By Sarafina Christopher

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), in partnership with the Global Peace Foundation(GPF) Nigeria, has called on the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to work collectively towards tackling insecurity.

Dr Joseph Ochogwu, Director-General, lPCR, spoke on Tuesday at one-day High-Level Dialogue Conference with the theme “Promoting Collective Responsibility for Peace and Security in Abuja.”

He said that in recent times, citizens had witnessed an alarming escalation in security incidents in Abuja.

Ochogwu said that if the security challenges were not addressed collectively and urgently, they could undermine the shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous city.

“Persistent insecurity can deter socio-economic development, discourage investment and exacerbate poverty and inequality.

“There is a need for collective responsibility between the government and this entire society to build peace and ensure security for the people in Abuja.

“We believe that once we are able to build peace and establish some good level of security in this place, it will boost investors’ confidence and encourage trust.”

Ochogwu said that in order to proffer solutions to rising crime, the Institute conducted a study titled “Presentation on Spatial Analysis of Crime in Abuja City Centre,” he said.

According to him, the study is not just an academic exercise; it is a crucial early warning tool that can guide strategies and actions in tackling the security challenges.

Rev. John Hayab, the Country Director, GPF Nigeria, said that sustainable peace could not be easily achieved through a top-down approach but through the active participation of all sections of society.

“Both a government official, security personnel, religious leader, community leaders or citizen–all have a vital role to play in building a safer and more secure society for today and future generations,’’ he said.

Hayab also reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment towards partnering with the government, security agencies, civil society organisations, community leaders and individuals in the quest for peace and security in Abuja and the country.

In his remarks, Bello Goronyo, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity in Nigeria.

“Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, efforts and strategies are being put in place to combat the various security challenges facing the nation,”Goronyo said.

On his part, Ogundele Ayodeji, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Zone 7, Abuja, pledged police’s commitment to tackling kidnapping, ‘one chance’ robbery and other crimes in FCT.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Rukayat Adeyemi

The Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) on Tuesday introduced several initiatives to enhance public awareness of the importance of obtaining building planning permits in the state.

The Authority also appointed Mrs Aishat Salami, a Town Planner, as the face of LASPPPA.

Dr Oluyinka Olumide, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, at the unveiling in Lagos, said that Salami was expected to promote the agency and its operations across the state.

He added that the agency had also launched LASPPPA nuggets and car stickers, reproduced in different dialects, as sensitisation tools to build trust, capacity and credibility in the planning permit processes.

According to him, this is to ensure compliance with the three-month amnesty window for completed building owners in the state to obtain planning permits.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the state government had directed property owners and developers of existing buildings without approvals to obtain Building Plan Approvals from LASPPPA between May 2 and July 30.

The state government said that property owners could apply for planning permits without paying the usual penalties during this period.

Lagos state government stated that the house owners can do that without payment of statutory penalties that usually go with erecting buildings without approval in the state.

Olumide said LASPPPA would embark on the public awareness campaign across the state in weeks ahead to change the poor narrative of response to obtaining planning permits.

He noted that physical planning involves making decisions about land uses, infrastructure, transportation, and environmental conservation in a manner that will create functional, attractive and sustainable places for people to live, work, and play.

“You will all agree with me that the importance of this noble profession in creating sustainable and resilient villages, towns and cities may not be felt by people without adequate publicity or public sensitisation.

“Public sensitisation in physical planning parlance is a method of information dissemination and engagement between Town Planners and relevant stakeholders.

“It allows for public consultations and awareness campaigns of plans, policies and development proposals transparently and inclusively that meet the aspirations and buy-in of benefitting stakeholders,” he said.

In his address, Mr Kehinde Osinaike, General Manager, LASPPPA, urged residents, property owners, developers and stakeholders in the built environment to key into the dream of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu by obtaining planning permits for their projects.

Osinaike said that the state government’s approval of a three-month amnesty programme for existing buildings across the state is part of its palliative measure to ameliorate the effect of the present economic situation.

The general manager noted that Gov.Sanwo-Olu equally approved a five per cent rebate for anyone who keys into the programme by paying a processing fee for the grant of planning permit within 10 days of issuance of assessment.

According to him, the governor has also granted a 40 per cent rebate for serving civil servants in the state public service with existing buildings.

“Let us educate and inspire our fellow citizens to make planning permits a priority for their building projects,” he said.

In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotosho, lauded LASPPPA for the initiative.

Omotosho charged the management and staff of the agency to ensure that the sensitisation travels far and wide to the interior parts of the state.

He urged property owners in the state to ensure that they obtain their planning permit within the three-month amnesty window provided by the state, noting that ignorance of the law is not an excuse.

“It is unfortunate that some people build houses on drainage channels, gas pipelines and under high tension which is very risky to life and property.

“Any city that is not well planned will suffer for its consequences; hence, existing and intending property owners must ensure to get their planning permits from LASPPPA for proper planning of the state,” he said.

Other dignitaries who spoke at the event included: Mrs Bilkiss Adebiyi-Abiola, General Manager, Lagos State Residents Registration Authority(LASRRA) and Mr Olumide Sotire, Permanent Secretary, MPP&UD, Office of Physical Planning. (NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

By Chimezie Anaso

A nonagenarian, Chief Gabriel Onwugbenu, has advised the youths to enroll in Igbo apprenticeship scheme (Igba Boi), a programme of the Anambra Government and shun the get-rich-quick syndrome.

Onwugbenu, 91, gave the advice in Nnewi, the industrial hub of Anambra during the burial of Chief Michael Anosike, father to Mrs Patricia Amogu, a staff  member of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

According to him, Igbo apprenticeship scheme is a sure means of self-reliance.

The nonagenarian, who mentored the late Anosike, a renown auto spare parts mogul, said there was a need to invent the values of patience, industry, hardwork and mentoring in the quest for wealth.

He said the deceased was diligent during apprenticeship and later became a creator of wealth and employer of labour.

“The advantage of learning a trade is that on graduation, you become an employer of labour aside from being self reliant and making the money therein,” he stated.

On his part,  Chief Louis Onwugbenu, chairman/CEO, Louis Carter Group, said the news of the demise of Anosike was a rude shock to him and members of his foundation.

Onwugbenu said the late Anosike had supported his foundation since  it was founded 10 years ago.

“His donation and support are gestures of his personality and character, we will miss him,” he said.

No fewer than 25 Catholic priests from across Nigeria led by Very Revd. Fr Augustine Nwosu, joined to celebrate the burial mass at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Nnewi.

In his homily, Rev. Fr Prof. Ignatius Obinwa, encouraged humanity to continue to live in harmony and do good to one another as there was hope of eternal bliss in heaven hereafter.

Obinwa, who read from the books of  Isaiah 25: 6-9; Rev. 14:3 and John 14: 1-6 said though God was not seen or touched, he existed and all his promises were true.

He said only good deeds while alive were the ladder that could take anyone to heaven as nobody took anything with him or her from the earth at death.

“We pray that the good Lord will bless his good works, forgive him his sins and bring him to eternal life in paradise,” he said.

In a remark, the daughter of the deceased, Mrs Patricia Amogu, a Principal Correspondent of NAN, appreciated the priests, knights and ladies of St John’s International as well as friends who joined the family at their time of grief.

She said the death of their patriarch was a huge loss to the family but thanked God for the impactful life he led while expressing faith that his soul would find favour with the Lord.

“My father was a humanitarian, he lived selflessly, he was a dedicated Catholic and he touched humanity, we will miss him.

“Knowing a man like my father did not just make me see life from a broader, and clear perspective; it changed everything about me,” she said.

