By Nathan Nwakamma

The Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta, (MOSIEND) on Thursday urged the newly appointed ministers from the Niger Delta region to work together in harmony.

The pan-Niger Delta group gave the advice while reacting to Wednesday’s assignment of portfolios to the ministers-designate.

MOSIEND National President, Mr Kennedy Tonjo-West, spoke in an interview session with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yenagoa.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for giving opportunities to trustworthy personalities from the region to serve in his government; saying that the move is in order.

Tonjo-West urged the new ministers just to close ranks and work towards promoting regional development and economic growth.

He described the appointments as putting square pegs in square holes, adding that those selected are seasoned technocrats and consummate politicians who have made their marks in previous national assignments and undertakings.

The MOSIEND president expressed optimism that Tinubu would get equal value for their appointments, assuring that the new ministers have what it takes to deliver on the polices of the Tinubu-led administration.

He said, “We advise the ministers from the region to close ranks as they promote regional peace, cohesion and development.

“They should avoid the pitfalls made by the past ministers from the region who did not work in synergy, but allowed superior personalities who had the president’s ears to tear them apart.

“These sentiments blinded the sense of unity, regional growth and development – wasting the entire 8 years of the Buhari-administration.

“But we cannot blame President Buhari for the developmental setbacks of the region because he gave equal opportunities to all his ministers – and whether or not such opportunities were used effectively for the development of the region is not his making.

“Today, another opportunity has been given to illustrious sons of the region to serve in this government and we are expecting synergy, understanding and love – bearing in mind the overall development of the region.

“President Bola Tinubu and the people of the region are believing that, as ambassadors from the region, they will bring the dividends of democracy to the region – beyond serving their official office demands effectively and efficiently,” Tonjo-West said.

He explained that the president is hoping that they will use the opportunity to promote cohesive, improved welfare and development of the region.

“They should avoid oppression and not do anything that will create an impression that they are opposition to the state governors – either because of party divide or sentiments.

“We advise them to support the revalidation and continuation of the current NDDC Board which is the popular wish of the people of the region.

“They should also work with the Senators, House of Representatives members, Niger Delta governors and other stakeholders so that the region can move forward, and they should not engage in any feud over the NDDC like their predecessors.

“Oftentimes, it is the choice of who nominates the members of the NDDC board for one political patronage or the other that usually ignites the feud amongst ministers from the region, and we don’t want that kind of disaffection in this administration.

“As a people, we respect them and have no doubt about their capabilities to deliver on their mandates, but we will also appeal that they support the continuity of the NDDC Management board,” Tonjo-West said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

Neveah Ltd, a leading commodity trading company, says it has completed issuance of Series 6-13 Commercial Paper, wherein a cumulative amount of N8.9 billion was raised.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer of Naveah, Mr Ibidapo Lawal on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to him the series were well received and subscribed to by a wide range of investors including asset managers, insurance companies, Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and trustees.

Lawal said that the issuance received the approval of FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited.

“The successful completion of the Series 6-13 Commercial Paper Issuance affirms Neveah’s strategic objective to evolve into a leading dealer and exporter of world-class quality solid minerals and agro commodities to its clients while ensuring a transparent business approach.

“The successful debt financing rounds came on the heels of ratings of A1 (short-term) and an upgraded rating of BBB+ (long-term) with a positive outlook retained from DataPro Ratings.

“Our goal is to become the apex export firm for solid minerals and agro products in Nigeria.

“This issuance will help meet our working capital needs and further enhance our capacity to achieve our goals. We are grateful to all the parties who made this a success,” Lawal said.

The statement also quoted the Managing Director/CEO, Investment Banking at United Capital Plc, Dr Gbadebo Adenrele, saying that “United Capital Plc is pleased to act as Lead Arranger to Neveah.

“We are also happy on Neveah’s successful capital raising rounds which support the Company’s strategic growth objectives.

“We will continue to leverage on our deep knowledge of the capital markets to provide the right support for SMEs and mid-market businesses seeking to access funding,” Adenrele said.

News Agency of Nigeria reports that Neveah Ltd is registered by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) as an exporter of agro-commodities and solid minerals.

The company’s services are centred around sourcing the finest solid minerals and agricultural products from the domestic market and exporting them to meet the demands of its customers in the international markets.

All these are meant to put Nigeria in the commodity global map to promote the country’s commodity and resources. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Uche Anunne

By Usman Aliyu

The Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) has launched Digital Prosperity Awards to honour and celebrate remarkable digital contributions from member states.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the DCO is a global multilateral organisation founded in November 2020, to enable digital prosperity for all by accelerating the inclusive growth of the digital economy of member states.

The organisation brings together Ministries of Communications of 13 nations; namely, Bahrain, Cyprus, Djibouti, The Gambia, Ghana, Jordan, Kuwait, Pakistan, Oman, Nigeria, Rwanda, Morocco and Saudi Arabia.

In a statement obtained by NAN on Tuesday in Benin, Ms Deemah Aiyahya, the Secretary-General of the Organisation, said the awards would be in three categories – Digital Innovation, Digital Transformation and Empowering Society awards.

Aiyahya explained that each category of the award represented a crucial aspect of digital advancement.

“The launch of the awards is a significant milestone in recognising outstanding digital contributions of the organisations that enable prosperity for all.

“We are looking forward to identifying the best digital innovators from the DCO’s member states and worldwide that benefit humankind.

“The awards aim to acknowledge exceptional initiatives in adopting best practices, policies and strategies to accelerate digital transformation in their respective countries.

“The objective is to accelerate digital economic advancement and lay the groundwork for constructive cooperation, cultivating shared vision and aspirations among all stakeholders,” she said.

She also noted that the awards would reinforce the role of the DCO as an information provider, advocator, facilitator, and advisor in speeding up the sustainable growth of the digital economy and digital transformation of member states.

Aiyahya further explained that a technical committee and panel of judges, including global leaders, would thoroughly assess the entrants and nominees based on their initiatives in tackling local, regional and global challenges in the economic sectors.

“In each category, there will be a winner from the public sector and another from the private sector or civil society, both exclusively representing DCO member states.

“Those victorious from the private sector or civil society will be eligible for the DCO member prize for Digital Prosperity for All.

“Additionally, there will be one finalist from global civil society for each category which is open to nominations from the public, and the ultimate recipient will be handed the DCO International prize for Digital Prosperity for All,” the secretary-general also said.

She disclosed that the entries opened on Monday. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

=====================
Edited by Deborah Coker/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Femi Ogunshola

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas has said the 10th national assembly has resolved to address issues surrounding  multiple taxation in the country.

He said this would be done through a bill to address the anomaly.

Abbas said this when Mr Lee Hun Seung the South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria paid him a courtesy call in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said a committee to address the anomaly had been set up, adding that there was a mutual understanding between the two countries to address it so as to help businesses thrive.

He South Korean has over 20 companies in Nigeria plus investment worth over N3 billion, adding that it would augur well to encourage the country to do more.

This according to him is by way of lifting the burden of multiple taxation.

He commended the relationship that existed between South Korean and Nigerian parliaments since 2015.

He described such as a worthy investment, adding that the focus of the 10th assembly was to strengthen the economic ties between the two countries.

He called on South Korean parliament to continue to collaborate with Nigeria parliament on legislation that would further improved the ties between the two countries.

He further called for increased business promotion by organising trade fare and investment in the mining and petroleum sector.

Speaking, Seung  urged Nigeria to cement the economic ties between the two countries, adding that it was ready to help Nigeria in the area of technology.

He said since Korea has technology, it would be willing to establish partnership that would profit the two countries, adding that Nigeria has the largest trading partner in the Africa continent.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu will attend a G20 meeting in September,  adding that the South Korean President and Tinubu would have further discussion on partnership.

He said the meeting would provide a new foundation for more relationships between Nigeria and South Korea, while congratulating the President for his election.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Bridget Ikyado

Mr Babatunde Irukera, the Executive Vice-Chairman, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has tasked public servants on efficient service delivery to make Nigeria better.

Irukera made the call at a lunch seminar organised by the Bureau of Public Reforms (BPSR) on Tuesday in Abuja.

The seminar was titled, “Customer as king: Roles of FCCPC in ensuring delivery and satisfaction of Nigerian Customers.”

Irukera said that the country would be a better place for all if public service workers carry out their responsibilities diligently and patriotically.

According to him, most public servants ignore their responsibilities and blame lapses outside the system.

“We are all public servants and we must see our own roles in the things that aggravates us because if we do not, it will be all motion and no movement.

“If we keep looking for the problem on the outside without realising that there is bigger piece of it on the inside, and the vast solution is on the inside, we will serve our time and leave and we will not make the space better,” he said.

Irukera said that the complaints often received by the commission about poor services of some private companies were even worse in the public service.

“Such complains are hypocritical because many public servants do not give what they demand of others in their different institutions.

“Do we recognise that the grievances we feel and expected them to addressed is exactly how the nation and its people feel about us and what our responsibilities to them are.

“Wheather as regulators, law emforcmemt or policy makers, why demand what you do not give?,” he queried.

He reminded public service workers that they have a social contract to serve the country diligently.

“When the government employs, we take something that is absolutely right between us and the next person who didn’t get the job; nothing makes us more qualified from the citizenship entitlement and eligibility standpoint.

“Because of that special privilege, our sense of responsibility and accountability must be higher with determination to deliver,” he added.

Earlier, the Director-General of BPSR, Mr Dasuki Arabi said that the theme of the seminar strikes at the core of the mission as public servants.

He said that in the continuous quest for excellence, public servants must recognise the centrality of Nigerians, who remain the very reason for their existence.

Arabi explained that the FCCPC plays crucial role in consumer protection, market regulation, dispute resolution, consumer education, enforcement of consumer laws, product quality and safety, and merger control.

“Throughout this seminar, we can expect valuable insights from the FCCPC on how they work tirelessly to enhance consumer confidence and economic growth through fair competition.

“They will share their efforts in advocating for pro-consumer policies and reforms, fostering an environment that prioritises customer satisfaction and accountability.

“As the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, we firmly believe in the power of collaboration and partnership among government agencies.

“Our commitment to interagency cooperation is rooted in the understanding that, together, we can tackle challenges more effectively and innovate for the greater good of our fellow citizens,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Ismail Abdulaziz

President Bola Tinubu has praised the solidarity of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) on the political impasse in the Republic of Niger.

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

The President spoke when he received the Special Envoy of President Ali Bongo Ondimba and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Gabon, Mr Hermann Immongault, at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday.

The President said the special message of support and solidarity from President Bongo, who doubles as the Chairman of ECCAS, expressed the full support of ECOWAS resolutions on the unconstitutional takeover of government in Niger.

This, according to him, proved once more, that military interference in democratic governance is not acceptable anywhere, and certainly, no longer in the African continent.

“I appreciate the solidarity and support of President Bongo on the situation in Niger. We are working not to compound the problem. We have well-meaning people who have intervened.

“I understand the fear of our people on any form of military action. We are working to keep the sanctions in place, and we are following them to the letter.

“We are happy to know that ECCAS is with us on this. Interference in democratic governance is not acceptable to ECOWAS.”

Tinubu, who is also Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, promised to work with Bongo and the ECCAS to restore constitutional order in Niger.

He reinforced the position of the regional body not to accept any attempt by the military junta in Niger to intimidate and harass President Mohamed Bazoum.

“We will work with ECCAS and keep President Bongo informed on our actions and we will continue to collaborate,” Tinubu assured.

In his remarks, the Special Envoy commended the leadership of ECOWAS and President Tinubu for the steps taken so far to restore democracy in Niger.

He added that Bongo and ECCAS were in full support of all ECOWAS resolutions on the Niger Republic military takeover.

“President Bongo has been following your efforts and those of other ECOWAS leaders on the situation in Niger. President Bongo and ECCAS strongly condemn the coup in Niger.

“He sent me here to tell you that he supports ECOWAS and your leadership in what you are doing to ensure democratic governance is restored in Niger.

“With Boko Haram attacks in Cameroon, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and the refugee situation in Chad, whatever happens in West Africa affects Central Africa.

“My President joins efforts with you and ECOWAS to find a solution to the crisis in ECOWAS,” he said.

The Special Envoy said he would communicate the firm solidarity between ECCAS and ECOWAS to the military authorities in Niger as they meet in the coming days. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Philip Yatai

By Adeyemi Adeleye

The Solidarity Centre in Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to domesticate the ILO Convention 190 (ILO C190) for the protection of women, interns including corps members against Gender-Based Violence and Harassment (GBVH) at workplaces.

The international civil society organisation made the call at the opening of a two-day training for women workers and union leadership on Tuesday in Lagos, tagged “Capacity Building and Training on GBVH in the World of Work”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project titled: “Elevating Women’s Participation in the Workplace in West Africa”, had union leaders and women from the oil and gas sector in attendance.

Speaking, Country Programme Director for West Africa, Solidarity Centre, Mr Sonny Ogbuehi, affirmed that most of the discriminations and gender-based violence and harassment were against women population, especially at work.

Ogbuehi, who was represented by Country Project Coordinator, Solidarity Centre, Mr Chris Adebayo, said that the society must strategise to address the root causes of violence and harassment at work, especially against women.

He said that the workshop was to strengthen the capacity of the participants to understand, prevent and respond to GBVH at workplaces.

“We are trying to train not only the women workers but also union leaders (male and female) so that all of us can understand how discriminations and gender-based violence and harassment happen in workplaces.

“A lot of people do not even know what discrimination is. We believe that by the time we train people in each of the locations, they will pass the message to other persons and the knowledge will spread,” he said

According to him, the workshop is to build understanding and capacity of participants in GBVH, increase their knowledge to prevent and address GBVH in workplaces as well as to provide information on the prevalence in workplaces.

Ogbuehi urged the participants to be free to air their views and opinions as experts so as to eliminate all forms of GBVH at workplaces.

“Be rest assured that your opinion will count. Please say it as it is to help victims. This discrimination and gender-based violence and harassment must be stopped.” he said.

According to him, the capacity building and training is taking place in four different locations in the country: Lagos, Rivers, Kaduna and Abuja.

Delivering a keynote address, Mrs Vanessa Edhebru, Gender Specialist, Solidarity Centre, said that ILO C19O would remove GBVH and eliminate of all forms of discriminations against women at workplaces.

Edhebru said: “The issue about our dynamics and influence, and of course our social constructs as a people makes it obvious that women usually suffer the brunt of whatever issues that is going on at work.

“The union leaders must understand what GBVH and discrimination at work is all about and they must organise, reorganise and put themselves together to stop this menace.”

According to her, the workshop is also to ensure that women begin to aspire and rise into leadership positions and make means as workers in Nigeria.

Edhebru, who revealed that the project was also being implemented in Liberia but focusing on agricultural and mining sectors, called for commitment of employers to ending GBVH and creating safe place for women to work.

On the domestication of ILO C190, Edhebru, who expressed excitement about ratification of the convention in the country, said that the process of domestication and implementation must commence.

According to her, the ILO C190 caters for men and women in the workplaces and talks about safety and occupation, gender-based violence, harassment, discrimination.

“It makes every workplace socially inclusive and a good place for people to work and earn their living,” she added.

One of the participants, Mrs Olivet Aberare, Senior Organising Secretary Legal/Gender Desk Officer, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), described the ILO C190 as far-reaching in protecting Nigerian women including corps members and job seekers.

“We are advising this new administration to domesticate it in order to protect women not only at work but also on their way to workplaces,” she said.

Another participant, Mrs Joy Eke, Administrative Officer, Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), identified negotiations, awareness, strong policies as panacea to curbing GBVH in the society.

According to her, the menace of GBVH are prevalent because perpetrators feel there are no consequences for their actions, hence the need for prosecution.

Also, Mr Oluwafisayo Odeyemi, Senior Assistant General Secretary, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), urged the government to make perpetrators of GBVH accountable for their actions. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Isaac Aregbesola

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable  Tajudeen Abbas, says lawmakers will ensure that Nigerians get a survival wage that can take them home in the ongoing minimum wage review.

Abbas, who was represented by Hon. Busayo Oluwole-Oke, representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, made the pledge on Tuesday, in Abuja at the National Policy Dialogue on Corruption, Social Norms and Behaviour Change in Nigeria.

The event was organised by the Independent Corrupt Practice and Other related Offences Commission (ICPC) in collaboration with Anti- Corruption Academy of Nigeria, supported by MacArthur Foundation.

The speaker, who pledged legislators’ support to the ICPC in its fight against corruption, however, said that factors that encouraged or promoted the menace must be dealt with.

“We must acknowledge that there are different factors that influence the attitude or action of citizens to indulge in corruption.

“For instance, the question around a survival wage system is a big factor.

“A situation where the take home pay of a large segment of the population is unable to take them home is a recipe for all manners of corruption.

“This is why the House of Representatives is particularly interested in the ongoing review of minimum wage in the country. The House this time around will ensure that Nigerians get a survival wage that could take them home,” he said.

He said that in many societies, where corruption is on a low scale, there are social safety nets that guarantee protection for the people and Nigeria had the capacity to do the same.

“As lawmakers, there is often a significant societal pressure and expectation placed upon us to provide various services, assistance, and functions that may fall outside the scope of legislative responsibilities.

“I am sure we are familiar with the level of pressure Legislators undergo owing to a deluge of request for financial and corollary assistance from our Constituents.

“Make no mistakes about it, this pressure is a fall out from the prevailing poverty rate,  precipitated by the factors mentioned above,” he said.

According to him, while changing social norms is essential for combating corruption effectively, we must equally address those circumstances that inform those behaviours.

“Behaviour change interventions aim to challenge existing norms and promote ethical behaviour.

“These interventions can take various forms, including awareness campaigns, education programmes, value reorientation, community engagement initiatives, and legal reforms.

“By targeting social norms and promoting ethical behaviour, it is possible to create an environment where corruption is less tolerated and more strongly condemned,” he said.

The Speaker said that it was not enough to advocate change of attitude or behaviour, there must be deliberate policy of government in this regard.

Abbas said that the policy had to address a living wage for citizens and close the gap created by governance failure.

“Let me state that curbing corruption in Nigeria through social norms and behavior change requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach.

“By targeting social norms, raising awareness, strengthening institutions, promoting ethical leadership, and implementing effective legal measures, social security policy,

“It is possible to create a society where corruption is less tolerated and more actively combated,” he said.

In the same vein, the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Saviour Enyiekere, said fighting corruption was a complex and multifaceted challenge.

“However, we must keep harping on the need to fight corruption and also, point out strategies that will help out country to give the fight all the push that it deserves.

“For me, tackling corruption involves transparency and accountability; it is also about strengthening the legal frameworks.

“Nigeria is not lacking in such legal frameworks and the 10th Senate under my leadership is positioned to bridge any existing legislative gaps in the fight against corruption.

“However, institutions like the ICPC must enforce comprehensive anti-corruption laws that criminalize corrupt activities, establish clear guidelines for ethical behaviours,” he said.

According to him, the extant laws of Nigeria have provided for the independence of the judiciary and effective law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute corruption cases.

He also stressed the need to develop the courage to promote a culture of ethics and integrity in our schools.

“This is because fostering a culture of ethics and integrity in the society through education and awareness campaigns will help to promote such values as honesty and transparency and accountability from an early age.

“We must make deliberate efforts to encourage Civil Society organizations, the media, and educational institutions to play active roles in promoting ethical behaviours as well.

“We must also seek new ways of fostering active and engaged civil Society that can hold governments at all levels accountable,” he said .

He said that “if we must win the war on corruption, we must also improve on our financial transparency rating by promoting responsible business practices, and strict enforcement of anti-corruption procedures in both public and private sectors. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi