By Ismail Abdulaziz
President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria will continue to play strategic roles in the affairs of the African continent at all times.

Tinubu said this on Friday while receiving the letters of credence from the Ambassadors of Egypt, Pakistan and Greece in Abuja.

He said that Nigeria would continue to play its role as the stabiliser on the continent towards ensuring lasting peace and progress.

Receiving a letter of credence from the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohamed Ahmed, Tinubu said both countries would emphasise on global peace and stability through collaboration within international organizations, such as the UN.

The President noted that since establishing diplomatic relations in 1961, Nigeria and Egypt had collaborated on key international priorities, including promoting regional peace, security, and stability.

Acknowledging Egypt’s role towards a truce in the crisis in Gaza, Tinubu said: ‘’We need to do more. Stability in the region is of paramount importance.’’

Ambassador Ahmed conveyed President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s willingness to bolster economic partnership with Nigeria, emphasizing Egypt’s interest in increasing trade and investments between the two countries.

‘’We need to complement each other on investments. Many Egyptian companies are interested in coming to Nigeria to invest,’’ the Egyptian Ambassador said.

In discussions with retired Maj.-Gen. Sohail Khan, High Commissioner of Pakistan, Tinubu described the Ambassador’s military background as invaluable for exchanging ideas to expand security and defence cooperation.

‘’We must do more to stop extremists. We need to enhance our collaboration and exchange of ideas and knowledge in these areas.

‘’As a government, we will keep an open-door policy with countries and development partners on enhancing cooperation on security, economy, education, and the information and communication technology sector,’’ the President said.

The High Commissioner of Pakistan noted the demographic similarities between the two countries and expressed a desire to elevate the relationship to new heights.

‘’Pakistan has the fifth largest population in the world while Nigeria is the sixth largest. We have a significant youth population, and our national flags are similar.

“I would like to take our relationship to a new level, from strength to strength,’’ the High Commissioner said.

In a separate meeting with Ambassador Athanasios Kotsionis of Greece, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to an open-door policy that encouraged collaboration and progress.

He restated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Greece and building bridges of cooperation to address common challenges.

The President assured the Greece Ambassador of Nigeria’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to socio-economic growth and development.

‘’Nigeria and Greece have good historic ties. We have shared priorities, including promoting democracy, and there is room to expand cooperation.

‘’The economic situation in Africa and Europe is still very unbalanced. We should build on the opportunities from our challenges and strengthen relations between the two countries.

‘’What I expect is an improvement in the relationship between both countries, and I look forward to us working on that.

‘’Our government is about renewed hope. Nigeria will continue to play its role as a stabilizer on the continent,’’ the President said.

Kotsionis outlined Greece’s efforts to finalise agreements with Nigeria in the areas of tourism, scientific exchange, technology, and maritime.

‘’We are ready to sign the agreements with Nigeria as soon as they are ready.

“There is a lot to be done between the two countries, and we will need the support of your government.

“We hope to achieve incredible things in Nigeria during my stay,’’ the Ambassador said.(NAN)
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

By Rukayat Adeyemi

The Lagos State Government has equipped over 1,400 prospective retirees with the necessary knowledge and information to navigate their retirement processes seamlessly.

Mr Bode Agoro, Head of Service (HoS), Lagos Sate Government, said this at the 26th Retirement Documentation seminar for prospective retirees of the state public service, organised by the Lagos Pension Commission (LASPEC) on Friday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the prospective retirees were those due for retirement between July and December.

Agoro, represented by Mr Abdulrafiu Fasola, Secretary, Lagos State Housing Board, said that the seminar was a crucial step to transition to a well deserved and fulfilling retirement after years of dedicated service.

He implored the prospective retirees to quicken the process of their clearance from the appropriate Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to ease further processing of their retirement benefits by LASPEC.

The HoS noted that retirement was eminent in the life of any worker and that in the public service, it came as either having attained 60 years or meritorious service of 35 years.

“Take advantage of the opportunities that will be provided by this forum, which serves as a testament in supporting you in the journey to the new chapters of your lives.

“As you prepare to embark on the new phase of life, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for your numerous contributions; individually and collectively to the growth and development of the state.

“I congratulate you in advance, on your successful transition into retirement and encourage you to cherish memories, celebrate your accomplishments and look forward to the new challenges that await you in retirement,” he said.

Agoro lauded the management and staff of LASPEC for always providing helpful information and guidance to the retirees, as well as being effective in the discharge of their duties.

