News Agency of Nigeria
Amnesty begins aviation training programme for ex-agitators
Aviation

Amnesty begins aviation training programme for ex-agitators

By Aderogba George

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) says it has begun the Aviation Resuscitation Programme for Cadet Pilots and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers.

A statement on Tuesday by Mr Freston Akpor, Senior Assistant on Media to the PAP  Interim Administrator (IA), disclosed this on Tuesday.

The statement stated that the training was part of efforts to create sustainable livelihoods for ex-agitators and create a pool of skilled manpower for Nigeria’s Aviation Industry.

It said that the ceremonial flag-off of the training was held in Lagos on Monday.

The statement quoted Gen. Barry Ndiomu, Interim Administrator of PAP while speaking at the ceremony saying that “enormous opportunities abound for the beneficiaries in global aviation.”

Ndiomu, represented by Wilfred Musa, PAP’s Head of Reintegration, recalled that past PAP administrations made efforts at revamping the training programme.

The statement said Ndiomu maintained that administrative glitches and the complex nature of the aviation industry was the only challenge and this had made all marginal success to be attained.

“Ndiomu said that the flag-off of the programme was initiated more than eight years ago, and that this had showed that the current PAP leadership was critical about advancing the lives of ex-agitators.

“He also noted that the aviation industry was a major “touch point for commerce” in any country, while urging those who are misinterpreting the initiative behind the programme to “pay attention” to its long term benefits and instant values.

“He also spoke on the argument that beneficiaries may relocate abroad for greener pastures upon completion of programme, adding that there is nothing wrong with that,” it said.

According to the statement, Ndiomu says as long as they are working abroad and sending home forex they will in turn add values to the Nigerian economy.

“Ndiomu said moreso, we exist within the context of a global village where the mobility of labour is encouraged for the purpose of knowledge expansion and strategic networking.

“He urged aviation stakeholders to take note of the programme, and begin to look towards leveraging on the enormous pool of skilled manpower that the programme will produce for the aviation industry.

“He also cautioned that discipline must be imbibed throughout the ex-agitators learning process, to give more prominence to the Code of Conduct that the beneficiaries signed before commencement of the training.

“Ndiomu said the leadership of PAP would not hesitate to delist anybody who runs fowl of items as listed in the code

The statement also quoted the facilitator, Alom Aviation Services Ltd., Capt. Austin Omame, as expressing optimism that “within a year, the trainees will be gainfully employed in the aviation industry”.

“Capt. Austin Omame, MD/CEO of Alom Aviation Services Ltd., assured that the beneficiaries will be closely monitored throughout the training with the aviation firm.

“He said that the training was an approved one by the Approved Training Organization (ATO) and was duly certified by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The statement also quoted Engr. Ofuafo Ghavwan, one of the beneficiaries, as applauding the leadership of PAP for sending them to one of “the best aviation training schools in West Africa, situated in Lagos”.

It said Ghavwan noted that the training opportunity had already guaranteed them jobs in the aviation sector where such skilled manpower were in high demand.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that trainees are part of 75 pilots and aircraft engineers sponsored by PAP to various Aviation Training Organizations (ATO’s) in Lagos, Johannesburg and Toulouse, (France) for type-rating courses as part of its aviation training scheme. (NAN)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Idris Abdulrahman

President Tinubu assures AU, OIC of Nigeria’s support
Foreign

President Tinubu assures AU, OIC of Nigeria’s support

By Ismail Abdulaziz

President Bola Tinubu says the African Union (AU) is strategically positioned to secure consensus positions for the continent on economic and socio-political relations with the world.

The president, in a bilateral discussion with the President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the AU, President Azali Assoumani, on Monday in New York, said this is possible with Nigeria’s strong of the continental body.

“There is nothing that can bring development and prosperity, outside of embracing freedom and constitutional order. It is a critical hallmark of sustainable development.

‘’We appreciate that the AU is working hard to bring about peace in the Sahel and is actively negotiating between the warring factions in Sudan. Peace in Sudan will be a great achievement. I appreciate your effort in Burkina Faso and our effective cooperation on Niger.

“You can call me at any time and we will discuss the peace and stability of AU member states. We need stability and prosperity for the black race.

‘’This is our era. We must be peaceful in order to take maximum advantage of the developmental opportunities presented to Africa in this era. We must build a model of sustainable development.

‘’Nigeria will collaborate with you. But we must move beyond those whose vision of Africa is narrow and evil. We are not afraid of confrontation, but we prefer to be restrained for now, at this time,” the President declared.

Assoumani said that the AU seeks to complete Nigeria’s effort in securing peace and prosperity in Africa, rather than competing with it.

“It is our responsibility to confront the extra-constitutional wrestling for power on the continent.

‘’We have told China and Russia that they have a responsibility to ensure that there is stability in these countries, as there will be no developmental partnership where there is a lack of stability in countries being impacted by coupists.

‘’We appreciate your stand on these matters,” the AU Chairperson said.

As President of the Union of Comoros, the AU Chairperson said that Comoros seeks to learn from Nigeria’s experience concerning the steady improvement in diversity management, electoral process and economic growth over many years.

“We want to turn our country into an emerging economy and we need the experience of Nigeria as we seek your cooperation to conduct an election that will win us the respect of the international community and allow us to develop at the right speed and quality,” he said.

Tinubu also met with the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha, and reiterated that the Islamic world has a strategic role to play in the sustenance of peace and development in Africa, and across the globe.

“The effort we are making in the Sahel is very important. We know we must double our efforts. We must tell our Muslim brothers who are struggling to steal power that only Allah chooses leaders. We must respect the will of Allah.

‘’I am ready to collaborate with you. Your effort in supporting agricultural growth and food security through the provision of resources from Islamic banks has been most commendable and our region is appreciative.

‘’I am determined to work with you in uplifting Nigerians and Africans,” the President said.

The leader of the 57-nation body of cooperation praised the Nigerian President for his active effort in bringing African states to a place of common understanding.

“We must gain consensus on the need for peace, especially amongst our member states.

‘’When you were elected as ECOWAS Chairman, it gave us confidence and hope that the situation in the Sahel region would improve because you are bringing people together.

‘’We were also happy about your election as President of Nigeria and we see the changes,” the OIC leader stated.

The OIC Secretary-General extended an invitation to Tinubu to participate at the OIC Heads of State Summit, expected to hold in a few months. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Former Presidential candidate lauds Tinubu on youth inclusion in govt
General News

Former Presidential candidate lauds Tinubu on youth inclusion in govt

By Aderogba George

Prof Christopher Imumolen, candidate of the Accord Party in the 2023 Presidential election, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for appointing youths into his government.

Imumolen gave the commendation at the occasion of his 40th birthday celebration on Monday night in Abuja.

He said that President Tinubu had done beyond the expectation of many Nigerians by appointing 85 to 90 per cent of youths into his administration.

According to him, the quest for a prosperous and developed nation can only be possible through youth involvement in all strata of leadership .

He lamented that Nigerian youths were tired of being used and dumped by political leaders and not being meaningfully involved in nation building.

He, therefore, commended the President for changing the narrative, adding that the appointment of youths by this administration had encouraged youths across the country to become genuinely interested in the affairs of their country.

“I love the appointments made by the President, if that is what we can achieve, then there is hope for the country.

“The youths are the ones that have the technical and digital knowledge to solve the country’s problems.

“The youths are the ones that have the strength to deliver our country from its many challenges.

“Those who fought for Nigeria’s independence did so when they were young, the man that moved the motion for independent was 19 years old when he took that step.

“Youth inclusion in governance is part of what we stand for as a party, and during the last election, I was the only youth in that race.

“Forget about what the speculations were then, what I was driving at is for the youth to be included in governance,” he said.

Imumolen added that those who were criticising president Tinubu’s appointments should understand he appointed those he trusted.

He added that “there must be some special people one must trust in every system of government.”

He also called on those who are still aggrieved as a result of the last Presidential election to join hands with the President to build a better nation we all desire, adding that there is no perfect situation all over the world.

The Accord Party presidential candidate also called on well-meaning Nigerians to provide support for those who are less privileged in society.

“We must begin to show love to one another, celebrate ourselves while we are alive and not when we are dead.

Also, his Vice Presidential candidate, Mr Bala-Bello Maru, thanked God on behalf of the celebrant, saying that he had touched many lives.

Maru said that Imumolen is a man with talent, a trail blazer who had identified with many in the country’s education sector, adding that he had given access to many youth who do not have resources to study.

He said that the celebrant had brought creativity in the country’s political struggle, while praying to God for him to realise his potential. (NAN)

Edited by Vincent Obi

Nigeria, AU countries collaborate to improve environmental challenges
Science & Tech

Nigeria, AU countries collaborate to improve environmental challenges

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

Nigerian Government has partnered with 39 other AU countries to ensure that environmental issues bedeviling the continent were ameliorated using Earth Observation Satellite data for policy making.

The countries gathered in Abuja on Monday for the second edition of the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) and Western Africa Regional Exchange workshop under African Union Commission.

The 3-day workshop was organised by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in collaboration with University of Ghana and Centre de Suivi Écologique de Kenya (CSE-Environmental Monitoring Centre).

Dr Halilu Shaba, Director-General of NASRDA, said the workshop gathered experts to evaluate areas of insecurity and monitoring of the environment.

Shaba said that insecurity was a common problem among African countries and Earth Observation (EO) had been able to provide data to monitor the movements of bandits.

In the area of environmental sustainability, Shaba said that in 2022, the agency provided maps of areas that were flooded.

“We have done so much in the area of flood, what we are trying to do now is bring other African countries to speed, they may not have the capacity, facilities to deal with this.

“Nigeria for over 15 years have been serving as the regional support office for UN-SPIDER and UN-SPIDER activates chatter anytime there is flood.

“We have been doing so much but we need to engage in advocacy with actors that are managing these disasters,’’ he said.

Dr Tidiane Ouattara, Programme Coordinator for GMES and Africa, said the workshop served as a crucial platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing and fostering regional partnerships.

Ouattara said it was through such gatherings that the continent strengthened its collective commitment towards sustainable development and the protection of invaluable natural resources as stated in the AU Agenda of 2063.

“It is through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and cross-fertilisation of ideas that we can collectively tackle complex environmental issues.

“We encourage active participation and partnership from all stakeholders present here today and beyond, as we strive to build a sustainable and resilient Africa,’’ he said.

The programme coordinator recognised inputs from different stakeholders engaged in GMES, saying that AU commission placed great importance to their services.

Ouattara said: ”We expect them to serve as catalysts for transformative action, empowering member states, specifically the beneficiary end-users to make informed decisions that positively impact our environment, economy and society at large.

“By harnessing the knowledge and resources offered by these services, we can address the pressing challenges we face, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development.”

Ouattara also said the AU was committed to gender equality and inclusivity, adding that it underscored dedication to promoting equitable opportunities, empowering women in environmental conservation and sustainable development.

He added: “We want to hear from our Western African GMES and Africa stakeholders, the concrete actions and the way forward with respect to human capital development and utilisation.

“We are here today because someone, yesterday, gave us our chance when we were students, looking for our first job, hence we should give more opportunities to our youths for the better future of Africa.’’

Dr Cheikh Mbow, Director-General of CSE, said the risks relating to the African environment were an impediment to continental development.

Mbow said that GMES was trying to take profit from modern technology like Artificial Intelligence, satellite data, new algorithms and big data analysis.

According to him, this will help to bring the evidence and device ways to invest in environmentally sustainable development.

He added that the workshop was held in Nigeria because it was the hub for human capacity and it is playing a frontline role in the climate change area, among other areas.

According to him, Nigeria will help champion the cause of mitigating environmental challenges.

Goodwill messages were made by Dr Benjamin Botwe from University of Ghana and Dr Matthew Adepoju, Director, Strategic Space Application of NASRDA. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Investigate alleged assault on Ondo Women Affairs commissioner- NGO
Gender , General News

Investigate alleged assault on Ondo Women Affairs commissioner- NGO

By Justina Auta

An NGO, Sustainable Gender Action Initiative (SGAI), has called for an investigation into alleged public assault against Dr Olubunmi Osadahun, the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs.

Mrs Mufuliat Fijabi, Executive Director (SGAI), on Monday in Abuja said the attack, which had gone viral on social media has negative impacts on Osadahun and absolute lack of respect for the office she holds.

There was a recent viral video showing one Mr Olumide Awolumate, the Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) in Arigidi, Akoko North West Local Government Area, in a physical attack with the commissioner.

” This act of violence perpetrated by award Chairman, Olumide Awolumate,of the All Progressives Congress in Arigidi, in Akoko North West,over palliatives, further reiterates the negative impact of patriarchy.

” It also shows absolute lack of respect for her person and the office she holds.

” This totally unacceptable act is no doubt a reflection of Gender Based Violence (GBV) that is prevalent across the country, which calls for an absolute condemnation by all.

” Women and girls deserve respect and dignity. This in spite of all the international and regional commitments that Nigeria has made as well as the adoption of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition, (VAPP) Act in 2015,” she said.

According to her, in spite of the fact that the Ondo State Government has also domesticated the VAPP Act in 2021, violence against women and girls still persists, calling for urgent investigation and prosecution to end the development.

“While the video clip displaying violent attack on the honorable commissioner has gone viral,  SGAI wishes to state categorically that expedite action on investigation and prosecution will contribute significantly to setting a good precedence.

” This will deter others who are currently engaged in acts of violence against persons publicly and privately,” she added.

She therefore reiterated the commitment of the organisation to promoting inclusive governance and advocacy against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru/Julius Toba-Jegede

Accolades pour in for Nigeria’s Environmental Health leader, Isotu-Edeh
Environment

Accolades pour in for Nigeria’s Environmental Health leader, Isotu-Edeh

By Tosin Kolade

Public Health leaders and stakeholders in the Environmental Health sector have commended the nation’s Environmental Health leader, Dr Edwin Isotu-Edeh, for improving environmental health and safety in the country.

They made the remarks on Saturday at the 40 Shades of Gratitude -20 Successful years of Leadership in Public Health and Environmental Leadership event in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was also the 40th Birthday celebration of Isotu-Edeh, who has championed the ‘One Health Approach’ of the World Health Organisation in Nigeria in many ministries.

The Registrar, Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), Dr Yakubu Mohammed, said Isotu-Edeh had shown his passion and commitment towards improving environmental health and safety in the country.

Mohammed, who described Isotu-Edeh as a bridge builder, said that major contributions towards the development of public health and environmental health could be linked to him.

He added that his impact in fostering relationships between the three ministries of Health, Environment and Water Resources and Sanitation was laudable.

“Isotu-Edeh means different things to different people, for me, he is a passionate professional who has spearheaded the implementation of the one health approach.

“He has also made huge contributions in the establishment of the Environmental Health Surveillance System in Nigeria and in sustainable healthcare management in Nigeria.

“He is driving the sector by interfacing with Federal Ministries of Health, Environment and Water Resources and Sanitation to catalyse the one health approach as stipulated by the WHO”.

The registrar said that this was a necessary platform for collaboration and ensuring the full implementation of the Executive Order 009 to end open defecation and promoting disease prevention in the country.

Mohammed, who was the Chairman of the occasion, urged the celebrant to continue his giant strides in the sector, adding that posterity would judge him well.

Prof. Andrew Obafemi, Professor of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Port Harcourt, said the celebrant was his student, with huge influence and passion in changing poor narratives in the environment sector.

According to him, Isotu-Edeh’s work in environmental health leadership is commendable, calling on young people to follow his footsteps.

The celebrant, Isotu-Edeh, thanked everyone for gracing the event, calling on young people to drive the needed change in the country.

According to him, those who have lost hope in Nigeria needed to be optimistic and rebuild it by stepping up their capacities to drive institutional reforms.

He said no society would develop, if the potential of its young people were not maximised, calling on everyone to prioritise peace, build capacity and strengthen the fragile air systems to prevent disease outbreaks.

“It is high time we also prioritise environmental intelligence, there are a lot of issues around flooding, although there are early warning systems on that, but we shouldn’t wait until things get out of hands before actions are taken.

“In nations all over the world, people are proactive and they need the force of the youthful population; It is not time to fight, it’s time to consolidate.

“And for those who are running out of the country, you will eventually realise that where you are running to are built by people, So let’s build Nigeria better and make Africa proud”.

The global health expert said there was need for health policies that would prevent pandemics through the ‘one health approach’ and environmental sustainability.

Also, the Chairman, Obolo Youth Coalition, Abuja Chapter, Mr Kasam Nteogwuile, described the celebrant as the coalition’s proud member, wishing him well in his future career.

Highlights of the event were formal announcement of the construction of three ’40 shades of public toilets’ of four units each, in support of the Clean Nigeria Campaign programme to halt open defecation in the country.

Also, there were presentation of awards and recognition for selected individuals and African Icons of positive leadership and influence in diverse areas. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

=====

Harmonisation of NIN, major means to control crime — Interior minister
Science & Tech

Harmonisation of NIN, major means to control crime — Interior minister

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo says the harmonisation and management of National Identity Number (NIN) is a major means of mitigating and controlling crime, and enhancing the quest for national development.

Tunji-Ojo said this at the 5th Identity Day commemoration organised by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in Abuja.

The theme of day was ‘Identity as a catalyst for Nigeria’s development – Examining the role of identity in key government programs of social safety net financial inclusion, promotion of good governance and transparency’.

He said: “With a database of over 100 million National Identification Numbers in the National Identity Database, NIDB and  NIMC provide essential access to attaining this goal along with other major stakeholders.

” As a member of the Ministry of Interior family, NIMC joins in with other sister agencies in not only improving access by the public to services like passport acquisition and renewal but also the likes of efficient border security technology, effective handling of insecurity around the country.

“Others include the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, reformation and reintegration of rehabilitated offenders in the society as well as improved emergency and fire response times.”

Tunji-Ojo said that all Nigerians were stakeholders in ensuring the successful implementation of positive policies regarding national identity as it affects government social safety net and financial inclusion programmes.
“We live in the modern digital age where a secure and verifiable identity is vital for any set system to work.

” Think about it, you can’t access bank services and get ATM cards without proving your identity.

“You can’t even engage with others on online social media platforms without first verifying your identity.

“So, identity is key in our everyday lives, which is why we commemorate this day today, ” the minister said.

The acting Director General of NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote said that the day held exceptional importance, adding,”it provides everyone with an opportunity to reflect on the pivotal role that identity plays in our lives and its profound impact on society.

“It is a day to recognise the transformative power of identity in shaping our destinies, safeguarding our rights, and connecting us as global citizens.

” Identity is more than a mere card or a number; it symbolises our existence, our entitlements, and our place within society.

“It unlocks access to essential services, social benefits, and pathways to personal and economic growth.

“It stands as a testament to our individuality while serving as a bridge to our shared humanity,” she said.

Coker-Odusote said said in the face of emerging technologies and evolving threats, there was need to remain vigilant in safeguarding the integrity and security of identity systems.

” While embracing digital transformation, we must prioritize the principles of privacy and data protection.

”Above all, we must be inclusive, leaving no one behind as we endeavor to provide identity solutions for all.

Coker-Odusote said the newly launched ‘Self service online solution’ App would address the challenges associated with registration of NIN, saying it would give easy access at the comfort of their homes.

”We are trying to bridge the gap, this is the basis and approach in the introducing the self service solution, is to reduce the time cost of registration,” she said.

Coker-Odusote said so far 102 million Nigerians had been captured in the National Identity Number (NIN) and assured Nigerians of easier access to registration.

The Managing Director of Barnksforthe Technologies, Mr Adebayo Bankole, who designed the App, said it would address issues associated with NIN registration.

He said: “It includes change of name and so on One cannot change ones age more than once.” (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Human trafficking: JDPC solicits more funding for NAPTIP activities
General News , Gender

Human trafficking: JDPC solicits more funding for NAPTIP activities

By Aderogba George

Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) has solicited more funding for the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to enable the agency perform effectively.

JDPC Director of Programmes, Mr Timothy Ejeh, made the call on Friday in Abuja, at an ongoing training for journalists on ethics for covering human trafficking and irregular migration issues.

The training is organised by Action Against Trafficking in Persons Cluster (AATiP) with support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) palladium project.

The palladium project is under the cause of Strengthening Civil Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE).

According to Ejeh, the current funds made available to NAPTIP is too meagre compared to the array of functions it performs.

He said that NAPTIP was doing a whole lot as an agency of government trying to counter trafficking in persons in Nigeria with a limited budget.

According to him, currently NAPTIP has been saddled with the responsibility of regulating the Act of protection and prohibition of persons against violence.

“This has come into the work of the agency without any budget line for it.’’

He said that the agency had currently been asked to station at the border post and at the port of entry into the country.

He said this was to see how it could clamp down traffickers, adding that without enough resources the agency might not perform well.

“If you don’t have enough resources, manpower and personnel at various borders, how can you counter trafficking in persons. So, there is need for NAPTIP to have enough funding to be able to clamp down on traffickers.

“With enough funding, the agency will also be able to help victims of trafficking because there are a lot of them in NAPTIP shelters; currently NAPTIP is having 14 shelter camps across the country.

“NAPTIP has to feed these people, provide medications, and protect them and others which require a lot of funding.

“NAPTIP is really in need of funding, so there is need for an upward review of its funding,” he said.

Ejeh also said that there was nothing wrong for a country to have private shelters, apart from government owned, but owners of such shelters must align with the minimum standard of establishment issued by NAPTIP.

“There are various shelters privately owned, perpetrating evil in the name of running shelters for vulnerable victims of human trafficking and Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).

“The commission has discovered that some persons are abusing the privilege of having private shelters, by housing little children and turning such shelters into baby factory.

