NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Don’t get involved in book piracy – Perm. Sec. warns school owners, principals
General News , Metro

Don’t get involved in book piracy – Perm. Sec. warns school owners, principals

220 total views today

By Ruth Oketunde

Mr Olusade Adesola, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has warned principals and school owners in the FCT, to desist from getting involved in pirating books.

Adesola gave the warning at the opening of the annual FCT Book Fair, organised by the FCT Education Resource Centre on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said “the hydra-headed monster called book piracy has continued to pose serious harm to Nigeria’s education system and the economy.

Adesola said that while it was important to promote a healthy reading culture among Nigerians, it was equally important to pay close attention to the protection and support for literary works.

“As you are aware, piracy short-changes the system as well as robs authors and writers of their hard-earned reward and exclusive intellectual property rights.

“I therefore, strongly advise principals and school heads not to patronise or get themselves involved in any form of book piracy.”

The permanent secretary also called on authors and writers to ensure that their intellectual properties were copy-righted, to avoid loss and being cheated.

“Government has a framework to address the issue of piracy. In the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, there is a copyright department which grants copyright and patent rights to authors.

“So I enjoin all writers to ensure that their books are copy-righted. There is also a department in the SGF’s Office that grants protection to writers.

“When your book is properly protected, then you will be able to assert your rights against piracy,” he added.

In a speech, Mr Abdulrazaq Leramoh, Acting Secretary of the Education Secretariat of the FCTA, said that the annual book fair was the administration’s contribution to the fight against book piracy and sub-standard educational materials.

He said that in sustaining child-centred educational practices and promoting the culture of reading, the need for books and written materials could not be over-emphasised.

“Let me also stress that in spite of information technology in the form of e-books and online information, books and other written materials still retain their prime position as sources of information which all students should have.”

On her part, Hajiya Neemat Abdulrahim, Director of the FCT Education Resource Centre, said the aim of the book fair was to make learning resources, curriculum materials, among others, readily available to parents, schools and the general public.

She said that the book fair would also provide the public with relevant information about the activities of the centre and the list of recommended textbooks for use in FCT schools.

According to her, the desire of the centre is to uplift the standard of education in the FCT by enhancing the culture of reading among students and the general public

She called on principals and school heads to ensure that they followed the 2022 to 2025 recommended booklists for FCT schools, in other to keep their students abreast of current academic curriculum.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fair which has no fewer than 40 publishing companies, displaying various educational materials, began on Sept. 4 and will end on Oct. 6. (NAN)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Silas Nwoha

Akintola Williams: blessing to our profession – Accountants
General News

Akintola Williams: blessing to our profession – Accountants

171 total views today

By Rukayat Adeyemi

The Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) on Tuesday described the death of the Doyen of Accounting profession, Pa Akintola Williams, as a great and unquantifiable loss.

Chairperson of SWAN, Mrs Hilda Ozoh, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos in reaction to the passing of Williams on Monday at age 104.

Born on Aug. 9, 1919, Williams was the first Nigerian to qualify as chartered accountant.

Ozoh said that the female accountants received the news of the passing of the Doyen with heavy hearts but great gratitude to God for a life well spent.

She stated that Williams was true to his leadership role as the Doyen of the accounting profession.

The SWAN chairperson said that late Williams exhibited excellent influence, mentorship, impact and blessing to the accountancy profession, Nigeria and humanity as a whole.

Ozoh also described the late Doyen as a God fearing, non-tribalistic, listener, humane and a ready-to-help man.

She said, the late Williams was a great pillar of support to SWAN and encouraged the female accountants never to relent, but to exhibit their best as professionals in whatever capacity they are called upon to serve.

Ozoh recalled that when the Doyen was much younger, he never missed any SWAN’s event, physically, and would rendered financial support and mentorship.

She noted that both young and older accounting professionals, including other professional bodies look up to Williams as a great icon.

According to her, Williams has left a legacy for all professionals to strive to attain greater heights.

She said: “The Doyen left us just 32-days after his 104th birthday celebrated on Aug. 9, marked as usual by accounting professionals and I was honoured to be present at that event.

“However, we thank God for the gift of Pa. Akintola Williams to our country, Nigeria, African race and indeed the global sphere, which I believe he impacted in one way or another. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

In his condolence message, Nigerian UK-based Chartered Accountant, Mr Olanrewaju Sharafa, also described the death of the Doyen as a great light that has gone out of the world of accounting.

Sharafa said that the global accounting community and the entire ICAN family had been thrown into mourning a man who laid the foundation of ICAN.

“The Doyen was a towering figure of our time, a legend in life and now in death; a true Doyen of accounting has left a huge vacuum for us as professional chartered accountants.

“My heart goes out to his family, the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA), the International Federation of Accountants(IFA) and the entire ICAN family,” he said.

According to him, the history of accounting in Africa and worldwide shall continue to honour Williams’s heroic contributions to professionalism, integrity and accuracy.

Sharafa prayed that God rest the soul of the doyen in eternal peace. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Gates Foundation calls for urgent action to reduce maternal, child mortality
Health , General News

Gates Foundation calls for urgent action to reduce maternal, child mortality

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By Oluwafunke Ishola

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has called for urgent action to accelerate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) and reduce maternal and child mortality.

This was contained in the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation seventh annual Goalkeepers Report released on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Goalkeepers Report showed where the world has collectively fallen short at halfway point in achieving the SDGs.

It also showed where innovation and investment could advance progress, particularly in the fight against the global epidemic of maternal and child mortality.

The report, co-authored by the foundation Co-chairs, Melinda French-Gates and Bill Gates, highlighted new data that showed the potential of scaling up global access to seven innovations and practices.

This, the report would address the leading causes of maternal and newborn deaths.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the global maternal mortality rate (MMR) in 2020 was 223 per 100, 000 live births, while achieving a global MMR below 70 by 2030 will require an annual rate of reduction of 11.6 per cent.

“By making new innovations accessible to those who need them most, two million additional lives could be saved by 2030, and 6.4 million lives by 2040.

“That’s two million families spared an unimaginable heartbreak and two million more people who can shape and enrich our world,” the authors said.

The report noted that since 2016, progress in reducing global maternal mortality had stalled, and in some countries, including the United States, death rates had risen steadily.

It said, globally, nearly 800 women die in childbirth every day, acknowledging that deaths of children under five continued to decline since the mid-2010s.

The report explained that the first month of a newborn’s life continued to be the most dangerous, accounting for almost half of all under-five deaths today

It also said that 74 per cent of child deaths happen during a baby’s first year.

The report acknowledged the global efforts between 2000 and 2015 that significantly improved the health of mothers and babies and the progress stalled since COVID-19 hit.

It explained how the discovery of revolutionary information about maternal and child health in the last 10 years led to low-cost and easy-to-implement innovations and practices.

According to the report, these innovations and practices prevent and treat deadly childbirth complications such as post-partum hemorrhaging, infections, and maternal anemia.

It called for immediate action to help put the world back on track to achieve the global goal of cutting the maternal mortality rate to less than 70 out of 100,000 births and newborn mortality to 12 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2030.

“As is so often the case in global health, innovations aren’t making their way to the people who need them most; women in low-income countries, Blacks and indigenous women in high-income countries like the United States, who are dying at three times the rate of white women. That needs to change.

“We have seen over and over again that when countries actually prioritise and invest in women’s health, they unleash a powerful engine for progress that can reduce poverty, advance gender equality, and build resilient economies.

“Over the past decade, the field of child health has advanced faster and farther than I thought I’d see in my lifetime.

“If our delivery can keep pace with our learning; if researchers can continue developing new innovations and skilled health workers can get them to every mother and child who needs them. Then, more babies will survive those crucial first days,” the report said.

It also said that the life-saving innovations and practices highlighted in the report could be delivered by midwives and birth attendants in communities.

The report listed the innovations as a bundle of interventions that can reduce postpartum hemorrhage, the major cause of maternal death, by 60 per cent for less than one dollar per package.

Bifidobacteria (B. Infantis), a new probiotic supplement that, when given to an infant alongside breastmilk, combats malnutrition—a leading cause of newborn deaths.

Also, Multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) that boost survival rates for babies by helping replete nutrients stored in pregnant women and ensuring those vital nutrients are transferred to the baby.

Others are one-time infusion of IV iron for women that replenishes iron reserves during pregnancy, protecting against and treating anemia, a condition that is both a cause and effect of postpartum hemorrhage and affects almost 37 per cent of pregnant women.

It also includes antenatal corticosteroids (ACS), which are given to women who will give birth prematurely to accelerate fetal lung growth, providing several weeks of maturation in just a few days.

Also, Azithromycin, which reduces maternal infections during pregnancy and prevents infections from spiraling into sepsis—the cause of 23 per cent of maternal deaths in the United States—and reduces mortality when given to infants in high-mortality settings.

Similarly, an AI-enabled portable ultrasound that empowers nurses and midwives to monitor high-risk pregnancies in low-resource settings to ensure that risks are diagnosed and addressed early.

On providing access to the quality health care for mothers and babies to live long and have healthy lives, it said that this would require policy changes, political will, and more investment in women’s health and health care workers, including midwives.

Halfway to the deadline for the SDGs, the Goalkeepers Report shows that on 18 indicators, from poverty to gender equality, education to food security, health to climate, the world was off track.

It underscores the urgent need for action, as well as a renewed global commitment to ensure a more equitable and safe future for all by 2030.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives.

The foundation’s work in developing countries focuses on improving people’s health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Ministry, NPC collaborate on veritable housing deficit data
General News

Ministry, NPC collaborate on veritable housing deficit data

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By Perpetua Onuegbu

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, says the ministry is collaborating with the National Population Commission (NPC) to produce verifiable and credible data on the actual number of Nigeria’s housing deficit.

Dangiwa disclosed this at a meeting with a delegation of NPC led by its Chairman, Hon. Nasir Kwarra and some Commissioners on Monday in Abuja.

Speaking at the meeting, he said the objective of the meeting was to address one of Nigeria’s most pressing data challenges of accurately determining the extent of the housing deficit in the country.

“For years, our nation has grappled with conflicting and unsubstantiated figures regarding this crisis.

“The range of estimates, varying from 17 million to 28 million, has not only been a source of embarrassment but also a hindrance to effective policy making and strategic planning.

“I believe it is time to change this narrative and take coordinated action to bring clarity and credibility to our understanding of the housing deficit and the state of housing in Nigeria.

“We must work to establish accurate, credible, verifiable and scientifically sound data on the housing deficit and living conditions of homes that Nigerians live in nationwide,” Dangiwa said.

The minister further said it was only through a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the housing deficit that Nigeria could devise effective strategies to address the housing shortage.

He added that the ministry’s collaboration with NPC was a critical step, explaining that the next national census was a timely exercise that would provide an invaluable opportunity to gather precise data on citizens’ housing needs.

Dangiwa emphasised that the housing deficit was not solely about the quantity of structures but also about the quality of living conditions.

“Adequate housing, coupled with proper living conditions is a fundamental human right that underpins social stability and economic development.

“There is a plan of creating the National Social Housing Fund to cater for the underprivileged in the society, and this can only be achieved with a veritable data of housing without essential sanitary conditions,” he said.

On his part, chairman of NPC, said the commission was fully ready to carry out the census with digitalised tools which according to him was long overdue.

He urged all Nigerians to present themselves for the census adding that special populations like the migrant farmers, fishermen, non Nigerian residents as well as homeless citizens and completed but empty houses would also be counted.

Explaining how prepared the commission was to conduct the census he said the commission had counted a total of 55, 495, 871 estimated households in the country.

Kwarra said that the commission had assisted the Nigerian Postal Service in the provision of the base data for postcodes that is used for addressing houses, and assisted the Surveyor General’s office in data for Geo-spatial mapping.

He added that the census would also help Nigeria in the tackling of insecurity bedeviling the country.

“The importance of data in national development cannot be overemphasized. The contemporary world does not just look at data but emphasis is on georeferenced data which are data sets with reference to the geography of a nation,” Kwarra said.

In her presentation, Mrs Yetunde Adebayo, Coordinating Director, GIS /DQM, NPC said the planned population and housing census which is the first digital census planned with international standards methodology in Nigeria is important for the country given the last time since the last count was in 2006.

“Availability of data is an integral consideration in the effort towards the realization of Nigeria’s development plans.

“Data is one of the core focus areas of development planning and it is central to setting realistic targets and consistent use of tools and processes to track progress toward achieving the targets and the overall goal of the country’s plans.

She therefore urged the minister to help push for the census to be conducted soon so that the gathered data would not be outdated and also to make it less expensive to conduct. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Angela Okisor/Isaac Aregbesola

NIMC pledges seamless NIN registration for all
General News

NIMC pledges seamless NIN registration for all

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By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has assured Nigerians of a seamless registration process for the National Identification Number (NIN) across the nation and in the Diaspora.

The Acting Director-General of the commission, Mrs Abisoye Coker-Odusote gave the assurance in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

She said that NIN registration remained free for all eligible citizens, and reaffirmed igs commitment towards ensuring accessibility for all Nigerians in line with global best standards.

The new NIMC head also gave her words on a comprehensive national identity system to streamline government services and enhance service delivery.

Coker-Odusote said a unified identity system ensured that citizens receive the services they were entitled to in a more efficient manner.

She said: “NIMC will strengthen the operation and regulation of all matters related to national identity which encompasses services such as NIN enrolment and issuance, national e-ID card issuance, identity verification as well as data harmonisation and authentication.

“It should be noted that in the digital age, integrated identity is the backbone of e-governance initiatives.

“It provides an enabling environment for key government programmes of social safety net, financial inclusion as well as for companies that want to provide innovative products and services to people.

“An integrated identity system will strengthen the government’s fiscal management, promote good governance and transparency through inclusivity and social equality.

“It ensures that marginalised and vulnerable populations are not excluded from government services”.

She acknowledged the challenges millions of Nigerians faced during NIN enrolment and pledged that all issues including long processing time and administrative errors would be fully addressed and resolved.

She also called for understanding and support of the stakeholders within Nigeria’s digital identity space, adding that the commission was committed to speeding up issuance of NINs and provision of other ancillary services to the citizenry.

According to Coker-Odusote, NIMC is devoted to supporting the policy direction of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

This, she said, was by strengthening the issuance of NIN in line with the president’s pledge to lift more Nigerians out of poverty, improve food security, drive economic growth and enhance security. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

NIPSS DG tasks military on unwavering support to democratic governance
General News

NIPSS DG tasks military on unwavering support to democratic governance

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Democracy

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Director-General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Prof. Ayo Omotayo, has called on the Nigerian military not to falter in its total support to democratic governance in Nigeria.

Omotayo made the call when he led the management team of the institute on a courtesy call to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Monday in Abuja.

He said Nigerians expect the military to concentrate fully in securing the country, and ensuring that recent coups in parts of Africa did not distract it from protecting democracy in Nigeria.

The DG said the institute was confident of the commitment of the military to the principles of democracy in the governance of the country.

“I believe that under you the Nigerian Army will continue to support democratic governments and will do all it can not to allow negative elements, especially the Wagner Group, to have inroad into our country.

“The army at this time is most challenged and we in our various perspective truly want the government to give the army the necessary funding, the necessary support it needs to be able to carry out its objectives,” he said.

Omotayo said that NIPSS has been developing non-kinetic methods for peace building as a course module.

“There is need for the Nigerian Army and NIPSS to have an understanding on developing a complete and full module for non-kinetic operations for the military.

“We have an opportunity at this time that we have a new government in place and we must all put hands on deck to ensure that the new government is able to deliver on the dividends of democracy to the citizens.

“In doing that, we believe that the Nigerian Army has a big role to play and have what it takes to discharge on these responsibilities,” he added.

Omatayo hailed the commitment of the army to the restoration of peace and security to all parts of the country, including Jos, where the iinstitute is located.

Responding, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja, commended the institute for its contribution to strategic level manpower development of the Nigerian Army and other services.

Lagbaja gave the assurance that the army would continue to cooperate with NIPSS, which is Nigeria’s highest and most effective think tank.

“The Nigerian Army always takes a holistic look at addressing security challenges using both kinetic and non, -kinetic means.

“The kinetic effort was just about 20 to 30 per cent at resolving any security challenge, especially when they are internal security in nature.”

According to him, the non-kinetic contribution is significant and must be visible in the field to bring about desired stability and lasting peace.

He therefore said the army would continue to forge partnership with the institute to develop the non-kinetic approach module to address emerging and other issues of national concern.

“We are ready to partner with the Institute towards developing a complete module for the non kinetic approach to resolving this issue.

“We are also very much aware of the nuances, especially of the population and their position to things that come from the military.”

He assured that the army will continue to strive for a peaceful and prosperous nation.

“We are concerned about the security situation in Plateau, so we will continue to do what we need to do to ensure that there is peace and security in that state.

“Also, we will continue to focus attention on the National Institute because we don’t want to have a hostage situation where participants and staff of the institute are kidnapped,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Maharazu Ahmed

Niger boat mishap claims 30
General News

Niger boat mishap claims 30

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By Obinna Unaeze
The Niger Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) on Monday said the death toll from Sunday’s boat mishap in Mokwa Local Government Area had risen from 24 to 30.
The Acting Director-General of the agency, Alhaji Garba Salihu stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna.
He said the agency had so far rescued 30 persons in Gbajibo area where the incident occurred.
“Yesterday, we have recovered 24 corpses, but that same day it later increased to 26 dead bodies.
“Today, we recovered four more corpses, making 30 in all,” Salihu said.
He said the deceased comprises 27 females and three male children.
Salihu dispelled the rumour making the rounds that 100 passengers boarded the ill-fated boat.
“For now, nobody knows the number of passengers on that boat. Many people entered the boat, so knowing the actual number of passengers on board will be difficult,” he said.
The NSEMA boss said the agency had stopped searching for the victims of the boat mishap, pending when the need arose.
NAN also reports that the victims hailed from Gbajibo, Ekwa and Yankyade communities who were on their way to their farms at the other side of river Niger (old Gbajibo) when the incident occurred. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Nabilu Balarabe/Bashir Rabe Mani
Shades Awards ’ll showcase hardworking entrepreneurs- Organiser
General News

Shades Awards ’ll showcase hardworking entrepreneurs- Organiser

138 total views today

By Victor Okoye

Mr Sylvanus Williams, Founder/Chief Executive Officer, Shades Awards, says its 2023 edition will showcase hardworking entrepreneurs whose businesses add value to the nation’s economy.

Williams popularly known as Sly Williams said this on Monday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

NAN reports that the event is scheduled to hold Dec. 2, at the Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA) House, Maitama, Abuja.

The founder said that the awards night was a formal-to-semi-formal event during which trophies would be given to honour achievers in different fields.

He said that the event was to celebrate hardworking entrepreneurs in different sphere of businesses, to create a platform for them and their brands to relate.

According to him, the award ceremony is aimed at honouring those who may not usually be honored for their accomplishment; so as to make them know that their work is valued.

“The primary objective of the event is to show approval and gratitude for each person’s good job.

“We also aim to promote a community of like minds where participants are opened to endless opportunities and possibilities.

“It is also aimed at creating profit opportunities for startups with adverts placement and brands positioning,” he said.

The entertainment enthusiast said the top notch event was open for sponsorship and called on all well-meaning individuals, philanthropists, private, government as well as corporate bodies to come on board to ensure successive event.

“The Shades event will guarantee the presence of kings and queens, royal fathers, top ranking politicians, international business mogu and civil servants.

Others include; top journalists from both new and traditional media, on air personalities, international and local sport athletes, top military personnel, top social media influencers, movie actors as well as music performers.

He added that the second edition of the Shades Magazine would be launched in February 2024 with all the blitz, glitz and glam memories of the 2023 award event as well as the awardees captured in the edition. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Emu kingdom, 67 others key into CBN oil palm programme in Delta –Official
General News

Emu kingdom, 67 others key into CBN oil palm programme in Delta –Official

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Secretary General, DELCOM COOP, Chief Felix Okonti addressing the Emu community on Monday in Asaba, at the signing of a MoU  between Emu Kingdom and DELCOM COOP for the acquisition of 93.7 hectares of land for oil palm plantation development in Emu Kingdom

