Reps Umaru donates 300KVA transformers to 3 communities in Nassarawa

Transformers

By Sunday John

Nassarawa-Eggon (Nasarawa State), Aug. 10, 2023 (NAN) Rep. Jeremiah Umaru (APC-Nasarawa), House of Representatives member from Akwanga/Nassarawa-Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency has donated three 300KVA transformers to three communities in the state.

The benefiting communities include: Agwadi community of Gwanje Electoral Ward of Akwanga Local Government Area (LGA), Nassarawa-Eggon electoral ward of Nassarawa-Eggon LGA and Arum Tumara of Arum electoral ward of Wamba LGA respectively.

Speaking during the donation on Thursday at Nassarawa-Eggon LGA, the lawmaker said the gesture was part of his effort to ameliorate the suffering being faced by the people of his constituency.

The member who was represented at the event by Mr. Bala John, his campaign Director-General during the 2023 general elections, said he would extend the gesture to other communities in the constituency.

Umaru added that so many communities in his constituency are lagging behind in the areas of infrastructure, employment to the youths and Federal Government’s presence.

“I have designed a comprehensive blueprint to tackle the numerous challenges confronting my constituency.

“I have a programme to tackle the electricity problem, empower the youths and women, empower farmers to ensure food security, promote sporting activities among others,” he added.

The lawmaker also said that he had already sponsored six bills and one motion at the green chamber in the last one month to attract Federal Government’s presence to his constituency.

He promised that by the grace of God he would give the constituency the best representation it deserves to justify their votes at the polls.

He therefore promised to operate an open door policy and carry the people of the area along irrespective of their ethnic, religious or political party affiliations.

The leaders from the various communities received the transformers on behalf of their respective communities.

Responding on behalf of the benefiting communities, Mr. Ali Embugu, Mai-Angwa of Nassarawa-Eggon and Emmanuel Manga of Arum, Wamba LGA, expressed gratitude to the member for the gesture.

The duo said that in less than two months, the member had decided to bring electricity to their communities.

They added that it was the first time they of seeing that kind of performance. (NAN). (www.nannews.ng).

By Nabilu Balarabe

The Yobe Government on Thursday said it employed 5,000 graduates drawn from 178 political wards across the state from 2020 to 2023.

Alhaji Garba Bilal, the Head of Service (HoS), disclosed this at a media briefing in Damaturu.

He said 2,670 of the 5,000 graduates, were recently employed and currently undergoing biometric data capturing.

Bilal said of the 2,670 graduates, 890 were degree/Higher National Diploma (HND) holders, while 890 and 890 possessed diploma and National Certificate of Education (NCE) respectively.

The HoS said the employments were part of Gov. Mai Mala Buni Administration’s unprecedented drive towards job creation and economic development.

“ His Excellency has been trying his best to ensure that human and material resources are provided so that civil servants can put in their best for the overall development of our dear state, Yobe.

“ Most of the civil servants that moved from Borno to Yobe have retired. Therefore, what the governor is doing is a big plus to the civil service, and no government has ever done it since the creation of the state,” he said.

Bilal said the employees would be posted to various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to strengthen the state civil service for better service delivery.

The HoS, therefore, charged the new employees to be of good conduct to justify the trust reposed in them.(NAN)

By Perpetua Onuegbu

Gov. Babagana Zulum of  Borno  has called for patronage of indigenous engineering firms for accelerated infrastructural development and nation’s economic growth.

Zulum made call at the 31^st Engineering Assembly  of Council for Regulatory of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said that  in  recognition of significant role of the  indigenous engineers in the economic  growth, there was the need to grow local content in engineering sector.

He said that they should also be given more opportunities to execute infrastructural projects in the country.

The governor further urged governments at all levels to render  support to  local engineers in infrastructural development in the country.

”We should work with local content order and ensure that our engineers handle all locally made products or at least 90 per cent,’’ Zulum said.

According to him, Nigeria has brilliant engineers but opportunities are limited to tap their advantages.

He said that Borno was among the few states that patronizes  indigenous firms where  many infrastructures were designed and executed by local engineers.

He enjoined the council to collaborate with National Assembly to sponsor  bill on local content engineering.

Earlier, the COREN President, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, described the Federal Government  policy to withdraw funding of Professional bodies next year as a welcome development.

According to him, the funding withdrawal would strengthen the operational capacity of Professional organizations.

”COREN is not a professional association but a regulatory agency rendering government function of protecting the general public,’’ Abubakar said.

‘ He said that the council  was  working on new modes of engagement to  identify others sources of revenue with a view to develop  better planning and operations.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this year’s Assembly is designed to foster unity and educate the Practitioners on new developments in Engineering profession.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Abdul Hassan/Isaac Aregbesola

By Ismail Abdulaziz

The Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are holding a meeting on Thursday in Abuja on the political situation in the Niger Republic.

The leaders are to decide on the next lines of action after the series of proposition made to the military junta in Niger to restore democratic governance in that member country.

President Bola Tinubu, who is the current Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, is hosting the leaders at the State House.

An outstanding decision earlier taken on the Heads was the military intervention proposed after a seven days ultimatum to the junta who overthrow President Mohamed Bazoum.

Six days after the July 26, the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government at a meeting in Abuja, called for the immediate release and reinstatement of Bazoum as the legitimate Head of State and Government of the Republic of Niger.

The leaders also rejected any form of purported resignation by Bazoum and declared him as the only recognised and elected President by ECOWAS, the African Union and the international community.

‘‘In this regard, only official acts of President Bazoum or his duly-mandated officials will be recognised by ECOWAS,’’ they said.

The leaders expressed strong condemnation of the attempted overthrow of constitutional order in Niger, and the illegal detention of Bazoum, as well as members of his family and government.

They demanded full restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Niger and considered the illegal detention of Bazoum as a hostage situation, holding the coupists solely responsible for his safety and that of his family and government.

Presidents Patrice Talon of Benin Republic,  Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire, Adama Barrow of The Gambia, Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, Embalo of Guinea Bissau, Macky Sall of Senegal, Faure Gnassingbé of Togo attended the Summit while the Presidents of Cape Verde, Liberia, Niger and  Sierra Leone were represented. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Ibrahim Kado

The National Population Commission (NPC) says it has put everything in place to conduct the 2023 population and housing census,

Clifford Zirra, NPC Federal Commissioner in Adamawa,  disclosed  that the commission was only waiting for instructions from President Bola Tinubu to start the exercise.

Zirra spoke on Wednesday in Yola during  an interactive session with media executive on the status of preparations for the census.

According to the commissioner, Tinubu has been satisfied with the level of achievement recorded by the commission.

He said the census was vital exercise that played a significant role in shaping the future of the Nation.

“It provides us with accurate and up-to-date data about our population, which is indispensable for effective planning and development.

“The information collected during the census will serve as the foundation for policy formulation, resource allocation, and the implementation of various social and economic programs.

“The Commission welcomes the decision of the Federal Government on the postponement of the conduct of the census in order to give the new administration the opportunity to have inputs in the census process,” he said.

According to him, the postponement has also given the commission the opportunity to further perfect its processes and systems for the conduct of the first ever digital census.

Zirra also disclosed that the commission had carried out all the necessary preparations towards the census such as the Enumeration Area Demarcation, conduct of pre-tests and trial census, training of field staff, establishment of ICT infrastructure across the country, among other activities.

Alhaji Abubakar Hamma-Adama, Director of NPC in the state, appreciated the support and collaboration between the commission and media organisations in the state during the preparation to date.

“We are grateful and thankful, also we want to solicit your continued support during the census whenever the date is fixed.

“Really, census will be successful only if there is good publicity and enlightenment,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commission has also commemorated the 2023 World Population Day with theme “Unleashing the Power of Gender Equality: Uplifting the Voices of the Women and Girls to Unlock Our World’s Infinite Possibilities”. (NAN)

Edited by Mufutau Adediran/Maureen Atuonwu

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK and Northern Ireland said it has concluded plans to plant one million palm trees in the country as part of effort to assist businesses in the South-East.

Ohanaeze said this in a statement issued by its Media Consultant, Asa Blessing-Chijekwu, on Wednesday after the visit in London of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide.

Blessing-Chijekwu quoted the Ohanaeze President in UK, Lady Aqueen Ibeto, as saying that the planting of the palm trees would be concentrated in the South-East states.

“We plan to plant one million palm trees in Nigeria and we are working with our members who have vast land in the South-East, to commence that project,” Ibeto was quoted as saying.

Ibeto also said that Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK had already secured a place in Enugu where they would build a skill acquisition centre.

She said that the skill acquisition centre would be replicated in other states in the South-East.

“We brought our care back home and secured the release of 20 inmates of the Maximum Security Prison in Enugu, and those inmates released are from different states of the South-East.

“We are extending the gesture of development back home to impact lives in our country and zone.

“I have also championed the course of women through my group, the Adaure Igbo Women Association which is one of the biggest women group in UK; It’s in Nigeria and now in the U.S.

“Ohanaeze has cultural and education department and has been working to ensure they impact on lives of members.

“We initiated Congress of Igbo leader to promote peaceful coexistence among our people and it was from this group that we created Igbo Festival of Art and Culture.

“But we decided to make Ohanaeze unique since it is the apex group of Igbo people around the world,” she said.

Ibeto also said plan had also been made to galvanise and use the wealthy sons and daughters of Igbo extraction to grow funds to assist Igbo men who need help in their businesses in UK.

She said that modalities for benefitting from the fund would be reviewed assessed during the celebration of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Day scheduled to hold in Coventry, UK, on Aug. 12.

The Ohanaeze president in UK also said that they were on the verge of acquiring a secretariat for the organisation in the UK.

“Dr Benard Obika, the Project Chairman, is seriously working on it and by the grace of God, it will be ready before the end of the year.

“And I commended Chief Anterus Ezeh, for taking up the sponsorship of the 2023 Igbo day,” she said.

She said that members of the association rallied among themselves to finance the acquisition of the secretariat.

Ibeto who commended Iwuanyanwu for his good leadership qualities also said that past leaders and elders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in UK were consulted before they embarked on any project.

Iwuanyanwu while responding lauded Ibeto for her vision for Ohanaeze and urged her not to relent as they were solidly behind her leadership.

He assured her of completing her four-year tenure irrespective of the opposition she faced in the hands of few aggrieved members.

“Aqueen, I thank you for the good leadership you have provided for Ohanaeze in UK. I also commend you for all the effort you have made to maintain peace.

“If I have any message for Igbo people in UK, it is you, Aqueen Ibeto, that I will send it to,” Iwuanyanwu said.

He prayed for unity among all the Igbo people in the UK, Nigeria and other parts of the world. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director General, NILDS

By Abigael Joshua

TEXEM UK, a UK based firm founded by British – Nigerian, Dr Alim Abubakre, has praised the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) for winning the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) Innovation Award.

Abubakre in a statement on TEXEM’s website said the award, presented to the Director General (DG) of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman was “giving honor to whom honor is due”.

He said Sulaiman has been recording successes since his appointment as DG of NILDS which made it possible for his reappointment for a second tenure.

The award was presented to Sulaiman after the 2023 general elections through a letter signed by Mr Michael Nevin, WFD Regional Director for Africa which is part of the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.

The decision to select NILDS for the award was taken at the quarterly review meeting of WFD in London.

It came out of the partnership between NILDS and WFD for the Inclusive Political Parties Programme, an initiative of Sulaiman to promote good governance.

“This is in recognition of WFD Nigeria and NILDS use of an elections command centre on the elections day to bring attention to the issue of inclusivity by political parties.

“Political parties have an important role to support broad based democracy in Nigeria, yet studies show that potatoes have yet to fully reflect the potential of women, young people, people with disabilities and other communities,” Nevin stated in the letter.

He added that the use of press conference, streaming, and online interviews with experts cleverly capitalized on the attention given to the election to highlight the issue.

Nevin asserted that the innovation of Sulaiman with respect to the Inclusive Political Parties Programme, set the scene for WFD and NILDS research work to be used as the basis for further post election engagement.

The regional director commended the partnership between NILDS and WFD Nigeria adding that he looked forward to the two organisations further supporting Nigeria’s democracy.

Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman The Director General, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies is also a Professor of Political Science and International Relations.

He is a former Minister of National Planning, former Director, Institute for Legislative Studies, University of Abuja,former Director, Centre for Peace, Leadership and Development Studies, University of Abuja. (NAN)(ww.nannews.ng)

Edited by Razak Owolabi

Engineering code must address emerging challenges- Zeetin boss

Engineering

By Ismail Abdulaziz

Abuja, Aug. 9, 2023(NAN) The need for reviewing the Engineering Code of Conduct has been stressed in order to take care of emerging challenges in national development.

Mr Azibaola Robert, Founder Zeetin Engineering, made the call at the 31st Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN) Engineering Assembly on Tuesday in Abuja.

In a paper presentation with the theme ‘’Strengthening Engineering Practitioners’ Code of Conduct in Nigeria’’, Robert said that the review would widen the scope and encourage practical application.

He said that the restriction on certain engineers from directly or indirectly participating in some aspect of design, planning and execution of projects would engender professionalism.

‘’Once you or your boss is the consultant who designed and approved the structure which you have to supervise as a regulator, then you have lost the moral ground to sanction any violation.

‘’The Engineering Code of Conduct needs to put stricter responsibility on those whose duty it is to make approvals that eventually impact on public safety and/or losses to citizens. This is not about the Nigerian engineer only.  It is about our larger society.

‘’Perhaps, those who approve structures, in addition to the Code’s clear provisions on conflict of interest, need to sign a sworn oath of non-participation in the draft design submitted, which they vetted and approved.

‘’Such oath needs to state clearly that they, their associates, or any persons remotely associated with them have no hand or interest in the design of the structure which he/she has vetted and approved.’’

He added that removal of the dichotomy between engineers with degrees and those with diploma would expand the horizon of the profession to more practical achievement than mere paper qualifications.

‘’It appears that they suffer some form of handicaps and are subjected to more arduous requirements to be certified to practice fully as engineering practitioners.

‘’I do think that it is the right time to short-circuit the pathways of HND holders and other technologists to become COREN-certified engineers, based on their track record of professional accomplishments.

‘’Rather than following through the present requirements where, I understand, that in some cases, one needs to undertake additional two-year educational studies to become COREN-certified after graduation from polytechnic.

‘’There should rather be an assessment system where the candidates submit their accomplishments to a team of assessors for their certification by COREN, if this is not already the situation.’’

Robert said that the code should encompass wider field of engineering to encourage the deployment of new technologies that have been part of new infrastructure across the globe.

‘’Expertise in engineering comes with zeal to know and the practical application of that knowledge.

‘’It is a known fact that 90%, or more, of today’s world engineering inventions and innovations was made by young or non-engineers who were desirous of making complicated processes easier for themselves and others.

‘’Overtime, some of these audacious inventions became adopted by society as standard for resolving engineering challenges.

‘’In this era of Internet and social media, it’s unarguable that the younger ones are more likely to find solutions to engineering challenges than our old, experienced selves.

‘’Engineering, apart from the application of aged-tested theories, mathematical formulas and calculations, is the art of mastering logic and sequencing (though not totally as simplistic),’’ he said.

Robert called for the use of modern resources in engineering, adding that the wheel must not be re-invented to attain technological excellence.

‘’If our national goal could change to importation of processed metals, such as stainless steels and aluminium shafts and blocks, as we already have value chain for mild steel sheets widely used in the building industries, we would, at least, have commenced somewhere.

‘’If we could import the raw materials and add value to them instead, no matter how rudimentary, we will be on the pathway to home-grown technological advancement as a country.’’

He commendable the tremendous contributions of engineers and engineering to the development of humanity from creation, adding that ‘’humanity’s advances made with materials engineering have been breath-taking’’.

The COREN Engineering Assembly is an annual event organized to bring together engineering professionals, academics, researchers, and industry leaders to discuss current trends and issues in the engineering profession.

The Assembly provides a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among stakeholders in the engineering industry in Nigeria and beyond. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

By Mustapha Yauri

The Ahmadu Bello University International Studies Alumni Association, has called for sustained diplomatic dialogue between the military in Niger Republic and ECOWAS leaders to restore democratic rule in the country.

A statement issued by Alhaji Abdullahi Shuaibu, National Public Relations Officer of the association in Zaria on Wednesday said the association strongly condemned the coup.

The association, however, cautioned against direct military intervention in the country.

It expressed concern on the unfolding events in Nigeria’s immediate neighbour, and the potential impact on peace and stability, as well as socio-economic interactions in the region.

The alumni association commended the efforts of ECOWAS towards restoring law and order in the West African country.

“However, in restoring democracy, ECOWAS should consider the immediate and long-term implications of its actions on the people of the Niger Republic and the wider West African sub-region.

“The regional body should also work towards addressing the immediate and remote causes of the political crisis in Niger Republic and strengthening the democratic institutions in the country to achieve good governance and inclusiveness in the country,” the association stated.

It stressed the need to apply more diplomatic pressure and economic sanctions towards a peaceful resolution and a quicker return to democratic governance in Niger Republic.

It also added that military action by ECOWAS might escalate the current situation into a humanitarian crisis and worsen the security challenges in the West African sub-region.

According to the association, it is much better and essential to adopt peaceful and diplomatic solutions to the political impasse.

“We the alumnus suggest that ECOWAS should upscale diplomatic efforts to persuade the military leaders in Niger to relinquish power and allow the democratically elected government to reclaim the people’s mandate.

“ECOWAS should demonstrate more commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and regional stability,” it said.

It concluded by advising ECOWAS to pay more attention to the economic problems of the Sahel region, which are the harbingers of political instability and coup d’etats.

The ABU International Studies Alumni Association is an organisation of graduates of the International Studies and the Masters in International Law and Diplomacy degree programmes of the university.

It seeks to foster cooperation and interactions between the alumnus, the university, the department of political science and international studies, lecturers and students to promote scholarship and excellence in academics, national and foreign affairs.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Impact

By Muhammad Lawal

Mrs Noro Bature, Project Coordinator, North, Women’s Voice and Leadership, Nigeria (WVL-N) under ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has said that no fewer than 35,000 females have been impacted in Kebbi.

She disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday at the sideline of a quarterly monitoring visit to ActionAid partners.

Bature said, “ActionAid Nigeria (AAN), in collaboration with 15 partners in Kebbi through its project; Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria (WVL-N) project funded by Global Affairs Canada has reached out to over 35,000 women and girls through different interventions.

“These are interventions relating to Women Economic Empowerment, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, Sexual Right and Reproductive Health and Women Political and Leadership participation.

“The WVL-N project works with state actors, schools, MDAs, community and religious leaders to ensure that issues concerning women and girls are captured and appropriate laws and policies are put in place to cub this menace.”

According to Bature, WVL-N Project is a five-year project that is funded by Global Affairs Canada, aimed at building the capacities and supporting activities of local and national Women’s Rights Organisations and movements.

Especially those who seek to empower women and girls, advance the protection of women and girls’ rights and achieve gender equality in Nigeria.

“Through this project, ActionAid Nigeria has re-defined the narratives of donor funding by establishing partnerships with over 100 Women’s Rights Organisations who have the privilege of accessing funds which allows them the flexibility of implementing their respective core mandates as women-focused organisations.

“This intervention is designed to respond to the challenges faced by Local Women’s Rights Organisations in Nigeria through provision of multiple layers of funding and targeted/tailored capacity building.

“This is done using participatory learning techniques to empower women and their collectives, and girls to challenge deep seated oppressive cultural practices and violence against them in communities and at the local and state government levels,” the coordinator said.

She said the project also engages in economic activities and participates in decision making spaces and processes; build solidarity and movement and better able to demand accountability from duty bearers at all levels through campaigns.

Bature said the project had been implemented in seven states of Bauchi, Kebbi, Kwara, Enugu, Cross River, Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

She added that apart from funding, partners had access to tools, resources, and mentorship opportunities which further strengthen and sustain their financial, technical, and organisational capacity in advancing the rights of women and girls and addressing gender equality barriers more effectively.

The project she said, supports feminist platforms at the state and federal levels for more effective networking and greater cohesiveness in the advancement of women and girls’ rights.

“Since its inception in April 2019 and full commencement in July 2019, the project has been funding the implementation of impactful activities around Gender-Based Violence, Women Political Participation, and Economic Justice in eighteen (18) states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory.

“To ensure a geographic balance, the project states were selected to represent the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria,” she assured. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede