By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Two Nigerian charities based in the UK will submit a report on the current security situation in Nigeria to the UK Government and Parliament on March 19.

The report was developed by academics at King’s College, London.

It is to be presented at the UK Parliament by the two organisations, Ibironke Adeagbo Foundation (IA-Foundation) and the International Organisation for Peace Building and Social Justice (PSJ), UK.

The Chief Executive Officer of IA-Foundation, Mrs Ibironke Adeagbo, told newsmen in a telephone interview on Saturday in Abuja, that the report was meant to keep the UK Government abreast of the current security crisis in Nigeria.

She said that the report had detailed and analysed “the nexus between education and insecurity in Nigeria.”

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and a former British colony, has been at the receiving end of relentless abductions of school children, mainly in northern Nigeria.

On March 8, some 287 school children were kidnapped in a school in North western Kaduna State and 15 more were abducted in Sokoto State days later.

The recurring abductions, which started since 2014, have forced about 20.2 million children out of classrooms, disrupted homes and forced millions out of their farms.

Adeagbo said that the report entitled “Illiteracy and Insecurity-an Unholy Marriage”, highlighted and appraised the relationship between education and insecurity across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT.

“Education has been a key sector hit both directly and indirectly with direct attacks on learning institutions and student populations with kidnappings, killings, destruction of infrastructure and sowing of fear.”

She said that the report would also be presented to Nigerian envoys and diplomats in the UK, to make them to have better grasp of the security issues at home.

Adeagbo, who has been at the forefront of tackling Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis, said that the report was being presented at a time Nigeria and the UK had renewed their Security and Defence Partnership Pact.

According to her, the pact seeks to address and eliminate all forms of terror and insecurity in Nigeria for the long-term benefit of the West African country and its former colonial master.

She said that the report presentation was also coming at a time when the Federal Government showed resolve to tackle the problems with the appointment of retired Gen. Ja’afar Isa as the Executive Director of the Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Commission.

Adeagbo said that government was beginning to act on the recommendations made by the foundation on how best to tackle the out-of-school children crisis.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of PSJ UK, Mr Ayo Adedoyin, said that the report also looked at the causes, trends and implications of the high rate of insecurity on the development of education at all levels in Nigeria.

According to him, the absence of peace has been a national tragedy and, particularly so in the Northern and Middle belt parts of Nigeria.

He said that the development had caused severe disruptions in various sectors of the Nigerian economy, including agriculture and transportation.

“This must be tackled comprehensively now otherwise, it will mess up our collective future,” he added.

Adedoyin said that the two charities would develop a “Draft Action Plan’’ to be presented to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Office of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser for implementation.

The Chief Executive Officer of Halogen Group, Mr Wale Olaoye, is also scheduled to make a presentation on the insecurity challenges in Nigeria during the report presentation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

The Debt Management Office (DMO) says the appointment of Transaction Advisers for issuance of Eurobond is subject to approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

The Director-General of the DMO, Patience Oniha said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

Oniha spoke against the backdrop of media reports that a company linked to the Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun, was appointed as one of the Transaction Advisers for a potential one billion dollars Eurobond.

She said that approval of the National Assembly (NASS) was also a prerequisite for such an appointment.

According to her, the appointment of Transaction Advisers by the DMO is done in accordance with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, 2007, and it is subject to the approval of FEC.

She said that recent news reports suggesting the appointment of Transaction Advisers for a potential Eurobond issuance were inaccurate.

The director-general said that the debt office was yet to get approval from FEC or NASS for the issuance of Eurobond.

“The Issuance of Eurobonds by the Federal Government of Nigeria in the International capital market is subject to the approval of FEC and receipt of the resolution of NASS.

“This is done in accordance with the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 and Debt Management Office (Establishment, Etc.) Act, 2003.

“Currently, the DMO has not received the requisite approvals from FEC and resolution of the NASS for any Eurobond issuance.

“We encourage the public to rely on official statements from the DMO for accurate updates on Nigeria’s debt management activities,” she said.

NAN reports that the company in question, Chapel Hill Denham, was one of the five issuing houses appointed in 2021 during former President Muhammadu Buhari-led government, as Transaction Advisers for Nigeria’s Eurobonds.

The other appointed companies were Citigroup Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co., Goldman Sachs Group Inc., and Standard Chartered Bank.

With that set of Transaction Advisers, Nigeria issued a total of 5.25 billion dollars Eurobonds in 2021. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

By Olayinka Olawale

The Chairman, Ikoyi Obalende Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, Mr Faud Atanda-Lawal, on Friday, gave 400 women grants of N50,000 each to improve their livelihood.

Speaking at the presentation of the grants to beneficiaries on Friday in Lagos, Atanda-Lawal said it was meant to support women in the council area to start or grow their businesses.

He said the beneficiaries would also get one year health insurance as well as training on financial literacy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme tagged, “Empowering Her Fortune,” was in collaboration with VFD Microfinance Bank.

Atanda-Lawal said the council, through the Microfinance bank, opened a new bank account for each beneficiary for the payment of the grants.

The council boss noted that the initiative was designed to ensure that the council played it part in improving the livelihood its constituents.
He reiterated the commitment of his administration to raising the standard of living of all residents.

“Being in government is all about serving people and that is why there’s a human face in whatever we are doing.

“I decided that after doing infrastructural work, renovating schools, doing roads and building hospitals, what can we do for the people?

“We came up with this initiative and I am excited because of the reaction here today. You can see the joy in the faces of this women as they received the alert.

“We said let’s see how we can empower women so that they can grow their businesses.

“Today, 400 women received N50,000 each to improve their businesses and we are glad we did this,” he said.

Beneficiaries of the empowerment programme on Friday in Lagos

Atanda-Lawal noted that the council would continue to empower residents of the LCDA, and that the council would soon inaugurate other notable projects.

“By the special grace of God, we will come back in two months’ time to present grants to another set of beneficiaries.

“Things are very hard now but we must help. At Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, we love our people so much and we are not going to watch them starve.

“This community has given so much to us and we have to give back to them, I’m the chairman today, someone else will be there tomorrow and we pray they will continue on this part of development,” he said.

He charged local government chairmen to live up to expectation by empowering residents of their constituencies during this period.

He urged local government chairmen not to leave their responsibilities to the state and federal governments, adding that the local government had a role to play in nation building.

“We shouldn’t be relegated, we should continue the work for the development of our people.

“Let’s step in, and if we do what we are supposed to do, the complaints from people will reduce,” he said.

Dr Abiodun Onayele, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, lauded the council boss for empowering women.

He said any support made towards the cause of womanhood would have a multiplier effect on the society at large.

He urged the council not to relent in his quest to improve service to the people at the grassroots.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to NAN commended the gesture of the chairman.

Miss Habibat Amodu, a 20 years-old Point of Sale (POS) operator, expressed happiness upon receiving the alert, describing it as a life saver.

Amodu said she would add the grant to her capital to boost her business.

“I want to thank the chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA for empowering women and adding value to my live.

“I didn’t believe it initially but now, I can say it is real,” she said.
Mrs Rasidat Egbudu, a meat seller, also appreciated the chairman for the support at the time when things were difficult in the country.
Egbudu noted that this was the first time she benefited from a government support programme.

“I am very excited, I just received my alert. This empowerment programme is real. Thank you my Atanda-Lawal for putting smile on my face.

“I will invest this money in my business and I know in the next six months it will grow more.

I have not received any support like this before, this is real,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Oluwatope Lawanson/Funmilola Gboteku

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, of Lagos State says he will continue to bridge the gap between producers and consumers, in order to foster good relationships.

Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on Friday, at a conference and exhibition to commemorate World Consumer Rights Day, held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The conference, with the theme: “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers”, was organised by Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated annually on March 15.

The annual event is used to draw attention to the plight of consumers world over, with a view to ensuring the rights of consumers are not only protected but also promoted.

The governor said mutual understanding between consumers and producers underscored the symbiotic and interdependent relationship that existed between the two entities within any economy.

He, therefore, urged consumers and producers to foster an enduring partnership, rather than relationships that could impede sustainable growth and development in the economic value chain.

According to him, the call is necessary because it reflects a broader acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of economic actors and the need for harmonious interactions to address challenges, innovate, and adapt to changing market dynamics.

“Consumers and producers are not adversaries but rather partners in a complex economic ecosystem.

“While consumers rely on producers to supply goods and services, producers, in turn, depend on consumer demand to drive their businesses forward,” he said.

The governor assured that his administration would continue to create an enabling environment that promotes fair competition, protects consumer rights, and supports the development of small and medium-sized enterprises.

He advocated for more harmonious and inclusive approach to economic development that benefits all stakeholders.

Earlier, Mr Abiodun Tobun, Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, advised LASCOPA on strengthening its relationship with the judiciary.

According to him, this will ensure speedy trials for court cases bordering on breach of consumer rights as well as increase confidence in the activities of the agency.

Also, in his goodwill message Mr Biran Fall, QNET’s Regional Manager for sub-Saharan Africa, urged everyone to continue advocating for consumer rights within their communities.

Fall, who was represented by Nana Quartey, QNET’s Senior Regional Legal Counsel for Sub Sahara Africa, stressed on education and consumer rights in order to make informed choices and hold businesses accountable for their actions.

“Through education, consumers gain the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and protect themselves from exploitation and demand accountability.

“Empowered consumers safeguard their interests and contribute to a more transparent and competitive marketplace that benefits society as a whole.

“This significantly strengthens consumer protection laws by enabling consumers to make informed purchase decisions.

“Educated consumers are also better equipped to identify fraudulent or deceptive practices, report violations of their rights, and advocate for policies that safeguard their interests,” Fall said.

NAN reports that Qnet is a wellness and fitness direct selling company. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Oluwole Sogunle

By Adeyemi Adeleye

Rep. Victor Obuzor, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Civil Societies and Development Matters, says President Bola Tinubu is planting a better future for the country, and the harvest will soon come.

Obuzor (PDP-Rivers) spoke with newsmen on Friday, in Lagos, on the sideline of a two-day joint workshop with the theme, “Understanding and Sustaining Collaboration with Civil Society”.

It was organised for the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the House of Representatives’ Committee on Civil Societies and Development Matters.

The workshop was organised by the European Union- EU Agents for Citizen-Driven Transformation (ACT) Programme, being implemented by the British Council in Nigeria.

Speaking on the current economic situation, Obuzor said: “The government is already doing a lot. The people should know that everything has planting time and harvest time.

“So, we won’t expect some policy changes and some active pragmatic reforms ongoing now to yield fruit immediately. No!”

The lawmaker said that the nation needed to enable and enhance production with regular power supply.

He said that this would revamp businesses and production processes in the country, and do a lot of good to the nation’s economy.

“If the power is stable, it will reduce the amount of PMS (Premium Motor Spirit) popularly known as petrol, and AGO (Automotive Gas Oil) popularly known as diesel consumption to generate power for businesses and companies.

“We need to resolve the problem of power and the government is working on this,” Obuzor said.

He expressed displeasure that some Nigerians were taking advantage of the current situation to inflict more pains on their fellow citizens.

Obuzor said that Nigerians needed more empowerment through trainings, skill acquisitions and craftsmanship.

He said that the people at the grassroots had been worst hit by the current economic hardship.

“I believe Mr President’s agenda to tackle hunger and poverty will yield positive results by the time we drive it to the end of the year. I am sure we will see good changes,” he said.

NAN reports that the workshop was to promote enabling regulatory and operational environment for civil society organisations in Nigeria and partnership with the National Assembly.

It provided an opportunity for stakeholders to explore ways to strengthen the partnership between legislators and civil society organisations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

By David Adeoye

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says the late Oba Lekan Balogun, the Olubadan of Ibadan who died late Thursday was an epitome of royal excellence and a great achiever.

Gov. Makinde, while announcing the king’s death in Ibadan around midnight said the 42nd Olubadan made great marks in Ibadanland in just a little over two years of his reign.

The governor had, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, announced that Oba Balogun joined his ancestors late Thursday evening at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

He expressed his condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council, the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State in general.

“With total submission to the will of God, I announce the passing unto glory of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

“A mighty ‘Iroko’ has fallen. Oba Balogun has joined the ancestors.

“In Kabiyesi, Ibadanland had a cosmopolitan and well-experienced Olubadan, who made indelible marks on the sands of history and achieved greatly within a short while.

“On behalf of the government and good people of Oyo State, I condole with the immediate family of the late Oba Dr. Balogun, and pray for the repose of his soul,” he had said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

By David Adeoye
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Balogun, has passed away.

News of the death of the 82-year-old Ibadan traditional ruler was confirmed by his media aide, Dele Ogunsola, on late Thursday evening.

Oba Balogun died at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan few hours after admission at the Hospital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the first-class traditional ruler ascended the throne on March 11, 2022 after the demise of his predecessor, Oba Saliu Adetunji.

DAK/OLAL

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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

By Emmanuel Afonne

Prof. Philip Afaha, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, University of Abuja (UniAbuja), has urged journalists to go a step further in reporting solutions rather than focusing only on the problems of the society.

Afaha made the call on Thursday in Abuja at the unveiling and presentation of Nigeria Today Magazine, published by Mr Eze Chikamnayo, a former Commissioner for Information in Abia.

He said that the situation in the country did not need to be escalated by negative reportage but rather attention should be geared towards reports that would proffer solutions to the problems and challenges of the nation.

“Journalism is not about tearing people down; journalism is not about criticising the government; we already know the problems.

“Everybody in Nigeria, from two year old, knows the problem of Nigeria.

“We know there is no light; we know the roads are bad; we know that the dollar has gone up and the naira has fallen and we do not need to amplify these things to the point of bringing down this country.

“We know that Nigeria doesn’t have an airline; what we need is solutions journalism; what are we to do at this point having found ourselves in a precarious situation; we are on a precipice, what do we do?

“If the Judiciary cannot bring solutions to us and politicians cannot also bring solutions, then the media should step in and report solutions.

“The politicians are waiting to learn from development journalism and those solutions to the problems; even in the university, we are waiting for the media to bring the conversation on solutions journalism,” he said.

Afaha, who tasked the media to take up the challenge of preaching solutions and development journalism, noted that the media was central to the development of any nation.

According to him, the conventional media can easily affect social media more than government regulations since the world looks up to them.

He, therefore, urged the Chief Executive Officer/Publisher of the magazine to focus more on development and solutions journalism.

Sen. Austin Akobundu, representing Abia Central, said the rigour associated with publishing especially magazines was enormous because it was a mixture of journalistic and analytic prowess.

Akobundu urged the publisher of the magazine to be responsive, objective and professional in carrying out his duties especially at this difficult time, to ensure quality.

“Nigeria today needs concerted and constructive voices to help rescue it from the hole we find ourselves in; these are reasons Nigeria Today Magazine became relevant at this particular time,” he said.

President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Chris Isiguzo, commended the publisher of the magazine, Chikamnayo, for believing in free press.

Isiguzo urged the promoters of the magazine to be impartial and apolitical to ensure it served as a platform for informed discourse, constructive dialogue and positive change in our beloved country.

“I want to believe that it is not going to be a platform that will be used to destroy Nigeria because we have already identified our problems, challenges and the crises facing all of us.

“This time around, we cannot continue to highlight them but we must engage in development and solutions journalism.

“It is not about a system where you wake up every day and open the magazine to see headlines like kidnapping, killings, insurgency, insecurity, armed banditry, farmers-headers crisis, unknown gunmen and militancy.

“We must use this platform to seek solutions and come up with fresh strategies on how to solve our problems,” Isiguzo said.

He called on the owners of the magazine not to use the medium to de-market the country as Nigerian media must not blow things out of proportion.

In his remarks, Chikamnayo said he was inspired to establish the media outfit by the avalanche of sentiments in the country as professionalism appeared to have been sacrificed for mediocrity.

“As a journalist, the first thing you learn in journalism school is objectivity; we must listen to all sides at all times to ensure balancing and objectivity in our reports.

“Social media has done so much damage to the society and journalism profession to the extent that everybody can invade that space and ventilate all manner of detrimental information.

“Retrogression is the result we see today; even though there are various platforms, there is now scarcity of information and preponderance of disinformation.

“If you have 39 sources of information in an environment today, chances are that 29 of them are actively dishing out disinformation, bais, sentiments and at times deliberate falsehood.

“And all it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to keep quiet and to do nothing; so, all we need to do is to launch back aggressively in favour of truth, balance and objectivity.”

He said that irrespective of the problems and challenges the country was facing and the need to find solutions, the media must make it a point of duty to speak truth to the leaders.

“It takes courage to speak truth to power and without that the power will corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

“As a journalist, the solution to our problems is objectivity, balance, truth and standing on the side of the people of Nigeria who are suffering.

“For Nigeria Today Magazine, let us have one credible, responsible and objective platform that will continue to tell the truth to all manner of people without hate or hindrance,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo