Tolu Aiyegbusi

Over 5O African Scientists on the continent and diaspora are set to convene at a high level meeting of the 6th African Scientific, Research and Innovation Council (ASRIC) to be held in November.

Dr Ahmed Hamdy, the Managing Director, African Union Scientific, Technical and Research Commission (AU-STRC), made the announcement in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja ,

The scientists, who will be meeting at the ASRIC congress taking place in Morocco would be brainstorming on the theme “Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for Development”.

He said that various papers would be presented from scientific experts on agricultural sciences, engineering sciences, health sciences, natural sciences, social sciences and humanities

Hamdy said, “ At the conference there will be presentations of scientific papers, scientific discussions and keynote speeches from eminent scientists and researchers drawn from Africa and the diaspora.

“The conference will take place in hybrid format.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Justina Auta

The Gallant Women Ability Foundation (G-WAF), an NGO, has advocated for more support towards advancing leadership and empowering women with disabilities in Nigeria.

The group made the call at a visit to Dr Mike Agbo-Omeri, former Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), ahead of its 2023 Global Women in Leadership Conference (GLOWCO), scheduled for December.

Mr Akubuike Chibuzor, the Team Leader and Executive Director, G-WAF, said the visit was to garner support with relevant stakeholders towards its annual conference to support women with disabilities.

Chibuzor said: “Our visit is to seek support for the upcoming GLOWCO 2023.

“The conference is birthed to serve as a platform to bring together women with disabilities who have succeeded in their different areas of endeavor.

“These women, who have excelled as thought leaders and influencers in public service, political and entrepreneurial spheres will discuss challenges limiting women with disabilities in leadership positions.

“They will also proffer solutions to these challenges; ignite positive change, aimed at empowering and promoting leadership among women with disabilities.”

The executive director noted the peculiar challenges women with disabilities faced in Nigeria, stressing the need for all to strategise towards supporting them.

Emphasising the need to promote the rights of women with disabilities, discover their leadership potential, Chibuzor said the conference’s agenda include inspiring the next generation, fostering leadership skills, networking opportunities, knowledge acquisition and inspirational speakers.

He highlighted the significant impact of the event to include empowering the marginalised and vulnerable group.

Responding, Omeri expressed commitment towards supporting women with disabilities.

He shared valuable insights and agreed to assist in driving support for the conference. (NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Ismail Abdulaziz

The Sir Ahmad Bello Memorial Foundation has advocated for the strengthening of technical and vocational education and training in Nigeria.

This is part of resolution of a conference with the theme ‘’Education in Northern Nigeria: Status, Challenges and way forward’’ held in Abuja.

A communiqué signed by Abubakar Gambo, Director General of the Foundation on Wednesday, said that this would enable youths in the region to contribute and participate actively in national development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference was held to present to stakeholders a research report conducted by imminent scholars on the state of education in the region.

The report also stressed the need to strengthen political commitment to education that involved political leaders giving priority to the design and implementation of education policies in line with national development objectives.

It called on state governments to integrate the recommendations of the report into their State Education Strategic Plans with particular attention to the Action Plans.

The report suggested that each state should appoint an Implementation Team responsible for ensuring the implementation of the State Education Strategic Plan and recommendations of the Report.

‘’Enhance investment in education through the development and rehabilitation of education infrastructure across the region. This includes ensuring the provision of child-friendly facilities that encourages teaching and learning.

‘’Funds meant for the education sector should be released as and when due, to ensure that they are properly utilized for purposes for which they are meant for.  Fiscal responsibility and value for money should be key.

‘’Ensure the availability of qualified and motivated teachers.  Education authorities should promote the provision of incentives for teachers to encourage their recruitment and retention.

‘’Enhance advocacy in the region to ensure that parents and stakeholders further recognize the need to send their children to school. This is aimed at encouraging stakeholders to make demands on government and education authorities to promote quality delivery.

‘’Promote Digital Literacy and ensure that Learners have the capacity to apply modern information technology in teaching and learning, and thereby having the capacity to explore and exploit diverse information sources.

‘’Develop Monitoring and Evaluation Framework with critical input from stakeholders. This will support the assessment of implementation of education programmes and identify areas of challenge as well as those to build on.’’

The report also urged stakeholders to promote community involvement in the implementation of education programmes through the strengthening of the School-Based Management Committees.

It called for the provision of adequate security in educational establishments in order to encourage parents to send and sustain the attendance of their children in school.

The report said that education managers such as head teachers and principals should be involved in decision making to improve quality of education delivery and enhance accountability.

‘’Promote greater collaboration among States, linkages and partnerships with Development Partners and other agencies involved in promoting education development.

‘’The Foundation should meet with the Northern Governors’ Forum to discuss the implementation of the Report.

‘’The Foundation should act as catalyst for galvanizing support for education across the Region.’’

The conference was attended by northern state governors, ministers, traditional leaders as well as other top government and political figure.(NAN)

By Perpetua Onuegbu

The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, has given contractors constructing federal highways 14 days to mobilise their personnel and equipment back to site or risk lossing their contracts.

The minister gave this warning during a meeting with all contractors handling federal roads on Wednesday in Abuja.

He warned that any contractor who fails to comply with the directive and meet up with the deadline would be kicked out and replaced with other contractors.

Umahi also told the contractors to desist from frustrating the plan of government to move on with the plan to use concrete technology rather than asphalt.

Stressing the need for concrete roads, he said Mr President did a concrete road in Lagos.

“He reminded me about this yesterday. I believe Nigerians will support us on the fact that when you do this asphalt there should be a guarantee on it.

“We have discussed the construction equipment and  directed that at least every 30 kilometres, there should be minimum of equipment of eight dossier.

“Two graders, four excavators, 20 trailers and other construction equipment in line with active site works operations. Nigerians should have one road that is very good,” Umahi said.

He added that ongoing plan to use concrete cannot be stopped unless he is removed from the office as a minister.

He vowed to clampdown on contractors cheating the Federal Government and Nigerians on the thickness of asphalt, denying them value for money.

“You contractors cheat us on the thickness of asphalt. The bitumen imported are of bad quality and then you start putting enhancer and modifier. We do not want that again, there is no such thing overseas. Use the type of asphalt used abroad.

“I believe I have called enough meetings on this issue and we must move forward. Let me advise contractors that are meeting and have ganged up. We have learnt that some of you want to sabotage me to prove that concrete is not good.

“That is a lie, concrete is very good. Go to Lagos sea port and see what the contractor is doing. Go to my state to see what I did. The roads are still there and very good on concrete.

“It is not useful to you because there is no meeting that wil make us back down on the principles and policy of the Ministry of Works. This policy has been set in motion and will only stop if I am removed from office by Mr President.

“Even this morning, the directors met and increased the price and I accepted it. The price is only for Trunk A. Trunk B and C will not enjoy that price because it is going to be on a different design,” he said.

He therefore urged contractors to stop harassing him with the price quotations saying that the Federal Government had set the price and would not go back on it.

The minister who accused some contractors of sabotaging his efforts to prove that concrete roads is bad to justify asphalt, further directed that any contractor with four projects would no longer be eligible to bid for any advertised jobs.

“Henceforth, any company that has four projects with the ministry of works will not get another project until it finishes the one awarded. Mr President just approved 60 projects and we will start the designing and the profiling.

“So if you can finish your jobs quickly, you will be part of the bidding but if you cannot finish your job, you cannot bid and we would not differentiate between expatriate and local contractors.

“The house must submit to the new policy of the Federal Ministry of Works,” he said.

Speaking further, the minister said asphalt roads would enjoy only five per cent variations.

“Also, let me announce that we are going to deploy strict measures. Every contractor going back to the site must give us a programme of work.

“The ministry would not process your certificate without a programme of work. Contractors that want variation of price must prove what basis led to an increase in contract quantity. Without these steps, there is no payment.

“Condition number two for the use of asphalt is the five per cent variation on price and if you have exhausted your 5 per cent already, You cannot enjoy another five per cent.

“Inflation on asphalt work is on geometric progression. Price is increasing every day and there is no money to pay for these increases,” Umahi said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

By Abiodun Lawal

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Wednesday, said that African leaders must find home-grown solutions to the myriads of problems confronting the continent.

Obasanjo stated this while addressing a delegation of students and youths across African countries at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the delegation, which included students’ leaders from Ethiopia and the Tigray Region, was led by the President of All-Africa Students’ Union (AASU), Osisiogu Osikenyi.

NAN also reports that the students were on a “thank you” visit to Obasanjo for facilitating the permanent cessation of hostilities agreement between the government of Ethopia and the Tigray Peoples’ Liberation Front (TPLF) in Pretoria in 2022.

According to the former president insisted, “no problem in Africa is too great for us to solve.”

Obasanjo said it was important for Africa to consider the peculiarities of its people in designing and implementing workable home-grown solutions to the problems confronting the continent.

He said that African Union (AU) had taken a lead in finding home-grown solutions to the continent’s problems with the way it resolved the civil war between Tigray and Ethopia.

“It is a great lesson for us to know that yes, whatever may be our problem – political, economic, social in Africa, we can solve them if we go about seeking solutions rightly.

“What is very important and which I want you to take very seriously is that, what we were able to achieve in Tigray between TPLF and the Government of Ethopia is what you and I will regard as finding African solutions to African problems.

“This is what our leaders have been clamouring for even from independence in the early 1960s.

“No problem in Africa is too great for us to solve; problem of peace, problem of insecurity, problem of youth unemployment, lack of empowerment, lack of skill acquisition and general bad governance,” Obasanjo said.

In his remarks, the President of Ethiopian Higher Education Institutions Students’ Union (EHEISU), Oli Wako, said that African students’ leaders were with Obasanjo on a ‘thank you’ visit.

Wako noted that the former president played a key role in the historic signing of the Pretoria Peace Agreement among the Federal Republic of Ethiopia and Tigray Liberation Fronts.

According to him, the deadliest war in Tigray region of Ethiopia has brought immense tragedy, claiming the lives of countless young individuals and leaving behind widespread destruction and trauma.

He, however, noted that the move initiated by Obasanjo had saved countless lives and provided a foundation upon which the war-torn region of Tigray could be rebuilt.

“Baba, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering commitment in brokering the peace agreement in Ethiopia.

“Your contributions have brought a new sense of hope to our people, and we stand here today, forever grateful for your remarkable efforts.

“It is with humility that we approach you today to seek your continued assistance,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), on Wednesday alleged that their members were excluded in the recent distribution of palliative across the 36 states of the federation.

Mr James Lalu, Executive Secretary of NCPWD made the allegation at a media briefing in Abuja.

According to him, PwDs constitute 15 per cent of Nigerians and they are the most vulnerable groups in the country that require palliative to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal.

“The reports we are getting from all the 36-states of the federation is that, in the distribution of palliative, persons with disabilities in the communities were not carried along.

“So, we are going to collate all the data of PwDs across the states to present to the Chairman of the National Economic Council who is Vice-President Kashim Shettima,’’ he said.

Lalu explained that the estimated population of PwDs was 35.5 million, spread across the 774 local government areas of the country.

“The disability community deserves all the necessary attentions from the authorities to ensure that whatever government is doing they will be carried along,’’ he said.

The executive secretary however, disclosed that the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Betta Edu had assured that their members will be included in the National Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme.

He said they were also assured of inclusion in the other programme of the National Social Investment Programme.

Lalu also disclosed that the commission partnered with the Bank of Industry to train some PwDs on different business skills and they were provided with soft loans to set up their businesses. (NAN)

Edited by Deborah Coker and Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Ebere Agozie

A Nigerian-born Euronews presenter, Mr Jerry Fisayo-Bambi has vowed to use his journalism work to change the negative narratives about Africa.

Fisayo-Bambi, who just received Excellence Award in Journalism at The Voice Achievers Award in Almere, Netherlands, made the vow in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

He insisted that Journalists should not focus only on stories that portray Africa in bad light but uphold the highest standards of ethics and accuracy.

He said he would continue to give voice to the voiceless and work hard to change the culture of negative stories about Africa through his work without compromising ethics of Journalism.

“Journalism is a calling, vocation to uncover the truth, shed light on the darkest corners of society, and to give voice to the voiceless.

“In a world where information is more valuable than ever, it is our duty as journalists to uphold the highest standards of ethics and accuracy.”

He noted that media coverage of Africa has often been plagued by stereotypes, biases and a focus on negative stories, such as poverty, conflicts, and diseases.

“There is a renewed effort in changing this wrong narrative, and I couldn’t be more proud to be part of that group of journalists dedicated to promoting a more balanced and nuanced understanding of the continent.”

He said that stories published by the media have the power to shape public opinion, influence changes, and hold those in power accountable.

“In a time when the world faces unprecedented challenges from climate change to global health crises, from social justice movements to political upheaval, the role of Journalists is more critical than ever.

“Many brave journalists work in regions plagued by conflicts and censorship, where the pursuit of truth is met with adversity.

“It is for them that I accepted this award with a deep sense of responsibility to continue our collective mission of informing, educating and advocating for a better world.

“This award is not just a reflection of my own efforts, but a testament to the dedication and hard work of an entire team.

“Behind every great journalist, there is a network of Editors, photographers, researchers and countless others who make the work possible.

“I share this award with all of them, and I thank them for their unwavering support,” he added.

Jerry began his career in Nigeria as a journalist with the Steam and Globe Broadcasting limited, and Info Nigeria ltd, owners of Cool FM and Nigeria Info 99.3 respectively.

He currently works with the Euronews group in France where he is also setting an incredible mark as a black and African journalist leading a diverse team of journalists from across the western world. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vincent Obi

By Blessing Ibegbu

The Esu-Karu, Luka Panya and security agents, on Wednesday warned residents of Karu, in Nasarawa State against taking laws into their hands (jungle justice).

Panya said this at a meeting with security agents, traditional rulers, community, religious, motorcycle and tricycle leaders, following the recent bizarre story of stolen genitals.

He said that in the last three weeks, there had been incidents of stolen genitals around Karu, Masaka, Ado, New Nyanya and the latest in sharp Corner, where the suspect and his car were burnt.

According to him, it is my duty to ensure that my subjects are safe because the essence of leadership is to ensure that the community is peaceful and attain required development.

“We have a duty to talk to our people so we know how to manage these issues of stolen genitals, so we don’t take laws into our hands.

“I urge every representative, especially the chairman of motorcycle/tricycle riders association to pass the message to their people.

“There is no society that is free of crime, but there are ways to handle these through security agencies, not jungle justice, because anybody can be affected,’’ the Esu said.

In his contribution, Prince Jatau, a security agent called for sensitisation of the rural populace.

Jatau warned that no act of jungle justice would be tolerated any longer in the community.

He said that Karu was a sensitive town and close to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and therefore, expressed his fears that if the present situation was not well managed, could escalate to religious or ethnic crises.

Jatau advised the people to be careful in raising false alarm as anyone seen at the scene where jungle justice was being carried out, would be charged to court too.

Similarly, Francis Obigwa, the Police Area Commander in charge of Karu, said that the issue of alleged stolen genitals, which had been proven to be untrue medically, was becoming overwhelming

According to Obigwa, there has been ongoing arrests as regards the case and both the suspect and victims will be charged to court.

He said that some persons were now capitalising on the trending issue to commit other manner of crimes, adding that the police was always on alert to deal with such individuals.

Meanwhile, the Chairman, Motorcycle/Tricycle Riders Association, Bahago Na’Allah, had assured the Esu and the security agents that the association was working toward ensuring that its members conducted themselves in an orderly manner by not taking the law into their hands. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Ese E. Eniola Williams

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Alhaji Tijani Ahmed on Tuesday inspected 40 flats of housing units built for Internationally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Ahmed during the inspection at resettlement city in Keffi, Nasarawa appealed to government for ecological funds to enable the Commission construct a good road network in the area for easy access.

According to him, the resettlement centre will accommodate 40 households and it is expected to be ready in the next three months.

While expressing satisfaction at the level of work at the centre, Ahmed said that the facilities at the city were clinic, school, recreational centre, market and police station for their security.

“We are also working towards durable solution to ensure that all IDPs return home if they wish or they will remain in the resettlement centre we have provided for them.

“We want to have a good road network so that there will be easy access from the main town to the resettlement centre. We want to make the environment comfortable for IDPs,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that presently the resettlement cities are in Edo, Borno, Katsina, Kano, Zamfara and Nasarawa.

Ahmed also said that with time the resettlement city would be extended to other states, particularly violence prone states.

He acknowledged the vision of his predecessors Senator Basheer Mohammed, who conceived the idea and Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim who saw it through.

Ahmed promised that the Commission under his leadership would build on these achievements and restore livelihoods for IDPs and provide educational opportunities for their children. (NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

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Edited by Razak Owolabi

A socio-cultural group, Ogbomosoland Consultative Council (OCC), on Tuesday, presented a document containing a development blueprint to the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, the Orumogege III.

The group, which also named the traditional ruler its Grand Patron, said the document would help him to pilot the affairs of the town.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the group which comprises prominent Ogbomoso indigenes was formed by the immediate-past Soun of Ogbomosoland, the late Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III.
While presenting the document, the group’s spokesperson, Amb. Akin Oyateru said: “It is the objective of this body to transform our historical town of valiants, widely recognised as a safe abode for those seeking refuge from the vagaries of life.
“We seek to make it the destination for those who desire good life and prosperity in a conducive environment, leveraging our renowned hospitality and amiability, working with and for you.
“Therefore, we look forward to Ogbomoso becoming that bright and shining star in the guinea savannah that beckons alluringly to all those who seek honest gains through sweat and industry that genuinely empowers.”
He said this would help Ogbomosoland live its manifest destiny and be great again.
“In this regard, we stand ready to embrace true partnership, to power this vision to laudable realisation.”
Oyateru went on to point out that the composition of OCC was exclusively drawn by the late Soun with inclusivity, development, unity and networking as points of focus.
“The membership is made up of prominent sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland across all the five Local Governments Areas (LGAs) who have distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavours.
“They are people who possess demonstrable skills and capacity to contribute to the development of Ogbomosoland, while promoting unity, harmony and social cohesion across the strata of our vast land.”
He pledged the loyalty and commitment of OCC members towards the development of Ogbomosoland under the traditional ruler’s leadership.
The group prayed to God to give the royal father divine wisdom and strength to shepherd the people and land of Ogbomoso to greatness in the midst of peace, joy and love.
Responding, Oba Olaoye commended the group for the selfless services they have rendered to Ogbomosoland since the Council was inaugurated in 2020 by his predecessor.

The royal father commended the vision of his predecessor for bringing OCC model to reality as it has helped in great measure to develop a good network.
“I plan to retain the model and even make it work better in keeping with the emerging realities.
“I also recognise the roles you individually and collectively played to keep the city stable during the several hiatus.”
“Ogbomosoland is indeed blessed with highly successful and resourceful sons and daughters spread all over the country and in the diaspora. We must therefore harness this vital human resource to our advantage,” Oba Olaoye said.
NAN reports that some of the OCC members at the king’s investiture include: Dr Saka Balogun, retired Gen. Oladayo Popoola. Sen Braimoh Yusuf, Engr. Dayo Lawal, and retired AIG Olasupo Ajani.
The rest include: Chief Bayo Bankole, Hon. Simeon Oyeleke, Prof Alice Jekayinfa, Otunba Funso Lawal, Barr. Olusegun Adekunle, Sen. Ayoade Oluwaseun, Hon. Bimbo Oladeji, Adesola Adepoju and Alhaji Oladipupo Yusuf.
Also, representatives of the Soun-in-Council who were present at the occasion include High Chief Sobalaje Otolorin, the Aare Ago of Ogbomoso, and several others.(NAN)
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)