In his remark, Mr Afolabi Ayantayo, Commissioner for Establishments and Training, said the state government had continuously prioritised the welfare and interests of pensioners in the public service.

Ayantayo noted that the state does so, by ensuring the prompt payment of pension obligations within the available limited resources.

“Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has shown his commitment to the financial freedom of retirees in the state, by ensuring the monthly payment of retirement obligations.

“The Lagos State Government is dedicated to maintaining its leading role in the Nigerian pension industry, by its goal to promptly pay retirees’ pensions upon disengagement from the public service,” he stated.

The commissioner charged the prospective retirees to ensure that all pertinent documentation had been submitted by their MDAs and their personnel files accurate, adding that addressing these matters after retirement may prove challenging.

“I also wish to advise you to embrace the joy and challenges of this new phase of life. Be wary of fraudsters and seek advice from competent and reliable sources.

“In this regard, please do not hesitate to contact LASPEC or the Ministry of Establishments and Training, should you require clarifications or advice regarding the modalities surrounding your retirement benefit matters.

“I congratulate every prospective retiree present and wish you all the best. I pray that God will give you good health to enjoy your retirement,” he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, Mr Babalola Obilana, Director-General, LASPEC said the commission brought in experts and professionals to guide the prospective retirees through the important aspects of their retirement documentation, to help them make well-informed decisions.

Obilana stated that by planning and documenting their pre-retirement affairs meticulously, the prospective retirees were taking a significant step toward ensuring that their retirement years were successful.

He noted that retirement could be a time of immense joy and fulfillment, but could also pose challenges.

He said, “Retirement is not an end, but a new beginning and a time to explore passions and spend quality time with loved ones.

“It is also a time to pursue dreams that were unfulfilled during working years due to time constraints.”

NAN reports that the seminar covered a range of topics related to pre-retirement documentation, financial planning, legal considerations and healthcare, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Olawunmi Ashafa

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) says it has so far captured over 107.3 million persons in the ongoing National Identity Number (NIN) enrolment.

The Director-General, NIMC, Mrs Abisoye Coker-Odusote said this at the Maiden Media Interactive Session of the Commission on Friday in Abuja.

Coker-Odusote said there was need to fast track the enrolment process to capture more people into the national identity database.

“An increase in the enrolment rate will help to reduce the processing time for enrolees.

“Obtaining NIN should be as minimal as possible because the system has been upgraded, and the capacity is not that bad.

“We are working on increasing the capacity that we have, we are trying to increase it from 100million to 250million, the process will take us a minimum of between 6 months and 9 months,” she said.

She said the commission had equipped all its enrolment centres, saying however that most of the equipment were outdated, as the systems were acquired as far back as 2011.

The DG said that although the equipment were donated to the commission, the number of equipment donated were minimal compared to what was required.

She said that Nigerians would have to pay a certain amount of money to access the New General Multipurpose National Identity Card through their finance institutions.

Odusote also said that although NIN was free, the card would not be issued free of charge.

“It is just like how you pay to access your ATM cards in the banks, Nigerians will pay through the banks to access their cards within 48 hours after payment to get the digital multipurpose card.

“Application for the card will be based on request with individuals getting their NIN through self-service online portal or through the banks and the applicants will have to pay through the banks to acquire the card.

“The proposed general multipurpose National Identity Card will be convenient, and it eliminates the need for multiple cards,” she said.

She said that the cards had multiple use and can be used for payments/financial, government intervention/services, and travel.

The DG said that NIMC was also working with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System to ensure hitch-free roll out of the cards.

“Applicants for the card will have to request with their NIN through the self-service online portal, NIMC offices, or their respective banks

“The card will be issued through the applicants’ respective banks in line with existing protocols with the issuance of the debit/credit cards.

“The card can be picked up by holders at the designated center or delivered to the applicants at the requested location at an extra cost to be borne by the applicants,” she said.

Coker-Odusote said the commission was in partnership with Nigeria Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited and Galaxy Backbone to access efficient access to internet connectivity to the 774 Local Government Areas ( LGAs) of the country.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Ali Baba-Inuwa

By Anita Uzoagba

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), on Thursday sought a partnership with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) iln sensitising Nigerians on irregular migration.

Mr Francois-Xanvier Ada-Affana, the Public Information officer, IOM, presented the request when he led a delegation of IOM on a visit to the Editor-in-Chief of NAN, Mr Ephraims Sheyin, in Abuja.

Ada-Affana said that IOM’s focus was to ensure effective management of migration and to promote international cooperation on migration issues.

He said that IOM’s mandate also included the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need.

He said that relating with the media would aid the quest to share accurate information to people seeking to migrate.

“Migration is not a problem. It is a reality that we are all called to live with. Migrants bring something wherever they are, wherever they go.

“What we are called to do is to govern it better by setting up systems, create laws, infrastructures that facilitate the movement of people regularly.

“For us, the key message is regular movement with required documents that are needed, we also want people to move to a destination knowing where they are going and why they are going there.

“We need to ensure that people don’t fall into traps and that people must move with a clear purpose,’’ he said.

Ada-Affana said that people had fallen victim to traffickers and smugglers and IOM intend to draw people’s attention to it to enable them recognise when their confidence or trust was being abused.

“We work closely with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), to do a lot of advocacy and ensure that the people, who are committing the crime of trafficking, are prosecuted.”

He emphasised that effective migration management requires more than merely stopping it.

“It involves effective governance that would ensure successful implementation,” he said.

Responding, Sheyin promised to partner with IOM for adequate coverage and to ensure adequate information flow on irregular migration.

According to him, IOM is doing a good job toward ensuring that Nigerians know the risks involved in irregular migration.

“The agency will support IOM by covering all its activities.

“I want to thank you for your efforts at making people know the issues in and around migration, both locally and internationally.

“I thank you for the emphasis on key areas like accommodation, feeding and basic survival.

“There is always a need to get the right information across to people through the media.

“NAN has an existing editorial policy that focuses on issues of migration. We shall use that to support IOM mission.

“NAN has the technical expertise to handle information coming from IOM. We shall deploy that to monitor the progress made by the organisation,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Ephraims Sheyin

By Rukayat Adeyemi /Aderonke Ojediran

 The Lagos State government says 698 residents of the state will be selected through ballot to acquire homes in its various housing estates.

The Commissioner for Housing, Mr Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, said this during the 2024 Ministerial Press Briefing to mark the first year of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office on Thursday at Alausa, Ikeja.

He further said selected workers would be entitled to 40 per cent rebate in their service lifetime.

“In order to promote transparency in home unit allocation, the state government will henceforth allocate some of its homes through ballot.

“The process will be observed by independent observers to ensure transparency and fairness.

“Some of the locations are: Idale (Badagry Division) and LagosHOM Odo-Onosa/Ayandelu (Epe-Division) come June 4,” the commissioner said.

He added that the Lagos State Mortgage Board had complied a list of applicants for home unit allocation.

“Within various schemes, we have pre-qualified 950 applicants for home unit allocation. We also have 400 applicants for LagosHOMS, Ajara, Badagry, 450 for LagosHS, Odo-Onosa/Ayandelu.

“We have 100 for Lagos State public affordable housing scheme, Idale Badagry,” Akinderu-Fatai said.

The commissioner also said the ministry was able to engage over 8,000 skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled residents of Lagos.

“In August 2023, the ministry trained additional 200 artisans under its Master Craftsman Training Programme. The six weeks programme was organised in collaboration with a consultant.

“The courses were: plumbing and pipe works, masonry, painting, decoration, carpentry and furniture making and electrical installations,” he said.

Akinderu-Fatai said the ministry had to deal with challenges such as encroachment on state owned land and housing projects, litigations, slow pace of work by joint venture partners and the current inflation trend.

“But we have been able to settle most litigations through Alternative Dispute Resolution and strategies to curb delays.

“We will encourage the use of local products, we’re leaveraging on various relationships with the academia and professional bodies to support researches into cheaper and alternative building technology,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Philomina Attah

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) says the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (Al) must be guided ethical principles, in spite of its enormous benefits.

The President, CBCN, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji said this in Abuja at the Maiden Communication Week (COMWEEK) Public Lecture by Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN).

The theme of the lecture was ” Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Opportunities for Evangelisation and Social Development.’’

” Artificial intelligence is a subject of debate and labelling it as artificial suggests a replication or limitation, as it is derived from human intelligence.”

Ugorji, also the Archbishop of Owerri, said that in spite of its versatility and technological prowess, the AI remained a facsimile of the original, namely human cognition

“AI is a term born from advances in computer science and digital technology. It endows machines with the capacity for intelligent behaviour through sophisticated algorithms.

“Today, computers can perform tasks traditionally requiring human intelligence, such as understanding natural language, recognising patterns, learning from data, and making decisions.

“This has turned out to be a cause for joy and a reason for worry at the same time.

“It is a thing of joy because of the enormous positive possibilities as a result of the digital technology and worrisome because of the grave life-defining dangers they pose at the same time,” he said.

” We must strive for a balance that prioritises human welfare alongside technological progress, being mindful of ethical and moral dilemmas as well as risks such as job displacement.”

He said that the church had ceaselessly emphasised that collaboration between Al experts and social development practitioners was crucial.

According to him, Al could significantly contribute to the common good of the people.

“At this gathering, we hope to learn from experts the responsible and ethical use of Al not only to benefit the society but also to support the Church’s evangelisation efforts.”

He said that the Al should be a tool for empowerment and progress and not a source of division or destruction.

He said that the CBCN plans to create a forum for experts to discuss issues concerning not only the church and its mission but also the broader welfare of the society.

The Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, said the position of the Pope had been in line with the constant magisterium of the church.

He said that all scientific progress was gift from God to humanity and to be used for human well-being to the glory of God.

“The latest in the world today is bringing out machines that try to imitate human thinking. We don’t know how far developments in this regard will go.

“But the warning of Pope Francis remains valid: that it is not everything that we can do that we should do. Even scientific progress must be subject to human, moral, and ethical control.

“This is a responsibility that humanity abdicates at its great peril,” he said.

Rev. Fr. Anthony Akinwale, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, Lagos, said that artificial was not intelligence because it lacked self-determination.

“My argument so far has been, if it is intelligent, it is not artificial and if it is artificial, it is not intelligent.

“Artificial intelligence is not intelligent because of its privation of self-consciousness and self-volition. That raises a question: Where does this lead us?

“The submission in the preceding section of this paper neither diminishes nor denies the astounding accomplishment of science and technology in the area of computational informatics.

“It only serves to call attention to a misnomer conventionally taken for granted. This misnomer, if ignored, will have, and in fact, already having precautions in the arena of ethics in which we human beings find ourselves, the arena of inter-relationship.

“The pertinence of these remarks stems from the fact that artificial intelligence is a tool and not a substitute for the human person,” he said.

He, however, added that the technology could be used properly if well understood because communication was not just about dissemination of information. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

Dangote Cement offers free Malaria treatment In Edo

The Dangote Cement Plc (DCP) on Thursday began its malaria intervention programme for host communities at Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.

Group Head of Sustainability, DCP, Dr Igazeuma Okoroba, said the campaign was in commemoration of the World Malaria Day and to advance the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 of the UN.

“As we observe, a significant portion of the population lacks access to vital healthcare services. Dangote Cement PLC aims to bridge this gap by addressing disparities in our host communities.

“We believe that healthy people are the foundation for healthy economies, and for this reason, countries are taking decisive actions to counteract health challenges. Our target for this campaign is Edo State.

“According to the United Nations, efforts to combat infectious diseases like HIV, TB and malaria improved between 2000 and 2015; however, progress has since slowed,” she said.

According to her, Dangote Cement’s response to this situation is to join the world in “accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world.”

She said that the event was aimed at engaging the communities, make health accessible and addressing malaria risk factors as well as the company CSR programme.

While calling on the people to participate actively in the two-day activities, she commended the Edo state Ministry of Health and partners for their collaboration in making this programme successful.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Coordinator Sustainability DCP, Okpella, Sunday Adondua, said the programme was aimed at reducing incidence of malaria to as low as possible in the company’s host communities.

Adodua, a General Manager, Training and Development, added: “If the people use what we gave them in terms of drugs and mosquitos nets, we will chase malaria out of the communities.

“The essence of this programme is to make life more meaningful for the people of our host communities who are vulnerable in terms of finance and resources endowment to afford good medical establishments for treatment.

“So, we are bringing the treatment to them right in their homes. We want to reach as many people as possible, we start today, and it is continuing tomorrow. So those who heard the news of today’s event will come tomorrow. Even if 2,000, 5000 and 10,000 people visit us, they will get treatment.

“Dangote has a robust CSR programme for host communities, we have been doing this every year. Last year we have our sustainability week and at Okpella community we established a library with 10 laptops and internet connectivity for the community. The donation would be done next week.”

Speaking, Mr Victor Ojeifo, Director Community Health Service, in charge of Malaria Elimination Programme, Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Etsako East Local Government Area, commended Dangote Cement for the medical outreach.

“This is what we have been expecting to see when we preach to nongovernmental organization to try to attend to the vulnerable who can’t afford to buy drugs.

He called on communities to complement the Dangote programme by clearing bushes and stagnant water in their areas as part of efforts in eradicating malaria.

A beneficiary, Mrs Adiza Aliu, who was treated, said the programme has given her the opportunity to attend to her health without spending money.

“I was diagnosed of malaria. They gave me drugs and mosquito net. They asked me to be sleeping under the net to prevent malaria. Look at the drugs they gave me. I didn’t pay any money.”

Another beneficiary, Innocent Valetina, Dangote is God-sent to alleviate their suffering concerning health challenges.

“Drugs are expensive and not everybody can afford drug now but with this programme, we got free test, drugs and mosquito nets for ourselves and children. God should continue to bless Dangote.

On her part. Mrs Adiza Sedu, said she was happy to be among the beneficiaries of the free malaria treatment.

She added: “I was screened, I don’t have malaria, but they said my blood pressure is high. They gave me drugs and mosquito net and advise me to always go to the health centre to check.”(NAN)
PR:

Lagos govt to allocate homes to 698 residents by ballot – Commissioner

Homes
By Rukayat Adeyemi /Aderonke Ojediran
The Lagos State government says 698 residents of the state will be selected through ballot to acquire homes in its various housing estates.

The Commissioner for Housing, Mr Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, said this during the 2024 Ministerial Press briefing to mark the first year of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office on Thursday at Alausa, Ikeja.

He further said selected workers would be entitled to 40 per cent rebate in their service lifetime.

“In order to promote transparency in home unit allocation, the state government will henceforth allocate some of its homes through ballot.

“The process will be observed by independent observers to ensure transparency and fairness.

“Some of the locations are: Idale (Badagry Division) and LagosHOM Odo-Onosa/Ayandelu (Epe-Division) come June 4,” the commissioner said.

He added that the Lagos State Mortgage Board had complied a list of applicants for home unit allocation.

“Within various schemes, we have pre-qualified 950 applicants for home unit allocation. We also have 400 applicants for LagosHOMS, Ajara, Badagry, 450 for LagosHS, Odo-Onosa/Ayandelu.

“We have 100 for Lagos State public affordable housing scheme, Idale Badagry,” Akinderu-Fatai said.

The commissioner also said the ministry was able to engage over 8,000 skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled residents of Lagos.

“In August 2023, the ministry trained additional 200 artisans under its Master Craftsman Training Programme. The six weeks programme was organised in collaboration with a consultant.

“The courses were: plumbing and pipe works, masonry, painting, decoration, carpentry and furniture making and electrical installations,” he said.

Akinderu-Fatai said the ministry had to deal with challenges such as encroachment on state owned land and housing projects, litigations, slow pace of work by joint venture partners and the current inflation trend.

“But we have been able to settle most litigations through Alternative Dispute Resolution and strategies to curb delays.

“We will encourage the use of local products, we’re leaveraging on various relationships with the academia and professional bodies to support researches into cheaper and alternative building technology,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

================

By Monday Ijeh

Sen. Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta) says the Ogwashi-Uku dam will serve 60 communities in the senatorial district of Delta, when completed.

Nwoko said this during an interactive session with newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that plans were ongoing for the construction of a second dam in the senatorial district at Idumuje Ugboko.

The senator said the dams were initiated to address the problem of water supply and seasonal farming in the district.

According to him, the two dams in the senatorial district will address the problem of water supply and create an opportunity for all round farming through irrigation.

He said that the Ogwashi-Uku dam was near completion with the Federal Government completing its side of the project.

The senator said he was in talks with the Delta Government to play its part, by providing a reservoir and water treatment plant to ensure safe water supply to the communities.

Nwoko urged the communities to embrace the project and take advantage of the opportunities it would create when completed.

The senator said he had initiated a motion to step down 100 megawatts of power from the power plant in Okpai in Ndokwa land to improve power supply in the area.

He said the initiative was initiated to address the delay in the supply of electricity to Ndokwa land and urged the state government to execute the project when the motion would finally be passed.

Nwoko said the Federal Government would make a refund for the cost that would be expended by the state government in the step down project. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

=========
Edited by Joseph Edeh