By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Lagos State Government has called for collaboration of corps members in its efforts at curbing substance abuse through the War Against Drug Abuse in Lagos State project.

The wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, made the call on Wednesday while addressing the 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp at Iyana-Ipaja.

Sanwo-Olu said there were several programmes and activities being spearheaded by her office for girls, boys, youths, women, elderly and the general public.

She said that War Against Drug Abuse in Lagos State project required the support of everyone in increasing campaign messages and expanding the reach.

“As young people, your energy, creativity, and resilience are essential to driving the progress and development of Lagos State and Nigeria.

“Embrace this time with an open mind and a willing heart prepared to make meaningful contributions to the communities you will serve,” she said.

The governor’s wife said that her office also conceived Boy Child Initiative and had continued advocacy in the fight against gender-based violence.

“The Boy Child Initiative is a setting where boys are tutored and guided to inculcate good attitudes that will make them to grow into responsible men in the future.

“It assists in fostering greater understanding among the male gender, preparing them to be supportive and responsible future fathers, brothers and citizens.
“Apart from the advocacy aspect, we have also provided protective care for victims, ensuring that they get justice.

“ These structures are not only to encourage people to speak up and speak out but also to ‘walk the talk’ in making sure that perpetrators face commensurate punishment for evil conducts,” she said.

She applauded NYSC for efforts in nurturing future leaders of the nation.

The governor’s wife noted that the initiators of scheme envisioned the need to foster national unity and development among all Nigerians, regardless of tribe or cultural beliefs.

Sanwo-Olu implored the corps members to approach the service year with dedication and patriotism.
“Let your actions be guided by the principles of honesty, integrity and excellence.

“This NYSC programme has, over the years, become a beacon of hope and a cornerstone for youth engagement in our country’s growth.

“The fact that the scheme is still standing some decades after it was initiated speaks to its relevance and wide acceptability,” she said.

Sanwo-Olu said that the corps members’ decision to serve Nigeria through the programme was commendable and reflected their commitment to making a positive impact on the society.

“I know that you have been exposed to some life-changing talks and experiences since you started this journey, but it is important to harp on some important life lessons that will further guide you as you proceed in the journey.

“As you embark on this transformative journey, remember that you are not just serving your country; you are also shaping your future and the future of our nation.
“The experiences and lessons you gain during this orientation and subsequent service year will be invaluable.

“The challenges you face will be numerous, but with determination and a positive mindset, you can overcome them and turn them into stepping stones for your success,” she said.

Earlier, Mrs Yetunde Baderinwa, the NYSC Coordinator in Lagos State, expressed delight at Sanwo-Olu’s visit.
Shw said that the orientation course had recorded significant achievements.

According to her, there have been effective participation in various camp programmes and high level of discipline and enthusiasm among corps members.
“However, we still have challenges.

“We seek interventions as we remain hopeful that construction work at the proposed NYSC permanent orientation camp, Agbowa, Ikorodu, will commence soon to resolve accomodation constraints and address the need for suitable orientation facilities,” she added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlight of the event was presentation of a portrait of Sanwo-Olu by two corps members – Odili Emeka, LA/24B/3681 and Ozondu Patrick, LA/24B/0537. (NAN)
Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

By Taiye Olayemi
The Creative Intelligence Group (CI Group), a media and content consultancy firm, says it is reshaping the landscape of public relations in Nigeria by combining extensive experience with innovative strategies.

Its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Femi Odewunmi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

He said that the firm aims to provide tailored services to organisations, emphasising reputation management, awareness enhancement and fostering meaningful connections.

“CI-PR is leveraging CI Group’s robust capabilities, CI-PR will deliver strategic solutions that encompass media relations, digital engagement, and content creation, all tailored to align with clients’ business development and lead generation goals,” he said.

He underscored the role of media strategy and public relations in organisational growth.

Odewunmi explained, “At CI Group, we excel in pinpointing the most effective ways to influence the stakeholders crucial to our clients.

“With the introduction of CI-PR, we are enhancing our ability to help organisations grow and safeguard their reputations.

“Our goal is to ensure they are seen positively, address relevant issues, and attract new opportunities.”

Odewunmi said that CI-PR extends CI Group’s core strengths into comprehensive media relations solutions that not only establish client thought leadership and build trust but also secure strategic media placements to elevate organisational profiles.

“Additional offerings now include media sentiment monitoring and predictive analysis to better anticipate market trends and public reactions, ensuring our clients are always a step ahead in their public relations strategies,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in eight new permanent secretaries to fill existing and impending vacancies of some states and geo-political zones in the top administrative cadre of the Civil Service of the Federation.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s spokesman, read their citations before they took the traditional oath of office.

Ngelale said the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation embarked on a diligent selection process comprising a written examination, an ICT proficiency test and an interactive session with a broad spectrum of stakeholders.

He said at the end of the exercise, eight directors in the Federal Civil Service who scaled the hurdles were appointed as Permanent Secretaries.

One of the permanent secretaries sworn in was Dr Emanso Umobong, representing Akwa Ibom State, who obtained a Fellowship of the Medical College of Pathology (FMCpath), from the National Post-graduate Medical College of Nigeria.

Before joining the Federal Civil Service, Umobong was at various times a lecturer in the College of Medicine, University of Uyo; and College of Medicine, University of Abuja.

Her civil service career started in 2008 when she was employed as an Assistant Director and posted to the State House, where she rose to become a Director.

Also sworn in was Dr Emeka Obi, from Anambra State, who joined the Federal Civil Service on Feb. 5, 2001 as a Dental Officer Grade Level 12 in the State House, having obtained his Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) Degree from the University of Lagos in 1997.

He rose through the ranks in the State House Medical Centre to become a Director in the Federal Civil Service in 2018.

Similarly, Fatima Mahmood, representing Bauchi State, who was sworn in alongside others, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and is a Fellow of the Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA).

Prior to joining the service, she garnered invaluable experience in the finance sector as an agricultural specialist, where she honed her expertise in navigating the intricate intersection of finance and agriculture.

Other permanent secretaries sworn in by President Tinubu were: Mohammed Danjuma, Jigawa State; Olubunmi Olusanya, Ondo State; Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, Zamfara State; Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, Imo State and Christopher Isokpunwu, Edo State.

Danjuma was employed into the Federal Civil Service as Accountant II in 1993 and rose through the ranks to become a Director in 2021.

He was until his appointment, the Director (Finance and Accounts) in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

Olusanya, a fellow of the Waste Management Society of Nigeria and a Member of the Nigerian Environmental Society, started his career as a Microbiologist with Sona Breweries Plc, Sango-Ota, Ogun State in 1993.

He later joined the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) in June 1996 as a Senior Environmental Scientist.

He was absorbed into the Federal Ministry of Environment in June 1999 upon the winding down of FEPA, and rose through the ranks to the position of Director on Jan. 1, 2019.

Keshinro joined the Federal Civil Service on Jan. 3, 2011 as Assistant Director/Consultant Paediatrician with the State House at State House Medical Centre Abuja, and rose to Director/Consultant Special Grade I on Jan 1, 2019.

She served as the Head of Paediatrics Department from 2011 to 2019.

Recognising her leadership abilities, she was elected Chairman of Clinical Services from 2015 to 2019.

Akujobi, until her current appointment, was the Director (Epidemiology) at the Department of Veterinary & Pest Control Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security, Abuja; and Director, World Trade Organisation Sanitary and Phytosanitary Enquiry Point (Animal Health) for Nigeria.

As a Chief Veterinary Officer, responsible for certification of animals and products of animal origin, Akujobi ensured that exported and imported animal products complied with international standards thus preventing rejections and introduction of animal diseases into the nation’s livestock population.

Isokpunwu’s career in the Federal Ministry of Health includes his most recent role as Director of Health Planning Research and Statistics, where he coordinated national health sector priorities and strategic plans.

He previously served as Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Senior Technical Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Health, and National Coordinator of the National Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Programme, leading significant health initiatives.

Dr Folasade Esan, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, said the newly sworn in permanent secretaries should realise that the responsibility of being a permanent secretary was a huge one, and a call to service to one’s nation.

“And so they should see that responsibility and deal with it with all diligence. They need to come in with a lot of fresh vigour and do their work to move the country forward.

“The role of the civil servants is very critical in ensuring that the President gets all the results that he needs. And the civil servants are key, and permanent secretaries being heads of the MDAs must, as a matter of fact, ensure that all the results that Mr President needs will be seen.

“They must make sure that if there are bottlenecks, they should do whatever they have to do so to achieve great results for our country, Nigeria,” said Esan.

