NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

New EU Ambassador outlines plans for Nigeria

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

Gautier Mignot, European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has outlined the union’s plans to improve trade, strengthen investment and positively impact the youthful population of Nigeria.

Mignot made the plans known on Wednesday in Lagos at a media luncheon.

He said that the EU would want to partner closely with Nigerian authorities at all levels to know their expectations, strategies and needs.

Mignot also said that the EU would want to know the expectations of  civil societies and Nigerian youths.

He said that the EU was Nigeria’s largest trading and investment partner in 2023, with 28 per cent of its total trade at 35 billion euros.

He said that Nigeria benefitted 10.7 billion euros trade surplus form the EU.

“When it comes to investment, a key priority of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria also its strongest partner in the EU.

“Our Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stock accounts for about one third of Nigerian FDI, totalling  26.4 billion euros as at 2022.

“There are hundreds of EU companies present in Nigeria and they have strict compliance policies on anti-corruption, environment, labour  local legislation,” he said.

The ambassador said that he was commitment to bringing the EU-Nigeria partnership to a higher level, with the aim  of positively impacting the Nigerian population.

He said that given the current uncertain times and fast-evolving global environment, Nigeria needed constant and faithful partners to count on.

Mignot said that EU took Nigeria as a key partner in Africa and the world; hence, its mission to inform, propose and implement decisions to strengthen the partnership.

“We have a global and strong partnership based on shared values  such as democracy, rule of law and multilateralism.

“EU interest is to see Nigeria consolidate its role as an anchor of stability in Africa, and progress on its path towards a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future.

“We want to help in this endeavour, with  full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and with humility.

“There is a lack of visibility, and we have to combat disinformation and misperceptions, and the press has a very important role to play in this regard,” he said.

Mignot said  that under the partnership, there would be better structure for economic relations and dialogue to address issues hampering  investment and trade.

Mignot described EU’s Global Gateway Investment as a new strategy aimed at connecting people and accelerating green, digital and inclusive transition in partner-countries such as Nigeria.

According to him, this means leveraging and accelerating investment and to increasingly work in coordination with EU companies to bring concrete benefits to Nigerians.

He said the EU recognised the importance of accelerating Nigeria’s industrialisation and maximising  opportunities for  value addition and job creation.

Mignot revealed that the EU cooperation budget for 2021-2027 amounted to 731 million euros in grants and it was complemented by other instruments.

“With the Global Gateway Investment Strategy, the EU works in sectors crucial for the transformation and diversification of the Nigerian economy such as energy, digital economy, agriculture and food security.

“The EU also invests in human development –  health, education and social protection – as well as in good governance, migration issues and fundamental rights.

“The EU is increasingly developing projects in the north of the country as a whole to respond to the specific development needs of this part of Nigeria.

“The EU is committed to further strengthening engagement in peace and security by responding better to Nigeria’s needs and expectations,” he said.

(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Stakeholders validate northern project studies on poverty reduction

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By Felicia Imohimi

Stakeholders have validated the Federal Government, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and French Development Agency (AFD) Value Chain in Northern Nigeria (VCN) programme’s complementary studies.

The programme aims to contribute sustainably to poverty reduction, improved nutrition, and greater resilience among rural and vulnerable populations in northern Nigeria.

Speaking at the validation workshop on Monday in Abuja, stakeholders stated that the VCN complementary studies were conducted to provide a deeper understanding of the context in which the project would be implemented.

The studies also identified key leverage points and challenges faced in the region.

Bukar Musa, Director of the Project Coordinating Unit at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said the VCN programme is a Federal Government initiative designed to improve the livelihoods of half a million smallholder farmers and uplift vulnerable populations.

Musa explained that the programme’s objectives would be achieved by strengthening value chains, enhancing agricultural productivity, and increasing market access.

He added that the project aligns with the Presidential Emergency Declaration on Food Security, the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP), and other related policies.

According to Musa, implementing the VCN programme will help reduce poverty, enhance nutrition, and improve the resilience of rural populations in nine northern states—Borno, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.

Mrs Dede Ekoue, Country Director of IFAD Nigeria, stated that the complementary studies conducted by the Food and Agriculture Innovation Centre (FAO) would strengthen the implementation of the already developed project implementation manual.

Ekoue noted that the studies were funded by IFAD and AFD.

“This collaborative and systematic approach with development partners and UN agencies fosters the scaling up and efficiency of investment in support of national priorities for agro-food systems transformation and sustainable development.

“This development focuses on the humanitarian, development, and peace nexus in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNDSDCF) and AFD Nigeria’s Country Intervention Strategy,” she said.

Ekoue added that the VCN programme, expected to be signed in August 2025, would directly benefit an estimated 456,000 smallholder farmers and rural entrepreneurs.

Ms Sally Ibrahim, Project Manager representing AFD’s Country Director in Nigeria, Xavier Muron, said the workshop marked the successful completion of studies intended to facilitate the operational implementation of the VCN programme.

Ibrahim stated that the programme aims to promote inclusive economic opportunities for vulnerable populations and address food and nutritional insecurity in northern Nigeria.

“AFD’s current support to the sector in Nigeria focuses mainly on improving rural access and agri-markets.

“This future support for the VCN programme, alongside IFAD, represents a significant step in creating synergies with other agro-food development programmes implemented by the government.

“It seeks to address the challenges and multiple fragilities facing the agricultural sector,” she said.

Mr Braimah Tofiq, Operations Officer at FAO, explained that the complementary studies conducted by the organisation were aimed at refining and strengthening the project’s implementation strategies.

Tofiq revealed the rising rate of malnutrition in northern Nigeria and outlined key interventions to address the challenge.

They include promotion of nutrient-rich crops, improved maternal and child nutrition, and the encouragement of backyard and small-scale animal husbandry.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a highlight of the workshop was the presentation of the VCN complementary studies by Line Kasperson, Investment Support Officer at the FAO Investment Centre in Rome. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

ECOWAS Court dismisses human rights violation claim against Nigeria

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By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court of Justice has dismissed an alleged human rights violation suit filed by one Patrick Eholor, on behalf of Makia Media Limited, against the Federal Government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the applicant had in suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/43/21, alleged that Nigeria’s broadcasting laws violated social media rights, human rights defenders, activists, bloggers, and journalists.

Delivering judgment, Justice Sengu Koroma, Judge Rapporteur, with Justices Ricardo Gonçalves (presiding) and Dupe Atoki (member), dismissed all the applicant’s claims and upheld the preliminary objection raised by Nigeria.

The court held that the applicant lacked the legal capacity to bring the matter before it as ‘actio popularis’ (public interest) suit.

According to the Community Court, the applicant also failed to present evidence mandating him to act in a representational capacity on behalf of Makia Media Limited.

It, therefore, declared the entire suit inadmissible “both as an actio popularis suit and a representational suit”.

“The reliefs sought must be exclusively for the benefit of the public to the exclusion of the personal interest of the Applicant,” Justice Koroma held.

The court noted that it only had jurisdiction to entertain the case because it bordered on alleged human rights violations but pointed out that the case was inadmissible.

The court further held that although the applicant had jurisdiction to bring a claim for human rights violation as a corporate body, the suit neither met the requirement of ‘actio popularis’ principle.

According to the Community Court, the action was not for the benefit of the public, and the applicant did not demonstrate that the victims cannot be envisioned by the Court.

Eholor had in his submission argued that various Nigerian Broadcasting Code provisions were inconsistent with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and International Treaties and Conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.

The applicant had further claimed that in July 2020, the Respondent through the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) began implementation of repressive Sections of the Code, particularly Sections 5, 4 (1), (f) and 5 (4), (3).

He argued that NBC considered all coverage on security issues as a threat to governance and engaged in arbitrary arrest and detention of media practitioners.

He further claimed that the Respondent also failed to release public information sought by practitioners, which violated their rights to freedom of expression and information.

Responding, Nigeria had denied the claims of the applicant, arguing that no court had declared any section of the NBC Code as ambiguous or illegal and the applicant had not been prevented from exercising its rights within the limits of the law.

It added that the applicant was not at any time arrested or detained, and as a corporate body, lacked the capacity to sue for the violation of human rights.

The court, however, ordered Nigeria to pay an interlocutory cost of 250,000 Naira to the applicant due to the respondent’s “tardiness” in the course of the matter.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

EU cautiously optimistic on Syria engagement –Official

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By Maureen Okon

Irish foreign minister Simon Harris said on Monday that the European Union (EU) ‘is cautiously optimistic on Syria engagement’ but called for more deeper engagement to strengthen relations with the country.

Harris said this at a news conference held at the EU Headquarters in Brussels, the Belgian capital.

“It’s early days, but I think there are  signs of optimism. But it is important that we continue to engage.

“I don’t think it would be a good scenario if any other geopolitical actors and forces engage with Syria and for the European Union not to be in a position to intensively engage with them,“ he said.

In her remarks, Ms. Kaja Kallas, the Vice-President of the EU described Syria’s future as fragile but said that the bloc needed to take the right steps.

“But of course, we need to see the right steps as well. Right now, they’re saying all the right words, and they are doing also the right things.

“Therefore, we have this set step-for-step approach, and if they take the steps, then we are willing to take the steps as well,’’ she said.

On the war in Gaza, Harris said  President Donald Trump and his team are very much a party to the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas after the intensive work that was put in.

He conceded that the Trump administration put in a lot of effort to arrive at a ceasefire agreement in the days before his assumption of office for a return to the White House.

“I think that was important and there is no doubt that the intensive work invested by the Trump administration played a very significant role in helping to bring about a ceasefire –a ceasefire that has now seen a cessation of hostilities, the killing, and the bombings.

“Also, that has seen the flow and has seen hostages being released. It’s really important that the ceasefire is in place.

“It is also important, though, to acknowledge in that ceasefire agreement itself, it does talk about people being able to return, and therefore, I think it’s important that we’re consistent in the approach that we take.

“The priority, I think, needs to be on implementing to the letter, the ceasefire agreement,’’ he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Water, sanitation, food security critical to national development –FG

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By Isaiah Eka

Mr Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has stated that water, sanitation, and food security are essential to Nigeria’s development.

Pheelangwah made this remark at the 31st regular meeting of the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation (NCWR&S) in Uyo on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the meeting is “Water and Food Security: Challenges and Opportunities in the Face of Daunting Climate Change”.

The permanent secretary, who also serves as the Council’s Chairman, noted that water, sanitation, and food security have a direct impact on public health, economic productivity, and environmental sustainability.

He urged the National Technical Committee, which is holding a five-day session, to identify challenges and propose solutions through the memoranda to be presented.

“The theme of this year’s Council meeting was carefully chosen to reflect the critical importance of water, food security, and the negative impacts of climate change on our people.

“This theme is timely, as it could not have come at a better moment.

“It is important that we continue to meet because what we know today may not hold tomorrow.

“Life keeps evolving, and we must evolve with it; otherwise, what we considered relevant yesterday becomes obsolete today,” he said.

He further noted that President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency on food security necessitates action from relevant ministries and authorities to ensure adequate irrigation and year-round farmland cultivation for food production.

The permanent secretary also commended the Akwa Ibom State Government and development partners for their unwavering support of the ministry’s efforts.

In her remarks, Mrs Emah Udonsek, Permanent Secretary of the Akwa Ibom Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasised that water and food security are fundamental to human survival, economic development, and environmental sustainability.

She noted the timeliness of the theme, noting its focus on sustainable water resource management and food security for Nigerians.

“The theme also underscores the urgent need for action, innovative solutions, and collaborative efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change,” she said.

Udonsek added that the future of food security and water availability is closely tied to the nation’s ability to adapt to climate change.

NAN reports that development partners and key stakeholders delivered goodwill messages during the opening session of the technical meeting. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

FIDA pledges quick justice for GBV victims

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By Justina Auta

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has expressed its commitment to removing barriers that hinder swift access to prosecution and justice for survivors and victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, Chairperson of FIDA’s Abuja branch, made this commitment in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of a media parley in Abuja.

Onyenucheya-Uko expressed concern over the rising cases of GBV in the country, emphasising the need for urgent action to address the issue.

She explained that the association provides free legal services to survivors and victims of GBV, ensuring they have access to justice, legal advice, and counselling.

She encouraged women experiencing abuse to speak out and utilise the various legal provisions in place to protect them.

“There are ample laws to protect women. It is important that they speak up and stay true to their cases.

“While justice may not always be swift, it is essential to trust the process rather than settling with abusers who may become repeat offenders,” she said.

She said that the enactment of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in 2015, was a significant step towards addressing GBV.

“However, its full implementation is necessary to ensure that survivors get access to justice.

“FIDA Nigeria played a critical role in the movement for the passage of the VAPP Act.

“Through this law and the practice direction issued by the Chief Judge of the FCT, delays in adjudicating SGBV cases have been drastically reduced.

“Dedicated courts now expedite such cases to ensure that justice is served,” she said.

She that FIDA Abuja remained at the forefront of implementing the VAPP Act and advocating for the rights of survivors of gender-based violence.

She, therefore, encouraged the society to support victims to speak out to reduce  prevalence of violence and other harmful practices against women and children.

“It is unfair to judge or doubt victims. When we support and believe them, we create an environment that discourages abuse and provides justice for survivors,” she said.

She urged the media to partner with FIDA and other stakeholders to amplify issues affecting women and children on their platforms.

According to her, speedy prosecution process will ensure justice for survivors and serve as deterrent to others.

“My expectation from this meeting is that it will birth partnerships and collaborations that will help FIDA Abuja branch enjoy the support of media practitioners.

“This will focus attention on issues affecting women and children, while combating discriminatory and abusive practices,” she said.

The chairperson also called on the general public to empathise with survivors and refrain from “victim-blaming”. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

FG deploys 30 mobile labs, virtual headsets to boost education in North East

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By Talatu Maiwada

The Federal Government, through the Accelerated Senior Secondary Education Programme (ASSEP), has provided 30 mobile laboratories and virtual reality headsets to enhance educational development in the North East.

Mrs Sa’adatu Shehu, Chairperson of the ASSEP Project Implementation Committee, announced this during a Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting and Programme Assessment on Monday in Yola.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the ASSEP intervention project was launched on May 20, 2024 by Vice President Kashim Shettima in Bauchi.

Shehu explained that the programme, an initiative of the Office of the Vice President and funded by the North East Development Commission (NEDC), aims to address gaps in the quality of secondary education across Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states.

She said the provision of instructional materials is designed to equip students with the academic knowledge and practical skills required for the modern workforce.

“The region has faced persistent challenges due to conflict, limited infrastructure, and gaps in teacher quality and educational resources.

“As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, ASSEP is transforming education in Northeast Nigeria by focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Agriculture (STEMA).

“This initiative aims to improve student learning, foster healthy competition, and promote excellence in STEMA subjects,” she said.

Mrs Aisha Umar, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Adamawa, commended the Federal Government for the initiative, describing it as a great step towards improving education in the region.

She noted that the Northeast has suffered from longstanding neglect in the education sector due to persistent conflict.

Umar encouraged teachers and students to embrace the programme, emphasising its potential to transform education in Adamawa.

She also expressed gratitude to the NEDC for its efforts, stating that the initiative would significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children and enhance teacher capacity.

Mrs Godiya Mamza, a teacher at General Murtala Mohammed College also praised the NEDC, noting that the training provided under the initiative has greatly improved her teaching skills and students’ learning outcomes. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Nabilu Balarabe/Tosin Kolade

NBS to strengthen partnerships for reliable data production

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By Okeoghene Akubuike

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure the production of accurate and reliable data.

The Statistician-General of the Federation, Adeyemi Adeniran, made this statement during a Sensitisation Workshop on the rebasing of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Civil Society Organisations in Abuja on Monday.

Adeniran noted that the workshop, organised by BudgiT, underscores the bureau’s dedication to transparency, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement.

He noted that it aligned with the United Nations’ Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics, particularly Principle 3, which emphasises accountability and transparency.

“Our processes are designed to be open, collaborative, and rigorous, ensuring that we leave no stone unturned in accurately measuring and reporting the size of the economy and the level of price changes,” he stated.

Adeniran explained that the rebasing exercise is essential for ensuring that the GDP and CPI reflect current economic realities.

He noted that as economies evolve with new industries and shifting consumption patterns, it is vital to update Nigeria’s statistical measures to capture these changes accurately.

“The rebasing of our GDP and CPI ensures that our economic indicators accurately reflect the structure of our economy, incorporating emerging sectors, updating consumption baskets, and refining data collection methods.

“This process is conducted in line with global standards, without any external influence, and solely to provide accurate measurements,” Adeniran added.

He also emphasised the importance of the exercise for informed policymaking, strategic planning, and effective governance, noting the professionalism of the NBS in conducting the process.

Speaking at the workshop, Oluseun Onigbinde, Global Director for BudgiT, stressed the need for the rebasing exercise to reflect public policy changes and significant sectoral shifts over the past decade.

“Nigerians expect the rebasing to demonstrate the significant changes in various sectors over the last five to ten years.

“The NBS must ensure the data produced builds trust, informs policy, and allows citizens to access robust information about themselves,” Onigbinde said.

He urged the NBS to prioritise effective communication of the rebasing results, recommending an increased communication budget to reach critical segments of society, including the media, to explain the process, insights, and policy implications.

“This is an opportunity to strengthen trust in the institution. The NBS must also communicate the implications and deductions from the data to public policymakers to avoid reckless policy decisions,” he added.

He further emphasised the need for the NBS to remain independent and free from political interference, urging the bureau to always present the truth, regardless of its political or social implications. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng )

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Nigerian-American woman returns $5,700 found in U.S.

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By Fortune Abang

A Nigerian-American woman, Victoria Ogunremi, has returned the cash sum of $5,700 which she found in the toilet at her workplace in New Jersey, U.S.A.

The gesture has been described as one of the remarkable acts of honesty and kindness by most Nigerians living abroad.

Ogunremi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview on Monday that that the gesture had earned widespread praises from her employer, colleagues and the person who lost the money.

According to her, the decision to return the money was informed by concern for the person who had lost the money.

Ogunremi said: “The thought of the pain or trauma it could cause inspired me.

“I did not hesitate to return it because of my Christian faith and beliefs. Honesty brings peace of mind and it is the key virtue I cherish.”

She said that she had found the owner of the money before informing her employer organisation management.

Ogunremi said that her co-workers also expressed admiration for the gesture, with many saying that they were not surprised by her act of kindness.

“The management was very pleased and proud of me. The owner was incredibly grateful and showered me with praises.

“They told me that it could only have been an act of kindness by a woman with the fear of God to do something like this,” she recounted.

The Nigerian-American attributed her kind nature to her late father’s teachings on moral upbringing, adding “he taught us never to take what does not belong to us.

“Such principles have guided me throughout my life, knowing that honesty is a principle I hope to instill in my children and grand-children.

“Whether someone is watching or not, doing the right thing matters. A good name is priceless and peace of mind is golden.

“No matter how tough your situation is, always return what does not belong to you. Doing the right thing brings rewards far greater than anything material.”

NAN reports that Ogunremi’s gesture serves as a shining example of integrity and compassion to do what is right, even when it is not the easiest path to take. (NAN) (nannews.com.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

It’ll benefit U.S. to work with EU – Irish foreign minister

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By Maureen Okon

Foreign Minister Simon Harris said on Monday in Brussels that it would benefit the U.S. if it did business with the European Union (EU) member countries.

Harris said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) ahead of the meeting of the foreign ministers of member countries of the EU.

The meeting is to discuss Ukraine, EU-U.S. relations, and the situation in the Middle East.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday vowed to hit the EU with tariffs and said his administration was discussing a 10 per cent punitive duty on Chinese imports because fentanyl is being sent from China to the U.S. via Mexico and Canada.

Trump voiced his latest tariff threats in remarks to reporters at the White House a day after taking office without immediately imposing tariffs as he had promised during his campaign.

Trump said the EU and other countries also had troubling trade surpluses with the United States.

“So they’re going to be in for tariffs. It’s the only way … you’re going to get fairness,” he said.

But the Irish foreign minister said that Trump as the democratically elected president of the U.S. “will decide the direction of his country for the next four years, and certainly with his party, the Republicans, in control of both houses of Congress, he would be able to do that.

“That is the reality with which the EU as a bloc finds itself. I think Europe should not just become a multilateral organisation discussing President Trump.

“We should also talk about what we are going to do ourselves.

“We are not just commentators on the outcomes of other people’s elections. We are the EU and there are hundreds of millions of us.

“There are 27 countries in the EU, and we must now control what we can control, which means the implementation of the Draghi Report.

“It means the implementation of Letta’s recommendations.

“It means carving out the proper time, bandwidth, space, and capacity in the commission to return to issues such as competitors and it means engaging with Trump.

“In a way, I think it relates to the benefits to the U.S of doing business with the European Union and member states of the bloc,” he said.

Harris affirmed that his country is prepared to do business with the Trump administration as “it has done with every U.S. administration.”

He noted that there would always be challenges “but we’ve got to control what we can control, and that’s why I want to meet the Trade Commissioner.

“I think it is essential that there’s an early engagement between the EU and the U.S. I called for that during my time as a member of the European Council, and I reiterate that today.

“And I also very much welcome the fact that the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, will be invited to participate or to either zoom in or meet us in person at a Foreign Affairs Council at an early date.

“I think that will be a very welcome development,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Emmanuel Yashim

 

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