Pa Anosike, an auto spare parts mogul, was born 81 years ago to the family of Mr and Mrs Julius Anosike from Umuogeli-Okpunoezi, Abubor in Nnewichi, Nnewi.

He started his early education at St Peter Claver Catholic School, Nnewichi and graduated from the Kentist School of Business Management and Administration, London.

He was survived by his wife, four sons and five daughters.(NAN)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

By Vivian Emoni

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), on Tuesday, tasked government at all levels to build an efficient and effective sustainable tax culture for sustainable economic development.

Mr Samuel Agbeluyi, President of the CITN, said this in Abuja, at the 26th Annual Conference, with a theme: “Sustainable Tax Culture and Economic Roadmap for Nation Building”.

Agbeluyi said that government at all levels have a great role to play, adding that taxation demands utmost level of professionalism due to its critical importance to economic sustainability.

“In building a sustainable tax culture, government have a vital role to play. In furthering efforts at sustaining a tax paying culture, it is important to emphasise judicious use of tax revenue.

“This is to engender trust between government and taxpayer, thereby entrenching a tax paying culture and by extension, contributing to nation building.

“Taxation is not merely about revenue collection, it is about building a sustainable future for our country.

“It is about creating a culture where every citizen understands the importance of contributing fair share toward national development.

“It is more importantly about prudently using tax policies as a roadmap to drive economic growth, social inclusiveness and prosperity for all,” he said.

Agbeluyi emphasised the need to invest in technology, adding that the efforts would help people to effectively track revenues in the digital space, including cryptocurrency to maximise government revenue flow.

He said that CITN converged tax experts to critically examine challenges in Nigeria’s fiscal and tax environment with a view to providing solutions for the consideration of policy makers in that regard.

He said that it was necessary to provide support to the revenue authorities by way of financial and administrative autonomy to empower them to effectively administer taxes.

According to him, as a commitment to fully enforce the implementation of Act No. 76 of 1992, redesignated as Cap. C10, Law of Nigeria, 2004, confers on CITN the powers to regulate the taxation profession in all its ramifications in the country.

He, however, urged government at all levels to create career path for tax functions within Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to promote professionalism and efficiency.

Dr Yemi Sanni, the Chairman of the conference, said for Nigeria to achieve meaningful physical development, it is imperative to establish a tax culture that would withstand economic challenges.

Sanni said that government was prioritising the improvement of tax revenue for physical performance as the leading professional body in taxation in Nigeria.

According to him, the emphasis on “sustainable” is deliberate, adding that it requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders including the government tax professionals and tax payers themselves.

“It is our responsibility to support these efforts by convening gatherings like this conference.

“We provide a platform for deliberation and collaboration with the aim of developing actionable recommendations that will help the government achieve its desired objectives.

“As we delve into the intricacies of taxation and economic development, I encourage you all to take sometime to relax, network and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow professionals.

“This conference offers opportunities for learning and building lasting connections and friendships. I want to assure you that we have assembled a line up of distinguished facilitators who are experts in their respective fields.

“I urge you to actively engaged in discussions, share your insights and take advantage of the weight of knowledge that will be shared during this conference,” he said.

Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, Special Guest of the occasion, encouraged government of all levels to be more committed in ensuring that people were more equipped with knowledgeable skills needed to build on effective tax system.

Amosun was also former Governor of Ogun State.

Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, Governor of Sokoto, in his remark, said that the state generates about N3.4 billion internal revenue quarterly.

Aliyu said that the state was committed to collaborating with CITN and other relevant stakeholders to achieve a tax driven economy.

He appreciated members of the CITN and other stakeholders for working assiduously towards  ensuring that the conference was a huge success. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Sen. Araraume says not decamping to PDP

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, Sen. Ifeanyi Araraume, says he is not decamping to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) because of wanting to run for the state governorship race in 2027.

A statement by Dickson Omaiye, his Special Assistant (Legal), said Araraume remained a critical stakeholder of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APCl) in both the state and at national level.

He urged those peddling such mischief to retract it or would be made to face the legal consequences, adding that it was a reckless, misleading and malicious information.

“Senator Araraume has not on any occasion, had any discussions or negotiations with anyone about abandoning the APC or contesting the governorship seat in Imo State.

“He remains a dedicated, committed, and loyal leader within the APC, and has no intention of joining the PDP or any other political party, having played a major role in the last presidential elections as National Director, Trade and Economy for South West, South East and South South.

“(He) is currently creating jobs through the establishment of industries, assisting government to get citizens gainfully employed

“We assure the public that Senator Araraume is committed to continuing to serve the people of Imo State and Nigeria at large with unwavering dedication and commitment through his leadership role in the APC.”

He called on persons circulating such misleading information to be more patriotic and to rather engage in constructive and issue-based political discourse for the benefit of Imo state and its citizens.(NAN)
PR:

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

A Civil Society Organisation, Naija Connect, has stressed the need to build a bridge between the people and government to foster national development.

Its Convener, Iretidola Ojekhoa, made the call at a news conference in Abuja on Saturday.

Ojekhoa said that the group was set to hold a 10-day programme in Abuja for Nigerians to identify various challenges facing them and articulate practical solutions to the identified problems.

Accroding to her, the programme titled “10 day sit out” aimed to bring together progressive minds, patriotic Nigerians for the good of our great nation.

She said that the initiative would help to collate Nigerians’ thoughts on what they actually want government to do about certain things, saying government at any time would only try, but only with the people that they are able to do what they want to achieve.

“Nigeria is a beautiful country blessed with abundance of wealth – the people, the resources, and the diversity of thoughts through multi-ethnic groups speaking over 500 distinct languages.

“People in every corner of the world have problems they deal with on a daily basis. What determines the consistency of the problems across the lands is resilience of its people towards finding solutions and a resolve towards a common purpose.

“Nigerians are not satisfied with a lot of things – the economy, security, food supply, inflation, exchange rate, high cost of transportation due to high pump price. Yet, they don’t have a common front to project their voices and concerns.

“There are questions to be answered, such as: What do people want the government to do? How do they envisage solutions to the problems? What will be the people’s role in making the solutions a dream comes through and the likes?

“To answer these questions, it has become pertinent to draw out the people to pour their energies into a constructive nation building project.

“This project is targeted at building a bridge between the people and government. This will be a platform that acts as a bridge between government and the governed,” Ojekhoa said.

She described the initiative as non-political, non-religious, and non-ethnic based, but solely for national building.

“The Naija Connect project and the planned sit-out is non-political, non-religious and caters to no ethnic persuasion. It is #NIGERIAforNIGERIAN.

“The aim is to bring together progressive minds, patriotic Nigerians for the good of our great nation,” he said.

The Head Mobilization, Naija Connect, Queen Zara Oyinye, said that whatever idea generated from the initiative would be channeled toward appropriate authorities and stakeholders in the nation building for required actions.

“Most of the time, what happen is that after all of the advocacy, people find it difficult to take it to where it supposed to get to.

“What makes this project different is that because we are in the game, we are in the channel, and we will be able to know that this is how things ought to have been done.

“Then we will take it to that same place so that action can be taken in some of the resolutions we reach at the end of the project,” Onyinye said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

========

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Joshua  Olomu

Organisers of the annual  ‘100 Most Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit have said that the 2024 edition of the acclaimed event will be held in Rwanda.

Amb. Kinsley Amafibe, Project Director Africa, for the 100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

According to him, the summit is poised to showcase the extraordinary achievements and potential of Nigerian and other African business titans, leadership and security stakeholders and entrepreneurs.

”The flagship event is scheduled to hold in Kigali the Rwanda capital from Aug. 1 to Aug.4, with the theme, “Fostering   Collaboration and Networking  Among Business Leaders and Stakeholders.”

The project director said the summit was organised in collaboration with several stakeholders, including  the Davdan Peace and Advocacy Foundation, American Management University, Peace Ambassador Agency Worldwide and the Global Africa Trade Advisory Chamber.

He said the event would bring together seasoned entrepreneurs, leaders of businesses from different sectors across the continent to chart a common front towards promoting economic prosperity, peace and stability in Africa.

“The 100 Most Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit 2024 is primed to serve as a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and investment around the Africa continent.

“We shall assemble pacesetters across different sectors, including those in  business, government, academia, security, entertainment  and the civil society to discuss sustainable development, economic prosperity, and peace building initiatives for positive transformation across Africa.

“As we converge on Rwanda, we hope to harness the transformative power of business and leadership to propel Africa and its people towards unprecedented heights of prosperity and well-being,” he said.

Amafibe said the choice of Rwanda as location for the summit was crucial as is signifies, tenacity, hope, unity and progress, which were the focus of the event.

He added that the event would feature keynote addresses, vibrant panel discussions, specialised workshops and captivating keynote addresses, and interactive sessions geared towards achieving sustainable development.

He said insecurity, illegal migration, poverty and the empowerment of the youth for a prosperous Africa are among issues that will be on the front burner.

“A crowning moment of the summit will be the official unveiling of African Business and Leadership Club, Art and Cultural Exhibition, and then the presentation of awards.

“The Leadership and Excellence honour will be given to deserving Africans, including  peace and security  icons, women leaders,  and then  Young Entrepreneurs Under 40. ((NAN) (nannews.ng)

By Philomina Attah

Mrs Ibukun Awosika, a Motivational Speaker and an Entrepreneur, has stressed the need to invest in younger people now to ensure a long-term benefit for the Church and nation was necessary and important.

Awosika stated this in Abuja at the Woman to Woman (W2W) Conference organised by the House on the Rock, the Refuge, Church, Abuja on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference with the theme, ‘Planted to Flourish’, is organised by the Church to also mark the 2024 Women’s Day.

Awosika emphasised the importance of shaping young minds early enough to avoid future challenges.

She pointed out that investing in people not only ensures their long-term value but also benefits nations, communities, and the church.

She equally stressed the need to maximise the talent of women as they were strategic assets for societal development.

Dwelling on the theme “Planted to Flourish”, the Lead Pastor of the Church, Mr Uche Aigbe highlighted the significance of women in life, even as he emphasised their crucial role as helpmates created by God.

Acknowledging their contributions, the lead pastor urged them to continue fulfilling God’s purpose.

He then expressed gratitude for women, recognizing their efforts in making life fulfilling and vibrant.

He urged women to continue to be what What Gdd has created them to be and fulfil God’s purpose and mandate in the world.

“God created man and woman, and women have a very important role to play in life. God created a woman as a helpmate to the man, which means women are important,” he said.

Also speaking, the President of Woman to Woman Ministry of the Church, Abuja, Dr Chichi Aigbe, encouraged women to support their husbands and stay rooted in faith.

She explained the role of women as helpmates to their husbands, urging them to support their spouses through challenges and difficult times.

She highlighted women’s resilience, likening them to palm trees that could find water even in the desert.

Encouraging them to hold onto their faith, she emphasised that God is the only one who can help them through any challenge in life.

She stressed the importance of staying connected to God and His word, especially in difficult times.

On her part, the Team Lead of GROW, an arm of Woman to Woman Ministry, Doreen Mogaji outlined their efforts to support women-owned small businesses and aid the community.

The initiative, part of House on the Rock church in Abuja, focuses on giving back to the community and engaging church members in charitable activities.

They provide support to small businesses, particularly those owned by women, by offering equipment and seed grants.

Additionally, they engage in community outreach, including feeding programs and clothing donations.

The initiative also offers counselling services to families facing crises, emphasising the importance of building a solid foundation based on scriptural teachings(NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola