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

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 Ismail Abdulaziz

Nigeria and the United Arab Emirate (UAE) have finalised agreement on the lifting of visa ban placed on Nigerian travellers and the immediate resumption of flights by Etihad and Emirates Airlines.

This followed the visit of President Bola Tinubu to the emirate on Monday after his visit to the G20 summit in New Delhi, India.

At the receiving of letter of credence of the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Salem Al-Shamsi, Tinubu had pledged to influence the return of cordial relations with the emirate at a personal level.

A statement by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale said that the immediate restoration of flight of these airlines and between the two countries, does not involve any immediate payment by the Nigerian government.

‘’In recognition of President Tinubu’s economic development diplomacy drive and proposals today presented by President Tinubu to his counterpart, an agreed framework has been established.

‘’It will involve several billions of U.S. dollars’ worth of new investments into Nigerian economy across multiple sectors, including defence, agriculture and others, by the investment arms of the Government of the UAE.

‘’Additionally, President Tinubu is pleased to have successfully negotiated a joint, new foreign exchange liquidity programme between the two Governments, which will be announced in detail in the coming weeks.’’

The President commended the UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his unalloyed friendship and determination to normalised the relations between the two countries.

In October 2022, the UAE authorities imposed a visa ban on Nigerians, coinciding with the suspension of flights by Emirates.

Nigerian airline, Air Peace, also ceased its Dubai flights in response to the UAE’s visa issuance halt for potential travellers. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

I

By Abujah Racheal

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) on Monday unveiled the Zero Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) to successfully identify and reach the millions of children who have not yet received a single routine immunisation.

At the launch in Abuja, the Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib, said that ZDLH would provide a framework for Nigeria to promptly generate evidence strategies that can be leveraged to measure, monitor and reach zero dose children and missed communities in which they live.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ZDLH is being implemented by the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), working as a consortium with the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN ), with support from Gavi through the NPHCDA.

Shuaib expressed gratitude to GAVI, AFENET, and other partners for their support in enhancing vaccination coverage for COVID-19, routine immunization, and accessibility to comprehensive primary healthcare services.

“The government acknowledges the leadership provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in prioritising health in his renewed hope agenda.

“In July 2017, Nigeria declared an emergency concerning routine immunization in response to the alarming findings of the 2016/2017 MICS/NICS report, which revealed a distressing Penta 3 coverage rate of only 33 per cent.

“The government established the National Emergency Routine Immunization Coordination Centre (NERICC) to address the issue.

“Since the inception of NERICC, immunization coverage has substantially improved throughout the country, with the 2021 NICS report indicating a notable increase, with Penta 3 coverage standing at an encouraging 57 per cent,” he said.

He, however, said that the government acknowledged that it has not attained its designated goal in immunization coverage.

“The government has implemented a range of strategic interventions to address the multitude of challenges and obstacles that have hindered their efforts to establish an effective routine immunization system.

“These initiatives include Optimized Outreach Sessions (OOS), Optimisedv Integrated Routine Immunization Sessions (OIRIS), Routine Immunization Intensification, Quarterly Lot Quality Assurance Survey (LQAS) to access their progress, and other strategies that are gradually yielding positive outcomes,” he explained.

He said that the COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions in routine immunization efforts, resulting in suboptimal coverage rates.

He, however, said that the government has emerged from this crisis with renewed determination and innovative approaches to fortify its immunization system.

“Our goal remains unwavering: to reach every eligible child and ensure that no child is left vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases,” he said.

He said that the Zero Dose Learning Hub was not just a platform; “It’s a beacon of possibility, a testament to our dedication to reaching every child, and an affirmation of our unwavering belief in the power of vaccination.

“It represents a promise that no child will be left behind, no matter their circumstances or where they are born.

“The government aims to enhance the capabilities of individuals engaged in the administration of immunization services at both national and subnational levels through the learning hub.

“Our aim is to empower them to play an active role in diminishing the number of zero-dose children in Nigeria.

“The launch of the Zero Dose Learning Hub is a milestone moment in the global fight against preventable diseases.

He urged everyone to remember that this was not just about data and statistics; it was about lives saved, futures protected, and communities strengthened.

“It’s about a parent’s relief, a healthcare worker’s dedication, and a child’s smile,” he said.

The NPHCDA boss expressed its deepest gratitude to all partners, healthcare workers, advocates, and communities they serve.

He urged everyone to continue working together to ensure that every child was protected through vaccination.

The Regional Technical Coordinator, AFENET, Dr Patrick Nguku, said that Nigeria was leading the pack of countries with the highest number of zero-dose children globally

Nguku said that the learning hub was an innovative approach to advance the uptake of research and evidence to improve immunization policies and programming in the country.

“Nigeria so far is the fourth country to implement the zero dose hub joining the likes of Mali, Uganda and Bangladesh

“The hub will be implemented in two phases with . Bauchi Borno Kano and Sokoto as priority states based on certain criteria’s bothering on insecurity, and presence of IDP camps amongst other factors,” he said.

Also representing the UNICEF country representative in Nigeria, the Chief of Health, Dr Edwardo Celades, said that the zero dose learning hub was a critical initiative to improve immunization coverage and equity in the country.

NAN reports that the Nigerian government launched the GAVI Zero Dose Learning Hub, in partnership with Gavi, the vaccine alliance. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Constance Athekame

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has inaugurated the Power Outage Reporting System (PORS) application app, to make complaints resolution process easier and faster by Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos).

Inaugurating the app in Abuja on Monday, Mr Sanusi Garba, Chairman of NERC, described it as an online initiative by the commission to assist customers report complaints to DisCos.

Garba said the development would help consumers to fast-track the process of reporting power outages to DisCos and improve electricity supply in Nigeria.

“This is part of our efforts at leveraging on technology to address complaints on power outage and ensure quick resolution by DisCos and NERC.

“Progress has been made on the app,   the commission decided to start the process with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

“Very soon, there will be a national rollout of the app to all electricity distribution companies,”he said.

In a remark, Hajia Aisha Mahmud, Commissioner, Consumer Affairs, NERC said that the application would be integrated into the systems of the various Discos.

Mahmud said that NERC would still continue to carry out its oversight function to monitor the app to ensure it works properly.

She said that NERC have a lot of initiatives to put in place to protect consumers, adding that PORS was an additional way to ensure they get value for their money.

“The app was introduced to ensure that electricity consumers get the best service and get value for their money from the DisCos and to also ensure they are well protected.

“The app can be downloaded through Google Play or Apple Store,”she said.

Mr Christopher Ezeafulukwe, Managing Director, AEDC commended NERC for the initiative, adding that the app would assist DisCos to interact more with consumers.

Ezeafulukwe said the feedback from the consumers to the DisCo was the raw materials needed to provide the services required.

”The app is a product of collaboration; it implies going to be a win win for all of us.

”This will help gather more data base to serve our customers,”he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Joseph Edeh

By Emmanuel Oloniruha
One Percent International Management Service Limited, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) has stressed the need to deliberate on ways of mainstreaming women in the process of peace and national cohesion.
The Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Amb. Stephaine Nnadi, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
According to Nnadi  the organisation is set to hold a one-day symposium to raise awareness on the role of women in peace, mediation and reconciliation and commemorate United Nations International Day of Peace.
She said that the symposium with the theme “Women as Burden Bearers, a time for peace” would hold at Wells Carlton Hotel Asokoro, Abuja on Sept. 21.
“The symposium is intended to address the recent unprecedented upsurge and challenges of conflicts, wars, and civil strife spreading across the globe especially in Africa, as well as full-blown wars in Russia and Ukraine.
“Women have always been the burden bearers of terrorism, displacement, community clashes and banditry hence the need to deliberate on ways of mainstreaming women in the process of peace and national cohesion.
“The symposium will provide a forum to commemorate the UN International Day of Peace as well as raise awareness on the role of women in peace, mediation and reconciliation in Africa,” Nnadi said.
According to her, the group expressed dismay that countries such as Ethiopia, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroun, Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria, have been bedeviled by recurrent tragedies as a result of incessant attacks by armed groups while women and children being the victims.
Nnadi said that the symposium would be attended by stakeholders from institutions of Government, members of the National Assembly, the Diplomatic corps, the academia, the private sector and the media.
Nnadi with one of her corporate talents Mrs Adaora Sydney-Jack, who is also a UN Ambassador invite members of the public to come and share perspectives towards a viable, strong and united country as well as build that would add values to the nation’s well-being.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola