By Salisu Sani-Idris

Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has commended President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s infrastructure, agricultural sector and enhanced security since his assumption of office.

The National President of MACBAN, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, made the commendation in a congratulatory letter to Tinubu, which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)on Friday in Abuja.

” Congratulations to Mr President and Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Bola Tinubu on your one year in office.

” On behalf of the over six million pastoral communities in Nigeria, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, the National Executive, Management and staff of MACBAN, I wish to congratulate you on your successful one year anniversary in office.

” Your one year in office, though tumultuous but stands you as a man of courage, conviction and vision with Renewed Hope to make Nigeria great.

” Your commitment to developing Nigeria’s infrastructure, agricultural development and enhanced security is a testimony that you are not only up to the task but to deliver dividends of democracy to the larger Nigerians populace.”

Othman-Ngelzarma noted that the Renewed Hope agenda on agriculture which intends to make Nigeria self-sufficient in its food security entails massive investment in both agronomy and livestock production.

” In view of this, MACBAN looks forward to your promise of creating a Ministry for Livestock to handle the N15 trillion Industry and its value chain.

” The industry stands to provide millions of quality jobs to Nigerian youth wallowing in unemployment and abject poverty which is a threat to National Cohesion and the security in the country.

” To achieve this objective, there is the need for immediate establishment and inauguration of the livestock implementation committee which you promised during the report presentation.”

Othman-Ngelzarma also appealed to Tinubu to allow for the stand-alone existence of the National Commission for Nomadic Education for the continued well-being of Nigerian nomads.

” We appreciate the efforts of security agencies in the country in combating crime but we express concern with the way and manner in which innocent pastoralists are being profiled and extorted.

” Yours Excellency, the hope you exude should be made a reality to strengthen the faith of ordinary Nigerians on your renewed hope agenda.

” We will continue to support you in your quest to strengthen institutional frameworks to make Nigeria and Nigerians the pride of Africa in innovation and productivity.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Perpetua Onuegbu

Mr Gabriel Aduda, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, has emphasised that Civil Society Organisations and development partners are essential for achieving self-actualisation for women and children.

Represented by the Director of Child Development, Mr Ali Madugu, Aduda said this on Thursday in Abuja during the Critical Stakeholders Strategic Meeting of the Community and Social Intervention Department of the Ministry of Women Affairs.

He stated that the meeting aimed to develop a road map for the department’s strategic objectives.

“While the government has the ultimate responsibility in ensuring protection of women and children’s rights, but this cannot be fulfilled without the involvement of CSOs, NGOs and development partners.

“I, therefore, call on all stakeholders and well-meaning individuals to work closely with new department toward the protection and promotion of our women and children.

“This is for self actualisation and effective contribution to sustainable national development,” he said.

Mr Kunle Yusuf, the Director-General , Community Enhancement and Humanitarian Development Institute (CSCHEI) said the collaboration of CSOs was key.

“For the department to achieve it’s mandate it needs to work with CSOs,” he said, adding that they will help in achieving the department’s mandate in five ways.

“There are development agents to ask the masses what there needs are; for you to articulate it, they advice appropriately adequately based on the facts, figures and data analysis on ground.

“They assist you in implementing your policy at the grassroot level, they also give national assessment on how far you have gone, what is needed to be done and how best to go about it,” he said.

Yusuf advised the department not to allow bureaucracy to hinder its activities.

He urged the UN and other development partners to also invest in other zones of the country that need support.

Speaking on the objectives of the meeting, Mr Lugard Okorobo, the Director-General, Nigerian Women Economic Development (NigWED) a CSO and organisers of the meeting said It was aimed at bringing stakeholders in the sector together.

“NigWED focuses on social intervention programmes, financial inclusion, economic empowerment, political participation for women and girls.

“Some people are already working at the community level so together we make informed decision that will help the department achieve it’s objective for the overall goal and benefit of women and children,” Okorobo said.

Also speaking, a director at the ministry, Mrs Christiana Oliko, said the department would promote greater synergy with critical stakeholders and give visibility to issues concerning women and children.

“We are foreseeing a situation where we bring in our contribution that will at the long run enhance the quality of lives of our people in nutrition, poverty reduction through skills development trainings.

“Basically, we’ll try to harness our strength as there are some that will provide technical support, some will provide finances, grants and that will aid implementation of programmes and projects,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the department was created in November 2023 to deal with community development and social welfare issues with respect to women, children and venerable groups. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Ali Baba-Inuwa

By Mark Longyen

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called on member states to champion the cause of promoting investment in order to engender sustainable development in the subregion.

ECOWAS Ag. Director, Private Sector Investment, Anthony Elumelu, gave the charge during a meeting of the technical committee of the Association of Investment Promotion Agencies of West African States (IPAWAS) on Thursday in Abuja.

Elumelu said that the event aimed at availing all member states the opportunity to shape IPAWAS’ form and structure as the regional platform for cooperation in investment promotion and facilitation.

He noted that continuous support and collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission by member states would enable investors to accept the subregion as the most favored destination for investment drive.

“As we gather here in Abuja, we embark on a momentous journey that will shape the future of investment promotion and economic development in our region.

“IPAWAS represents a significant milestone, bringing together IPAs from across West Africa to foster collaboration, share best practices and drive investment growth.

“We believe that by fostering cooperation in pursuit of that mandate, there would be synergies to achieve experience sharing, peer reviews, and collaboration through scale economies,” he said.

Elumelu urged the participants to deliberate on the draft statute that would govern IPAWAS, shape the framework for cooperation, define their roles, and set the stage for impactful collaboration.

According to him, at the end of the event, all member states will own the statute as the framework for IPAs cooperation and collaboration for promoting cross-border investment within the ECOWAS space.

“Within this framework, we can also speak with one voice in our participation and membership of the Pan-African Investment Agency created by Article 42 of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) Investment Pool.

“The ECOWAS Common Investment Market (ECIM) and AfCTA provide us with unprecedented opportunities.

“By aligning our efforts, streamlining regulations, and promoting cross-border investments, we can unlock the full potential of our region,” he said.

Elumelu stressed that it was only through such collaborative efforts that a stronger and more resilient West Africa, which attracts investors, creates jobs, and drives sustainable development, could be built.

“I therefore, encourage each IPA representative to actively participate, contribute your expertise and champion the cause of investment promotion,” Elumelu added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Federal Government and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) have facilitated the safe return of 29 out of 120 Nigerians stranded in Sudan.

The Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, stated this at the reception of the returnees on Thursday in Abuja.

Ahmed explained that the voluntary return of the 29 Nigerian emigrants comprising of 18 females including five minors and five adult males with two minors, became necessary due to the crisis in Sudan.

He also said that about nine voluntary returnees would be airlifted from Sudan in the next one week.

“We are here at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to receive the returnees from Sudan. We want to ensure that our people returned safely and in dignity.

“The National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons in collaboration with the IOM is doing everything possible to ensure that this 120 were returned to the country,” he said.

Ahmed said the Commission was also making arrangement to ensure the safe return of about 17 Nigerians in Algeria, eight in Tunisia and some other ones in other countries in the next few weeks.

He added that the Commission with IOM had facilitated the return of about 1, 950 Nigerians between January and May.

“Also in 2003, the Commission and partners returned over 7,000 Nigerians from various countries back to the country,” Ahmed added. .

He, therefore, appreciated IOM and other partners for their supports, both financially and morally towards ensuring that Nigerians, who live far away in many countries were returned safely and in dignity.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the returnees were profiled and given some kits including refreshments. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

==========
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Perpetua Onuegbu

The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to appoint qualified officials from Southeast to head the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

Dr Raymond Edoh, the Council’s Executive Director, said this on Wednesday in Abuja, at a news conference on the state of the nation and the federal character principle.

According to him, appointing an official from the southeast to head FRSC will be in compliance with the Federal Character principle.

“Recall that the Federal Character Principle in Nigeria was borne out of the need to ensure evenness in spreading government appointments to promote inclusion, representation, a sense of belonging and balance in the polity.

“The underlying philosophy is providing equality of access in public service representation to curb dominance by one or a few sections.

“The Principle was first introduced into the Constitution in 1979 for public offices and federal institutions to reflect Nigeria’s diversities.

“The Federal Character Commission (FCC) was subsequently established by Act No 34 of 1996 as a Federal Executive body to implement and enforce the Federal Character Principle of fairness and equity’’, he said.

He said the Commission had achieved remarkable feats in the nation’s civil service in terms of employment.

However, he said, the same could not be said of appointments of heads of security agencies and para-military establishments over the decades,” Edoh said.

According to him, verifiable records show that the configuration of the nation’s security and para-military architectures do not properly reflect and represent the Federal Character Principle.

He listed the heads of para-military agencies; Nigerian Police Force – IGP Kayode Egbetokun , Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps – Dr Ahmed Audi, Department of State Service -Mr Yusuf Magaji Bichi.

Others are Nigeria Customs Service,Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, Nigeria Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa and Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency,Mohammed Buba Marwa.

Also, Economic & Financial Crime Commission ,Mr Ola Olukayode, Independent & Corrupt Practices Commission ,Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu and National Food & Drugs Administration & Control , Prof Moji Adeyeye.

He said the list showed that that no personnel or official from the southeast was heading any of the agencies listed.

“With the retirement of Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps last week, general expectations and healthy assumptions were that the next Corps Marshal FRSC would be considered from the Southeast Zone.

“Furthermore, our diligent findings shows that within the nine dispensation and 36 years of the enactment into law and formal appointments of the successive Corp Marshals, below is the official records;

“Dr Olu Agunloye. 1988 -1994. Maj. Gen Haldu Anthony Hananiya (rtd) 1994 – 1999, Danyaro Ali Yakasai. 1999 – 2000, Mr Abba Wakilbe, 2000 – 2003, Maj. Gen Haldu Anthony Hananiya (rtd) 2003 – 2007.

“Others include Osita Chidoka, 2007 – 2014, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi 2014 – 2022, Ali Biu 2022 – 2024, and Mr Shehu Mohammed (now reported to be confirmed and decorated),” the executive director said.

Edoh therefore appealed to President Tinubu to encourage national unity and integration by taking advantage of the retirement of Mr Dauda Biu as Corps Marshal of the FRSC to remedy the situation.

Earlier, the Director, South West, NCSCN, Mr Yemi Success, said every zone was equal in the country.

“Facts speak for itself, but there is a possibility that the leadership has not taken cognisance of the details and as the watchdog of society we have placed it before them.

“We will follow it up with advocacy; we note that President Tinubu has been one of the advocates of good governance and equitable distribution of power in Nigeria before his ascension to power.

“We believe this may be oversight that might happen as a mistake, now that we have placed the facts and figures before him we are sure that he will do the needful.’’ Success said.

Similarly, Mr Haruna Gambo, the Director Media, NCSCN, said the only way the country could promote unity was by being just in the distribution of federal appointments and political offices.

Gambo therefore, called on the government to unite the country by making sure that any region in Nigeria that was deprived of appointments was compensated. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

==============
Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Uche Anunne

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Federal Government in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), have facilitated the safe return of 29 out of 120 Nigerians stranded in Sudan.

The Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Alhaji Tijani Ahmed stated this at the reception of the returnees on Thursday in Abuja.

Ahmed explained that the voluntary return of the 29 Nigerian emigrants –18 females including five minors, five adults males and two minors became necessary due to the crisis in Sudan.

He also said that about nine voluntary returnees would be airlifted from Sudan in the next one week.

“We are here at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to receive the returnees from Sudan. We want to ensure that our people returned safely and in dignity.

“The National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons in collaboration with the IOM are doing everything possible to ensure that this 120 were returned to the country,” he said.

Ahmed said the Commission was also making arrangement to ensure the safe return of about 17 Nigerians in Algeria, eight in Tunisia and some other ones in other countries in the next few weeks.

He added that the Commission with IOM had facilitated the return of about 1, 950 Nigerians between January and May.

“Also in 2003, the Commission and partners returned over 7, 000 Nigerians from various countries back to the country,” Ahmed added. .

He, therefore, appreciated IOM and other partners for their supports, both financially and morally towards ensuring that Nigerians, who live far away in many countries were returned safely and in dignity.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the returnees were profiled and given some kits including refreshments.(NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Ebere Agozie

Nigeria has enacted the anti-torture act to prohibit and punish acts of torture committed by public officers.

Mrs Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, the Solicitor-General of the Federation made this known at the sensitization and advocacy session for Law Enforcement Agencies, MDAs and relevant stakeholders. on United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT) on Wednesday in Abuja.

“The definition of torture under the relevant legal frameworks pertains to acts committed by public officials, particularly Law Enforcement, which inflicts pain or suffering, whether mental or physical on individuals in their custody.

“ Therefore, the Federal Government prioritises initiatives aimed at preventing torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment,’’ she said.

She said the government and stakeholders had the inherent responsibility to support measures aimed at unequivocally rooting out torture in Nigeria, in line with UNCAT and OPCAT.

“We are currently reviewing the Anti-Torture Act and Regulations to expand the definition of torture and improve mechanisms to discourage and eradicate torture in places of detention.

“These places include any deprivation of liberty in Nigeria like the police stations, prisons and other detention facilities, psychiatric hospitals, and any other places where persons are not permitted to leave at their own will.

“It is not enough to punish perpetrators for committing acts of torture, the government also has the responsibility to ensure restitution and rehabilitation of victims of torture’’.

She encouraged participants to work as champions of the federal government’s policy against torture, shun the use of torture against citizens and institute anti-torture measures.

“I want you to demonstrate commitment and dedication towards eliminating torture by collaborating and cooperating to speak with one voice against the perpetrators of torture, and for all who suffer at their hands, at your various institutions.

She said the programme would focus on strategic interaction between stakeholders to address concerns and challenges associated with implementing anti-torture measures in compliance with international obligations.

“This sensitization event was initiated in fulfilment of the mandate of the committee and the federal ministry of justice, as part of measures to eradicate the use of torture by public officials,’’ she stressed. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

======

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) says it plans to start entertaining loan application from students attending state-owned tertiary institutions on June 25.

The Managing Director, NELFUND, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr said this at a news conference on the Post-Application Launch in Abuja on Thursday.

Sawyerr also said that over 60,000 students from federal tertiary institutions had successfully registered since the application launch.

He said from this application, 30,000 had successfully applied for the loan, saying however, no approval had been granted so far.

“Since the launch of our student loan application portal last Friday for students in Federal institutions of higher learning, we have witnessed an extraordinary surge in applications, with over 60,000 submissions since inception.

“The overwhelming response serves as a testament to the critical need for financial assistance among our student population, and we remain committed to addressing this urgent demand.

“In line with our commitment to democratise higher education, we are excited to announce that NELFUND will commence accepting applications from students attending state-owned tertiary institutions in three weeks,” he said.

He added that over 90 per cent of federal institutions had so far submitted their students’ details to NELFUND.

He encouraged the remaining two federal universities and five federal polytechnics to expedite the process to ensure that all eligible students have access to its financial support.

He urged all state institutions to submit their students’ data immediately, as requested, to facilitate a smooth and seamless application process.

Sawyerr added that the Fund would also launch the skill acquisition programme six months from today.

He said the skills programme was designed to prepare students to meet the demands of market through fostering entrepreneurship of the young people.

“Beyond financial assistance, NELFUND recognises the profound importance of equipping our youth with practical, market-relevant skills.

“Six months from today, we will launch a comprehensive skills acquisition programme, providing training in various vocational and technical fields.

“This programme is designed to prepare students to meet the demands of the modern job market, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation among our young people.

“We are going to be working with existing centres in the right standard to give the right level of training to Nigerians,” he added.

Speaking on the challenges being faced, Sawyerr said no ICT platform was devoid of challenges saying however, that the Fund had been able to address challenges being experienced by applicants. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ali Baba Inuwa