By Emmanuella Anokam

The Second Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Summit will bolster ties between Russia and Africa in security, sustainable economic and humanitarian development.

Anton Kobyakov, an Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation and Executive Secretary of the Organising Committee for the Russia–Africa events, made this known on Wednesday.

Kobyakov, in its programme schedules said the summit would create the basis for the establishment of powerful, prosperous and safe regions in new realities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum will take place in St. Petersburg, Russia at the Expo Forum Convention and Exhibition Centre from July 27 to July 28, 2023.

He said that the summit would strengthen Russian-African cooperation and outline the trajectory of Russia’s relations with African countries in the long-term.

“The summit programme includes more than 30 panel sessions and thematic events on the most important issues involving cooperation between Russia and African states.

“African countries will obviously play an increasingly important role in the emerging architecture of a multipolar world.

“The summit’s business programme consists of four major thematic pillars that encompass all areas of cooperation between Russia and Africa.

“They are; `The New Global Economy’; ‘Integrated Security and Sovereign Development’; ‘Cooperation in Science and Technology’ and ‘The Humanitarian and Social Sphere: Working Together for a New Quality of Life’,’’ he said.

According to him, the programme of the pillar ‘The New Global Economy,’ will focus on the kind of prospects Russian businessmen have for doing business in Africa.

He said the experts would discuss topics on expanding business cooperation between Russia and African countries, their export potential amidst the new challenges, as well as cooperation in agriculture, energy, and logistics.

Kobyakov said the main theme of the ‘Integrated Security and Sovereign Development’ pillar would dwell on international security, political stability, food security and joint efforts to combat epidemics and emergencies.

“The key question that experts plan to answer as part of this pillar is: “How can Russia’s experience in ensuring security be beneficial to African countries?”

“During the panel discussions of the ‘Cooperation in Science and Technology’ pillar, experts will discuss collaboration between Russia and Africa in advanced technologies.

“The key themes of the pillar are how industrial cooperation leads to technological sovereignty and advanced technologies for Africa’s sustainable development.

“Separate sessions will be devoted to nuclear, digital, and healthcare technologies. During the discussions, speakers will talk about how high-tech solutions could unleash Africa’s potential and have a positive socioeconomic impact on numerous areas of society,” he said.

Kobyakov explained that these topics would be addressed as part of the pillar ‘The Humanitarian and Social Sphere: Working Together for a New Quality of Life’.

He said events on the sidelines of the Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum would include the Media Forum, the Congress of University Rectors and a roundtable. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Office of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), says its Interim Administrator, Retired Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu, has stabilised the operations of the programme by clearing all inherited debts through tactical financial models.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by the PAP Special Assistant on Media, Mr Freston Akpor.

Akpor stated that when Ndiomu assumed office in September, he inherited several liabilities ranging from unpaid scholarship awards, uncompleted vocational training centres, non-formal education programmes and other challenges.

“The media spaces in Nigeria have evolved, and are considered critical tools to announce the efforts of the PAP in changing the socio-economic narrative of the Niger Delta region

“So far, he (Ndiomu) has sanitised and stabilised the operations of the PAP,” media aide said.

According to him, since Ndiomu came on board, he has strategically cleared all inherited debts through tactical financial models.

He added that some of the debts which included those that were owed to critical contractors, agencies and scholarship debts had been cleared.

He said one of the strategic steps taken by Ndiomu was to reform PAP by implementing inconclusive scholarship awarded by his predecessor.

“Ndiomu sanitised and adopted the process with payment of all fees of 1700 PAP students spread across tertiary institutions of learning across the country

“As well as additional 55 delegates going into their first year in various universities in different countries.

“This is in addition to 1300 students already deployed to various tertiary institutions within Nigeria and overseas in the previous year bringing the total number of students to 3000.

“These scholarships covering tuition and In-Training-Allowance (ITA) have been paid in full by the administration of Ndiomu for the 2022/2023 academic session,” Akpor said.

Akpor also reiterated efforts by the PAP to launch the Formal Education Trust Fund to boost the formal education scheme of the PAP. (NAN) (www.nannews.com)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Deji Abdulwaha

By Ismail Abdulaziz

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of Nigeria’s first Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Chief Mobolaji Ajose-Adeogun, who passed on last Saturday in Lagos.

Ajose-Adeogun, who died at the age of 96 was appointed the Minister of Federal Capital in 1976 by the Murtala Mohammed Military Administration and served in the position till 1979.

Tinubu described the former minister and notable businessman as an eminent statesman for his contributions to national development.

He said that the country and the people of Lagos State where he held an important traditional title, owe the deceased a debt of gratitude for his meritorious service.

“I join the family, children, associates and Lagos State Government in mourning the death of Chief Mobolaji Ajose-Adeogun, an illustrious son of Lagos, who served our country excellently as the first Minister of Federal Capital Territory.

“Over 40 years after he served as a member of the Federal Executive Council, his records of unblemished and pioneering leadership of the FCT remain indelible till date.

“Chief Ajose-Adeogun will be remembered for his contributions to the economic growth of our country as an industrialist and businessman of note.

“He served his country well and the people of Lagos State where he was a traditional chief even much more. I pray that his soul will find eternal rest,” he said.

The late Ajose-Adeogun was a two-time Federal Commissioner for Cooperatives and Supply before his appointment as the Federal Commissioner for Special Duties in charge of the Federal Capital Development Authority.

He supervised the planning and the design of the Master Plan of Abuja during his time as the FCT Minister.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Ismail Abdulaziz

President Bola Tinubu has assured genuine local and foreign investors of his administration’s commitment to providing conducive environment.

Mr Julius Rone, Group Managing Director of UTM FLNG Ltd, made this known after a meeting with Tinubu on Wednesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that investors from France and Japan pledged to invest five billion dollars in the floating Liquified Natural Gas sector during a meeting with the president.

Rone said that the president also directed them to prioritise the project which is expected to generate no fewer than 7,000 direct and indirect jobs in the country.

He said that the investors from Technip Energies of France and JGC Corporation of Japan, were also directed to report any challenge to the president in the course of implemention.

Rone added that the two companies would invest about five billion U.S dollars in the floating energies in collaboration with the NNPC Ltd, while the Afrexim bank is working on the financing aspect.

He said that the project would have a 300,000 tonnes capacity of LPG per annum as well as meet 25 per cent of local demand of the gas.

On local content, Rone said that a number of Nigerians are already being trained on handling of the various equipment for the project.

He added that plants would also be created for the delivery and marketing of the products to customers on completion.

Rone was on the visit with Ms Emmanuelle Blatmann, the Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Ms Hiromi Otuski, Deputy Ambassador for Japan to Nigeria, Mr Naoki Noguchi, MD JGC, and Mr Sadeeq Mai Bornu.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Bashir Rabe Mani

TEXEM UK, a leading global learning and dеvеlopmеnt organisation, has set its sights on еmpowеring Nigerian and African business leaders to еxcеl in today’s challenging and uncertain business landscape.

In a statement on its website (www.texem.co.uk) Carolinе Lucas, TEXEM’s Director of Special Projects, еmphasizеd the crucial nееd for strategic executives to develop winning strategies that will еnrich thеir businеssеs and organisations.

Thеsе stratеgiеs, shе assеrtеd, hold thе powеr to guidе lеadеrs in making profitablе dеcisions еvеn in thе facе of turbulеnt climatеs.

“This programmе is actionablе and would rеflеct thе contеxtual rеalitiеs that organisations opеrating in Nigеria and Africa currеntly facе,” thе statеmеnt еxplainеd.

With thе world witnеssing unprеcеdеntеd disruptions, thе businеss еnvironmеnt has bеcomе morе volatilе than еvеr bеforе.

In light of this reality, TEXEM is offering a unique opportunity for sеnior еxеcutivеs and organisational lеadеrs to еquip thеmsеlvеs with practical skills and actionablе insights through its intеractivе lеarning еxpеriеncе thеmеd “Winning in Turbulеnt Timеs.”

“Thе programme, schеdulеd to takе placе from July 12th to 13th, 2023, at Thе Whеatbakеr Hotеl in Ikoyi, Lagos, aims to hеlp participants dеvеlop stratеgiеs that fostеr sustainablе succеss amidst uncеrtainty.

“TEXEM’s rеnownеd faculty is composеd of distinguishеd profеssionals, and participants will havе thе opportunity to еngagе in a profеssional еxchangе with critical partnеrs and colleagues.

“This invaluablе intеraction will offеr frеsh pеrspеctivеs and еnrich thе lеarning еxpеriеncе, providing participants with thе necessary tools to navigate thе complexities of thе modern businеss landscape,” the statement announced.

The challenges faced by organisations in Nigеria are significant, with the impact of the Russia-Ukrainе war affecting countries worldwide.

In Nigеria, widеsprеad insеcurity, soaring inflation, high capital costs, supply chain disruptions, and nеw cybеrsеcurity thrеats havе compoundеd thе alrеady complеx businеss еnvironmеnt.

Thеsе challеngеs havе rеsultеd in dramatic forеx fluctuations, low or nеgativе GDP growth, and dwindling govеrnmеnt and businеss rеvеnuе.

Thе еxodus of skillеd staff and dеclining productivity furthеr add to thе complexities facеd by businеssеs.

As Nigеria’s corporatе landscape grapplеs with various challеngеs, TEXEM UK’s programmе comеs as a timеly and much-nееdеd opportunity for lеadеrs to еquip thеmsеlvеs with thе tools necessary to ovеrcomе advеrsitiеs.

The statement asserts that by attеnding the Lagos programmе, sеnior еxеcutivеs and lеadеrs will gain a compеtitivе еdgе in managing thеir organisations, thereby steering thеm towards a futurе markеd by triumphs amidst turbulеnt timеs.

The programme’s comprеhеnsivе methodology includes group and individual impactful activities, еvеr-to-еvеr lеarning, games, observation practice, and sеlf-rеflеction.

TEXEM believes that lеarning should be both fun and еngaging and by еmploying this innovativе approach, participants will gain insights into crеating growth opportunities and developing organisational strategies to thrivе in timеs of disruption.

One of thе kеy highlights of TEXEM’s programmе is thе dеploymеnt of case studiеs through the tеstеd and provеn methodology.

Prof. Rodria Lalinе, Founding Dirеctor of Harvard University’s Maximisе Your Board’s Potеntial Programmе, will lеad other rеnownеd faculty.

Lalinе’s vast еxpеriеncе as a former Visiting Professor at prеstigious institutions such as INSEAD, IMD, and IESE, as wеll as hеr rolе as Co-Founder of Global Chipcard Alliancе, brings a wеalth of knowlеdgе to thе program.

Having collaborated with industry giants likе IBM, ING, Hewlett-Packard, and Oracle Corporation during her tenure as CEO of Global Research and Dеvеlopmеnt, Prof. Lalinе’s еxpеrtisе is еxpеctеd to offеr invaluablе insights to participants.

Additionally, hеr advisory rolе to thе Primе Ministеr of thе Nеthеrlands and hеr involvеmеnt as a board mеmbеr of Thе Opеn Softwarе Foundation furthеr solidifiеs hеr rеputation as an industry еxpеrt.

“Wе dеsignеd this programmе to еmpowеr lеadеrs with thе ability to makе wеll-informеd dеcisions swiftly and adapt to unеxpеctеd challеngеs,” Lalinе said.

“By improving thеir analytical rigour and managing ambiguity bеttеr, participants will bе bеttеr еquippеd to lеad thеir organisations to sustainablе succеss.”

A fеw of TEXEM’s previous dеlеgatеs from Nigеria havе thе following tеstimonials to sharе about TEXEM, UK programmеs:

“Thе programmе is an еxcеllеnt onе, it’s a world-class Institutе, looking at thе quality of matеrials, thе quality of thе facilitators, I think it’s a world-class programmе, it could bе anywhеrе in thе world, and it’s a good standard,” Glory Idеhеn, Hеad of E-Training, C.B.N., said.

“Thе contеnt of thе programmе has bееn rich and еducativе, rеfrеshing, еnlightеning and thought-provoking. I еnjoyеd this program, and I am looking forward to another program,” Andy Uwеjеyan, Managing Dirеctor A&J Construction Company Ltd., rеmarkеd.

“It’s the first time I’m doing a programmе in Nigеria, and it’s actually very interesting. Thе first thing I likеd about it is thе divеrsity of thе participants and thе quality of thе nеtwork.

“I also likе thе еdgy convеrsations wе had with Christian and Alim. It’s quitе thought-provoking,” Effiong Okon, Opеrations Dirеctor, Sеplat, rеmarkеd.

TEXEM dеlеgatе Hakееm Muriokunola, Lagos Statе Hеad of Sеrvicе, had this to say: “It’s a very insightful and worthy program on Lеadеrship and Exеcutivе Management. It has opеnеd my еyеs to undеrstanding that you also havе to bе an еffеctivе followеr to bе an еffеctivе lеadеr.

“I nееd to surround mysеlf with pеoplе bеttеr than mе and lеarn from thеm”.

“It has been an insightful experience, thought-provoking. I have learnt new ways of doing things, especially in leadership and ADR and reaching an agreement in negotiation,” Bolanle Oniyangi, Coordinating Secretary Tax Appeal Tribunal, said.

Prof. Olatunde Atusanya. Hon. Commissioner of the Tax Appeal Tribunal said that “TEXEM is a good platform for advancing leadership training, and I would recommend TEXEM for any organisations or institutions that are desirous of improving their workforce in leadership and strategic policy making.”

“It is a wonderful organisation. I must confess that they are very organised. Their staffs are really warm, they are very committed, and you can see the way they do their job is with every enthusiasm…

“I’ve enjoyed the orderliness of the organisers. I’ve enjoyed the presentations of the consultants. I’ve enjoyed the practicability of the consultants…

“I have now become more focused on leadership style, presentation, orientation, and also even mental capability… I have learnt all this within the course of the training programme,” Otunba Sonya Ogunkuade, Hon. Commissioner and Special Assistant to the President said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani/Razak Owolabi

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Tuesday, signed a Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), towards building an effective, accountable, and citizens-centred governance.

The Permanent Secretary, Mr Olusade Adesola, said during the signing ceremony in Abuja, that the move was also to improve the quality of service delivery in the FCT.

Adesola explained that the SOPs provide a framework for FCTA Secretariats, Departments and Agencies (SDAs), to operate in a consistent manner and ensure that services were delivered promptly, uniformly, and with professionalism”.

According to him, the implementation of the SOPs, which will commence in January 2024, is a demonstration of the FCTA’s commitment to reforms that will transform the Administration for better services.

“Putting this document together reflects the FCTA’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of governance that will serve the people with dignity and integrity.

“As we sign the SOPs today, we are embarking on a journey towards a more efficient, accountable, and citizen-centred governance.”

The permanent secretary added that the implementation of the SOPs, would also reduce ambiguity, minimise errors, and promote a culture of continuous improvement in service delivery in the FCT.

This, according to him, will lay a strong foundation for a more streamlined, transparent, and accountable service delivery across the various departments in the FCTA.

Adesola, who explained that the SOPs would be subjected to periodic reviews, advised the SSDAs to comply with the provisions or have their Overhead withheld.

In her remarks, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, acting Director, FCTA Department of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, explained that the idea of developing the SOPs was hatched in May 2022.

Ahmadu said that the move was in line with the Federal Government’s resolve to digitalise the civil service for effective and efficient service delivery.

She said that the SOPs was designed to provide a framework for consistency and professionalism across all departments, in line with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan.

“The implementation of the SOPs is also a pre-requisite for deployment of Performance Management Systems (PMS).

“This, will therefore, ensure uniform and prompt service delivery.

“It also signifies our commitment to upholding the highest standards of governance to serve our citizens with integrity”, she added. (NAN)(www.nannews.com)

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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume,

By Collins Yakubu–Hammer

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, has called on Ministerial Special and Technical Assistants in the immediate past administration to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration to succeed.

Akume called for the support of Tinubu by the former staff of President Muhammadu Buhari so enable him succeed in the socioeconomic and political development of Nigeria.

Akume made the appeal when the ex-ministerial aides, under the aegis of the Network of former Ministerial Aides (NETMA), paid him a courtesy visit on Monday in Abuja.

According to him, Tinubu means well for this country, adding that he is a committed leader who is completely detribalised and committed to the peace and development of the country.

“President Tinubu is very passionate about creating a new path to the greatness of Nigeria through the faithful implementation of the renewed hope agenda of the new administration.

“I urge you to reach out to the Nigerian people with details of the various policies and programmes of the administration.

“This should be done in view of your unique national outlook given your membership that cuts across gender, religious and ethnic backgrounds,” Akume urged.

Earlier, the Chairman of the group and leader of the delegation, Dr Philip Ugbodaga, said that the body was originally set up for synergistic purposes.

He also added that it was for effective coordination of inter-ministerial responsibilities by Special Assistants as well as a strategic peer review platform among aides during their tenure with former ministers.

Ugbodaga, who served as Special Assistant to the immediate past Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, commended Tinubu for finding a very worthy personality in Akume for appointment as the SGF.

He noted that Akume had distinguished himself in politics and service to the country and to humanity.

“You played a very critical role in the victory of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, in the last general elections.

“With remarkable intellectual acumen and experiences signposted by your very impactful tenure as the governor of Benue State for eight years, you should be applauded.

“Even as a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for 12 years and as a minister in the immediate past administration for four years, you have done well.
“The country is blessed to have you in the new administration to fitly coordinate and provide crucial impetus to the swift execution of government policies in the renewed agenda of President Tinubu,” Ugbodaga stated.
He explained that the group, the first in the history of the country, existed as the Network of Ministerial Aides (NETMA) during the last administration and had now been transformed to a ‘Policy Advisory Think Tank’.
According to Ugbodaga, as a ‘think tank’, the group looks forward to working closely with the new administration to establish cooperation and partnership at all levels.
Especially as the body has experts in every area urgently needed for the social, political and economic rejuvenation of Nigeria.
“We are confident that, working closely with you, we can offer the services of individual members of our organisation to the new administration in relevant capacities.
“This is as deemed appropriate in the implementation of the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu, by drawing on our institutional memory working in the last administration,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit had in attendance 39 members representing the aides who served in Buhari’s administration from 2015 to 2023. (NAN)

Edited by Josephine Obute/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Naomi Sharang

The Senate will constitute special and standing committees before end of this month, this is according to the new Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele.

The senate leader said this while briefing newsmen after his emergence as the majority leader of the 10th Senate on Tuesday in Abuja.

Bamidele said that with the emergence of the majority and minority caucuses which make up the principal officers, they would hit the ground running.

According to him, “Before long, during the month of July, we will have all the committees; special and standing committees properly constituted.

“For us, the next task is to ensure we hit the ground running so that from tomorrow, we are able to take steps that will show that we have a clear understanding of what is to be done.

“The first task ahead of us is to constitute special committees of the 10th Senate. Our rules make provision for six special committees.

“This is so that every senator can get busy based on their own professional background and can properly fit into the sector where they can add value.

“We are ready to attend to correspondence from the executive. Through the committee of the whole of the house, we will commence with the confirmation hearing of the Service Chiefs and some other appointees who had been named by the President.”

He assured that as the new leadership had emerged, it would ensure that that seriousness is attached to all legislative assignments.

“By the grace of God, we will be able to make a difference that will be positive that will be worth the effort of all of you that worked with us in ensuring that the two presiding officers emerged in a manner that was not rancorous.

“But of course, the emergence of the remaining principal officers of the 10th Senate was not an issue that was meant to be decided on the floor.

“Rather, it was an issue which on the one hand as related to the All Progressives Party (APC) needed to be decided among the critical stakeholders of the party. This was what led to the emergence of the officers.

“On the other hand, with respect to the minority parties, again it wasn’t entirely a party affair because it wasn’t a typical situation where you have one opposition party but rather six political parties were involved.

“Fifty of our colleagues were involved. So rather than it being a decision to be taken at the secretariat of political parties it was more of a decision taken by members who were elected on the platform of the six minority parties.

“Thirty eight of them by virtue of their signature took a decision as to who their leaders will be and of course this was also communicated to their respective political parties and as democrats, all the presiding officers did was to follow suit because more than a single majority had decided.”

Bamidele added that it had been a no victor no vanquish situation adding that “we are happy eventually a leadership has emerged for the 10th Senate.”(NAN)

(www.nannews.ng)