By Ifeanyi Olannye
Emu kingdom in Ndokwa West Local Government Area on Monday joined other 67 communities in Delta to enroll into the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) oil palm plantation development initiative in the country.
The Secretary General, Delta State Commercial Oil Palm Plantation Growers Cooperation Society Limited (DELCOM COOP), Chief Felix Okonti, disclosed this when HRM, Johnson Ullu, EzeEmu of Emu kingdom led his subjects to sing a memorandum of  Understanding (MoU) for the programme in Asaba.
According to Okonti, the MoU with Emu Kingdom brings the total number of participating communities to 68 across the state that have keyed into the CBN oil palm plantation programme in the country.
He said that the communities would be allocating over 100,000 hectares of land  for the programme which was a prerequisite of the CBN to enable each state harness the full potential of the programme.
He said that the programme would be a win win for all participants, adding that the oil palm plantation ensures great returns on investment, particularly when the programme would be deploying the best and fast yielding varieties for cultivation.
Okonti noted that unlike the local variety of oil palm seedlings, 150 stands of  improved seedlings per hectares has capacity to produce 48 tonnes to 60 tonnes of palm oil  per hectare annually which guarantees great  earnings after each harvest.
He said that every participating community or individual land owner, has three options; to sale the land, give it out on lease or participate in the venture and earn 22 per cent of the profit after tax as returns on investment annually.
According to Okonti, the programme is a partnership between the Delta government(Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources), CBN and Group of Investors.
“This is the first phase of the programme being anchored by the CBN and 14 states including Delta have been selected to benefit in this  pilot  stage.
 “Also, each state is expected to provide 100, 000 hectares of land as the bank has earmarked N800 billion to finance the 1.4 million hectares.
“We missed the track during the advent of the crude oil money in the 70’s from being the leading producer of palm oil.
” But this MoU is looking back and if the country can actualise the target of cultivating 1.4 million hectares, Nigeria will regain its position as number one or at least number two in palm oil production in the world.
“It is regrettable that the CBN in 2018 budgeted about N500 billion to pay for products of oil palm produced imports, commodities that we have comparative advantage to produce in the country.”
He said that of the total of about 76 million metric tonnes of worlds palm oil production, Malaysia produces about 37 per cent while Nigeria produces only two per cent.
He thanked the monarch and people of Emu kingdom for singing into the programme while encouraging individuals, groups and various communities to make lands available and key into the programme.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Ben Agamah, lauded the Emu Kingdom for their collective decision to participate in the programme.
According to him, oil palm is an endowed crop and palm oil is twice as expensive in the international market than the crude oil.
He urges more participation in the state to harness the potentials of jobs creation, wealth and economic development of the state and the country at large.
On his part, HRM, Johnson Ullu, EzeEmu of Emu kingdom, who spoke through a Palace Chief, Chief Godday Mgbaego, said they were keying into partnership to cultivate about 93 hectares of land in the Emu kingdom.
He thanks the state government for given them opportunity to participate in the programme.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the MoU is between Emu Kingdom and Group of Oil Palm Plantation Development Investors -all members of DELCOM COOP for the acquisition of 93.7 hectares of land for oil palm plantation development in Emu Kingdom under the CBN Oil Palm Development initiative.
HRM Johnson Ullu, led the signatories of the MoU for the community while Secretary General, Chief Felix Okonti, signed for DELCOM COOP.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng).
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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola
Council trains 237 staff on capacity building
General News , Metro

Council trains 237 staff on capacity building

183 total views today

By Gregory Mmaduakolam

The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarders in Nigeria (CRFFN) has commenced induction and orientation programme for its 237 staff across the council’s four Zonal offices in the country.

The Acting Registrar of CRFFN, Mrs Chinyere Uromta, said this in Abuja on Monday.

According to Uromta, the programme will start with 60 staff members in  the Abuja zonal office, while the staff in Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt zonal offices will follow thereafter.

She said that the aim of the induction and orientation was to enhance the productivity and capacity building of the staff in line with the Act and the Mandate of the CRFFN.

Uromta said as a revenue generating agency of the Federal Government, “if the staff were well trained and they know the mandate of the council, it will impact positively on CRFFN and generate more revenues than their peers”.

She said as the acting registrar of CRFFN, one of her aims was to reform the council and to motivate the members of staff and boost their efficiency at the workplace.

Uromta said that she had directed that every staff must have a copy of the agency’s mandate, to ensure that they were well informed of the act and mandate of council.

Mr Benjamin Ojumah, CRFFN Director of Research and Development, expressed happiness for the induction and orientation organised for the staff and management of the Council.

Ojumah said that the programme would be impactful and would help improve the skills and productivity of the staff as well as the organisation.

Mrs Theresa Enayi, Principal Enforcement Officer of the council expressed satisfaction for the programme, adding that it had been long such an event was carried out by the management for the members of staff.

She called for the continuity the programme, noting that it would sharpen the skills and experience of the staff.

Hauwa Tafiida, one of the participants who spoke on behalf of other beneficiaries, thanked the management of CRFFN for the event and urged it to make it an annual event.

Mr Samuel Abalaka, one of the Resource Persons for the programme, said the induction was one of the three core training modules captured as the number one priority in the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP).

Abalaka added that the training modules which started in 2017 and would run until 2025, was to equip civil servants with the right knowledge and skills, to enable them function effectively at work. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

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