The Emir of Borgu, Muhammad Sani Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV hands over the champion’s trophy to the captain of Kagogi Young Stars.(Photo Credit:NAN)
By Victor Okoye
Kagogi Young Stars on Friday pipped Koro Young Stars 1-0 to lift maiden Kitoro IV Unity Cup in Borgu, New Bussa, Niger.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the maiden U15 grassroots tournament was sponsored by ChatmyCause (CMC) Initiative.
The tournament which was organised in honour of the Emir of Borgu, Muhammad Sani Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV.
No fewer than 250 players and 16 teams participated in the competition.
The teams were grouped into four groups, consisting of four teams in each group.
Teams in Group A were City Rulers FC, Kagogi Young Stars Karabonde, Flamingos FC.
In Group B, we had Frontliners FC, Kainji Pillars, NATA, and Dodo Jnr FC.
Group C comprised of Koro Young Stars FC, Highlanders FC, Borgu Yield FC, and Hotline FC.
While Group D was made up of Gbere, “A Academy Wawa, Golden Stars FC, 221 TNK Battalion and Monnai FC.
After several rounds of hostilities in the group stage, Round of 16 and the quarter-finals, four teams qualified for the semi-finals at the end of a pulsating encounter.
The teams include Gbere, “A Academy, City Rulers FC, Kagogi Young Stars Karabonde, and Koro Young Stars FC.
Both Kagogi Young Stars and Koro Young Stars advanced to the finals after defeating Gbere ‘A’ Academy and City Rulers, respectively, in the semi-finals.
The third place match played on Thursday saw Abdulgafar Abidoka grab a brace, while Musa Dantalo added the third goal as Gbere ‘A’ Academy beat City Rulers 3-0.
The final match played on Friday lived up to the expectations of a mammoth crowd, which tropped in their hundreds to watch the thrilling encounter.
Koro Young Stars began the game on the strong footing and looked to assert their dominance early in the match.
But they squandered a lot of goal scoring chances, which came their way, with only the goalkeeper to beat on several occasions.
However, it was Kagogi Young Stars who opened scoring through Haliru Karabonde in the 18th minute against the run of play.
Karabonde’s early effort proved to be the winning goal after Kagogi Young Stars’ defence withstood a barrage of attacks from their opponents to emerge winners of the tournament.
NAN also reports that the gold, silver, and bronze medalists received mouth-watering cash rewards courtesy of the Emir.
Lily Grace, the Executive Director of CMC Initiative, told newsmen after the match that the winners had also qualified to take part in a scouting programme billed to take place in Abuja from July 5 to July 7.
She said that as part of her Initiative’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), a total of 50 of the best players selected during the course of the tournament and 10 coaches would be sponsored to take part in the U15 Scouting and Coaching programme in Abuja.
The Emir thanked CMC for providing children of the Emirates with the opportunity to showcase their God-given talent.
He said that it would go a long way to ensure that the youths achieve their dreams and become great.
The programme organised by Patoz Football Concept Ltd. in collaboration with Chatmycause (CMC) Initiative and OTP United FC, Finland is for youth academies across Nigeria at the Aguyi Ironsi Cantonment football pitch, Abuja.
The programme is to discover and support less privileged talented players at the grassroots, develop and launch the “NEXT NAIJA FOOTBALL SUPERSTAR”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has commended his community, Bako Ward of Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa, for the ongoing construction of an Islamic Centre Complex.
Ribadu gave the commendation in Yola on Wednesday, after inspecting the ongoing project, which consists of a mosque, Islamic learning centre and other facilities.
He commended members of the community and other philanthropists who worked for the realisation of the project.
He called for more efforts and financial support to enable completion of the complex, “which is currently at 80 per cent completion.”
The NSA advised members of the community, particularly the youths, to use the complex, when completed, as a rallying point and to advance learning for their educational growth and development.
“We complain a lot about eroding values. A lot of it is because we have abandoned proper learning and inculcating morals in our young ones.
“I hope this place will help address that,” he said.
He pledged to support the project to meet the aspiration of the community.
Alhaji Ahmadu Baminda, a community leader and member of the Mosque Project Committee, explained that Ribadu was invited to the project site to see the community’s efforts and to seek his support.
The goal, according to him, is to galvanise more support to ensure the completion of the project.
“We appreciate all you are doing as an illustrious member of this community.
“We hope that you will help us so that the dream of our community to have a befitting Islamic centre is realised,” he said. (NAN)
A cross section of Nigerians on Wednesday in Abuja expressed divergent opinions on the gains that had accrued to Nigerians in the 25 years of democracy.
Some Nigerians, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said that democratic government had yielded much result for the country, while others thought otherwise.
Mr Benjamin Otu, a resident of Mararaba, Nasarawa State, said democracy had impacted positively on Nigerians and the Nigerian economy.
According to him, democracy is gradually taking its roots in every facet of national life.
“Some of the rights and privileges enjoyed today resulted from a thriving democracy.
“Nigeria’s democracy has come a long way since 1999; all hands must be on deck to reposition it.”
A civil servant, Mr Rotimi Adeyemi, said that there was no alternative to a democratic government.
“Under democracy, we have freedom of expression and association, which was non-existent during the military regime.
“For the past 25 years, the people of Nigeria have imbibed and internalised the principles and culture of democracy.
“Most of the bills coming from the National Assembly and the change of government periodically, without any interruption, have shown that democracy has come to stay,” he said.
According to him, some of the problems faced by Nigerians can be traced to the military.
“Now, people associate freely and walk freely, as power flows from the people. It is the people that decide who rules them,” he said.
Mr James Edoh, a businessman, said that democracy had given Nigerians the power to choose their leaders and hold them accountable.
“In contrast, the military rule we had was characterised by tyranny and oppression. It is often said that the worst democratic government is better than the best military government.
“It is better that we stay with the democratic government and improve on it than the military regime.
“A lot has been enjoyed by Nigerians in this democratic regime compared to the military regime. Like peace, job creation, among others,” he said.
Also, Mr Caleb Ezea, a trader, said that democracy allows for participatory governance.
“Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people. It gives voice to the common man.
“The voice of everyone is heard unlike military rule where tyranny reigns supreme,” he said.
Mr Ezekiel Ogbu, a civil servant, on his part, called for more transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s democracy.
Ogbu, who said that the country’s democracy was too expensive, urged the country to try another system of government.
Similarly, Mr Solomon Oladapo, a resident of Suleja, called for more progress at the level of development in the country.
He advised the government to close loopholes exploited to loot the nation’s wealth.
Miss Irene Nsiodo, a resident of Garki, said that democracy had brought stability in the political system.
“I believe that democracy has given hope for a brighter future for the people of Nigeria.
“Freedom of expression has been given a chance to thrive, leading to the exposure of corrupt practices in various sectors of the economy,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Abiemwense Moru
Residents of Apo Resettlement Area in the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) have decried the poor state of link roads and other social amenities in the area.
The residents, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, said they always pass through a lot of difficulties accessing their homes.
The residents further said that accessing critical facilities such as schools and hospitals was also a major challenge due to lack of link roads.
Elder Babayinka Ojo, a resident of Apo, said that all link roads leading to the markets and some estates had remained inaccessible by both motorists and pedestrians over the years.
”Our city roads are full of potholes some of which have become craters.
”These potholes are hazardous to motorists and pedestrians alike as they increase the risk of accidents, falls and possible injuries.
“Driving at night is incredibly challenging and unsafe because of the dreadful roads and dilapidated link roads.
“The alternative road that is supposed to connect Agaba Estate junction to Main Market to decongest the excess traffic leading to the market is not accessible to both motorists and pedestrians,” he said.
He said that some abandoned structures in the area have been occupied by criminals and drug addicts who pose serious danger to the residents.
”The Sen. Zephaniah Jisalo neighbourhood roads are an eyesore.
”The worst is a cashew plantation in the area called Agwa TV, which Indian hemp smokers have turned to a ‘no go area’ between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily,” he alleged.
Ojo said that the road linking Lokogoma, Apo Mechanic, Shoprite/burial ground was another death trap to motorists.
Another resident, Mrs Esther Ekong, appealed to the Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, to come to their aid by fixing the bad roads in the area.
Ekong urged the minister to use his office to assist the community by allocating funds for the construction of roads in the area.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Some residents of Ado, One Man Village and Masaka in Nasarawa State, have commended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in fixing the nation’s economy.
The residents made the commendations in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Mararaba.
While some residents hailed Tinubu for what he had done in his one year in the office, others urged him to do better in repositioning the country.
One of the residents, Mr Okoronkwo Okechukuwu, Chief Executive Officer of Okeson Industrial Chemicals, said Tinubu’s first year has been a ‘mixed bag’.
According to him, it is too early to judge his leadership, because he is still trying to correct past mistakes, so we should pray for him and his administration.
”The challenges faced by the President are enormous, and the fluctuation of the dollar is critical to the Nigerian economy, this has also affected business.
”My business is something we buy with the dollar, and as the dollar increases the prices of goods go high which affects the business badly,” he said.
Okechukwu said that in spite of these challenges, Tinubu has the potential to do better and therefore sought prayers for the President.
“I believe he can do better. His leadership will be better than the last leadership, therefore, fellow Nigerians, I urged us to pray for the government and those in authority and for President Tinubu.
”This is because if he does well, it is for the betterment of us all,” he said.
Similarly, Mr Graham Eberechukuwu, a resident of Masaka, said that Tinubu’s first year had been a tale of two halves.
Eberechukwu, who expressed concern over the price of fuel that has gone higher than it was before now, acknowledged the progress made by the President in reducing terrorism.
“As a country, the rate of terrorism has reduced, and this is the area that President Tinubu has impacted well,” he said.
He advised Nigerians to be self-reliant saying,” We cannot rely on the government alone. We need to be self-sufficient and find ways to overcome our challenges.”
Also, Mr Tosin Owolabi, a resident of Ado and a dealer on second-hand clothing, expressed optimism in spite of the challenges.
“We are still keeping the faith, in spite of the challenges. Tinubu promised to improve the livelihood of Nigerians and we are waiting to see the results,”
Owolabi, who acknowledged the difficulties faced by the citizens, urged them to exercise patience as things would be better soon.
Meanwhile, Miss Patience Abraham, a fashion designer, lamented that the economic hardship was caused by the removal of fuel subsidy.
“The first month Tinubu assumed office as the President, the first thing he did was to remove fuel subsidy, and that caused a lot of economic breakdown.
”This however, led to the increase of price of commodities in the market,” she said.
Abraham said the economic situation had affected her business seriously, adding that it called for an urgent action to fix the country.
”The fabrics I got for as low as N1,000 are now N2,500, and it is making the business unprofitable, and clients are complaining.
”Before, you can make a dress for N5,000, but now you cannot make that same dress for N10,000 because of the high cost of sewing materials,” she said.
Abraham said the high cost of transportation was also a major challenge, adding that it had contributed to the high cost of things generally.
“A common man can no longer feed three times a day now in Nigeria. A ‘mudu’ of beans is now N2,300, as against N800. Things have not been easy.
”As Tinubu marks his first year in office, I hope for a better future.
”Let us keep praying, work hard and hope that as the years go by the president will try to fix the country,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Some traders in Niger have decried the closure of the roadside market located in Madalla, along Abuja/Kaduna expressway, as ordered Gov. Umaru Bago.
The traders conveyed their displeasure in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Madalla.
NAN reports that the closure followed reports of frequent accidents on the road that always led to loss of lives.
Policemen were seen chasing marketers and preventing them from displaying their wares for business.
Mr Solomon Eze, a trader, told NAN that the notice given to them was short and too sudden for government to chase the traders away.
“I came to the market to display my okrika (thrift) for sale only to see Police officers chasing people around,” he said.
Another trader, who preferred to be identified as Mama Amina, decried the decision by the government to relocate them to where she described as a “bushy surrounding.’’
She said that the new place (market) was not conducive and spacious enough for the traders; hence the reluctance to relocate from the express market.
“In actual sense, government is supposed to build a modern market within this area, knowing quite well that the population is growing and the environment is attracting more people everyday.
“The new place that government is asking us to go needed to be cleared, ” Amina added.
Meanwhile, Hajiya Maijidda Nuhu, a trader on food stuff, said she was delighted over the decision by the governor to close the market, saying it was a welcome idea.
“The decision is a timely intervention by the government; because the space is now too small for the traders that were growing in number by the day.
“The traders have taken over the roads; making it difficult for free movement of vehicles with leads to frequent accidents.
“It has always been a terrible situation whenever drivers loss control within the market.
”We have had severe cases of accident and we should be happy for the government’s decision to relocate us from here, “she said.
Nuhu said she lost her husband 20 years ago as a result of an accident that occurred within the market.
”I would have also lost my life alongside my husband if not for God.
“As you can see, my face and hand are with scars; this is an unforgettable scar for me; it always reminded me of my late husband.
“I am happy with the government for relocating the market to a safer place; the marketers don’t understand that the government’s decision is for our own good.
“More so, the government has provided a place which is a better space behind, just few steps away from here,” she added.
Nuhu made an appeal to the state government to ensure that the new location was developed to be standard and conducive enough for the traders. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Oleh community in Delta has urged the State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to prevail on the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kingsley Emu, from fuelling crisis in the town.
The appeal is contained in a petition to the Governor by some leaders in Oleh, Isoko South Local Govt, Delta, a copy of which was made available to newsmen on Friday.
In the petition signed by four leaders on behalf of the community, they alleged that the SSG
was unjustly interfering in the leadership succession in Oleh, an action capable of breaching the peace in the town.
The petition was signed on behalf of the community by Chief Zaakie Okupa, Hon. Osibi Henry, Mr Anthony Okeh, and Mr Ayo Ubara.
The SSG, however, in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), denied all the allegations against him in the petition addressed to the governor.
The petitioners wrote: “your Excellency, it has become expedient to write you as a community and peace loving people, reporting the bias interference of the SSG, Dr Kingsley Emu in Oleh matters; an action threatening our peace and survival.
“Sir, it is worthy of note that considering the recently dastardly acts and attack witnessed by the state at the moment, Delta needs relative peace.
“As the Chief Security Officer of the State, it will be too dangerous if your Excellency remains silent as many fingers are already pointing at the SSG who had suddenly developed questionable intentions and vested interest to fight our collective interest in Oleh.
“It is in this context that we respectfully appeal to our governor, Rt.Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who do not toy with the rule of law to kindly call Dr Kingsley Emu to order.
“The SSG must end this erroneous desperation, stay neutral without allowing himself to be coerced into a matter that could affect us if not well handled.’’
On the succession issue in the community that the SSG was accused of meddling into, the petitioners said the former President-General of Oleh Community Development Union (OCDU), Chief Believe Alakri, refused to relinquish power when his tenure expired in December 2023.
They alleged that Alakri, hiding under the influence of government paraphernalia, breached the extant law, which stipulates that election shall be conducted at least, three (3) months before the expiration of the tenure of his office.
The petitioners said that rather than conducting the election, Alakri planned to impose stooges as the community leadership
They alleged that Alakri also failed to render an account to Oleh people as required by the constitution after his five years of stewardship.
“He made a lopsided appointment by placing his cousin as the Chairman, Oleh Electoral Committee, his closed ally, Secretary and other members without recourse to equity and traditional spread, thereby breaching the constitution.
“This unhealthy appointment was carried out for the reason that a sinister plan was in the offing to plant a surrogate as a successor,’’ they alleged.
The petitioners said following the infractions and to avert crisis, the aggrieved members of the community secured a valid order of a Delta State Chief Magistrate’ Court to right the wrongs.
Specifically, they said Chief Magistrate B.O. Williams ordered that an interim body should take over the leadership of the association, in line with the provisions of the constitution of OCDU.
They said the court directed the interim body to hold the annual conference of OCDU and conduct election into the leadership of the association within three months as stipulated by the constitution.
The petitioners said rather than obey the orders of the court, Alakri and one Chief Joe Arausi introduced a narrative that the leadership crisis in Oleh town had political colouration.
They alleged that the duo of Alakri and Arausi made the government to believe that the leadership infraction in Oleh had party affiliation.
“Your Excellency, it is sad, worrisome, and quite unfortunate that Dr Kingsley Emu (the SSG) had allowed himself to be brainwashed and misguided
“Regrettably, Dr Kingsley Emu had intentionally midwife several calls, not excluding calls to the late Magistrate, Chief Magistrate B.O. Williams (before she died), threatening and commanding that the conference should be held against our constitution.
“Your Excellency, if Dr Kingsley Emu denies this fact, we will apply to Court to licence the network providers to produce phone calls conversation within this specified time.
“The last time we checked, the SSG has not been assigned the herculean functions of Peace Building and Conflict Resolution in Delta State. The signals are very clear.
“He must end this erroneous desperation, stay neutral without allowing himself to be coerced into a matter that could affect the party tomorrow if not well handled,’’ the petitioners said.
In his reaction in a telephone interview with NAN, the SSG said he was aware of the petition, but the allegations therein were unfounded.
Emu said they waded into the crisis in the community to keep peace, because the state could not afford a repeat of Okuama and Okoloba crisis..
“Although, we are aware of the court cases, we cannot afford to watch and allow this crisis to degenerate
“Without prejudice to the cases in court, we summoned all the parties for a meeting. We did so in order to resolve the crisis through arbitration.
“We have waded into similar cases, such as they had in Isoko, and we resolved the crises amicably and peacefully among warring parties, we will continue to intervene to ensure peaceful co-existence.
“I am the SSG and a peace loving person. I cannot take side with any party. The Governor has his trust in me. I am not frivolous, reckless or irresponsible,’’ he said
According to the SSG, the allegation is coming from a misguided people who want to fan embers of crisis in the community.
“The major cause of the crisis is resources; it is about oil, leadership tussle and boundary.
“We will stop at nothing lawful to ensure peace in the state.’’ (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Scores of Iyara people, who were hit by rainstorm in Iyara community, headquarters of Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi, could not celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr events as the natural disaster rendered them homeless.
Already, the National President of Iyara Development Association (IDA) Alhaji Aliyu Badaki, has cried out to the Federal and state governments for immediate assistance to the victims.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the incident occured in the early hours of Monday.
The rainstorm reportedly wrecked havoc in the community after more than 100 houses had their roofs blown off, rendering them inhabitable.
Virtually all affected households are currently taking refuge with relations and friends in neighbouring communities.
Badaki urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), to assist the victims.
“As we speak, over 1,000 people have been affected by the disaster, mostly women and children that are in dire need of assistance.
“This is because the destruction was massive, beyond what the victims can handle, due to the current economic situation in the country.
“This Sallah celebration to them is bleak, therefore, we appeal to the state government through SEMA and the Federal Government via NEMA, to assist these victims,” he said.
While sympathising with the victims, he said the disaster” deserved urgent attention and assistance for victims.
The traditional ruler, (the Eleta Oluyara of Iyara) Oba Jacob Meduteni, described the rainstorm as “saddening” and “very unfortunate.
“It’s unfortunate that this disaster came at a time that the people are trying to manage the current economic hardship.
“We hope that both federal and state governments, well-to-do individuals and corporate bodies will assist the victims to ameliorate their sufferings,” he said.
Some of the victims who spoke to NAN, called for urgent assessment of the level of destruction done to their property for assistance.
Hajia Rabi Ibrahim, a house wife, said her family was asleep when suddenly they woke up in a pool of water.
“We ran for our dear lives, not knowing what exactly was happening, but for persistent thunder storms that registered flooding in our minds.
“”This is a very bad time for us this year. We hope the government and spirited wealthy individuals and corporate organisations will come to our aid, “she pleaded.
Mallam Habib Abdulrazak, a civil servant, described the incident as surprising and disastrous, considering the number of people rendered homeless.
He said that his family was taking shelter in a relation’s house in the next neighborhood and called for government to quickly assist them.
Abdulrazak added: “Life has become unbearable for us due to the prevailing economic situation in the country and we are in dire need of assistance.” (NAN)(www nannews.ng)
Minister of Women Affairs, Uju-Kennedy Ohanenye, says the ministry is working with stakeholders for the establishment of mobile courts to get justice for women incarcerated for years in correctional facilities without trial.
The minister said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of a women empowerment conference to mark the 2024 International Women’s Day, on Tuesday in Abuja.
The conference, organised by Arise Monalisa Foundation in collaboration with One Percent International Management Services Limited, discussed issues affecting women, young female entrepreneurs and children.
Ohanenye said many women awaiting trial over minor offences have been abandoned in correctional facilities for years, with no hope of getting justice.
She said that the establishment of the mobile court would help such women and aid in decongesting the correctional facilities.
“Remember when I came in as minister and they said women were suffering I had to go to the prison yard, I saw many women abandoned in the prison for over four years awaiting trial over minor issues like owing debt of N10,000, N15,000, N20,000.
“Out of what I said before on inhumanity to humans, they just drop them there because they feel they don’t have anybody to speak for them, we don’t want that to continue to happen.
“That’s why I was looking for a mobile court to get these women released, and I went straight to Mr President and I asked for a mobile court and, Mr President said go ahead and gave me a nod,” she said.
According to the minister, she had contacted the Attorney General of the Federation and state governors to collaborate in the endeavour.
“I wrote to the governors’ forum and I was called to make a presentation and it was approved and the consent letter was given to me.
“I need to go now and ensure it’s implemented in all the states,” Ohanenye added.
She said in spite of some stumbling blocks, she was determined to get the mission accomplished.
“This is something that could allow our fellow women to breathe; this is something that can decongest the prisons.
“When people said it’s impossible to have a mobile court I said it will be possible, because this is something that will protect the lives of women and children,” the minister said. (NAN)
Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, has stressed the need for effective Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) coordination for economic prosperity, societal well-being, and sustainable development of the country.
Nnaji made the call on Monday, in Abuja at the opening of the National Research, Development, and Innovation (NRDI) Coordination Summit.
The conference was organised by Research for Impact Knowledge Economy and Sustainable Development( RIKE SD) in collaboration with the West and Central African Research and Education Network ( WACREN), Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, and RDI Coordination. org
The minister said that the theme of the gathering, “Advancing Nigeria’s Global Competitiveness Through a Resilient National RDI Coordination,” was not just a statement but a clarion call.
Nnaji said that the government was poised to reshape the future of the country by unleashing potential through unified RDI coordination.
He said that the conference was a pathway to redefine and reposition Nigeria on the global map of innovation, science, and technology.
“In today’s rapidly evolving world, the pace of technological advancements is not just fast; it is exponential.
“Nations that have recognised and harnessed the power of research, development, and innovation are leading the charge towards economic prosperity, societal well-being, and sustainable development.
“It is time for Nigeria to take its rightful place among these nations,” he said.
According to him, to achieve this, we must first acknowledge that our RDI ecosystem requires robust coordination, one that is resilient, inclusive, and forward-thinking.
“Our goal is to create a system where academia, industry, government, and the community not only interact but thrive together, fostering an environment ripe for groundbreaking innovations.
“Our vision for Nigeria is to become a hub for African innovation, contributing significantly to the global knowledge economy,” he said.
According to him, this can be achieved by implementing a three-pronged approach which includes strengthening institutional frameworks, fostering public-private partnerships and investing in human capital.
Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology( L) and Dr Mustapha Popoola, Global Impact lead, Research for Impact Knowledge Economy and Sustainable Development (RIKE SD) at the opening of the National Research, Development, and Innovation (NRDI) Coordination Summit on Monday in Abuja.
He said that it was imperative to build and strengthen the institutional frameworks necessary for effective RDI coordination.
“This includes policy reforms that incentivize research and development, protect intellectual properties, and facilitate the commercialization of research outcomes.”
While giving further explanation on fostering public-private partnerships, Nnaji said the collaboration between the public sector, private industry, and academic institutions was crucial.
“By fostering partnerships that leverage the strengths of each sector, we can accelerate the translation of research into market-ready solutions that address our most pressing challenges,” he said.
He said that investing in human capital was also crucial to the development of the nation.
“At the heart of any successful RDI ecosystem are the people. Investing in education and training to build a skilled workforce ready to navigate and lead in the Fourth Industrial Revolution is non-negotiable.
“We must nurture our young talents and provide them with the platforms to excel and innovate.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the journey to enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness through resilient RDI coordination is a collective endeavor,” he said.
According to him, it requires commitment, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
“As we deliberate over the course of this summit, let us be guided by the principle that our unity in purpose and action is our most significant strength.”
Some participants at the opening of opening of the National Research, Development, and Innovation (NRDI) Coordination Summit, in Abuja on Monday
The Chief Strategy Officer, WACREN, Mr Omo Oaiya, said that the network focused on Pan-African initiatives to strengthen open science in Africa.
“As part of that, we are also working with countries in different events like this to drive cooperation and collaboration so that we can reap the benefits of such an endeavor.
“So, RIKE SD is our local facilitator here. But between both of us, we’ve been able to create a new impetus in the Nigerian RDI coordination space.
“The main goal of this activity is to bring the different RDI actors together to look at a way of co-creating a future that we can build on.
“We are trying to align this with the presidential priorities that have been announced and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
Oaiya said the essence of the summit was to bring international connections to support activity within Nigeria to drive RDI forward.
The Global Impact lead, RIKE SD, Dr Mustapha Popoola, said the essence of the summit was to enhance RDI coordination.
According to him, RIKE SD is a Nigerian Non-For-Profit Organisation that has a Pan-African scope.
“We are the first research as a service organisation in Nigeria who is looking at taking research, development, innovation, outcomes and output from Nigeria to other African countries.
“For the first time we know that for us to have results based on the directive of Mr President, we should actually institutionalise the use of research and development outcomes in ministry agencies and departments.
“It is important for us to get coordinated and know what we can offer.
“We are using an approach, we call it pentagonal nexus whereby the government is going to be working alongside with the industry, academia.
And, at the same time we are focusing on the communities that are going to use those outcomes of research at community level,” he said.
The President-elect Nigerian Academy of Science, Prof. Abubakar Sambo, said the summit was expected to look into the eight areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“It will bring out how research and development, and in particular science, technology and innovation research can be used to significantly impact those eight areas of Mr President.
“It is to bring up what are needed to be undertaken to boost the development of the country through programs that involve research, development and innovation, and also through policy making.
“It is very important for the MDAs to incorporate in their yearly programmes, aspects that will be boosted through the outputs of research, development and innovation activities,” Sambo said.
Some participants at the opening of opening of the National Research, Development, and Innovation (NRDI) Coordination Summit, in Abuja on Monday
Also speaking, Dr. Shabihul Hassan, Chairman Tech India Ltd, said that the whole concept of research, development and innovation was collaboration.
“We have been connecting, collaborating with intellectuals, with members of the public and private sector to see how we can foster growth in the agri-sector, in the health sector, in the power sector, in the infrastructure sector.
“The key is teamwork. This is teamwork within the country, outside the country, collaborating nationally, internationally, and collaborating between the public and private sectors.
“So the private sector sets the way, it sets the standard. The public sector competes. The public sector also becomes competent, equally competent. So it’s collaborative work.
“The purpose of conferences like this is to bring people together, especially intellectuals, people with knowledge, different backgrounds, and different countries. And that is the key to development,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).
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