Tosin Kolade - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Tosin Kolade
Mar, Fri, 2025

Tinubu moves to strengthen River Basin Authorities, approves new appointments

355 total views today

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has approved new appointments to strengthen the leadership of River Basin Development Authorities under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.

At the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Abeokuta, Mr Sowade Adebayo will replace Mr Julius Oloro as the Executive Director of Engineering Services, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement on Friday.

At the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, Mr Chucks Erhire steps into the role of Executive Director of Engineering Services, succeeding Dr Austin Izagbo.

The president also appointed Mr Sunday Hassan as the Executive Director of Planning at the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, replacing Mr Chris Tarka.

Mr Okibe Timothy retains his current position as the Executive Director of Engineering at the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority.

The president urged the appointees to uphold the highest standards of integrity and performance as they work to improve water management and rural development for the benefit of all Nigerians.(NAN)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

FG inaugurates N18.8bn Benue water project

Tosin Kolade
Mar, Fri, 2025

Environment

FG inaugurates N18.8bn Benue water project

321 total views today

By Onyeje Abutu-Joel

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday inaugurated the upgrade of the Buruku-Gboko water supply project, valued at ₦18.8 billion.

The project, located in Ameladu, Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, is a major underground water collection site in the region.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project, originally conceived in 1992 by former President Ibrahim Babangida to provide clean and safe drinking water to Gboko, Buruku, and environs, was neglected by successive administrations.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Tinubu, represented by the Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said the project aligned with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The project is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to improving the lives of our citizens, which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of providing one of the most essential necessities to the populace.

“The Buruku/Gboko Water Supply Project was initially conceived as the ‘Gboko-Yandev Water Supply System’ but has now been renamed the ‘Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Buruku/Gboko Water Supply Project, “Utsev explained.

The minister stated that the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Buruku/Gboko Water Supply Scheme aimed to restore the vandalised waterworks at Ameladu, Mkar in Gboko, and the Buruku Water Supply Scheme.

He noted that the project would improve the lives of an estimated 506,000 residents by providing access to potable water and reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Utsev explained that water would be sourced from the Katsina Ala River via an intake structure on the riverbank.

“It would then be transported over a distance of 17 kilometres for purification and treatment before being distributed as potable water to Gboko, Mkar, and neighbouring communities”.

He disclosed that the project would be executed by Messrs Ceylon Construction Services Limited at a cost of N18.8 billion, inclusive of all relevant taxes, with a completion timeline of 18 months.

“The scope of work includes the complete rehabilitation of the water intake and treatment plant at Gboko, the supply and installation of three low- and high-lift pumps with a motor power rating of 400V/50Hz.

“It has a discharge capacity of 380–440 m³/h at a head of 18–22 metres, along with an associated control panel adaptable to a solar power source using an RSI Hybrid 30KW VFD inverter.

“Other works at Buruku include the supply and installation of a 150m³/hr package water treatment plant with associated electromechanical equipment at Buruku station,” Utsev added.

He urged the Benue Government to provide the necessary support to the team of engineers and experts handling the project to ensure its successful completion.

In his remarks, Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia commended President Tinubu for fulfilling his campaign promise to address the people’s long-standing challenge of accessing safe drinking water.

Represented by his deputy, Mr Samuel Odeh, Alia described the project as monumental, noting that it had been abandoned for decades.

He urged residents to take ownership of the project and ensure its sustainability.

“The project belongs to the people of Benue. I appeal to you not to harass the contractors so they can complete the work on time,” Alia said.

Also speaking, the paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Ayatse, assured that the community would take full ownership of the project and protect it. (NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Tosin Kolade

ACCI pledges to boost women’s role in business

Tosin Kolade
Mar, Fri, 2025

Economy/Business

ACCI pledges to boost women’s role in business

224 total views today

By Vivian Emoni

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), has reaffirmed its commitment to boost women’s participation in business and trade for economic growth.

Its Director-General, Mr Agabaidu Jideani, disclosed this at a virtual meeting to commemorate the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 in Abuja on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by the chamber’s Women in Business Trade Group (WIB-TG).

The theme of the meeting was “Invest in Women: Unleashing Economic Potential for a Sustainable Future”.

Jideani said ACCI decided to celebrate the IWD through virtual meeting with relevant stakeholders to demonstrate the importance of women in the country.

He reaffirmed the chamber’s dedication to advocating for policies that support women-led enterprises.

Jideani said that women were at the heart of economic transformation, innovation and development.

According to him, many women still face barriers to accessing opportunities, capital and leadership roles, in spite of their undeniable economic contributions.

“That is why today’s event is crucial; it is a platform to empower, educate and engage women in business, trade and entrepreneurship,” he said.

Similarly, Mrs Nonye Ayeni, Director-General of Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), said the council has engaged women in various training programmes, to support and enhance their business.

According to her, such programmes include market access initiatives and certification opportunities under the SheTrade Hub, aimed at strengthening female participation in global trade.

Ayeni was represented by Mrs Evelyn Obidike, Director, Product Development Department of the NEPC.

Also, the Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), Mr Charles Odii, said the agency had initiated various initiatives to ensure that women entrepreneurs thrive.

The Vice President Legal of ACCI, Mrs Aisha Abdullahi emphasised creating opportunities and building a more inclusive economic landscape to improve women’s participation in decision-making.

“Investing in women is not just an economic imperative; it is a necessity for building a sustainable and prosperous future,” she said.

NAN reports that the participants emphasised on the need for stronger public-private partnerships to enhance financial accessibility, market integration and capacity building programmes for women in business. (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Oluwafunke Ishola

Tosin Kolade
Mar, Fri, 2025

Environment

Group trains 30,000 students in environmental sustainability

397 total views today

By Mercy Omoike

The Foundation for a Better Foundation (FABE foundation) has trained over 30,000 schoolchildren in environmental sustainability skills through its EcoschoolNg project introduced in 2016.

The founder, FABE foundation and convener of the EcoschoolNg project, Mrs Temitope Okunnu, said this at the project’s 2024 closeout ceremony on Thursday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the EcoSchoolsNG initiative was borne out of a vision to empower young people with knowledge, skills, and mindset to become champions of sustainability, stewards of the environment, and pioneers of the circular economy.

The project is being sponsored by Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation (ACT Foundation) Access bank to promote environmental sustainability.

In her welcome remarks, Okunnu reiterated the importance of collaboration and commitment to raise young eco-conscious leaders of tomorrow.

“It is with immense joy, pride, and gratitude that we welcome you to the EcoSchoolsNG Close-out Ceremony. It marks 10 months of hard work and commitment to sustainability and climate action.

“We are celebrating the completion of a programme and witnessing the birth of a new generation of eco-conscious leaders, climate advocates, green entrepreneurs and Eco-Ambassadors ready to take bold steps in protecting our environment and shaping a more sustainable future for Nigeria and beyond.

“Over the past 10 months, these students have been engaged in hands-on learning experiences, gaining real-world insights into waste-to-wealth solutions, climate action strategies, conservation practices, and eco-preneurial business models.

“20 secondary schools across different communities engaged in sustainability education, with hundreds of students trained in environmental responsibility,” Okunnu said.

She restated the need for commitment to ensuring environmental sustainability,

“Let us commit to being not just spectators but active participants in the fight against climate change.

“The fight against climate change is not something we can put off for the future. The reality is that no one is immune from the impacts of climate change.

“That is why it is no longer enough to simply talk about sustainability—we must act.

“Hence, we want to take this moment to call upon everyone here today—our partners, donors, corporate leaders, and policymakers—to join us in taking EcoSchoolsNG to the next level,” she said.

Addressing the participants of the EcoschoolNg project, Mrs Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, urged the students to be worthy eco-ambassadors.

“Since 2016, EcoschoolNg project has trained and empowered over 30,000 students, youths, and women, a testament to what happens when knowledge meets action.

“You students have learned how to turn plastic waste into useful materials, how food scraps can become rich compost, and how even an old tire can have a second life.

“You are the superheroes our planet needs. Just like how superheroes save the day, you are saving our environment, one recycled bottle, one compost heap, one eco-garden at a time.

“This is what the circular economy is all about, not just reducing waste, but turning it into something valuable.

“The skills you have learned here are tools for life. You can be the generation that makes Lagos, Nigeria, and the world more sustainable,” Oshodi said.

On his part, Dr Gaji Tajudeen, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, represented by Mrs Bolaji Badru, commended the foundation’s efforts in training the children.

“We are here to celebrate the remarkable success of the EcoschoolNg project, an inspiring initiative of FABE foundation, that has been at the forefront of advancing environmental sustainability in Lagos State.

“This ground-breaking project has not only instilled eco-conscious values in young minds but has also empowered students and teachers with practical skills in sustainable living thereby paving a way for a greener, healthier and more prosperous future.

“We are shaping eco-conscious leaders who will champion sustainability across communities by equipping the next generation with knowledge in conservation, recycling and environmental stewardship.

“Through innovation and dedication the Conchology project has nurtured a generation committed to lasting solutions for climate change and pollution we face today.

“Let us reaffirm our collective responsibility to protect and preserve our environment. Together through collaboration and commitment we can drive lasting change and build sustainable future for generations to come,” Tajudeen said.

Partners and sponsors of the EcoschoolNg project, Mrs Abiodun Owo, Programmes Manager at Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation, commended the innovation.

“We are very proud of what FABE Foundation is doing with young people on environmental sustainability.

“The impact of this training will result in a more, a greener environment, more trees planted, where we have more organic foods being produced.

“ We will no longer have single-use products, but then those products can also be put into other use.

“And at the end of the day, we will be protecting our planet, which is the long-term goal for climate action,” Owo said. (NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Experts list ways to sustain family business

Tosin Kolade
Mar, Fri, 2025

Economy/Business

Experts list ways to sustain family business

252 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Business experts have emphasised the importance of stewardship in sustaining family businesses across generations.

They spoke at the Lagos Business School (LBS) International Family Business Conference on Thursday in Lagos.

The experts also highlighted the need to build resilient governance structures, foster intergenerational collaboration, and prepare future leaders to uphold and expand family business vision.

Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Co-Founder, Tengen Family Office, stressed the importance of balancing family values with business growth to ensure a lasting legacy.

Aig-Imoukhuede, also former Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, said family-owned businesses accounted for 60 to 80 per cent of private businesses worldwide.

He, however, noted that in Africa, family business rarely survive one generation due to weak succession planning and governance frameworks.

Aig-Imoukhuede said the concept of stewardship, a leadership philosophy, placed family members as enterprise caretakers focused on preserving growth for future generations.

According to him, stewardships nurtures successors, preserving them for strategic, tactical, and operational responsibilities, while preserving family relationships.

He said the culture of stewardship flourished where family cohesion was high, with a commitment to long-term value creation.

“The challenges in stewardship and legacy building include the burden of legacy, managing growing responsibilities and interpersonal conflicts, among others.

“In addressing this, there must be well laid out communication strategies, open dialogue practices, establishing clear roles and responsibilities.

“A conflict and dispute resolution mechanism must be in place with expectations properly managed,” he said.

Prof. Yinka David-West, Dean, LBS, said family businesses were not just enterprises, but living legacies as backbones of economies, custodians of tradition, and innovation pioneers.

David-West noted that sustaining a family business across generations was one of the most significant leadership challenges.

She said while many first-generation businesses thrived, fewer survived into the second, and only a fraction make it to the third.

She stated that the difference between those that endured and faced was stewardship—the art of nurturing wealth, wisdom, succession, and a lasting legacy.

“That is why this year’s theme: “Preparing the Next Generation for Stewardship: Building a Lasting Legacy for Family Businesses,” is so critical.

“The LBS mission is to illuminate the principles of stewardship as the foundation for enduring success.

“We are committed to equipping next-generation leaders with the mindset and skills to lead with heritage and innovation.

“This event would also bridge gap between tradition and transformation, ensuring family businesses remain competitive, cohesive, and future-ready,” she said.

The Founder, Coscharis Motors, Dr Cosmas Maduka, noted that if everything a person lived for dies when the individual dies, such person has not lived successfully.

Maduka said the child with the most burning desire for the business with the proper structure in place should be one to take the baton of leadership in family business succession.

Mrs Adeolu Idowu, Partner, Aluko and Oyebode, urged business owners to employ the services of business advisors to provide evaluation on risk and family governance in the business.

Dr Chiedu Nwuke, Founder, Periwinkle Residences Ltd., noted that the most important focus must be on brand creation and passing the vision of the brand across generations.(NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

NAN, LAWMA partner to deepen waste management advocacy

Tosin Kolade
Mar, Fri, 2025

Environment

NAN, LAWMA partner to deepen waste management advocacy

334 total views today

By Fabian Ekeruche

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to deepen waste management advocacy.

The NAN delegation, led by Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, Head of Lagos Editorial Operations, was received at the LAWMA headquarters by its Managing Director, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin.

Omowole expressed gratitude to LAWMA for the efforts made by the authority in the area of waste management in the state.

She noted that NAN’s wide outreach, if leveraged on, could help in deepening the efforts of LAWMA in advocating a cleaner Lagos.

She listed some of the products of NAN, like the PR Wire Service and others that LAWMA could subscribe to in telling the authority’s story.

“The proposed partnership will also include the production of documentaries showcasing LAWMA’s initiatives and successes, further amplifying the agency’s impact and reputation,” Omowole said.

Also speaking, Gbadegesin commended the delegation for the interest in partnering LAWMA for media mileage and visibility.

He said the huge role of the media in driving sensitisation could not be overlooked, as people continued to migrate to Lagos.

He said in spite of LAWMA’s ongoing sensitisation, some residents remained unaware of proper waste mnagement practices.

“Migrants that come into Lagos must be educated on LAWMA’s policies to prevent improper waste disposal. The LAWMA advocacy team has been doing this, to ensure every resident is adequately informed,” Gbadegesin said.

He added that LAWMA would remain committed to transitioning from a linear waste management model to a circular economy model where nothing is wasted.

“We aim to replicate Sweden’s model, where compactor trucks and buses run on biomethane, reducing landfill dependence and enhancing environmental sustainability,” he stated.

Gbadegesin noted that LAWMA’s recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ghanaian firm, Jospong Group, to improve waste management in the state.

He added that the initiative was in line with LAWMA’s broader vision of diverting 90 per cent of waste from dumpsites through innovative recycling and resource recovery strategies.

He also stressed the significance of the Private Sector Participation model, which comprised 428 operators working in partnership with LAWMA to manage the city’s daily waste generation of approximately 13,000 tonnes. (NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Tosin Kolade
Mar, Thu, 2025

Agriculture

ActionAid, NADF collaborate on effective utilisation of agriculture fund

280 total views today

By Felicia Imohimi

ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) says it is partnering with the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) to ensure effective and proper implementation of the fund.

Azubike Nwokoye Food Systems Specialist, AAN said this at the National Stakeholders Meeting on NADF in Abuja.

NADF is statutorily mandated to promote the development of agriculture and management of related natural resources in an environmental friendly manner.

It desires to utilise these funds to procure goods and services in different parts of the country.

Nwokoye said the meeting was organised to enable stakeholders understand the fund more, its challenges and as well reflect on how best it could be supported to enhance agricultural productivity of youth and women farmers.

“NADF is a darly fund design to provide more resources to the agricultural sector, so it is a fund that is suppose to support communities.

“We are having this conversation so that we can all understand the fund more and also reflect on how best we can support it.

“Our agriculture sector is faced with challenges of low allocation, little releases and most time lack of proper capital releases.

“Some of us are afraid that NADF will face same situation and the earlier we start conversations on how best to navigate this challenges the better for us,”he said.

Nwokoye said stakeholders target is to ensure Nigeria meet 10 per cent fund commitment to the sector.

He recommended that the fund should prioritise key areas like access to credit, reducing post-harvest losses through provision of processing and storage facilities, market access, facilitating transportation, extension services and labour saving technologies.

The specialist further emphasised that there was need to support irrigation “so that we can have a better output for the agricultural sector in terms of exploring rural economic growth.

Nwokoye who said there were number of policies that have not been implemented however emphasised that collaborating with NADF and other stakeholders was to identify the challenges bedeviling the fund and chart a way forward.

“So we will work together as stakeholders and see how best the fund performs for the agricultural sector.

“There are already donors that are supporting the fund in terms of capacity building and other support, so this meeting is an avenue for those stakeholders to also reflect and understand how better to support the fund,”he said.

The Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim said NADF remain committed to fostering collaboration, building strategic partnerships and supporting policies that enhance agribusiness financing and drive technological innovation for a more prosperous Nigeria.

Ibrahim represented by Ernest Ihedigbo, General Manager, Technical Services, NADF said the fund is currently advancing a seed enhancement project, focusing on four priority crops.

He identified the crops as cassava, maize, rice, and cowpeas as well as millet and oil palm.

Ibrahim said the continued efforts align with the organisations’s vision of enhancing food security and improving agricultural productivity.

“We plan to pay particular attention to smallholder women farmers as well as youth who are keen to develop the agribusiness space.

“We believe in the power of agricultural development to drive socio-economic transformation.

“Our mission is to provide sustainable and inclusive financing that bridges critical gaps in Nigerian agriculture, fostering long-term stability and prosperity. We aspire to be the leading development fund championing agricultural sustainability and economic progress in Nigeria.

“To achieve this, NADF has implemented several initiatives like the Ginger Recovery Advancement and Transformation for Economic Empowerment (GRATE) programme which played a crucial role in mitigating the devastating effects of the ginger blight epidemic,”he said.

Ibrahim said the organisation in its commitment to strengthening agricultural sector conducted a Baseline and Needs Assessment Survey in conjunction with Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN).

The assessment according to him covers 16 agricultural research institutes and 17 colleges of agriculture across the country.

He says “the survey aim is to identify strengths, gaps, opportunities and constraints in our agricultural research and training ecosystem.

“Key findings are infrastructure deficiencies, obsolete equipment and funding constraints.

“Infrastructure development is the major component of the fund”.(NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

ECOWAS Parliament @25: NAN pledges publicity partnership with AWALCO

Tosin Kolade
Mar, Thu, 2025

Foreign

ECOWAS Parliament @25: NAN pledges publicity partnership with AWALCO

342 total views today

By Mark Longyen

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has pledged to partner the Association of West African Legislative Correspondents (AWALCO) to publicise the activities of the ECOWAS Parliament, particularly its 25th anniversary celebrations.

Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, the Managing Director of the agency, made the pledge when the leadership of the association paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja on Thursday.

Ali expressed appreciation to the association’s officials for deeming it worthy to pay him a courtesy visit, stressing that as Africa’s biggest news content provider, NAN was home to all.

“For deeming it worthy to come and pay us this courtesy call, the agency is appreciative.

“We hope that it will help the Parliament achieve its goals, and raise awareness, like you said, about its activities.

“On our part, the News Agency of Nigeria, like you know, is Africa’s biggest news content provider,” he said.

According to the NAN Chief Executive Officer, the agency is the most authentic and biggest news hub in Africa, with a domineering influence and reach within the West African subregion.

“So, with an association like this, certainly in the News Agency of Nigeria, you find a soulmate, a fellow traveler.

“So, you’re welcome. We look forward to partnering and doing more, and the News Agency of Nigeria is your home,” he said.

Speaking earlier, AWALCO President, Mr Innocent Odoh, explained that the purpose of the visit was to seek the collaboration and support of NAN, as the indisputable leader in terms of news credibility reportage, and viability.

He said that ECOWAS Parliament would be marking its 25th anniversary on Nov. 16 and a series of activities had been lined up for it.

Odoh said that AWALCO, being the association of the parliament’s press corps, was fully involved in it by way of planning to give the occasion a media and publicity glitze.

He said this would help to propagate the ideals of ECOWAS in general, and ECOWAS Parliament in particular, and make the objectives of ECOWAS Commission and Parliament known globally, starting from the subregion.

“In terms of viability, if we talk about the repository of news in all ramifications, in all dimensions, I think the News Agency of Nigeria comes first before any other one.

“So, what we are doing is in line with the media advocacy that we are projecting for the ECOWAS Parliament at 25.

“We can see that if the collaboration with NAN takes off as we planned it, I think it will go a long way in expanding the vision of the association,” he said.

The AWALCO president further said that the partnership would determine how the regional bloc is run, especially at a time that so many things about ECOWAS needed to be interrogated.

“That is why we’re here, to seek that collaboration, to seek that support, how we can deepen that collaboration to ensure that the citizens of the Parliament understand what is happening around them.

“ECOWAS has a vision of 2050 but many people may not be aware of it, but collaborations like this can open up an opportunity for people to understand the vision of ECOWAS,” he added.

Mrs Uche Duru, Chief Communication Officer, ECOWAS Parliament, who was part of the delegation, in a remark, extended greetings from ECOWAS Parliament Speaker and Secretary-General to Ali and NAN’s management.

She explained that AWALCO was her brain child and the parliament’s official press corps, which was created to reposition the parliament’s media coverage.

The spokesperson for the parliament said the association was beyond Nigeria, as its membership encompassed the entire West Africa, including even from member states that were threatening to exit or had already exited.

“Permit me at this juncture also to talk briefly about NAN and how NAN has been giving us coverage. It’s been a wonderful journey.

“So, as far as Nigeria is concerned, NAN is our first port of call, so we can express our appreciation of the work that we’ve done so far.

“I want to convey that we’re most grateful to have NAN very, very actively involved in the work of Parliament,” she said.(NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

I-G inaugurates ultra-modern police headquarters in Adamawa

Tosin Kolade
Mar, Thu, 2025

Defence/Security

I-G inaugurates ultra-modern police headquarters in Adamawa

376 total views today

By Talatu Maiwada

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, on Thursday, inaugurated an ultra-modern police headquarters in Adamawa.

Speaking at the event, Egbetokun said the project was to enhance service delivery, adding that it reflected the government’s commitment to the welfare of police officers.

“We now have a befitting headquarters worthy of our brave and dedicated officers.

“The newly commissioned complex is more than just a physical structure, it represents our commitment to serving and protecting our communities.

“It stands as a symbol of justice, dedication, and our resolve to improve service delivery in the state,” he said.

Egbetokun assured that his administration would continue working to equip officers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and logistics required for effective policing.

He appreciated stakeholders, partners, and community leaders for their support in ensuring the completion of the project.

Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police(CP), Adamawa Command, Dankombo Morris, lauded the I-G for prioritising the welfare of officers.

He noted that the project would help address the challenge of office accommodation in the command.

“This new police headquarters aligns with your vision for a better Nigeria Police Force, where every state command operates in a conducive environment.

“It will go a long way in boosting the morale of officers and enhancing the quality of service delivery to the community,” he said.

Morris disclosed that the command, which has 6,444 personnel, has been instrumental in ensuring the security and stability of the state.

He highlighted the command’s achievements this year, which he said included the apprehension of about 120 crime suspects and recording of 60 cases.

“The Command recorded about 60 cases, including kidnapping, armed robbery, culpable homicide, farmer-herder clashes, rape, and defilement.

“In addition, we arrested 120 suspects linked to these cases and rescued four kidnapped victims unharmed, with no ransom paid,” he said.

Morris attributed the command’s successes to the tireless efforts of officers, the support from Adamawa Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri, collaboration with sister security agencies, and contributions from stakeholders.

He, however, pointed out some challenges, which he said included addressing kidnapping in border areas due to difficult terrain, inadequate operational vehicles, dilapidated police barracks, and manpower shortages.

The CP appealed to the I-G to address these challenges in order to enhance the operational capabilities of the command.(NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

FES, Unions push workers’ charter for fair energy shift

Tosin Kolade
Mar, Thu, 2025

Environment

FES, Unions push workers’ charter for fair energy shift

339 total views today

By Akpan Glory

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Nigeria, in partnership with Mondial FNV, and three Labour unions, has unveiled the ‘Just Transition Project’, a major step toward safeguarding workers’ rights in Nigeria’s evolving energy sector.

The unions are; Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), and National Union of Chemical, Footwear, Rubber, Leather and Non-Metallic Employees (NUCFRLANMPE).

Unveiled in Abuja on Thursday, the initiative aims to foster dialogue between policymakers, trade unions, and industry players to ensure a just and sustainable transition to renewable energy.

The event brought together government officials, labour leaders, renewable energy advocates, and civil society organisations to discuss policies balancing economic growth with social justice.

Lennart Oestergaard, Resident Representative of FES Nigeria, emphasised the global urgency for a fair energy transition, stressing the need to protect workers’ livelihoods.

“As Nigeria moves towards cleaner energy sources, we must ensure that workers are not displaced or exploited.

“A just transition means that no one is left behind, and this requires deliberate policies that promote job security, social dialogue, and economic fairness, “he said.

He called for stronger collaboration between trade unions, the private sector, and the government to develop policies that protect jobs and equip workers for employment in the renewable energy sector.

Mr Tunde Selman, researcher and Team Lead at GGT-Nigeria, introduced the Workers’ Charter of Demands, stating that it advocates for fair labour practices and worker protections amid Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape.

Selman said it outlines key demands, including job security to prevent mass redundancies, saying it is a “call to action”.

He added that the charter proposes social protection measures, such as pension schemes and health insurance, for workers transitioning from fossil fuel jobs.

“It also advocates for fair wages and improved working conditions in both traditional and renewable energy sectors.

“Additionally, it calls for government-led training programmes to equip workers with skills in clean energy technologies.

“It also urges greater labour union involvement in policymaking related to energy transition, “Selman said.

In a goodwill message, Dr Tosin Akande, Executive Secretary of the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN), commended FES and its partners for advocating labour rights in the energy transition process.

“A clean energy transition cannot be successful if workers are neglected. We must create mechanisms for reskilling and upskilling, particularly for workers who have spent their careers in the fossil fuel industry,” he stated.

While acknowledging the renewable energy sector’s potential to create jobs, Akande warned that without strong policies, many workers could face unemployment or low wages.

The event also featured a panel discussion on “Just and Clean Transition for Trade Unions in Nigeria,” where experts examined challenges and opportunities in the energy transition.

Discussions focused on expanding the renewable energy sector while protecting workers’ rights, the role of government and private sector investment in job creation, and vocational training for green economy jobs.

Stakeholders called for stronger labour laws to prevent job losses due to energy transition policies, while trade union representatives urged the government to include workers’ voices in planning and increase investment in social protection programmes.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria’s shift to clean energy remains fair, inclusive, and worker-friendly. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade