Travel Market, London, a huge sacrifice to which our members thronged out in their numbers to identify.

Also, Mrs Adelola Adewole, NANTA’s Publicity Secretary, noted that the 48th AGM would be a purposeful event.

Adewole said that the theme of the AGM is ” Unlocking Africa’s Economic Potentials: Travel and Tourism as Catalyst for Intra Africa Business Investment and Trade”.

“April 23 is arrival day, for 24, we will have a familiarisation tour to Badagry along with our foreign visitors, this is a way to open up Lagos to the world.

“For April 25, we will have three keynote speakers who will be enlightening members on diverse topics and on April 26, we will have a town hall meeting as an association, the election and a gala night while April 27 is the departure.

“The gala night is tagged “Eko for Show” and over N21 million has been budgeted for it.

This is to showcase Lagos state as a preferred tourist destination,” she said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

General News

Eid-el-Fitr: APC group tasks Muslims on peace, unity

46 total views today

By Deji Abdulwahab

The Confederation of All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Groups has urged Muslims to pray for peace and a united nation in the spirit of Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.

Its Director-General, Prof. Kailani Muhammad, gave the advice on Monday, while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the group’s Eid-el-Fitr message to Muslim Ummah in Abuja.

“As Muslims will mark Eid-el-Fitr, I urge Nigerians, especially Muslim Ummah to continue to keep the peace and to live in unity with one another.

“It is only with prayers, sacrifice and faith in God that any nation can peacefully navigate the challenges of nationhood as desired by all citizens,’’ Muhammad said.

The D-G, who congratulated the Muslim faithful for the successful completion of the fasting, charged them to use the period for sober reflection on the state of the nation.

He also urged the law enforcement agencies, including military and police personnel to re-evaluate and improve their security measures against banditry and terrorism in the country.

According to him, security agencies must adopt a proactive approach which includes better intelligence gathering, surveillance, quick response teams, and stronger border controls.

“By doing so, they can prevent security breaches before they occur rather than waiting to react to them after the fact.

“Building trust, gathering information, and gaining the support of local communities are essential in the fight against banditry,’’ he said.

He added that the government must tackle the root causes of the security challenge, especially unemployment and illiteracy to avoid terrorists recruiting more uneducated youth into banditry.

The D-G also urged the Federal Government to checkmate the alleged fraudulent activities of oil marketers who refused to reduce the price of petrol in spite of recent drop in dollars.

He emphasised the importance of addressing fraudulent activities by some industry operators, such as metre adjustments and under-dispensing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

You cannot copy content of this page

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email