NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
General News

Tinubu’s reforms will benefit all Nigerians -Minister

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By Rita Iliya

The reform programmes and initiatives of President Bola Tinubu are formulated to benefit all Nigerians.

 

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, said this in an interview with newsmen in Malagi on Friday.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister is in the community to inaugurate some projects he executed.

 

The projects include electrification of Malagi community, construction of a mosque and Islamiyya school, a water project, and the renovation of a primary school.

 

Idris said that Tinubu’s reforms were designed to take Nigeria to a path of enduring prosperity.

 

He assured Nigerians that the gains of all the economic reforms of the president would begin to manifest in 2025.

 

He called on Nigerians to support the president’s policies, saying they would ultimately lead to a better future for the country.

 

“We urge all Nigerians to support Mr President. We know that times are challenging, but we believe that ultimately, the reforms will take us to the desired land.

 

“The progressive train of the president will not leave anybody behind and we urged all Nigerians to support Mr President,” he said.

 

On the projects, Idris said they were designed to bring development to the community, adding that the electrification project would connect the community to the national grid for the first time in its history.

 

“My late father was born in this community, and it is my home. I am proud to be part of this community, and I will continue to do whatever I can to improve the lives of the people,” he said

 

He added that he was motivated to embark on such projects by his roots in the community and commended the people of Malagi community for their support.

 

The minister promised to continue working for the development of Malagi community, the local government, Niger state, and the country at large.

 

The NAN reports that dignitaries at the inauguration of the projects were Gov. Umaru Bago, Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya, Etsu Nupe, the Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) among others.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

General News

Niger governor inaugurates information minister’s projects

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By Mohammed Baba Busu

Gov. Mohammed Umaru-Bago of Niger on Friday inaugurated a mosque and some critical projects executed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris-Malagi.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inauguration held in the minister’s home town of Malagi in Gbako Local Government Area of Niger.

 

NAN also reports that the projects executed by the minister included an Islamic school, a bore hole, electrification project and renovation of a primary School.

 

NAN further reports that the gesture was part of the minster’s personal contribution to the infrastructural development of Malagi.

 

Umaru-Bago commended the minister for executing the projects, saying this would contribute to the infrastructural development of the community and the country at large.

 

While commending Idris-Malagi for complementing the efforts of the state government, the governor appealed to other well meaning individuals to emulate him.

 

He also announced the upgrading of the primary school renovated by Idris-Malagi to the status of a Junior Secondary School.

 

According to the governor, this is part of efforts to further ensure the restoration of the lost glory of the education sector in the state.

 

He drew attention to the existing cordial relationship between him and the minister, saying it was positively facilitating the development of the state.

 

Also speaking, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, commended the minister for executing the projects.

 

According to Abubakar, ensuring the even socio economic development of Niger and Nigeria should not be left to the government alone.

 

He appealed to other well endowed individuals to emulate Idris-Malagi, saying they would reap abundant rewards.

 

In his remarks, Idris-Malagi said that his gesture was part of efforts to contribute to the socio-economic development of Malagi, Niger and the country as a whole.

 

According to Idris-Malagi, the efforts of the three tiers of government in the provision of basic infrastructure and needs of Nigerians should be complemented.

 

Idris-Malagi also urged Nigerians to always pray for leaders at all levels.

 

According to him, prayers are efficacious in providing plausible solutions to the myriads of challenges facing the country.

 

The Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of other heads of MDAs in the Information Ministry, lauded the minister for the initiatives.

 

He urged Nigerians to emulate the kind hearted gesture of Idris-Malagi so as to take the country to greater heights.

 

“This type of effort attracts tremendous rewards and benefits in this world and could fetch one Aljannatul fildausi.

 

“I am therefore appealing to the people of Malagi to ensure judicious use of these structures, maintain them and continue to pray fervently for the minister to spur him and others to do more,” Ali said.(NAN)(www.nannewsng)

(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

General News

NGO partners Nigeria Police to operationalise mutual accountability, community scorecard

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By Angela Atabo/Emmanuel Olorniruha

International Alert, a peace building organisation, is partnering with the Nigeria Police to operationalise community scorecard methodology to promote transparency and mutual accountability for better public safety.

Dr Paul Nyulaku-Bemshima, Country Director of International Alert, made this known at a One-Day Consultative Workshop on “Mutual Accountability and Community Scorecard”, organised by the organisation in Abuja on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was supported by the UK Integrated Security Fund (ISF), Nigeria Stability Programme.

It brought together stakeholders from the community and police public relations officers from 12 states.

Nyulaku-Bemshima said the workshop was part of efforts to promote community policing and improve police-community relations in Nigeria with the aim of strengthening trust and cooperation between the police and local communities.

According to him, community scorecard is a tool that allows the police and community members to assess their performance and work together to address areas of improvement.

“Mutual accountability is an approach in community policing which we are trying for the first time in Nigeria.

“What makes mutual accountability distinct is that it recognises what responsibility the public has, and what the obligation of the police is, all towards improving public safety and security,” he said.

Nyulaku-Bemshima said that another distinct point about the approach was its scoring system.

“They will work together to address issues and score themselves on the positives and negatives as would be captured.

“Where the scores are looking good, they will work on how they can sustain it and where the scores are not good, seek understanding among themselves on how to address it.

“That is the hallmark of what mutual accountability, community, state and national level scorecard implies,” he said

He said that the concept would help in presenting an evidence-based framework.

“At the end, stakeholders will draft a work plan to help in designing a strategy on how to trickle down the approach to the community, then the state and national level subsequently,” he said.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, commended the organisation for the initiative, adding that the Police wants people to know exactly what it is doing and how to improve on it.

Adejobi, who was represented by El-Mustapha Sani, Head, Complaint Response Unit, Force Headquarters, said that the Police alone could not improve on its services without the participation and contribution from citizens and other stakeholders.

“At the Public Complaint Response Unit of the Nigerian Police Force, we deal with issues of members of the public who are not satisfied with our services.

“Our door is open and we are always welcoming new innovation that will make members of the public to have trust in the Force to ensure the protection of human rights,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Cliff Gai, Programme Lead, UK ISF, said that the ISF supported works that seek to help Nigeria to operationalise and operate the Police Act of 2020.

Gai said that this was part of the strategic defence partnership between Nigeria and the UK.

“It is hoped that the funding that we provide will strengthen the operationalisation of this Act by ensuring that everybody understands what it says.

“It is for citizens to know what is expected of them in terms of supporting policing, because security is everyone’s business

“There are certain responsibilities that are expected of citizens as well, and not just the police officers out there,” he said.

A participant, SP Catherine Anene, Public Relations Officer, Benue Command, commended International Alert for contributing to the police’s drive to achieving a people-friendly force.

Anene said that this kind of engagement would help to understand what to expect from the populace.

“We have an opportunity to discuss with them to understand exactly what they perceive or how they see the police.

“So, it will make it very easy for us to relate with members of the public and they will relate with us with understanding,” she said.

Mr Rikki Nwajiofor, Deputy Secretary –General, National Youth Council of Nigeria, said the community scorecard would give community members a sense of belonging and to know that the police is their friend.

Nwajiofor said that it would also give the police a sense of duty.

“It will, thus, create a synergy for communication as both parties point out the positive and negative issues and then know how to forge ahead for a better policing and a better Nigeria,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

General News

Foundation distributes food items to households in Oyo

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By Suleiman Shehu

An Islamic NGO, Irorun-Ni Charitable Foundation (ICF) Nigeria, on Thursday, distributed food items to 600 households in Oyo town, Oyo State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries were drawn from all the four local government areas in the town, namely: Oyo East, Oyo West, Afijio and Atiba.

Speaking at the distribution of the items, the foundation’s Chairman, Sheikh Shakirullah Jimoh-Orankan, said that the foundation focused on humanitarian services through sharing and alleviating people’s sufferings.

