By Alex Enebeli

A Business tycoon, Benjamin Eze and a youth activist, Jude Aninta have hailed the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, for making positive impact in governance in his first 100 days in office.

They gave the commendation in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Wednesday.

Mbah was inaugurated as the governor of Enugu on May 29, following his victory at the March. 18, polls after defeating four prominent contenders to the Lion Building seat.

Eze, also the convener of Peter Mbah Abuja Network (PMAN ), said that the innovations introduced by the governor so far would enable his administration to propel the economy of the state beyond his 30 billion dollar target.

According to him, the governor’s aggressive pursuit of water and electricity supply, environmental sanitation, education, sports development, security and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) within three months are unequaled in Enugu state’s history.

“These by all standard’s are the hallmarks of development for which the citizenry would remain proud of.

“The state hasn’t witness this quantum of innovations in recent times.

“By the time the governor sustains such programmes and more in his feature, Enugu will bounce back as the industrial, economic and tourism destination of the country,” he added.

Eze noted with dismay that the state had suffered acute water shortage for long while the governor had already restored 25 million cubic litres of water per day to the coal city and moving toward 70 million cubic litres soon.

He said that the governor’s courage by outlawing the obnoxious sit-at-home imposed by miscreants masquerading as Biafra agitators was a sign that foreign investments would flood into the state with high propensity for youth employment.

Eze noted that the recent investment summit convened by the state with the major global funding institutions participating and pledging collaboration was indicative of where the state would be in the coming years.

Also, Aninta who is the Director- General of PMAN noted that the frontal attack the governor was giving to electricity supply, met the expectations of the Enugu people.

He commended the new Energy Act passed by Uche Ugwu- led Enugu State House of Assembly for being the main driver of the initiative.

He described it as one that would engender the use of multiple natural resources in the state by multi-national companies to generate massive electricity for the economy hubs identified in the state.

“Electricity is the key to industrialisation and the state’s abundant coal deposit, sundry minerals with abundant technical know-how would soon make the state to run uninterruptible power supply.”

Aninta, a real estate consultant, thanked Mbah for identifying some 72 road projects to implement in different part of the state.

He noted that such would not only open up rural areas but also aid evacuation of farm produce to urban areas and export terminals.

He said that the governor’s move to expand the international airport in Enugu and partner the federal government to create a seaport in Uzo-Uwani area were welcome developments.

“I am sincerely amazed by these developments in so short a time.

“It shows that the governor and his team mean business to fulfill his campaign promises.

“I appeal to Enugu citizens irrespective of their political leanings to support the Peter Mbah’s administration to make the state the envy of other Nigerians,” he added.

The director-general said that Mbah administration’s move to invest heavily in the Rangers International FC would return the club to its glorious days.

Aninta added that it wound also motivate the youth to develop their abundant sporting talents and be ready for national and international exploits. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

By Naomi Sharang

The Chief Executive Officer, Barnksforte Technology Ltd., Mr Dayo Bankole, has said that the launch of the Self- Service Application by National Identity Management Commission(NIMC) is laudable.

He said that the launch of the App by the Director-General NIMC and Minister of Interior on Sept.16 was a major milestone in ensuring seamless National Identity Number(NIN) enrollment for Nigerians in the diaspora.

Bankole gave the commendation in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for making the right choice of appointing the minister and Acting DG to lead the agencies on National Identity Management.

Bankole said that the self-service mobile application was developed in partnership with  Barnksforte Technologies Ltd., a local ICT company, in accordance with National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Data Protection laws.

He said that the application was designed with strict adherence to the provisions of NITDA Regulation on data protection and data privacy in Nigeria, following the business requirements of NIMC.

Bankole said necessary measures had been put in place to ensure the security and protection of data while using the self service app, adding that since data was considered  the ‘oil’ of the digital era, it was important to protect it.

He further said besides being seamless, the cost of using the self- service app was minimal, adding that “it is cost effective compared to foreign technologies.”

Bankole explained that the  application had four self-service modules; self-service NIN enrollment, modification of data and validation as well as digital identity generation.

According to him, the application is designed by Barnksforte Technologies Ltd., one of NIMC’s technical partners, with a long standing relationship.

Bankole pointed out that the use of the application which is accessible from anywhere in the World, would enable Nigerians in the diaspora to enroll, modify, validate and obtain digital Identity without the need to travel back to Nigeria.

The CEO said the application would be available on Google Play Store and IOS App Store once it is rolled out.

“The Self-Service NIN Enrollment is  limited to Nigerians in the Diaspora, to enable them self-enroll for NIN from the comfort of their homes.

“On modification of data, it is a global service that allows for modification of data of a Nigerian with NIN and it includes names, date of birth, address and phone number modifications.

“In the same vein, validation is  a global service that allows for validation of data for Nigerians with NIN by recapturing their facial and fingerprint bio-metrics to eliminate the challenge of missing bio-metrics and it is essential for standardization.

“Lastly is the digital Identity generation, which is also a global service and it allows for conversion of NIN into a digital ID or QR Code and  can be presented to third party vendors when one’s NIN is required for day-to-day transactions.

“This eliminates the exposure of NIN to the public and it contains the owner’s bio data, finger and facial bio-metrics,” he said.

He said the self-service application was one of the two modules  of NIMC’s Contactless System.

“It is a cutting-edge technology enabled on mobile devices to support seamless enrollment of Nigerians into the National Identity Database with no limitation, in addition to other NIMC’s services.”

According to him,  while the agent based solution is for Nigerians within the country, the self service mobile application was designed for Nigerians in the Diaspora.

“The solution consists of a module which NIMC’s enrollment partners through their agents enroll Nigerians for NIN all over the country and another module, the NIMC Self-Service Mobile Application,, which was launched on Sept. 16,” he said.

Bankole also recalled that the acting Director-General of NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, at the celebration of the 5th National Identity Day emphasised the transformative power of identity, highlighting its role in unlocking access to essential services.

“Identity is more than a mere card or a number; it symbolises our existence, our entitlements and our place within society.

“It unlocks access to essential services, social benefits and pathways to personal and economic growth.”

Bankole equally recalled the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasising the need for secure and verifiable identities in the modern digital age.

He said, “This is where access to essential services, banking, and even online social media platforms all require proper identity verification.

“We live in the modern digital age where a secure and verifiable identity is vital for any set system to work. Think about it, you can’t access bank services and get ATM cards without proving your identity.”(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

By Diana Omueza

The Global Awareness for Public Safety Foundation (GAPS) has urged the Federal Government to revive and reactivate public safety institutions for effective protection of lives and property in Nigeria.

Dr Chuks Alozie, Director-General of GAPS, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit to Rev Yakubu Pam, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christains Pilgrims Commission.

The Global Awareness for Public Safety Foundation is an NGO with the goal to enlighten the public on ways to prevent and manage dangers within their environment.

Alozie said there was the need for government at all levels to collaborate with stakeholders to revive all public safety institutions to boost safety and wellness of citizens.

“Regular awareness for public safety will play a critical role in preventing and protecting the public from events that could endanger their safety and security.

“Government and institutions at all levels should ensure the protection of lives of persons in their territory, organizations and institutions against threats to their well-being, survival and prosperity, ” he said.

He urged the government to reactivate emergency services and first responders, including the law enforcement agencies, fire service, emergency medical services, security and military for effective service delivery.

Alozie also prayed for wisdom for the NCPC boss to reposition the commission to reflect the goodness of the Christian community in and outside the country.

Responding, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christians Pilgrims Commission, Rev. Yakubu Pam, thanked the group for calling for the repositioning of the commission and other institutions to reflect their mandates.

Pam also assured the group of its willingness to collaborate, to provide the needed awareness on public safety and its organizations.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Idris Abdulrahman

By EricJames Ochigbo

Dr Garba Abari, Director-General of National Orientation Agency (NOA), on Wednesday in Abuja urged all Nigerians to be ambassadors of peace to build a strong and united nation.

Abari made the call at an award ceremony organised by the Arewa Youth Consultative Council (AYCC) in honour of Dr Josephine Oghale-Abraham, the founder of Love to the World Initiative.

The award was in recognition of her exceptional role in peace building.

Abari, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Legal Services, Mr Williams Dogo, said that Nigeria needed peace to become a developed country.

“Though positive things are being said about you, what Nigeria needs now is peace; peace and peace.

“We in NOA have the imperative of peace building; that is why in the past three years, we are implementing a programme called Building a People of Peace.”

The director general urged all Nigerians to emulate the exceptional qualities of the awardee in peace building across the country.

Speaking, President of AYCC,  Amb. Zaid Ayuba, said that the council had observed the philanthropic and nation building efforts of Oghale-Abraham and had come to appreciate her.

He said the council had recognised her efforts in educational sponsorships, assistance on healthcare, feeding the orphans, widows and supporting the financially challenged individuals in various communities.

“You are a dedicated mentor to youth and aspiring young entrepreneurs.

“You believe in the power of education and entrepreneurship to transform society through empowering young people, ” he said..

Responding, Oghale-Abraham said that as she was going about her activities without knowing that a day of recognition was coming,

“I have heard about AYCC and read about their activities but never thought of an award from them.

“Being a southerner and receiving an award from a northern group showed that a lot of narratives being paddled about relationships in the country are incorrect.”

She said that the story about hate, divisions and religious differences driven mostly by politicians did not exist in reality.

The awardee said that she had declined many awards in the past for lack of merit by the organisers.

“Nigeria is our project and with this group of youths, you can tell that there is hope for Nigeria; the North and South will be united and Nigeria will be great again.

“We can start by just loving one another; if we do not love and have respect for one another, we will not be loved and respected internationally, ” she said.

She thanked the organisers for the gesture, adding that she was dedicating the award to every Nigerian who was selfless and committed to promoting the cause of Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Precious Akutammadu

Nigerian movie makers have announced the resumption of their groundbreaking first features project as the crew returns to set for the film shoot “Kill Boro”.

Steve Gukas, Visionary Director, Native Filmworks and Michelangelo Productions said in a statement on Wednesday that the “First Features” project was part of an effort to elevate Nigerian cinema.

“Kill Boro is currently filming in Port Harcourt,” he said.

Gukas, who is a seasoned filmmaker renowned for works like “93 Days” and “A Place in The Stars”, said that the elevation of the cinema would come in form of nurturing emerging talents with top-tier industry expertise.

“Kill Boro”, a highly anticipated addition to our 12-film slate, is being directed by Courage Obayuwana, a protégé of the project.

“The First Features project is focused on nurturing and empowering a new generation of visionary film directors.

“It provides training and funds the production of the first feature films by these exciting new voices in the Nigerian film industry.

“As “Kill Boro” begins filming, it marks not only the continuation of our mission to empower emerging filmmakers but also a testament to the vibrancy and innovation driving Nollywood into the future,” Gukas added.

He said that the First Features project’s mentorship program had renowned industry professionals like John Demps, Antonio Ribeiro, Tolu Ajayi, Cristina Aragon, and George Kallis.

Gukas said that the renowned filmmakers would provide insights into the intricacies of film and television production, equipping emerging directors with the skills necessary to direct feature-length films.

Dotun Olakunri, co-founder of the initiative and an influential figure in Nollywood, emphasised the importance of the project, saying that it was also to bolster the talent pool in Nollywood.

“We firmly believe investing in the next wave of filmmakers is essential for the industry’s continued growth.

“With the evolving landscape of Nollywood, including the entry of streaming giants like Prime Video, initiatives like First Features play a crucial role in upskilling local talent and ensuring that Nigerian cinema continues to captivate global audiences.”

“First Features achieved its first milestone last year with the release of “Cake,” a feature film directed by Prosper Edesiri.

“The film which showcased the potential of the human capacity development project featured stars like Tope Tedela, Sophie Alakija, Patience Ozokwor, and other Nollywood stars,” Olakunri said.

According to Olakunri, the success of “Cake,” First Features has led to the conclusion of production on “Love & Life,” a gripping drama directed by Reuben Reng that stars Rita Dominic, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Chidi Mokeme and Michelle Dede.

He also said that production had been concluded on another feature film, “It Blooms In June”, directed by Korede Azeez, starring Femi Jacobs, Kiki Omeili, Susan Pwajok, and Kem Ajieh.

Olakunri said “Love & Life” would be released in October this year, bringing another captivating contribution to Nigerian cinemas. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

TAJBank Limited, one of Nigeria’s foremost non-interest banking services providers, has won the Global Islamic Finance Award (GIFA) 2023 for its ‘Best Sukuk Deal of the Year 2023.

According to a statement from TAJBank, it’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Hamid Joda, was also decorated with the “Most Promising CEO of the Year 2023” award.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the awards held in Senegal, was witnessed by the country’s President, Macky Sall, and other global leaders and bankers.

Over the years, GIFA has recognised over 500 governments, individuals, and institutions, commending their significant contributions to the estimated four trillion dollars Islamic finance industry.

In his remarks, Joda commended the GIFA leadership for the global recognition.

“We are grateful to the award organisers for recognition of the bank and my humble self for the GIFA 2023.

“As we keep saying, these awards and several others TAJBank had received in the past three years will further encourage us to do more in surpassing the expectations of our growing customers,” he said.

He said that the bank would continue to ensure quality products and services delivery and value-addition to its customers and their businesses.

The bank’s Executive Director and Co-Founder, Mr.Sherif Idi, also commended the customers for their increasing confidence in TAJBank to offer them superior products and services.

The GIFA Chairman, Prof. Humayon Dar; commended the winners for their hard work, persistence, and innovative strategies to be able to make giant strides even in the economic climate.

NAN recalls that the listing of TAJBank’s N10 billion Sukuk bond on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) in February enjoyed an unprecedented support from investors, recording of over 30 per oversubscription.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Perpetua Onuegbu

The Federal Government is committed and passionate about solving housing deficit in the country.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, made the pledge when he received Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State in Abuja on Tuesday.

By Cecilia Ologunagba

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday called on world leaders to affirm democratic governance as the best guarantor of the sovereign will and well-being of the people, saying military coups are wrong.

Tinubu said this in his inaugural statement to the 78th session of the General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York.

The UN correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu, who delivered his address to the world leaders at 8p.m. local tine, spoke on behalf of Nigeria and Africa.

“Military coups are wrong, as is any tilted civilian political arrangement that perpetuates injustice. The wave crossing parts of Africa does not demonstrate favour towards coups.

“It is a demand for solutions to perennial problems. Regarding Niger, we are negotiating with the military leaders.

”As Chairman of ECOWAS, I seek to help re-establish democratic governance in a manner that addresses the political and economic challenges confronting that nation, including the violent extremists who seek to foment instability in our region.

“I extend a hand of friendship to all who genuinely support this mission,’’ he said.

Tinubu, however. told the leaders of Nigeria’s accord with the objectives and guiding principles of the world body: peace, security, human rights and development.

“ In fundamental ways, nature has been kind to Africa, giving abundant land, resources and creative and industrious people.

“Yet, man has too often been unkind to his fellow man and this sad tendency has brought sustained hardship to Africa’s doorstep.

“To keep faith with the tenets of this world body and the theme of this year’s Assembly, the poverty of nations must end.

”The pillage of one nation’s resources by the overreach of firms and people of stronger nations must end. The will of the people must be respected. This beauty, generous and forgiving planet must be protected,’’ he said.

According to him, as for Africa, we seek to be neither appendage nor patron and  we do not wish to replace old shackles with new ones.

Instead, the Nigerian leader said: “we hope to walk the rich African soil and live under the magnificent African sky free of the wrongs of the past and clear of their associated encumbrances. We desire a prosperous, vibrant democratic living space for our people.

“To the rest of the world, I say walk with us as true friends and partners. Africa is not a problem to be avoided nor is it to be pitied. Africa is nothing less than the key to the world’s future.’’

The UN correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar,  the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the UN, Amb. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande and the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Other Nigerian officials on the delegation are: Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate and Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anita.

Also on the delegation are: Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo; Minister of Solid Mineral, Dele Alake; Minister of Arts and Culture, Hannatu Musawa; and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu.

Others are: Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno; Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo; Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna; Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe; and Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara, among others. (NAN)  (www.nannew.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

By Ismail Abdulaziz

President Bola Tinubu has urged UN member states to show more commitment to the crackdown against terror financing, economic sabotage, and illicit mineral and arms smuggling in the developing world.

This is contained in a statement issued by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity in Abuja.

Addressing the 78th UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, Tinubu also called on member states to compel firms and nationals from their countries from participating in the pillage of the African continent’s resources, which has led to several unrest.

“The fourth important aspect of global trust and solidarity is to secure the continent’s mineral rich areas from pilfering and conflict. Many such areas have become catacombs of misery and exploitation.

‘’The Democratic Republic of the Congo has suffered this for decades, inspite of the strong UN presence there. The world economy owes the DRC much, but gives her very little.

“Foreign entities that are abetted by local criminals, who aspire to be petty warlords, have drafted thousands of our people into servitude to illegally mine gold and other resources.

‘’Billions of dollars meant to improve the nation now fuel countless violent enterprises. If left unchecked, they will threaten peace and place national security at grave risk.

‘’Given the extent of this injustice and the high stakes involved, many Africans are asking whether this phenomenon is by accident or by design,” he said.

Member nations, Tinubu said, must reply by working with us to deter their firms and nationals from this 21st century pillage of the continent’s riches.

‘’To keep faith with the tenets of this world body and the theme of this year’s Assembly, the poverty of nations must end. The pillage of one nation’s resources by the overreach of firms and people of stronger nations must now end,” the President said.

The president noted that his aggressive economic development diplomatic push for new investment has been demonstrably effective in presenting Nigeria as business-ready, adding that the ease of doing business was not the major challenge to large scale investment.

“The question is not whether Nigeria is open for business. The question is how much of the world is truly open to doing business with Nigeria and Africa in an equal, mutually beneficial manner.

‘’Direct investment in critical industries, opening their ports to a wider range and larger quantity of quality African exports, and meaningful debt relief are important aspects of the cooperation we desire,” the President said.

Tinubu said that the global fight against climate change cannot be based on a “one size fits all” approach, adding that nations must cooperate in the design and implementation of their own strategies, which are tailored to their respective socio-economic strengths and weaknesses.

“African nations will fight climate change, but we must do so on our own terms. To achieve the needed popular consensus, this campaign must accord with our overall economic efforts.

“In Nigeria, we shall build political consensus by highlighting remedial actions which also promote the broader economic good.

‘’Projects such as ‘The Great Green Wall’ to stop desert encroachment; halting the destruction of our forests through the mass production and distribution of gas burning stoves; and the provision of employment through local water management and irrigation projects.

‘’(These) are examples of efforts that equally advance both economic and climate change objectives simultaneously.

‘’Continental efforts regarding climate change will register important victories, only if established economies were more forthcoming with public and private sector investment for Africa’s preferred projects and initiatives,” he noted.

The President also urged the world to see Africa as a place to equal opportunity and potential rather than a continent to be pitied.

“Walk with us as true friends and partners. Africa is not a problem to be avoided, nor is it to be pitied. Africa is nothing less than the key to the world’s future.”(NAN)
edited by Sadiya Hamza