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Category General News

General News , Oil & Gas

FG warns fuel stations operators against pump alteration

By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) says it will sanction fuel stations operators who alters petroleum pumps.

Mr Farouk Ahmed, NMDPRA Chief Executive, said this during an interactive session with commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) on Friday in Abuja.

Ahmed said that petrol stations caught dispensing fuel with adjusted fuel pumps would face heavy sanction.

He said that the sanctions to be meted out include revocation of operating licenses, suspension from operation or shut down depending on the gravity of the offence.

According to him, adjustment of fuel pumps by filling station operators is a major concern to the oil regulatory bodies and the Federal Government.

“What we are doing now is that we have some of our staff going round to take on-the-spot checks of some of the petrol stations.

“If you drive into a station, drive out, you will not know if you have been cheated until you do a measurement.

“Sometimes we do a physical measurement where we go to some stations and buy one litre, look at that environment to see whether that one litre is really one litre.

”Then we will know whether or not they have tampered with the pump,” he said.

The NMDPRA boss said that the authority would continue to collaborate with the RMAFC to generate more revenue for the federation.

“We have started the engagement but this is just a formal collaboration on areas where we can improve the revenue generation for the federation.

“There are two areas we have to look at which are either to generate revenue or cut costs,” he said.

He called on citizens to invest in the midstream sector of the economy.

“For example, if you want to build a gas plant, come to us, we will give you the guidelines, the policies, and you will come and invest.

“The area you want to invest in will determine the cost of investment; the investment opportunities are there,” he said.

RMAFC Chairman, Mr Bello Shehu, said that the engagement between both organisations was to strengthen their partnership.

“We are here in order for them to enlighten us on what they do and what we can do as a commission to assist them to better boost revenue generation for Nigeria.

“We are interested in what the authority does to enable us monitor better and know the right questions to ask which will enable us give appropriate information,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Ismail Abdulaziz

General News

Stakeholders advise FG to channel economic development policies to citizens’ wellbeing

By Gift Bayo/Angela Atabo

Stakeholders have called on the Federal Government to channel its economic development policies to impact positively on the wellbeing of Nigerians and reduce the incidence of poverty.

The stakeholders made the call during a Policy Roundtable on “New Economic Policymaking for Equitable Growth and Social Inclusion” in Abuja on Thursday.

The roundtable was organised by the African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL) in partnership with the Centre for Public Policy and Research, Social Action, and the International Institute for Journalism.

The event was supported by Rosa Luxemburg Foundation to deliberate on policymaking for equitable growth.

Dr Sam Amadi, Chairman, Centre for Public Policy, and Research said that the event was organised to ensure that the new public policy framework for Nigerian economic growth promotes social inclusion.

Amadi, who was the keynote speaker at the event, lamented that only a few get rich in the country, with no specific economic policies designed to improve the wellbeing of all citizens.

He urged the federal government to design citizen-oriented policies that would improve the economy and welfare of individuals.

He added that the policies should ask questions as to whether the policies were reducing or increasing poverty, unemployment, and equality.

Amadi said that beyond building skyscrapers, buying helicopters and private jets where only a few businesspeople benefit, development should be all encompassing.

According to him, economic growth and development should be about the people.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to modify his administration’s economic policies to focus on creating real economic growth from bottom up.

Dr Chido Onumah, Coordinator, AFRICMIL, said that the roundtable was organised in continuation of AFRICMIL’s efforts to promote democracy, good governance, and orderly society.

Onumah pointed out that many Nigerians were unemployed and faced many economic and social hardships.

“The country has a youth bulge which means that many of its citizens are young persons but cannot find work to earn a living.

“According to the National Bureau of Statistics, 133 million Nigerians are multidimensionally poor, lacking access to basic education and sanitation among others,” he said.

Onumah said the dialogue was designed to have a conversation on key issues of economic and social policies that affect the social and economic wellbeing of Nigerians, especially young people.

He identified the issues as the removal of subsidies, unemployment, minimum wage, wages and income, corruption in public procurement, social protection, and social safety net.

Others, he said, included labour union and protection of workers’ rights, and access to basic education and health services.

“These issues will be discussed in the context of how civil society advocacy could guarantee that policymaking was anchored on social and economic wellbeing of Nigerians and not on special interests,” he said.

Ms Hauwa Mustapha, a social activist, stressed that Nigeria’s economic policies for growth and development should be targeted toward improving the living condition of the Nigerians population and not the privileged few.

“If there is growth in economic policy, if there are benefits, who benefits from it, why should we be having economic growth and at the same time having increasing poverty?

“Democracy is said to be a government of the people, for the people and by the people and so, the economy should also be about the people,” she said.

Mustapha called for a collective citizens action to demand accountability and transparency for equitable distribution of resources to leave no one behind, particularly youths, women, and persons with disabilities.

On his part, Mr Emmanuel Usman-Shehu, Director, International Institute of Journalism, called for equitable development through inclusive economic modules that affect every community.

Usman-Shehu said the modules should include healthcare in every community, housing, sustainable transportation and encourage talents and creativity.  (NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Philip Yatai

General News

Lagos State agency adds 4 names on sex offenders register

By Deborah Akpede

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has published the details of four men convicted for sexual offences to serve as deterrent to others in the state.

The identifies of the offenders were made public on Thursday.

The details of the publication include the names, pictures of the sex convicts, the nature of their offenses, as well as the duration of the sentence handed down by the courts were captured in the new update.

According to the DSVA, it is giving an update on publication of details of sex convicts as maintained by Lagos State.

“Justice is served and serves as a warning to those who may consider such heinous act,” it stated.

It stated that the four sex offenders were convicted for offence of defilement and were sentenced by the Lagos State High Court.

The first offender, it is said, is Momoh Isa who got life imprisonment.

It also named ”Prince Tom” who also got life jail term.

“The third offender, Ujong Ibiang, also sent to life imprisonment while Emmanuel Gabriel, the fourth offender, was sentenced to 21-years imprisonment,” it stated.

The agency appealed to the public to continue to demand justice for survivors.

It urged residents of the state to report domestic or sexual violence by calling 08000 333 333. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

General News

Spanish police trains law enforcement officers on ending human trafficking

By Aderogba George

International Police Officers from Spain have concluded a three-day training on effective management of Tafficking in Person and Smuggling of Migrants (TIP/SOM) for officers drawn from Nigeria Law Enforcement Agencies.

The officers who participated in the training are from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Police and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was aimed at strengthening the investigative and prosecutorial capabilities of the officers.

The training was facilitated by the International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIIAPP), a Spanish public institution.

NAN reports that FIIAPP is the promoter of Action Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) in Nigeria, a project being sponsored by the European Union (EU).

The participants will in turn train others at their various stations and spread the knowledge to other officers.

The ATIPSOM team leader, Mr Federico-Millan Marcicalva, congratulated all the participants for the first international police training course 2023.

He said they all demonstrated ability to respond to academic challenge, adding that the training had culminated in effort to work together with the sole aim of not losing the benchmark and constantly updating themselves.

Marcicalva said that participants learnt new methods of investigation, as well as broadened their knowledge on the do’s and don’t of TIP/SOM crime, while charging them to be committed to fight the crime.

According to him, the university of knowledge is the basis of any project and that is why they must all continue to invest in the journey that gives the tools to be able to face any phenomenon.

The participants learnt how to make the world more difficult for perpetrators of human trafficking and smuggling of migrants.

The ATIPSOM team leader also urged the participants to continue to strive to protect victims of TIP/SOM.

The Director-General of NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, appreciated FIIAPP for organising the training, stressing that it was a very good one for law enforcement officers in Nigeria.

Waziri-Azi, who was represented at the event by Mr Hassan Tahir, NAPTIP Director of Legal and Prosecution, expressed optimism that the participants would make use of knowledge gained from the training.

She also urged them not only to cascade perpetrators, but also to transfer the knowledge to other officers who were not privileged to be at the training.

The Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented by Mrs Tabitha Bako, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), also thanked FIIAPP for facilitating the training.

He further thanked FIIAPP for bringing trainers all the way from Madrid, adding that they had been up and doing from the day one of the training.

Mr Fernando-Alvarez Moriano, a Chief Inspector of Police, Madrid (Spain) thanked Nigerians for the warm reception and hospitality his team received throughout the duration of the training.

He said that his colleagues also showed passion to give their best for the training, adding that the team’s mission was accomplished and they were satisfied.

Miss Selbyen Bani, a participant, who is also a Chief Supretendent Officer, Legal Department of NIS, noted that many of the participants were now a new person after the training.

She said that the training would influence her because it had helped in deepening her knowledge and modus oparandi in regards to SOM crime. (NAN)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

General News

LG Electronics donates essential healthcare items to FMC Abuja

By Chinenye Offor
LG Electronics, a leading consumer electronics company, has  donated essential products and health items to the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the items were received by the Medical  Director and some management staff of the Centre on Thursday in Abuja.
Mr Youn Kim, Managing Director, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, said that the initiative was to support the hospital’s ongoing efforts to provide quality healthcare services to its immediate community.
He added that the gesture was informed by the prevailing challenging times and would  directly benefit the hospital’s patients and members of staff.
NAN also reports that the items donated included  a wide range of health essential products, such as washing machines, mosquito nets, Dualcool air conditioners, refrigerators and baby kits.
Kim added that the motivation behind the donation and the commitment to supporting the hospital was geared towards improving the country’s health care system.
He said, “We are honoured to support the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja through this donation.
“As a responsible corporate citizen, we understand the significance of providing essential products and health items to healthcare institutions, especially during these challenging times.
“Our commitment to the community extends beyond our business operations, and we are proud to contribute to the well-being of patients and staff at FMC Abuja.”
“LG has been involved in several  Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities across the geopolitical zones in the country. We have demonstrated this through a variety of charitable activities, campaigns and donations, which are always our response where help is needed the most.”
He added that the  the items were crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of both patients and healthcare professionals, particularly in the face of the ongoing global health crisis.
Speaking, Mr Hari Elluru, Head, Corporate Marketing, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, said the brand  firmly believed in the importance of CSR and actively sought opportunities to give back to the community.
He said that by  supporting the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, they  aimed to make a positive impact on the healthcare sector and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.
According to him, healthcare institutions are institutions that concerned all citizens, adding that their conditions should be everyone’s concern and an opportunity to help.
“As an important business entity in this country, we remain committed to the welfare of citizens and the improvement of everyday life.
 “We believe that the air conditioning units and  other items we are donating today will improve service delivery in the hospital and provide an enabling environment for the medical personnel.
“We recognise the critical role FMC Abuja plays in delivering healthcare services to the public, so LG Electronics has taken the initiative to contribute to their mission,” he said.
Receiving the items on behalf of the management of the hospital, the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Saad  Ahmed, lauded LG Electronics for the kind gesture.
He noted that the company had chosen the right place for the donations and assured that the hospital would put the equipment to good use.
Ahmed said: “We have very well motivated members of staff that carry out their duties with due diligence. Man power has been developed, patients do not have to go outside the country for their medicals like laser and  neurological procedures, among others.
“As a public health institution, we are indeed proud to be the recipients of these distinctively designed air conditioners and mosquito nets, among others.
“All these items will help to improve work conditions of members of staff and also the conditions of our patients.”
The CMD said the donation from LG Electronics was an example of active care by the business sector for the community and public institutions, adding that the benefits that the patients were going to experience was the true value of the donation.
“There are many organisations that are in dire need of support. By donating these innovative electronic products, LG Electronics has shown itself to be a brand that truly believes in the health sector,” he added.
Ahmed, therefore, called on other corporate organisations and public-spirited individuals to emulate LG in responding to the needs of health institutions.
Mr Mostapha Krais, Abuja Branch Manager, Fouani Nigeria Limited,  expressed  his sincere gratitude to the Federal Medical Centre Abuja for their unwavering commitment to providing quality healthcare services to the community.
He said: “We are confident that our donation will have a positive impact on the hospital’s ability to deliver exceptional care to those in need.
“LG constantly develops products from the feedback of its esteemed consumers across the world and do not not junk the market with products that will not  benefit its consumers.
“LG makes products that support the good life many desire to live and to see them through stages of life expectancy.
“We say at LG, “Life’s Good,” and indeed, life is better with us when you come into contact with our brands.”
Krais said that Fouani Nigeria Limited believed in  giving back to the society.
“We will keep doing this for our highly esteemed consumers and the public and support the government where necessary within our CSR initiatives,” he added. ( NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Mark Longyen/Vivian Ihechu
General News

Kogi 2023: TAF Africa sensitises PWDs on electoral process

By Thompson Yamput

An International Non-Governmental Organisation (INGO), TAF Africa, has sensitised Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) on full participation in the forthcoming Kogi Nov. 11 Governorship Election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the INGO’s Voter Education Campaign was aimed at reducing voter apathy to the barest minimum.

NAN also reports that the campaign was also to promote the mainstreaming of persons with disabilities in the electoral process.

Mr Olayemi Samuel, the Programme Officer, TAF Africa, said at the “TAF AFRICA’S ABLE-TO-VOTE CAMPAIGN” in Lokoja that participation of PWDs in the process was key to the nation’s democratic growth.

Samuel explained that their (PWDs) participation in the forthcoming elections was so vital, as it would go a long way in sampling their rights to vote and be voted for in the nation’s polity

Cross section of participants at the TAF Africa Able-2-Vote Sensitisation Campaign held in Lokoja, Kogi

 

“This can only be achieved through their awareness of their rights and the electoral process for positive participation in elections.

“What we are trying to do as an INGO is to let them know about the various Acts and laws that favour their full participation in all electoral processes as regards to the forthcoming Nov. 11 governorship election in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States,” he said.

Mrs Egwemi Attah, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Disability Desk Officer, Kogi, said that the commission had made all necessary preparations and aid materials for PWDs to take part in the election.

She called on those without Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to hasten and register, since the window for registration was still open, so that they would not be disenfranchised.

One of the speakers at the occasion, Mr Idris Miliki, the Executive Director of Conscience for Human and Conflict Resolution, tasked the PWDs to rise to the occasion to know their rights and fully exercise it.

“Until you have the knowledge about what’s happening around you, it will be difficult for you to covet what belongs to you.

“It’s very unfortunate that most PWDs don’t know about some of the laws and Acts such as the Disability Rights Act 2018 and the new Electoral Act 2022. You must be knowledgeable,” Miliki advised.

On his part, Mr Solomon Yahaya, the Chairman, Joint National Association of PWDs, Kogi Chapter, lamented the effects of stigma and neglect by the society on PWDs and called for change of attitude.

“While I commend TAF Africa for organising this Able to Vote campaign that brought us together, l hereby call for equal rights and opportunity for PWDs in the nation’s electoral process,” he said.

Yahaya, who was visually impaired, called for adequate security and protection of PWDs from opponents and criminal elements during elections. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Mohammed Tola
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Bill Gates
General News , Health

Gates Foundation commits $200m to family planning, maternal, child mortality

By Oluwafunke Ishola

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) has announced a 200 million dollars commitment to enhance universal access to family planning products and information.

The foundation disclosed this during the 2023 Goalkeepers Conference held on the margin of the 78th United Nations General Assembly meeting on Wednesday in New York.

The fund would also drive faster delivery of lifesaving health solutions, and a reduction in maternal and child mortality.

The foundation said that the fund was a response to an alarming reversal in progress on Global Goal 3 (Good health and wellbeing.)

“Long-term commitment of up to $100 million to help meet the demand in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) for family planning supplies.

“This funding will go to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Supplies Partnership to ensure more women in LMICs are able to access the contraceptives they need and want at a price they can afford.

“Contraceptives are critical building blocks of women’s power and can accelerate progress toward nearly every SDG—whether that’s ending poverty or improving global health.

“This commitment comes at a time when the global funding gap for contraceptives is growing, with the potential to cumulatively reach $1 billion by 2030 if we do not preserve funding and bring in additional support, including through sustainable financing approaches,” it said.

The foundation said that another long-term commitment of $100 million to bring faster access to health products in low- and middle-income countries.

According to BMGF, the funding will go to Unitaid, doubling the foundation’s previous commitment, to support its work to accelerate the introduction and delivery of new lifesaving solutions at equitable scale, including those for maternal and newborn health.

It noted that Unitaid’s unique approach helps reach the health-related targets of the SDGs more quickly.

“Its previous work unlocked access to more than 100 groundbreaking health products, including those for HIV, TB, and malaria; women’s and children’s health; and pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response,” it said.

Mark Suzman, CEO of the Gates Foundation, said, “Halfway to the deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals, our annual Goalkeepers Report shows that on 18 indicators—from poverty to gender equality, education to food security, health to climate—the world is off track.

“But we also see where innovation, investment, and the extraordinary work of passionate changemakers around the world have the potential to turn the tide, saving the lives of two million mothers and babies by 2030,” he said.

Besides, this year’s Goalkeepers Global Goals Award winners, recognised the contributions of six remarkable leaders working in their communities and globally to advance progress towards the UN-SDGs.

The 2023 Global Goalkeeper Award was presented to Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, for championing resilient, equitable, and sustainable universal health coverage for all.

Similarly, the Campaign Award was presented to The Farmlink Project, founded by Aidan Reilly, Ben Collier, and James Kanoff, for its work advocating for and building community around food equity in the United States.

Also, the Progress Award, which celebrates an individual who supports progress via a science, technology, digital, or business initiative, was presented to social entrepreneur, digital innovator, and human rights activist Eden Tadesse.

The Changemaker Award, which celebrates an individual who has inspired change using personal experience or from a position of leadership, was presented to Ashu Martha Agbornyenty for her work reducing high rates of maternal mortality in Cameroon.

The Goalkeepers Lifetime Achievement Award was given to former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, honoring their extraordinary work on disease eradication, mental health, democracy, conflict resolution, human rights, and, most notably, combating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

Goalkeepers Voice Award was presented to Bono, founder of the ONE Campaign and (RED), lead singer of the band U2, and activist, for his significant impact on SDG progress through advocacy and campaigning with ONE and (RED).

Speaking on the Award, Blessing Omakwu, Deputy-Director, Global Content, Campaigns and Goalkeepers lead, said, “This year’s Goalkeepers Global Goals Award winners show us how human ingenuity and innovation can help tackle some of the world’s most difficult challenges.

“Everyone has the power to make a difference in their communities, and these courageous and indefatigable advocates are helping tens of thousands of people live healthier, more productive lives.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants at the Goalkeepers Conference included Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan, President William Ruto of Kenya, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates, and more than 400 global young changemakers. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu

General News

Urban planning, key to mitigate environmental hazards, says NITP Chairman

By Olatunde Ajayi

The Oyo State Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners(NITP), Prof. Musibau Jelili, has called for effective urban planning to address frequent occurrence of flood and other environment related health challenges.

Jelili, while speaking during his investiture as the 18th Oyo state chairman of NITP on Thursday in Ibadan, said that many land uses did not get necessary approval for the project while some that did deviated from it to cut cost.

The don said that the incompatible land uses and mixing up of both residential and industrial areas could lead to flood, waste management problems, urban pollution and other environmental problems.

He noted that enforcement of development control at times becomes difficult, due to connections of the people handling the project.

According to him, urban planning and enforcement agencies must always ensure effective monitoring of development project to ensure that the contractor follow the project specifications.

“If there is no effective monitoring of a project, there is tendencies that developer will not follow the specifications by way of cutting corners to reduce cost.

“Also, members of the community are not helping matter, we normally neglect the aspect following right urban planning in our project decisions.

“Environmental hazards can not be controlled, if we do not give urban planning its pride of place, where there will be effective land use planning, harmonious coexistence of different land uses and human activities.

“If we allow planners to work without hindrance, our environment and development will become more sustainable with bouyant economic impact on our nation, “he said.

He reiterated the need for town planners to promote designs that optimise resource utilisation, minimise environmental impacts, and create inclusive spaces that cater for all members of society.

“My vision is to ensure that we have a state where planning is allowed to function, available, accessible and competently executed for improve image of the professional and welfare of the public.

“As guardian of built environment, we must remain at the forefront of of innovation and best practices,”he said.

Also, the guest lecturer, Prof. Tunde Agbola, said that town planners needed all hands on deck to build a better future for present and future generations.

He added that collaborative synergy among stakeholders in urban planning would serve as a panacea to planning problems facing the country at current time of increasing environmental uncertainty.

The don also called for active public participation in planning, saying it would help to build trust and understanding between citizens and government, and to create a more vibrant better society and engaged community.

Earlier, the National President of the NITP, TPL Nathaniel Atebije, in his opening remark, charged the new NITP executives to see their new position of leadership as a call to duty, especially in the interest of the association and progress of planning profession.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the programme also featured the inauguration of pioneer executives of the Association of Women Town Planners in Nigeria (AWTP), Oyo state chapter, and launching of Oyo State NITP By-Law 2023.(NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Oil theft, an organised crime in the Niger Delta region
General News , Niger Delta

NGO submits document to address organised crimes in Niger Delta, others

By Emmanuella Anokam

Abuja, Sept. 21, 2023 (NAN) The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), an NGO said it has submitted a document to efficiently address organised crimes in the Niger Delta and Gulf of Guinea.

The Executive Director, YEAC-Nigeria, Mr Fyneface Dumnamene said this on Thursday in Abuja in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Dumnamene said that the document was issued at the end of the National Conference on organised crime in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea (NACOCINAG) held on April 28.

According to him, the 7-page communiqué with 19 recommendations has been submitted to President Bola Tinubu and other relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDA) including the Service Chiefs.

“The document is for the effective implementation of mitigating organised crime in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.

“The organisation is at the forefront of the campaign against pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, artisanal refineries, and pollution.

“It is imperative to submit the communiqué to Mr President, as certain recommendations are required to be implemented by the Federal Government.

“The government will also liaise with other countries in the Gulf of Guinea through the Gulf of Guinea Commission, to address the menace of organised crime in Nigeria at large and the Gulf of Guinea,” he said.

The executive director said the organisation recommended immediate action such as establishment of a Presidential Artisanal Crude Oil Refining Development Initiative (PACORDI).

He said that PACORDI was proposed by the YEAC-Nigeria for the innovation, standardisation and integration of artisanal refineries into the national economy.

He said that the document recommended the immediate issuance of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s approved 18 Modular Refineries licenses for artisanal refiners in the Niger Delta.

Dumnamene said that the essence of the licenses was to mitigate organised crime and support sustainable youth empowerment.

“The document also emphasised the importance of partnering with other presidents in other countries in the Gulf of Guinea for the establishment of an effective taskforce against organised crime,” he said.

Dumnamene said the organisation requested a presidential directive to all security agencies to collaborate with the YEAC-Nigeria on organised crime in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea (NOCINAG).

He said that the collaboration should extend to other relevant stakeholders to help gather and share a platform that would generate intelligence information to strengthen the fight against organised crime in the areas.

“We also ask for immediate establishment of a Coast-Guard Mechanism to be known as Nigeria Coast and Border Guards (NCBG).

“The NCBG will collapse all government-private security arrangements into a standby supportive maritime security mechanism against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering.

“The NCBG will also work to mitigate the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, among others, to strengthen homeland security efforts,” he said.

Dumnamene said that the stakeholders including local and international development partners support the work, projects and programmes of YEAC-Nigeria as a think-tank on organised crime mitigation mechanisms across the country.

He also called on other relevant stakeholders to support the efforts of the organisation, adding that the support would reduce crime and enhance development in the country and Gulf of Guinea. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

General News

International Peace Day: Rotary Club, Peace Corps task Nigerians on peaceful coexistence

By Ruth Oketunde

Rotary International District 9125 and Peace Corps of Nigeria have stressed the need for peaceful co-existence among people of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds in the country.

They said this at a peace awareness walk, organised to commemorate the 2023 International Day of Peace on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the peace day, celebrated annually on Sept. 21, is aimed at reducing violence and strengthening the ideals of peace around the world.

NAN also reports that this year’s theme is: “Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the Global Goals.”

National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria, Dr Dickson Akoh, called on Nigerians to live in peace with one another and shun social vices that might make the country ungovernable.

“In Nigeria today, we have a couple of challenges, leading to needless loss of lives and property, but the fact that we still remain united as a nation deserves celebration.

“We want to use this day to call on some of the youth who have taken up arms against one other or the state to stop it in the interest of development.

“If you look at the content of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, to which Nigeria is a signatory, we deserve peace, as it is the bottom line and the ultimate goal,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Sani Ahmed, District Governor, Rotary International District 9125, urged Nigerians to make themselves advocates of peace, as it would benefit the country in numerous ways.

“This is a very important day to us as Rotarians because one of the major issues we are advocating for is for us to have peace globally and that is one of the seven focus areas of Rotary.

“In everything we do in Rotary, we are trying to give people hope so that they can be at peace with themselves and everyone in the world.

“We believe that with hope, peace will prevail,” Ahmed said.

Also speaking, Princess Okoro, District Governor Nominee, District 9125, said that the campaign was aimed at creating awareness on the need to promote peace in the country.

According to her, without peace, there will be no harmony and it will be difficult to achieve meaningful development in the country.

“As we are doing this today, it is being commemorated in every part of the federation.

“All we are talking about is peace; we want everybody to appreciate peace, preach peace, sing peace and love peace,” she said.

Mr Roy Nwafor, District Chair, Peace and Conflict Resolution, District 9125, added that Rotary International was committed to promoting peace and unity among Nigerians.

“We want to promote peace in Nigeria while activating the pillars of peace, starting from a well-functioning government, a sound business environment and equitable distribution of resources.

“We also want to promote the acceptance of the rights of others, free flow of information, good relationship with our neighbours, high level of human capital and low level of corruption.

“These actions are our focus at Rotary International for peace and conflict resolution,” Nwafor said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Modupe Adeloye and ‘Wale Sadeeq