By Naomi Sharang

Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) has pledged continuous support for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) indigenes to ensure that Community Development Agreements (CDAs) with mining companies are respected.

The Executive Director of CTA, Ms Faith Nwadishi, made the pledge during a Media Roundtable in Abuja on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable is part of events to herald the wrapping up of the two-year project.

The project was titled: “Promotion of the Cultural Values and Environmental Rights of the Original Inhabitants (OIs) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) through Drama and Art Forms.”

Nwadishi represented by Programme and Communication Manager of CTA, Mr MacDonald Ekemezie, said the initiative was aimed at amplifying the voices of the OIs to preserve their culture and promote their environmental rights.

The executive director said that the group would continue to strengthen the capacities of community representatives on CDAs.

“We shall seek additional funding to expand the project’s scope to other area councils in the FCT and also maintain ongoing engagement with relevant stakeholders,” she said.

Nwadishi said that CTA provides training to selected community members and cultural ambassadors on how to negotiate and understand CDAs.

“During one review, it was revealed that a community leader had signed a CDA for personal gain, not for the community’s benefit.

“This discovery prompted CTA to empower communities with knowledge about their rights when negotiating and enforcing CDAs,” she said.

Also, Mr Jacob Sananu, an indigene of FCT, expressed gratitude to CTA for the projects implemented, saying they impact on the lives of the FCT residents.

“We appreciate the efforts of CTA at amplifying our voices. They have been practical, they have impacted our lives especially on CDAs. We now understand the difference between our rights and privileges,” she said.

NAN also reports that the programme was funded by the McArthur Foundation through the Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Julius Toba-Jegede

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over property recovered from a convicted fraudster, Aisosa Ohue, alias Frederick Leonard, to an American victim, Cheryldene Cook.

Its Spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

According to him, the property include the sum of N19 million and three-bedroom semi-detached duplex at Ward 36A Amagba Community in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo.

He said that the property, which also include a Lexus E350 saloon car, an iPhone 13 Pro Max and a Samsung A31 phone were presented to the victim in Abuja by the Zonal Commander, ACE I Adebayo Adeniyi and the Head, Advanced Fee Fraud Section 1, ACE II Jimoh Rauf.

Uwujaren said that Cheryldene Cook who flew in from the United States of America to receive the items was accompanied to the commission by her lawyer, Dr. Mike Nwosu. He added that she expressed appreciation to the commission for the recovery.

According to him, Justice C.E Nwecheonwu of the Federal Capital Territory High, Kuje had in January ordered the forfeiture of the property after Orhue was convicted of a three-count charge including obtaining money by false pretence.

“The convicted cheated the victim in a love scam while pretending to be a famous actor, Frederick Leonard”.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

By Grace Alegba

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Lagos Chapel, on Friday announced plans to address drug abuse during its forthcoming Press Week commencing on Monday, Sept. 25.

The 2023 edition of the week which will run from Sept. 25 through Friday, Sept. 29, will have the theme: “Drug Abuse and Nigerian Youths; Effects and the Way Forward”.

The Chairperson, Press Week Organising Committee, Mrs Vivian Ihechu, said several educative and interesting programmes are lined up for the second edition of the week.

According to Ihechu, some of the activities to spice the week-long event include road walkout, medical outreach, games, competitions, visit to an orphanage and old people’s home among others.

She said that highpoints of the NUJ NAN Lagos Chapel Press Week would be a Cultural Day and Lecture/Symposium series.

She explained that the cultural day will hold on Tuesday Sept. 26, while the lecture/symposium will take place on Thursday Sept. 28, at the NAN Multipurpose Media Centre, National Theatre Annex, Iganmu Lagos.

NAN reports that retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), would be the lead speaker at the event alongside other distinguished Nigerians.

The Lecture/Symposium is part of agenda-setting role of the media towards addressing the prevalence of drug abuse among the youths for national restoration.

The lecture/symposium will touch on topical issues and proffer solutions.

Also, security agencies, secondary school students, community leaders and transporters are expected to be in attendance.

The week-long event will climax with a media rendezvous at the NAN Media Centre on Friday, Sept. 29. (NAN)

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has expressed readiness to partner with Human Rights Radio towards advancing issues associated with Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in Nigeria.

Mr James Lalu, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD said the move became necessary to assist the commission to enlighten the public on the rights, privileges as well as the need to always support PwDs in the society.

The Executive Secretary disclosed this on Thursday when he paid a courtesy visit to the founder of Human Rights Radio (101.1FM) Mr Ahmed Isa, in Abuja.

While appreciating the efforts of the station in airing programmes on issues of disability, the NCPWD Boss urged them to sustain it.

He informed the gathering of the existence of the Accessibility Standard Law which mandate organisations to make their facilities accessible to PwDs.

According to him, the law will be enforced latest by January 2024 after the expiration of the deadline giving by the commission.

”The law empowers the commission to seal up public facilities that do not conform with the Minimum Accessibility Standards for Persons with Disabilities.

Lalu said, Radio Stations like the human rights Radio will play a key role in assisting the commission to achieve  objectives, hence the need to collaborate.

In his response, the founder and President of Human Rights Radio, Ahmed Isa, pledged to offer one year free service to the commission.

Isa said, the station will dedicate free airtime to be  aired every Thursday where disability matters will be discussed with the support of Federal Competition and Consumer Protection (FCCP).

He also promised to support the commission to create the necessary awareness to help tackle other critical needs  and challenges affecting PwDs.

Lalu therefore, appreciated the courage and passion of the NCPWD Boss for providing the needed support to the disability community in Nigeria. (NAN)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Ekemini Ladejobi

By Ruth Oketunde

Inspite of nation’s challenges, Nigeria’s 24 years of uninterrupted  power is an affirmation of the country’s thriving democracy.

The National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD, Ms Gloria Akobundu, made this known at a one-day symposium on Elections Monitoring and Observation tagged 2023 General Election and Way Forward, in Abuja.

”The 2023 general elections, which marked 24 years of the country’s unbroken democracy in a stretch, since its independence, was a major milestone.

“I have never seen a country that the military governed and they were able to build their country back.

“I have never seen any country where there are instability and the military were able to consolidate development and economic growth.

“That is why it is important that we need to first celebrate Nigeria for ensuring that democracy stands in our nation and that is why we need to encourage democratic processes to enable us realise the Nigeria we all want.

“We need to join hands with our leaders to make it better, we do not need to compare ourselves with the Western world,” she said.

On the key objective of the symposium, she said that it was important to x-ray how well its campaign and sensitisation prior to the election, had an impact to the peaceful conduct of elections in the country.

She said that it would also build capacity of relevant stakeholders on managing pre and post electoral crisis for sustainability of the National Programme of Action (NPoA) and Country Review Report (CRR) recommendations.

Also speaking, Mr Abdulkarim Chukkol, Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said the commission’s effort in combating voter inducement, sent strong shivers to those involved in the act.

Chukkol, represented by Mr Adariku Michael, said that the EFCC deployed its operatives across the country to prevent the issue of vote-buying and selling and it was able to arrest, investigate and prosecute those found wanting.

He recommended that for the country to get it right, there was need for continuous sensitisation of voters on the short, medium and long term effect of selling their votes.

“Selling votes brings bad governance, Nigerians must desist from this act.

“There is also need to amend our legal reform to make stiffer punishment for offenders.

“There is need for close monitoring of elections by security agencies by making their presence well felt in every polling unit.

“It is also important that we have a strategic planning and deliberate implementation of cashless policy, this will sure help in reducing voters inducement,” he said.

For his part, Mr Omotade Folorunso, Director, Corps Welfare and Health Services, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), said it was important to deploy adequate security personnel to hard-to-reach communities in the country.

He said that though the corps did not lose any corps member in the last election, it was however important to deploy adequate security to protect the lives of the adhoc personnel in subsequent elections.

He however called for an upward review of renumeration given to the corps members participating in subsequent elections.

The Commandant of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Ayodele Adeleke, added that in tackling logistics problems in future elections, INEC should make adequate provisions for transportation of materials to all the polling units in the country.

Adeleke, represented by Dr Adegboyega Kareem, Director, Research, NISS, added that simulation exercise in this regard, with all the critical stakeholders must be carried out to identify loopholes and proffer solutions before the elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had in attendance, representatives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Nigerian Army, FRSC, NSCDC, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Mrs Lilian Madueke, Chief Operating Officer, Kaizen Academy (Nigeria) Ltd., says the role of company secretaries in the corporate governance framework is becoming increasingly important in driving compliance across all sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Madueke made the observation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

NAN reports that Kaizen Academy is a governance and strategy focused consulting firm that offers services capable of revolutionising the operational and governance structures of organisations.

The chief executive officer said that the role of company secretaries were responsible for ensuring compliance, facilitating communication, and coordinating various aspects within the organisation.

According to her, their influence in terms of regulatory adherence and the smooth functioning of enterprises cannot be overstated.

Describing company secretaries as linchpins, Madueke highlighted their responsibility in connecting the board of directors, executive management, shareholders, and regulatory authorities.

Madueke stressed that as the corporate landscape continually evolved, the expertise of a proficient and well-versed company secretary remained essential.

She explained that such expertise ensured that enterprises operated with transparency, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to principled business conduct.

“Their presence is indispensable in ensuring the enterprise conducts its activities in accordance with the legal framework and upholds principles of ethical conduct.

“Company secretaries drive regulatory compliance, ensure transparency and accountability, effective board administration, improve shareholders relations, among other roles.

“They are tasked with safeguarding a company’s adherence to best practices in corporate governance, ensuring alignment of board decisions with the company’s mission and values.

“Company secretaries proactively monitor shifts in the legal and commercial landscape and offer guidance to the board and executive management on strategies to mitigate potential risks.

“Their adeptness in maneuvering the intricate confluence of legal requisites, stakeholder expectations, and business imperatives is pivotal for the triumph and longevity of the corporation,” she said.

Mrs Favour Udommesien, Managing Director, Kaizen Academy, underscored the growing criticality of company secretaries in board effectiveness and efficiency.

She said that their responsibilities extended beyond administrative tasks and encompassed facilitating good governance, compliance and strategic support.

According to Udommesien, the role of company secretaries has evolved into being the backbone of the board, directly impacting its efficiency.

She said that the changing dynamics of board mandates and legal commitments have elevated their significance to unprecedented heights.

“Far from the days when the company secretary was considered as a scribe and one to be seen and not heard, these days, their role is becoming more crucial and a massive determinant of a board’s effectiveness and efficiency.

“In contemporary times, an efficient company secretary aids the board’s effectiveness in governance expertise, processes and procedures, board orientation and training, risk management, and corporate compliance.

“Their roles also encompass stakeholders’ engagement, succession planning, information management, conflict of interests, board evaluations, ethical oversight, strategic support, and crisis management.

“In a rapidly evolving corporate landscape, the role of company secretaries in Nigeria has unquestionably become indispensable.

“They also contribute significantly to the overall health and compliance of organisations across various sectors.

“By adeptly embracing these responsibilities, the company secretary wields the power to propel the board’s efficacy, seamlessly harmonising the company’s governance, adherence to regulations, and strategic pursuits,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Olawunmi Ashafa

By Oluwatope Lawanson

Dr Obafemi Hamzat, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, has said that the President Bola Tinubu administration has performed well as he marks his 100 days in office.

Hamzat made the remarks during a special prayer to commemorate 100 days in office of President Bola Tinubu, held on Thursday at the Lagos Central Mosque, Lagos Island.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu was inaugurated as the 16th President of Nigeria on May 29.

According to him, the past 100 days of this government have been very encouraging as different achievements and various initiatives are put in place by the Federal Government.

Speaking on the achievements of the Federal Government so far, the deputy governor stated that the administration had performed well.

“The first 100 days had been about economic reforms and enactment of laws than infrastructures.

“We can see judiciary reform, tax reform, education upgrade, which are part of the many things this administration has done,” he said.

Justifying the petrol subsidy removal, Hamzat said 93 per cent of the nation’s revenue was used for debt payment on fuel subsidy and the country was almost bankrupt.

“The fuel subsidy consumed more money than the Ministry of Works and Education put together and government is saying it is not sustainable as a nation,” he said.

Similarly, the deputy governor said that Nigerians have cause to give thanks to God for sustaining the country as there are many countries going through worse challenges.

Hamzat added that Nigerians have reasons to thank God for the peaceful moments the country had enjoyed in spite of the challenges witnessed.

According to him, every nation has challenges but it is the responsibility of the government to face those challenges and tackle them.

He cited examples of Sweden, Libya, Iraq and some other countries that are currently undergoing different challenges.

On Lagos State Government achievements since assumption of office for the second tenure, the deputy governor noted that a lot of initiatives had been put in place, which include the commencement of Blue Line Rail for commercial purposes.

“Lagos State Government is the only sub-sovereign that is funding rail from its balance sheet, no other sub-sovereign has done it anywhere in the world and this took a lot of financial engineering for us to build,” he said.

He disclosed that the red line would soon commence service.

Hamzat noted that the project is massive and would convey passengers from Agege through Ejigbo and Yaba within ten-minute interval.

Earlier, the Baba Adinni of Lagos, Sheikh Abdul Abou, who was represented by the Bashorun of Lagos, Alhaji Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy said the country had witnessed a lot of transformation and policy reviews in the last 100 days of the Tinubu administration.

Abou was optimistic that the transformation would yield positive results for citizens and the country in due course.

He charged Nigerians to continue to pray for the president to come up with policies and reforms that would be in the best interest of Nigerians.

The sheik also commended the Gov. Sanwo-Olu Babajide administration for the successes recorded so far in the state in the last 100 days.

According bto him, the governor has been able to put measures in place to alleviate the pains experienced due to fuel subsidy removal by sharing palliatives to the most vulnerable in the state.

“Also, the recent commencement of the commercial Blue Rail Line will reduce traffic in the state,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Taiye Olayemi

No fewer than 29 countries and states have arrived Abuja for the 16th edition of the International Arts and Craft Expo (INAC).

Chief Olusegun Runsewe, Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), organisers of INAC, disclosed this on Thursday during the opening ceremony.

The theme for the expo is “Networking Nigerian Craft to the World”.

Runsewe said that the platform was deliberately created to market Nigerian arts and crafts to the world as well as unite individuals across cultural divide.

“INAC is a platform we consciously designed to market our crafts and arts to the world, as you can see the number of states and countries in attendance.

“We have 29 countries,16 states and 21 non-governmental organisations already at the opening. This is for everyone regardless of their country to network, collaborate and make fortune from the platform.

“For me, the sector is key to uniting Nigerians and the world, we must continue to put Nigeria together in all we do.

“The international communities are the biggest informants to the world, this platform tells the world that there is peace in Nigeria and it is a place for investment,” Runsewe said.

According to him, the expo is getting bigger and better as over 50 Nigerians have been helped to travel out of the country.

He said countries kept inviting Nigerians for different forms of business deals through contacts developed on the platform.

“For us, this is getting bigger every year.

“A cultural troupe that performed last year was invited by the Indian embassy to perform in New Delhi, similar opportunities abound.

The director-general said that the expo would be loaded with lots of entertainment as renowned artistes had been scheduled to thrill guests in the course of the expo.

He informed the audience that free skill acquisition programmes were also ongoing, urging interested persons to take advantage of the opportunity.

Also speaking, Masudur Rahman, Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria, identified Nigeria as the centre of cultural gravity of Africa as the country is endowed with enormous tourism and cultural potential.

“It is a big opportunity for Bangladesh to partner with you since 2016 when we started our mission here.

“It is time to celebrate the strength of the world through Nigerian culture,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that some of the countries in attendance were: Iran, Philippines, Bulgaria, Venezuela, Syria, Malaysia, Trinidad and Tobago, China, Cuba, Indonesia, Columba, Korea, Burkina Faso, Lebanon, Mexico, Bangladesh, Iraq.

Also in attendance were states like Taraba, Lagos, Enugu, Borno, Katsina, Anambra, Rivers, Adamawa, Abia, Kaduna, Ogun, Yobe have mounted their exhibition booths. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab