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

The world’s first patient with a transplanted pig kidney has died, almost two months after the operation.

In March, Massachusetts General Hospital transplanted the genetically-edited pig kidney into Rick Slayman, a 62-year-old man living with end-stage kidney disease.

The operation was a milestone in xenotransplantation – the transplantation of organs or tissues from one species to another – as a potential solution to the worldwide organ shortage, the hospital said at the time.

Slayman’s death was not linked to the transplant, the hospital reported.

“Our family is deeply saddened about the sudden passing of our beloved Rick but take great comfort knowing he inspired so many,” his family said on Sunday.

Slayman’s family paid tribute to the medical team that cared for him.

“Their enormous efforts leading the xenotransplant gave our family seven more weeks with Rick, and our memories made during that time will remain in our minds and hearts.”

The pig kidney came from a pig that was genetically-edited to remove harmful pig genes and add certain human genes to improve its compatibility with humans. Scientists also inactivated porcine endogenous retroviruses in the pig donor to eliminate any risk of infection in humans.

The hospital said it was “deeply saddened” by Slayman’s death.

“We have no indication that it was the result of his recent transplant,”

“Mr. Slayman will forever be seen as a beacon of hope to countless transplant patients worldwide and we are deeply grateful for his trust and willingness to advance the field of xenotransplantation,”it said. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

HS

===

Edited by Halima Sheji

By Aderogba George

The Engr. Gbenga Komolafe Education Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation, has launched its ‘No-Code Web Development’ Scholarship Programme.

This initiative aims to empower individuals with essential digital skills, preparing them for success in today’s economy and fostering job creation opportunities.

The Convener of the foundation, Mr Gbenga Komolafe, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the ‘No-Code Web Development’ programme is an integral part of the foundation’s extensive Digital Economy Strategy.

“In today’s dynamic and rapidly evolving environment, the demand for digital proficiency has never been more critical.

“Recognising the diminishing significance of traditional barriers such as coding expertise, the foundation is committed to creating accessible pathways for individuals to enter and thrive in the technology industry.

“The No-Code Web Development’ programme will furnish participants with the tools and knowledge required to design and launch high-caliber websites without the necessity of coding.

“Through the utilisation of user-friendly platforms and drag-and-drop interfaces, participants will cultivate the skills to materialise their creative visions, whether in the form of personal portfolios, e-commerce platforms, or online blogs.

“With the No-Code Web Development initiative, our aim is to democratise access to digital skills, and empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to capitalise on the opportunities in the digital era to create jobs” Komolafe said.

He further explained that technology has the potential to revolutionise lives and propel economic advancement, stressing that in addition to the ‘No-Code Web Development programme’, the digital economy strategy encompasses an array of initiatives intended to foster digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

He emphasised that ranging from coding bootcamps to mentorship programmes, the Foundation remained steadfast in its dedication to supporting individuals at all stages of their technology career journey.

“The ‘No-Code Web Development programme’ is set to commence on June 1 and welcomes individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

“Prospective participants are encouraged to visit http://egkefoundation.org.ng/ for additional information and to register for the upcoming sessions”, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Collins Yakubu-Hammer/Uche Anunne

By Ismail Abdulaziz
The Federal Government is working on a system that will provide tax relief to 95 per cent of the informal sector of the economy in the country.

Mr Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, said this at the closing session of the committee on Sunday in Abuja.

He said this would be achieved through the exemption of businesses earning N25 million a year or less from the various taxes hindering their progress over time.

‘’So, we think that 95 per cent of the informal sector should be legally exempted from all taxes; withholding tax, company income tax, even payee on their staff.

‘’We’re using data to inform our decisions. Currently, if you earn N25 million a year or less, you don’t have to pay company income tax, you don’t have to worry about VAT.

‘’We think that the informal sector are people who are trying to earn legitimate living, we should allow them be and support them to grow to a point where they can then have the ability to pay taxes,” he said.

Oyedele said the new reforms being proposed would focus on the top 5 per cent of that sector, the middle class and the elite for taxes.

He said the committee was drafting the laws to effect the necessary changes in the fiscal policy and tax reform ecosystem of the country.

According to the chairman, the new laws will ensure that reviews become sustained by all governments coming in, adding that: “we don’t want this whole effort to go down the drain, after one or two years.”

On compliance, he urged all stakeholders to fully cooperate with the government in implementing a new fiscal and tax policy that would be used for the general good of the citizens.

‘’We think that the days of being above the law in paying taxes are over. The same thing we’re saying to our leaders, whether they are elected or appointed.

‘’We think they have to lead by example by showing that they have paid the taxes, not only on time, but correctly to the lawful authorities as contained in the various laws,” he said.

He said explained that some of the taxes complained about by Nigerians were those already in the constitution, which the committee had looked at and called for their review.

Oyedele said the committee report would be made to pass through the normal process of legislation in order to give it the full legal backing.

‘’So, our expectation is, as we progress now from ideation, proposal to implementation, you’ll see less and less of those issues and then you’ll see harmony in the direction of the fiscal system.

‘’Not only in the number of taxes we collect, you will also see an improvement in how those monies are being spent.

‘’In terms of priority of spending, in terms of the efficiency of spending and in terms of focusing on what impacts on the lives of majority of our population that live in multi-dimensional poverty,” he said.

Oyedele added that the committee had been working with the sub-nationals and the local government councils in its task of harmonising the taxes into a single digit in the country.

‘’So, we’re convinced, and that’s what the data tells us, that the right path we need to follow, is the path where we repeal many of these taxes, harmonise whatever is left.

‘’We think we can keep that within single digit across local government, state and federal government combined, and then improve the efficiency of collecting those taxes.

‘’We are also very convinced that we need to increase the threshold of exemption for small businesses, for low income earners because if you can’t make ends meet, the last thing you want is someone asking you to pay tax.

‘’We think in fact, when our nation gets to the level we need to be, we should be able to even add money to those who have very little or nothing,” said Oyedele.

At the ceremony, Vice-President Kashim Shettima restated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalise revenue generation in the country.

”Our aim remains the revitalisation of revenue generation in Nigeria, while sustaining an investment-friendly and globally competitive business environment.

”Contrary to speculations in some quarters, we are not here to frustrate any sector of our economy but to create an administrative system that ensures the benefits of a thriving tax system for all our citizens,” he said.

He said the dynamics of the nation’s fiscal landscape prompted the Tinubu administration to pause and reconsider the direction it was going.

“I am confident that both the Federal and State Governments stand ready to ensure the effective implementation of your reform proposals.

”We shall provide the institutional framework to guarantee the adoption of the consensus of this committee, aligning them with our economic agenda,”said Shettima. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Deji Abdulwahab

The Confederation of All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike’s security initiatives to ensure a safe territory.

Its Director-General, Prof. Kailani Muhammed, gave the commendation at a news conference in Abuja,

Muhammed said the FCT had become a safe haven where residents could afford to sleep with their two eyes closed.

“I am using this opportunity to commend the strong partnership between the FCT Minister and the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igwe, for their efforts against insurgents and other related crimes in the Capital City.

“We encourage them not to relent, but maintain and even improve on the template. We advise other state governments to emulate the FCT Minister’s leadership quality and result oriented mechanism.”

The director-general said that Wike, in less than one year in office, had transformed the FCT into a haven with a lot of ongoing road projects, and some security initiatives.

He said some of the achievements included the rehabilitation of 135 roads completed at almost 90 per cent.

“The minister has exempted the territory from the Treasury Single Account (TSA). This will allow for efficient use of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and stimulate the growth and development of the FCT.

“The establishment of FCT Civil Service Commission as directed by President Tinubu within the short period, is also a laudable achievement,” he said.

Muhammed commended the FCT minister for executing streetlight projects to light up every part of Abuja.

He said that the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, under the leadership of Wike, disbursed  N10 million grants to 20 women farmers in the territory.

According to him, the grant is under the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative’s (RHI)’s Women Agricultural Empowerment programme.

He added that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had also inducted desk officers to improve service delivery across FCT public primary and secondary schools.

He added that the move was part of ongoing efforts to deliver quality services to residents of Abuja.

“The FCT minister is planning to provide specialised care and support for children in vulnerable situations, particularly those with disabilities.

“The overall  goal of the initiative is to revamp interventions related to child protection and combating violence against children.

“This includes efforts to align local laws with international standards, particularly those outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” APC group boss said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

========

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Philip Yatai

The Out of Home Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), has honoured Dr Babagana Adam, for sanitising outdoor advertising in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Adam was the Director, Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS), from May 2019 to March 2024 when he was appointed Permanent Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, FCT Administration.

The National President of the association, Mr Sola Akinsiku, said during the award ceremony and dinner in Abuja on Saturday, that Adam was honoured for outstanding and exemplary leadership in outdoor advertising.

“Since the creation of DOAS, I think we have about three to four directors, but he merited the award; he brought professionalism; he brought truthfulness; and he brought dignity to the profession.

“We started with a fight and had to report him to the National Assembly. We stood our grounds; he stood his ground.

“In the course of time, he understood us better, and we later found out that some of the decisions he took were also helpful to the promotion of outdoor advertising in FCT,” he said.

He added that Adam was also honoured because he did not abuse power.

“He is hard working, works under pressure and delivers. If he disagrees with you, you will know why he disagrees with you,” he said.

Mr Emmanuel Ajufo, the immediate past President of the association and Chairman, Dinner and Award Organising Committee, said that Adam changed the landscape of outdoor advertising and made the business better.

“When he came in as head of DOAS, all manner of people who are not professionals were putting up billboards indiscriminately.

“He reordered that process and brought some sanity to the industry. That alone, is a wonderful thing for us.  He is very firm but fair to everybody.

“We need people like him in the industry, in fact, in this country for us to move forward. Everything is not about money, integrity is very very critical, and the man is filled with integrity.

“What we have done is just to reward hard work and to use him as an example to others,” Ajufo said.

Similarly, the Chairman of OAAN, North Central and Abuja, Mr Haruna Ahmed, said that Adam helped to standardise the practice of the profession in the FCT.

“When somebody does something that everybody adjudged to be good and the person leaves the stage, it is good to honour that person,” Ahmed added.

Also, the acting Chairman, FCT Internal Revenue Service, Mr Haruna Abdullahi, described the awardee as a man with a passion for public service.

Responding, Adam, said it was the second time that the association had honoured him, and expressed joy and gratitude for the recognition.

He described the award as a validation, appreciation, and acknowledgement of an excellent and beneficial working relation between DOAS and the association.

“So, it tells you: treat people nicely and they will treat you better. I was a regulator; I was hard on them, but I also understood their challenges and was helpful to them.

“We have removed illegal billboards in FCT, we cleaned the city and made tremendous progress in making the city look beautiful.

“Cities are like sitting rooms. If you keep them clean and you remove all nuisance, they will look beautiful,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Aderogba George

The Frontier for Accountability and Democracy Development (FADD) has urged Nigerians to continue to give President Bola Tinubu’s administration the needed support to succeed.

FADD is a coalition of Civil Society Organisations which has diligently followed the trajectory of service delivery of Tinubu’s administration since inception.

Mr Abdulsalam Kazeemas, FADD convener, made this call in Abuja at news conference in commemoration of Tinubu’s first anniversary.

Kazeem rated some ministers high for exceptional performance.

According to him, Tinubu has demonstrated that his government places premium priority on the felt needs of its citizen.

“No other government stirred up the hopes of Nigerians like the Tinubu administration with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Tinubu as a deft, adroit and exceptional leader knows the most important task he needs to tackle in order to surmount the myriad of daunting challenges facing Nigerians.’’

Kazeemas said the president carefully selected ministers with vision and able aides to assist in building the great Nigerian of our dream.

“One year down the line, we are already beginning to record visible progress, with some ministers standing out as exceptional performers in their respective ministries.

“President’s choice of Bello Matawalle as Minister of State for Defence, Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and Dele Alake as Minister of Solid Minerals Development, is laudable.

“Dave Umahi as Minister of Works, Abdullahi Gwarzo as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo as Minister of Interior and Hannatu Musawa as Minister for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy can best be described as placing square pegs in square holes.’’

He said that with Matawalle’s all-round support, the Nigerian military had made gains in the fight against bandits especially in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and Kaduna states

“Matawalle’s firm leadership has reverberated across the entire length and breadth of the nation resulting in the restoration of peace in the troubled Niger-Delta which has helped strengthen Nigeria’s economy with an increase in crude oil production.

“The Boko Haram terrorists in the North-Eastern States of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa are rapidly falling to the superior fighting power of the Nigerian military and businesses are rapidly springing back to life again.

“Matawelle deploys strategic approach to defence policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening the capabilities of the armed forces.”

According to him, better days are ahead of Nigerians in terms of security and the nation’s territorial integrity will never be challenged by outlaws again.

Kazeemas said that Wike embarked on an array of infrastructural projects across the city centre and the satellite towns of the FCT.

He said that before the coming of Wike, Abuja was almost a ghost city with no proper street lights while huge potholes and craters dotted major streets and roads in the city but now reverse is the case.

“The Abuja light rail project is near 95 per cent completion and he has reiterated his commitment to reaching 100 per cent completion before the end of May.

“This rapid progress has been achieved because Wike is not just an arm chair minister, but a field worker who rolls up his arms and gets under the sun or rain to inspect projects firsthand.”

He said that Tunji-Ojo had set a new standard for optimal service delivery in all agencies of the ministry.

“Tunji-Ojo also leveraged on innovative technology to resolve the seemingly unresolved crisis of the issuance of Nigerian passport and visa by simplifying the process with the unveiling of enhanced e-passport facilities in key Nigerian embassies across Europe and in the North America.

“As a result of Tunji-Ojo’s strategic thinking, the introduction and installation of e-Gates across all the five international airports in Nigeria has taken effect.

“Tunji-Ojo has equally achieved a first of its kind release of 4,000 inmates from correctional centres across the nation while commensurate salaries for the personnel of Nigerian paramilitary agencies have been worked out,” he said.

He urged the ministers to keep up their good works and strive towards ensuring that the country met its goals and vision for the future. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

==========
Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo