News Agency of Nigeria
Block all leakages in mining industry, don urges govt.
General News , Oil & Gas

Block all leakages in mining industry, don urges govt.

By Olawale Akinremi

Prof. Olatunji Akinade, an expert in solid minerals development, has urged government to strive harder to block the leakages hindering the country from getting the desired gains from the sector.

Akinade told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Tuesday that it was important for Nigeria to implement the road map for solid minerals development.

The lecturer in the Department of Geology of University of Ibadan said the road map had been designed for some years now.

“If the solid minerals that are mined in Nigeria are not allowed to be taken out for processing, then youth unemployment will be greatly addressed,” he said.

Akinade however lauded Mr Dele Alake, the new Minister of Solid Minerals Development, for the steps he has taken since his appointment and urged him to ensure the leakages were blocked.

”There is abundant revenue that is capable of making Nigeria self-reliant in solid minerals mining, if those in charge of the sector can ensure that the leakages that have been observed are blocked.

“The government must insist that the minerals being mined are also processed within Nigeria so that they will be another source of an employment provider for youths.

“Of what benefit will it be if certain solid minerals are mined in Nigeria only to be taken to foreign countries like China, the U.S. or any European country to be processed and resold to us in finished products,” he said.

The don, however, pointed out that it was also commendable to note that ceramic was now being processed around the Sagamu area of Ogun.

He said there was the need for more funding of the mining industry in order to increase the exploration of solid minerals.

Akinade said the developed countries were still spending huge amount on exploration to discover new solid minerals, and he urged the authorities in Nigeria to do same.

He called on government to put technocrats in strategic places to help in driving the vision of a great solid mining industry.

“For instance, the idea of a mine police is now on the table and I advise that people who will police various mining sites must be experts.

“I mean experts that can identify quality solid minerals and not those that cannot differentiate a good solid mineral or those that can be bribed,” the don said.

Akinade noted that it was possible for a miner to deceive somebody who could not differentiate solid minerals as Nigeria had lost lots of money due to such situation.

He added that there was also the need to carry geological scientists along from the beginning till the end of all the processes. (NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Bassey and Olawale Alabi

Retain Buhari’s best hands in government, Group urges Tinubu
General News , Politics

Retain Buhari’s best hands in government, Group urges Tinubu

By Deji Abdulwahab

The Foundation for African Development (FAD), has urged President Bola Tinubu to retain some of the best hands of the former President Muhammadu Buhari in government as they  are  valuable assets.

Mr Stanley Odili, the County Director, FAD, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Odii stated that the re-appointment of the Director-General of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Mr  Samuel Ogboku was commendable.

He urged Tinubu to extend the same gesture to other Buhari’s appointees whose public service records were clean and plausible.

“This will strengthen the existing unity between the supporters of the Buhari’s administration and the current administration of Tinubu.

“The re-appointment of the NDDC Director-General, Samuel Ogboku and his management team shows that Tinubu is interested in achievements.

“Tinubu should not bow to the pressure of some impatient job-seekers to remove from the office, some Buhari’s appointees whose public service records are clean and plausible.

“We want to remind Tinubu that some of the Buhari’s appointees supported his election bid, and the best way to encourage them will not be to disgrace them out of the office, but rather to retain them,” Odii said.

He said that removing some Buhari’s appointees before the end of their tenure in office, could cause friction and disunity in the All Progressives Congress(APC) family.

“The use of technical reasons to remove appointees of the previous APC administration before the end of their tenures, especially when they have performed creditably well will create distrust among members of the party,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

FG pledges to strengthen water regulations
Environment , General News

FG pledges to strengthen water regulations

By Tosin Kolade

Prof. Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, has pledged to work with the National Assembly for actualisation of the law establishing the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC).

Utsev said this when he paid a familiarisation visit to the commission in company of his Minister of State, Alhaji Bello Goronyo in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to him, the commission is mandated with the responsibility of ensuring the management of safe and sustainable water for Nigerians.

He noted that the commission is limited in its ability to enforce regulations on users of raw bulk water for commercial purposes without payment, hence the need for regulations.

Utsev said he would also partner with the National Assembly and other stakeholders in ensuring that the National Water Resources Bill is passed.

Earlier, the minister of state had noted that in spite of low funding, the commission was able to achieve a lot, saying the challenges of non-passage of the National Water Resources Bill would be resolved.

Goronyo noted that the visit was timely and in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president, saying they sought the support and guidance of the commission in actualising the mandate for shared prosperity.

“President Bola Tinubu has given us the mandate and he came up with a lot of promises, hope and commitment for Nigerians and we have started seeing the results in the food security sector.

“We have a long way to go and we are not panicking, we will deliver with the help of God,” he said.

Responding, Engr. Magashi Bashir, NIWRMC Executive Director, called for improved budget to enable it meet its mandate for effective water resources management and regulations.

According to him, poor budgetary allocations and the non-passage of the establishment bill have hindered its progress.

He noted that increased revenue allocation would allow for optimum regulatory duties, saying that this would also help in sanctioning defaulters of drilling regulations.

He emphasised the need for exercising regulations oversight over water abstraction and water related activities, saying current regulations have led to the revalidation of 50 licences for users of bulk water.

“The commission which I am privileged to head has advanced greatly in its regulatory duties, despite the relentless sabotage be vested interests.

“The commission under my watch in commitment to its core mandate has issued 86 licenses, 76 demand notices, revalidated 50 licenses.

“We have have consolidated the engagement with the office of Attorney General of the Federation and minister of justice by referring cases of violators or the Water Resources Act to his office.

“As a commission, being aware of the revenue deficit in the nation’s revenue need are determined to make sure users of raw bulk water pay the appropriate charges for commercial use,” he said.

The executive director however expressed optimism that the bill would be passed by the 10th National Assembly.

Mr Rotimi Ojegbile, Director, Legal, at the commission, said the visit was timely as it had given the staffers a sense of belonging, pledging that they would ensure that the mandate given to them is actualised. (NAN)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Don’t get involved in book piracy – Perm. Sec. warns school owners, principals
General News , Metro

Don’t get involved in book piracy – Perm. Sec. warns school owners, principals

By Ruth Oketunde

Mr Olusade Adesola, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has warned principals and school owners in the FCT, to desist from getting involved in pirating books.

Adesola gave the warning at the opening of the annual FCT Book Fair, organised by the FCT Education Resource Centre on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said “the hydra-headed monster called book piracy has continued to pose serious harm to Nigeria’s education system and the economy.

Adesola said that while it was important to promote a healthy reading culture among Nigerians, it was equally important to pay close attention to the protection and support for literary works.

“As you are aware, piracy short-changes the system as well as robs authors and writers of their hard-earned reward and exclusive intellectual property rights.

“I therefore, strongly advise principals and school heads not to patronise or get themselves involved in any form of book piracy.”

The permanent secretary also called on authors and writers to ensure that their intellectual properties were copy-righted, to avoid loss and being cheated.

“Government has a framework to address the issue of piracy. In the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, there is a copyright department which grants copyright and patent rights to authors.

“So I enjoin all writers to ensure that their books are copy-righted. There is also a department in the SGF’s Office that grants protection to writers.

“When your book is properly protected, then you will be able to assert your rights against piracy,” he added.

In a speech, Mr Abdulrazaq Leramoh, Acting Secretary of the Education Secretariat of the FCTA, said that the annual book fair was the administration’s contribution to the fight against book piracy and sub-standard educational materials.

He said that in sustaining child-centred educational practices and promoting the culture of reading, the need for books and written materials could not be over-emphasised.

“Let me also stress that in spite of information technology in the form of e-books and online information, books and other written materials still retain their prime position as sources of information which all students should have.”

On her part, Hajiya Neemat Abdulrahim, Director of the FCT Education Resource Centre, said the aim of the book fair was to make learning resources, curriculum materials, among others, readily available to parents, schools and the general public.

She said that the book fair would also provide the public with relevant information about the activities of the centre and the list of recommended textbooks for use in FCT schools.

According to her, the desire of the centre is to uplift the standard of education in the FCT by enhancing the culture of reading among students and the general public

She called on principals and school heads to ensure that they followed the 2022 to 2025 recommended booklists for FCT schools, in other to keep their students abreast of current academic curriculum.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fair which has no fewer than 40 publishing companies, displaying various educational materials, began on Sept. 4 and will end on Oct. 6. (NAN)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Silas Nwoha

Commission partners Human Rights Radio to advance Disability Matters
General News

Commission partners Human Rights Radio to advance Disability Matters

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has expressed readiness to partner with Human Rights Radio towards advancing issues associated with Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in Nigeria.

Mr James Lalu, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD said the move became necessary to assist the commission to enlighten the public on the rights, privileges as well as the need to always support PwDs in the society.

The Executive Secretary disclosed this on Thursday when he paid a courtesy visit to the founder of Human Rights Radio (101.1FM) Mr Ahmed Isa, in Abuja.

While appreciating the efforts of the station in airing programmes on issues of disability, the NCPWD Boss urged them to sustain it.

He informed the gathering of the existence of the Accessibility Standard Law which mandate organisations to make their facilities accessible to PwDs.

According to him, the law will be enforced latest by January 2024 after the expiration of the deadline giving by the commission.

”The law empowers the commission to seal up public facilities that do not conform with the Minimum Accessibility Standards for Persons with Disabilities.

Lalu said, Radio Stations like the human rights Radio will play a key role in assisting the commission to achieve  objectives, hence the need to collaborate.

In his response, the founder and President of Human Rights Radio, Ahmed Isa, pledged to offer one year free service to the commission.

Isa said, the station will dedicate free airtime to be  aired every Thursday where disability matters will be discussed with the support of Federal Competition and Consumer Protection (FCCP).

He also promised to support the commission to create the necessary awareness to help tackle other critical needs  and challenges affecting PwDs.

Lalu therefore, appreciated the courage and passion of the NCPWD Boss for providing the needed support to the disability community in Nigeria. (NAN)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Ekemini Ladejobi

Nigeria records appreciable success on UN TB control mandate – FG
Health , General News

Nigeria records appreciable success on UN TB control mandate – FG

By Abujah Racheal

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare says the country has made significant progress in the implementation of the 2018 UN High-Level Meeting (UNHLM) declaration on Tuberculosis (TB) control.

Dr Chukwuma Anyaike, its Director of Public Health, said this on Thursday in Abuja at the Pre-UNHLM on TB National Stakeholders’ Consultation.

The event was organised by Stop TB Partnership Nigeria in collaboration with the National TB and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP).

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that the 2018 UNHLM on TB resulted in the adoption of the Political Declaration on the Fight against TB in September 2018.

Nigeria committed itself to implementing the declaration to achieve the targets set forth.

TB remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with the country ranking among the top 10 with the highest burden of the disease in the world.

Anyaike, who was represented by Dr. Urhioke Ochuko, a Deputy Director who currently oversees the Childhood Tuberculosis Unit, said that Nigeria had increased the number of TB cases detected and treated.

“We have detected more than 285,000 cases; we had a 60 per cent achievement of the target in 2022,” he said.

He said the country had also strengthened health systems.

“Nigeria has prioritised the strengthening of its health systems to improve TB control, including the training of healthcare workers and the establishment of more TB treatment centres.

“TB preventive treatment for Nigerians has also improved significantly from the pre-2018 levels,” he said.

He said that the Nigerian government had shown increased political commitment to TB control with some additional funding to TB control by the government and partners.

He, however, said that there were still significant challenges that the country was facing in achieving the targets set forth in the political eeclaration.

The official listed the challenges to include inadequate funding, low child TB case detection and low enrolment of diagnosed DR-TB patients on treatment,

He called on participants to equally explore the possibility of more  investment for TB treatment as well as innovative TB financing strategies to match funding with the multiple interventions being rolled out.

Mr Mayowa Joel, Executive Secretary of Stop TB Partnership, said that the 2023 UNHLM special session would serve as an opportunity for a comprehensive review of the political declaration.

“The theme of 2023 UNHLM on TB is: ‘Advancing science, finance and innovation, and their benefits, to urgently end the global TB epidemic by ensuring equitable access to prevention, testing, treatment and care,” he said.

He said that the UNHLM on TB is the most significant political meeting ever held on TB and the biggest opportunity to raise the political priority of TB.

“It secured commitment from Heads of State and governments for a coordinated global response, resulting in a substantial increase in financial resources for TB.

“That led to millions of lives being saved from premature deaths from TB,” he said.

He emphasised the need for Nigeria to develop a comprehensive and coordinated response to UNHLM. (NAN)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

===========

NSCDC employs 7 family members of personnel killed by bandits in Kaduna
Defence/Security

NSCDC employs 7 family members of personnel killed by bandits in Kaduna

By Mohammed Tijjani

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC), on Tuesday presented employment letters to families of the seven personnel killed by bandits in Kaduna State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on Jan. 23, 2023, seven personnel of NSCDC Kaduna Command were ambushed and killed by bandits while on official duty in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of the state.

The employment letters were presented to the families by the NSCDC Commandant in Kaduna State, Mr Idris Adah, on Tuesday.

Adah said the gesture was in fulfillment of the promise made by the Commandant General, Mr Ahmed Audi to the families of the deceased.

“Today it’s with joy that I present to you the CGs good deeds by handling over the appointment letters to the next of kins of the late officers.

“This is in fulfillment of the CG’s promise to the family; this however cannot replace the lives of our loved ones,” he added.

Adah therefore changed the beneficiaries to do their best and represent their families with honour and dignity.

The commandant said that the Corps remained committed to its responsibility of protecting critical national assets.

“We are working round the clock with other security agencies to fight crime in the state so that we all can sleep with our two eyes closed,” Adah said.

He warned that anyone caught vandalising critical national assets will be arrested and prosecuted.

Alhaji Baba Audi-Landan, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, appreciated the CG for fulfilling the promise.

He said the appointments given to them would benefit not only the families, but society at large. (NAN)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Maharazu Ahmed

=====================

DSS arrests agency officials over paliative diversion in Nasarawa State
Defence/Security

DSS arrests agency officials over paliative diversion in Nasarawa State

By Monday Ijeh

The Department of State Services (DSS) said it has arrested some officials of the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) and their accomplices over alleged palliatives diversion.

The Public Relations Officer of DSS, Dr Peter Afunanya said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Afunanya said that the service had received complaints from some states relating to diversion and sale of palliatives meant for their citizens

“Consequently, the Service undertook investigations in that regard and has recovered some of the items as well as apprehended the suspects.

“While this operation is ongoing in other states, the Service has for instance, intercepted a suspected criminal syndicate in Nasarawa State responsible for the diversion and sale of the palliatives.

“Among those suspects are officials of Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) and their accomplices in the markets, notably Modern Market Lafia, where the items were being resold,” he said.

The DSS spokesman said the suspects had been handed over for appropriate disciplinary measures.

He urged members of the public with information relating to palliatives diversion to report to relevant security agencies for necessary action. (NAN)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

NDLEA intercepts skunk, laughing gas consignments at Lagos airport
Defence/Security , General News

NDLEA intercepts skunk, laughing gas consignments at Lagos airport

By Ibironke Ariyo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted various quantities of ephedrine, skunk and nitrous oxide, popularly known as laughing gas concealed in semovita packs and dry pepper.

NDLEA’s Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, stated on Sunday in Abuja that the drugs were to be shipped to South Africa and Kenya through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA), Ikeja Lagos.

Babafemi said that the drugs were trafficked by members of Transnational Drug Trafficking Organisations (DTO) adding that some of who were promptly arrested, their mansions raided and their luxury vehicles seized.

He said that through credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives on Friday Aug. 25 intercepted one of the notorious drug traffickers, Babatunde Oba.

He said that the suspect was a member of the cartel distributing Cocaine, Heroin, Methamphetamine and Ephedrine between Nigeria, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa, Mozambique, and Europe.

Babafemi added that the suspect was arrested while attempting to board a Rwanda Air flight to South Africa with two boxes loaded with ephedrine sealed in semovita packs.

He also added that the recovered substance was a precursor chemical and active ingredient in the production of methamphetamine.

“In his statement, Oba who holds a South African passport, married to a South African lady and has lived there for over 20 years, identified one Hakeem Salami who equally lives in Lagos and South Africa as the head of the drug ring,” he said.

According to him, a follow up raid in the house of Salami located at 75 Wosilatu Dawodu Street, Ijesha, Aguda area of Surulere, Lagos on Monday Aug. 28 revealed that he had fled the country on the same day Oba was arrested.

“However, a white Toyota Venza car with registration number LSR 410 HT, a Mercedes Benz SUV marked LSD 998HP, phones and vital documents needed for further investigation were recovered from the house.

“In August 2021, the agency had seized 25.60kg ephedrine from a trafficker, Emmanuel Onwuka at the Lagos airport, a seizure that has also been traced to the same cartel whose identified members are currently on the run.

“An official of the airport, Godwin Shedrack also known as fingered as a member of the syndicate is also under investigation, ” he said.


In the same vein, attempt by another syndicate to export 10.40kg skunk concealed with scent leaf and pepper, going to Nairobi, Kenya, was equally thwarted.

This, he said was done by NDLEA operatives attached to the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) export shed of the Lagos airport on Saturday Aug. 26.

Babafemi said that a suspect, Ekechukwu Ndubuisi, had already been arrested in connection with the seizure.

According to him, NDLEA operatives also arrested a freight agent, Akeem Oyekola for attempting to export a consignment of 180 cannisters of laughing gas to South Africa.

Babafemi said that the drugs were to be trafficked with a fee of N2, 000, 000 to be paid to the suspect.

He added that the NDLEA operatives frustrated the attempt and seized the cargo after arresting the suspect. (NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Rema, Asake, Burna Boy win big at 16th Headies Award in U.S.
Entertainment , General News

Rema, Asake, Burna Boy win big at 16th Headies Award in U.S.

By Babajide Awoyinfa

Nigerian musician Divine Ikubor, known professionally as Rema’s most popular single, Calm Down won several awards on Sunday night at the 16th Headies in Atlanta, Georgia.

The event, tagged “Celebrating African Renaissance,” was hosted by Nollywood actress, Osas Ighodaro and American media personality, Terrence J.

Rema won Best Male artist, African Artist of the Year and Digital artist of the year.

Also, Ahmed Ololade, known professionally as Asake, walked home with a brand new car after winning the highly coveted Next Rated category while Damini Ogulu, professionally known as Burna Boy’s Last Last won Afrobeats single of the year and Song of the Year.

Other winners of the night include Seyi Vibez, Spyro, Odumodublvck, Rexxie, Blaq Bonez and others.

Meanwhile, the organisers didn’t present some of the categories, including Best Recording of The Year, Songwriter of The Year, Best RnB Single, Best Vocal Performance (Female), Headies Viewers’ Choice, Best East African artiste of the year, and Best North African Artiste of The Year.

Others are Best Southern African Artiste of The Year, Best Central African Artiste of The Year, International Artiste Of The Year, Best Alternative Album, and Best RnB Album.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Odumodublvck – (Winner)

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR Rexxie (Abracadabra) – (Winner)

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR “Loyal” Simi – (Winner)

BEST R&B SINGLE “For My Hand” by Bruna Boy ft ED Sheeran – (Winner)

BEST RAP SINGLE “Declan Rice” by Odumodublvck – (Winner)

BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE) “In Between” Waje – (Winner)

BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE) “Kpe Paso” Wande Coal – (Winner)

BEST ALTERNATIVE SONG “Earth Song” by Wizard Chan – (Winner)

BEST MUSIC VIDEO “Calm Down (Remix)” by Director K – (Winner)

BEST RECORDING OF THE YEAR “Soweto” by Victony and Tempoe – (Winner)

BEST COLLABORATION Spyro ft. Tiwa Savage– “Who’s Your Guy Remix” – (Winner)

BEST STREET-HOP ARTISTE Seyi Vibez – “Chance (Na Ham)” – (Winner)

AFROBEATS SINGLE OF THE YEAR “Last Last” – Burna Boy – (Winner)

HEADIES’ VIEWERS’ CHOICE Victony & Tempoe – “Soweto” – (Winner)

BEST R&B ALBUM The Brother’s Keeper – Chike – (Winner)

BEST ALTERNATIVE ALBUM Gbagada Express – Boj – (Winner)

BEST RAP ALBUM Young Preacher – Blaqbonez – (Winner)

ALBUM OF THE YEAR Mr Money With The Vibe – Asake – (Winner)

SONG OF THE YEAR “Last Last” – Burna Boy – (Winner)

BEST FEMALE ARTISTE Ayra Starr – (Winner)

BEST MALE ARTISTE Rema – (Winner)

NEXT RATED Asake – (Winner)

AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR Rema (Nigeria) – (Winner)

LYRICIST ON THE ROLL Payper Corleone – “Fly Talk Only” – (Winner)

BEST INSPIRATIONAL SINGLE “Eze Ebube” – Neon Adejo – (Winner)

DIGITAL ARTISTE OF THE YEAR Rema – (Winner)

BEST WEST AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR Black Sherif (Ghana) – (Winner)

BEST EAST AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR Diamond Platnumz – (Winner)

BEST NORTH AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR El Grande Toto – Morocco – (Winner)

BEST SOUTHERN AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR Focalistic – South Africa – (Winner)

HALL OF FAME Youssou N’dour

SPECIAL RECOGNITION SOUND SULTAN (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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