By Ismail Abdulaziz

President Bola Tinubu has called for German investment in critical sectors of Nigerian economy such as power and rail transportation.

A statement by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, said Tinubu made the call at a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, on the sidelines of the G20 Compact with Africa Economic Conference, on Monday in Berlin.

The president said that German investment was needed in critical growth-enabling industries in energy, transportation, and electric power generation, transmission and distribution.

The President said that the staggered and unsteady implementation of the Siemens-supported Presidential Power Initiative should take new urgency.

“For me, I am very much committed to pursuing all aspects of the Siemens power project and the skill development opportunities that will emerge from that project for our talented youths who can participate in sustaining the industry,” Tinubu said.

He also said Siemens can play a role in Nigeria’s rail network with the provision of ultra-modern trains and railways as it is doing in Egypt, where it is constructing 2,000km ultra-high speed rail network across 60 cities.

To this, the German Chancellor expressed readiness, but said there was need to resolve administrative and financial hurdles brought about by governance problems in the sector.

“I know that there is a lot of work that has been done. There is already a big production of electricity in Nigeria, but it is not getting to the population.

“Of course, this has to do with the need for a provision of stations and infrastructure on the grid.

“Siemens has developed the plan and is ready to deepen implementation, but it is now up to your new government to take the follow-up action that you are now committed to taking.

“On the railway plans, Siemens will be very happy to do this when more progress is made on the power project which has been started already,” Scholz said.

Tinubu drew the attention of the German leader to the need for the German business community to focus on value-additive processing in Nigeria’s solid minerals, agriculture, automobile and other job-creating areas.

“Everything the world requires in terms of business environment reforms is underway in Nigeria. Perhaps our foreign investors are still a bit paranoid that those old Nigerian issues are intractable.

”But my track record speaks for itself. I have transformed an entity before now. I am here to do it again, and I will,” the President said.

Scholz agreed and said it was possible with a lot of investments, cheap and skilled labour, and adequate internal and shipping infrastructure for imports and exports to flow easily.

“These things are possible in Nigeria. You even have abundant natural resources. Step by step, it is achievable, Mr President.”

The two leaders agreed to deepen collaboration on the utilisation of advanced biometric systems and border control technology to check irregular migration.

They also agreed that investments in labour-intensive industries would go a long way towards resolving the root causes of irregular migration.

Tinubu later exchanged views with German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, before attending the Compact with Africa summit. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Abigael Joshua

Dr Alim Abubakre, founder of United Kingdom based leadership development organisation, TEXEM UK, says as Nigeria presently faces uncertain times due to economic challenges, massive investment in human capital is a viable solution.

Abubakre spoke on TEXEM website (www.texem.co.uk), in a statement celebrating HR Directors, professionals and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, for championing excellence in human capital development.

“We delve into the vital role of Human Resources in unlocking strategic outcomes, particularly pertinent in the challenging landscape Nigerian organisations currently navigate.

“In this era marked by high inflation, stiff competition, high talent exodus, currency risk, and geopolitical uncertainties impacting government revenue, businesses in Nigeria are confronting existential threats.

“These turbulent times demand a paradigm shift, and Human Resources (HR) holds a pivotal role in this transformative journey,” he said.

In the statement titled, ‘Human Resources as a Strategic Leader in Turbulent Times’, Abubakre listed seven strategic areas HR professionals can focus on, drawing inspiration from successful practices beyond Nigeria.

Among these are talent retention in turbulent times, having an agile workforce planning, imbibing diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well asstrategic training and development.

Others are technology integration for HR efficiency, having employee well-being programmes, and strategic workforce planning.

“When HR becomes strategic, the ripple effects are transformative.

“Optimising performance, stimulating innovation, boosting morale, and creating sustainable competitive advantages become attainable goals.

“As we navigate these turbulent times, HR’s role as a strategic partner cannot be overstated,” the TEXEM founder said.

Abubakre said HR professionals, are not merely stewards of the workforce; but are architects of the future.

He called on Nigerian practitioners to embrace the challenges, leverage strategic HR practices, and contribute to the sustainable success of their organisations and the nation at large.

“In the words of Peter Drucker, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Let strategic HR be the catalyst in creating a sustainable future for Nigeria,” Abubakre said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Razak Owolabi

By Angela Atabo

Building Blocks for Peace Foundation (BBFORPEACE), a civil society organisation, has called on Amotekun operatives to respect human rights in the discharge of their duties.

Mr Rafiu Lawal, the Executive Director of the conflict-prevention and peace building organisation, said this in a statement in Abuja.

Lawal said it was against this background that BBFORPEACE organised one-day training for Amotekun Corps Personnel in Ibadan with the theme: ‘Community Policing and Human Rights Protection’.

“I call on you, the Amotekun members, to incorporate human rights protection into your operations.

“Justice and fairness are fundamental principles that underscore the dignity and worth of every human being.

“Community policing requires a deep understanding of the communities you serve, an open dialogue with the citizens, and an unwavering commitment to address their unique needs and concerns.

“That it involves strengthening the bonds between law enforcement and the communities they serve, and creating safer, more resilient neighbourhoods,” he said.

He said the objective of the training was to equip personnel of Amotekun Corps with necessary skill to recognise and apply human rights framework existing locally, nationally and internationally.

“This training underscores the core values that must underpin the services of the security outfit.

“Community policing is more than just a strategy, it is a philosophy rooted in partnership,collaboration, and a shared vision of safety and wellbeing’’, he said.

Lawal said every individual, regardless of background, deserved to be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

“Although there is a need to check citizens who go against the law and break the code of conduct of the society as stipulated in the constitution, law enforcement officers sometimes abuse their power and take the law into their hands’’, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

By Cecilia Ologunagba

United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale says President Bola Tinubu-led administration is on track in addressing humanitarian crises in Nigeria.

Schmale said this while answering questions from the UN correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York on his experience working with the Nigerian government.

Schmale, who was at UN headquarters in New York to attend Resident Coordinators retreat commended the efforts of the Government of Nigeria on addressing humanitarian crises.

“I think that the Tinubu’s administration is on a good track; the President recently launched Presidential Humanitarian Trust Fund and he is asked at this trust to address humanitarian crises.

“He’s asked that this trust fund is resourced two thirds from within Nigeria, private sector and government, each and a third international community solidarity.

“So, we think that’s the right way to go in Nigeria, despite some desperate indicators around poverty and so on as a middle income country.

“We welcome that the government under President Tinubu sees it as their responsibility to drive preparedness and response to humanitarian concerns,’’ he said,

The Federal Executive Council had on Oct. 24, approved the creation of a Humanitarian and Poverty Trust Fund to raise at least a sum of five billion dollars annually.

The goal of the trust fund is to enable the federal government to respond promptly to humanitarian situations in the country.

The funds would be sourced from the federal government, private and international organisations as well as well-meaning individuals.

According to him, development agenda is very high for the government and some people will argue you can prevent the fertile ground from combat for violent extremism growing if you invest into development.

“You will have heard from our leadership, the UN Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General and around rescuing the Sustainable Development Goals  (SDGs) agenda.

“The new government is very much up for that. We are urging the international community to take up the request for partnership to rescue the SDG agenda and help them accelerate development.’’

Answering questions on the security situation in the Northeast, he said that the Nigerian military had achieved what they call kinetic success in fighting the Boko Haram.

“So, Boko Haram, again, as a summary term is weaker than it used to be.

“Our assessment would be that they cannot sustain the kinds of military campaigns against the military but instead, what they are doing is inflicting violence on civilians, you know their violence has become more unpredictable.’’

The UN envoy said the organisation had been seeing rising numbers of civilians being killed and tortured because they do random attacks all over the places, which also means it’s become less safe for civilians, but also humanitarian, so that hasn’t changed.

In addition, he expressed concern over the instability in Niger that Islamic violent extremist groups from the country might also spread to the northeast Nigeria.

“So right now, North Nigeria I think is relatively safe and protected from those influences as much as it can be but the region itself is not.

“For the UN, I think it’s fair to say the influence of violent extremist groups remains of grave concern,’’ Schmale said.

NAN reports that Schmale, also visited  Washington, DC, where he discussed humanitarian, development and peacebuilding challenges and opportunities with interlocutors from the United States.

He met with officials from the U.S. State Department, USAID, the U.S. Institute of Peace, civil society and the media  as well as senior staffers from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee.

He highlighted the troubling humanitarian situation in northeastern Nigeria and the importance of international support and strengthened partnerships to address humanitarian needs, accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, and combat violent extremism.

In Nigeria’s northeast, where some 700,000 children are suffering from life-threatening severe acute malnutrition, UN colleagues – working in support of the Nigerian government – have managed to reach 3.5 million people with critical aid – in the areas of food, healthcare and shelter. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Cecilia Ologunagba

The Federal Government has resolved the passport production crisis in the U.S. as the three Missions have resumed passport services.

According to a Public Notice posted in the Embassy of Nigeria Washington DC, all passport applicants scheduled earlier for biometric are expected to come to the Mission on Monday.

“This is to inform all passport applicants scheduled for biometric capture from Monday November 13th to Thursday 16th have been rescheduled.

“It has been rescheduled to hold from Monday 20th to Wednesday 22nd, 2023. The affected applicants can come to the Embassy on any of the days.

“The change of schedule is due to the internet outrage experienced at the Embassy and we regret any inconveniences this might have caused.’’

Confirming this development, a source in the Embassy told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York on Sunday that the problem was resolved over the weekend.

“The system is back over the weekend. The experts worked tirelessly to resolve it and we are back.

“We fixed it yesterday (Saturday) and test run it. The system is back and all the centres are fine, both New York and Atlanta.

“The server in DC is collected to Atlanta and New York, so whatever happens to our server affects other Missions.’’

The source, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN that the problem was  internet- related, not a server issue, noting that since the server is connected to the Embassy internet,  anything that happens to the internet disconnects the other centres as well.

According to the source, the experts in Nigeria worked with local ICT experts in the Embassy and they all worked together and they were able to fix it.

NAN reports Nigeria has three Missions in the United States. They are the Consulates-General of Nigeria in New York and Atlanta, and the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington DC.

The embassy in Washington DC is the only passport production centre in the U.S., while the consulates take biometrics in their Missions and take same to Washington DC for passport production.

The Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) and its 20 partner organisations in New York have earlier appealed to the Federal Government to provide passport production machines for Missions in Atlanta and New York.

“The New York consulate has jurisdiction over the highest number of states and accepts the largest number of applicants from across the United States.

“It boggles the mind to understand why two passport printing machines are located in Washington with none in New York and in Atlanta,’’ the associations pondered in a statement.

The New York Jurisdiction comprises the 20 states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Nebraska, Ohio and North Dakota.

Others are South Dakota, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Vermont and Pennsylvania. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Members of Lions Clubs International at the screening and diabetes awareness exercise in Lagos

By Yusuf Yunus

A non-governmental organisation, Lions Clubs International, District 404B4 Nigeria, has offered free screening and diabetes awareness exercise to Lagos residents at Isolo General Hospital.

Mr Samson Abodunrin, District Governor for 404B4 Nigeria, Lions Clubs International District Governor for 404B4 Nigeria disclosed this on Sunday in Lagos.

Abodunrin said the event was part of the programme scheduled for the three-day visit of the International President, Dr Patti Hill.

He hinted that November is a month for Diabetes Awareness, for all Lions to rise up to the challenges and threats of Diabetes.

Nurses attending to residents at the free screening and diabetes awareness exercise

Abodunrin, who was represented Mr Oyegunle Oladipo, during the campaign, encouraged everyone to take care of their health, and go for regular medical check-up.

Also, the Chairperson for the Diabetes Awareness Campaign, Mrs Rasheedat Usman, said over 150 people who were in attendance got screened at Isolo General Hospital.

“Lions members who turned up were also screened after an awareness walk from Apata Memorial High school, Ire-Akari to Isolo General Hospital.

“Three people were reported to have been detected with high level diabetes, and were immediately moved to Emergency for further consultation,” she said.

The chairperson commended all the clubs and individuals who keyed into the programme for their positive contributions.

Mrs Delphine Robin, District 404B4 Marketing & Communication Chairperson, said that Lions Clubs International District 404B4 Nigeria was in partnership with the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO).

Robin said that the partnership would involve a three days skills acquisition programme which include technologies used in the production of liquid soap, fruit juice and smoked fish, which is one of the District Governor’s core project for 2023-2024 Lions Service Year.

According to her, all participants will be given a starter pack as a means of empowerment from the district.

Robin said that the skills acquisition is scheduled to hold from Nov. 28 to Nov. 30. (NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

By Dorcas Jonah

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) remains committed to transparency, accountability, and delivering essential services to Nigerians, a TCN consultant, Mr Oyofo Sule, said this at a news conference on Saturday in Abuja.

Sule, who was reacting to a report alleging that specific contracts termed emergencies were not awarded in line with the procurement guidelines, said that integrity was pivotal in the operations of TCN.

He said that TCN had always ensured that it lived up to expectations in meeting the needs of the teeming Nigeria’s populace and ensuring that there was no breakdown or collapse in the nation’s grid.

He said that contrary to the claim, emergency procurements were always applied, whenever the need arose and procedures were always followed.

He said that the TCN’s recent emergency procurement was part of efforts to cushion the effects of insurgency and vandalism and the effects caused to transmission towers.

Sule explained that TCN had over 1,800KM of 330kV and 132kV high voltage transmission lines, and transmission towers traversing the entire nation and several very difficult terrains.

“This includes swamps, forests, areas prone to flooding which cause rapid erosion of tower bases, and natural disasters.

“Some of these towers and lines pass through land mines in insurgency prone areas, which was inevitable as the lines must convey electricity to the citizens.

“These difficult terrains negatively impact transmission towers and also make it easy to vandalise the towers and lines underscoring the need for emergency procurement,” he said.

According to him, the scourge of insurgency and vandalism threaten transmission towers bearing the high tension lines and when these towers are attacked, they must be repaired almost immediately.

”This is to forestall the total collapse of the tower which often will drag and pull down a number of towers along the same line rout.

”If not quickly remedied, it can cause full system or partial collapse of the nation’s grid. In this case the method of emergency procurement to quickly effect repairs will be adopted,” he said.

Sule said that Section 43 of the Public Procurement Act 2003, states that “A procuring entity may for the purpose of this Act, carry out emergency procurement where the; (a) the country is either seriously threatened by or actually confronted with a disaster, catastrophe, war, insurrection or act of God.

” The condition or quality of goods, equipment, building, or publicly owned capital goods may seriously deteriorate unless action was urgently and necessarily taken to maintain them in their actual value or usefulness.”

He said with this condition, TCN could undertake emergency procurement of the projects.

”The Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP), is the government Agency saddled with the responsibility of enforcing the monitoring and prior review of thresholds set by the council.

”This is for the application of the provisions of the Procurement Act by procuring entities, they stipulate to all procuring entities the procedures and documentation prerequisite for the issuance of “No Objection” for contracts to be awarded.

”Being professionals with expertise in the procurement process, they review all procurement submissions as it relates to the contracts, including the listed in the publication,” he said.

Sule said that BPP thoroughly reviewed the contract documents before granting TCN “No Objection” and requested further clarification and documentations to support the method of procurement before they were approved.

”This is contrary to the allegation on inflated contract prices, the Bureau actually observed that TCN made some savings through contract negotiations held with various contractors before arriving on a reasonably price limit.

”This was in consideration of the emergency nature of the projects in question and the current market process,” he said.

Sule said that in line with the provisions of section 42 of the Public Procurement Act 2007, for direct procurement, TCN obtained official approval from the BPP.(NAN)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola