By Fortune Abang

The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, has reiterated the agency’s resolve to work assiduously to retain its place as the foremost news agency in Africa.

Ali said this when he received in his office in Abuja, Mr Ronald Kayanja, the Director, the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Nigeria, who was on a working visit.

He noted that no media organisation in Nigeria had as much workforce spread across the country as NAN.

He observed that such spread had enabled the agency to cover the country effectively and objectively.

According to him, the agency has reporters covering all the 109 senatorial districts, with the state offices having not less than two reporters.

On funding, Ali stated that the agency is 100 per cent funded by the Federal Government, adding that with dwindling resources, it had become obvious that the agency would have to do more to generate income.

“The agency has a wire service and other income sources, but all the funding models globally have collapsed because of the digital media.

“This is why we said there are some things we need to do to bring about alternative funding and training. And we can collaborate with the UN to train some of our journalists and equip them.

“Also on infrastructure and equipment, there is the need to get the UN to support us by equipping our multimedia centres.

“We have multimedia centres across the nation, particularly in the geo-political zones.

“Unless you innovate, it will be a difficult task ahead. We have seen the case of the Pan-Africa News Agency (PANA), which is now history.

“But we are trying to see how we can evolve.

“This is why we are trying to ensure that our multimedia village becomes the focus because it’s the future,” he said.

The NAN chief, who likened NAN to Xinhua News Agency, the largest official news agency in the People’s Republic of China, which has established both television and radio news outlets, said NAN could do the same.

“We want to be digitally safe. We want to discard the old ways of news hunting because now, clearly, local news is there.

“Everybody everywhere now has smart devices and they can promote themselves.

“This is why our multimedia and social media platforms are augmented to attract people to our YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok because these are alternative news feeds and we want to popularise them.

“Until recently, these platforms were not on the front burner.

“So we’re trying to go with the times and this is where we find funding a bit challenging because government has its plate full.

“This is why we are trying to partner with big organsations and agencies. We already have MoUs with the Bulgarian News Agency; BTA, Reuters, German news agency, TASS, the Russian news agency,” Ali said.

He disclosed that NAN recently signed an MoU with the Moroccan press agency.

Ali added that NAN would soon enter into a partnership with the Egyptian news agency for the exchange of knowledge and news as well as capacity building for reporters through training.

He explained that it is by doing so that the agency would be able to augment the funding coming from the Federal Government.

“Whether the products we sell – general news service and PR wire – are revenue streams for the agency independent of government, but what they bring into our coffers is a drop in the ocean,” he said.

Speaking earlier, Kayanja commended NAN for its resilience in sustaining its operational standards over the years.

He applauded the agency for being able to survive the competition from digital media.

He said his visit to the agency was to seek partnership with NAN in the area of promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in the fight against fake news. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
FEA/BKD/YEE

Edited by Auwalu Birnin Kudu/Emmanuel Yashim

By Maureen Okon

The Chairperson of European Union Africa Working Party (COAFR), Mrs Yamina Guerfi, has harped on the strategic importance of Nigeria and the need to deepen cooperation with the EU.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Guerfi made the remarks at a reception organised for the COAFR delegation by the Belgium Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Pieter Leenknegt, at his residence in Abuja.

NAN reports that COAFR is responsible for the management of EU external policy towards sub-Saharan Africa.

She said that their visit was “to further enhance cooperation with Nigeria and its people”.

“I will like to highlight the partnership with Nigeria and her people for the EU and Member States is really of strategic importance as Africa’s most populated country.

“Also, the biggest economy in Africa, with all the energy reserves that Nigeria has.

“There are so much potentials in this country, the more we meet with Nigerians, its people and its government, I think of all the possibilities that we will have to further work together, including the challenges she face just like we do as well,’’ Guerfi added.

Earlier, the Belgium ambassador said that the choice of Nigeria by the COAFR delegation for the annual visit was a recognition of the country as “the economically biggest and most populous African nation”.

“So kudos to Nigeria and to our dear EU Ambassador, Ms Samuella Isopi for having lobbied the COAFR troop so well, and for having made the final cut.

“ Our COAFR delegation came at a significant moment for Nigeria, at the moment of bold reforms and of economic hardship in a challenging sub region,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Mark Longyen

Jennifer Littlejohn, U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES), State Department, says multilateral efforts are critical to tackling global environmental pollution and climate change menace.

She made this known during a digital news conference on U.S. efforts to curb environmental challenges in Africa, on Tuesday in Accra, Ghana, ahead of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) slated for Nairobi, Kenya.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants at the digital news conference were drawn from various media organisations across Africa and the globe.

Littlejohn disclosed that air pollution was one of the primary objectives of the Nairobi UNEA, which the U.S. would advocate, stressing that the quality of air was critical to humans.

According to her, air pollution is the leading environmental risk to human health and, as such, the U.S. will introduce a resolution on air quality and build on UNEA resolutions 1/7 and 3/8. 

She said the event aimed to leverage expertise, re-energise the intention of prior resolutions, provide a platform to operationalise and drive multi-stakeholder actions that target the causes of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.  

She said: “Another area that we will focus on will be nature crimes.  And we’ll be launching something called the Nature Crime Alliance at UNEA, which I think will be something that we hope that you all will follow quite closely going forward.  

“The triple threats of the crises of biodiversity loss, pollution, and climate change are real, and it is so important that these stories are told – that the narratives get out there with accuracy, based on the science. 

“I’d say the main message I want to share with you today is that the United States is partnering with Ghana and countries across Africa to address these major challenges of our time — climate crisis, the biodiversity crisis, and the pollution crisis.”

The envoy said that the U.S. would work with African countries to build partnerships on science and space exploration, protect the ocean and environment, for the benefit of people all over the world.

She said the U.S. would also work with partners across the continent to address other key environmental issues like deforestation, plastic pollution and to promote a sustainable blue economy. 

Littlejohn said that Nigeria, Rwanda, Angola are all among the 35 countries around the world that have already signed on to the Artemis Accords, committing to make the space environment safer and more predictable. 

According to her, as African countries develop their space policy and capabilities, the U.S. also strongly encourages them to consider joining the Outer Space Treaty – the basis for international space law and for the Artemis Accords.

“We have made a lot of progress by working collaboratively. We are already making a difference, but we have so much work to do. The United States will continue to be a steadfast partner to countries across Africa on environmental and scientific issues.

“The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is supporting access to clean energy in Ghana through initiatives like supporting smallholder farmers to install solar-powered irrigation. 

“In addition, USAID provided technical assistance to the Bui Power hydro-solar plant.  The plant, the first of its kind in West Africa, will put Ghana on track to cut its power sector greenhouse gas emissions by 235,000 tons per year,” she said.

The envoy disclosed that the U.S. was also leading climate change financing and air pollution in collaboration with others to mitigate their negative effects, especially in the Horn of Africa.

“From the U.S. perspective, we have committed $2 billion in humanitarian assistance to respond to the drought in the Horn of Africa.  This would include about $356 million, specifically for Kenya in the past year. 

“We also allocated $45 million, including $20 million in supplemental funding, and this was funding development assistance to help Kenya address the current food security crisis.

“Air pollution more broadly is the fourth leading cause of premature death worldwide, and it’s responsible for nearly 7 million premature deaths, about $5 trillion in economic welfare losses, and $200 billion in productivity losses each year,” she added.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

By Mark Longyen

Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, the former President of the ECOWAS Commission, has appealed to ECOWAS leaders to lift sanctions imposed on Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following recent military coups in these countries.

Chambas, currently the African Union’s (AU) High Representative for ‘Silencing the Guns in Africa,’ made the call in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday.

He stressed the importance of unity and called on the military leaders of the mentioned nations to withdraw their threats of exiting the sub-regional bloc.

Speaking ahead of the ECOWAS Summit scheduled for Abuja during the weekend, Chambas urged all stakeholders in the West African sub-region to heed the recent call from former Nigerian Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), to end conflicts and unite the people in the area.

Chambas emphasised the need for ECOWAS to come together, highlighting that the region is stronger united than divided.

He lauded Gowon’s appeal for lifting sanctions and encouraged ECOWAS Heads of State to reach out to the affected countries for reconsideration.

The former Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel recognised the challenges faced by the sub-region but underscored the importance of overcoming them united.

Chambas lauded Gowon’s role in the establishment of ECOWAS nearly 50 years ago and urged other elders to join his campaign to restore unity and shared purpose within the organisation.

Expressing confidence in ECOWAS under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, Chambas anticipated effective conflict articulation and sustainable solutions during the upcoming summit.

He called for the lifting of what he termed “crippling sanctions” on Mali and other affected countries.

Chambas acknowledged President Tinubu’s democratic credentials and active engagement with ECOWAS President, Dr. Omar Touré, to ensure diplomatic steps are taken to maintain the unity of ECOWAS.

“Let me say that President Bola Tinubu’s democratic credentials need not be proved because all his life, he has stood on the side of democracy.

“His personal experiences are also a testimony.

“We also know President Tinubu to be a practical person and politician, who has his ideals and principles and will do what is necessary to keep ECOWAS united.

“I’m aware that he is already working actively with the ECOWAS President, Dr Omar Touré, to ensure that every diplomatic step is taken to keep ECOWAS united,” Chambas said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim.

At least two people died after a ship collided with a bridge in the southern Chinese metropolis of Guangzhou on Thursday morning.

The local authorities said on Chinese social media platform Weibo, that it caused the structure to partially collapse.

Three people were still missing while a sailor suffered minor injuries, authorities said.

According to preliminary findings, two cars plunged in the water and three more fell onto the vessel as a result of the incident in Guangzhou’s Nansha District.

Images from the scene of the accident showed a bus that appeared to have fallen into the cargo hold of the freighter.

According to Chinese media reports, only the driver was on board the bus.

The operator was unable to contact him after the accident.

The authorities said that the cause of the crash was initially unknown.

Chinese state television showed footage of the scene of the accident, in which the freighter could be seen wedged between two bridge pillars, with a significant gap in the two-lane bridge above it.

Rescue workers immediately rushed to the scene of the accident. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Cecilia Odey/Chioma Ugboma

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

A UK leadership development firm, TEXEM UK, has urged Nigerian leaders to utilise strategic benefits of remote effective leadership in a digital world.

Director of TEXEM UK, Caroline Lucas, who made the call, while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, highlighted some the benefits of the scheme .

Lucas said that in the fast-paced world of the glocal operating ecosystem, adaptability was not just an advantage but a necessity.

She said as leaders find themselves at the dawn of a new era defined by remote work and distributed teams, the demand for effective leadership has never been more pressing.

“Acknowledging this seismic shift, TEXEM UK is proud to unveil its seminal programme.

“Effective Leadership in a Distributed World: Pioneering Enduring Legacies,” designed to equip leaders with the tools and insights required to thrive in this evolving landscape characterised by the impact of geopolitics, inflation and a dispersed world.

“Commencing with a series of online sessions from March 9th to 23rd, 2024, followed by three immersive face-to-face days in the UK from March 25th to 27th, this hybrid programme offers a comprehensive approach to winning in challenging times.

“What sets this initiative apart is its seamless integration of cutting-edge online learning experiences with hands-on executive development sessions led by esteemed faculty members who are luminaries in both industry and academia who leverage TEXEM’s tested and proven methodology,” Lucas explained.

She said as Nigerian and global leaders embrace the potential of engaging stakeholders in an hybrid format (online and face to face), they must equip themselves with the knowledge and skills necessary to flourish in the new paradigm.

“Through participation in this innovative programme, individuals and organisations alike can position themselves at the vanguard of change, unlocking scarce opportunities and forging enduring legacies that endure the tests of time.

“The journey towards effective leadership in a distributed world commences with a single step — a step that promises to be both transformative and enlightening,” Lucas said.

According to the director, Oxford-trained Prof. Roger Delves, Oscar-award winning Ambassador, Charles Crawford, and Prof. Paul Griffith, first professor of Management and Rt.Hon. James Duddridge, MP and former Minister of Africa to lead a team to launch a rocket to space; are among the programme faculties.

She also listed the strategic benefits of the “Effective Leadership in a Distributed World” Programme.

“Participants will master remote leadership techniques, enabling them to effectively lead diverse stakeholders regardless of geographical location, fostering increased productivity, cohesion and deepening relationships.

“Through the programme’s emphasis on trust-building in virtual spaces, leaders will develop the skills needed to cultivate trust among remote stakeholders, leading to better management of risk, value adding innovation and sustainable competitive advantage.

“By learning strategies to optimize remote productivity and support stakeholders’ interest, organizations can expect to see increased efficiency and satisfaction among their dispersed stakeholders.”

She said participants will refine their communication skills, learning how to effectively convey messages and lead strategically, ultimately driving organizational success through clear and impactful engagement.

The TEXEM Director said leaders would learn to lead by influence, inspiring their teams through their actions and demonstrating effective leadership behaviors that contribute to organizational success.

Lucas said the programme would also equip participants with the tools to optimise their capacity to make better choices and achieve strategic positioning, enabling them to maximize their impact and drive organizational goals forward.

“Organisations participating in the programme will gain the knowledge and skills needed to pioneer the distributed stakeholder environment, positioning themselves as leaders in adapting to evolving digital and hybrid challenges to win.

“By boosting trust within remote stakeholders, organisations can expect to foster a culture of transparency, collaboration, innovation and accountability, leading to improved performance and profitable growth.

“Organisations that excel in remote leadership will be better positioned to attract and retain top talent, as employees, better forge enduring relationships with other diverse stakeholders and better harness and utilise core competence for prosperity,” she asserted.

Lucas said that through improved remote leadership practices, organizations will enhance their resilience, better equipped to navigate challenges and disruptions in today’s dynamic business environment.

She added that by developing leadership agility and adapting to distributed work models, organizations can achieve enduring success, positioning themselves for sustained growth and competitiveness.

Lucas said that participants will undergo a journey of self-discovery, collaboration, and transformation, experiencing continuous growth and development both personally and professionally.

“By leveraging the strategic benefits of the “Effective Leadership in a Distributed World” programme, organisations and leaders can drive lasting impact and success in an increasingly remote and dynamic business landscape,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Razak Owolabi