One of the newly sworn in permanent secretaries, Obi, said the appointment was a national call to service to support the government in driving the reforms in the federal civil service and to help the president to achieve his mandate.

“So, we feel that is a very great privilege for the eight of us. So, I’ve been elected as permanent secretary to serve our Motherland, as enshrined in the national anthem that this call to service.”(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Philomina Attah

The Federal Government on Tuesday distributed 2,416 bags of various grains as palliative to vulnerable residents of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

Speaking at the ceremony in Apo Town Hall, AMAC Chairman, Mr Christopher Maikalangu, emphasised that the provided food items were strictly for vulnerable residents across the 12 wards of the council, and should not be sold.

He said that the initiative was aimed at addressing the ongoing food crisis and provide relief in line with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of the current administration.

The council chairman said the items distributed would not have been possible without the intervention of President Bola Tinubu and the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike.

He appreciated their efforts in alleviating the hardship faced by many Nigerians through various palliative schemes, adding that the distribution of the items would be devoid of political affiliation, religious belief, and tribal background.

“It may interest you to know that, this is not a political gathering, the people you are seeing here today are residents of AMAC who are invited.

“To this end, the Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture and I, will monitor and ensure the smooth and equitable distribution of these food items.

“Strict security measures are already in place to avoid theft. You have to queue and be orderly, to receive these food items. No thuggery or criminal activity will be allowed,” he said.

Maikalangu said the Tinubu’s administration as well as the council placed greater attention to agriculture,

He disclosed that the council would soon commence distribution of essential agricultural inputs to farmers in the rural areas to support a successful planting season.

Residents of AMAC during the distribution of food items by the federal government.

On his part, the Supervisory Councillor in charge of Agriculture, Mr Zakari Biu,
said the items to be distributed included, 1,000 bags of rice (25kg), 500 bags of maize (50kg), 693 bags of guinea corn (50kg), 120 bags of millet (50kg), and 103 bags of grits (25kg).

He also introduced the committee members appointed by the FCTA to oversee the fair distribution of the items to the beneficiaries. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has expressed support for Nigeria’s bid for re-election into the FIFA Council.

Mr Amaju Pinnick, two-term President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), is seeking re-election into the Council.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement on Tuesday, that President Tinubu was in support of Nigeria’s bid to retain its seat in the Council.

Pinnick was elected into the Council in March 2021 – the third Nigerian after the late Oyo Orok Oyo and Dr Amos Adamu.

The Council comprises 37 members elected by the FIFA Congress for a renewable term of four years.

The FIFA Council is the principal decision-making organ of the organisation in the intervals of the FIFA Congress. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Salif Atojoko

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, is working towards sustainable agricultural practices and food system alignments to minimise forest destruction and biodiversity loss.

Ngelale, who stated this in Abuja on Tuesday, added that several meetings had been held with critical partners and stakeholders towards making it a reality.

He disclosed that in line with the objective, he held a meeting with the Country Director of ProVeg International, Mr Hakeem Jimo, on Monday in Abuja.

He said they discussed how to work towards generating tangible value from reviewing food systems that globally contributed up to 25 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions at a time when nearly 50 per cent of all meat consumed in Nigeria was imported.

“Sustainable agricultural practices and food system alignments can minimise forest destruction and biodiversity loss.

“A major area of opportunity as we seek to create a new industrial ecosystem for biomass in-country in close collaboration with our technical partners and investors,” said Ngelale.

Similarly, he said he met with Mr Khalil Halilu, EVC/CEO, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), in the bid to align approaches to bolster Nigeria’s new drive to localise renewable energy technology value chains.

“Our collaborative approach to achieving national objectives for the benefit of all Nigerians is in conformity with President Bola Tinubu’s team-centered approach to problem-solving and service delivery,” he said.

He was emphatic that Nigerians had so much to look forward to.

Ngelale is also charting a course to advance new wealth-creating industries supported by localised supply chains in Nigeria.

He said he had an extensive deliberation with the World Economic Forum’s Head of Africa, Mr Chido Munyati, and Africa’s Regional Agenda Lead, Ms Abir Ibrahim, on Monday, in Abuja.

Ngelale said the deliberation focused on Nigeria’s value chain localisation initiative and how to actively create linkages between the Organised Private Sector in developed markets and critical Nigerian public-private stakeholders.

He said this was with the aim of advancing new wealth-creating industries supported by localised supply chains.

“Very exciting prospects here. We will follow up on the agenda items discussed soon,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Naomi Sharang

Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo, says that governors of the nine oil producing states are partnering the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for sustainable development in the country.

Uzodimma said this at a news conference on the sidelines of a meeting between the governors and officials of the NDDC, in Abuja on Monday.

HE said the meeting was to provide synergy with the governing council, the governing board and advisory board of the NDDC for the betterment of Nigerians.

“We looked at so many issues; issues of projects, abandoned projects, ongoing projects and also brainstormed on how best we can through that collaboration, advance the course of progress in the commission,” he said.

On abandoned projects, Uzodimma recalled that the previous adminustration under Muhammadu Buhari set up a Policy Coordinating Committee, which identified projects stalled due to paucity of funds.

“Of course, this new board, walking with President Bola Tinubu has risen to the occasion and they are working out ways and means to ensure that those projects are completed.

“There is no politics about it. This government is sensitive. He wants the nation to be developed, he wants our people to feel the positive impact of the initiatives of the new board.

“They are working together hand in hand to protect and satisfy the aspirations and yearnings of our people,” he said

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, said the governors had pledged to the commission, adding that, “NDDC does not have a geographical location. It is the state governments that have boundaries. So whatever projects we are embarking on are in the states.

“So, we have to work with the state governments to ensure that we achieve optimal results.”

Ogbuku said that President Tinubu was committed to ensuring the completion of all the ongoing and abandoned projects in the region.

“As you can see, just in commemoration of Tinubu’s one year in office, he commissioned laudable and legacy projects and so we are still working on inaugurating more and also finishing the remaining ones.

“Some of these projects are projects that started 15 years ago, so it is not something we can finish in one year.

“The President has given us a matching order that he wants to commission projects, landmark projects in the region in the next two years. So we are looking at completing most of these projects within the period of two years,” he said.

On the East-West road, Ogbuku said the commission was giving the Federal Ministry of Works every support to ensure that the project was completed.

“The East-West road is a federal government project. It’s not under NDDC. But, we are actually giving the ministry of works every support to ensure that the project is completed,” he said.

Earlier, the Oil Producing States Governors’ Forum elected Uzodimma as its Chairman, and his Bayelsa counterpart, Douye Diri as vice chairman while Bassey Otu of Cross River emerged as the secretary.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Bashir Rabe Mani

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), says fuel stations are to operate longer hours for supply and distribution of petrol, calling on fuel stations to aid availability in view of the current tight situation.

The NNPC Ltd. says the turnaround period of PMS trucking is also elongated to ease the situation being witnessed.

The Executive Vice President, Downstream, Mr Dapo Segun, NNPC Ltd, said this on Monday in Abuja during a joint inspection of stations by the firm and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) officials.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NNPC Ltd, and the NMDPRA embarked on a joint monitoring of the supply and distribution of fuel stations in the FCT and across the country to ensure that queues disappear.

The NNPC Ltd, had said that fuel queues in the FCT and parts of the country were as a result of disruption of ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of fuel between Mother Vessels and Daughter Vessels resulting from recent thunderstorms.

It said adverse weather conditions including rainstorm and lightning also affected berthing at jetties, truck load-outs and transportation of products to filling stations, causing a disruption in station supply logistics.

Segun said there was a gap in ship-to-shore discharge of PMS which he described as a volatile liquid, adding that during thunderstorms it could not be discharged rather it had to suspend ship-to-shore movement.

“This also affected the loading of trucks at the depot too because of safety reasons, so we have to suspend all that during thunderstorms and that’s why you see this tightness.

“Though we have a challenge over the bad portions of motorways which deteriorated due to rains and flood across the country, we will ensure that we are loading out all through the weekend and that we are mobilising trucks.

“We are getting fuel stations to run for longer hours and we are getting marketers to collaborate and share stocks, rather than have a station with more trucks, they can release those trucks to other stations for circulation,’’ he said.

Mr Ogbugo Ukoha, Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure, NMDPRA, said the tightness in Abuja and parts of Lagos arose from the inclement weather which affected operations offshore and routes ply by trucks.

When asked of its effort to stop hoarding and the nefarious activities of black-marketers, Ukoha said its officials were on the ground going through the stations and depots to make sure that there was no hoarding.

“Due to the tightness in supply, there may be elements who will try to take advantage of that. We assure Nigerians to go about their businesses and purchase the volume they need without panic,’’ he said.

On pump price hike, Ukoha said there was no intention or any anticipated plan to increase pump price, adding that the two organisations would continue to collaborate to ensure energy security.

On this background, he said, the authority had done its regulation on national strategic stock and framework, adding that it was at the threshold of operationalising the framework.

“Again the sensitivity on the pump price is another matter, once those national strategic stocks are in place the logistic issues we have will be mitigated to a large extent and stabilise both supply and prices,” Ukoha added.

NAN reports that the team inspected fuel stations in the FCT, including the NNPC Retail Outlet at Katampe and the AP fuel station located at Ibrahim Way, Garki 2, which have long queues.

The stations’ managers also confirmed availability of enough stock, adding that the stations’ pumps dispensed accurately and relied on constant energy to dispense fuel to motorists.

Motorists on ground also appealed to the government to find lasting solutions and expressed mixed feelings as some have spent longer time queuing for fuel while some did not waste time before their turns.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Folasade Akpan

The National Population Commission (NPC) is prepared to conduct the National Population and Housing Census but awaiting President Bola Tinubu’s approval for a date, the Chairman, Mr Isa Kwarra, says.

Kwarra said this on Monday in Abuja at a new conference, to herald the commemoration of the World Population Day 2024, marked on July 11 every year.

This year’s celebration has the theme: “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All”.

According to Kwarra, the United Nations recommends that censuses are conducted every 10 years.

“The 2020 round of census is ending this year. We will be making a hypothesis to make sure that we conduct the census before the 2020 round of census comes to an end.

“I want to believe that we will get it right, we are just waiting on the president to give us the date, and the commission is ever prepared to do it once we have a date declared by the President.

“The resources should be able to recruit extra hands to help us in conducting a very robust census that will provide inclusive data that is not just verifiable, but will be acceptable by all.

“If we start now, we can achieve it; at least the 2020 round of census gives us an opportunity to extend up to April 2025.”

He, however, said that the commission would prefer to carry out the exercise in November, as that was what was planned for earlier in the year.

Speaking about the importance of conducting the census, Kwarra said it would enable the nation have the right information/evidence/data for measuring and predicting likely demographic shifts.

“We need to hold a census that will deploy modern technology to generate timely, reliable and acceptable data required for addressing the different needs of the various population groups.

“Also, to implement interventions that will create opportunities for progress and remove barriers and inhibitions.”

The Country Representative, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr Gifty Addico, said that timely censuses would provide the baseline data needed to track progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Represented by the Deputy Country Representative, Mr Koessan Kuawu, Addico said that it would also help to formulate policies that addressed the diverse needs of Nigeria’s population.

“In Nigeria, our delay to generate timely inclusive data through the Population and Housing Census and other exercises have masked the progress made, so much so that obsolete data is being used to assess our progress made toward the SDGs.

“Hence, timely population and housing census represents a critical opportunity.

“As we prepare to enter a new 2030 round of population and housing census era, we must ensure that our data generation exercises are prioritised and conducted timely and regularly.

“We must be respectful of individual rights and accurately reflects the multifaceted experiences of all people.

“I, therefore, call on Nigeria to build a resilient and equitable future, by prioritising investment in comprehensive population data systems, ensuring safe and inclusive data collection, collaborating with marginalised communities, leveraging technology responsibly, and supporting the national census.”

The Chairman, Association of the Advancement of the Family Planning (AAFP), Dr Ejike Orji, said that without census data, the country was like a ship without a rudder for decision makers.

He also said that having committed more than 70 per cent of the resources needed for the census if the exercise was not carried out, Nigeria would lose a lot.

“So, that is why we are appealing that government should make sure this happens. If it doesn’t happen, we’re in trouble.”

On the theme for the World Population Day 2024, the Statistician-General of the Federation, Mr Adeyemi Adeniran, said that it held a particular significance for Nigeria, a nation of immense potential and diverse demographics.

“Inclusive data is the cornerstone of informed decision-making and policy development.

“It provides us with the insights needed to understand the realities faced by different segments of our population and empowers us to design targeted interventions to address inequalities and disparities.

He added that Nigeria’s population which was diverse and vibrant presented both immense opportunities and significant challenges.

“However, to effectively harness the full potential of the demographic landscape, the nation needed data that was not only comprehensive but also inclusive.” (NAN) 

Edited by Abiemwense Moru