“They also use the children for their own illicit and nefarious trade,”he said.

He said that owners of private shelters must comply with the minimum standard of regulation in line with the regulation issued  by NAPTIP as the authority in charge of such issues. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru/Folasade Adeniran

Nigeria, South Africa sign landmark regulatory deal to improve air safety
Aviation , General News

Nigeria, South Africa sign landmark regulatory deal to improve air safety

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) have signed a landmark deal to achieve unified civil aviation regulation in Africa.

Both aviation authorities signed the agreement during the African Aviation Summit in Abuja on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deal will make Nigeria and South African aviation regulators share safety and security best practices.

It will also streamline regulations to foster smooth flight arrangements between both countries.

The NCAA Director -General, Capt. Musa Nuhu signed on behalf of Nigeria while Ms Poppy Khoza, Director of SACAA signed on behalf of South Africa.

NAN further reports that the ministers of both countries witnessed the signing ceremony.

Nuhu said the deal would enhance flight operations between both countries and would unlock aviation opportunities to enhance the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) project.

He said SAATM was launched in January 2018 to give fresh impetus to the goal of liberalising air transport across Africa to fully implement the Yamoussoukro Decision.

SAATM, Musa said, is projected to create 508,750 direct jobs and a 4.2 billion dollars impact on African GDP in the long term.

“We will remove all the barriers and obstacles of operations between both countries. Going forward, we hope other countries will join us to see the successful implementation of SAATM.

“This is a first step of a long journey” he said.

Also speaking, Khoza, said the step was in the right direction to strengthen the relationship between the two technical agencies.

According to her, the agreement will be of great assistance for both countries and the African continent, in terms of elevating safety and security posture.

She said there would be no thriving and sustainable aviation services in Africa if safety and security were not prioritised.

“This is a technical cooperation agreement which is very technical in nature. We will be exchanging on aviation safety and security in particular.

” The Minister of Nigeria has indicated that one of his plans is to ensure that he upholds the highest-level standards of aviation security.

“It is the same plan for my minister.  Therefore, there are synergies between both ministers. So, we will be cooperating a lot. In fact, we are already cooperating,” she said.

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said he was highly pleased with the deal.

He expressed optimism that both countries would benefit immensely.

“This is an exciting day for us. You can tick this as one of my deliverables under my first plans. We need to learn from one of the countries in Africa ahead of us in safety and security standards.

“South Africa is doing 92 percent in terms of ICAO standards and Nigeria is doing 70 percent. By cooperating with SA, we are sure to close that gap and even exceed it.

“We will close the gap as soon as possible” he enthused.

According to him, the relationship will be symbiotic in terms of guidance and assistance. (NAN)


Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Food Security: AATF, SEEDAN collaborate on improved seeds commercialisation
Agriculture

Food Security: AATF, SEEDAN collaborate on improved seeds commercialisation

By Bukola Adewumi

The African Technology Foundation (AATF) and Seed Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (SEEDAN) have collaborated to commercialise improved seeds variety produced by Nigerian scientists.

The effort is to make quality seeds available for farmers to achieve food security.

Hosting SEEDAN’s new executives in Abuja, the AATF Regional Representative for West Africa, Dr Jean Baptiste, said the product to commercialise included the Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) and cowpea developed in Nigeria.

Other products, he said, were the Tela Maize which he noted  would be released by the end of the year.

Dr Baptiste, however, called on the Nigeria seed industry to support agricultural technology, so it could spill over to other countries still hesitating in adopting gene technology.

He reiterated the need for seed entreprises to take their marketing strategy to farmers in hinterland.

He further noted that AATF was ready to work with seed entreprises for Nigeria and Africa to achieve commercialisation of those varieties that could help improve food security and tackle malnutrition in the country and other parts of the continent.

“We hope that we’ll be able to collaborate in a synergistic way so that we can achieve commercialisation of a certain number of products AATF is promoting in Nigeria.

“And among those products we have PBR cowpea, hybrid rice and the Tela maize that will be released by the end of this year or January 2024.

SEEDAN President, Yusuf Ado-kibiya, lamented that they produced enough seedlings but there was no market to sell.

He called on the government to make relevant policies, funds and the enabling environment for provision of quality seeds.

Ado-kibiya said they would unify all seed companies just like other countries for Nigeria to achieve food security.

He added that the universities and research institutes had been dormant for years due to lack of funds but expressed the hope of partnering with them to do more research to produce quality seeds for Nigerian farmers.(NAN)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

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