By Opeyemi Gbemiro

Elder Statesman and legal icon, Afe Babalola, on Thursday said if there was anything called life after life, his prayer would be to return to life as a farmer.

The 94-Year Babalola, who is the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), expressed this view at the opening ceremony of the 2023 annual edition of Afe Babalola Agric Expo, (ABAEX-2023) in Ado-Ekiti.

He described farming as the most profitable and energy charging profession if well pursued.

Babalola instituted ABAEX eight years ago to give millions of naira annual cash reward and tools as well as encourage more farmers’ to participate in food production.

“If I am to come back to this world, and asked what I love to do, I will pray to return to life as a farmer, and not as anything else; farming is an act of God; farming is of God; it is the only profession identified with creation.

“Any country that has genuine interest in growth and development must first embrace farming, ditto the citizens.

“Aside being a major source of employment generation, farming varnishes hunger and discourages laziness and stealing in any form.

“Those who started acts of corruption in Nigeria are not farmers but educated people who are invariably public officers.

“ An average farmer is known to be hardworking, contented and perseverance.

“People say I am a successful lawyer and wonder why I should have anything to do with farming, but I tell them, I will continue to identify with farming because I grew up with it and enjoyed it.

“ It may surprise many Nigerians that there is nothing we consume in my home that I buy from market; I grow them and I am proud of that; if many others can emulate me, Nigeria will be better for it,” he said.

He called on all tiers of government, especially Federal Government to focus more on agriculture, right from the grassroots, and through the local government councils, while every individual, no matter their profession, should also embrace farming.

“Farming is best done at the local government level, and by extension, the grassroots; this is why I am again calling on the Federal Government to allocate local government funds to them directly, and not through state governments, many of which often divert such funds,” he added.

He said he had established Industrial park in ABUAD which accommodates over 100 industries to further boost food production.

According to him, the industrial park will buy farm products like mornings, rice, maize and others, direct from farmers, so as to put a stop to incidences of wastage and economic losses on the part of farmers.

Babalola promised to continue to invest his money and everything humanly possible in Agriculture, and lift as many farmers that showed interest, until Nigeria had a change of attitude in that regard.

Speaking earlier, the Local Organisng Committee, (LOC) Chairman of ABAEX- -2023, Prof. Abiodun Ojo, explained that the agricultural revolutionary vision of Babalola was to transform Ekiti into a prosperous society, through agricultural rejuvenation of farmers with financial support.

He said ABAEX programme provided agricultural extension services to the farmers to evaluate their farms for productivity yields in large scale.

Ojo said that that the programme was implemented in all the local government areas of the state, adding the sum of N32 million had so far been committed to 2023 edition.

In her welcome address, the ABUAD Vice Chancellor, Prof. Samaranda Ayorinde, said the institution was doing as much to promote agriculture in diverse ways with huge investment in the country.

The vice chancellor commended Babalola for his patriotism and generosity.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idowu Ariwodola and Chijioke Okoronkwo

Ehigimetor Igbaugba

Police in Cross River on Thursday debunked alleged abduction of Prof. Cyril Ndifon, suspended Professor of Law and Dean of  Faculty of Law, University of Calabar.

Police spokesperson, SP Irene Ugbo, stated in Calabar that Ndifon was not kidnapped but was picked up by government security agents.

She noted that the rumoured abduction was aimed at causing panic.

“Police hereby state that Prof. Ndifon was not kidnapped as speculated, but arrested by a government security agency for interrogation.

“Police also advise members of the public to disregard information on social media platforms about the purported abduction as it is subversive.

“It is misleading and a calculated attempt to cause panic or breach of the peace enjoyed in the state,’’ Ugbo stated.

She assured that the police would get to the source of the “obnoxious rumour’’.

 The professor’s son, David Ndifon, had earlier told newsmen that gunmen invaded their residence at Akpabuyo in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River and fired gunshots sporadically before taking the professor away.

He said the incident happened between the 11 p.m. on Wednesday and the early hours of Thursday.

“We have been trying our best and making necessary calls to ensure his safe return,’’ David had said.

The university placed Ndifon on suspension over allegations bordering on sexual harassment of students, among others. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen/Alli Hakeem

By Naomi Sharang

Mr Benson Olugbuo, Country Director, Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), has called on the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts at mitigating conflict in Nigeria.

Olugbuo made this known on Wednesday during a project close-out webinar on “Advancing the Protection of Civilians and Stabilisation of North-East Nigeria Project.”

The project is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by CIVIC, a Civil Society Organisation (CSO).

The country director, while stating that CIVIC had contributed its quota over the years to conflict mitigation, said such was necessary to engender peace in the country.

He said: “The peculiarity of Nigeria is such that there is conflict in virtually every part of the country.

“The challenge is that we as CIVIC cannot be in all the 36 states.

“However, we collaborate with other agencies like the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and also train military and security institutions.”

The country director said that, while the primary responsibility of protecting civilians from harm was not that of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) but the government, CSOs would continue to support the government in achieving that.

“We are not the government and we can never be the government. So what we do at CIVIC is to remind the government of their responsibility.

“We make sure we remind the government of meeting her primary responsibilities and obligation to protect lives and properties,” Olugbuo said.

CIVIC’s Project Manager Saratu Pindar said that the CSO had resolved 100 out of 135 concerns through the project, adding that part of the resolution included returnees who had no access to accommodation.

Pindar said that with the collaboration of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, several other milestones had been achieved.

This, she said, included establishment of 17 dialogue platforms, enhancement of civilian protection as well as training of 374 civilian vigilantes among others.

The CIVIC Team Lead, Mr Mujidand Sitdang, said that strengthened civilian protection and improvement in civil-military relations through dialogue platforms had facilitated dialogue to encourage security agencies collaboration.

Sitdang stressed the need to look for renewed funding, adding that there would be opportunity to continue to engage in the discourse.

Mr Julius Gaiya, Communications and Programmes Manager, CIVIC, expressed satisfaction that the programme had made so much impact.

He said that “When we started Phase I and II, it was to provide an avenue to sustain training among security institutions.” (NAN)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

By Aderogba George

The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has commended the Federal Government for the enactment of the 2018 Law against Discrimination for Persons Living with Disability (PWD).

The National Director of the NGO, Dr Sunday Udo, gave the commendation in Abuja on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ consultative forum on inclusive education in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and “We ring the bell campaign”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the programme was “Inclusive play-based, early childhood education”.

The Director was represented at the event by Mrs Orowo Stephen, Head of Human Resource and Administration of the NGO.

Udo also commended the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Education and the FCT education secretariat for promoting inclusive induction, especially with the drafting of policy on inclusive education.

He expressed optimism that work on the drafted policy would soon be completed and enforced for the good of PWD, as well as promote an inclusive society for all, including children with disabilities.

He said that TLMN, through its three zero strategy (zero transmission, zero disability, zero discrimination), has tried to bring healing and restoration to people affected by leprosy, neglected tropical diseases and disabilities in Nigeria.

He further said that through its partnership with the Liliane Foundation, based in the Netherlands, TLMN had promoted two of its strategies which are zero discrimination and zero disability through the Inclusion first programme.

According to Udo, “We Ring the Bell” is a worldwide, annual advocacy campaign on Inclusion, carried out in 20 countries since 2015.

He said the event is an avenue to make noise about inclusion of disability in all activities of the government.

He said that the slogan was also all about sending a message to the government and other stakeholders that “All Children, including those with disabilities, have the right to education.”

“This year’s campaign focuses on ‘Inclusive Play-based Early Childhood Education’ (IPECE), which we believe offers Children with disabilities the opportunity to learn at their own pace using educational methods that stimulate their interest in a safe environment.

“We believe that when children are identified as early as possible, they can be stimulated with suitable rehabilitation and early education interventions.

“IPECE, through its unique set up, offers a unique opportunity for caregivers/teachers to support the children to learn (at their own pace) because it promotes a balance between exploration and imitation,” he said.

The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPWD), Mr James Lalu, stated that the mandate of the commission was to ensure that the rights of persons with Disability are met.

Represented by Mr Olasoji Adewale, Director, Planning Research and Statistics, Lalu said that there was the need for Nigerians to internalize inclusivity.

He said that the commission had been working in so many ways for the promotion of inclusive education.

According to him, the commission has been able to work towards the establishment of a sign language department at the Nasarawa State University.

The Director, FCT Department of Special Needs Education (DSNE), Mr Jonah Aturu, stated that the department had been playing its role by being a frontline advocate of inclusion of persons living with Disability in all spheres of human endeavours, particularly in education.

Represented by Mrs Amalu Angela, Assistant Director, DSNE, Aturu said that the department is indeed passionate about changing the attitudinal narrative from discrimination to total inclusion of persons with Disability.

He said that the department is working positively for the acceptance of learners and individuals living with one form of disability or the other in the public institution, particularly schools.

“The FCT DSNE operates a wide open-door policy in cross breeding of ideas and partnering with any organisation or individuals in ensuring the accomplishment of this mission. (NAN)

Edited by Vincent Obi

By Deborah Coker

The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, says the Federal Government is determined to revitalise the Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

This is contained in a statement by Mr Hope Attari, Acting Director, Press and Public Relations, of the ministry.

Badaru said this when the Turkish Ambassador, Hidayet Bayraktar, paid him a courtesy visit at the Ship House in Abuja.

He explained that the revitalisation of DICON would enable the country to produce its military equipment and hardware.

He also said that Nigeria would continue to partner with Turkey on government to government platform on military intelligence sharing and Defence Industries Corporation.

The minister added that Nigeria would continue to maintain a bilateral relationship with the Republic of Turkey.

Earlier in his remarks, Bayraktar appreciated the minister for granting them an audience and expressed the readiness of his country to heighten the already existing defence collaboration through military intelligence and defence corporation.

Bayraktar congratulated Nigeria on its 63rd Independence Anniversary and invited the ministers to the forth coming Turkish 100th Anniversary.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria and Turkey share identical views on regional and international issues such as disarmament, peacekeeping operations and International terrorism.

NAN also reports that those present at the event included the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Ibrahim kana, and top management staff of the ministry. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

By Dorcas Jonah

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council (NPC), Mr Francis Nwosu, has reiterated the council’s commitment to improve media performance in subsequent elections in the country.

Nwosu stated this at a workshop on Post 2023 General Elections Assessment held in Mararaba, Nassarawa State on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised by the NPC in collaboration with Aveesga International, to assess media performance of the 2023 general elections.

According to Nwosu, the gathering is to carry out a post mortem on the performance of the media during and after the 2023 general elections.

”What are the criticisms that trailed the coverage and reportage of the election processes that needed to be interrogated, with a view to chart a pathway of addressing identified shortcomings.

”This is with a view to improve media performance in subsequent elections alongside strengthening democratic values and institutions.

Also speaking, Dr Chris Isiguzo, President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) said that democracy thrives when the media upholds the principles of fairness, objectivity, and accountability.

Isiguzo said the workshop would assess media compliance with constitutional provisions, electoral laws and codes of ethics as a pivotal for ensuring that the media remains a beacon of truth and transparency.

He said the 2023 general elections marked a significant chapter in Nigeria’s history.

The president said the media as a key stakeholder, was entrusted with the responsibility of guiding the electorate through the intricate web of our electoral processes.

He expressed hope that the workshop would contribute to a roadmap for enhancing media coverage of elections in the future.

Isiguzo said that criticisms are stepping stones to improvement, adding that, it’s through constructive dialogue and shared commitment that democratic values and institutions could be fortified.

He commended the NPC for promoting high professional standards for the media in subsequent elections through this workshop.

”The focus will reflect a dedication to introspection and improvement, a testament to the vital role journalists play in our democratic journey.

” This workshop focuses on a post-mortem analysis of the media’s performance, provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on our achievements and identify areas where improvements are needed,” he said.

Mr Isaac Nyam, in a paper on Appraisal of Use of Mass Media for Nigeria’s 2023 General Elections’ Mobilisation, said there was a need for the creation of law for rules and regulations.

He said that the nature of evolving of Nigeria ought to be taken more seriously, and reckoned with in relation to cogency of mass media use in Nigeria.

“There is an increasing need for respect for ownership types and performance models, as well as consciousness and conscientiousness about frames and framing.

” There is also the need for strict use of code of media conduct as guiding Modus operandi,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

The Debt Management Office (DMO) on Thursday, engaged financial market stakeholders on the 6th series of its “Sovereign Sukuk Issuance” programme.

The programme was organised to intimate Nigerians and the stakeholders about the benefit of investing in the Sukuk.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Oct. 3, the DMO announced an offer for subscription of its 6th, 10-year tenor Sovereign Sukuk for N150 billion, at a rental rate of 15.75 per cent.

According to Patience Oniha, Director-General of the DMO, the Sovereign Sukuk was in initiated in 2017 to aid the rehabilitation and construction of critical national infrastructure.

Oniha said that the Federal Government had raised and deployed N752.557 billion, through the Sukuk, for development of critical infrastructure since 2017.

She said that Sukuk helped in infrastructure development and also achieves associated multiplier benefits.

“The DMO, through the issuance of Sukuk, has raised and deployed N752.557 billion to the rehabilitation and construction of 4,000 km of roads and bridges across the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“Apart from infrastructure development, Sukuk encourages financial inclusion by offering ethical investors an opportunity to invest in government securities.

“It deepens the domestic financial market and also sets a benchmark corporates and sub-nationals,” she said.

She assured that the Sukuk was backed by the full faith and credit of the Federal Government. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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(Edited by Joseph Edeh)

By Esther Paul/Gift Bayo

Some men in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed different views on marrying women with tattoos on their bodies.

The men made their views known in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

NAN reports that skin design or tattooing has become a trendy social ritual in reinventing the notion of the ‘self’ or perceived personhood.

Tattoos are a form of body modification that is made by inserting inks, dye and other colors to make drawings on the body, which may either be temporary or permanent.

NAN reports that while some described the trend as a sign of irresponsibility and religiously unacceptable, others opined that designing one’s body did not matter as long as they have good personalities and character.

Michael Peter, a business man, said that tattoos brought up negative impressions about a person.

According to him, women with tattoo can be perceived as cheaters, liars, irresponsible and wayward.

“Tattoo is a no-no for me; I will prefer to marry a lady with not so good qualities but without a tattoo, than having a lady that her body is covered with tattoos.

“In today’s society, people will always judge those with such on their bodies as morally undisciplined and they may see you, the husband, as irresponsible too, for marrying that kind of person.

“This class of people may even be calm and good but the society will always consider mingling with people without tattoos over the ones with it, that’s how I see it,” he said

Similarly, a parent, Mr Douglas Adebari, said that he would not allow his son marry a woman whose body has been pierced or designed permanently in the name of social trend.

“It shows a sense of irresponsibility and I will not accept it.

“The body is supposed to be a temple of God and therefore, must be kept sacred spiritually and physically as well. It is a definite no for me,” he said.

Also, Mr Philip John, a bachelor, said he would not marry someone with a tattooed body because his family would be against it, as his mother was a leader in the church and would never accept such.

However, Mr Okon Solomon, a businessman, said having a tattooed body should not automatically depict one’s personality and character.

According to him, people should learn not to constantly judge others by what they see on the outside and their physical appearance, but get to know them beyond the physical before judging them.

“I don’t have a problem with people having tattoos, especially women, as long as the person has the features am attracted to, like kindness, generosity, respectful and intelligent as well.

“This is because I might have a tattoo and still have kindness for humanity but the other person without a tattoo might be cruel, disrespectful and full of inhumane acts.

“So for me, it is not about how you appear but the kind of heart you have and how you treat others around you, he said,” he said.

NAN reports that in spite of the stereotypes that surround tattoos in today’s society, tattoos are not illegal in Nigeria and those wearing them are not criminals.

To some persons, it is just a fashion statement while to some it is a way of boosting self-confidence.(NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/ Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Deborah Coker

The Federal Government has expressed readiness to deepen bilateral relations with European Union (EU) on security cooperation.

The Minister of Defence, Mr Mohammed Badaru, said this in a statement by the Acting Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Mr Hope Attari, on Thursday in Abuja.

Badaru disclosed this when he received the delegation of the European External Actions Service ( EEAS), on Wednesday, at the Ship House.

He said that Nigeria as a nation was desirous of restoring partnership with EU and strengthening collaboration with the union in fighting violent extremism, maintaining peace and security as well as enhancing regional cooperation .

He noted that the country needed intelligence and security equipment from the EU to combat insecurity in the country.

According to him, the major challenges facing the country were banditry in the North West and North Central, Boko Haram in the North East, Oil vandalism in the South South, sectional agitation in South East and general insecurity at the Gulf of Guinea and the Lake Chad region.

Similarly, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, said that Nigeria as the “Giant of Africa” needed the cooperation of the EU in the fight against insecurity bedeviling the country.

He noted that the safety of Nigeria was the safety of Africa, and therefore called for cooperation of the EU in the fight against insecurity in the country.

Earlier, the Head of the delegation, Deputy Secretary General of the EEAS, Helena Konig, said the purpose of the visit was to seek Nigeria’s area of priorities in terms of security issues where the EU could intervene.

Konig added that the priority areas would be discussed extensively at the forth coming high ministerial meeting.

According to her, EU wants to work extensively with Nigeria in counter terrorism, to stabilise the region, considering that the country was a strong supporter in maintaining the Africa territorial region. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman