NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Tinubu repositioning Nigeria for effective service delivery – Group

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By Emmanuel Oloniruha

A pro-Nigeria and anti-corruption NGO, Ahead Nigeria Initiative, says the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is repositioning Nigeria for effective service delivery.

Convener of the Initiative, Kehinde Alamoh, stated this during the group’s inaugural news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

Alamoh, who passed a vote of confidence in Tinubu, said that he had shown deep knowledge and understanding of Nigeria’s challenges and come up with a master plan to rescue the country.

He said that after a critical evaluation of Tinubu’s administration in all ramifications, it was evident that the president was alive to the primary responsibility of safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians.

He also commended the president for ending a decade of fuel subsidy regime which, he said, had been stunting the country’s growth.

Alamoh said that through this singular action, Tinubu had increased the country’s revenue to about N10.1 trillion, an increase of about 23.56 per cent over that of 2022.

He said that though the subsidy removal had brought some discomfort to Nigerians, government had rolled out some intervention programmes to help cushion the effects.

The interventions, according to him, include: the new minimum wage and salary increase, student loan scheme and scholarships, supporting states and local governments to enable them to cater for the less-privileged.

Others, he said, were: provision of grains to households, fertilisers to farmers, cash transfers to people with low incomes and the planned roll out of over 11,000 CNG buses for affordable public transportation, among others.

“The landmark presentation of the 2025 budget allocations of N4.91 trillion to defence and security underscores the importance of security of lives and property of all Nigerians.

“President Tinubu’s reform in aviation, railway infrastructure and security are visible, laudable and commendable.

“On this note, as law-abiding citizens of this country from the six geo-political zones, we, therefore, pass a vote of confidence in the President Tinubu-led administration,’’ he said.

Alamoh also commended the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, for providing responsible and effective leadership for the party, in tandem with the president’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.

He said that the APC National Working Committee (NWC) members, under Ganduje’s leadership, had created an enabling political environment for peace and development to thrive in Nigeria.

“This is evident in the peaceful conduct of the Kebbi, Edo and Ondo primary elections, followed by the subsequent victories of APC at the guber polls.

“All these have been described by political actors as the most peaceful, freest and fairest elections conducted under the watch of the party,’’ he said.

Alamoh also urged Nigerians to disregard the land grabbing allegations against the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, saying: “Abuja under Wike is in safe hands.”

He sought for the support of FCT residents for Wike for him to implement the ongoing infrastructural reforms in the capital city.

According to him, Wike’s achievements so far extend beyond mere infrastructural development

“Under few months, all uncompleted major projects, such as roads and railway have been completed.

“Wike’s efforts in internal revenue generation is second to none; all these attest to his innovative approach to good and progressive governance.

“His dedication to restoring the Abuja master plan and reposition the FCT among the world’s top capitals is in line with the renewed hope agenda of the president,’’ he said.

Alamoh warned those he called Wike’s detractors, whom he described as emergency activists, opponents and enemies of progress, to henceforth stay away or face the music. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Economy on path to recovery, says BUA Group Chairman

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By Salif Atojoko

Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, the Chairman of BUA Group, has expressed confidence that the Nigerian economy was on the road to recovery.

Rabiu shared his optimism while speaking with State House Correspondents after the Juma’at prayer with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos.

He acknowledged that although some of the reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration have been challenging, they were necessary for the long-term stability of the economy.

“It’s true that some of them are quite painful, but we needed these reforms, especially the foreign exchange unification.

“As you’ll remember, the exchange rate was N500, and then outside it was N800, which was unacceptable.

“Now, the exchange rate has been unified, and although it was initially difficult, with rates reaching nearly N2,000 at one point, it is now stabilising at about N1,500 to N1,550.

I’m confident that we’ll see the rate come down even further,” he said.

Rabiu also highlighted the efforts of President Tinubu to ensure stability across all sectors of the economy.

“We can see the improvements in infrastructure, with a lot of road works underway. Given some time, I believe things will definitely improve,” he added.

He urged patience, noting that these reforms take time, especially considering that the current administration had been in power for only 18 months, with another 24 months to go.

“I think we need to give them time, and I am sure things will get better,” Rabiu said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

NAN MD lauds Minister’s community project

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By Rita Iliya
The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, has commended the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, over the electrification project in Malagi village.

He gave the commendation during the inauguration of the projects in Malagi, the minister’s home town, in Gbako Local Government of Niger state.

He described the project, which include the construction of a mosque, an Islamiyya school, a water project, and the renovation of a primary school as remarkable.

He said the minister’s gesture was a perfect example of giving back to society, particularly in his ancestral community.

He noted that the project would outlive the minister and earn him rewards, as it promotes learning and worship.

“The Islamiyya school, in particular, is seen as a wise choice, given the community’s strong religious inclination and the importance of knowledge in Islam,” he said.

Ali expressed hope that the minister’s example would inspire others in public office to give back to their communities. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Tinubu’s reforms will benefit all Nigerians -Minister

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By Rita Iliya

The reform programmes and initiatives of President Bola Tinubu are formulated to benefit all Nigerians.

 

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, said this in an interview with newsmen in Malagi on Friday.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister is in the community to inaugurate some projects he executed.

 

The projects include electrification of Malagi community, construction of a mosque and Islamiyya school, a water project, and the renovation of a primary school.

 

Idris said that Tinubu’s reforms were designed to take Nigeria to a path of enduring prosperity.

 

He assured Nigerians that the gains of all the economic reforms of the president would begin to manifest in 2025.

 

He called on Nigerians to support the president’s policies, saying they would ultimately lead to a better future for the country.

 

“We urge all Nigerians to support Mr President. We know that times are challenging, but we believe that ultimately, the reforms will take us to the desired land.

 

“The progressive train of the president will not leave anybody behind and we urged all Nigerians to support Mr President,” he said.

 

On the projects, Idris said they were designed to bring development to the community, adding that the electrification project would connect the community to the national grid for the first time in its history.

 

“My late father was born in this community, and it is my home. I am proud to be part of this community, and I will continue to do whatever I can to improve the lives of the people,” he said

 

He added that he was motivated to embark on such projects by his roots in the community and commended the people of Malagi community for their support.

 

The minister promised to continue working for the development of Malagi community, the local government, Niger state, and the country at large.

 

The NAN reports that dignitaries at the inauguration of the projects were Gov. Umaru Bago, Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya, Etsu Nupe, the Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) among others.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Niger governor inaugurates information minister’s projects

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By Mohammed Baba Busu

Gov. Mohammed Umaru-Bago of Niger on Friday inaugurated a mosque and some critical projects executed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris-Malagi.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inauguration held in the minister’s home town of Malagi in Gbako Local Government Area of Niger.

 

NAN also reports that the projects executed by the minister included an Islamic school, a bore hole, electrification project and renovation of a primary School.

 

NAN further reports that the gesture was part of the minster’s personal contribution to the infrastructural development of Malagi.

 

Umaru-Bago commended the minister for executing the projects, saying this would contribute to the infrastructural development of the community and the country at large.

 

While commending Idris-Malagi for complementing the efforts of the state government, the governor appealed to other well meaning individuals to emulate him.

 

He also announced the upgrading of the primary school renovated by Idris-Malagi to the status of a Junior Secondary School.

 

According to the governor, this is part of efforts to further ensure the restoration of the lost glory of the education sector in the state.

 

He drew attention to the existing cordial relationship between him and the minister, saying it was positively facilitating the development of the state.

 

Also speaking, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, commended the minister for executing the projects.

 

According to Abubakar, ensuring the even socio economic development of Niger and Nigeria should not be left to the government alone.

 

He appealed to other well endowed individuals to emulate Idris-Malagi, saying they would reap abundant rewards.

 

In his remarks, Idris-Malagi said that his gesture was part of efforts to contribute to the socio-economic development of Malagi, Niger and the country as a whole.

 

According to Idris-Malagi, the efforts of the three tiers of government in the provision of basic infrastructure and needs of Nigerians should be complemented.

 

Idris-Malagi also urged Nigerians to always pray for leaders at all levels.

 

According to him, prayers are efficacious in providing plausible solutions to the myriads of challenges facing the country.

 

The Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of other heads of MDAs in the Information Ministry, lauded the minister for the initiatives.

 

He urged Nigerians to emulate the kind hearted gesture of Idris-Malagi so as to take the country to greater heights.

 

“This type of effort attracts tremendous rewards and benefits in this world and could fetch one Aljannatul fildausi.

 

“I am therefore appealing to the people of Malagi to ensure judicious use of these structures, maintain them and continue to pray fervently for the minister to spur him and others to do more,” Ali said.(NAN)(www.nannewsng)

(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

NGO partners Nigeria Police to operationalise mutual accountability, community scorecard

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By Angela Atabo/Emmanuel Olorniruha

International Alert, a peace building organisation, is partnering with the Nigeria Police to operationalise community scorecard methodology to promote transparency and mutual accountability for better public safety.

Dr Paul Nyulaku-Bemshima, Country Director of International Alert, made this known at a One-Day Consultative Workshop on “Mutual Accountability and Community Scorecard”, organised by the organisation in Abuja on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was supported by the UK Integrated Security Fund (ISF), Nigeria Stability Programme.

It brought together stakeholders from the community and police public relations officers from 12 states.

Nyulaku-Bemshima said the workshop was part of efforts to promote community policing and improve police-community relations in Nigeria with the aim of strengthening trust and cooperation between the police and local communities.

According to him, community scorecard is a tool that allows the police and community members to assess their performance and work together to address areas of improvement.

“Mutual accountability is an approach in community policing which we are trying for the first time in Nigeria.

“What makes mutual accountability distinct is that it recognises what responsibility the public has, and what the obligation of the police is, all towards improving public safety and security,” he said.

Nyulaku-Bemshima said that another distinct point about the approach was its scoring system.

“They will work together to address issues and score themselves on the positives and negatives as would be captured.

“Where the scores are looking good, they will work on how they can sustain it and where the scores are not good, seek understanding among themselves on how to address it.

“That is the hallmark of what mutual accountability, community, state and national level scorecard implies,” he said

He said that the concept would help in presenting an evidence-based framework.

“At the end, stakeholders will draft a work plan to help in designing a strategy on how to trickle down the approach to the community, then the state and national level subsequently,” he said.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, commended the organisation for the initiative, adding that the Police wants people to know exactly what it is doing and how to improve on it.

Adejobi, who was represented by El-Mustapha Sani, Head, Complaint Response Unit, Force Headquarters, said that the Police alone could not improve on its services without the participation and contribution from citizens and other stakeholders.

“At the Public Complaint Response Unit of the Nigerian Police Force, we deal with issues of members of the public who are not satisfied with our services.

“Our door is open and we are always welcoming new innovation that will make members of the public to have trust in the Force to ensure the protection of human rights,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Cliff Gai, Programme Lead, UK ISF, said that the ISF supported works that seek to help Nigeria to operationalise and operate the Police Act of 2020.

Gai said that this was part of the strategic defence partnership between Nigeria and the UK.

“It is hoped that the funding that we provide will strengthen the operationalisation of this Act by ensuring that everybody understands what it says.

“It is for citizens to know what is expected of them in terms of supporting policing, because security is everyone’s business

“There are certain responsibilities that are expected of citizens as well, and not just the police officers out there,” he said.

A participant, SP Catherine Anene, Public Relations Officer, Benue Command, commended International Alert for contributing to the police’s drive to achieving a people-friendly force.

Anene said that this kind of engagement would help to understand what to expect from the populace.

“We have an opportunity to discuss with them to understand exactly what they perceive or how they see the police.

“So, it will make it very easy for us to relate with members of the public and they will relate with us with understanding,” she said.

Mr Rikki Nwajiofor, Deputy Secretary –General, National Youth Council of Nigeria, said the community scorecard would give community members a sense of belonging and to know that the police is their friend.

Nwajiofor said that it would also give the police a sense of duty.

“It will, thus, create a synergy for communication as both parties point out the positive and negative issues and then know how to forge ahead for a better policing and a better Nigeria,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Foundation distributes food items to households in Oyo

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By Suleiman Shehu

An Islamic NGO, Irorun-Ni Charitable Foundation (ICF) Nigeria, on Thursday, distributed food items to 600 households in Oyo town, Oyo State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries were drawn from all the four local government areas in the town, namely: Oyo East, Oyo West, Afijio and Atiba.

Speaking at the distribution of the items, the foundation’s Chairman, Sheikh Shakirullah Jimoh-Orankan, said that the foundation focused on humanitarian services through sharing and alleviating people’s sufferings.

Jimoh-Orankan, who was represented by his Vice-Chairman I, Sheikh Mansur Abdulsalam, said that people were going through lots of sufferings and that they needed to be assisted.

He said that the palliatives would go a long way in alleviating and reducing hardship in the lives of the beneficiaries.

“We know there is goodness in sharing, promoting love and cooperation among the citizens through helping the needy, which made us to embark on this humanitarian gesture,” he said.

Also speaking, the foundation’s National Treasurer, Dr Musa Alongbija, called on government to address the current economic hardship in the society through a drastic approach.

Alongbija also urged governments at all levels to embark on agriculture, aside assisting farmers.

He, however, sympathised with the state government over the loss of lives recorded during a children funfair stampede at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, on Wednesday.

Alongbija said that the crowd that thronged the funfair, which eventually led to the tragic incident, was an indication of the current economic hardship in the society.

He said that the foundation would continue to do its best in helping the less-privileged in the society.

The Oyo Zone Coordinator of the foundation, Mikail Adekunle, appreciated the donors of the palliatives and urged other kind-hearted Nigerians to support in reducing the hardship in the country.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Jalaal Adebayo and Tawakalitu Balogun, appreciated the foundation for the gesture. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

President Bola Tinubu

Group hails inauguration of Nigeria’s first mineral analysis laboratory

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TSF hails inauguration of Nigeria’s first mineral analysis laboratory

 

By Salif Atojoko

The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has welcomed the unveiling of an ultra-modern mineral analysis laboratory in Sabon-Wuse, Niger.

The group, in a statement signed by Mr Ahmad Sajoh, its Chairman, and Mr Josiah Afolabi, Secretary, said the inauguration of the laboratory was a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward excellence in the mining sector.

It said it was a groundbreaking development by the Federal Government, which aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“For us, the inauguration of this laboratory, the first of its kind in Nigeria, represents a crucial step toward halting the testing of minerals abroad.

“Under the leadership of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, the establishment of this world-class facility, reflects the Ministry’s dedication to delivering on its seven-point agenda.

“By focusing on local value addition, this initiative ensures Nigeria not only retains substantial revenue previously spent on international testing, but also positions itself as a global hub for mineral analysis,” TSF stated.

It added that the internationally certified lab, equipped with cutting-edge WDXRF machines, was a joint effort between the Federal Government and African Natural Resources and Mines Ltd. (ANRML).

“We know that the facility offers a comprehensive range of geochemical services for exploration and mining industries, enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to compete globally.

“Commendably, ANRML’s commitment to revolutionising the sector through investment and innovation has earned it recognition as a valuable partner in this endeavour,” said the group.

It hailed Alake’s leadership, which it said, had consistently demonstrated tangible results in advancing Nigeria’s mining sector.

“From policy reforms to infrastructure development, the Minister’s initiatives have catalysed growth and reinforced the country’s potential as a mining powerhouse.

“This laboratory not only creates new job opportunities for Nigeria’s teeming youth but also underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering an enabling environment for private-sector participation and investment.

“We, therefore, urge stakeholders in the mining industry to leverage this development and partner with the federal government to unlock the sector’s full potential,” said TDF.

It expressed confidence that the state-of-the-art laboratory would catalyse sustainable growth and boost investor confidence while significantly reducing operational bottlenecks for mining companies. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Association seeks higher budget for visually impaired education materials

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By Justina Auta

The Nigerian Association of the Blind (NAB) has called for increased budgetary allocation to improve access to information and education materials for visually-impaired persons, in line with the Marakesh Treaty.

The association made the call on Thursday in Abuja at a two-day stakeholders’ meeting on the status of the implementation of the Marakesh Treaty in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Marrakesh Treaty was adopted on June 27, 2013 in Marrakesh, Morocco, to form part of the international copyright treaties administered by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).

The goal of the treaty is to create a set of mandatory limitations and exceptions for the benefit of the blind, visually impaired, and otherwise print

disabled (VIPs).

It is also to ensure that books are made available globally in accessible formats, such as Braille, audio and large print, and DAISY1 formats, as well as facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled.

The former President of NAB, Dr Ishaku Adamu, therefore, explained that the treaty is an agreement signed by the Federal Government to improve access to published works for people with print disabilities.

Adamu added that the treaty seeks to remove all legislative barriers that prevent access to those materials, whether across national and

international borders, which Nigeria has domesticated and ratified.

He, however, said that less than one per cent of national budget was allocated for the provision of accessible education materials for visually impaired students.

According to him, poor implementation of the treaty has further affected access to education, level of participation and exclusion from information for visually impaired persons.

He said “we should be able to engage these agencies to set aside certain percentage of their budget, Federal Ministry of Education and other key ministries to ensure that those books are being provided in accessible format.

“Less than one per cent of such materials is accessible to our people, affecting the level of our education, the level of our participation and other things.

“So, it is very critical for us to engage because we know that government is budgeting, but we want to know what they can do to ensure our people have access to these materials.”

He said the stakeholders meeting was to strategise on improved access to information not only in braille, but also in soft copy, audio, large print and other version, media space, as well as employment opportunities for visually impaired persons.

Earlier, the NAB President, Mr Stanley Onyebuchi, said the engagement would enable stakeholders to review the implementation of the Marakesh treaty and proffer action plans that would enhance implementation.

Onyebuchi said “this treaty is key to those of us that are print disabled, that is those of us that are blind to access publications that will enhance our education, research and others.”

On the implementation of the treaty, he said “I don’t think Nigeria has gone far in implementing this treaty because some of the websites of many organisations, even the government agencies, are not even accessible.

“Although the Nigerian Copyright Commission has done a lot and has been part of this struggle for the domestication of this treaty in Nigeria, other government agencies have not done much in that regard.”

Also, Mr Abdrahman Auwal, the National PRO of NBA, stressed the need to create awareness about the importance of the treaty.

He said “a lot of people don’t even know about it, so, a lot of publishers are there and still stick to their previous copyright law, not knowing that it has been amended.

“We need the media to propagate this in the news to stimulate questions and people will learn about it, which will all be transformed.”

Dr David Okon, a resource person and Consultant, said the meeting was to ensure full implementation of the treaty for the benefit of persons with reading disabilities.

Okon, who is the Executive Director, Total Inclusion, an NGO said “knowledge is acquired through information. And if we are not going to be informed, we are deprived of information, then it means we are deprived of knowledge.

“It also means that we are deprived of literacy and the power to make wealth, power to recreate ourselves and other things.”

NAN reports that in attendance at the stakeholders meeting were representatives of various disability groups, NGOs, CSOs, among others, to suggest ways toward full implementation of the Marakesh Treaty.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Buhari once rejected land offer during his tenure- Garba Shehu

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By Mufutau Ojo

Former President Muhammadu Buhari once rejected an offer of land in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during his tenure.

 

Buhari’s spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, said this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

 

He was reacting to reports that a piece of land belonging to the former president was seized by the FCT authorities.

 

” As a person, the former president has a plot of land to his name in Abuja,” he said.

 

Shehu said Buhari rejected the offer of land when he and his cabinet members were invited to fill forms for allocation.

 

He said the former president had insisted he already had land in the FCT and asked the authorities to give to those who did not have.

 

” President Buhari is personally not the owner of the said plot of land which is allocated in the name a “Muhammadu Buhari Foundation,” he stated.

 

Shehu said the foundation was itself floated lawfully by some ‘utilitarian individuals’ around Buhari.

 

The foundation, he added, was supported by some well-meaning persons.

 

He said the promoters of the foundation, however, ran into a ” road block” when the Federal Capital Development Authority gave them an ”outrageous” bill for the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy.

 

Shehu said the bill did not compare with the bills given to similar organisations.

 

” It may have been that this was not erroneous, but a deliberate mistake, making the revocation of land as no surprise to anyone,” he said.

 

He urged those engaging in speculations on social media to ”get their facts right and stop dragging down the name of the former president.” (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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