Jimoh-Orankan, who was represented by his Vice-Chairman I, Sheikh Mansur Abdulsalam, said that people were going through lots of sufferings and that they needed to be assisted.

He said that the palliatives would go a long way in alleviating and reducing hardship in the lives of the beneficiaries.

“We know there is goodness in sharing, promoting love and cooperation among the citizens through helping the needy, which made us to embark on this humanitarian gesture,” he said.

Also speaking, the foundation’s National Treasurer, Dr Musa Alongbija, called on government to address the current economic hardship in the society through a drastic approach.

Alongbija also urged governments at all levels to embark on agriculture, aside assisting farmers.

He, however, sympathised with the state government over the loss of lives recorded during a children funfair stampede at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, on Wednesday.

Alongbija said that the crowd that thronged the funfair, which eventually led to the tragic incident, was an indication of the current economic hardship in the society.

He said that the foundation would continue to do its best in helping the less-privileged in the society.

The Oyo Zone Coordinator of the foundation, Mikail Adekunle, appreciated the donors of the palliatives and urged other kind-hearted Nigerians to support in reducing the hardship in the country.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Jalaal Adebayo and Tawakalitu Balogun, appreciated the foundation for the gesture. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

President Bola Tinubu
General News

Group hails inauguration of Nigeria’s first mineral analysis laboratory

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TSF hails inauguration of Nigeria’s first mineral analysis laboratory

 

By Salif Atojoko

The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has welcomed the unveiling of an ultra-modern mineral analysis laboratory in Sabon-Wuse, Niger.

The group, in a statement signed by Mr Ahmad Sajoh, its Chairman, and Mr Josiah Afolabi, Secretary, said the inauguration of the laboratory was a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward excellence in the mining sector.

It said it was a groundbreaking development by the Federal Government, which aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“For us, the inauguration of this laboratory, the first of its kind in Nigeria, represents a crucial step toward halting the testing of minerals abroad.

“Under the leadership of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, the establishment of this world-class facility, reflects the Ministry’s dedication to delivering on its seven-point agenda.

“By focusing on local value addition, this initiative ensures Nigeria not only retains substantial revenue previously spent on international testing, but also positions itself as a global hub for mineral analysis,” TSF stated.

It added that the internationally certified lab, equipped with cutting-edge WDXRF machines, was a joint effort between the Federal Government and African Natural Resources and Mines Ltd. (ANRML).

“We know that the facility offers a comprehensive range of geochemical services for exploration and mining industries, enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to compete globally.

“Commendably, ANRML’s commitment to revolutionising the sector through investment and innovation has earned it recognition as a valuable partner in this endeavour,” said the group.

It hailed Alake’s leadership, which it said, had consistently demonstrated tangible results in advancing Nigeria’s mining sector.

“From policy reforms to infrastructure development, the Minister’s initiatives have catalysed growth and reinforced the country’s potential as a mining powerhouse.

“This laboratory not only creates new job opportunities for Nigeria’s teeming youth but also underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering an enabling environment for private-sector participation and investment.

“We, therefore, urge stakeholders in the mining industry to leverage this development and partner with the federal government to unlock the sector’s full potential,” said TDF.

It expressed confidence that the state-of-the-art laboratory would catalyse sustainable growth and boost investor confidence while significantly reducing operational bottlenecks for mining companies. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

General News

Association seeks higher budget for visually impaired education materials

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By Justina Auta

The Nigerian Association of the Blind (NAB) has called for increased budgetary allocation to improve access to information and education materials for visually-impaired persons, in line with the Marakesh Treaty.

The association made the call on Thursday in Abuja at a two-day stakeholders’ meeting on the status of the implementation of the Marakesh Treaty in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Marrakesh Treaty was adopted on June 27, 2013 in Marrakesh, Morocco, to form part of the international copyright treaties administered by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).

The goal of the treaty is to create a set of mandatory limitations and exceptions for the benefit of the blind, visually impaired, and otherwise print

disabled (VIPs).

It is also to ensure that books are made available globally in accessible formats, such as Braille, audio and large print, and DAISY1 formats, as well as facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled.

The former President of NAB, Dr Ishaku Adamu, therefore, explained that the treaty is an agreement signed by the Federal Government to improve access to published works for people with print disabilities.

Adamu added that the treaty seeks to remove all legislative barriers that prevent access to those materials, whether across national and

international borders, which Nigeria has domesticated and ratified.

He, however, said that less than one per cent of national budget was allocated for the provision of accessible education materials for visually impaired students.

According to him, poor implementation of the treaty has further affected access to education, level of participation and exclusion from information for visually impaired persons.

He said “we should be able to engage these agencies to set aside certain percentage of their budget, Federal Ministry of Education and other key ministries to ensure that those books are being provided in accessible format.

“Less than one per cent of such materials is accessible to our people, affecting the level of our education, the level of our participation and other things.

“So, it is very critical for us to engage because we know that government is budgeting, but we want to know what they can do to ensure our people have access to these materials.”

He said the stakeholders meeting was to strategise on improved access to information not only in braille, but also in soft copy, audio, large print and other version, media space, as well as employment opportunities for visually impaired persons.

Earlier, the NAB President, Mr Stanley Onyebuchi, said the engagement would enable stakeholders to review the implementation of the Marakesh treaty and proffer action plans that would enhance implementation.

Onyebuchi said “this treaty is key to those of us that are print disabled, that is those of us that are blind to access publications that will enhance our education, research and others.”

On the implementation of the treaty, he said “I don’t think Nigeria has gone far in implementing this treaty because some of the websites of many organisations, even the government agencies, are not even accessible.

“Although the Nigerian Copyright Commission has done a lot and has been part of this struggle for the domestication of this treaty in Nigeria, other government agencies have not done much in that regard.”

Also, Mr Abdrahman Auwal, the National PRO of NBA, stressed the need to create awareness about the importance of the treaty.

He said “a lot of people don’t even know about it, so, a lot of publishers are there and still stick to their previous copyright law, not knowing that it has been amended.

“We need the media to propagate this in the news to stimulate questions and people will learn about it, which will all be transformed.”

Dr David Okon, a resource person and Consultant, said the meeting was to ensure full implementation of the treaty for the benefit of persons with reading disabilities.

Okon, who is the Executive Director, Total Inclusion, an NGO said “knowledge is acquired through information. And if we are not going to be informed, we are deprived of information, then it means we are deprived of knowledge.

“It also means that we are deprived of literacy and the power to make wealth, power to recreate ourselves and other things.”

NAN reports that in attendance at the stakeholders meeting were representatives of various disability groups, NGOs, CSOs, among others, to suggest ways toward full implementation of the Marakesh Treaty.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

General News

Buhari once rejected land offer during his tenure- Garba Shehu

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By Mufutau Ojo

Former President Muhammadu Buhari once rejected an offer of land in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during his tenure.

 

Buhari’s spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, said this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

 

He was reacting to reports that a piece of land belonging to the former president was seized by the FCT authorities.

 

” As a person, the former president has a plot of land to his name in Abuja,” he said.

 

Shehu said Buhari rejected the offer of land when he and his cabinet members were invited to fill forms for allocation.

 

He said the former president had insisted he already had land in the FCT and asked the authorities to give to those who did not have.

 

” President Buhari is personally not the owner of the said plot of land which is allocated in the name a “Muhammadu Buhari Foundation,” he stated.

 

Shehu said the foundation was itself floated lawfully by some ‘utilitarian individuals’ around Buhari.

 

The foundation, he added, was supported by some well-meaning persons.

 

He said the promoters of the foundation, however, ran into a ” road block” when the Federal Capital Development Authority gave them an ”outrageous” bill for the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy.

 

Shehu said the bill did not compare with the bills given to similar organisations.

 

” It may have been that this was not erroneous, but a deliberate mistake, making the revocation of land as no surprise to anyone,” he said.

 

He urged those engaging in speculations on social media to ”get their facts right and stop dragging down the name of the former president.” (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

General News

New State House Permanent Secretary tasks staff on hard work

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By Salif Atojoko

Mr Temitope Fashedemi, the newly posted Permanent Secretary to the State House, on Wednesday urged the staff to always put in their best, and see themselves as privileged to be called upon to serve.

Fashedemi said this as he took over the administrative leadership of the State House following the recent postings of some Permanent Secretaries.

He urged the staff to see the privilege to serve as impetus for excellent and positive work ethics.

“Anybody who does a self appraisal will know that you are not necessarily the best Nigerian on that seat, so we must always remember and consider ourselves lucky to be in a position to be on to execute a mandate,” he said.

Fashedemi noted that such a mindset was imperative, if staff were to have a happy and fulfilling career.

“Once we have this understanding, you just do your job and be happy, but the mistake many people make is to begin to see whatever comes from there as the reason for being there.

“If you are there, focused, adding value, you are doing well. These are my working principles,” he added.

The Permanent Secretary charged the staff to be committed and diligent as they discharge their responsibilities, assuring them of his determination to sustain the progressive momentum already established in the State House.

He reiterated that postings were inherent in the service, and was therefore encouraged by the positive comments he had received about the management of the State House from the outgoing Permanent Secretary.

Speaking earlier, Adebiyi, now posted to the Works ministry, appreciated the State House management and staff for the support and cooperation he received during his tour of duty.

He urged the new Permanent Secretary to trust in their ability to support him in serving the President.

“I want you to know that these people you are looking at are, perhaps, the best human beings that I have met in service and I want to say that I thank God that our paths crossed.

“They supported me and stood by me. In terms of knowledge, commitment, loyalty, count on them. Give them any assignment and go to sleep. They will put in their best and you can be sure about that,” Adebiyi said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

General News

Tinubu demands probe into Ibadan funfair tragedy

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By Salif Atojoko
President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the tragic incident at the children’s funfair in Ibadan which resulted in loss of lives and left many injured.

The president directed the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances of the tragedy thoroughly, Mr Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, said in a statement.

Tinubu emphasised that it was imperative to determine whether negligence or deliberate actions contributed to the incident, ensuring a transparent and accountable process.

He urged the Oyo State Government to take every necessary measure to prevent such a tragedy from reoccurring.

Among the essential actions, according to him, are a comprehensive review of all public events’ safety measures, strict enforcement of safety regulations and regular safety audits of event venues.

“Furthermore, President Tinubu calls on event organisers to prioritise the safety of all attendees, especially children.

“He stresses the importance of integrating professional security, protocol, and logistics at events to ensure the utmost safety of all participants.

“Our children’s safety and well-being remain paramount.

“No event should ever compromise their safety or take precedence over their lives,” the statement quoted Tinubu as saying.

The president extended his condolences to the government and people of Oyo State as well as to the grieving families who lost their children.

“In this moment of mourning, President Tinubu stands in solidarity with the affected families and offers prayers that the Almighty God will grant peace to the souls of those who have departed in this unfortunate event,” the statement said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

General News

Niger assembly passes 2025 budget of N1.5trn for assent

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By Rita Iliya

The Niger House of Assembly has passed the 2025 budget estimate of N1.5trillion to the governor for assent.

 

Zubairu Ismaila, Chairman, House Committee on Planning and Appropriation, presented the report during plenary in Minna on Thursday.

 

Ismaila said that the committee made some adjustments to the budget to ensure balance and priority of government and the people.

 

He said that the adjustments did not affect the overall budget size, but rather re-allocated funds to various sectors.

 

He said the committee observed that the submission of the budget was late, resulting in hasty scrutiny to ensure speedy passage.

 

He urged the executive arm to submit the budget to the legislature at least three months before the end of the year for proper scrutiny and timely passage.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Gov. Umaru Bago presented the proposal to the House on Dec. 12. (NAN)

Edited by Joe Idika

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